Wednesday, August 24, 2016

The It's Still Summer Hodgepodge

So much going on here at the moment, but nevertheless we've got a mid-week Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then run say hi to your neighbor. And by say hi I mean leave a comment 'cuz neighbors love comments.  Here we go-


1. It's National Waffle Day (August 24th)...what decision are you currently 'waffling over'? (or share one you've recently 'waffled over')

All in all we're pretty decisive round here, something the whole home build process tests on a regular basis. We like what we like and haven't waffled much on the big stuff. We do occasionally waffle on the 'small' stuff, and currently that would be the countertop edges. Not the actual countertops because choosing the granite was easy. But the edges? The edges are such a small thing which is why we waffle. 

2. It's the middle of August, but I'm already seeing lots of autumn-related posts. Do you think we rush the seasons? If so, does that bother you? I saw (here) an end of summer bucket list that included-

make s'mores, read a new (or favorite) book in the park, eat something delicious and bad for you at a state fair, have a pot luck picnic, book a last minute sumemr getaway, relax by or in the pool, take a hike to watch the sunset, have a day on the lake, try a new summer recipe

Which activities on the list might you squeeze in before summer officially comes to a close?

Yes we rush the seasons, how else do you explain Halloween costumes and candy in supermarkets in July? I don't get it. There's plenty of time to enjoy fall, to look forward to it even, but do we have to start the celebrating soooo early??? 

As far as the list goes...no to the s'mores, but I'll definitely read a new book or two. It will be part of my day on the lake though, since parks are kind of warm here in August. I'll relax by the pool, we'll take a boat ride to watch the sunset, and I'm sure I'll try a new recipe or two.  

As far as what I'd most like to do on this list? Book a last minute summer getaway. Will that happen? Not likely. It's all house all the time here until we're in, plus hubs has some work travel so I'll need to man the fort aka weigh in on any last minute decisions with the build and landscaping.

3. Your favorite summertime 'art' found in nature?

Oh I could never pick just one. Impossible! 

Sunlight dancing on the water-

 ...summer skies-


...and watching the sunset from the back of a boat all rank right up there on my list of favorites. 


4. Stephen R. Covey is quoted as saying, 'We judge ourselves by our intentions, and others by their actions.' Agree or no? Do you define yourself based on your intentions, your actions, or something else?

Agree. We can only guess at another person's intentions, which by default means I am making judgements based on actions. I do try to always see the best in people, and give them the benefit of the doubt when situations are murky. 

Myself though? I can be really hard on myself in terms of judging myself based on what I DO. I think it's important my actions are based on good intentions, but good intentions are only part of the equation. They have to be followed up with action and if they're not I feel disappointed in myself. 

5. Are you useful in a crisis? Elaborate.

I'm ususally good in a crisis, particularly if the people around me are feeling panicky. I might be a blubbering mess once things return to normal, but in the moment of crisis I can be level headed and useful. 

6. What's been your go-to dish this summer? Is it something you'll continue making as the seasons change?

B.L.T.'s  We eat a lot of them in summertime because the tomatoes are so delicious. Plus they're simple to prepare and you don't have to heat up the whole kitchen. We don't eat them very often once home grown tomato season passes and also because B.L.T's feel like summer food to me. 

7. Adult coloring books are a thing now. Have you jumped on the bandwagon? If not is this something you think you might enjoy?

I've always liked to color...it relaxes me. When I was in college I'd sometimes go spend the weekend with my sister who lived just one town over from the university. We'd buy coloring books and a big box of crayons and lay on her living room floor and color while we talked about life. These days I like to color when hubs and I are watching something intense on television. Like a tiny little gymnast sailing through the air in her quest for an Olympic medal. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Looking so forward to a weekend with nothing on the calendar. 
That's all. Carry on.



25 comments:

  1. Homegrown tomatoes are the best! We've also been enjoying fresh sweetcorn on the cob. Don't know why I didn't think of that when answering the questions. Our neighbors planted an entire field of sweetcorn in hopes they can sell it. Turns out they're having a hard time getting rid of it, so we've been given some. Makes me sad thinking of all that corn going to waste.

