Wednesday, June 27, 2018

A Garden State Hodgepodge

I've had my share of of travel frustrations and snafus this past week, but I did finally make it home last night. Just in time for the Wednesday Hodgepodge! If you've answered the questions on your own blog, add your link at the end of my post then leave a comment for the blogger linking before you. Now put your seat backs up and be sure your tray tables are stowed because we're off-



From this Side of the Pond  

1. Security or freedom? Can you have both? Explain.

Absolutely. I think maybe a better question would be can you have freedom without security?

2. If you could visit any historical American site what would it be? Why?

I’ve seen a number of what would be considered the top historical sites in America, but I’d still like to visit Mt Rushmore and Pearl Harbor. I think Mt. Rushmore is something that must be seen in person to truly be appreciated and of course Pearl Harbor is significant in our country's history. I like history. 

3. Free as a bird, free reign, be free of, free enterprise, free trip, walk away scot free, free for all...which 'free' phrase can best be applied to your life in recent days or weeks? Explain.

Well I’ve been on two American Airline flights this week and am happy to be free of that airline for a while. One cancelled flight rebooked a day later, eight hours sitting in an airport waiting on the newly booked flight which was delayed-delayed-delayed, then more sitting in the airport on the return leg, again waiting-waiting-waiting on delay-delay-delay. 

4. Something in your frig that's red? Something in your house that's white? Something in your view that's blue?

Something in my frig that's red-salsa.

Something in my house that's white-call me crazy but I do have a white couch. Two actually. 

Something blue in my view-there are certain times of day when the lake looks green, but mostly it's clear blue in color.  I guess technically it’s just clear, but it definitely looks blue.

5. July 27th is National New Jersey Day. Have you ever visited The Garden State? If so where did you go? Are there diners where you live? Have you tried Taylor Pork Roll? Do you like to play Monopoly? Salt water taffy-yay or nay? How do you feel about shopping at the mall? Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi-you have to pick one.

I’ve lived in NJ three different times and as a result have spent almost half my life in the Garden State. She gets a bad rap, but there’s much to love there too. In fact I was in NJ last week visiting family so NJ is one of the places I feel most at home. 

We do have a little restaurant here in tiny town that bills itself as a diner, but it’s nothing like the diners I’m used to. If you're in NJ you must eat at a diner. The menus are the size of a novel and there is definitely something for everyone anytime of the day or night. I miss NJ diners. 

I’ve tried Taylor pork roll or Taylor ham as it’s also known. There's a bit of controversy as to which name is the right one. 

I don’t dislike Monopoly, but I have to be in the mood to play that game.  

Salt water taffy? Yes please. 

I’m not a big mall shopper anymore, but there was a time I enjoyed it. These days I prefer stand alone stores with parking out front. Or online shopping in my pjs. 

Silly question-the Boss of course. 

Raise your hand if you know why these add-on questions are appropriate on National NJ Day.

For anyone scratching their head...NJ has more diners than anywhere else in the world, and more shopping malls in one area than anywhere in the world with seven malls in a 25-mile radius. Taylor pork roll and Salt Water Taffy originated in N.J. The streets of Monopoly take their name from Atlantic City and Springsteen, Sinatra, and Bon Jovi are all Jersey boys.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I need to regroup here a little bit (or maybe a lot), and since next week's Hodgepodge lands on the 4th of July I think we'll declare that our summer holiday. No Hodgepodge next week (July 4th), then we'll be back in action the following week-July 11th. 




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19 comments:

  1. I have two jars of salsa in the fridge, but didn't think of them.
    One is HOT the other mild.

    I don't think I could have a white couch.
    All I can think is what if someone spills something on them.

    Joyce, enjoy your week off and thank you for doing such a great job at hosting every week.

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  2. Thanks for the Hodgepodge, Joyce. I'm glad I don't have to use the airlines very often. Waiting, rebooking, etc is for the birds. I'll bet you're enjoying that lake. It's supposed to be in the 90s and very humid this weekend, here in Wisconsin. A lake would be a good idea.

