Overreacting To The Hodgepodge

Welcome to another edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post. Be sure to leave a comment for the person before you, or all the people before you if you have the time. Here we go-

1. What's the last thing you completely overreacted to? 

I know I overreacted to something recently because I distinctly remember hubs finally telling me I needed to calm down about whatever 'it' was. lol. That always goes over well, doesn't it? It's possible it was my first glimpse at the proposal for the backyard, which he knew would be adjusted down. For the most part I don't think I'm an 'overreactor'

2. Your top five snacks? 

popcorn, clementines, a slice of cheese, apples, dried mango 

3. What smell always brings back some type of memory? Elaborate. 

I've asked this question or one similar a few times over the course of the Hodgepodge, and my answer is always the same. While there are many scents that evoke a memory the first one that always comes to mind is freshly mown grass. That smell takes me right back to the Saturday morning summers of my childhood.

Back in the day dads mowed the lawn on Saturday mornings. Or teenage brothers. Maybe there were a few moms tackling this job but I don't remember seeing any. I grew up in a sprawling suburban neighborhood and nobody had lawn services. I still love the smell of mown grass and the Saturday morning freedom feeling it brings.

4. What's something you learned from the last book you read? 

The last book I read was West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. It's based on an actual event, but is historical fiction, set in the late 1930's. When I read books set in this time period I'm always impressed by the resilience of people. How they didn't expect life to be easy, and instead just got on with things. 

I learned a little bit more about the dust bowl too. Last year I read The Four Winds by Kirstin Hannah, another novel set in that same time period, and while West With Giraffes was very different in scope, the challenges people faced were similar. I know I studied the Great Depression in high school, but I don't remember hearing a lot about the dust bowl specifically.  

5. What's the next thing on your to-buy list? Will you make that purchase before the end of the year? 

I have a very long to-buy list, but in terms of large purchases I guess outdoor furniture would be near the top. A new space needs new furniture. I'm also shopping for luggage as my largest suitcase lost a wheel, three birthdays, Christmas, and I need new ear buds too (recommendations are welcome). 

Like a said, the list is long. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A work in progress...

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

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When Life Gives You Lemons Hodgepodge

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

1.What was the best (or one of the best) summers of your life? Tell us why. 

Ahh, summer. What's not to love? I have many happy memories of summer fun growing up, but I think I'm going with the summer of 1975. I was a first year 'CIT' (except the year I joined the. program they changed the moniker to LTC which I think was Leadership somethin'somethin', but I'm not even sure now what). Anyway, the camp I attended had a three year training program for counselor wannabes and the first year involved an 8-day hike on the Appalachian Trail. 

I had never done anything like that and wasn't what you'd call athletic by any means. In fact I was a skinny skinny little thing, but I carried that 40 lb pack on my back over mountain and stream and up and down narrow footpaths for eight days straight. I'm not sure there was ever another summer where I learned so much. About myself, about the great outdoors, and most of all about God's faithfulness, His protection and His goodness. 

That summer was an important building block in my faith walk going forward. 

2. When you have a trip coming up do you make a list and check it twice to ensure you don't forget anything? Or are you a 'throw whatever you can think of into the suitcase at the last minute' kind of packer? When returning from a trip do you unpack immediately or leave the suitcase right where it lands? 

I like to make a packing list, if not an actual list then at least one in my head. For big trips (more than a weekend away) I try to lay things out in one of the guest rooms a day or two before traveling, which makes packing feel a little bit less overwhelming.

I am 100% an unpack that bag as soon as we get home. I usually throw a load of wash in right way too, and return the suitcase to the basement where it's stored. 

3. What's your favorite food or beverage made with lemons? Is that a flavor you enjoy? 

Lemon is one of my absolute favorite flavors, maybe even number one. I love all things lemon. Lemonade, lemon bars, lemon candies, limoncello, lemon pie...

Not sure I can narrow it down to just one favorite food or beverage, but chicken or veal piccata or chicken/veal  francese would definitely make the list. I make a couscous dish with cucumber that has a lemony dressing and that's another favorite here. 

