A Heart-y Hodgepodge

Hello loves. It's February so I'm going to use that moniker. The very young bagger at Publix called me love yesterday, and if she can do it so can I. 

If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Bloggers love comments. Here we go-

1. What area of your life feels like you're stuck in a Groundhog's Day loop, doing the same thing over and over? Does it bother you or is that just how life is in this particular season? 

I feel like I'm always emptying the dishwasher and adding clothes to the washer or moving them to the dryer or folding them and putting away. Those two household tasks feel a little bit like a Groundhog's Day loop, but I think that's life in every season. 

2. Something that makes your heart skip a beat? 

This saying can mean either excited or nervous depending on the circumstance. We have a double sided stone fireplace and there have been a few near misses with little ones clamboring around the furniture that sits in front. Definitely makes my heart skip a beat. 

3. Do you wear your heart on your sleeve or are you more of a closed book? Elaborate. 

I looked back at my blog and it seems I've asked this question four times now. Oh well. There are lots of newbies in the Hodgepodge who weren't reading here in 2015. Or 2016. Or 2022. Oops. My answer was similar each time and remains the same still. 

I am not a person with a quick temper or short fuse, but I do cry and blush fairly easily. I think it depends on the 'audience' as to how my emotions play out. I can act like things are fine and don't bother me if need be, but I definitely stew about things behind closed doors. 

4. According to Prevention Magazine, these are 25 of the best foods for heart health-

wild salmon, sardines, liver, walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, oatmeal, blueberries, coffee, red wine, green tea, soy milk, dark chocolate, raisins, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, whole grains, apples, oranges, grapefruit, avocado, avocado oil, olive oil 

Which five on the list do you include in your diet most often? Are there any foods on the list you simply cannot abide? 

Almost all of these are a regular part of my diet but I guess the top five would be salmon, blueberries, coffee, apples, and oranges. The only thing on the list I don't eat is liver. I despised it as a child, couldn't even stand the smell of it, and I've never gotten over it. My parents liked liver and onions but blech. Not for me. It's one of the very few foods I don't eat. 

5. What was the last piece of furniture you bought? Is there a piece of furniture you need/want to purchase this year? 

We purchased a lot of outdoor furniture for the patio and new outdoor dining spot, all of which was delivered last week. There are pictures in Monday's post found here-Weekending. We also added a new sofa to the pool table room to coordinate with what's outside. Trying to make these space flow together for entertaining. 

The next thing we'd like to buy (or re-do) is our family room couch. We want to reconfigure the furniture layout and it will all be a lot so not happening this year. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

He's not spoiled at all...

And by he I mean the little brown dog. 

We've had a couple of beautiful days weather wise and we're all soaking up some vitamin D in the hopes it knocks out whatever germs are lingering. 

Tuesday was a s'mores kind of day. True story-I'm not a huge fan of s'mores. 

I like all of the components on their own (especially the toasted marshmallow), but when you put them together they're too much. What about you? Love 'em or no thanks? 

Have a great day everyone! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 588

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here on Wednesday (February 5th) to share answers with the universe. See you there! 

1. What area of your life feels like you're stuck in a Groundhog's Day loop, doing the same thing over and over? Does it bother you or is that just how life is in this particular season? 

2. Something that makes your heart skip a beat? 

3. Do you wear your heart on your sleeve or are you more of a closed book? Elaborate. 

4. According to Prevention Magazine, these are 25 of the best foods for heart health-

wild salmon, sardines, liver, walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, oatmeal, blueberries, coffee, red wine, green tea, soy milk, dark chocolate, raisins, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, whole grains, apples, oranges, grapefruit, avocado, avocado oil, olive oil 

Which five do you include in your diet most often? Are there any foods on the list you simply cannot abide? 

5. What was the last piece of furniture you bought? Is there a piece of furniture you need/want to purchase this year? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A Juicy Hodgepodge

Actually it's not that juicy but I needed a title. Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. So glad you've decided to join the fun here today. Add your link at the end of my post, and be sure to leave a comment for the blogger before you. That's what good neighbors do. Here we go-

1. What was your after school routine like when you were a kid? 

If we're talking about elementary school then life was simple. We walked home with our friends, my mom would give us a snack and we'd chat about our day, and then I think we mostly played, rode bikes, that sort of thing until dinner. 

