Is it Wednesday Again Already Hodgepodge?

Time for another installment of Wednesday Hodgepodge brought to you by From This Side of the Pond. Let's see what questions Joyce has come up with this week.

1. What was your biggest worry five years ago?  Is it still a worry? 

Who can remember? There is a moral in that, isn't there?

2. Yesterday (October 15th) was National Grouch Day...what makes you grouchy? What cheers you up when you're feeling grouchy?

Being too busy, hungry, or tired makes me grouchy. I'm cheered by a good book, a good meal, rest, or something to laugh at.

3.  In one word, how does it feel to be photographed?     Yuck.

4. Besides your parents, who would you say had the greatest influence on you in choosing your life path?  Explain. 

I really can't think of anyone who influenced my life plan.

5. The crisp days of autumn are here ...what's something you like to eat, but only if it's crisp?

Crackers.

6. What's the most useless object you own?

The object I'm thinking of is quite useful, except I've never used it. It is the food dehydrator given to us as a gift 15 or 20 years ago that hibernates in the back of a corner cupboard, brand new and never been used.  I can't part with it because I am going to use it someday. Truly.

7.  Share a favorite fall memory. 

I can't pin this down to one specific time, but a favorite memory I have is walking through piles of leaves shuffling my feet and kicking the colorful leaves up in the air

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Two of my kids seemed to have had food poisoning this week on two different continents. Poor sweeties. Wish I could have been there to comfort them and offer ginger ale.

Image: graur codrin/freedigitalphotos.net

It Definitely Feels Like Autumn Wednesday Hodgepodge

Time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge presented by Joyce From This Side of the Pond. As usual, there is a smorgasbord of questions, some simple, some not so simple. Link up your blog too, or leave some answers in the Comments section below.

1. The USA will mark Columbus Day this year on Monday, October 14. What's something you need or want to explore (literally or metaphorically speaking)?

This is a hard one! I am always, always contemplating some new topic I want to learn more about such as the role of the disciple Thomas in the Gospels. I love the fact that he didn't accept what others told him, but wanted to see for himself.

2. The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, or Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty...who do you most love to hate?

The Wicked Witch of the West still creeps me out.

3. Is open-mindedness a virtue?

I think open-mindedness is a virtue as long as it is accompanied by discernment.

4. How often do you weigh yourself?

I never weigh myself because we don't have a scale, but I always know when I'm gaining weight because everything is feeling tight - like right now.

5. This question comes to you courtesy of Rebecca over at Making Memories, so thanks Rebecca! 
Costa Rica was recently named the happiest country in the world on the Happy Planet Index. What's the happiest country in the world to you, and what makes it so?

I've only ever been to the U.S. and Canada so I don't have much to go on. I have heard great things about Costa Rica, but I suppose how one defines the happiest country in the world can vary depending upon which items or conditions one chooses to quantify.

6. Besides The Bible, what is one book you think should be mandatory reading for high school students? Why?

I think To Kill a Mockingbird is a good choice. It deals with profound and challenging issues vital for teens to consider and discuss such as justice, honor, and racism.

7. I went shopping at some nearby outlets last week, and while I was there, I picked up a couple of Christmas gifts. How about you? Have you started your holiday shopping yet?

While I haven't begun shopping, I have begun thinking about what I will purchase. It's probably a good idea to start shopping now. I hate shopping when stores are crazy crowded.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am ahead of the game this week. Since it was my day off, I cooked enough food for four days worth of dinner and some lunches too. Hooray for me!


Image: Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee/freedigitalphotos.net

Wednesday's Almost Over So I Better Get Writing Hodgepodge

Wednesday will be over in a few hours so if I want to actually post a Wednesday Hodgepodge on Wednesday I better write fast. It was a glorious day in the 80s and the neighborhood kids are biking and scootering in the waning rays of the sun. It's always fun to hear kids laughing and playing outside and it makes me want to join them. But, first things first and a Hodgepodging I will go. Thank you Joyce for sponsoring this always entertaining link up.

1. What's one thing you learned in September? 

I learned that God is still hearing and answering prayers. I already know this is true, but September was a month when I really saw God in action.l

2. Acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, yellow squash, zucchini squash, or blech! hold the squash... what's your favorite squash? What's your favorite way to prepare your favorite squash?

Spaghetti squash is possibly my favorite, although I enjoy all the winter squashes. We actually had spaghetti squash with meat sauce for dinner tonight.

3. The older I get the_______________________________.

. . . fatter I get.

