You Say Variety I Say Hodgepodge

Welcome to another week in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for your neighbor there. Here we go...  

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What's a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?  

I use a lot of different spices on a regular basis so it would be hard to pick just one. My most used are probably parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and garlic powder. I can't think of a single spice I don't like. 

Something I made recently? Hubs and I made a delicious curry called Kuku Paka last week that called for turmeric, paprika, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala and garlic. 

It was really tasty, but with all those spices, how could it not be? 

2.  It's been said 'variety is the spice of life'...in what way is this true for you? Elaborate. 

Moving is the first thing that came to mind. We've lived north, south, midwest, and across the pond so lots of variety in terms of food, speech, climate, and custom. Lots of similarities too, but always new things to learn and experience. Living in so many different places, digging in to each new spot, making friends from around the globe...all of this has added a richness to my life I would not trade. 

3. What's something in your life that adds 'spice' (excitement, intensity) even if also comes with challenge or unpredictability? 

Hubs of course. 

If you know him in real life then no need for me to explain lol. If you don't, just know he brings the fun wherever he goes. 

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why? 

The piano. Why? No real reason other than that I always wanted to play. I'm not musically inclined and wish I had learned the piano as a child because I do think it helps you develop in that area. I don't need to be a concert pianist but would love to play as a hobby. My hubs is musical and thankfully our girls take after him in that department. 

5. We're halfway through the year...what's one book, movie, or activity you've loved this year that you'd recommend to others? 

Book-Pride and Prejudice...an oldie but still and ever a goodie. If you've only seen the film (which I also love) and you've never read the book I highly recommend. Books hit differently than movies, and by differently I mean better lol. 

Movie-We haven't watched a lot of great movies, or at least none are coming to mind. I very much enjoyed the documentary I mentioned last week ('The Quilters'). I also recently re-watched the film 'Unsung Hero' which is the story of the Smallbone family (two of the brothers make up King and Country and their sister is Rebecca St. James). I saw it with friends in the theatre, but hubs and I watched it at home recently and he liked it too. It's uplifting which is not something you can say about many movies today. 

Activity-Hubs and I are reading through the Bible together this year,  following The Bible Recap plan which is chronological. After each day's scripture is read (we're listening to it aloud since we're doing it together), we then listen to The Bible Recap podcast hosted by Tara Leigh Cobble. It's only 5-10 minutes and is really helpful. We've enjoyed this little pause in our day where we sit down together and focus on who God is. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My mom lives with my younger sister several states away, but she's here in the Palmetto State this week staying with my older sister, about an hour and a half from me. I'm trekking over there while she's in town so I can spend time with her. 

We used to split her visits with half at my house and half at my sister's but all the back and forth felt like too much for just a week, so she'll stay put and I'll go to her. My brother flew down with her and it was nice to have a day to catch up with him too. 

I spent the whole day Monday with my mom and am back there today too. I do not take this time for granted, or the fact that I'm the age I am and still have my mother in my life. It's a gift and I know this. 

"An aging parent is a blessing from God—a living testament to His faithfulness through the generations" Author Unknown