I don't think we had a lot of homework in elementary school, at least not the early years. I do remember a lot of homework in sixth grade, which was still part of elementary school where I grew up. My mom worked part time as a librarian when we got a little older, but I think it was only on Tuesdays we let ourselves in. I had my younger sister with me so wasn't alone, and it wasn't for long. 

There weren't a ton of activities. That's me on the left and my younger sister on the right. Is she holding my hand or is she trying to place herself in front of me in the photo. You decide lol. I was a brownie and girl scout and took ballet but other than that life revolved mostly around the kids in the neighborhood (of which there were many), activities and church, and lots of imaginative play both indoors and out. 

When I was 13 I started babysitting for an hour or two right after school for the little girl across the street. Her dad got home sometime between 4 and 5, but her mom was a nurse and left for her shift around 3, so it was an easy job. Plus the people were great to me and the little girl was a sweetheart. 

2. January 26 is National Green Juice Day ( I guess it's true everything really does have it's day). Do you juice, as in make your own in an attempt to get healthy? Do you do the green juices? What's your favorite kind of juice (home blended or store bought, either one)? 

I don't juice and we don't have a juice bar in our town. It feels like a lot of fuss to do at home. I like juice but haven't really investigated the green varieties. My favorite  is cranberry. 

3. What's something trivial about which you have a strong opinion? 

How my groceries are bagged. Hubs gets annoyed at how over the top I am when I put the items on the belt, but I know some of the baggers load them as they come, and I do my best to prevent nonsense from happening. Put all the cold items with the cold items. Don't put milk and ten cans of something in a single flimsy bag. f

And yes, I know this is an absolute first world problem. I will say my daughter was shocked at the total when we checked out on Sunday. 

4. What do you need more of in your life? Less of? 

More of? Jesus

Less of? Dust and dog hair. Not very deep I know, but keeping it real. I've been off my game for the past week, have a houseful of people, and hubs (chief vacuum-er here) has been away so ugh. The floors need attention. 

5. Give us three adjectives to describe your January.

cold (original, right?), reset (mostly used as a verb I know, but it fits my January), and mellifluous (your word of the day)

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Fire + water for a January win...

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 587

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here on Wednesday (Jan 29th) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What was your after school routine like when you were a kid? 

2. January 26 is National Green Juice Day ( I guess it's true everything really does have it's day). Do you juice, as in make your own in an attempt to get healthy? Do you do the green juices? What's your favorite kind of juice (home blended or store bought, either one)? 

3. What's something trivial about which you have a strong opinion? 

4. What do you need more of in your life? Less of? 

5. Give us three adjectives to describe your January.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

The Hodgepodge Is Coming To Town

Hello Hodgepodgers! I hope you're enjoying all the blessings of this most wonderful time of the year. A reminder there will  not be a Hodgepodge next week (December 25th) since Christmas lands on a Wednesday this year. 

There will be a Hodgepodge link up on January 1st BUT!! I'll post the questions on Sunday (December 29th) to give everyone a couple of extra days to get their answers written.  

December 25-NO Hodgepodge

December 29-questions posted for the first HP of the new year (Volume 583)

January 1-the link goes live

Okay, back to today...here we go-

1. What's one thing you want to get done before the calendar flips to a new year?

Not a big deal, but I do still plan to tackle my pantry clean out and reorg. 

2. What's something that brought a smile to your face this year?

This little ray of sunshine, our newest granddaughter who's dubbed Sugar on my blog because she's pure sweetness and the smiliest baby I know-

3. What do you like on a cracker? Do you have a favorite cracker variety? 

I'll answer the second part of the question first since that's easier. My favorite is a Carr's Water Cracker, the cracked pepper variety especially. What do I like on it? Lots of things. I often have crackers with pimento cheese or chicken salad on top for lunch so how 'bout I don't overthink this one, and just go with that as my answer. 

4. Do you have plans for ringing in the new year in a fun or special way? Are you typically awake at midnight on the last day of the year? 