4. When was the last time you had to make lemonade out of lemons, figuratively speaking I mean? 

The landscapers are here to begin work on our large backyard project. The project is on the lake side of the house, and involves a small hill, plus a bunch of other stuff, but the hill is why they were coming by barge. I think. 

Let me just insert here when it comes to this type of project that has 1000 moving parts I want to adopt an attitude of 'call me when it's done', and believe me I will try. Already on day one I had to weigh in on something because hubs wasn't home but my goal is to be surprised by how beautiful it all turns out lol. 

Anyway, back to the lemonade...the original deal was they would bring all the materials by barge, which let me just say, that particular cost is not small. However, when they started calculating the actual amount of materials they'd need to haul it would have required four barges. FOUR!!!! 

You'd probably faint if I told you what that number is (I sweat just thinking about it), but not to worry, we're making lemonade. Materials can and will be brought over land, which is a bit more of a hassle for the people doing the actual work, and will likely not be great for the driveway or the grass, but these things can be set right when the project is finished. 

Hubs is going to be antsy until the whole thing is done, and he will be down there snapping pictures and asking questions and giving me more updates than I want, so I don't need to worry as long as he's available. 

5. Did you like school growing up? Why or why not? 

I loved school. 

That's me in kindergarten. I think I'm wearing my Easter dress because way back when we dressed up on picture day. 

Really I can't think of a grade I didn't like, except maybe 7th grade which I'm pretty sure we should all just skip. My girls know their 7th grade years were not my favorite either. Otherwise I loved school. I was a good student, I was always conscientious and I liked learning. I still do, and I have always loved books. There were one or two teachers who weren't my favorite, but looking back I can honestly say most of my teachers were kind, caring, and pushed me to do my best.   

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Is anyone on Threads? It's connected to Instagram in some way and I keep trying to read things that take me to Threads and then get a message saying  I need to create an account in order to keep reading. Is it a thing? Is it worth checking out? I feel like Insta is enough to keep up with, but maybe this is the next thing? Or not? 

Have a great Wednesday everyone! 

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You Never Outgrow The Hodgepodge

Welcome to the end of July and this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.  If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my blog, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. 

Here we go-

1. What is a childhood habit or preference you will never outgrow? 

My love of jelly beans, words, going barefoot, and getting lost for hours in a good book. 

2. Did you know July is beans month? What's your favorite bean? Your favorite recipe that calls for beans? When it comes to chili are you team beans or team no beans?  

I'm assuming jelly beans don't count teehee. I like all beans but green beans are my favorite. I'm not sure I have a favorite bean recipe, but I do make a white bean soup that's really tasty. I put beans in my chili which is my preference, but I like it without too. 

3. Some historical figures have a tag line after their name, something like 'the brave' or 'the wise' or 'the mad'...what would your tag line be? Explain why? 

This was harder than I thought it would be. How about Joyce the overthinker? Joyce the reluctant adventurer? Joyce the dreamer...I like that one. 

4. The way to my heart is______________________________. 

Small thoughtful acts, kind words, and a gentle tone. 

5.  The calendar rolls into August this week, but before we go give us four adjectives that describe your July. 

joyful, noisy, active, sun-kissed

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

After the kids left last week hubs started to put away all the baby related gear. Not so fast please.

An impromptu Round 2 happened this week. 

Daughter2 was at her in-laws this past weekend, helping host a baby shower for a high school friend of her hubs. We're more or less the halfway point in her drive to/from, so she stopped here on her way home Monday. Her hubs had a few days of work related travel so she and her babies have been with us for a couple of extra fun in the sun days. 

We're not mad about it. 

If you want life to slow down enough to smell the roses I recommend hanging out with a toddler. 

They're not in a hurry for the world to go by and help you notice small wonders you might otherwise miss. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 562

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 a childhood habit or preference you will never outgrow? 

2. Did you know July is beans month? What's your favorite bean? Your favorite recipe that calls for beans? When it comes to chili are you team beans or team no beans?  

3. Some historical figures have a tag line after their name, something like 'the brave' or 'the wise' or 'the mad'...what would your tag line be? Explain why? 

4. The way to my heart is______________________________. 

5.  The calendar rolls into August this week, but before we go give us four adjectives that describe your July. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Juggling The Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. We've had a few new bloggers participating in recent weeks so if you're an 'old-timer' here hop over and say hello to someone new to you. 

