Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Hodgepodge in the USA

Welcome to the Hodgepodge on this first day of July. Are you in summer mode yet, or like me still trying to figure out how it got to be July? You know the drill here-answer the questions on your own blog, then jump back over to add your link at the end of my post. Be sure to at least say hi to the blogger who linked before you, because that's the neighborly thing to do. Here we go-


1. On Saturday July 4th America celebrates her Independence (If you're not American,  feel free to answer in terms of a national holiday in your own country) What is your favorite thing about the day? Your favorite food on the 4th? Do you fly a flag at your house? Fireworks-yay or nay? Any special plans this year?

I love the 4th, and probably my favorite thing about the day is the patriotic pride on display in the form of flags flying, tiny town parades, and children and adults alike dressed in red, white and blue. We definitely fly the flag at our house, and my favorite food on the 4th would be red ripe watermelon. Fireworks are a must. We don't have firm plans this year, but whatever we do we'll end the day watching fireworks from the deck in my brother's back yard...prime viewing for their small town's spectacle.

2. What's something  you recently got for free?

Besides advice? I guess it would be the scoop of frozen yogurt my pup was treated to when hubs, my mom, and I went for ice cream last week.

3. The Statue of Liberty, The Liberty Bell, The Washington Monument, or Mount Rushmore...how many on the list have you seen? What is your favorite historical American monument, and why?

I've seen three of the four listed, never been to Mount Rushmore although I'd like to someday. Of the four my favorite is probably The Liberty Bell. I love the history associated with the city of Philadelphia and the story of our nation's early days.  

4. When it comes to the news are you more ostrich (stick my head in the sand) or hog (they have room to take a whole lot in)? How much attention have you given the recent news reports regarding ISIS and the acts of terror they've perpetrated against those who do not share their beliefs or support their cause.

I'm probably somewhere in between, but I've certainly been paying attention to the stories mentioned. I think Americans are so easily distracted by things that don't matter in the long run. I wish we could focus more on the atrocities being perpetrated against Christians, and a little less on Bruce Caitlyn Jenner et. al. I'm not in the mood to rant today so I'll leave it at that.

5. We're talking plain ice cream...vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry? Choose one.

It really depends on my mood and whether or not the ice cream is homemade. If it's homemade then give me good old plain vanilla. 

6. Share a song you love containing the word 'stars' in the lyrics or title.

He's Everything to Me 

Some of the best lyrics ever written. 'In the stars His handiwork I see, On the wind He speaks with majesty, Tho he ruleth over land and sea, what is that to me? Till by faith I met Him face to face...and I felt the wonder of His grace...then I knew that He was more than just a God who didn't care, who lived a way out there and...' 

7. Describe and/or say goodbye to June with an acrostic.

Just a whole lot of rigmarole

Unloading boxes, cars, houses, suitcases

New location and never ending paperwork

Eager to get started on the next phase of our home build. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Sunday hubs and I met my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew at the Tall Ships Festival on the Camden waterfront. There were ships on both sides of the river, but we parked on the NJ side since that seemed simplest.


One word- crow.ded. The festival was essentially rained out on Saturday, so the whole world decided to turn up Sunday. 


We spent a big chunk of the day standing in line, but the weather was delightful and it was fun hanging out beside the water. Also, stepping below deck on one of the Tall Ships confirmed for me the fact that I was not born for a life spent at sea. 


Monday was a picture perfect day, so my brother and sister-in-law invited us over for a swim and BBQ. We had more paperwork to tend to in the morning, but the rest of the day was spent relaxing beside the pool and sitting in the cool breeze on their back deck while the moon showed off. We decided Monday's weather was going to be included in the top ten days of summer. 


Not a bad way to wrap up a crazy-busy June. 



28 comments:

  1. I'd like to think your July will be less hectic than June and without all the rigmarole (love that word) but I'm not sure about that. Keep building in the R & R - enjoy the 4th.

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  2. Your acrostic reminded me why I dislike moving. We've moved four times in the past 16 years, and I know there's at least one more move on our horizon.

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  3. I, too, enjoy all the patriotic prided shown on the Fourth.

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  4. Sounds like it will be a perfect 4th for you. Enjoy the fireworks and the watermelon. I saw a commercial for some awards show that is giving Bruce Jenner and award for his bravery. I couldn't believe it! That sounds like a lovely Sunday and Monday looks like it was perfect too.

