I'll Give You Something To Hodgepodge About

Nothing like blogging for a month straight then dropping off the internet for a week or so. It's been busy here and something had to give. The blog it was. 

It's Hodgepodge day and if you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger there before you. Here we go...

1. What's something you may do this month?

I may get in the lake. 

I'd love to go for a float but the water needs to warm up some. There are people out there paddle boarding, swimming,  and jet skiing, but not me. I don't mind the water being on the cool side if the air is hot, but that hasn't been the case so far this spring. Soon though! Maybe even May. 

2. Hola! Hodgepodge Day lands just after Cinco de Mayo... how do you feel about Mexican food? What's your favorite dish? Do you make it at home or is it a strictly dine out option? 

I love Mexican food and enchiladas are probably my favorite dish. My mama's homemade especially. Guacamole is one of my favorite foods and I like a margarita with spicy recipes. 

I don't make a lot of Mexican food at home, but we do have tacos, tortilla soup, and a salsa style grilled chicken bowl on occasion. I make my own guac and hubs makes a great margarita. Add a bowl of chips and I could call that dinner. 

3. When the children of today grow up what do you think they'll say about this time period? What do you most hope they remember? 

What might they say? 

I think they'll say we were all a little bit crazy with the masking and the incredible isolation we forced upon them at a very important and vulnerable time in their lives.  

What do I hope they remember? 

I'm thinking of my grandchildren as I answer this one. I hope they remember feeling loved and secure, and sheer joy at the kind of  freedom they had that belongs to childhood. 

4. What advice would you give a new mother? 

The internet and complete strangers are full of opinions...trust your instincts. God made you this child's mother by design. 

Don't be afraid to ask for help from those closest to you if you feel overly tired or overwhelmed. 

5. What's a phrase your mother often said to you? If you're a mom do you say it to your own children? 

I wracked my brain, but couldn't come up with a particular phrase my mom said. My dad had a bunch of sayings he used, but we're talking mothers this month.

I think if you asked my girls they could share a few that I said often through the years, and maybe occasionally still do...'no hanky panky', 'text to let me know you made it home', and 'every little thing is gonna be alright' are some of those.  I'm going to ask them because this question has me curious. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Worth the wait...

She finally bloomed! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 652

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (May 6) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What's something you may do this month?

2. Hola! Hodgepodge Day lands just after Cinco de Mayo... how do you feel about Mexican food? What's your favorite dish? Do you make it at home or is it a strictly dine out option? 

3. When the children of today grow up what do you think they'll say about this time period? What do you most hope they remember? 

4. What advice would you give a new mother? 

5. What's a phrase your mother often said to you? If you're a mom do you say it to your own children? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A Photo Finish 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 because that's what good blog neighbors do. Here we go...

1. Did you watch the Kentucky Derby this past weekend? Have you ever been to a horse race? Ever ridden a horse? Did you enjoy it? Have you ever been to Kentucky? Do you like Bourbon? 

We did watch the Derby. We had an impromptu party which I wrote about in Monday's post (Oh Hey Monday). This year's race was one of the most exciting in a long time, a literal photo finish. I think the winner was over the line by half a hoof. 

I've never been to the Derby, but I have been to a few horse races. When we lived in NJ we used to go to the race at Far Hills every year as guests of someone hubs did business with. It's held in the fall and it's a steeplechase. I always enjoyed it and wrote about it on my blog several times. Off To The Races was the first one. There's more, but is anyone going back to 2011 on my blog to read about a horse race? 

Carry on. 

I've ridden a horse, but it's been a while. I used to ride horses at summer camp. Hubs and I have also had a couple of horseback outings while traveling for some of his work trips, one in St. Lucia and one in Sedona. In St. Lucia they let us take the horses on the beach and that was especially fun. 

St. Lucia, 2002-horesback riding on the beach in my mom jeans 

I've been to Kentucky several times, twice on 'the bourbon trail'. 

I'm not a bourbon drinker but the distilleries are in some very pretty countryside and I enjoyed our visits there. 

2.  What's something you wish you'd placed in a time capsule twenty-five years ago? 

Hmmm, I knew this question sounded familiar. I asked one very similar to it just last year. Oops. The original question when I posted them yesterday said fifteen years ago, but then I switched it to twenty-five. Answer whichever time frame is easiest for you. 

Twenty-five years ago feels like it should be high school but when I do the math I come up with 1999. Can that be right? 

Remember 1999 when we were all a dither about Y2K?  I have a few packs of Pokemon cards that people started trading that year so might include those. Is Pokemon still a thing? 

Or maybe I'd include a phone because I had a big clunky phone in 1999. Or a video camera. Ours was the kind you hoisted on your shoulder which made it look like you worked for a major news network. Probably something tech because 1999 technology was a long way from where we are today. 

3. Are you adventurous? Elaborate. 

Reluctantly lol. And I guess it depends what you mean by 'adventurous'. I'm not going to hang glide, bungee jump, or skydive but I will try other sorts of things some people might find scary. I looked up the definition and Webster says, 'willing to take risks or try out new methods, ideas, or experiences'. 