So glad you're all here today and thanks for playing along! If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post. And definitely leave the blogger before you a comment since that's what keeps the Hodgepodge rolling right along. Here we go...

1. What are you currently juggling in your life? 

The calendar, highways and byways, family logistics...all of the above always and forever it seems. Also needing to figure some things out for an aging parent. Providing proper care while allowing some measure of independence/control where possible is for sure a juggling act. 

2. How often do you buy new clothes? What was the last piece of clothing you purchased? 

Is periodically an answer? I don't have a regular buying schedule. I just notice I need some new tops, or a dress for an event, or something looks worn and needs replacing and I replace it. I do subscribe to four Stitch Fix boxes a year, basically one for each season. I get them in March, June, September and December. I've had various stylists with them through the years, but the one I've had the past few 'fixes' seems to get me and I'm sticking with her.  If I remember I'll try to post what's in the next box. 

3. What food festival would you most like to attend? If you need help here are links to some of the bigger and more popular food events around the world-

Ten Food Festivals Worth Traveling To Find

2024 Best Food And Drink Festivals And Events In The US

20 Popular Food Festivals Around The World In 2024 For Your Unconditional Love Of Food

So many of the food festivals around the world sound like a fun thing to be a part of. There are actually two popular food festivals every year in towns not far from where I'm living now but our calendar doesn't usually line up date wise. See question #1. 

Hong Kong has a Dumpling Festival and I love both the city and the food so that might be one I'd enjoy. Also there are several Salon du Chocolat festivals in various cities around the world, but the one in Paris is intriguing. There's a fashion show where outfits are embellished with or even made from spun chocolate. 

As the saying goes...'Paris is always a good idea'. 

No argument here. 

4. May is the 5th month of the year. Tell us something you remember about your 5th grade year. 

I loved fifth grade, my teacher, my friends, and school in general. I remember my teacher reading aloud to us every day right after lunch and I enjoyed that so much. I grew up in a great neighborhood with loads of kids, lots of freedom and outdoor play, and I had good friends, most of whom I'd known since kindergarten. It was still an age of innocence for my crew.

5. What are your favorite five words right now? 

Nana, spontaneity, anticipation, home, and orange,  but only when orange is pronounced by my almost 2-year old grandson. Y'all it is the absolute best. It comes out sounding like oi-loy-lioy. No idea why but it's the same pronunciation for both the food and the color. My daughter and I both say we'll be sad when one of these days he comes out with just plain old orange.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

One month before we 'officially' dive into summer...

Some of us like a head start. 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 537

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

1. Something you've waited for recently? 

2. What's something you loved to do as a child? 

3. Something you learned from a grandparent? 

4. The most visited cities in the world last year (according to this site) were-Bangkok, Paris, London, Dubai, and Singapore. Have you been to any of the cities mentioned? Which would you most like to see? How do you feel about international travel in general these days? 

5. February is the perfect month to ______________________.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Five Minutes Of Pattern

Linking up with Five Minute Friday today, and here's how that looks- 

Tell your inner critic to hush, then write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word. Then hop over to the Five Minute Friday link up hosted by Kate Motaung and add your blog to the list. Don't forget to leave a comment for the writer linking before you, because that's the neighborly thing to do.

Today's prompt-pattern

I remember being a little girl of about nine or ten, accompanying my mom to the fabric store. Back in the day there were lots of fabric stores and there was always an area set up with big conference style tables where you would start your hunt for just the right thing. 

There were enormous catalogs to peruse...McCalls...Simplicity...Butterick...these were my favorite, and we'd spend a lot of time trying to find something I loved that my mom would be able to sew. Choosing the fabric was my favorite part of the experience and sometimes I'd want a particular material, but my mom would explain it wouldn't work well with the pattern we'd chosen

We'd settle on something then go home to lay out the pattern and cut the pieces of material to fit. She'd pin and sew and I'd try on, and it was fun to watch it all come together. My mom loved buying fabric and had a couple of trunkfuls she never made into anything, but couldn't part with either. Sometimes when I think of my mom I picture her at her sewing machine. She didn't have a dedicated room but she made it work, sometimes in the dining room, sometimes in my brother's room after he went off to college. 