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  5. I loved your acrostic. I guess you pretty much managed to sum things up in four sentences! What a way you have with words :)
    Enjoy the Fourth!
    Kathy (from Reflections by Kathy)

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  6. I guess I read your questions too quickly. Number 4. Your answer is beautiful. I was merely thinking of songs with star in the title. I too wish people would be more concerned with what is really happening instead of the tackiness of such things as Caitlyn. I find this disheartening that we call such things courage and bravery. I feel sad for him and others like him. We usually watch fireworks from our deck, however, the rain has flooded the usual place where they are done and the location will be different this year. :-(

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  7. Loved the pictures. Sounds like you will have a picture perfect th. Stay safe.

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  8. Oh, I haven't thought about that song in years, thanks for the reminder. What powerful lyrics!

    You see and do more exciting things and it makes me a bit jealous that we do not live in a larger area with such offerings. But, hey, it's home and we love it.

    Thinking of you during all your rigmarole!

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  9. Not a lot happens around here on the 4th. It's always been rather quiet around here.

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  10. We get to see the tall ships here in Charleston quite often. They are so beautiful out on the water. Of course, I feel that way about the big sailboats and the shrimp boats and the tugs...even the container ships. Sounds like I think everything looks better on the water. LOL

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  11. I love that song and it's been a long, long time since I've heard it. I used to play it on the piano and sing it at home, when no one was there. That's the way I prefer to play and sing (no one around). Of course, they probably prefer it too. lol

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  12. Oh how that song brings back memories, Joyce! It's one I sang as a third grader, solo, when my dad was a preacher in a small town Methodist church in Kansas. I belted it out! Not sure how I sounded ,but who can resist a curly-topped, passionate 8 year old?

    And no, I'm not in full summer mode because, yes, I'm still wondering how it got to be July already!

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  13. Love that song, Joyce...and it's been YEARS since I last heard it. So moving! I totally agree with your answer to #4! Amen! Ahh...that pool looks so calming! Hope your upcoming move goes as smoothly as possible! Breathe in, breathe out...it will all come together!

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  14. Those are great lyrics! Well said about the news, I wholeheartedly agree. Monday's weather was beautiful here too and I am just starting to get into summer mode.
    We are planning on moving in with my 88 year old MIL in September so I have lots of packing and cleaning out to do. That should keep me busy ;)

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  15. I so agree about the emphasis on the news lately. So many problems in the world and too much emphasis on social issues. Hopefully there is someone that will emerge in the next election who can see the forest for the trees - but I fear not.

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  16. I forgot about that praise hymn, but I do love the words. Thanks for reminding me. Even though we are having 100 degree days, we have a slight breeze and late afternoon showers which helps some. We don't want those during the day when the humidity can rise to 500% in Louisiana. Enjoy your 4th.

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  17. Home made vanilla ice cream is the best! We used to have a hand crank ice cream maker that all of us kids had to take turns sitting on while the dads cranked and made ice cream!

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  18. AMEN on your #4 and what a pretty pool!
    Enjoy your Fourth, wherever you are!

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  19. I've always heard about the tall ships, but have never seen them -- what fun! Hope you have a great Independence Day, Joyce!

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  20. Hope you enjoy your fourth. Looks like you will have some fun. Vanilla homemade ice cream is so yummy. My linky is taking you to mt home page agsin but its there just click on the home button. Happy 4Th have a great week.

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  21. I didn't get the acrostic memo at first, but i fixed it. :) Lucky you guys got some rain. It's been so dry here, and we desperately need it. Happy 4th to you!

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  22. We went to the Tall Ships event when it came to Newport, Rhode Island about five years ago. It certainly was crowded downtown so we were happy to find a quiet spot on the beach to enjoy the Parade of Sail when they departed - such an impressive display of ships.

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  23. Thanks for hosting! I hope you have a Happy 4th. Your pictures today were nice.

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  24. There's news and then there's celebrity news. Ugh.

    Enjoyed your acrostic and wish you all the best with your move. Happy 4th of July a bit early!

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  25. That pool looks divine! I'm glad you've been able to spend time with family during this in-between time with your housing situation. You always seem to make the best out of every situation.

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  26. Thank you Joyce, for another fun Hodgepodge. I still can't open your blog at work, so I have to link up in the evening. Enjoyed your answers!

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  27. Nice pool. I enjoy DC except when I get lost.

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  28. Thank you for the "Anniversary" love. SWMBO and I do appreciate it. We received a virtual avalanche of congratulatory messages from friends and family. We are humbled to be so loved. Hope that you and Hubs have a safe and pleasant 4th of July holiday.

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