On a normal day I'm sound asleep at midnight, but I try to stay up to ring in the new year on December 31st. This year some neighbors are having a few of us over for a get together and we'll go to that, which should be fun. Bonus we can walk. I don't like being on the road on New Year's Eve. 

5. What are three words that describe your year? 

Is spendy a word, because I feel like this has been a spendy year. My three words are- 

spendy, tender, full 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

I bought this Williams Sonoma advent baking calendar for my daughter2 this year because she loves to bake. Tanya (The Other Side Of The Road) shared several Advent calendars on her blog in November, and when I saw this one I knew I had to get it for my girl. Thank you Tanya! 

The calendar is so cute and really well-made. A French patisserie where the doors open and you find numbered boxes inside, each one containing some sort of baking tool or accessory. Many of the boxes hold holiday cookie cutters, one had pastry bags, pastry tips, another had the little shaper tools you use to smooth, shape, and texture cakes, etc. 

I took the calendar to my daughter when we went for Thanksgiving and she Marco Polos me every day to let me know what was in that day's box. Most boxes are small, but there's a bigger one close to Christmas we're curious about. This gift was a win. 

I'll be blogging some between now and Christmas, but in case you're signing off the Internet for the holidays I want to wish you much peace and joy as the year winds down. 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 581

Here are the questions for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there!

1. What's one task you'd like a little Christmas elf to sneak in and take care of tonite? 

2. What's your biggest challenge during the holidays? 

3. Are you a cookie baker this time of year? If your year had to be summed up in the shape of a cookie cutter what shape would it be? 

4. Santa likes milk with his cookies. Do you like milk? What kind of milk is on tap in your house? (whole, 2%, skim, almond, oat, etc). What's the last thing you made that called for milk? 

5. Share one favorite line from a Christmas carol or holiday tune? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Relaxing With The Hodgepodge

Hello December and hello Hodgepodgers. I'm glad you're here. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post then leave a merry comment for the blogger before you. Here we go-

1. What's the best $5 gift to give someone? 

A fun mug, a book, a coffee gift card, fuzzy holiday socks

2. What's your favorite way to relax/unwind during the busy holiday season? 

I like to sit beside the lit Christmas tree with the rest of the house lights off. Early morning with my coffee or at dusk with a cup of tea or glass of wine. Sit-marvel-pray-wonder. 

3. How do you feel about gingerbread? Love it or no thanks? Are gingerbread houses a part of your holiday tradition? If you said yes, how does that look? Do you like ginger flavor in other kinds of dishes?

I like gingerbread, especially with a cup of hot tea. I also like to use ginger when cooking, particularly in Asian dishes. And I always ask for extra pickled ginger with my sushi. 

Gingerbread houses weren't really a part of our regular holiday tradition, but there were some years we made them happen. Do graham crackers count because we mostly made ours using graham crackers. They're easier to keep together.   

No matter their ages my girls took the construction very very seriously. 

4. December 5th is National Blue Jeans Day...will you be celebrating? Do you have a favorite brand? A favorite pair? Do you have a hard time parting with a favorite pair of jeans? Blue jeans-joggers-leggings-yoga pants...which one do you wear most often? 

Blue jeans are one of my favorite items of clothing and I definitely have a favorite pair. Yes it's always a little sad to see them go (first world problem I know). I like a few different brands but currently have a pair of Liverpool that I love. Of the 'legware' listed jeans are my most worn. 

5. As we head into this holiday season what's your biggest priority or goal for the end of the year? 

Be present. Keep Jesus front and center. Find a little bit of joy in each new day. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

When you decorate the tree do you do it yourself, have a little bit of help, or maybe a lot of help? If you have help do you move your helper's handiwork around to different branches on the tree when they leave the room? Asking for a friend.  

It wouldn't be December without my annual posting of this carol, my favorite version, with lyrics that are timeless...

 

Wishing you peace in your heart and home this Advent season.

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 580

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share your answers. See you there! 

1. What's the best $5 gift to give someone? 

2. What's your favorite way to relax/unwind during the busy holiday season? 

3. How do you feel about gingerbread? Love it or no thanks? Are gingerbread houses a part of your holiday tradition? If you said yes, how does that look? Do you like ginger flavor in other kinds of dishes? 

