Hodgepodge With Gravy

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 the blogger who linked before you. They'll thank you! Here we go-

1. What's surprised you most about your life, or about life in general?

About my life, probably all the travel. It wasn't until well into adulthood I discovered I had a heart full of wanderlust. 

2. Among others, these ten words were added to the Oxford English Dictionary this year...awesomesauce, beer o'clock, brain fart, buttdial, cat cafe (apparently this is a real thing), fatberg (gross-read the definition here), fat shame, hangry, Mx (gender neutral), and skippable.

Your thoughts? In looking over the list, which word do you find most ridiculous? Which word would you never in a million years say out loud? Which word would you be most likely to use in conversation?

A sad commentary on the English language. I find cat cafe the most ridiculous, although probably more the concept than the actual word. I cannot imagine using the word fatberg since I rarely discuss congealed lumps of fat that won't break down. Shudder! You won't hear me calling anyone Mx. either. My word of choice on this particular list is hangry. The struggle is real y'all. 

3. Do you like gravy? Is there a food you'd rather not eat unless it comes with gravy? Do you make your own or buy the canned or store-made variety? Turkey and gravy, sausage gravy, mashed potatoes and gravy, country ham and red eye gravy, biscuits and chocolate gravy, pot roast and gravy...which on on the list is your favorite?

I'm kind of meh on the whole gravy thing. I can take it or leave it, and there's nothing I absolutely must have smothered in sauce. I like gravy on my turkey if the turkey is dry, but I love plain mashed potatoes. If I do have gravy on something I have a very small portion. I don't like my food swimming, and feel the same way about salad dressing and pasta toppings. 

I have a wonderful make ahead turkey gravy recipe I got from Southern Living a few years ago, and I make that. The past couple of years we've had gravy from a local butcher. It's made there and tastes homemade. Delicious and one less item to prepare on Thanksgiving Day so why not? I don't like canned or jarred gravy. My favorite of the foods listed would probably be turkey and gravy. 

4. Do you have a plan? Do you need a plan? Have you ever had a plan fall into a trillion pieces? Explain.

Do I have a plan? Always.  Currently we have a house plan, a holiday travel plan, a retirement plan, a health care plan, etc. etc. Do I need a plan? Yes. There are areas of my life that are in need of a plan. Ever had one fall to pieces? Ha! Of course, but it's still a good idea to have a plan. 

5. November 19 is National Play Monopoly Day. Do you own the original or some version of the game? Do you enjoy playing Monopoly? How likely is it you'll play a game of Monopoly on November 19th? Ever been to Atlantic City? Ever taken a ride on a railroad? Is parking in your town free? Last thing you took a chance on?

I like Monopoly. I wouldn't want to play every day or even every week, but once in a while and with the right people, it can be fun. We own the original, a UK version, and also a Wizard of Oz version although I think that last one might have been given away in our most recent move. It's unlikely I'll play on Friday since our game is in storage. 

I've been to Atlantic City many times, but it's not my beach of choice on the Jersey Shore. I've ridden on a railroad many times too, and parking in our town is a combination of both free and paid. You can find free parking on Main Street downtown, but if it's full you have to pay for a garage.  Last thing I took a chance on? Maybe our retirement? I'll let you know how that works out-ha! 

6. A song you like that has the word (or some form of the word) thanks in the title, lyrics, or meaning?

Some of my favorites are How Great Thou Art, My Tribute by Andrae Crouch, and an old camp blessing we used to sing before meals in the dining hall-For Health and Strength. 

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude...what is something you're taking for granted that when you stop and think about it, you're grateful for?

Lots of things, but it boils down to this-having life's most basic needs met on a regular basis. A warm bed, food in the frig, gas in the car, clean water right from the tap, money to pay bills, etc. I don't think I take these things for granted exactly, but since my basic needs are always met I also don't spend a lot of time truly reflecting on what a blessing that is. When the power goes out or the car breaks down, that's when I tend to stop and really consider how grateful I am for these things that are a part of everyday life. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This one never gets old-