Category: Wednesday Hodgepodge

Here are this week’s questions-

1. How will you spend ‘the night before Christmas’?

Hunkered down with Hubby and the dogs. We’re doing Fondu and sipping some Prosecco!

2. What is one thing you are not?

Mean. If anything, I am really extremely sensitive

3. Fudge-are you a fan? Your favorite flavor?

I like fudge once in a blue moon. I like chocolate-walnut.

4. Did you attend any craft/vendor fairs in the month of December? Do you prefer homemade goodies or the more professional stalls? Are you giving any homemade gifts this year?

I did go to one Church fair and I bought a handmade gift there. Then, sadly, the other stalls were all “made in Chine” stuff and I left empty handed!

5. What’s your favorite type of holiday gathering?

Casual, family, low key!

6. We’re approaching a new year…what’s going to be different in 2013?

I have absolutely no idea. I’m hoping for good health, and much happiness for my family, and me and all my friends!

7. Share a favorite scripture, quote, saying, or song lyric relating to peace.

From “It’s a Wonderful Life”: “Dear George, Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings, Love, Clarence.”

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Snow, Sleet and Rain! Seems it’s the season of dreary, yuckiness! I’m breaking out my mud boots, to make a trek to the Post Office and grocery. As usual, I forgot three items at the store.

1. So, when did you last take a walk in the woods?

About a year ago, and the dackels scared me so much that I haven’t been back.

A stroll along the beach?

Last summer when I was down visiting my hometown for our reunion.

A drive going nowhere in particular in the car?

Not since prices for gasoline went over $2.00 a gallon! Now every jaunt has a purpose!

2. Are you sending Christmas cards this year? Yes.

About how many do you send? 100-125

Photo card or something more traditional?  Traditional card with a picture/letter inside.

How do you display the cards you receive? I put them up on the door to our front hall, so we can see them in the family room.

3. What’s a word you’ve heard too much of in the past week?

Sick!

4. December 13th is National Cocoa Day-are you a fan? Plain or flavored? Marshmallows or no marshmallows?

I love hot cocoa, but sans the marshmallows. Never been a marshmallow fan. Which is odd because my sister loves them and she actually makes her own.

5. What is something you do to help alleviate the hectic pace of the Christmas season?

I will sit in the dark, with only the Christmas lights on and marvel in the splendor.

6. Besides jewelry, what’s a favorite sparkly-glittery item in your home or closet?

I collect golden window ornaments. I have them from the Boston Garden Swan Boats, The Biltmore, etc.

7. Share a favorite line or two from any Christmas carol.

German Stille Nacht/Silent Night

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah:
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb’ aus deinem göttlichen Mund
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund’.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!

Words: Joseph Mohr, 1816
Music: Franz Xaver Gruber, 1818

English

Silent night, holy night
All is calm all is bright
‘Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This year I’ve done so much shopping online. It’s been difficult to get out to shop because of our colds, and the prices for mailing things are crazy. I’m finding that Amazon.com Prime is now paying completely for itself. We’ve watched a ton of free movies and I have had no shipping charges! Just three gifts left to buy.

1. Share your traditions surrounding the Christmas stocking.

When I was a child, we always got a fresh navel orange and chocolate coins covered in golden foil! The usual candy cane was there too, but the orange and chocolate were my favorites.

2. How many hours of sleep do you average at night? Is it enough?

I try for at least 8 hours a night, but lately it’s been about 6 hours. When it is 6 hours, that is not enough.

3. If you had to give up one thing for the remainder of this year what would it be?

Shopping. It seems that there is so much pushing and shoving and people have totally lost their manners. I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

4. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (or Wills and Kate as I like to call them) have announced they’re expecting a baby. Do you follow news of the Royals?

Oh yes, I’m a real Anglophile! I’m happy they’re expecting (although sad that Kate is so ill), and hope for many healthy children for this young couple.

5. For me, the sound of childhood is during the holidays it was always Christmas music on our town Green. My Dad was the local church organist and he always organized a Christmas sing the night the lights were lit on the Green.

6. Fruit cake-yay or boo? What’s your favorite dessert made with fruit?

I do like Fruit cake, although it is not my favorite. I’d rather have Plum Pudding. My favorite fruit dessert, is just plain cut up fruit!

7. What is one thing you want to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end?

I want to address, sign and get the Christmas letter done and all of them sent out!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

1. Turkey-love it or leave it? White meat or dark? What’s your favorite thing to make using leftover turkey?

First, turkey: love it! Second: white meat. Third: favorite thing to make with leftover turkey? The mile high turkey/stuffing/mayo/cranberry sauce sandwich! Oh yeah, that is the best! Hubby likes his warm with gravy, but I just like mine straight!

2. Gotta burn off all those carbs the day after a holiday feast so which would you rather do-run a 10K or climb a mountain?

Don’t do any of those. I walk or watch other people. My comeuppance will be next Wednesday when I return full time to Weight Watchers and their program!

