Hello Hodgepodgers! So glad you stopped by here today. If you've answered the questions add your link at the end of my post, then run say hi to the neighbors. Here we go-

1. Did you do anything 'memorable' this past weekend?
Hubs drove his little red car in our tinytown parade, and that was fun. Not necessarily memorable, but still fun. Every year he's been asked, but this is the first year he's participated.
Oh, and I learned to fly fish.
Ha! Not really. But I did hold a fly rod for the first time, and hubs tried to teach me the ten and two trick and the turn the page trick. I think we're gonna need to bring in the professionals, but you have to admire the look of determination on my face.
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."
I try to acknowledge and appreciate the freedoms I enjoy. I think it's good we have some days on the calendar to remind us too. I try to speak to service men and women when I see them, support the Wounded Warriors project, keep our troops and their families in my prayers. My heart is full of love and gratitude for the brave souls who protect and defend this land I love.
My upbringing most definitely contributed to my sense of patriotism. I think most people my age would say the same. I feel like there's so much more complaining in America today. It's never been a perfect place, but growing up I don't think we expected it to be. It seems we've become very focused on what's wrong with our country, and the sense of entitlement so many feel is greater than ever before.
I was on the sidelines of our little hometown parade on Monday, and a car came through carrying a veteran of WW2. I do wish parents would insist kids take their eyes off the candy for a minute to stand still and wave at the veterans, the police officers, the firemen and rescue crews walking the route. I don't know what your town is like, but in ours these holiday parades have become all about the candy. Kids bring sacks to the parade now which just feels wrong to me. Maybe I'm an old fuddy duddy, but can't we take 20 minutes to show a smidgen of respect on Memorial Day and the 4th of July?
I think as parents, hubs and I have tried to instill in our girls a love of country. We've traveled a lot, have made a conscious effort to soak up the history where ever we are, and to appreciate the staggering natural beauty and differences in food and culture you find from region to region in the US. We've taught them to be respectful of the flag and to recognize that while there will always be things we can do better, there is much we do right here in the US of A. To be proud of America.
Living outside of the US for a number of years in many ways made us love it more. You definitely see it through a different lens, but the things you love about your homeland become clearer as you experience other countries and cultures.
3. Loudest noise you've ever heard?
I stood right behind the face of Big Ben as the clock chimed, and as you might imagine it was loud.
Loud and awesome.
4. What was the last thing you ate that might be considered 'junk food'? Did you enjoy it?
I ate a hotdog at the ball park on Monday evening. Prior to that I couldn't tell you the last time I had a hotdog. I love them on the grill, but never buy them anymore. Kind of an easy thing to say no to in terms of my diet.
Was it good? Yes!
5. When was the last time you were somewhere the crowd felt 'packed in like sardines'?
Hmmm...what comes to mind would be cable cars I've ridden up mountains because that's when I really notice the confines of a particular space. I mentally begin calculating our combined weight and wondering about the people who inspect such things.
Oh wait, Macys right before Christmas last year. Ridunkulous! It was hard to walk and I couldn't wait to get out of there.
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?
I don't know if I'm organized when it comes to packing, but when I have a trip coming up I start setting aside clothes I plan to take. I usually lay them on the bed in one of the guest rooms and I do make a list of odds and ends I need to bring. Also little jobs around the house I want to remember to do before I walk out the door, like empty the trash, go through the frig, water the plants, etc.
I'm not a light packer. I can be if you make me, but I never willingly pack light.
7. What was the last sporting event you attended in person? Did your team win? Did you care?
We attended opening day at the baseball stadium here in our neck of the woods on Monday evening. The local team is part of the Can-AM league, and it was a perfect evening weather-wise for a ballgame.
I love the minor league games...tickets don't cost an arm and a leg, you sit close to the field, and it all feels like a little slice of Americana. As a bonus they had fireworks after the game and they were grand.
Our team won, and sure I care. I think it's been well established here that I'm a teensy bit competitive.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
We had dinner with friends on Sunday evening. Friends we met when we lived in NJ the first time around, more than 25 years ago. This is the part of moving that tears at the heart a little. Our girls went to pre-school together, and now they've each attended the other's wedding. Full circle.
Thankfully these friends have family not too far from where we'll be in SC, so we know we'll see them again. As they reminded us too, they've visited us in all our homes, including England, so a trip south will be a piece of cake.