I learned to sew somewhere along the way, mostly by watching and my mom teaching, but also in Home Ec in junior high and high school. Is that still a thing? I learned to follow a pattern, but I didn't stick with it and don't own a machine anymore. 

I have a lot of friends who quilt so I know there are still fabric stores out there, but they seem few and far between now. Do you still choose a paper pattern or is everything somehow digital in the 21st century? Do you sit in a store in a too big chair and turn pages in a too big book until you find the dress that calls your name? 

Do you lean over your mama's shoulder and beg to press the pedal and guide the fabric through the machine? Does she lean over yours as she helps you hold it straight? 

Do you grow up and write a blog where a word sparks a memory? 

A Cup Of Pumpkin Spice Hodgepodge

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 hop over and leave a comment for your neighbor there. Here we go...

1. What's something that scares you? 

Besides our government you mean? I kid. Sort of. 

I'm going with bats. They give me the heebie jeebies. 

2. Do you care where the food you eat comes from? To what degree? 

Do I care? Yes. I read labels, am on the lookout for the GM tag and do my best to steer clear, we eat very little processed foods, and if I were ever to have dinner with Bill Gates I'd tell him real meat only please, none of that synthetic stuff he thinks Americans should be eating. 

Just to be clear, Bill Gates is not someone I'd care to have dinner with. 

3. What's something you wish you'd spent more time doing when you were younger? 

Oh wow, lots of things I suppose, but realizing that is part of growing up. A few things that come to mind would be speaking French, asking my dad about his childhood, keeping up with a journal, and learning to play the piano. A few more serious bits too but I don't think they're for sharing here. 

4. Let's play autumn this or that....pumpkin spice or apple cider? Corn maze or haunted house? Horror film or Hallmark movie? Blanket or sweatshirt? Watch football or watch the World Series? Foliage-red, yellow or orange? 

I'm not a pumpkin spice fan at all so cider it is. I've never cared for the scary elements of Halloween so I'll go for the corn maze. I definitely don't watch any horror movies, but it's also a rare day I watch a Hallmark movie so really neither. Hallmark if I have to choose. I love a cozy blanket, and college football is what fall Saturdays are all about. As far as the foliage goes, I love a mix of all three colors. 

5. This time last year where were you and what were you doing? 

This time last year hubs and I had just returned from a fabulous trek up the coast of California (mucho posts about that trip starting with the link here).

On the first Tuesday in October of 2022 we were finally back in the southland. I spent that morning in the orthopedic surgeon's office having my fractured elbow assessed. Good times. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

October, 2023. It's not the coast of California...

...but it's awfully pretty here too. 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 522

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's something that scares you? 

2. Do you care where the food you eat comes from? To what degree? 

3. What's something you wish you'd spent more time doing when you were younger? 

4. Let's play autumn this or that....pumpkin spice or apple cider? Corn maze or haunted house? Horror film or Hallmark movie? Blanket or sweatshirt? Watch football or watch the World Series? Foliage-red, yellow or orange? 

5. This time last year where were you and what were you doing? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Something's Fishy In The Hodgepodge

Welcome to another edition of the weekly 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. Here we go-

1. What's your earliest memory?

I don't know if it's my earliest, but it's definitely early. I must have been about five years old because I know which house we were living in when this happened.  I have a very clear memory of company in the house and we kids were upstairs in the bedroom I shared with my sister. We were playing records on our record player if that gives you an idea of the decade, and I had a lifesaver in my mouth. 

I accidentally snapped one of our records in half (it was Peter Pan) and was so distraught I inhaled the lifesaver which momentarily stuck in my throat. I quickly ran and hid in the closet which is where my parents found me a few minutes later. Still breathing lol. 

2. What's something about you today that the old you would find surprising? 

My hair color? 

3. Do you like to fish? Are you a fish eater? Favorite fish (to eat)? Favorite way to prepare fish? 

I do like to fish and I'm also a fish eater. My favorite is probably halibut but I cook salmon almost every week so that's a close second. My favorite way is blackened. Hubs normally grills our salmon on a cedar plank and that's yummy too. 