3. Do you feel like social networking has made your relationships better or worse? Explain.

Better. I find that I have found so many people that I had lost track of. Now I keep in touch with my family and friends pretty much daily. I love it.

4. How do you find and express gratitude for the hard things in your life?

Instead of dwelling on the hard things, I have chosen to celebrate them. This birthday I invited my family and friends and celebrated. I let them all know how very much they mean to me.

5. In the US, the day after Thanksgiving has been dubbed ‘Black Friday’. Is most of your holiday shopping done live and in person, or is it done more through the magic of the Internet? How do you feel about stores opening at midnight Thanksgiving night? Will you be out amongst the masses on Friday?

I think it is terrible that the stores are opening Thanksgiving night. I think it is also crazy that people have already camped out in front of them. I will probably spend one day in the mall, but mostly I shop online.

6. Speaking of the color black-which black item in your wardrobe would you say is your favorite?

My dress black pants. I love them! They are from Talbots and I have actually had them a while. But they are comfortable, and look beautiful on.

7. What do you appreciate about your life today?

That I have a wonderful relationship with my daughter, husband and granddaughter!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I can hardly wait for the new coffee maker to arrive. I remember now how bad the old one Hubby used in his commuter pad is. The coffee tastes like crap this morning (Tuesday) and I really LOVE my coffee!

1. What rule of life should never be broken?

No one should ever take the life of another person. Of course there are exceptions. For instance, if someone is trying to kill you or your family, all bets are off.

I also believe that people should always treat children and animals in a kind and gentle way.

My grandmother told me once to be gentle and compassionate to everyone and everything who are not as smart or have the advantages that I had.

2. What’s your favorite family recipe?

It’s got to be the Sauerbraten Recipe, which can be found HERE. It is one of the best I have ever had.

3. Is the media manipulative?

I have tended not to believe this was true here in the USA, until this past election cycle. A good friend of mine was running for reelection to her State office. She is as honest as the day is long! Well, not only did her opponent lie about her record, the media, which also leaned toward her opponents political side, favor him, but actually spread the untruths! I was so upset and then I realized that we all really cannot trust the news media to report the facts!

4. Hubs and I saw Skyfall last weekend…are you a fan of the Bond films? If so, who’s your favorite Bond?

Not a huge Bond fan, but I like Brosnan, and Connery. Not fond of Daniel Craig. He looks too much like Vladimir Putin!

5. What is one thing you hope people never say about you?

That I was unkind.

Created with fd’s Flickr Toys

6. What’s a nearby tourist attraction you’d like to see, but haven’t gotten around to visiting?

There is a gourmet dinner train that runs in the summer. The chef prepares the meals right there on board, and they serve fine wines to compliment the meal. I think I’m putting it on my Bucket List for next summer.

7. Where’s your favorite tree?

There is a tree on the way to town that literally lights up each October. It’s leaves turn bright coral, and they are just splendid for several weeks.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I went to a church fair last weekend. I remember all those wonderful Christmas fairs at church when I was a child. The church women got together all year long, making items with a Christmas theme. They also baked a ton of Christmas cookies and cakes and it was wonderful! The fair last weekend was odd. No, it was beyond odd! They had some baked goods, but not too much, and then the rest of the hall was filled with tables “rented” by professional artisans, to sell their stuff! Now in the spring and fall, we have street fairs and these same artisans rent booths in the street to sell their wares. I really missed the old fashioned Christmas Fair. It was like growing up all over again and leaving behind something that actually made me smile.

Tell me, would you rather go to a church fair that featured homemade items by the church women, that were sold at a reasonable price, or go to a fair where you are buying from artisans, some of which had items on their tables made in China?

1. So, do you like beer?

I sure do! But specific beer. Not just any old beer. I love German beer. My favorite being Andechs! Although I also love Warsteiner. Yum! When we lived for a summer in West Berlin, I gained 25 pounds! Between the great beer, the fabulous bread and the cakes, I’m afraid it was too much for my waistline!

I also love English Bitter (a form of beer), but I have not been there for a while, so forget the specific name. I also like Green Kings Abbot Ale and McEwan’s Ale in England. Not a fan of American beer. To me it tastes like dishwater.

2. What’s your least favorite repetitive task?

Washing counter tops. It seems that I do this over and over and over again. And yet, between grease and dust and dogs, I am always washing surfaces. I really dislike grease, so the kitchen is my least favorite place to wash down.

3. When was the last time you rode a bus? Where was it headed?

I think two years ago when we were at an Army Reunion and went from Columbus Georgia to Warm Springs Georgia to see Roosevelt’s Little White House. The grounds were lovely, and the group stopped at a good old southern restaurant and had a great meal!

4. What song from your childhood or from your own children’s childhood could make a parent’s nerves stand on end?

I’m not sure there is one. My daughter has similar musical tastes and I was never a wild child. So I have to say….none.