I did move abroad with two teenagers in the house, traveled solo in Europe a couple of times, ate some unidentifiable something from a styrofoam cup in Taiwan, and will speak comfortably in front of large gatherings of people, so I'm that kind of adventurous

I'm also married to an adventurous person and sometimes I get talked into pulled in to the fun. 

4. Something you want to make this year? It can be a new recipe, craft, diy project, a milestone you've set for yourself...anything at all. 

I have too big goals for putting together some scrapbooks for my grandchildren this year. I've bought some supplies and printed a few pictures but I need to get crackin'.  

5. Cinco de Mayo was also celebrated this past weekend...do you like Mexican food? If so what's your favorite dish? Have you ever been to Mexico?  Margarita-yes or no?

I love Mexican food and enchiladas are probably my favorite. Unless guacamole counts and if yes then that's my favorite favorite. I've been to Mexico several times but have no desire to go there now.

Cancun with friends- 2011

Margarita? Yes please, on the rocks with salt. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Absolute sweetest post I've read in forever on my daughter1's blog Tuesday. It's not about me, but the words feel like a true happy mother's day gift. I've linked it here-Sisters and Mothers.  

Happy Mother's Day to mothers everywhere~

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 550

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with all your friends and a few strangers too. See you there! 

1. Did you watch the Kentucky Derby this past weekend? Have you ever been to a horse race? Ever ridden a horse? Did you enjoy it? Have you ever been to Kentucky? Do you like Bourbon? 

2.  What's something you wish you'd placed in a time capsule twenty-five years ago? 

3. Are you adventurous? Elaborate. 

4. Something you want to make this year? It can be a new recipe, craft, diy project, a milestone you've set for yourself...anything at all. 

5. Cinco de Mayo was also celebrated this past weekend...do you like Mexican food? If so what's your favorite dish? Have you ever been to Mexico?  Margarita-yes or no?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 502

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What's something you 'may' do this month? 

2. "All things seem possible in May"~Edwin Way Teale. Do you agree? Elaborate. If not May, then in which month if any would you say all things seem possible? 

3. April showers bring May flowers...is this true where you live? What's your favorite color of the rainbow? Your favorite May bloom? Do you enjoy visiting gardens? What's a 'famous' garden you'd like to visit? 

4. Are you a fan of the Star Wars series of films? If so how many have you seen? (I think there are 12) Are you a fan of the sci-fi genre in general, in either books or movies? What's your favorite sci-fi book or movie? 

5. Cinco de Mayo lands on Friday of this week...do you enjoy Mexican food? How often? Do you eat out or make your own? Your favorite thing to order in a Mexican restaurant? Have you ever been to Mexico? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hodgepodge Fiesta

Welcome to another edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. Grab your chips and salsa and make yourselves at home. If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post. Then leave a comment for your neighbor because that's what good neighbors do.

1.  Question day this week lands on Cinco de Mayo. Are/were tacos on your Tuesday night menu? Hard shell, soft shell or just gimme all the tacos? Are you even a fan of Mexican food? Do you like your salsa mild, spicy, or somewhere in between? Margaritas-Frozen, on the rocks, or no thank you? Have you ever been to Mexico?

Do we even know what day it really is anymore? I'd truly lost track, but this question was a handy reminder prior to my grocery shop today (Tuesday) so yes to tacos for dinner. Also not gonna turn down a margarita if hubs offers to whip one up because grocery shopping, y'all! It's not for the feint of heart these days.  

Back to the question...I love Mexican food, tacos of any kind, my salsa somewhere in between but more spicy than not, and I'll have that margarita on the rocks with salt.  

I've been to Mexico, but it's been a number of years. 

2. What's something you may do this month?

I may get in the lake. Oh there are people swimming, my across the cove neighbors have been in for weeks now, but I like the water (and the air) to be a bit warmer before I take the plunge. The water is currently around 70 degrees, and I need it to inch up a few more notches. Plus while we've had a few hot days, we've also had a few cool days (not complaining!), and if I'm getting in 70 degree water the air needs to be consistently hot hot hot. 

3. Tell us what's happening in your state or town as far as restaurants/salons/parks/beaches/businesses opening up. How do you feel about it? Are you out and about or hunkered down? Do you wear a mask?

Well I can tell you what's not open-my hair salon. Sigh. I had an appointment scheduled for Friday, but it was cancelled. I have another scheduled for next week just in case things change by then. They seem to be opening new areas of business daily so we'll see. My salon is tiny and I'm usually the only one in there besides the stylist so I would feel comfortable going to see her. She wears gloves to do my hair, we can wear masks, and she cleans the chair between customers anyway, so the risk feels low. I understand a larger salon might be problematic. 

State parks, some coastal hotels, and the beaches are also now open and outdoor dining at restaurants is permitted, as long as distance is maintained. Large groups and parties are still banned. 

