It's Hodgepodge Day! Bienvenue!

Bonjour mes amis! Welcome to the games of the five hundred and sixty first 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. Or after you. Or all the bloggers on the list. 

On your mark, get set, go...

1. The Olympics kick off this coming weekend. Will you be watching? If you could watch just one event in person, which one would you choose? 

We'll definitely be watching. I always enjoy the Olympics. 

If I could only see one event in person I guess it would be swimming. I've always loved the gymnastics but we know more now about what goes on behind the scenes as well as the toll the sport takes on the body, so it's less appealing to me than it once was. 

2. Have you ever been to Paris? Is this a city you'd like to visit? What's your favorite 'French thing'? 

Ah, Paris. I love it. I've been a few times as it was an easy train ride from the UK. I cannot imagine the traffic with the Olympics on tap, but I wouldn't say no to a trip. 

My favorite French thing? Impossible to choose just one. France is a beautiful country and while I love Paris I love the small villages and countryside more. 

I also love the language, the food, the wine, the champagne...

... the architecture, the cheese, the bread, the Alps...                                                 

3. Macaron, creme brulee, chocolate souflee, mille feuille, or an eclair...your favorite French patisserie from the ones listed? 

Yes please. 

Okay, if I must choose-Creme brulee is my favorite dessert, but I do love all of the above. Europeans know how to do afternoon coffee and cake. 

4. July 24th is National Cousins Day...do you have many cousins? Are you close to them? Will you see any of your cousins on July 24th? 

I have a lot of cousins, but have never lived geographically near them, and most of my cousins are older than me. One of my dad's brothers had two sons nearer the age of my younger sister and I, and we did see them from time to time, as they were at least on the east coast. My parents grew up in Colorado and New Mexico so most of my cousins lived on that side of the country, and people didn't travel the way they do now. 

This was taken on my grandparents Colorado farm. My grandpa is the one who looks like a farmer and I'm standing beside him with my brother, younger sister, and two of my cousins. My uncle is the one with his shirt unbuttoned. It was summer so I guess maybe he was warm? 

Whenever we visited grandparents we spent time with our cousins too. It wasn't often, but I liked knowing I was part of a big extended family and still appreciate that today. Thanks to Facebook I've reconnected with some of them there. It's been fun to see their growing families and share a little bit of our lives that way. 

5.  Last time you went somewhere that felt like 'everyone and his cousin' was there? 

Hmm...I pretty much try to avoid huge crowds these days. How about my dock on the 4th of July lol! If you don't know what I'm talking about I mentioned it here-A Post Holiday Hello Monday

We'll be at the Atlanta airport this week and I can pretty much guarantee there will be a crowd. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I've recently added a follow me by email option on my sidebar. If you'd like to be notified via email of new posts here, just put your address in the box and click subscribe. 

Also, I'm wondering how you respond to comments on your blog? Do you reply to the commenter by email or do you reply to them right under their comment on your own blog? If you ask a question in the comments section do you go back to the blog to see if it's been answered? 

If I respond to a commenter under their comment I'm not sure the person will be notified or will come back and see my answer.  Email replies feel more reliable, and I usually end up doing both. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 561

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. The Olympics kick off this coming weekend. Will you be watching? If you could watch just one event in person, which one would you choose? 

2. Have you ever been to Paris? Is this a city you'd like to visit? What's your favorite 'French thing'? 

3. Macaron, creme brulee, chocolate soufle, mille feuille, or an eclair...your favorite French patisserie from the ones listed? 

4. July 24th is National Cousins Day...do you have many cousins? Are you close to them? Will you see any of your cousins on July 24th? 

5.  Last time you went somewhere that felt like 'everyone and his cousin' was there? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 544

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

1.What do you love about your life right now? 

2. March 26th is National Spinach Day...are you a fan? If so, how do you like yours prepared/served? 

3. In this current season would you say you need to spend more time looking inward or that you need to get out of your head? Tell us why. 

4. Are you following the 'March Madness' madness? (That's US college basketball in case you're out of the loop) What's something that feels like actual madness to you right now? 

5. How will you celebrate the Easter/Passover holiday this year? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Splurging On 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. Comments keep the Hodgepodge sunny! Here we go-

1. What does productivity look like to you? 

Making my bed every day. An empty sink and clean counters when I go to bed every night. A daily to-do list with lines crossed through it. Some days the list is long, other days it might not contain anything critical, but having a to-do list then following through makes me feel productive. 

I don't work anymore so productivity is something of a relative term. I need to have some time blocked for tasks each week, not every minute of every day but definitely something to provide structure. In this season (retirement) that might include times of work, writing, volunteering, hobbies and rest. 

2. What was your fondest (or one of your fondest) memory of High School? 

It's been a while lol. High school was okay, but I loved college. As far as a fond memory...I loved spending time with my church youth group. We were a close knit group, a mix of ages and high schools and backgrounds. It felt like a family, and many of us are still in touch with one another today. 

3. What did you do the summer after High School? 

I spent the summer after high school in one of my favorite places in the world-camp. I was a counselor for the oldest campers who were young teenagers. Camp was so much fun. For the counselors too! 

4. June 14th is National Strawberry Shortcake Day...are you a fan, and if so will you celebrate? How do you make yours? Have you been strawberry picking? If so what do you do with all those berrries? 