4. What's your favorite television theme song ever?

The theme music from Hawaii 5 O is one of my favorites.

5. What do you wish you'd spent more time doing five years ago?

I wish I had spent more time exercising five years ago. I wouldn't be so out of shape now.

6. What item do you most need (or want) to add to your wardrobe this fall?

Boots. A woman never has enough pairs of boots.

7. On October 2, 1950 the Peanuts cartoon was introduced to the world. What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?

I'm not sure what my favorite was, but I definitely enjoyed Family Circus.

8.  Insert your own random thought here

I don't have any profound thoughts today other than I should have spent some time working on the front garden today, since it was my day off. But I didn't. Oh, well that's what Saturday is for, right?

First Official Fall Hodgepodge

Happy Wednesday, happy fall, and happy Hodgepodge. Join Joyce From This Side of the Pond and many other quirky, free-spirited writers sharing a hodgepodge of thoughts today as we answer another unique set of questions provided by our link-up hostess.

1. What's one thing that's still the same about you as when you were young?

I still have blonde hair.

2. What's more important-history or science? Why?

This is a hard call since they seem equally important, but I think I would choose history. There is so much to learn from the past that can be used to improve the future.  

3. Lima, kidney, string, garbanzo, black or pinto-your favorite bean?

Black beans hands down, although I enjoy all beans.

4. What's something people come to your town to do?

Shop at the outlet mall.

5. When was the last time you were in a meeting? Sum it up for us in five words or less. 

I attended a meeting last Tuesday. Five words or less =  Better than usual.

6. What special event would you like a VIP pass to attend?

I would enjoy seeing the next coronation in Great Britain, whenever that may be.

7. What's one piece of advice you'd give a writer?

Write.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Sadly, we didn't make it to the dress like a pirate Guinness Book of World Records event I mentioned last week.  But it was fun seeing all the pirates walking around. I had a good laugh every time I saw a sign that said, "No Pirate Parking." Unfortunately, they didn't break the record, falling far short of the 14,000 people needed.

Waiting for Tomorrow Wednesday Hodgepodge

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I'm a little late joining in Hodgepodge happiness today, but that's life for you.

Do you blog? Do you like to answer random questions? Do you not blog? Do you like to read other's responses to random questions? If you answered Yes to any of the questions, click on over to From this Side of the Pond to join in and enjoy more randomness. And about the blog post title, well the picture is a little hint.


1. When did you last sing happy birthday to someone? When were you last sung to? Does that embarrass you or do you enjoy being the center of attention on your special day?

I last sang Happy Birthday to my husband in July. I was last sung to on my birthday in March. I like being the center of attention a little bit. And, by the way, a great big Happy Birthday to our hostess Joyce at From this Side of the Pond.

2.  Name a famous or 'infamous' person (living or deceased) who shares your birth day and month. Is that someone you'd like to meet in person if it were possible?

I had to visit historyorb.com to find an answer to this question. I was apparently born on a day when a lot of not very famous famous people were born. The guy who invented Ohm's law is rather noteworthy. As is trapper and fur trader Jim Bridger, and Kincsem the horse who never lost a race. Strangely enough a lot of not so famous famous Dutch and Russian people share my birth date. I did eventually discover that Nat King Cole, Rudolf Nureyev and actor Gary Sinese share the date with me, but I'm not greatly impressed by celebrity so it wouldn't matter to me if I didn't meet any of these fine people (or horses).

3. Someone hands you a box tied up in a lovely bow...what are you hoping to find inside?

I Don't Care. I Love Presents.

4. What can you guarantee about yourself?

I can guarantee I will feel very excited if I am given a present.

5. Talking art and beautiful cities here...'The Last Supper' in the Santa Maria della Grazie Abbey in Milan Italy or'The Mona Lisa' in The Louvre, Paris...which would you most like to see up close and in person?  Why?

I already had the good fortune to see one of da Vinci's portrait masterpieces, Ginevra de Benci, at the National Gallery of Art (it was so small!), so I think I would choose to see The Last Supper instead. And I'd rather visit Italy than France, although I'm sure France is wonderful too.

6. Your favorite dessert?

Impossible to name one, so here are a few: tiramisu, cheesecake, ice cream, excellent cake, chocolate cream pie, etc.

7. This coming weekend marks the official start of autumn (in the Northern hemisphere)...what is something you do to get ready for fall? What is one thing you're looking forward to on your fall calendar? Spring or fall-which do you prefer?

