Ten Pin Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! We're tucked in under a blanket of fallen snow and frigid temps, perfect weather for hodgepodging.  Add your link at the bottom of my post and then go a-visiting.  Here are my answers to this week's questions-

1. It was decided on Sunday the Denver Broncos will meet the Seattle Seahawks in this year's Superbowl.  So, when was the last time you bowled?  Not where you thought this question was going is it? Do you like to bowl? Are you any good?

Go Broncos! I do like to bowl, but it's not something I do very often, nor am I very good at it. Unless of course we're talking Wii bowling, because I rock the Wii bowling.  I'm not terrible at 'real' bowling, but I think its one of those things you need to do on a regular basis if you want to excel.  

2. Should sports stars be role models?

Hmmm...should Miley Cyrus or the Kardashians, or any celebrity for that matter? Regardless of whether they should be role models, people who choose to be in the public eye are role models. Children (adults too!) admire and look up to sports figures, and often aspire to be like them in some way.  

I hope sports figures recognize the power they have to set a good example in terms of fair play, hard work, kindness, generosity, compassion, etc, but they're only human, and we humans let ourselves down on a regular basis. Sadly in today's world, if you're in the spotlight and you stumble, the media will eat you alive. 

3. January is National Oatmeal month...are you a fan?  How do you like your oats?

I'm a fan, and I like mine with sliced bananas and dried cherries stirred into the pot, topped with a splash of cold skim milk. I don't like warm milk on my oatmeal. I also have a really good recipe for crockpot oatmeal made with diced apples. The apples get all gooey and delicious.  I will dig it out and share.  

4. What is one book on your reading list for 2014?

I have a long list of books to read in 2014. Are you on Goodreads?  If so let me know and we can be friends there. It's a great place to find new titles, see what your friends are reading, and keep track of books you want to read in the future. 

One title on my 2014 list is this-

In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors by Doug Stanton

5. What would you like your future self to say to your present self?

You did it! 

6. When scrolling through the TV guide, what is one movie title that makes you want to stop, grab the popcorn, and watch for a while?

The Rookie (the baseball movie with Dennis Quaid, not the police drama with Clint Eastwood) and Sweet Home Alabama.  I'm a sucker for Sweet Home Alabama.  Hubs would say The Patriot, The Hunt for Red October, and Dances with Wolves.  He was the inspiration for this question. 

7. What are two style trends you hope never come back into fashion?

High waisted jeans and track suits. 
Can you tell I lived through the 90's? 

We were looking at some old pictures recently and my girls commented on how everyone was in track suits. In case you're wondering, we were not running track. I guess they were kind of the yoga pants of the late 80's/early 90's only they swished when you walked. Yikes! 

I wore high waisted jeans, belted no less, back in that same time period too.  Never mind that I was skinny...I don't think that's a good look on anyone. I think women of all sizes look better with trousers just below the waist as opposed to right on the waist.  

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Crockpot Apple Oatmeal

2 cups milk (you can sub almond or coconut milk if you prefer)
2 T honey
1 T butter (no substitute)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup dry old-fashioned oats
1 cup apples (peeled and sliced or cubed)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
2 T brown sugar (I omitted this, and it was plenty sweet)

Mix together all ingredients and place in a greased crock pot (or use a liner). Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours.  If you have a newer crock pot with a warm setting, use that instead of low, and cook 7-9 hours. 

I've looked at similar recipes,and you can add a bit more liquid if you're going to need to leave it longer than the 5 -6 hours, but don't have a warm setting on your crockpot.  I've also done this recipe on the stove, but cooked the apples down a bit before adding to the pot. Enjoy!