I might celebrate. Strawberry shortcake is one of my favorite desserts. My oldest daughter has a June birthday and always asks for shortcake on her special day. I sometimes make mine with Bisquick, or sometimes I make an angel food cake and use that as the cake base. I'm not picky about the cake but want lots of juicy berries and whipped cream. 

I haven't been strawberry picking, but I did buy a big bucket full from a local grower when my mother-in-law was visiting. We ate some, froze some, and I made a strawberry cobbler one night. We might make strawberry ice cream with the frozen berries when we have a houseful 4th of July. 

5. What's something you always splurge on? 

My hair feels like a bit of a splurge. I go about every six-eight weeks and while I know I could do it for about 1/10th of the price with a boxed product, I've never once considered that. I have a lot of hair, it's thick, and needs a professional. Hubs is 100% on board with this splurge. 

Although, I'm not 100% sure he knows exactly how much the splurge actually is teehee. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My mama is here visiting this week and we're doing our usual puzzle working-card playing-book reading thing. Our neighborhood had a luau on Friday night, we went to church on Sunday, hubs has grilled some five star meals, and today (Tuesday) is book club. Such a blessing to have in-person time together. 

Hubs and I spent the weekend before she arrived at the ballpark. We watched the College Regionals held in our area which meant seeing our hometown team (Clemson) and our all-time always favorite team (Tennessee) go head to head. The game went fourteen innings!! but our Vols prevailed. They won in the Super Regionals this past weekend too, so now it's onward to Omaha. 

I'm talking about the college baseball world series for those of you who don't know. And maybe don't care-ha! 

We care. Go Vols! 

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Drivers Start Your Hodgepodge

This week's Wednesday Hodgepodge marks our 500th episode. That's a whole lotta Hodgepodging, wouldn't you say? 

Yes, yes I would. 

3,122 questions to be precise. The first 306 episodes had seven questions plus a random thought, but then I got smart (or ran out of steam!) and backed it down to five plus a random thought. Pretty sure that's why we're still here lol. I did have a nice long break in the middle somewhere, but Covid brought me out of retirement, and here we are, still blogging away. 

If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave comments for the other folks there, but particularly for the blogger before you. Comments keep the blog wheels turning. Here we go-

1. Last time you drove/flew 500 miles (ish)? What's a place you'd like to visit that lies approximately 500 miles from your current location? 

We have done a whole lot of driving in the past several months. A whole whole lot. And we've got more coming up because that's how we roll. Literally. 

Mid-March we drove Daughter1 and her crew back to their TN home, which is less than 500 miles one way, but more than 500 miles round trip. Does that count? Hubs and I drove well over 500 miles late September on our trip up the California coast, and we drove almost exactly 500 miles in July to a wedding in Virginia, so yeah. Plenty of road tripping here. 

Somewhere I'd like to go? Maybe somewhere in Florida? Just head south for 500 miles, set up my beach chair, and put my toes in the sand.

2. Tell us about a time recently it felt like you were 'racing against the clock'. 

I can't say I've been racing the clock here lately. I mean we did just file our taxes at the almost deadline, but I wasn't racing to get it done. We have an accountant and we'd been in touch, so I knew he'd get them in on time. 

3. Have you ever attended any really large sporting events? yes What was your impression of the experience?  I give it five stars. 

The Superbowl, The Kentucky Derby, The World Series, FIFA World Cup, The Indianapolis 500, The Daytona 500, The Olympics, The Masters, Wimbledon, The Boston Marathon, March Madness, Tour de France, Monaco's Grand Prix, The Open (golf), The Ryder Cup, The Stanley Cup Finals..of the events listed which would you most like to attend in person? Or maybe one that's not listed? 

I've been to Wimbledon and would happily go again. I loved everything about the day-England on a sunshiny day, friends, strawberries and cream and a cup of Pimms, and then of course there was also great tennis. Of the events listed there are quite a few I'd love to attend in person. If I have to pick one I'll say The Masters. It just seems like a great day out. 

4. Are you an iced tea drinker? If so, do you drink it year round, or only in the spring and summer months? Do you make your own or buy it bottled? Sweet or unsweet? Flavored? Lemon or no lemon? How about a Long Island Iced Tea? 

You cannot live in the southland and not drink iced tea, can you? Pretty sure it's the law here. I have always loved iced tea, homemade please, with a hefty squeeze of lemon. I like sweet tea, but not overly sweet tea which is often what you'll find in restaurants here. I usually order half sweet/half un-sweet if I'm having tea out. I make my own and from April through October will always have a pitcher in the frig. My family loves my iced tea. Also, I make mine decaf and cannot tell the difference. 

I prefer hot tea in the winter months so usually transition to that late fall. Long Island Iced Tea is not my drink of choice but if it's made well I like it okay. It's not something I order. 

5. April 20th is Volunteer Recognition Day...do you volunteer in some way? Tell us about it. If not, tell us about a volunteer you appreciate. 

Volunteers make the world go round and there are so many I greatly appreciate. I volunteer in a few different ways, but the local soup kitchen is my favorite and I love my team. We make a hot lunch and everyone cheerfully does their part, which means it mostly runs like a well oiled machine. 

I've enjoyed so many volunteer roles in my life and they've all been meaningful to me in some way. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I just finished the book Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. It's been getting a lot of buzz, but I knew one of the main characters was an octopus, and that didn't sound like something I'd enjoy. Actually loved this book and definitely recommend. It's about so much more than an octopus! 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 500

Whoohoo! We've hit our 500th episode here in The Wednesday Hodgepodge, so go us! Answer today's questions on your own blog, then race back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there!