4. December 5th is National Blue Jeans Day...will you be celebrating? Do you have a favorite brand? A favorite pair? Do you have a hard time parting with a favorite pair of jeans? Blue jeans-joggers-leggings-yoga pants...which one do you wear most often? 

5. As we head into this holiday season what's your biggest priority or goal for the end of the year? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

THANKS For The Hodgepodge

Welcome to our Thanksgiving edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. I'm truly grateful for all who participate here each week and for the friends I've made, both online and in real life, via my little corner of the Internet. 

1. Talking turkey...are you cooking the turkey this year? Does ham belong on a Thanksgiving day menu? When it comes to gravy do you pour it over your whole plate, skip it altogether, or land somewhere in between? Cranberries-homemade or jelled right out of the can? Do you look forward more to the main course, the savory sides, or the desserts? 

*I know there are at least a couple of bloggers who participate here who live outside the US and won't be celebrating Thanksgiving. If that's you feel free to adapt the questions to your December (or any) holiday meal.

I'm not cooking the turkey this year. We'll be celebrating with my daughter and son-in-law, and he'll smoke  the turkey on the grill. He's got skillz. I love ham and am not opposed to having one at Thanksgiving as long as there's also turkey. I've never served ham at Thanksgiving, but my son-in-law's family always has both, so we're having both this year too. 

 As far as gravy goes, I'm not a huge gravy/sauce person. I like to keep it light. I like gravy on my turkey and maybe just a tiny bit on the dressing but my plate definitely won't be swimming in it. I like both homemade and straight out of the can cranberry sauce and we'll have both this year. I definitely look most forward to the savory sides, with dressing being my fave. 

2. Holiday movies...tell us your favorite and what it is about the film that makes you love it. Is it the film itself or a memory it stirs? 

White Christmas. Partly because I love the story and the music and especially the dresses (swoon!), but also because my girls used to love to recreate the Sisters song whenever we watched, and that's a sweet memory. Daughter1 might have even sung the first line of that song in the toast she made for Daughter2's wedding. Pass the tissues please. 

3. A favorite way to give back and help others? 

I volunteer in a local soup kitchen every week and I really enjoy that. We make a hot lunch and I enjoy the team I work with and interacting with the folks who come in. It's generally the same crowd so you get to know some of them a little bit. It's not my reason for doing this, but one of the effects this weekly task brings is the way it shifts my perspective about so many things in my own life. 

Besides the soup kitchen we support several organizations with our dollars and our prayers too. Samaritans Purse, World Vision, Compassion, Young Life, and St. Judes. I also like to donate the cost of an ultrasound to pregnant moms considering abortion. Seeing and hearing their baby's heartbeat is often a game changer. 

4. Name a place or setting you encountered this month that made you feel grateful. 

We had friends visit a couple of weeks ago and the Saturday weather was sheer perfection. The sky was a brilliant blue and we were outside most of the day. 

There's something about a beautiful sunshiny blue sky day that stirs my soul. Beauty in the great outdoors stirs up feelings of gratitude for me. 

5. Knowing what you know today, if you could redo yesterday what would you do differently? 

I'm answering these on Tuesday so yesterday was Monday. Would I do anything different? Yes, and I'm just gonna leave it at that. 

6. Spill your own random thought here. 

Let the games begin...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

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Hodgepodge Favorites

Welcome to another week in The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go-

1. What was your favorite part about growing up in your hometown? 

Without a doubt it would be the neighborhood. We walked to school, rode our bikes with abandon, chased fireflies and played big games of tag and kick the can with all ages teaming up together. We knew our neighbors and there was a strong sense of community. Family. Friends. Fun. And the freedom to figure out life and our place in it.

As I was answering this question I remembered writing a post in my early days of blogging on this very topic. You'll find it here-My Very Own Wonder Years. 

"There was a time when the world was enormous...Spanning the vast, almost infinite boundaries of your neighborhood. The place where you grew up. Where you didn't think twice about playing on someone else's lawn. And the street was your territory that occasionally got invaded by a passing car. It was where you didn't get called home until after it was dark. And all the people, and all the houses that surrounded you were as familiar as the things in your own room. And you knew they would never change."

