A Time to Eat Turkey

There will be another Hodgepodge before Thanksgiving, but I'm not sure I'll remember to post. After all, it has taken me 3 days for this one! ... I have fixed the font size about 10 times... I'm so sorry if the print is too small.  No clue! 

1. What's surprised you most about your life, or about life in general?

How quickly it seems to go! One day I was dating and the next day I was married and the mother of 3 and grandmother of 2... How'd that happen, anyway?

2. Among others, these ten words were added to the Oxford English Dictionary this year...awesomesauce, beer o'clock, brain fart, buttdial, cat cafe(apparently this is a real thing), fatberg (gross-read the definition here), fat shame, hangry, Mx (gender neutral), and skippable. 
Your thoughts? In looking over the list, which word do you find most ridiculous? Which word would you never in a million years say out loud? Which word would you be most likely to use in conversation?

Sadly, I have used the term "buttdial" but think there must be a better one...I've switched it to "pocket dial." Two words, though.    I don't like any of these.  I suppose "skippable" is ok but I'd rather use a phrase instead.  We seem to be becoming a generation of one word conversations...

3. Do you like gravy? Is there a food you'd rather not eat unless it comes with gravy? Do you make your own or buy the canned or store-made variety? Turkey and gravy, sausage gravy, mashed potatoes and gravy, country ham and red eye gravy, biscuits and chocolate gravy, pot roast and gravy...which one on the list is your favorite?

LOVE gravy! Make my own. I eat it on whatever I want. Bread and gravy was a must when I was little. It didn't matter what kind.  I love it on mashed potatoes, stuffing, meat, biscuits, pancakes (hamburger gravy.)

4. Do you have a plan? Do you need a plan? Have you ever had a plan fall into a trillion pieces? Explain.
Perhaps I have too many plans at the moment. I have a ton of housework to do as we have ordered some new furniture... it's about time!  It better not fall into a trillion pieces, either!  I don't think I've ever had a plan fall apart. Our plans are always simple and flexible.  However, now that we are older (and Bill's parents even older - 92 and 96), I'm always a bit concerned when we make vacation plans...

5. November 19 is National Play Monopoly Day. Do you own the original or some version of the game? Do you enjoy playing Monopoly? How likely is it you'll play a game of Monopoly on November 19th? Ever been to Atlantic City? Ever taken a ride on a railroad? Is parking in your town free? Last thing you took a chance on?

I think our oldest took the Monopoly game with him when he got married. It was given to him when he was a kid. It's a regular one. I liked playing but my husband did not! We didn't play on November 19th. It has probably been 20 years since I have played.  I have been to Atlantic City to the beach. I have been on a train, once to NYC and back with my mom and brother when I was 4, again with my pre-schooler (25 years ago) and his classmates, and a couple of steam locomotives Straasburg and Black River and Western. Oh, and subways in Brooklyn and NYC plus the Staten Island Rapid Transit. How could I forget those?! Parking is free in town. Last thing I took a chance on?  Traveling 3 days on the road with my husband when I was running a fever, hoping I'd be better in time for visiting friends...   I was! Whew!

6. A song you like that has the word (or some form of the word) thanks in the title, lyrics, or meaning? 

"Come Ye Thankful People, Come" comes to mind, first.  Then “Thank You Lord (for saving my soul)” , and the other “Thank You, Lord” by Sandi Patti,  “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart.”  OK, I’ll stop, now!

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude....what is something you're taking for granted that when you stop and think about it, you're grateful for?  

Lots of things: Fresh air, clean water, warm house, good food and the stores where I shop, the love of family, etc...

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It's almost time!  We are open for business the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

First Week of November and No Snow :-)

There have been Novembers that had more snow than December, but apparently this is not one of them and that is fine with me! I'd like some snow flurries, though and maybe a 'snow squall.'   While we were on vacation in TN, there was some snow that stuck to the ground here at home, but.. October?  NO.. No thank you! 

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something you're looking forward to on your November calendar?
Oh, did I mention 'snow squalls?'  Can't quite put them on the calendar, though.  So, on my calendar, I'd have to say my 3 days of substitute teaching in Pre Kindergarten!

2.  If I gave you a thank you card right now who would you send it to and why?
Auntie Babs for giving us peanuts from Virginia. She's awesome like that! 

3. Of the breads listed, which one's your favorite...bagel, cinnamon, sourdough, garlic, banana, biscuit, pita, Naan, or plain old fashioned white bread?

Yikes! Sourdough and cinnamon. I could never choose between the two!

4. What's something you have in abundance? Is that a good thing?

In abundance that is a good thing?... Well, that narrows it down!  Let's see.  Carrots. Lots of carrots from my garden that will go on the table this winter in stews, soups and just plain cooked (in water with a teaspoon of maple syrup.)