1. Last time you drove/flew 500 miles (ish)? What's a place you'd like to visit that lies approximately 500 miles from your current location? 

2. Tell us about a time recently it felt like you were 'racing against the clock'. 

3. Have you ever attended any really large sporting events? What was your impression of the experience?  

The Superbowl, The Kentucky Derby, The World Series, FIFA World Cup, The Indianapolis 500, The Daytona 500, The Olympics, The Masters, Wimbledon, The Boston Marathon, March Madness, Tour de France, Monaco's Grand Prix, The Open (golf), The Ryder Cup, The Stanley Cup Finals..of the events listed which would you most like to attend in person? Or maybe one that's not listed? 

4. Are you an iced tea drinker? If so, do you drink it year round, or only in the spring and summer months? Do you make your own or buy it bottled? Sweet or unsweet? Flavored? Lemon or no lemon? How about a Long Island Iced Tea? 

5. April 20th is Volunteer Recognition Day...do you volunteer in some way? Tell us about it. If not, tell us about a volunteer you appreciate. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Tuesday Ramblings

Every year I say this is the year I'm going to write more and then January rolls around and here we are. Same old lang syne.

Have you made resolutions or set goals or come up with a 19 in 19 list for the year? I always like to set a few goals but feel like before I can do that I need to clear some space on my desk, in my calendar and especially in my head. Going with a brain dump here today. It's Tuesday so why not?

It is Tuesday, right?
That 'what day is it' mode that settles in with the holidays hasn't quite left me yet.

Okay, first things first...how 'bout them Tigers?? Whoohoo!

That would be the Clemson Tigers in case you missed the Natty.

That would be the National College Football Playoff Championship which happened last night between the Clemson Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide got trounced and it was so much fun to watch. Sorry Bama peeps, but we love our hometown team and they earned this one.

Yes we're still Volunteer fans, but they were not in the game. ahem. And we always root for the SEC teams to win except when the last biggest game of the year comes down to not the Volunteers vs. our hometown team, then we're hometown team all the way.

In other news, I really need to get my calendar organized for this next year which is already chock a block full of 'stuff' including five weddings, one of which is my Daughter's. I do use my phone calendar but still love a paper daytimer type calendar and haven't made the switch yet from 2018. This morning I discovered I've booked a dental appointment the same morning I've booked a hair appointment.

I think we all know which one I'll be cancelling.
Priorities people!

Speaking of my daughter's wedding (aren't I always?), she had her hair and makeup trial last night and oh my stars! This girl is going to be the most beautiful bride! The hair and makeup artist was adorable and she couldn't get over the brides a) eyebrows (absolutely perfect!), b) bright blue eyes (the bluest!) and her skin (like velvet!). We brought her veil with us and something about putting a veil on your daughter just brings out all the big feels. I'm so excited for their special day.

Speaking of her special day, my exercise class started back up yesterday. 'Nuff said.

Quick topic change-WORD. Do you have a word for this new year? It's a thing now ya know. If you're not familiar with the concept it's choosing a word for the year as a way to focus on an attitude, outlook, area of improvement, growth, etc and you ponder it, meditate on it, pray about it, feel inspired by it, work to live it out, as you go about your days.

I haven't participated in a few years because if I don't feel it I'm not going to pick something for the sake of picking something. This year I have a word, sort of by accident except I don't believe in 'accidents', not this kind anyway.

I hadn't given it so much as a thought until a few weeks before Christmas when I saw a blurb on the DaySpring website that offered a quiz to help you figure it out. What can I say? I'm a sucker for an online quiz. So I took it and sent it to my girls too because I thought it would be fun if we all  compared words. Kind of a lark if you will.

The thing is, the word I got stuck in my head and kept coming to the top of my brain as I went about my ordinary everyday life and I've decided to keep it. My word is delight.

Not sure exactly how it will play out, but this much I do know from years past...the word always plays out in some unexpected ways as the days roll by. I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about this particular word, but it's part of one of my most favorite verses in the Bible so I'm going to start there-

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him,  and He will act." Psalm 37:4-5

If you picked a word for this year and want to share it I'd love to know. Hope your Tuesday is delight-ful! 

Monday March Madness

Good Monday afternoon. I intended to say Good Monday morning, but it is Monday and when I sat down to blog I got distracted by
Pinterestall the things on my desk. There's still a pile, but it's smaller.

So anyway who is loving the madness of March? By madness I mean the NCAA basketball tourney, and not the crazy winter weather that's around. Not around here of course because our weekend weather was gorgeous. We text friends up north pics of us sitting outside in shorts and they text us pics of their patio furniture buried in snow. I do not miss the March snows.

Basketball! You don't even have to follow college hoops to enjoy the NCAA tourney. So many underdogs pulling off upsets and ruining my brackets but still so exciting to watch. I love it because any school can pull off a win and so many games have gone down to the wire.

Question-are you running heat or a.c at your house? It got warm here last night and I informed hubs I was not going to be able to sleep without opening some windows or turning on some air. We're trying to keep the windows closed until the pollen settles down and he informed me we don't run the a.c. in March. Huh? When did that become a rule?

I say when it's 77 degrees in the house we run a.c. no matter what the calendar tells us. I like it about 57 for sleeping but hubs thinks that's nuts so we meet in the middle some where. Also I turned on the a.c.