Kevin Arnold, The Wonder Years

2. Do you prefer 'material' gifts or 'experience' gifts? If you answered experience, tell us about one you've received and enjoyed. 

Here's how I feel about gifts...when I receive a gift I want it to say 'I thought of you'. Or 'I remember once you said you loved x and I saw x so I got it for you'. 

Some of my favorite material gifts are small inexpensive things that in some way suggest the giver has taken the time to really think about me before they just go out and buy something for the sake of buying something. It could be a hedgehog apron or a weekend in NYC. They're of equal value in my mind because they show intent and thought and planning...my favorite kinds of gifts. 

My hubs has planned two birthday getaways with an element of surprise and both showed a lot of forethought and planning. To me that was the best part of the whole thing. 

3. Is brown a color featured prominently in your home decor? Your wardrobe? What's one brown thing you own and love? Of the brown foods listed here which one is your favorite and/or most often consumed.. brown sugar, brown rice, pretzels, coffee, dates, cloves, German chocolate cake, whole wheat bread?

Is it featured prominently in my home? I guess you could say that. I like real wood and we have a lot of it in the form of beams, furniture, and wainscoting. Our wood leans toward the darker hues, which to me make a house feel warm and cozy.  The dark tones need to be balanced with light coming in somewhere, but for the most part I love the dark woods. 

Off the top of my head I don't think I have a lot of brown in my wardrobe. I do have a pair of heels I love and some brown boots, but in terms of tops, dresses etc no brown. 

I like all the foods listed, but if I have to pick a favorite I'm going to say pretzels. I always have pretzels in the house. 

My favorite brown thing I own and love? 

The little brown dog of course. 

Always livin' large. Remember his money shot-

Except there was no money lol. He did get his ten minutes of fame and was a happy distraction for over 91,000 voters during that very strange season we dubbed 'the pandemic'.  

4. Which 'Charlie Brown' character do you relate to most? If you're not sure, you can take a fun quick quiz by clicking here-Which Charlie Brown Character Are You?  or another one here-Charlie Brown Quiz. I got the same answer on both. 

I could have answered this without the quiz-Charlie Brown. 

Chuck is an ambivert and so am I. As the quiz describes...both introverted and extroverted depending on your mood or the situation (true). You're gentle and lovable (I hope so), determined (some might say stubborn) and hopeful (an eternal optimist). You mean well and care deeply about your friends (yes). When it comes to failure, you stay optimistic (of course), press on, and cheer for your friends to keep on going (keep going friends!)

 5. Favorite item you've purchased this year? 

I feel like I've made a lot of purchases this year, both large and small. We recently bought a slew of new outdoor furniture, two outdoor rugs, and a couch for the lower level family room so declaring that my favorite. Technically it's not going to be delivered until sometime in the new year, but since the deposit hit the credit card in this calendar year it counts. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

How about some random cuteness? Time is a-flyin' and I never posted any pics from our quick 24-hour visit with the Tennessee grands, which happened a whole week and three days ago. I meant to, but somehow I seem to always be a few steps behind here.

Sugar with her double ear infection and sweet baby J wanting to bust loose, but we powered through and snapped a photo. They're the sweetest-

Happy Wednesday Hodgepodgers! 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 578

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share your answers. See you there! 

1. What was your favorite part about growing up in your hometown? 

2. Do you prefer 'material' gifts or 'experience' gifts? If you answered experience, tell us about one you've received and truly enjoyed. 

3. Is brown a color featured prominently in your home decor? Your wardrobe? What's a favorite brown thing you own? Of the brown foods listed here which one is your favorite and/or most often consumed... brown sugar, brown rice, pretzels, coffee, dates, cloves, German chocolate cake, whole wheat bread?

4. Which 'Charlie Brown' character do you relate to most? If you're not sure, you can take a fun quick quiz by clicking here-Which Charlie Brown Character Are You?  or the one found here-Charlie Brown Quiz. I got the same answer on both. 

