Wednesday, February 18, 2026

A Gem Of A Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post. Before running off be sure to leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go-

From this Side of the Pond
1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season? 

I didn't grow up in a denomination that celebrates Lent specifically, but Easter and the days leading up to that Sunday were definitely marked. I sometimes read a devotional written specifically for the lenten season, and this year am following the reading plan put out by She Reads Truth. It's focused on the Psalms and is called Bless The Lord. I like SRT and have done some of their other reading plans in years prior. 


You can order an actual book, or follow along online. 

2. Pancakes...are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on your menu this week? 

I like pancakes okay, but in terms of breakfast carbs I'd much rather have french toast or waffles. Pancakes are too heavy for me. Hubs loves pancakes and if we're out to breakfast he often orders them,  and then I can have a bite. That's all I need. Blueberry are my favorite, but they're not on this week's menu. I want a little bit of syrup and a side of bacon so there's something salty to cut the sweet. 

Pancakes with a view-


3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt 'spread too thin'. 

In this season of life it's rare I feel spread too thin. We're living the retired life and there's a lot less multi-tasking, less demands on our time unless we say so, less going in three directions at once. It's nice. 

4. What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors? 

I love the gemtones and feel like they suit my coloring. You'd find some in my wardrobe for sure, more than any of the other options listed. My favorite jewel or gemstone is a sapphire, with pearls a close second. Pearls are actually considered organic gemstones. 

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge? 

Knowing you can't please everyone when making tough decisions. If you're a person who dislikes conflict as much as I do, then you know the struggle is real. The sooner you learn that someone is always going to be unhappy no matter what you say or do, the quicker you'll find  peace in whatever job or role you're managing. Do the right thing and sleep easy when your head hits the pillow. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My favorite way to have pancakes is a pancake breakfast lakeside with all my favorite little people there-


Happy Wednesday everyone! 

23 comments:

  1. I also didn´t grow up celebrating or marking lent. Easter was/ is a huge event for Christians but the Lenten season wasn´t a thing for us. I said something similar about pancakes- not my carb of choice! That´s funny that your husband really likes them. I think of them as a very kid friendly kind of food like chicken nuggets? Great pics of the fam! Thanks for the link up and have a great day!

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  2. That view is stunning! I bet this picture makes you ready for the spring/summer season. I can't imagine how much both of you must love having your people there with you to do things like eat pancakes. Thanks for hosting us, as always!

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  3. Love that last photo of the cutest little pancake eaters!

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  4. I love pancakes in the wild! You just have the best set up for kids or adults. I am the same - the pancake is not my am carb of choice! We have a breakfast place with a giant cinnamon roll for the table! Oh man!

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  5. How fun to have a pancake breakfast outdoors with all of your little people!
    I enjoyed your answers and I'm similar in upbringing regarding Lent .All of my Catholic friends (which were most of my friends in High school) celebrated Lent but my mom and dad had us focus instead on spending MORE time with the Lord during the days leading up to Easter vs "giving something up". I'll have to participate in these questions....I really liked them.

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  6. Well...that is the most wonderful way to have pancakes. Making decisions for a group is a hard spot to be in, I agree. I'll have to check out She Reads Truth since I can't take my hard copies of devotionals etc. on our trip. Just my Bible is traveling this time around. Time will tell what kind of computer time I'll have while away. Cheers!

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  7. That is so true that someone is always going to be unhappy it seems. I love that last picture of your sweet family! Thanks Joyce for hosting!

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  8. I wouldn't choose pancakes either, if I had an option!

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  9. Love the photo with your pancake breakfast lakeside.
    I did a She Reads Truth study for advent a few years ago. The study included recipes and craft ideas as well, it was a blessing to me.

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  10. The Kodiak mix pancakes don't seem as heavy - we actually usually choose to make waffles over pancakes. Serving pancakes to kids is probably best done outdoors :-). The one thing I don't like is the lingering smell of syrup. I do love that photo at the end - I know it makes your heart sing!

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  11. I will have to check that book out. I didn't grow up with Lent either. That photo of the pancakes looks delicious. I'm glad you are enjoying this time in your life without feeling that you are spread too thin. Sapphires are very pretty. I like your answer for #5. Your random thought is so precious. I'm so happy for you. Have a beautiful day.

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  12. Yum to your pancakes and what a fab view! Retired life does sound lovely. Knowing that I can't please everyone is something I have made peace with lately. It is hard work trying to keep everyone happy and sometimes that isn't possible.

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  13. My husband loves pancakes and always orders them if we eat breakfast out. I used to make them Christmas morning for everyone but now, we just jump right into making the lunch meal, especially since I don't eat breakfast anymore and it seems my kids have jumped on that wagon as well.

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  14. Thanks for another great Hodgepodge!! I much prefer a biscuit with eggs and bacon or sausage. I agree that pancakes are just too heavy. I do keep toaster waffles in the freezer and will have two with a boiled egg for a hurry-up breakfast that will stick to the ribs (well, we all know it sticks to the butt). Your outside kitchen is the best spot anywhere!! Look at those faces and at that view!! xo

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  15. Pancakes are just too heavy for me, but with that beautiful view, I might take one!! I didn't celebrate Lent growing up, but this year my Bible Study Group and I are going to.

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  16. Your pancakes beside your lake look perfect for me; but then, I like any food beside any water!!

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  17. Love the view behind those pancakes on the grill. I do love pancakes but usually have them maybe once a year. lol.. great family pictures.

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  18. Quite frankly, I can't think of anything that wouldn't taste better with your view and cuties.

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  19. That's a perfect setting for pancakes especially with all your favourite little ones.

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  20. The last picture.. so sweet. We too prefer waffles or french toasts. My youngest is all about pancakes though.

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  21. Pancakes out by the lake would definitely be the best way to enjoy them! And especially with some littles. :-) I do like pancakes but also prefer french toast or waffles. Thanks for the link-up - have a wonderful week!

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  22. A lakeside pancake breakfast with my faves would tickle me pink!! Pig heaven for sure. And I adore pancakes - even all by my lonesome. Going to answer your questions in a post for the week's end.
    I have bookmarked the Lent devotional you mentioned. Hope to remember to do it each day. Thank you for the suggestion.

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  23. I'm not a huge pancake fan either but I think that's because I really dislike maple syrup so unless it's something like I had Monday-- cinnamon bun pancakes with sweetened cream cheese syrup, I tend to pass on them. I hadn't been thinking pearls when I thought of gemstone. My mind immediately went to sapphire and diamonds but I do love pearls too.

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