The view from my pillow first thing in the morning-

The post in the center is one side of a window frame but I didn't take the time to pretty up the shot. This is sunrise au natural.

Friday hubs and I drove to Asheville for the Vintage Home Show. It was a beautiful day for a drive and look whooo we saw en route just hanging out on the power line.

He looked me right in the eye and I gotta say it was a little creepy. I had my window rolled down and it felt like he might swoop right on in. He flew off instead and had an enormous wingspan. So cool!

In my opinion the Vintage show was just okay. It was really crowded and I did get a few ideas for the house but we didn't buy anything. We went over to Sierra Nevada for lunch instead because lunch is always a good idea.

If you've never been and you're in the Asheville area Sierra Nevada is worth a stop, even if you're not much of a beer drinker. They spared no expense in the build and it's absolutely gorgeous. Their food is wonderful too, and the setting makes it even better. Since it was such a nice day we ate inside then hung out for a while at the ginormous firepit out back.

Saturday Daughter2 and her boyfriend came out to the lake for St. Patty's Day and we went to a local favorite spot that was having live music and a food truck featuring Irish fare. They have one of those shuffleboard games, not a court but similar to an air hockey table, and it's my new favorite. I think I've talked hubs into getting one for the house.

Sunday afternoon daughter2 and I attended a fun event near the small big city which I'll talk more about later. Today let's discuss this picture she snapped-

My baby girl is sooo photogenic. Why do my eyes look so tired? I blame the pollen but I'm sure it's nothing a week at the beach couldn't fix. Or a heavy concealer. Or a nice pair of sunglasses. And also maybe a smallish nap. We had a splendid afternoon and not to sound like a broken record but this weather! Fantastic!

We watched a lot of basketball all weekend long, and the 'kids' played a little cornhole too. You have to zoom in to get the full effect, but my daughter's face in this picture makes me smile. She takes her game playing seriously.

Definitely her mama's girl!

Now I need to wrap this up...hubs and I are off to see a movie because it's Monday and we're retired empty nesters. Ha! Take that Monday!

A Classical Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered the questions add your link at the end of my post, then run say hi to your neighbor (the blogger before you). Here we go-

1. What's changed in your life, home, or community since your last birthday?

I have a birthday in a few days, so essentially this question asks what's changed in a year and I bet you can guess where I'm going with my answer.

Home build-September 2015

rip rap in and ready for dock install

manly men doing manly men stuff

should the house sit here or 1/16th of an inch to the right?  

Aaaand home build, September 2016

pulling in to our much enjoyed dock

 kitchen nearing completion

out back

and from the front

Still not living there though.  That hasn't changed!

2. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like/listen to classical music? If so what's a favorite piece and/or who is a favorite composer?

I like some classical music and will sometimes play it when I'm home alone and writing. I'm not sure I have a favorite piece but Vivaldi's Four Seasons, anything from The Nutcracker, and Pachelbel's Canon in D Major are a few that I enjoy. 

3. Besides The Bible, what's a book that has positively changed your life, relationships, career, or perspective? How so?

When I started thinking about my answer I decided I could make this a blog post (and I will).  Several came to mind immediately, and I could easily come up with a list of ten. For now I'll go with My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers. I'm re-reading it again this year and it is absolutely jam-packed full of life-changing wisdom.  

4. I read (here) these ten hobbies will make you smarter...play a musical instrument, read voraciously, meditate regularly, work out your brain (puzzles, sudoku, board games, etc), exercise often, learn a new language, write your feelings down (blog, journal, just write), travel to new places, cook different kinds of meals, participate in sports actively

Are any on this list your current hobbies? Which hobby on the list would you be most inclined to try?

I currently read voraciously, pray regularly, work out my brain, exercise, write, travel and cook. Learning a new language has been on my personal to-do list for a while now, but I haven't followed through. I'd still like to!

5. What sports traditions does your family have?

Go VOLS! 

6. In a few words, weigh in on the current football/National Anthem brouhaha. Keep it family friendly please.

Not sure I can do the 'few words' thing on this topic, but I'll try. Yes it's America and freedom of speech and all that jazz, but....the way I see it, the field is a football player's workplace, and freedom of speech does not extend to the workplace. Employers can require all sorts of things of their employees and if the employee doesn't like it he's free to find another job. People pay money to see you play football, not to protest what you think is wrong with America. I really do think the league is at fault here for permitting it. 

Football and sport in general is one area where people of all race, creed, and religion can share common ground. We unite in our love (or dislike) for a team or player or a spectacular catch or whatever. These protests are ruining that. They are creating division where there doesn't need to be division and I'm so weary of it. 

And to kneel as a statement of protest against our police forces on the anniversary of 9-11 I think is outrageous. If I were their mother I'd be so ashamed. Remember those people dressed in Blue who went running in to burning skyscrapers as they crumbled to the ground while everybody else was running out? Remember how those people dressed in Blue were Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, male, female? Remember how they just reached for anyone of any color they could pull from the rubble? It's despicable on this day most of all that an overpaid football player can't stand and show a little respect for that if nothing else.  

Standing for the anthem doesn't make you a patriot, nor does standing mean you think America is a perfect place. I know we can't force someone to feel respect, but I do think we can ask that our citizens show respect. People have died, spilled their very blood for the liberties we take for granted. The least we can do is stand. 

