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

Labor Day?

Isn't it funny today is called Labor Day and is part of the Labor Day weekend? While enjoying the day at a local state park, we didn't see much labor!

We did see sailing

Strolling

Swimming

A cricket match

Snoozing

Traveling to Maryland

Fishing 

Returning to Virginia

Driftwood sculpting

 

Cloud gazing

How about you? Any labor happening during your Labor Day weekend?

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.