Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Have a Holly Jolly Hodgepodge

Welcome to the holly jolly Hodgepodge! If you've answered the questions, add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. We're all about spreading Christmas cheer here on Wednesdays.


1. Are you more task oriented or people oriented? Elaborate. 

Hmmm...that depends on the task and the people. Sometimes a task just needs to be done, and sometimes people need people. I do love a good list and am something of a take charge personality, but I also care more about people than my to-dos so will always opt to put off a task if a deadline isn't involved. When you're 'retired', there's rarely a deadline involved. 

2. December 15 is National Wear Your Pearls Day...do you own/wear pearls? If you're a man answering the question, does your sweetheart own or wear pearls? Everyone share a 'pearl of wisdom' with us here today.

I love pearls and own a couple of strands. When your thoughtful hubs regularly travels to Asia you happily own pearls. 

Shanghai, 2012

A pearl of wisdom for today? How about this-

"Ground yourself in the real meaning of the season and let this focus bring calm and purpose to all the Christmas preparations surrounding you." Kathryn Shirey, Pray Deep for Advent

3. Speaking of pearls...oysters? Are you a fan or not a fan? If you answered yes, tell us your favorite way to eat oysters? If you said no, be honest-have you ever tried one or does just the idea of eating an oyster make you gag a little? 

I like oysters. They're not my favorite seafood, but I like them. Best way? 

tonging for oysters, Prince Edward Island
Right out of the water. 

4. Time Magazine has named President-elect Donald Trump Person of the Year. Let's take presidents and presidential candidates out of the mix for a minute. If a political figure had not been chosen who would you name Man or Woman of the Year for 2016?

How about the men and women in blue? Or our nation's firefighters? Both have physically demanding, emotionally draining, incredibly important jobs to do and both have had an especially hard year protecting and serving this land we love, the people and the landscape.  

5. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2017 has been announced and it's a vibrant green, aptly named-greenery. Your thoughts? Is this a color currently in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade for the new year? Click here to see the color. 

I love it! I don't have the color in my home, but see it all around just outside my windows. I would definitely wear this color, and have a top that's close to it. I might look for something in this particular shade because I like to wear green. 

6. Today I've had too much__________________.

Coffee? I don't normally drink more than a cup or two, but I was on the phone a good bit of the morning and got a little carried away with the coffee.

7. Share a favorite lyric from a favorite Christmas carol.

'...Then rang the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead nor doth He sleep...'

...A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn...'

8. Insert your own random thought here. 


We don't have a lot of decorations outside this year, but I did put a tree on the screened porch, and I love it. I want to make it more woodland themed going forward, but this year I put anything that felt like it belonged out of doors on its branches. Right now a cardinal hangs beside skiing Santa, and that works for me! 




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26 comments:

  1. A great Hodgepodge as always and especially liked your pearl of wisdom Joyce. Thanks.

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  2. I love outside trees at Christmas. I have no idea why I never thought of putting one on the front porch. I'll have to try that next year. We host a huge oyster roast once a year at our house but I can't stand those things. They have little taste except for salt and look like something someone coughs up. But I do enjoy hosting an oyster roast! I have a couple strands of pearls, too but I never wear them. I have a few friends who wear theirs all the time. Even with their jeans and t-shirts! :) Have a great day!

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  3. I'm back! What a nice Hodgepodge this week. I'm trying hard to get into the spirit, but it is a challenge this year.

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  4. A cheery post...loved it and I really like the tree on your deck. I am slapping myself for not thinking of the men and women in blue or the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces. (I am also slapping myself that I do not know how to spell Hodge Podge today. =D )

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  5. That's a great pearl of wisdom. Very timely, too...
    I love the tree on your screened porch, and the concept of a woodland theme. I've noticed that's popular, this year.
    Kathy (Reflections)

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  6. The picture of your tree speaks Christmas all over the place! Your subtle touches are always just right. Such a talent you have.

