Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Like a good neighbor...

...the Hodgepodge is here. Corny I know but we're on title #81 and my creative juices are waning. Be sure to add your link at the bottom of my post and then see what everyone else has to say today. Here are my answers-


1. In what way are you your own worst enemy?

Hmmm...I guess we're getting the hard question out there first today.

Too often I want circumstances to be perfect before I take on a project or new challenge. I know it would be better if I got started on whatever it is I want to accomplish and then work out the kinks along the way but I just keep waiting for 'the right moment'. Sometimes the right moment never materializes and I'm left with regret over what I did not try. I need to be more like Nike and "Just do it."

2. Jacques Cousteau's birthday was Monday, June 11th...ever been scuba diving? Is that something you'd like to try? What's your favorite under the sea creature?

I've never been diving and a part of me would love to try. Another part of me hates the idea of a mask over my face deep underwater.

My favorite under the sea creature? Dolphins...unless we're talking on a plate in which case it would be the crab.

3. On a scale of 1-10 how comfortable are you in and around the water? (1=not at all and 10=very) Do you know how to swim and if so how and when did you learn?

10-Swimming is one of my favorite things to do. My mom says as a toddler I was afraid of the water but we moved to NJ when I was in kindergarten and I took swimming lessons at our neighborhood pool. I've loved it ever since.

4. What's something you do to motivate yourself to tick an item off your to-do list?

The fact that I even have a written to-do list helps me get more done in a day than if I try to wing it. I also find if I put time parameters around certain tasks they're more likely to get done. For instance, if I need to clean all the bathrooms I'll put that on my to-do list for 10-11 am and sometimes I'll set the timer too. It feels great to accomplish something in less time than I planned!

5. What makes a good neighbor? Are you a good neighbor?

Good neighbors are friendly. They wave when they pass you while driving in and out of the neighborhood and speak when they see you. They're helpful and can be called upon in an emergency. They take care of their own property and do their part to keep the neighborhood looking neat and tidy. They keep an eye on your house when you're away. They manage their children and pets. They keep the noise down and if they're throwing the occasional loud party or event they give you the heads up so you can plan accordingly.

I think we're good neighbors. We've had some fabulous neighbors through the years.

6. Who loads the dishwasher at your house? Is there a right way and a wrong way?

Silly question...of course there is a right way! Hubs is happy to load the dishwasher but he knows I'll come behind him and re-organize.

7. You know it's summer when_______________________.

I can comfortably wear shorts, capris, and sundresses. If I'm still in blue jeans and a fleece (hello England in July!) then it doesn't really feel like summer.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The hummingbirds are loving our feeders this year and I've made it my mission to capture one in a photograph.


They may be tiny but they move fast! We watched one go back and forth between the feeder and some unknown spot in our yard on Sunday and I finally managed to catch him on film.


Okay, not film but you know what I mean. You may need to click to enlarge the photo.


They are such amazing creatures!

35 comments:

  1. Being the somewhat anal person that I am, I'd have to agree with you about the dishwasher thing. There are slots in certain places for a reason! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  2. I adore hummingbirds. Sweet, amazing little creatures that just make you smile when they visit. Your photos of them are good.

    ReplyDelete
  3. PS No food question???? That's so not like you:).

    ReplyDelete
  4. at first when I read your statement "Corny I know ...", I saw, "Conny, I know ..." ... and I was wondering why you'd be addressing me!!?! lol

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love to watch hummingbirds. They're hypnotic. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Absolutely awesome pictures of the hummingbirds! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Well, I didn't realize the 'to do' list is actually written. I have a mental to-do list each day with certain things that need to get done. Guess next time I add 'write things down' on a list. LOLOLOL As for your hummingbird photos, I can see it!!! Aren't they fun to watch. If you haven't yet, sit outdoors and watch the mating flight...it's so cool. The male does a figure 8 around his beloved!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Questions at the beginning were very thought provoking. Loved your hummingbirds.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am constantly changing my clothes. I had on a sundress yesterday than changed to a long sleeve shirt/pants......then after awhile got hot then changed the shirt. Where the heck is summer? Its suppose to be a nice weekend though!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Chose dolphin as my 'sea creature', Same here with question #6-although hub never knows I do this.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love the hummingbirds! I still haven't seen any at my feeder. I think I'm going to try moving it some place else.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love humming birds. We had them one year. The next year they didn't come back :-(