7. Where do you have loads of patience, and where do you most lack patience?

I have loads of patience for all sorts of things including small and large children (not talking about adults who behave like children), anxious parents (I was a teacher), baking, grocery shopping, gardening, and most of the everyday things we encounter in life that slow us down or deter us from our plans.  

What I do not have patience for are people driving way too slow in the left lane, particularly if it's because they're texting, (also, p.s.a-the left lane is for passing...just throwing that out there in case you're one of the drivers who try my patience), chronic complainers, laziness on the job, and technology glitches. And obviously I have no patience for highly paid professional athletes who use the 'workplace' as a means of protest. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This is a beautiful story...take a minute to read it if you haven't already.  

Remembering a Hero, 15 Years After 9/11




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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 280

Sorry I dropped the ball last week, but it needed dropping. Whew! Happy to be back in the Hodgepodge this week, and here are the questions. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow (Wednesday) to share answers with the universe. Here we go-

1. What's changed in your life, home, or community since your last birthday? 

2. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like/listen to classical music? If so what's a favorite piece and/or who is a favorite composer? 

3. Besides The Bible, what's a book that has positively changed your life, relationships, career, or perspective? How so? 

4. I read (here) these ten hobbies will make you smarter...play a musical instrument, read voraciously, meditate regularly, work out your brain (puzzles, sudoku, board games, etc), exercise often, learn a new language, write your feelings down (blog, journal, just write), travel to new places, cook different kinds of meals, participate in sports actively

Are any on this list your current hobbies? Which hobby on the list would you be most inclined to try? 

5. What sports traditions does your family have? 

6. In a few words, weigh in on the current football/National Anthem brouhaha. Keep it family friendly please. 

7. Where do you have loads of patience, and where do you most lack patience? 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

That Weekend We Stayed Home

We were home this weekend. Somehow that feels worthy of a mention, because y'all! The miles we're logging in March are ridunkulous. So many car trips to neighboring states, which in my head feels like it shouldn't be many, but when I do the math the number of miles trekked is over 2000. 2000!!!  Since the first of March. And that doesn't count air miles from a trip to California, or a flight to Newark, or one to Phila or one to Raleigh via Baltimore.

I'm declaring us officially over-traveled this month. All work and family related but still, way over-traveled.

We were at home this weekend though, and had a lot of little annoyances to deal with because we were finally home to deal with them. So we did. Because we're grown ups.

Of course there was also this-

How can you be cranky when the sky is painted all your favorite colors?

Friday night hubs and I had a date with Daughter2 and her boyfriend. We went to a restaurant we love downtown that serves Belgian beer and moules and frites in a pub like setting that makes us all miss the real thing. It's close though, and close will have to do.

Hubs and I watched a lot of the NCAA games all weekend long, and WOW there's still so much fun and excitement in college basketball. Also there's something in my DNA that causes me to get really tense when a game is close. That Xavier-Wisconsin game won with an amazing toss to the basket in the literal last second of the game made me a nervous wreck.

I don't even care about those teams, but my stomach was in knots. Also, I hate when they breakaway to the losing team. Some of the boys were crying, and it's then you remember they're college kids, not NBA pros and I think of their mamas and how they'd probably like to run out on the court and put their arms around their baby boys. They don't but I'm sure they'd like to.

Did anyone watch The Passion Live, hosted by Tyler Perry? Just curious what you thought? I wasn't sure what to expect, and initially I thought it was disjointed, particularly with the man on the street interview, but we kept watching and it definitely grew on me. I'm sure the producers will be criticized for putting a modern spin on the greatest story ever told, but I looked at the crowd that came together and thought of all the people watching at home, and I have to say I admire the effort. Also, Tyler Perry narrated the show, and had a very gentle boldness in word and tone as he spoke about God's love for every single one of us. I found it refreshing, and a welcome relief from the nastiness that's been spewing out of our televisions in recent months.

I finished two books this weekend, and enjoyed them both. The first was called The Book of Speculation (Erika Swyler) which someone recommended to me. It was an odd little story, but I got caught up in it, so carried on to the finish. The second was A Walk Across the Sun (Corban Addison) which I really liked. A heavy topic as it's a fictional account of the 'people trafficking' industry, but so well told it felt like non-fiction.

Finally here on a Monday in March, today's the day bloggers participating in this year's April A-Z Challenge reveal their theme.

If they have one.

Which I do.

Surprise!

Usually I'm still mulling it over, praying for a lightning bolt of inspiration to hit me on March 31st, but this year I'm good to go.

Well, not really good to go as I haven't actually written any posts yet, but I've got a theme and today that's what counts. Go me!

I like to keep my theme a bit broad so I can run with it in a variety of directions, and this year is no different. My theme is HOME. I mean we're building a house so how could it not be? Plus I have over 700 published posts tagged with the word home, so obviously it's a topic close to my heart.  My plan is to write a bit about the building process, but also a bit about what home means to me. This will allow me to look back and look ahead and also talk about the here and now.

We kick off with Letter A a week from Friday (April 1), then carry on through the alphabet with Letter Z landing on Saturday April 30th. We don't blog on Sundays because ain't nobody got time for that.  I hope you'll follow along! Happy Spring Everyone!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 253

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

1. Share a winter memory from your childhood. 

2. What was on your blog this time last year? (Besides the Hodgepodge of course!) If you weren't blogging, what in the world were you doing with all that free time?