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  7. Love your tree on your screen porch! Enjoy every minute of your Christmas in your beautiful new home, Joyce.

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  8. I would like to decorate more outside, but unlike neighbors I have, I do not like seeing lights hanging year round on the house. And I have gotten too old to put them up and take them down every year.

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  9. Yes, all the men and women in blue...what a perfect choice! Your porch tree is just beautiful, Joyce! I'd likely sit out there all night and soak it in. I saw the photos you posted of your home. I love how everything has come together so well. You've done an exceptional job! You are living my dream, for sure!

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  10. I'm glad to be back in the hodgepodge this week!

    I love your Christmas lyric, that's one of my top Christmas songs. But I do have a question; how can anybody drink too much coffee? ;)

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  11. First of all I just want to say thanks for doing the Hodgepodge for us. I really appreciate your time and effort.

    I absolutely love your outdoor tree. It looks so pretty in that picture.

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  12. I agree with you, I also picked firemen for person of the year. Your new home is lovely, I'm sure it will be a joy to decorate for years to come.
    Cheers!
    Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

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  13. #4 - great answer and I agree with both, Police and Firefighters. The tree on your deck looks great! I enjoyed reading your answers (and answering on my blog!). Thanks Joyce! Happy HP Wednesday.

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  14. Loved this holly jolly hodgepodge! So happy to be taking part again this week -- and this time, on my Christmas blog! Thanks for coming up with these questions and welcoming new participants.

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  15. The men and women in blue is a great choice. How great to have a source for pearls. Love the lyrics you picked. I love so many Christmas carols. The tree on the porch is a great idea. Have a great week and thanks for hosting...The Happy Wonderer

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  16. I have to make lists, always have! Jesus is the reason for the season. Love your answer on the men and women in Blue. Right now I could use some coffee but I'm not allowed caffeine. I think it would help my exhaustion. Great song choices. Love your porch. You know we moved into our house 10 years ago and Mark refused to put lights up. Didn't want to make any holes in the new wood. So our front continues to be plain. We use to put our reindeer out there but then people started having things stolen so we now enjoy them in our backyard!

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  17. Yes! To the men and women in Blue!! That was my choice too!

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  18. I love how you put 'retired' in quotes. I do the same, because it doesn't sound quite right, but technically I am :-)

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  19. I think your pearl of wisdom is spot on. People get caught up in the "I wants" and the " Give Mes" and forget about Jesus in the process. Have a great week and a Merry Christmas.

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  20. Love your tree on the porch! It's beautiful and no, you can NEVER have too much coffee! I LOVE it!

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  21. I hated to miss the HP today but I'm hosting two events here this week and just didn't have the time. Loved your pearl of wisdom and the tree on your back porch. We should put one on our back porch but we have so much wind and I'm not sure how it would fare. Happy weekend!

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  22. I think your outside tree is beautiful. I love the big ribbon. Cardinals are always great on a Christmas tree, or any other tree for that matter. :)

    I agree with your pearl of wisdom, too.

    The answer that I really wanted to put to the Person of the Year question on my blog was our Marine, but I didn't because I didn't want our other kids to think I was playing favorites because I love them all the same. So, Davey, our Corporal in the US Marine Corps is my Person of the Year. Maybe he and Enya could share. :)

    Have a blessed night and a very Merry Christmas, Joyce!

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  23. I am late,late, I love the idea of an outside tree. I have a great front porch for it.

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  24. Love your pearl of wisdom, your people of the year, and your outside tree!!
    Go forth and do Christmas preparations with calm and purpose!

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  25. Thanks, as always, for stopping by. You're correct in stating that we take joy in the knowledge that our loved ones are safe and happy in Heaven. The paradox comes when we regret not showing the appreciation for their being a part of our lives until there's a hole caused by their departure. I hope that you and Hubs have a very Merry Christmas.

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  26. Great answers as usual, Mrs. Joyce. BTW--#30 isn't a hodgepodge. Just FYI.

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