    ReplyDelete
  13. My hummingbird feeders are ready, but I haven't seen any so far. I wonder if it was too warm this year and they've already moved north? Maybe they never moved south last year.
    Dolphins are pretty amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love your answer to #5. And your hummingbird photos.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great job on the hummingbird photos. We have one occasionally on the deck at the lake house, but we have not yet purchased a feeder for them. And having learned of your love of the water, I do think a lake (or beach) house should be in your future. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. LOL - loved your title. You have plenty of creative juices. Thanks for doing this each week.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I had no idea that you liked to rearrange the dishwasher, too! LOL

    I can identify with what you're saying on #1. I'm a bit like that, too.

    I love your hummingbird pics! It's pretty amazing to capture one on film as fast as they move!

    ReplyDelete
  18. So sorry I am missing out this week. I promise to be back next week!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love hummingbirds. I had tons of them in the country but very few come to visit me in town :(

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hummingbirds are so adorable! I hope to see some this summer. BTW, I didn't have time to get your questions this week, but I'll make more effort next week. =D

    Chats on the Farmhouse Porch with Patrice

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm beginning to think that we all are like that with loading our dishwasher. :-) Thanks for reminding me to get the hummingbird feeder out and loaded! Aren't they beautiful. They love the red salvia I plant in my garden.

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a great idea to set a timer to get your household chores done! I need to remember that one! Oh, how I love hummingbirds! My mom instilled a deep appreciation for them in me and every time I see one, I think of her.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have to write down a list as well or I just don't get to it all! Love the photos of the hummingbird, you did a great job.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I haven't had any hummingbirds yet this year and am wondering if they don't like my food. Maybe they aren't here yet in Oklahoma?

    ReplyDelete
  25. I forgot about a good neighbor controlling their pets. That is a good one!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Dolphins are the best. On my plate I would say lobster. You set a timer, wow you are really organized. You do... "Just Do It!" Yes, that is a perfect description of a good neighbor. Since I wear capris almost year round I never gave them a thought. Great job on the hummingbird photos!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm so jealous of your hummingbird pix! I have two that are coming to the feeders but I have yet to catch them. I'm like you on the first one too- and it drives me NUTS. Yet, not enough to make me change. :) I love the ocean too but NOT the really deep part-too scary.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Today is a slow start to warming up and it's a mild 50's I passed several people in jeans and fleece and my hot flashing 40 plus self sighs...ah! it feels comfortable out! I love hummingbirds and never have been able to capture a shot! Happy Wednesday!

    ReplyDelete
  29. warm and sunny here...
    my hummingbirds haven't shown up this year
    i did plant another butterfly bush though, so i'm hoping it will help draw more hummingbirds
    ;)

    ReplyDelete
  30. omgosh--your lovely humming bird feeders, remind me i still have one my son gave me like 10 years ago--i have been waiting for frank to hang it--uhoh--this is the same son with the zebra pic!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm a list maker from way back, I think it runs in the family....I've found lately that a to-do list is the only way I can remind myself what I want or need to get done that day. Writing it down seems to help.
    I like your answer to #5 and in that sense I'm a good neighbor...just not much visiting these days....I like to have an open house around Christmas time but haven't invited any neighbors yet...I've been here only 3 years so maybe this year.
    Thanks Joyce,
    Mama Bear

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh, I need to capture our Hummingbirds some afternoon. Hubby is all into Hummingbirds and he tries to keep them very happy so they will visit us often.

    Happy mid-week!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Great questions this week.. I am kind of hard on myself at times.. I want a humming bird feeder.. A friend had a hummer set up a nest on her patio and have babies.. It was so neat to see the pictures she shared.. Thanks for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Love the hummingbirds! My parents always used to have feeders and I enjoyed watching them.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am SO with you on #6!!!!
    I have mad skillz in the dishwasher loading department!

    ReplyDelete