3. Ellen Goodman is quoted as saying, 'We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential.' 

Do you see more flaws or more potential in your life at the start of a new year? Have you done anything specific this month to address either one? Does the new year truly begin for you on January 1, or is there some other month of the year that feels like a fresh start and new beginning?

4. Who's an athlete you admire or respect and why?

5. Do you like cream in your coffee? Whipped cream on your pumpkin pie? Cream cheese on a bagel? Sour cream on a baked potato? Cream of wheat for breakfast? Have you ever had a scone with clotted cream? Of all the creamy foods mentioned, which one sounds most appealing to you right this very minute?

6. Where were you last kept waiting for 'hours on end'? Or for what felt like hours on end? How well did you cope?

7. Believe it or not, when next week's Hodgepodge rolls around it will be February. Huh?!? Bid adieu here to January in seven words or less.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Reading, Writing, Hodgepodging

Yes Hodgepodge is so a verb. Welcome to your mid-week fun in the form of a Wednesday random. Newcomers are always welcome to join in here, but please don't link unless you've actually answered the questions. Do hop over and say hi at least to the blogger who linked before you, because we're friendly here on this side of the pond. 

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

I love the color pink, particularly the softer shades. I often dressed my girls in pink and there's something about a blond haired toddler in pastel pink that to this day tugs at my heartstrings. 

I think for my answer though (no that wasn't my answer, that was the introduction to my answer) I'm going to say a peony. So sweet and lovely and definitely a favorite of mine. 

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

I wasn't a very athletic child, at least in comparison to some kids my age, so I think I enjoyed discovering there were physical activities I was good at. I loved basketball and gymnastics especially. 

As far as least favorite? How about the whole showering at school in the middle of the day nonsense, or sometimes almost right after getting to school if you were unlucky enough to have gym first period? Do p.e. teachers still stand at the shower door with a clipboard and check off your name after a shower? Second on my list of least favorite would be the rope climb. The gym felt ten stories tall on those days. 

3. What memory is brought to mind by the smell of roses?

I love roses, but I'm not sure their scent brings to mind anything more than simple summertime. My dad grew roses and there was often a rose bud in a vase on our kitchen table. 

4. Do you prefer to read or write? 

Do I prefer my left hand or my right hand? My first or second child? Chocolate cake or a chocolate bar? I enjoy both so much, and in my mind it's impossible to separate the two. I'm fairly certain the best writers are also readers. Reading takes me inside someone else's head and experiences. Writing takes me inside my own. 

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 agree to a point. I don't think a summer respite necessarily fits the definition of lazy. Lazy means not doing something you should be doing, an unwillingness to work. Rest is a necessary part of life and summer seems the logical time for that to happen. We can't shirk all of our responsibilities but we can enjoy a slower pace, longer daylight, and time with friends and family who are also enjoying a slower pace. I know I accomplish more when I take time to recharge my batteries. Life is rarely an emergency and summer helps me remember that. 

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?

Definitely a resort on the Gulf Coast. I could use a week there right about now. It's a place I completely relax and decompress and also a place where so many happy family memories have been made. 

I will add though, if my girls and son-in-law could join us, I'd probably change my answer to Disney. 

7. What's a question you hate to answer?

Where's home? 

I guess I don't really mind answering this question, it's just that the answer is long and complicated (at least the way I tell it-ha! ) so sometimes I just say...'We've moved a lot.'  

8. Insert your own random thought here.

So last we spoke it was the Hodgepodge. One whole entire week ago. We've had a busy few days weeks months so finding time and space to blog has been a challenge. 

You should know that in my head I'm blogging. 

And I'm so hoping to get back into some sort of rhythm here shortly. In the meantime, I'm grateful for the Hodgepodge and the friendly faces that keep coming back here. Thanks for riding the wave of transition with me! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 222

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

1.  Did you do anything 'memorable' this past weekend?

2. Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying-

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."  

Your thoughts? Do you somehow acknowledge and appreciate the freedoms you enjoy? Did your upbringing contribute to that sense of appreciation? If you're a parent, are there specific things you do to pass on this sense of responsibility and appreciation to your own children in regard to the freedoms they enjoy?

3. Loudest noise you've ever heard?

4. What was the last thing you ate that might be considered 'junk food'? Did you enjoy it?

5. When was the last time you were somewhere the crowd felt 'packed in like sardines'?

6. Are you organized when it comes to packing for a trip? Do you make a list weeks in advance or toss items in last minute? Are you a carry-on only sort of packer or do you need an entire suitcase for your shoes?

7. What was the last sporting event you attended in person? Did your team win? Did you care?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Fabulous Fall Fragments

The fragments are not really all that fabulous, but fall is. I know there are people who say they don't like fall because it signals winter right around the corner, but how can you not love the staggering beauty of this season?

October skies are the absolute best. Sunrise, sunset...morning, evening, late afternoon. Whenever. The autumn light does not disappoint.

I saw Gone Girl on Wednesday evening with some friends, and we all thought it was pretty intense.

INTENSE. 

Much more so than the book, in my opinion. In fact, this is one of those rare times I can say I actually liked the film better than the book. About midway through the book I started thinking the plot had taken a turn towards the ridiculous, but the film felt much more believable. Plus Rosamund Pike is utterly perfect in her role as the 'gone' girl.

Just for fun I'll post this pic of the gone girl before she was gone.