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  3. Sorry about your airport delays....glad you made it home.
    Happy Fourth of July!

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  4. Flying is just not a fun way to travel these days. I've managed to avoid it since 2002. I'd rather drive, even though it takes longer, and see the countryside. Shopping at home in my pj's beats the mall every time! Have a great Fourth!

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  5. Jo,

    I've never been on an airplane and probably never will. I don't think I'd like all the delays that come with traveling by air. That's gotta be extremely boring. Excellent group of questions. I hope everyone has a safe and fun 4th. Starting next month, I'm skipping my mid-week posts. I need a little break in Blogosphere but I plan on returning to normal blogging life in September. Have a good summer! :)

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  6. I have several friends who had flights last week and every single one of them had delays-delays-delays. Even NashvilleDaughter who had to take clients to Chicago had a delay going and returning. Maybe it's just too hot for the planes? Ha! I've never been to NJ but I've seen pictures that showed some lovely places up there. My college bestie LOVES Springsteen but I just never saw the appeal. Goodness, but that girl was CRAZY over him! :) Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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  7. Mt. Rushmore was the first thing I thought of when I read that question but didn't use it as my answer. I've never been out west and would love to see it too! Great Hodgepodge today...thanks so much for hosting, as always...and have a wonderful 4th of July!

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  8. Just flew back yesterday and no delays thank goodness, but security in Detroit was about to set me over the edge. Long slow line with a baby somewhere close screaming (not just crying) the whole time. This was at 6:15 a.m. so not by best time of day anyway. Travel is worth it, but airports can be awful!

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  9. Flying is the main reason Mark is retiring. He can't handle it anymore. Amber & I had our weekend in Florida this weekend. We meet up in Denver. We were delayed out of Denver for 1 hour on the runway. Going home I barely made my connection in Denver. Amber's connection in Denver was delayed six hours. Mark's says he never ever wants to get on another plane. Like you I'm not much of a mall shopper either. If I go to the mall it will be for just one of the main anchor stores. Those are awesome facts about New Jersey. Okay Joyce, have a nice 4th of July and we will see you the following week.

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  10. Rushmore is beautiful, but you see it from a distance and with the crowds it just doesn't feel as impressive as it seems it should. The Black Hills are lovely and visiting them, where Rushmore resides is a definite must.

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  11. I didn't think of Pearl Harbor or Mt. Rushmore. I would love to see both. That must have been very frustrating waiting on all those planes.

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  12. I didn’t do the Hodgepodge this week, but ...I’m from Long Island, understoood ALL of the Jersey references. I saw Bon Jovi at MetLife stadium, it was the first concert they held after they built the place. (I saw Green Day at Giants Stadium just before they tore it down.)And Long Island diners are better than Jersey diners...l

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  13. Always fun, Joyce. Thank you! Enjoy next week and see you on the 11th!

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  14. I have a love/hate relationship with flying for exactly what you were describing, wait, delay, wait and delay some more. Goodness, but when all works, it's awesome. I have never been to NJ, sounds like I need to put it on my bucket list. Hope you have a relaxing and restful rest of the week. You deserve it!

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  15. It's amazing where people want to go. There a lot to see in the United States.
    Sure hope you and the rest who plays have a wonderful 4th.
    Coffee is on

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  16. A very provocative Hodgepodge dear lady. Again, I am surprised that you neglected to list the Jersy Boys better known as the Four Seasons. I would like to see Mount Rushmore in person as well as Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Thanks for another fine Hodgepodge and have a wonderful & safe Fourth of July.

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  17. Well now I'm more informed about NJ. Thanks for keeping our brains ticking with another great set of questions especially when you've had a busy and frustrating time. A week off is definitely merited - enjoy!

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  18. There are a lot of things to see in this great country, wish we could all go to all of them. White couch! Are you nuts?

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  19. Even after looking up "Taylor Pork Roll" on the Internet, I'm not sure what makes it special, but I think I would like it.

    As for air travel, it's just not as fun as it used to be.

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