5. November 5th is National Love Your Red Hair Day. Are there any redheads in your family? Who's your favorite redhead?
Until I had children, there seemed to be a rule in my family that if a brunette married a blond, they would have at least 1 red headed kid.  My cousin Millie had 3 out of 4 with red hair! My cousin Barb had 1 out of 3. I had none. BUT one of them has a red beard :-)   There are too many to call a favorite...   

6.  The travel website Busbud recently calculated the most Instagrammed spot in every state. Go here to see what made the list where you live. Are you happy with your state's #1? If not what do you think should be the most photographed spot in your state? Have you snapped a photo there? If you live outside the USA answer as it relates to your state, city or province.

In NY it is the Empire State Building.  I'm ok with that. I lived in the city for a few years and even took a picture of the front of the building.  My husband worked in the World Trade Center (back in the 80's) and I have pics of that as well. I think the Empire State Building was more photogenic with all the other sky scrapers clustered around it. I would think that Niagara Falls (photographed from the Canadian side) would be a close 2nd.  Also, Letchworth State Park would make a great #3.

7. I'm going to try to have something related to gratitude in this spot each week during the month of November. Here's this week's question-

What's something you've learned about yourself this year that you're grateful for?

At 63, I'm not finding many things about myself that I don't already know... I have figured out the "trigger points" that make me dizzy (positional vertigo) and manage to avoid them when it strikes. Seems to come every fall but now that I know how to manage it, I'm doing really well.  Years ago, the meds the doctor gave me to "help" made it worse! I'm very grateful for being able to manage it on my own as others I know are much worse off. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm thinking that soon our Christmas Tree Farm will be alive with families tagging, cutting and just having fun: 

  

"'15 Minutes Late, means... I'm Early' Hodgpodge"

1. What have you 'fallen for' recently?

Old jokes. I listen attentively and laugh... but they are SO OLD!  Kindergarteners ... gotta love em!

2. What's something you're 'squirreling away' for later?

Books.  Liz Curtis Higgs will rescue me this winter and so will Suzanne Woods Fisher

3. How do you like your apples? Sweet? Tart? Crisp? Cooked? Apples are one of the superfoods for fall...how often do you eat an apple either plain or as part of a favorite recipe? What's your favorite variety?

I like my apples cold, crisp and sweet/tart.  I'll eat them daily if my digestive tract would allow... whole, sliced, cinnamon sugared, peanut buttered, cidered, baked into a pie, cobbler, crisp or 'pudding.'   Favorite? Oooooo.h...  Mom's Apple Crisp.  so simple. Slice a bunch of them (at least 4 big ones), add dots of butter, cinnamon, sugar and 1 C water. Topping is  1/4 C hard butter, 1 C flour  1/2 C white sugar all cut up together and sprinkled on top. Bake for about 45 min to an hour at 350.  Change the proportions as you wish but don't use too much butter....

4. According to Fodor's the ten best fall foliage trips in the US of A are-Aspen Colorado, The Catskills New York, The Berkshires Massachusetts, Columbia River Gorge Oregon, Green Mountain Byway Vermont, Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway New Mexico, Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, Upper Peninsula Michigan, Lake of the Ozarks Missouri, and Glacier National Park Montana. Which would you most like to visit this fall and why?

I grew up in the Catskills. My husband grew up near the Berkshires. We went to Vermont by motorcycle a few years ago. We've been to the Great Smoky Mts in October.  I guess this makes me privileged! I'd like to do them all gain and add Glacier National Park in Montana!

5. The topic of legalizing marijuana was raised in the most recent televised political debate so let's wade in too. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia currently have laws legalizing marijuana in some form. Four states have legalize marijuana for recreational use. Your thoughts?

Let the pharmaceutical companies market it as medicine and have it prescribed by doctors.  Recreational? NO WAY!  We have enough problems with it as an illegal drug. More people will fee it is their choice to drive while under the influence just like they do know with alcohol.  At least for the moment, most people don't want to risk getting caught driving while high...

6. Are you okay to watch a movie already in progress or do you need to always see it from the beginning? How about jumping into a TV series somewhere in the middle? Is that okay?

Ehhhh...  Some movies are easier to get into than others but lately, I haven't seen any that I'd care to watch.  Middle of a series... maybe... if there hasn't been too much elapsed time.   Middle might be too far for me.

7. Thursday (September 24) is National Punctuation Day. What rule of punctuation trips you up most often? What rule of punctuation, when broken by someone else, bugs you the most? 

Too many exclamation points in one paragraph!  HAHA!   It bugs me when people misuse the apostrophe in possessives or in plurals when that is simply not appropriate to begin with!  Ooops!  Sorry! (Gosh, I did it again!) 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

How I hate covering the pool for winter... I wish I could keep it open all year; but then we would need ice skates  :-(      HOWEVER, next year, we are getting an in-ground pool so I will put on a happy face  and be content to wait 7 long months... 