We took this at the Cartier Polo Match in Windsor back in 2008.  At the time we only knew her as one of the 'Bond' girls (Die Another Day), but I've become a fan of some of her work since.

There were a number of celebs at the match that day, including this guy who ended up standing almost beside me, and whom I almost missed because I was busy trying to spot Prince Charles.

Yes. I know that's him.
Hubs thought it was hilarious.

I'm excited to celebrate my Daughter1 this weekend at her very first bridal shower. Excited to see my Daughter2 as well, because I do not see nearly enough of Daughter2 in this season. The weekend will be far too short, but sweet nonetheless. We take what we can get.

My two sisters will be there too, along with my own mama, my mother-in-law, and one sister in law so lots of family fun on the weekend calendar.

Your turn...what's on your calendar or your mind this fine fall Friday? Why not share over at Half Past Kissin' Time?  Enjoy your weekend everyone!

The Wonderful Thing About Hodgepodges Is Hodgepodges Are Wonderful Things

Welcome to this week's edition of the Hodgepodge. If you've answered the questions, add your link at the end of my post. Also, please be sure you've added a link back here somewhere in your post, in case your readers want to join the party too. You'll find the code for our cute button on my sidebar. 

Do try to say hello to whoever linked before you, because that's the neighborly thing to do here on a Wednesday. Okay, here we go-

1. Do you manage your own money or do you have a financial planner who helps in some way? Do those kinds of conversations stress you out? A lot or a little?

We do a bit of both. We work with our financial planner to manage the big picture. Do the conversations stress me out? I don't know if 'stress me out' is the right phrase...it's more like I have brain strain after we've spoken to them.  Like I need to go lie down with a cool cloth on my forehead. All those numbers y'all. And percents and pie charts and other math related jargon. Not my love language. 

2. The second week of October is Pet Peeve week. Off the top of your head share TWO of your current pet peeves.

I don't think I have a lot of pet peeves, but here are two that sprang to mind-

People who leave their shopping carts in the middle of a parking space instead of walking the literal three feet to a cart return. 

People who drive S-L-O-W in the passing lane, which in America would be the left lane. I mention that because it seems so many drivers don't know this. They think it's A-OK to pick any old lane and drive. It's not. Left lane=passing lane. 

3. What is one thing you'd like to learn right now, this very week if you could?

Calligraphy. Do you know what calligraphers charge to address wedding invitations??? Yowza! Many years ago I attempted to teach myself, but then let it fall by the wayside. I have nice handwriting, and it's something I enjoy doing, so I'm going to see if I can pick this back up. I'm betting there's a YouTube instructional video out there somewhere too. 

4. How concerned are you about the health related news concerning Ebola? How about Enterovirus D68?

On a personal level, as far as me actually contracting Ebola, that worry is low. I have not traveled to the countries primarily affected or knowingly had contact with anyone who has. That being said we do travel a lot, so the idea of diseases spreading via air travel percolates in the back of my mind from time to time. 

The Enterovirus doesn't worry me quite so much because it primarily affects children and teens. Even if adults catch the virus we typically, over time, have built up much greater immunity and are able to fight it. I do have a daughter teaching school and know she is vigilant with washing hands, doling out Kleenex, and wiping down desks. Teachers are also part mom-part nurse-part many many things. 

We live in a global society in the 21st century, so those in charge of such things need to have a plan as to how they communicate with the general public. I understand they don't want to unnecessarily alarm citizens, or create panic, but we also need accurate information when these types of issues start making headlines.  

5. Garfield, Nemo, or Tigger...your favorite orange cartoon character?

Tigger, because the book in which he originated (Winnie-the Pooh) will always hold a place near and dear to my heart. Plus Tigger is an optimist and I admire that trait in people as well as tigers. 

6. I'm going to see Gone Girl with my neighborhood book club this week. So often books made into film are disappointing. What's a book turned film you thought was well done, in that the casting was 'like you pictured' when you read the book, and the film plot remains mostly true to the book plot?

I'm curious to see the film because I did not love the book like so many other readers did. I loved the first half of the book, and then it turned for me. Daughter2 saw the movie over the weekend and said it was pretty intense, but she hadn't read the book beforehand. 

If I see a movie before reading the book, then I don't care as much about casting as if I've done it the other way round. If I read a book first I care much more about the casting and especially staying true to the plot. Also, if I see a film soon after having read the book I'm more invested in how true the story is to the original. If years pass between the reading and the seeing then I don't seem to mind changes quite so much. 

Some books I thought were done well in their conversion to film were Gone With the Wind, Little Women, Jurassic Park, and The Help. 

7. What is one story your family always tells about you?

Stories told about me generally mention one of three things-

My love of words from a young age. 

My stubborn streak. 'I can do it myself' was an oft repeated declaration of mine from the time I could talk.  

My inability to ride in a plane-train-car-boat-amusement park anything- without losing my lunch. 

You do know when I say 'lose my lunch' that's a figure of speech, right? 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Someone sent this to hubs recently, and it's worth a look, even if you're not into cycling. Amazing!! I know that word is overused, but Danny McAskill has nerves of steel, and talent to match. Plus the scenery is positively breathtaking...makes me want to book a trip to Isle of Skye, pronto. 