4. What's your biggest first world problem? 

Recently it would be the broken ice maker in my kitchen freezer. It took about three weeks and three visits from the repairman to finally get it fixed.  It was so annoying, and very very first world. 

5. What one word would you use to describe your year thus far? 

Patchwork

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Spent the weekend with sweet baby J and we had lunch on Monday at Nic and Normans in the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Nic and Normans is owned in part by Norman Reedus from the show The Walking Dead and Greg Nicotera a special effects makeup artist, produceer, and director on that same show. 

 Last time I was at the Choo Choo was for a sorority formal in 1980. 

None of these people were with me lol. 

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Driving Into The Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. 

Please note-there won't be a Hodgepodge next week (July 5th). The Hodgepodge will return the following week, July 12th. God bless America! 

Here we go-

1. What's one thing you're excited about in the coming month? 

Having both girls, their husbands, and all the grands here to celebrate America's birthday. 

2. What was your life like when you were ten years old? 

That would have been the summer before I started fifth grade. I had very long hair and the skinniest legs imaginable. Life was sweet. I was loved and well cared for. I enjoyed school but also the freedom of summertime. I'm sure my sister and I spent a lot of time at the pool and riding bikes. I had a lot of friends in the neighborhood. I spent a week at sleep away camp. I don't remember too many specifics, just an overall sense of a happy childhood. 

3. What's something from your childhood you still enjoy today?

reading, swimming, freezer pops, having someone else do my hair, Sunday morning church, and time spent with family 

4. What state (that you haven't been to) do you most want to visit? Tell us why. 

I've been to more than 30 of the 50 states and honestly I'd like to see them all. I guess if I must choose just one I'll say Wyoming because The Grand Tetons are high on my travel bucket list. 

5. Do you like to drive? Tell us how you learned to drive. 

I do like to drive. I grew up mostly in New Jersey and 'back in the day' you couldn't even get a permit until you turned 17. I was a senior in high school when I learned to drive. Our Junior year we did take  Driver's Ed in the classroom, which involved no actual driving but lots of terrifying videos of car crashes. This was how we learned to wear a seat belt. And I guess they were films not videos because there was no such thing back in the mid-70's. 

My dad taught me behind the wheel, and while I can remember thinking I was a good driver, that's definitely something that comes with experience. I have always enjoyed driving and still love a good road trip. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hubs and I spent Tuesday morning painting the Adirondack chairs that sit beside our fire pit. We've had them about six years and have never done anything to them in the way of maintenance. They were looking a bit faded so it was time. 

The chairs were made by a gentleman we met in a nearby mountain town and I have to say they've held up exceptionally well. None of the wood is rotting and all the screws are still in place. We decided to change up the very neutral color scheme and went from this-

To this -

 Spanish Tile is the color. It was a beautiful day and we got the job done. 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 510

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. 

Note-there won't be a Hodgepodge next week (July 5th). The Hodgepodge will return the following week, July 12th. God bless America! 

Now back to today~

1. What's one thing you're excited about in the coming month? 

2. What was your life like when you were ten years old? 

3. What's something from your childhood you still enjoy today? 

4. What state (that you haven't been to) do you most want to visit? Tell us why. 

5. Do you like to drive? Tell us how you learned to drive. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Goofing Off In The Hodgepodge

Welcome to the weekly 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. Did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in some way? If so tell us how. Are you a fan of corned beef? Cabbage? The color green? 

We did celebrate, with a neighborhood get together in our clubhouse. Neighbors take turn hosting these once a month gatherings, everyone brings a dish, and it's a fun way to get to know new neighbors and also catch up with old. We had volunteered to host in March and even though it was a week before St. Patty's we went with a St. Patrick's Day theme. Everyone wore something green and brought an Irish dish to share. The food was so good! 

I made corned beef and cabbage for the event and am a fan of both. I only make corned beef once a year and this is the day. I love the color green, one of my favorites. 

2. March 22nd is National Goof Off Day...will you celebrate? Your favorite way to goof off? Last time you had a whole day to spend 'goofing off'? 