Hodgepodge Late, as usual!

1. On Saturday July 4th America celebrates her Independence. (If you're not American,  feel free to answer in terms of a national holiday in your own country) What is your favorite thing about the day? Your favorite food on the 4th? Do you fly a flag at your house? Fireworks-yay or nay? Any special plans this year?
 A friend's funeral is this afternoon .. she is FREE, now :-)  Praise the Lord!  We also have a concert and dinner to attend this evening. I believe it is Steak Night.  Howeer, as a family, we like eating hamburgers, hot dogs, mac and potato salads, baked beans... and eat ice cream! Favorite thing about the day... remembering why we have the holiday to begin with.  Our country declaring their independence. May we always be free and remember the cost.  I love a good fireworks display and usually have 3 to choose from in our area but we missed last night, can't go tonight, so we hope for tomorrow night!.  

2. What's something you recently got for free?

Buy one, get one free....   I think it was pasta.....  

3.  The Statue of Liberty, The Liberty Bell, The Washington Monument, or Mount Rushmore...how many on the list have you seen? What is your favorite historical American monument, and why? 

I've seen the Statue of Liberty from a distance, and have also been on the grounds of the Washington Monument.  I would like to visit the others and even more.  Favorite monument? It's actually a memorial.. the one for WW2 in Washington, D.C.

4. When it comes to the news are you more ostrich (stick my head in the sand) or hog (they have room to take a whole lot in)? How much attention have you given the recent news reports regarding ISIS and the acts of terror they've perpetrated against those who do not share their beliefs or support their cause?
I watch or listen to the news each day so I have an idea of what's going on in the world. If I miss it.. no biggie. I pay attention to ISIS in that I pray for those whom they persecute. Such an awful blight on our civilization... but God is not surprised.

5. We're talking plain ice cream...vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry? Choose one.
Chocolate...plain and simple  *love*

6. Share a song you love containing the word 'stars' in the lyrics or title?, 
A folk rendering of "Star Light, Star Bright" ... Peter, Paul and Mary, I think

7. Describe and/or say goodbye to June with an acrostic. 

Joy in having a birthday
Un-ending cool weather *sigh*
Now for REAL summer
Everybody into the pool!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Where I spend my mornings

Hodgepodging My Way Through June

1. June 23rd is National Pink Day. What's your favorite something pink?  

Peonies.  Sadly, I did not have ONE peony this year! Out of 7 bushes, NONE!  Two looked somewhat promising in early June, but they blackened and fell off.  I'm so sad. 

2. What did you enjoy most about gym class when you were in school? How about the least?  

I actually liked gym class, though I was never very good at most sports. I liked softball, gymnastics (except for backward rolls) and basketball. I hated running for the sake of running.  Too jarring on my knees, even as a teenager. 

3. What memory is brought to mind by the smell of roses?
Our home when I was a girl.  We had rose bushes right outside one of our doors and they were VERY fragrant. I cut them all and used them, fern and some daisies as church flowers in our wedding 41 years ago (today!)  

4. Do you prefer to read or write?
I prefer to read. Writing is fine but I'll pick up a book much faster than my computer or pen. 

5. Sam Keen is quoted as saying, 'Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.' Would you agree? Is laziness ever respectable? How will you be lazy this summer?
I understand what he means...but I prefer to call it relaxing or reflecting... sometimes it is just too hot or too humid to work hard and a rest on the front porch or the back deck with a glass of ice water (for me) and eyes shut to think about nothing.. or everything is the perfect way to recharge the batteries. 

6. The Florida Keys, Disney World, or a resort somewhere on the Gulf Coast...which Florida destination would you choose (and why) if the trip were today?
Florida? In June?  NO WAY! Three other seasons, the Gulf Coast, but NEVER in the SUMMER!

7. What question do you hate to answer?
Most questions on any application. Not sure why.  Perhaps they are just too time consuming.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Summer is ready and waiting! 

Late! Late! Late!

1. What's a phrase your mother often said to you? If you're a parent, is this something you now say to your own children?

I love you :-)    Yes, I do!

2. What is a scent you associate with your mother or your childhood home?
Lots of them... starting with her home-made crullers, bread, zest soap, clothes hung outside on the line, and her perfumes:  Evening in Paris, Windsong, Topaz, Chantilly Lace. 

3. What's an activity you remember always doing with your mother (or someone who was a mother figure in your life)?
We walked a lot... sometimes into the woods and down to the brook for a picnic or through fields looking for strawberries. We also walked the 3 miles to my dad's diner... just in time for a quick bite to eat and then he would drive us home.