Leafing Through the Hodgepodge

Welcome to October and the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Everyone is welcome to play along today. Answer the questions on your own blog, then add your link at the end of my post so we can all come say hello.  A lot of words here today so grab your coffee-

1. Are the leaves turning color where you live? Have they begun to fall? Will you have to rake when it's all said and done? Is that a chore you love or loathe?

The leaves are beginning to turn here, but only a few have fallen. Will we have to rake? Ha! We back up to several acres of forest so a rake doesn't begin to cut it. Not even close. Our lawn guys will do a couple of big fall clean ups for us and they make it all pretty. I used to enjoy raking, but on a small scale. What we have happening here would be more than a little stressful to manage with a rake. 

2. When did you last shake like a leaf?

This could mean nervous or cold or frightened and I got nothin'. I think that's a good thing, so I'm not gonna wrack my brain to come up with an answer from years back. 

3. After 20 seasons with the NY Yankees, Derek Jeter played his last official game Sunday afternoon.  Jeter has been described even by opponents as a class act, both on and off the field. The NFL is back in action this month too, with several players in that sport also making headlines. What are your thoughts on athletes as role models? Should a professional athlete be expected to act as role model or is that going beyond their job description? What responsibility do the organizations these athletes work for have when it comes to dealing with off the field behavior? Discuss.

I wish the large number of hard working professional athletes out there doing their job, raising families, donating time and monies to charities and their local communities were the ones making headlines, instead of the few who make mistakes or even break the law. 

I think part of the huge interest in Derek Jeter's retirement story, even from people who don't follow baseball or who hate the Yankees, is the fact that he's managed to play in the spotlight for 20 years without an arrest, drug bust, or some other big controversy. It makes us all feel good to know it can be done, which is kind of a sad commentary on professional sports or maybe the media. A little of both I guess. 

As far as responsibility goes, hmmm...tough one. I think individuals are responsible for their own behavior, and bad behavior has consequences. I also think professional sports organizations could do a better job of 'coaching' players about their off the field behavior, handling the spotlight, the hazards of social media, managing finances, etc. than they currently do.  

Is there a morals clause in a pro athletes contract? A code of conduct they are required to sign? Maybe that's something to consider because like it or not, they are in the public eye. If an average businessman-plumber-dentist treated his wife the way Ray Rice allegedly treated his, would the businessman be fired from his job? Lose his livelihood? Probably not unless he was arrested. The average working person is not in the public eye so is held to a different standard. Professional athletes know this and need to act accordingly. 

4. What season of the year is toughest for you in terms of your health? Why?

I'm going with fall because that's when the ragweed blooms and ragweed is typically what sends my allergies into high gear. 

5. The top six healthy food trends of 2014 according to Eating Well are-

clean eating (more veg, less meat, less sodium, limit alcohol and processed foods)
trash fish(you know those fish that are caught in fishermen nets and thrown back? It seems chefs are finding creative ways to make them more appetizing)
cauliflower (the new IT vegetable)
kaniwa-(essentially baby quinoa, so like quinoa only smaller)
fermentation (think pickling only with twists on flavor we're not accustomed to)
community supported farming-(farms operating with community support/membership)

Okay-so how many of the healthy food trends for 2014 have you experienced, encountered enjoyed? Any you've tried and said ewwww? Any on the list you'd like to try before year's end?

I eat a lot of vegetables, watch my sodium intake, drink very little alcohol, and consume almost nothing in the way of processed foods so yes to the clean eating. 

To my knowledge I haven't tried trash fish yet. I'm guessing restaurants fancy up the name to something more appealing so maybe I have? Depending on the fish hubs and I both would probably try it. We're brave when it comes to sampling new and different foods. 

I have eaten quinoa but not the smaller version, and in our house we loved cauliflower before cauliflower was cool so yes to that one. As far as fermentation goes we already eat quite a few foods that I think technically fall into that category. Yogurt. Sauerkraut. Soy Sauce. We like the Korean dish kimchi which is fermented so sure, we're on board with this one.  Like I said earlier, we're adventure eaters here, so if there's some new food trend that needs trying send it our way. 

6. In seven words or less, bid September adieu.

You were kind and oh so lovely. 

7. What's something on your October calendar that makes you happy just thinking about it?

A friend of mine is hosting a bridal shower for my Daughter1 later this month and that makes me smile.  As you know, we do complicated here. My daughters have never lived in the town we're living in now since they were in college when we moved back to the states. Daughter2 really wanted to help plan and organize a shower for her sister, but where? Daughter1 and Daughter2 don't live in the same town as one another and yada yada yada. 

A very dear friend of mine in the city we lived in eleven years and two moves ago, knows my daughter well and loves her to pieces. She's hosting the shower in her home, which is more or less central to many of the guests. 

Central meaning four hours south of us, 45 minutes east of the bride, two hours south of my mom and one sister, eight hours north of another sister and niece, an hour southeast-ish of one sister-in-law who will bring my mother-in-law who will have traveled eight hours north to get to said sister-in-law, and bridesmaids coming from hither and yon.  Just the usual.

We know we are asking much of family and friends in this season. There's expense, travel, time away from home and other activities they may have planned and looked forward to. We know people are busy. We know some will be missing other fun things in order to be at our fun thing, and we appreciate that more than we can even say.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

How about I share a picture from a bridal shower my big sister threw for me way back when? It was March 16, 1984 to be exact, and I remember thinking that umbrella was too, too cute.

I felt very well loved.

I hope my daughter feels the same on her shower day.