I bring my cold-weather clothes out of hiding and put out a few autumnal decorations to get ready for fall. What am I looking forward too? No contest - Thanksgiving. My daughter and her husband will be home for several weeks from Peru, my sons will be home from college and one son's lovely girlfriend will spend the week with us. Who could ask for anything more?

However, I prefer spring to fall.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Now about that blog title. Tomorrow, September 19, is Talk Like a Pirate Day. I love it! Who the heck doesn't have fun trying to talk like a pirate, matey? So go swab your decks today (I did) so you can enjoy some grog and sea shanties tomorrow. (I wonder if I can get away with wearing an eye patch and fake parrot to work?) On Saturday, we might be joining a group of would-be pirates trying to establish the record for the most pirates in one place. If we go, I'll be sure to take some pics to share.

Honey, Lambs, and Hodgepodge

Welcome to another addition of Wednesday Hodgepodge brought to you by From This Side of the Pond. A wildly eclectic assortment of questions are on tap today. If you're not a Hodgepodge participant, be sure to put some of your answers in the Comments section so I can have the fun of reading what you would answer!

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1. What's something you're never too young or too old to enjoy?
We're never to old to enjoy FUN.

2. Share one happy memory from your high school years.
Hmmm. Graduation? Actually, high school was okay, so how about playing the Role of Tiny Tim in our Drama Club's production of A Christmas Carol.

3. A nationwide strike of fast food employees took place in parts of the U.S. last week...they're calling for higher wages and the right to unionize? Your thoughts?
I think everyone has the right to try and unionize, as long as coercion isn't involved. I'm not sure about higher wages. That type of job isn't meant to be a long-term career, but a stepping stone.

4. September is National Honey Month...what's a favorite dish you make or eat that calls for honey?
I make our daily bread. It is whole wheat and I always bake it using honey.

5.  If you notice someone with a tag sticking out, a button unbuttoned, a shirt on inside-out, or some leftover lunch stuck between their teeth do you say something or do you keep quiet? 
If I know the person, I'll say something.

6. What movie always makes you cry?  Or at least makes you feel like crying?
Return to Me starring Minnie Driver always makes me cry. It is sweet, but not sappy, and revolves around family and community. Two of my favorite blog subjects. It features great music and a group of old guys who remind me of my uncles.

7.   'Mary Had a Little Lamb' was written in May of 1830, and published in Juvenile Miscellany in September of that same year.  Now for the fun part...create your own four line rhyme using that same tune.
Leaves are starting to fall down, 
to fall down, to fall down.
Leaves are starting to fall down,
and that makes me sad.

8.  Insert your own random thought here
I started a new job Tuesday. It is great, but I'm exhausted.

Hodgepodgin' It

It's Wednesday Hodgepodge time again. Head over to Joyce's From This Side to the Pond to see what everyone else is talking about. (After you finish here, of course.)

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1. Labor Day weekend (in the US of A) is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year? 
Whew, tough one. I have labored most over the areas of sin in my life that I want to overcome.

2. What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?
Homemaker

3. What was your worst or least favorite job ever? Why?
When I worked in a shop that sold cake and candy supplies. I got tired of the smell of chocolate! (I recovered, though.)

4. How do you measure contentment?
I measure contentment in terms of peacefulness. When I feel peaceful, I feel content.

5. Pickles-like or dislike? What is something you eat that requires a pickle? Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins...what's your favorite kind of pickle?
I love pickles of all sizes, shapes and varieties. Thanksgiving dinner requires pickles! Those little, sweet gherkins are always part of our relish tray. My sons and I fight over them.

6. In your current house-town-state, what is it you like living close to?
I should say Washington, D.C., but since I hardly ever travel up the road to get there (too, too much traffic), I can't say that. Instead, I will say the Potomac River because I love any body of water.

7. What is one thing on your 'want-to-do' list before summer draws to an official close?
I haven't gone kayaking at all this summer. Hopefully, I'll get off my rear and go at least once.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Sadly, our neighbors two doors away have lost their home and must move by tomorrow. We don't know them well because English isn't their first language. They are quiet, friendly, hard-working people and it breaks my heart that the poor economy (he is in construction and remodeling) forced them into this situation.

Oh No, August is Disappearing Wednesday Hodgepodge

Can you believe it? August is 2/3s over! Let's make the most out of the remaining summer, but first a little bit of Wednesday Hodgepodge From This Side of the Pond.