I'm retired so technically I can goof off as much as I want. That being said, I prefer to have some sort of schedule in my week, and am happier with at least a little bit of structure. 

What qualifies as goofing off when your time is really your own? My favorite ways to 'goof off' would be reading a book,  floating on the lake, and sipping iced coffee on the porch with my girls or a friend.

3. Something on your to-do list that has been there more than a month? Will this be the month you finally cross it off? 

There is always a fairly long list of the un-crossed on my ongoing to-do list, and quite a few of those tasks have been there a while. We're nearing the end of the month so not sure if any of the big things will be crossed off before the 31st, but I'm trying to pencil some of the more easy to tackle items into my calendar to be done this spring. Not this month, but this season. 

4. In your opinion, what emotion is the most beneficial? Which one is the least useful? 

Most beneficial-joy. Because it's possible no matter the circumstance or situation. 

Least useful-envy. Contentment is the secret to a happy life. 

5. What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? Elaborate. 

So many things come to mind...riding my bike hands free would be one. Except we didn't say hands free back then, we said 'Hey look! No hands!'. Other favorites were the hours spent playing Barbies, paperdolls, and with our dress ups. My mom kept a big box of dress ups in the basement and we loved to make up plays and also play house wearing those clothes.

There were a lot of kids my age in the neighborhood, plus my sister is just a year younger than me, so always someone to play with. Swinging high on the swings, games of HORSE at our neighbor's basketball hoop, tag in the front yard, roller skating and jumping rope on the driveway. 

Aside from school my childhood was very unscheduled. So many hours to run, dream, and play. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I like to see my grands growing up with imagination in the great outdoors too-

"We could have never loved the earth so well if we had had no childhood in it."

~George Eliot

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 496

The Hodgepodge is back in action this week. Answer  on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. Did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in some way? If so tell us how. Are you a fan of corned beef? Cabbage? The color green? 

2. March 22nd is National Goof Off Day...will you celebrate? Your favorite way to goof off? Last time you had a whole day to spend 'goofing off'? 

3. Something on your to-do list that has been there more than a month? Will this be the month you finally cross it off? 

4. In your opinion, what emotion is the most beneficial? Which one is the least useful? 

5. What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? Elaborate. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

More Spring Break-Ing

I was right to make this a two-poster. I know me. 

The Sunday after the party it rained. Hubs and my son-in-law managed to get the rented u-haul loaded between cloudbursts, no easy feat.  The rain wasn't so much a problem as getting the furniture that was going up the steep part of the hill it needed to climb was a problem. 

But they made it eventually, and then the big guys took the little guys bowling which they loved. 

When we redid the office we downsized from our big desktop computer set up on a huge mahogany desk to a laptop on a simple table that can be moved around as needed. Daughter1 and her hubs needed a desk so we offered them ours and just had to figure out how to move it from Point A to Point B, with point B six and a half hours away. 

Also I'm sure I have pictures of the desk somewhere because it's been in every single house we've owned, but you're not getting them today. 

I asked for quotes on a site called ShipIt and was overwhelmed with how many responses I received. The cost range was enormous, and everyone I chatted with was very nice, but in the end we decided to just rent a u-haul and take it ourselves. We had better control over the timing this way. Also, my son-in-law needed to leave our house for an out of town work assignment so it made sense for us to drive my daughter and her kiddos back home.  Hubs drove the u-haul and I followed with everyone else in our vehicle. 

A six and a half hour trip is easily eight hours when you have a baby on board. Everyone was so good about the long ride, but babies need to eat and change and eat and it all just adds minutes to an already lengthy trip. 

Question-this desk was one of the first pieces of furniture hubs and I bought in the early years of our marriage. We bought it at the furniture mart in High Point NC in 1986, some 37 years ago. Does that make it an antique? 

Nope. Just old lol. To be considered an antique the item must be at least 100 years old. I like to think someday this desk might sit in one of my great grandchildren's homes and then it really will be an antique. 

Besides the big desk we also had a desk chair and a couple of bins we'd been holding for my daughter and son-in-law since they moved overseas, so this was a good way to get all their belongings back to their rightful owner. 

