Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Overreacting To The Hodgepodge

Welcome to another edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post. Be sure to leave a comment for the person before you, or all the people before you if you have the time. Here we go-

From this Side of the Pond
1. What's the last thing you completely overreacted to? 

I know I overreacted to something recently because I distinctly remember hubs finally telling me I needed to calm down about whatever 'it' was. lol. That always goes over well, doesn't it? It's possible it was my first glimpse at the proposal for the backyard, which he knew would be adjusted down. For the most part I don't think I'm an 'overreactor'

2. Your top five snacks? 

popcorn, clementines, a slice of cheese, apples, dried mango 

3. What smell always brings back some type of memory? Elaborate. 

I've asked this question or one similar a few times over the course of the Hodgepodge, and my answer is always the same. While there are many scents that evoke a memory the first one that always comes to mind is freshly mown grass. That smell takes me right back to the Saturday morning summers of my childhood.

Back in the day dads mowed the lawn on Saturday mornings. Or teenage brothers. Maybe there were a few moms tackling this job but I don't remember seeing any. I grew up in a sprawling suburban neighborhood and nobody had lawn services. I still love the smell of mown grass and the Saturday morning freedom feeling it brings.

4. What's something you learned from the last book you read? 

The last book I read was West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. It's based on an actual event, but is historical fiction, set in the late 1930's. When I read books set in this time period I'm always impressed by the resilience of people. How they didn't expect life to be easy, and instead just got on with things. 

I learned a little bit more about the dust bowl too. Last year I read The Four Winds by Kirstin Hannah, another novel set in that same time period, and while West With Giraffes was very different in scope, the challenges people faced were similar. I know I studied the Great Depression in high school, but I don't remember hearing a lot about the dust bowl specifically.  

5. What's the next thing on your to-buy list? Will you make that purchase before the end of the year? 

I have a very long to-buy list, but in terms of large purchases I guess outdoor furniture would be near the top. A new space needs new furniture. I'm also shopping for luggage as my largest suitcase lost a wheel, three birthdays, Christmas, and I need new ear buds too (recommendations are welcome). 

Like a said, the list is long. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A work in progress...


Happy Wednesday everyone! 

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28 comments:

  1. My hub also tells me when I overreact. Ugh! Your project is coming right along! I love my Airpods Pro but I also have heard some people recommend much cheaper ones on Amazon. Sorry I'm not more help!

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  2. Historical fiction books are so nice because, assuming the author did research and accurately depicts the historical time frame/events, etc., the reader can learn about history in the most interesting way possible- via a story. Resilience- what many people had in spades back in the day. The backyard project is looking good! Have a great day and thanks for the link up!

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  3. I can't wait to see the finished product! I imagine it is going to be beautiful and you will love sitting out there even more than you do! I've read both of those books and felt the same. I don't remember learning much about the dust bowl.

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  4. Oh yes, a new outdoor space requires new furniture for sure! I don't think I have anything on my buying list beyond the everyday groceries/toiletries/gas. I'm content to save up our money for vacations.

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  5. The backyard looks like a project for sure. I'm sure it can be stressful!

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  6. I enjoy that freshly mown grass scent as well. It's just... essential.

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  7. I know I overreacted to something not too long ago, and my hubby will always tell me when I do. In general I think I've made pretty good progress in learning not to overreact.

    Your outdoor project is going to be fabulous. Fall will be the perfect time to begin enjoying it.

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  8. That's quite a project you have going on! Thanks for hosting the Hodgepodge.

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  9. West With Giraffes sounds intriguing! I'm putting that on my every-growing TBR pile.

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  10. Thanks Joyce for another week of Hodgepodge. I enjoyed reading your answers and I'm looking forward to see your completed outdoor project.

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  11. That looks like an outdoor kitchen going in. Nice!! I made some Christmas purchased yesterday. I hope things move forward well for the whole project without glitches!! Take care...

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  12. True, when they say that to you it doesn't help at all. Those are great snacks. The smell of cut grass is a great choice. That's interesting about what you learned from the books you read. Yes, that new space will need new furniture for sure. I'm excited to see your project when it is done and has that new furniture in it. Have a great day!

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  13. I am looking forward to seeing the completed project and how you decorate it. I found a nice outdoor rug at Sam's Club for our outdoor space, I just love it. It is easy to sweep/clean and it adds just the touch to our space. :-)

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  14. It will be so worth it when it's all done. Right now, all you see is a mess. I wouldn't like that, but it goes with the territory.

    I also love freshly mowed grass, but I didn't say that.

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  15. Regarding your last 2 snapshots -- will the new area be an outdoor kitchen?

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    1. Part of the project is what we're calling a BBQ bar. Not a full kitchen but the Green Egg will go in there, a griddle top, and a sink. We have a lower level garage right there with a frig, so didn't feel the need to add another.

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  16. Nice to see the progress pictures!

    I don't recall a certain time my Dad mowed our grass. It was always a big chore for him with our big yard.

    I don't like how ear buds feel in my ears. My husband got me wireless headphones and I love them. I probably look silly with them but they are comfortable and work great.

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  17. Your new project looks exciting and I can't wait to see the finished pictures. Yes, you do need reliable, large luggage for visiting those grandbabies. I was reminded by your answer to #3 of the familiar smell of freshly cut grass. I remember that our yard would smell like green onions because there were wild ones growing in the yard. Those are great memories.

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  18. That first question was a good one. When something bothers me, I try to let it go as soon as possible. I feel better when I get it out. Luckily that isn't very often. I enjoyed your snack list. I can't have a lot of citruses. We both chose fresh cut grass. I bet you will be so happy when your outside project is finished, and you can decorate!

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  19. I can't wait to see the finished patio project. I wonder when lawn service became a "thing." I also remember everyone doing their own yards when I was growing up. Here in Texas almost everyone uses a lawn crew. Thanks for hosting (although I didn't write a post today.)

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  20. It was fun to see some progress pictures of the backyard! I love a freshly mowed yard and particularly love it when it rains right after it has been mowed. Thanks for hosting!

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  21. Many times hub would tell me to 'calm down' Now, I miss those words. The outside project will be beautiful when completed.

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  22. I can understand overreacting to proposals and pricing for a big project like that! And yes, I think new outdoor furniture is a perfect way to finish off the whole project! I forgot about patio furniture when I answered the "to buy" question, but I don't really want to buy any - I have nice patio furniture at our other house, I just don't have a simple (cheap) way to get it here!

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  23. That outdoor kitchen will be so great!! Fresh cut grass... yes. A great scent, for sure. Popcorn would be on my list of top 10, along with Tate's Chocolate Chip cookies. Thank you for another fun Hodgepodge, Joyce!! xo

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  24. Fresh mowed grass is one of mine as well! I mentioned that while commenting to someone else earlier today. I thought I was one of the only ones:) They should make a candle that smells like cut grass!!

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  25. Oh goodness that's a project and a half! But I'm sure it will be wonderful once it's finished. I try not to overreact and hubby knows better than to tell me I am lol.

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  26. I liked the photos, things are coming along and I like historical fiction

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  27. Wow that looks like a big work ! I also love the smell of freshly mowed lawn, but have no special memories.

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