A Mostly Tax Free Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge, and bonus the letter M in the A-Z Blog Challenge. You'll find my entry for that in today's random thought. Scroll down to question #6.

If you've answered today's questions add you link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. It won't be taxing at all. Now here we go...

Wait. One more thing. Hodgepodge links only here today, please and thank you. And now here we go for real...

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately? 

We do not do our own taxes. Actually our accountant phoned us at 8:30 PM Sunday evening to discuss, so thank your CPA because this time of year is brutal for them. 

Something I've found taxing lately? Hmmm...how about blogging my way through the alphabet every day in the month of April? I really do enjoy it, but it's also a lot. 

2. When it comes to travel are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you. 

I am not last minute except for those things that can only be added last minute. I am more of an overthinker when it comes to packing. I like options, and I like to have somewhat of a plan for what I will wear each day. If I'm flying I have more self-discipline, but with a car trip all bets are off. 

My packing tips? I have traveled a lot but still am not sure you want packing advice from me. Use the packing cubes. It keeps things organized in your suitcase and you can group items in whatever way works for you. 

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level? 

In hosting the weekly Hodgepodge for many years I've learned there is a national day and/or month for everything under the sun. Not complaining though because it helps me come up with questions when my brain cannot. 

I love a grilled cheese sandwich, and it's even better with a side of tomato soup for dipping. I feel like grilled cheese is a winter lunchtime meal and rarely make one in the summer. I will order a fancy grilled cheese on occasion, but my favorite is the plain old fashioned kind with bread, butter and plenty of melted cheese. No need to doctor it up. 

4. There's a well known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd  

Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? 

I've had seasons where I've been tucked safely in the harbor and that felt necessary. There have of course been many seasons where I've been tossed on the waves which, while unpleasant and confusing, were also likely very necessary. 

I'm not sure anyone's life is all smooth sailing. I think we can and do grow in rough water, but growth can also happen while in a place of stability and peace. Sometimes we need a more gentle environment to be able to look at our lives and see what's working and what's not. 

Ideally we need a balance of growing and rest. Think about the natural world where plants lie dormant in the winter and grow like wildfire in the spring. We humans need something similar. 

Now in terms of spiritual growth I want that to be ongoing. I want to always be growing more like Christ which I think is what we're made for. 

'Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.' Colossians 3:2 

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

• daffodils or tulips tulips
• lemonade or iced tea half tea half lemonade is my favorite
• gardening or hiking both, but if I have to choose I'll say hiking 
• ladybugs or butterflies butterflies 
• umbrella or raincoat both, but I am partial to a cute umbrella 
• floral patterns or polka dots I like both...my answer would depend on where the pattern is going; is it a top? a dress? a pillow? my bedding?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm using this space for today's letter in the A-Z Blog Challenge, continuing my theme which is The Things We Keep: An A-Z of Ordinary Objects. 

Day 13-M is for the MGB

Technically the MG is hubs baby but what's mine is his and all that jazz. Plus, I enjoy being a passenger in this little beauty who must have it's own garage bay in whatever home we own. 

We bought the MG in the UK and brought it back with us when we returned stateside. I will say we have more money in the car than the cost of the actual car but I think that's how it often goes with old vehicles.

The MG is a right hand drive vehicle which can freak people out when they pull up beside us at a traffic light. Hubs used to sometimes take our dog with him and the dog sits in what would be the driver's seat in the US so there are lots of double takes by people passing by. 

We drive it on country roads mostly, and try not to get into interstate traffic or super congested areas if possible. We never put the top up so we only drive it in good weather. It wreaks havoc on my hair but we don't get out in it every day so I deal. I am strictly a passenger because she's a tad fussy. 

The car is almost sixty years old, and we've owned her for more than twenty ourselves. I can't imagine getting rid of her, and hope maybe someday hubs can hand over the keys to a grandchild. None of them will be driving for years yet so it won't happen anytime soon, but maybe someday. 

For now...

...we cruise.