Maybe not all because I do still have an attic full of American Girl Dolls and furniture. Daughter1 and I rifled through some of that while she was here and she can tell you I basically have a Pleasant Company franchise in my attic. Hubs would not disagree. All the dolls we own were pre-Mattel days, the originals. My momma bought almost all of my inventory for my girls when they were growing up and I look forward to passing them down to Little Miss in a few years. 

On top of all those items we had one more thing to move-

When I was about six years old my parents bought a small desk and chair from an unpainted furniture store to go in my room. My dad sanded it, and painted it white, and it was part of my childhood forever. When Daughter1 was about six years old we took the desk from my parent's house, hubs sanded and painted it white, and it was part of her childhood forever too. When we came back from England the movers wrapped it up and that desk sat in our basement under cover for six years, and until last week sat in my attic here for another six. 

The week before the kids arrived hubs got the desk down from the attic, and sanded and painted it. Navy blue this time to fit in the mancub's room. He's turning six soon and life comes full circle in so many unexpected ways. 

I bought new knobs with military planes on them to go with some of the artwork in his room and it all makes me really happy. Also, this picture is not his room. The desk was in the hall waiting to be moved but then the stomach flu hit and it will get there eventually. 

This desk is over 50 years old so well on it's way to becoming an antique. I know my parents didn't pay a lot for it back in the day, but it has surely had a long and useful life. 

Okay, enough about moving furniture. We made the trip to daughter1's house on Monday and had a happy couple of days playing, driving the boys to school on Tuesday, lunch and shopping in the afternoon, and a long late night conversation with my girl because with three kids now those don't happen as often as we'd like. 

Our plan was to leave Wednesday morning, but the terrible awful no good very bad stomach flu struck me first, at 2 AM. No way we could possibly leave on Wednesday. We were hopeful it was a 24-hour thing (it most definitely was not!) but I hung in to make the long drive home Thursday, where I promptly fell back into the bed. Then hubs fell and then daughter1 texted to say three of the four of them had succumbed (not the baby thankfully!) and oy. Ugh. I do not recommend. 

But! It's a new day, a new week, there are new mercies, and we're over the hump, gently easing back into life. 

Which, all things considered, is still so very very sweet. 

No Fidgeting In The Hodgepodge

Happy fall y'all! It's been such a pretty autumn here so far and I am loving all the color. Welcome to another edition of the weekly 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's something you wish you'd figured out sooner? 

That what matters for eternity is what I need to devote my time and energy toward. 

2. Something from childhood you still enjoy today? 

coloring, reading, swimming, a bowl of popcorn, feeling like anything is possible on a sunny summer day, someone else doing my hair lol

3. Are you a fidgeter? What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word fidget? 

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word fidget is church. I'm not much of a fidgeter but a long church service will find me shifting in my seat, crossing and uncrossing my legs, fiddling with my hair, that sort of thing. 

4. Your favorite fall vegetable? How do you like it prepared? 

I found a list of fall vegetables here, and since there isn't anything on that list I don't like it's hard to pick a favorite. Pickled beets, roasted cauliflower, and carrot soup would probably be my top three. 

5. What's something you find mildly annoying, but not annoying enough to actually do anything about? Might you now? 

My phone needs a clean up and every time I use it I think I really should do something about deleting pictures, removing unused apps, and consolidating people on my contact list who for some reason are in there twice. Do I take the time to actually do this? No. I just feel annoyed when I get that 'you're almost out of storage message' or I go to call someone and can't figure out which number is theirs and which is their spouse's. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

I've been blogging my way up the California Coast after our recent trip there and here's a little snippet from  tomorrow's post-

This would keep me awake at night. Curious to know what you're paying for gas and which part of the country you're living in? For those blogging from Europe, I know this number probably doesn't shock you the way it shocks us non-Californians. 

fyi-we paid 3.24/gallon in the upstate of South Carolina this week

fyii-If you'd like to read the travel posts you'll find Day 1 in the link here (The Golden State

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 480

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's something you wish you'd figured out sooner? 