5. What's a favorite item you've purchased this year? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Appreciating The Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Thanks for joining the fun here on Wednesdays. Here we go-

1. What's something you think is under appreciated. Explain.  

Gentleness. The world is harsh. It often seems like everyone is shouting and nobody is listening.  When I encounter someone who speaks gently, who is able to make their point without name calling, swearing, or belittling another I find myself wishing there was more of it. 

2. As winter approaches how do you stay productive? 

Hmmm...am I productive in the winter months? We're more like bears who hibernate in order to conserve energy to be used later. We go mach ten here three quarters of the year so I actually view doing less as being productive in it's own way. Winter is a time to hunker down, catch up on some of the longer books on my to-read list, rest, and make plans. 

3. What's a popular food you don't like? 

I'm not a big fan of quinoa. Or kale. I'll eat both but they're not something I choose to cook/eat at home. I like brown rice, couscous, and chickpeas all of which are good substitutions for quinoa in many dishes. And while I don't care for kale I do love spinach so why eat kale? 

That being said,  I'm not a picky eater at all so if I come to your house for dinner and you serve me quinoa with a side of kale I'll eat both. 

4. What do you think is more interesting-art or history? Elaborate. 

I enjoy both I guess for different reasons. Art is so often a reflection of the times in which it's made so in a sense we need art to help us understand history. If I have to choose I'd say I don't want to live in a world without art, but I find history more interesting. 

5. What advice would you give to someone half your age?

Develop a habit of daily prayer. One sentence or whole pages. 

Start a simple stretching or exercise routine. 

Wear sunscreen.

Think for yourself. 

Cultivate a grateful heart. 

Read more, scroll less. 

Print your pictures. 

Write it down. A single sentence about your day or big thoughts about your life. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

42 days until Christmas...how's that for random? 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 577

Another week, another set of Hodgepodge questions. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What's something you think is under appreciated. Explain.  

2. As winter approaches how do you stay productive? 

3. What's a popular food you don't like? 

4. What do you think is more interesting-art or history? Elaborate. 

5. What advice would you give to someone half your age? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Nacho Average Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for your neighbor there. I'm writing this on Election Day and while I don't know how it will go I do know we like to keep it friendly here. Thank you. 

Now here we go-

1. What is one good thing you often take for granted? 

Wow, so many things...hot water in the shower, opening the door to a full refrigerator, heat when it's cold and air conditioning when it's not, are just a few things that spring immediately to mind. 

Still, I think I'm going to say family. 

What I mean by that is my family of origin and the enormous blessing of growing up with two parents in the home and siblings too. With lots of love, and a sense of security and well being that in large part made me who I am. They are the people who make me laugh still, and they are always there.

They're the background noise, the fabric of the quilt, a sure thing...whatever you want to call it, it's a gift and it's good to think about it and acknowledge that now and then. 

2. What's the boldest piece of clothing in your wardrobe?

I lean more toward classic than bold so not sure how to answer this one. 

I have some sparkly pants I love wearing to events where sparkle is appropriate so let's go with that. 

3. Do you think common interests or common values are the key to people getting along? Elaborate.

Are we playing a game of cards or are we getting married? My answer would depend. If we're getting married then I think you absolutely need common values. And common interests will certainly help in terms of enjoying that person in all the many seasons you'll walk through in a long life together. 

If we're playing cards, pickle ball, or shooting pool then I guess our values might be secondary to our common interest. 

4. November 6 is National Nacho Day...do you like nachos? How do you like yours? Do you make them at home or only order out? 

I do like nachos. I very rarely make them at home (although this question has me craving a plateful right now) and only occasionally order them out. They feel more like a snack than a meal, but calorie wise they're a meal and then some. I mean who can eat just a single serving?Hubs and I sometimes share an order if we're in a Mexican restaurant and don't want a full dinner. 

I like them all ways. My favorite would be beef, cheese, pico de gallo, black olives, onion, jalapeno, and guacamole. Gotta have the guac. 

5. Have you spent any time in Washington D.C.?  If so what did you think? If not, is that a place you'd like to visit? What do you think about politics as a career choice? 

I've spent a lot of time in D.C. We lived in Annapolis for nine years so were in the city pretty regularly showing around our houseguests, attending events, etc. My dad is buried in Arlington National Cemetery and we like to visit whenever we can. 