4. Flared jeans, maxi dresses, and jumpsuits are 70's fashion trends back this spring. Are you on board? Which trend would you be most inclined to try? For the men...flared corduroys, wide-collared shirts, and floral prints...what say you?

Uh, no... I'm not a trend setter nor a trend follower. I find a style that fits and stick with it for YEARS!  Maxi Dress?  I don't think I remember them from the 70's.. but they sound comfortable and conservative, so maybe I would look into them...   and my man is NOT wearing any of the above men's fashions!

5. May 6th is Teacher Appreciation Day and also Nurse Appreciation Day. Is there a nurse or teacher  you have especially appreciated along the way? Tell us why?

I work with many first rate teachers... but thinking back on my childhood, one of them stands out above all the others and that would be Miss Spaulding, my 4th grade teacher.  She had such fun projects and I learned more about nature from her than my own mom and that 's doing some!  She came to my graduation, too :-)

6. If I came by your house, what would I find on your frig door?

Lots of magnets...some with pictures and LOTS of those little words that you can make sentences with.

7. Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana made her royal entrance on Saturday, May 2nd. On a scale of 1-10, how much attention did you give to all the news coverage? 1=Who's Charlotte? 10=sat glued to the telly, cuppa in hand.

Oh, about a 5.  She is a darling baby and I love her name.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

My mom and me making pop corn. I miss her very much. 

About Time for Hodgepodge!

It's been since November... my, how time flies! 

1. Have you ever had to wear a uniform? If yes, tell us more. Did you love it or hate it?

When I was in highschool and college, I was a cheerleader and loved our uniforms! This was back in the day when cheerleaders actually "led" the crowd in cheers and their uniforms covered their bodies... my how times have changed.  I also worked at my Dad's diner...I didn't mind wearing the uniform but I absolutely despised waitressing!  Sometimes for choir we are asked to wear our robes. I don't really care for them...not sure if they qualify for "uniforms."  I love my "uniform" for being a retired wife, mother and grandmother:  jeans and a T-Shirt :-)  

2. April 22nd is Earth Day. What is one thing you do personally to be a good steward of planet Earth?

If I can't find a garbage or recycle bin, I carry my "garbage" home with me.  Littering is rude, disrespectful and unnecessary. 

3. Brown rice, quinoa, or couscous...your healthy grain of choice? How often are one of the three on your menu at home?  Given a choice between white rice, brown rice, wild rice, and fried rice which would you go for? 

I've had all three grains, most recently some quinoa we bought just to try. I've also had quinoa chips that were very good! Brown rice is my favorite at the moment. I also enjoy wild and white rice. Fried rice is just ok.  We have one form of rice or another quite often.

4. In your opinion, who has the best job ever?

I do :-)   I'm a wife, mother and a substitute teacher! I actually count the first two as privileges instead of "jobs" and for most of my marriage I had the extra privilege of not having to have a "job" so I was free to "work" at home.  When the kids got older, I did work for 20 years as a teacher's aide and coupled with my education, when I retired, I was hired to be a substitute teacher/aide/assistant ... whomever is needed and whatever days I choose.  Not a lot of money but I sure do enjoy myself!

5. What's a situation in your life currently requiring patience? 

Substitute teaching!  Imagine that?  Oh, and also the true privilege of caring long distance for elderly parents, but we have a good support system in place. 

6.  Do you live your life around days of the week? Explain.

I didn't realize how much so until I started typing!  Sundays are for church (AM & PM). Monday afternoons are for the after school kids' Bible Club. First Monday of the month I have a deaconess meeting. Wednesday evenings are for prayer meeting and Bible study at "Bill's church" and Thursdays are prayer meeting and choir practice at "our church."  Friday nights are often spent with the youth at "Pink Chicken."

Why do we have two churches?  Well, Bill, as a licensed preacher, was asked to preach at a local church in the absence of their pastor. He was then asked to be their interim pastor while they searched for one. Recently he was asked to BE their pastor, with the understanding that they will be growing and trying to find a full time pastor when the time is right, as they know Bill would only like to work full time for another few years. In the meantime, they understand I have obligations in "our church" and do not expect me to resign from them, so I work my time in for both churches.  

What's "Pink Chicken?"  LOL!!!  Don't eat it...  It's the name of "our church's" regional youth group. Kids from all over come for a short devotional and a good time of food, music, sports, etc.  The church's other "regular" youth group meet on another night and have a more focused agenda. 

7. In a nod to the A to Z challenge happening around town this month, what 'R word' best describes your April? 

"R" is for "rainy."  The snow finally melted but our first full week and our third week seemed to have a lot of rain.  I was SO hoping for  some warm sunshine ... if you missed it last week, I'm sorry. Hoping it will be back next week to finish out the month.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I LOVE springtime!

10 years ago, Erika helped me plant and water some early plantings...

6 years ago, Bella helped sort and choose seeds to plant...