2. Something from childhood you still enjoy today? 

3. Are you a fidgeter? What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word fidget? 

4. Your favorite fall vegetable? How do you like it prepared? 

5. What's something you find mildly annoying, but not annoying enough to actually do anything about? Might you now? 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 463

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

1. What's something that makes you feel stressed? How do you cope? 

2. What's a food you eat that evokes a memory? Explain. 

3. This week's Hodgepodge lands on National Visit Your Relatives Day. Will you celebrate by visiting a relative? If so is travel involved? Geographically, who is your nearest relative (not counting those living in your own house)?

4. What's your most frequently used emoji? Do you make more phone calls, send more emails, or mainly text to communicate with friends and family? 

5. Tell us the story behind a favorite piece of furniture. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Nothin' Scary About The Hodgepodge

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

1. Is Halloween a big deal in your neighborhood? Was it something you celebrated as a child? With your own children? Do you like candy corn? 

It's not a huge deal in our neighborhood, but it's not no deal either. There are not a lot of young children in our neighborhood and the driveways are long and the roads a bit dark so not ideal for trick or treating. Last year someone organized a trunk or treat in the clubhouse parking lot which was fun and made trick or treating easier for everyone. We don't get trick or treaters at our door, which is just as well because I tend to buy way too much candy and consequently eat way too much candy. 

We did celebrate when I was growing up, nothing over the top but it was a fun day and much looked forward to. We always had a costume parade at school and then we trick or treated around the neighborhood that evening. This was back in the day when you wore those plastic masks that covered your face, had tiny little slits for eyes, and a rubber band that went around your head to hold it in place. If you know you know and if you don't, well you're young and lucky lol. 

My dad always carved a pumpkin but we didn't do any extreme decorating. Early on in my blog life I wrote a (very wordy) post about my Halloween memories. I've linked it here if you're curious-It Was A Dark and Stormy Night...

We kept it pretty low key for our own children too. Costumes and trick or treating around the neighborhood with the dads leading the way. We carved pumpkins but again, I wasn't in to a lot of Halloween decor. 

As far as candy corn goes...I can take it or leave it. 

2. Are you a scaredy cat? About what? 

Hmmm...we probably all have one thing or another that would qualify us as 'scaredy cat'. I have done and still do a lot of things many people would define as 'living unafraid'...international travel, swimming in a deep lake, public speaking, etc. 

How about traversing a gorge in a hanging cable car? I'm fraidy scared but I still do get on them and go so does that really count? 

I know...bats. I am a scaredy cat when it comes to bats. Shudder. 

3. Last time you were somewhere that should have been busy but felt like a 'ghost town'?

Maybe a restaurant on a Friday night that would normally be hopping but these days is not?

4. Do you like chili and if so how do you like it? Beans or no beans? Meat or no meat? Beef or chicken? Spice or no spice? Favorite toppings? 

I love chili and I love chili weather. I make mine with beans-meat-spice, but can happily eat chili all sorts of ways. I tend to use beef but also have a white chicken chili recipe that's tasty. We like spicy and then hubs also needs a side of jalapeños because there's no such thing as too hot for him. I like shredded cheese and sometimes a small dollop of sour cream on mine along with a side of cornbread.

5. Would you describe yourself as a night owl? What time of night qualifies? What are you doing while everyone else is asleep? Do you then 'sleep in'? Define 'sleeping in'. 

Ha! No. What's the opposite of a night owl, because that's what I am? I'm an early bird and love the wee hours of the morning as the sun is rising, not the wee hours of the night after the sun has gone to bed. My level of productivity goes way down late afternoon, and sleeping in for me would be 7:30. If I'm still in bed at 8 am I'm probably sick. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." L.M. Montgomery

So is the little brown dog...

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 439

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to link your answers with the rest of the world wide webbers. See you there! 

1. Is Halloween a big deal in your neighborhood? Was it something you celebrated as a child? With your own children? Do you like candy corn? 

2. Are you a scaredy cat? About what? 

3. Last time you were somewhere that should have been busy but felt like a 'ghost town'? 

4. Do you like chili and if so how do you like it? Beans or no beans? Meat or no meat? Beef or chicken? Spice or no spice? Favorite toppings? 

5. Would you describe yourself as a night owl? What time of night qualifies? What are you doing while everyone else is asleep? Do you then 'sleep in'? Define 'sleeping in'. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.