My oldest daughter lived in Bethesda for a couple of years prior to getting married and worked very near the White House. I always enjoyed my visits there. I've written a lot of posts featuring treks into D.C. which are easily accessible by typing Washington D.C. into the search box on my sidebar. 

Politics as a career? Hmmm. Just say no-ha! I mean as one part of a career then sure, but don't go to Washington and make it permanent. I'm all for term limits. You shouldn't just keep running for re-election and end up never working a 'real job' or interacting with people outside the D.C. bubble, which is so artificial. 

I do think there are people who go to Washington with noble ideas, but then they get comfortable with the power, the notoriety, the money, and most of all with a sense of self-importance that's overblown. 

Come in, do your job, then go home and live and work amongst the people who elected you. Live by the laws you've helped enact. It's healthier for everyone, most especially our country. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Since I'm writing my answers on Election Day, and will have no idea of the results when I hit publish, let's just watch something funny. Surely we can all use something light hearted right about now.

My hubs sent me this on Instagram and it made me laugh, it's quick and -linked here. 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 576

Somehow it's November. And it's a big day in the US of A. I will spend some time today praying for peace in our cities and in our hearts on this election day, and in the days ahead too. 

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there-

1. What is one good thing you often take for granted? 

2. What's the boldest piece of clothing in your wardrobe? 

3. Do you think common interests or common values are the key to people getting along? Elaborate. 

4. November 6 is National Nacho Day...do you like nachos? How do you like yours? Do you make them at home or only order out? 

5. Have you spent any time in Washington D.C.?  If so what did you think? If not, is that a place you'd like to visit? What do you think about politics as a career choice? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Trick or Treat! It's The Hodgepodge!

BOO! It's the Hodgepodge. If you've answered this week's questions, add your link at the end of my post. Then head over to your neighbor there, and leave them a comment. What a treat!  Here we go-

1. What are your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

I think the older you get the more aware you become of the passing of time. I know I want to invest in things that matter for eternity. I want to stay healthy and active. Hubs and I enjoy going and doing and we have five grandchildren who I want to see grow up. 

I especially want to be intentional as a grandparent in spending time with them, praying for them, encouraging them. And for my daughters too who are in the thick of it with young children in the house. I want to be available for them when they are available. The flexibility in my daily schedule is a gift and I want to listen and support and laugh with them at all the funny things their babies say and do. 

2. What's one thing you wish you had more of? 

Self-discipline.

3. Do you celebrate Halloween? If so, what are your Halloween traditions? Any special plans for Halloween this year? 

We do celebrate Halloween. We usually go to a party and I enjoy dressing up. We have wedding festivities happening this weekend, so will be celebrating young love instead of Halloween.  

When the girls were growing up we carved pumpkins, chose costumes, and then usually the dads in the neighborhood took the trick or treaters out and moms were home handing out the candy. 

The dads enjoyed it as much as the kids, and they sometimes dressed up too. I don't decorate for Halloween per se, but I do put pumpkins on my porch and add some fall decor inside. 

4. Last thing you ate that contained chocolate? Last thing you made that called for chocolate?

I haven't had a lot of chocolate lately. I guess the last thing I ate would be the last thing I made. These chocolate peanut butter bars my sister gave me the recipe for. I've only had one but hubs has been enjoying them a lot. In fact I didn't take a picture when I made them and this is all that's left-

Super easy and no bake! The recipe is linked here-No Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares

5. Do you prefer laid back weekends or do you like to have a lot of plans? Thinking back to this past weekend... which was it? 

I like both. I need both. I enjoy plans but need down time to recover too. Last weekend was pretty laid back. I wrote about it in Monday's post-Monday Morning Quarterbacking

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I dug out a couple of Halloween pics from years past. This was last year's costume-

And an Austin Powers themed costume I loved from a few years back-

And one more of my girls from way back when...

Enjoy your Halloween fun, and I'll see you in NOVEMBER. Say what??

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 575

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to share your answers. See you there! 