1. What's your worst food memory?  How about one of your best?

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Worst food memory - can't think of one, or perhaps my brain refuses to remember such events. My best food memories always involve Thanksgiving and Christmas: family together sharing, celebrating, and making memories.

2. Do you appreciate people telling it like it is, or would you rather a speaker temper his/her words and maybe beat around the bush a little?  How about when you're the one communicating...which type are you? 

I appreciate people telling it like it is, most of the time, as long as it is done in love. Tap dancing around before getting to the point is wearying. I tend to be a tell it like it is person, I think. But I believe I can work on softening my approach - be direct, but be gentle.

3. What's your favorite place to hang out?

I am boring. My favorite hang out place is my home, particularly our back balcony in the summer. Other favorite hangouts are the library and my local yarn store. See? Told you I was boring - but happy!

4. When do you most feel like you're a slave to time?

I feel most like a slave to time when I am over committed and rushing to try and get everything accomplished.

5. What was the last concert you attended?  Who'd you go with? Was it any good?

I end up attending many concerts because my son has been in a band, youth orchestra, and is now a music major in college. I think the last concert I attended was a composer's forum at my son's university in April. It was enjoyable despite the fact that we were late. I'm delighted to say my husband, daughter, son-in-law, and two sons were all on hand to hear our youngest perform.

6. Reality TV...harmful or harmless?  What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to reality TV?

I've never gotten into reality TV, so don't think I have the right to make a judgment.

7. What's something you think is overrated?

Professional sports.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

This always feels like a sad time of the year to me. Everyone returning to school, the sun setting sooner every evening, and leaves lazily drifing down in the breeze. I find spring and summer invigorating, but autumn and winter rather melancholy. I'd better make the most of the summer that's left!

Sunflower Wednesday Hodgepodge

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August and sunflowers and county fairs are linked in my mind. I think of this as the second part of summer. July 4th is long gone, flower and vegetable gardens are starting to look a little tired and hot, and although autumn is still many weeks away, heat-weary trees are dropping a few yellow leaves here and there foreshadowing the coming season. So let's squeeze the most out of the rest of the summer with Joyce's questions this week From This Side of the Pond.

1. My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend...what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?
Procrastination. Oh, no, actually I mastered that years ago.
I can't think of anything I've mastered recently. That means I'd better get busy because I hate to look back at the end of a year and realize I haven't learned how to do something new.

2. What song most reminds you of your childhood?
My Baby Does the Hanky Panky by Tommy James and the Shondells. I remember dancing around the kitchen as a little girl waving around one of my fancy, little handerchiefs (my relatives always used to give them to me for gifts. Who knows why?) and dancing. I was quite the little showoff who obviously didn't know what hanky panky was all about.

3. What do you think about single gender groups and/or events? Should everygroup/event be open to both genders?  If not, what sort of exceptions do you think are appropriate?
Nothing wrong with single gender gatherings in my book. It would be awkward attending a bridal lingerie shower with a man in the room, ya know?

4. What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?
Cilantro! It tastes and smells so fresh. I like it in almost any Mexican food dish, especially recipes that contain black beans.

5.  I saw this question on Marla's facebook page and asked if I could steal borrow it for the Hodgepodge...thanks Marla!  
Chevron patterns are everywhere!  Do you like it or think its just a little too much? Do you own anything 'chevron'? 
I don't own anything with a chevron pattern and feel quite neutral about it.

6.  What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now?
I despised squash to the point where I gagged when I ate it; however, I absolutely love it now.

7. What can irritate you very quickly?
Little repetitious noises, like someone drumming their fingers, drive me up the wall.

8.  Insert your own random thought here
I broke our air conditioning system by fiddling with the temp too much (what can I say, I was vacuuming and got really hot). We have been without since Friday. Fortunately, the repairman is scheduled to come today. We are blessed because although it has been hot and humid, it hasn't been miserably hot and horribly humid.

Peaches and Beaches at the Wednesday Hodgepodge

Happy Wednesday everyone! Isn't Wednesday a great day of the week? Monday is a distant memory and Friday is within sight. Come join me and lots of other fun people at Joyce's place, From This Side of the Pond for the latest installment of Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week...what's one thing you could do this week to qualify as a participant?
That's easy, toss out most of my clothes and then move into a tent. Seriously, I continually re-examine my life and surroundings in the desire to declutter and simplify my life. I am always thrilled to add one more item to my ever-present bag of donations.

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2. It's also National Peach Month...peach pie, peach cobbler, or please pour me a Bellini?  What's your peach pleasure?
My peach pleasure is fresh and juicy right off the tree.

3. Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Agree or disagree...explain.
I think this is a great piece of advice. Overcoming fears and challenging ourselves to try something new are great ways to grow.

4. What's your favorite household chore?  Yes-you have to name one.

I would have to say cleaning the bathrooms. They're small so they don't take too much time, and there is a sense of instant gratification because they shine and smell so fresh when you've finished.

5. Fodors recently listed (what they've dubbed) the ten most beautiful sunset spots in America. Click here to read more and see the pretty pictures, but this is their list:

Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara, CA, Mount Haleakala in Maui HI, Old Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe NM, Laguna Beach CA, Hopi Point in Grand Canyon AZ, Four Seasons in Miami FL, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica CA, Gay Head in Martha's Vineyard MA, Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City UT, and Mallory Square in Key West Florida.

Have you seen the sun set from any of these spots?  If you could choose to watch the sun set this weekend from one spot on the Fodors List, which would you choose?  Where was the prettiest sunset you've ever seen?
Unfortunately, I've never seen the sunset at any of these places - although we used to live fairly near Butterfly Beach. I would choose to see the sunset there because I love Santa Barbara, CA. I don't remember the prettiest sunset I've ever seen, but saw many incredible sunsets at the beach when we lived in Ventura, CA.

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6. What's your favorite or most used app?  If you don't use apps how about your favorite or most visited website?
Call me a weather geek if you must, but my favorite is the Accuweather app.

7. We've recently passed the halfway mark for 2013...write a seven word sentence that sums up your year thus far. 
2013, an ongoing whirlwind roller coaster ride.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
My 19 year old son went in for allergy testing yesterday and is apparently allergic to everything. I think I am going to get the Worst Mother of the Decade Award for not taking him to an allergist sooner.

Midsummer Wednesday Hodgepodge

It is still July and I am savoring every single moment of summer. How about you? Join in the Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce From This Side of the Pond.

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1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?
Current technology is amazing. We can do some things so easily now - research being one example.

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?
Current technology can suck hours from your day if you're not careful.

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?
Star gazing.

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway.
I don't listen to popular music, so I don't know what is played too much. Generally, if I've heard of a popular song, then it must be Very popular (and probably overplayed).

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?
I last had homemade ice cream when my good buddy e. brought some vanilla with juicy peaches to my house about two weeks ago. I don't have a favorite flavor. I am an equal opportunity ice cream lover.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?
I think we can best inspire and motivate by encouragement, support and affirmation.

7. When was the last time you were without power?
Probably sometime last year. Our electrical co-op has underground lines, so we don't lose power too often, and then it is usually because something went wrong with a transformer.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
We had an unexpectedly busy July and were invited to lots of social events. Many of them included tons of people I didn't know - which is always difficult for me - but we had a good time at all of them. I felt blessed that so many people wanted to spend time with us.

Royal Wednesday Hodgepodge

Enjoying a cool breeze (YAY!) while I contemplate Joyce's questions for this week's Royal  Wednesday Hodgepodge . . .

1. July 24th is Amelia Earhart Day.  Earhart was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.  What's something you've recently accomplished solo? 

Yesterday's laundry? Cleaning the bathrooms? My life is full of small, heroic, solo ventures :)

2.  What's one product you use that never ever fails?

Oxy Clean. It gets out just about every carpet stain imaginable (almost).

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it?

I have been content with my role as wife and mother for over two decades, but with my children grown up, I'm not sure. I am still a happy, content wife, but not sure if perhaps there isn't a new role for me out there in the big, wide world.

4.  Worst movie you ever saw?

2001 A Space Odyssey (quite weird) is tied with Any Which Way But Loose (fell asleep when I saw this in the theater).

5. What's the last fun thing you did?

We went to a friend's lake house last weekend and enjoyed bar-b-q and swimming while celebrating our daughter and son-in-law's move to Peru. Actually, many days have little fun spots in them. I think it all depends on one's definition of fun.

6. The month of July is named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar...ever been to Rome? What's your favorite Italian dish?

I have never been to Rome, but it is on my wish list. Favorite Italian dish? Lot's of choices, but Tiramisu receives my vote.

7. What is one piece of advice you'd offer new mom Kate Middleton?

I would counsel her to enjoy each and every stage of her child's life.  As we know, it all goes so fast.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Okay, I know Kate and her husband had a baby boy, but what did they name him? 

Thanks for joining me for Wednesday Hodgepodge. Click on the link and join in too.





Image: digitalart/freedigitalphotos.net