5. The US Presidential election cycle is drawing to a close (can I get an AMEN??), and the third and final debate was held last night…what was the last thing you ‘debated about’?

I recently asked people I know on Facebook, “Is it possible to be friends with people you don’t agree with politically?” Most said yes, with the exception of a few people who didn’t answer. I knew that they wouldn’t because a few people have actually written that they would defriend anyone suspected of voting for “the other man”. I sure will be glad when the election is over!

6. Can a person make too much money? How much is too much?

The only people I really gripe about are the Hollywood types. I think they are grossly overpaid! I mean, really! Ashton Kutcher gets $700,000 per episode! Come on, really? That’s for about 20 minutes of work, considering the rest is for commercial breaks. So, yes, Hollywood is crazy!

7. Pop-soda-coke-something else…what’s it called where you live?

Soda or Soda-pop! I have never been a big soda drinker. When I drink it, I always get the hiccups! Must be the bubbles!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The last week has been kind of crazy. People I love have been getting sick, some seriously, and others with bad things like pneumonia. I myself am having a health problem right now, and must undergo some tests. I am hoping for a karma shift in my world, so that we all feel better soon!

1. Noah Webster was born this week back in 1758….besides the online version, do you own a dictionary? Do you ever use the hardback copy or is your hunt for a definition strictly online these days?

Although we have several hardback dictionaries, including a German dictionary, I find I do not use them anymore. I use Google. Isn’t that terrible?

2. Should public schools ban Halloween celebrations? What about other holiday celebrations currently under fire?

You know, I cannot begin to say how much these celebrations meant to me as a young girl! Also watching my children in the Halloween costumes or doing their Christmas Show. If parents do not wish their children to participate in these fun activities, keep them home that day! But do not deprive my child (grand-child) of all that fun!

3. What’s your favorite ‘dog’ movie?

Hachi. I cry like a baby when I watch it. Since I have dogs, I understand the love and loyalty.

4. When were you last somewhere you’d describe as ‘too quiet’?

No where. I love quiet. I crave quiet! So anytime I can find any level of quiet, I am on cloud nine!

5. Are you a neat cook or a messy cook? In other words do you clean as you go or make a big mess and then deal with it later?

I am a very messy cook and I tend to clean afterward, which is not a great thing. I dislike disaster kitchens, but I seem to create them when I cook.

6. Did you hear about Felix Baumgartner, the skydiver who broke the sound barrier via parachute? Was your first thought COOL! or was your first thought CRAZY! Are you adventurous?

I am not adventurous at all. I think at one time in my life I was. When I thought that no harm would ever come to me. After my car accident, I decided that life was simply too short and bad things did happen to good people. As far as Felix Baumgartner, well, it was interesting, but a little crazy. I did not watch, just in case it all went wrong!

7. What’s not a word but should be?

Cutie-patootie. Love the two word phrase, but it is not in the dictionary. Try explaining that to a foreign speaker!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

A dear friend of mine is quite ill. We are not sure of a definite diagnoses yet, but she is very, very, ill. Please stop now, take a moment and send a healing prayer to Heaven for her.

1. In what ways do you indulge yourself?

I used to be a big shopper. Now my only big indulgence is getting my hair done every 6-8 weeks and driving down to see Mandy and Savannah. Gasoline sure is pricey, but I wouldn’t miss this time for anything.

2. Have you ever taken a cooking class? Any interest? What type of class would you most like to try?

No, I have never taken a cooking class. At least not a proper one. I watch Cooking TV and then try to replicate what I have seen. Yes, I would love to take a class. I’d love to take a class on French Cooking given by Julia Child!

3. What does it mean to be a good citizen?

Contributing Time, Talent, and doing due diligence for your country/state/county. I served on Jury Duty over a six week period, I vote each election and I have held public office.

4. ‘Tis the season of the political advert…do these ads influence your vote?

I live in the “Meet and Greet State of New Hampshire! We are fortunate that when someone is running for office, especially for President, we see them first! So no, the ads do absolutely nothing for me. Well, let me answer that again. The negative ads often make me refuse to vote for that candidate. If you want to tell the country about “your ideas” for the future that is fine. Just do not tell me, all the dirt on the other candidate. That is dirty politics!

5. What’s something you see today that makes you wish you were a kid again?

We live near one of the biggest Arcades in the northeast. Oh, how I wish I was a kid again and could play all those games! I walked through the other day, smiling with anticipation! In a year or so Savannah will be old enough to bring and enjoy the Arcade with!

6. What’s your least favorite cliche?

My dogs are barking (meaning: “my feet hurt”) I’m sure that there are others, but this blog is G rated!

7. What percentage of your Christmas shopping has been completed? How does that make you feel?

Only about 15%. I need to get going!!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I get to go see Mandy and Savannah on Friday! I’m trying to get down every two weeks. We visit, talk, and I get all sorts of baby loving time with Miss Savannah!!!