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  2. Good morning, Joyce. We have nothing on our calender, either, which I'm excited about. I'm a huge fan of BLT's too. Enjoy the rest of your week.

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  3. Sunsets were my choice, too, but yours are outstanding. We eat a lot of BLTs too for that very reason. The tomatoes!

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  4. Those pictures are breathtaking! I love BLTs...we eat them a lot when tomatoes are home grown. When you have to buy them at the grocery store...we kind of lose interest.

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  5. Those are some lovely photos :) And I agree about garden fresh tomatoes, they're my favorite thing about summer!

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  6. My answer for #5 is the same as yours! I love weekends with nothing on the calendar. Amen! Thanks for another fun HP, Joyce!!

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  7. I titled my post the same as yours, but promise I didn't look first :) Coloring relaxes me too. I think I need to make an effort to color more ;)

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  8. Your summer 'art' photos are beautiful. Beauty is all around us, when we take the time to look.
    I love a good BLT in the summertime. There's nothing like fresh tomatoes on a BLT :)
    Enjoy your relaxing weekend.
    Kathy (Reflections)
    PS The linky was visible, again, to me today. Very strange.

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  9. I'll just be glad when Baby M's nursery at my house is complete. This has turned into quite the project. Is it cooler up there this morning? It is here. And low humidity! It won't last long so I'm trying to enjoy every second of it. :)

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  10. Your summertime 'art' is wonderful. You get some marvelous perspectives from your new home site.

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  11. Love the sunlight dancing on the water. Perfect Summer art ... God is so Good to us.
    BLT's yep, a favorite here too.
    Have a great weekend!
    Carla

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  12. I forgot about BLTs, yes please!
    Agree wholeheartedly with your #5, levelheaded and useful during, blubbering mess after.
    Enjoy the free weekend!

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  13. I had a BLT just yesterday...delicious. I'm not joining in this week since I can't get around and visit other folks. Happy week to you!

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  14. Are you talking rounded or squared or possibly a wood edging. Our squared off edge can chip easily. That is some great art photos. Sounds like a perfect weekend ahead for you....enjoy!

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    1. We will have some sort of ogee style edge which is rounded. Thanks for the tip!

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  15. We only eat BLT's in the summer too. They are on the menu here this week. I never thought about having to decide what edge I would want for the counter tops. Sheesh, lots of decisions. Have a good weekend Joyce

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  16. So anxious for you to be all moved and settled in your new home. I'm telling you, it's the best feeling in the world after the survival of the construction. :o)) What gorgeous sunsets!

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  17. Being out on the water looks so very relaxing to me. I'm hoping to get out on the water next summer in a kayak! Thanks again Joyce for providing the Hodgepodge questions for us.

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  18. Sorry if you get this comment twice. I hit a glitch posting it.

    We LOVE tomatoes, especially tomato sandwiches. Our tomato plants are *still* tomato-less, so we haven't had nearly as many of those sandwiches as we'd hoped for.

    Your photos are beautiful. I especially like the design in the water behind the boat. It looks like a really cool star to me.

    Heavenly Father is a great artist and reminds us often with His beautiful sky displays. :)

    Have a blessed day!

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  19. I'm late to the party but I love participating! LOVE summer BLTS, nothing like a good one with FRESH tomatoes! I love your pictures too - just perfect and signify Summer so nicely!

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  20. I agree. We start seeing items for one holiday so early in the stores that by the time the holiday gets here, it is played out. The response is Meh.

    There is a season for everything. Let's get through one before we start seeing merchandise for the next.
    Many retailers don't even allow their employees to be off on Thanksgiving because they want that money. It is still going to be there the next day.

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  21. Oh, BLT's! I haven't made them in such a long time. I think that will definitely be on the meal plan this week before it turns to fall.

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  22. Although I don't have a bucket list I have been reading a lot more this year than in years past. Also I dislike the rush to the holidays, especially Christmas. Hallmark Channel has been showing Christmas Specials...UGH! Thanks for the Hodgepodge and your good thoughts for SWMBO.

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  23. Great hodgepodge Joyce. You must be close to the finishing line now with the house.

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