1. What are your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

2. What's one thing you wish you had more of? 

3. Do you celebrate Halloween? If so, what are your Halloween traditions? Any special plans for Halloween this year? 

4. Last thing you ate that contained chocolate? Last thing you made that called for chocolate? 

5. Do you prefer laid back weekends or do you like to have a lot of plans? Thinking back to this past weekend... which was it? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

An Apple A Day Keeps The Hodgepodge In Play

Who else thinks October is flying? Thank you for joining this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post. I always ask participants to at least comment on the blogger before them on the list because comments keep s a blog hop hoppin'. Happy Wednesday! Here we go...

1. Monday was National Apple Day...did you eat an apple or enjoy something made with apples on Monday? Do you like apples? Do you prefer your apples raw, baked, or in cider? Do you have a favorite variety of apple? 

I did have an apple on Monday. The variety was Empire and I grabbed a few at the market because they looked firm and unblemished. Sadly the one I ate Monday was a bit mushy-ick. I sliced it and sprinkled it with cinnamon which helped, and am hoping the others have a better texture.  

I don't have a favorite variety but just go for what looks best on my particular shopping day. I tend to buy Gala and Honeycrisp for eating and use Granny Smith for baking. I love apples, one of my favorite fruits, and pretty much always have some on hand. I like them raw, baked, in cider, whatever...it's all good. 

2. Do you think there's any truth to the saying 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. Of the following healthy habits which do you find easiest to incorporate into your life and which is the most difficult for you to adopt-

adequate sleep, a balanced diet, plenty of water, eat breakfast, don't smoke, exercise, limit alcohol,  include fruits and vegetables in your diet, manage stress, limit screen time

Not sure there's scientific proof of that particular saying, but there are many health benefits to eating an apple so it's possible. A trainer once told me I should have an apple every day. I read eating one medium apple a day is good for lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation. 

Of the healthy habits listed the easiest one for me to keep is 'don't smoke'. I've never been a smoker and it's never held any appeal for me, so that's not difficult to manage. Most of these healthy habits are part of my daily life, but if I have to choose one as most difficult I guess it would be screen time. 

3. Who taught you how to drive? Do you enjoy driving? Would you rather be the driver or the passenger?  Do you have a favorite scenic drive near you? 

I enjoy driving and am fine in either seat. I got my first license in the state of NJ. At the time you couldn't even get a permit until the day you turned 17 so I was just beginning my senior year of high school when I started driving. Hubs got his license in Tennessee and I think he was in the 9th grade lol. 

Driver's Ed was a part of our high school health curriculum. It wasn't behind the wheel, more like 'Scared Straight' where they showed us all the film clips of horrible accidents resulting from someone not wearing a seatbelt, drinking, having too many friends or distractions in the car. Let me just say those film clips stayed with you. 

My dad taught me to drive. I don't remember it being stressful for either of us, but perhaps if he were here to tell the story he'd remember it differently. I was not an impulsive teen, and I was always a rule follower, so those traits probably helped in the driving department. 

I live on a lake so there are many scenic drives in my daily life. The drive across this bridge just a couple miles from my house is a favorite-

4. What small habit has had a big impact on your life? 

Daily Bible Reading

Keeping a prayer journal

5. Tell us about something nice that's happened to you recently? 

The day we got home from our two-week holiday in the aftermath of a hurricane my next door neighbor brought over homemade soup and sourdough bread for dinner. So thoughtful! It was nice not to have to worry about cooking when we were jet lagged, had a mess in the yard, and a freezer to empty and clean out. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We've been enjoying our new griddle and it's a learn as you go kind of thing in terms of trying new recipes and figuring out the heat, etc. 

Hubs loves to grill so I mostly do the prep work and make any sides we're having, and he cooks the main.

 We grilled (and by we I mean he) a pork tenderloin on The Green Egg on Sunday and it was so good. 

We had about half left over so we cubed that and he made pork fried rice on the griddle. 

We used this recipe, and it was delicious! 

Hibachi-Style Griddle Pork Fried Rice  

We mostly cooked as instructed but used leftover tenderloin that had been grilled in a garlic and black pepper marinade so lots of flavor. I made the rice early in the day so it could sit in the frig all day and this is key. 

Have a great day everyone! 

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