I have mixed feelings I guess. I don't have a problem with parks and beaches opening up as long as people spread out, which is fairly easy to do. I know hubs and I are not ready yet for group activities and we are wearing our masks when we go to the grocery store or the post office or the hardware store which are the only places we've been. We'll keep that up until we see how things go. 

4. Mother nature, everybody and their mother, mom jeans, like mother like daughter, soccer mom, mother hen, mother lode, necessity is the mother of invention, stay-at-home mom...pick one and tell us how it applies to your life right now.

So many apply which makes it hard to choose. Certainly necessity being the mother of invention has proven true in recent weeks. People are so creative and have come up with all sorts of ways to do their jobs, to keep us laughing, to connect with one another, to share information...it's been pretty amazing to see, and I think some of these 'new ways of operating' will stay with us post pandemic. 

5. April showers bring May flowers...what's blooming in your yard or garden today?

My knockout roses have started to pop and I love it. 

I have them in a couple of different places in my yard and they're absolutely loaded with blooms. 

We'll enjoy them all summer long. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

One of the casualties of the Corona was the trip to SC my mama had planned back in March. We had to cancel which was so disappointing and now here we are rolling in to Mother's Day many many miles apart.  I'm thankful for siblings who live near enough to take care of grocery shopping and celebrating her on this very special Sunday. 

Happy Mother's Day to the one who loved me, taught me, raised me, showed me.

Always and forever a mama's girl. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 367

Here are the questions for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with the universe. See you there!

1.  Question day this week lands on Cinco de Mayo. Are/were tacos on your Tuesday night menu? Hard shell, soft shell or just gimme all the tacos? Are you even a fan of Mexican food? Do you like your salsa mild, spicy, or somewhere in between? Margaritas-Frozen, on the rocks, or no thank you? Have you ever been to Mexico?

2. What's something you may do this month?

3. Tell us what's happening in your state or town as far as restaurants/salons/parks/beaches/businesses opening up. How do you feel about it? Are you out and about or hunkered down? Do you wear a mask?

4. Mother nature, everybody and their mother, mom jeans, like mother like daughter, soccer mom, mother hen, mother lode, necessity is the mother of invention, stay-at-home mom...pick one and tell us how it applies to your life right now.

5. April showers bring May flowers...what's blooming in your yard or garden today?

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Hodgepodge This Is The Wednesday

Hola amigos, and welcome  to the merry month of May and the Wednesday Hodgepodge! If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post, and if you haven't answered, what are you waiting for? Also, be sure and say hello to your next door neighbor on the linky list before running off, because that's what good neighbors do.

1. Can you tell I'm embracing a Cinco de Mayo theme here this week? Do you like Mexican food? What's your favorite dish? How about on the side-black beans, pinto beans, refried beans, rice? What about heat-mild, medium, hot? Will you celebrate with Mexican food and drink on May 5th aka Cinco de Mayo?

I love Mexican food, one of my favorites. Hubs loves it too, the hotter the better, so sure we'll probably celebrate with a Mexican dinner on Friday. In terms of heat, medium works for me, but more towards the hot side rather than the mild. 

I normally opt for enchiladas with either black or pinto beans on the side, but my absolute favorite Mexican dish is a healthy serving of chips and guacamole. Yum! 

2. Ever been to Mexico? For work or holiday? Love it or no? If you haven't been is this a place you'd like to visit? Can you speak Spanish?

I've been to Mexico a couple of times, both trips were to Cancun, but different resorts. My first visit was the tail end of what was a working trip for hubs. I met him in Mexico at the end of his meeting along with some other work folks who'd stayed over, and it was a lot of fun. The second trip was just a few years ago with a group of our college friends. We stayed in an all-inclusive and had a fabulous time. 

No I don't speak any Spanish. 

3. What's one thing you may accomplish this month?

I may get some pictures hung. 

Actually it's more of must than a may. I currently have seven pieces at the frame shop, so it's going to happen. 

4. If you were mayor of your village, city, or town, what's one thing you'd like to see changed, done away with, revamped, or accomplished? Is serving in public office something you've ever seriously considered?

No I've never considered running for public office. As far as our little town is concerned, I haven't lived here long enough to comment on changes that need to be made. It's small, quiet, and the lake takes center stage, so not a lot to complain about. 

5. What's something that may be popular, but that you just don't get?

Starbucks on a daily basis. Weekly basis. Really the whole Starbucks obsession.

6. Can't let this week slip by without mentioning Thursday May 4th is Star Wars Day. As in 'May the 4th be with you' ahem. Are you a fan of the Star Wars series? Exactly how much of a fan are you? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being 'I've seen every film, own the action figures, might have dressed as Darth Vader for Halloween one year', and 1 being, 'what's a Vader?' -where do you land?

I loved the first three, which are really the middle three, which I believe is why they lost me. I don't love it enough to engage in all the before and after stories, but I did really enjoy those 'first' three films and I do know what 'a Vader' is.  I guess I'm about a 3. 

7. Scroll back through your blog posts and in three sentences or less tell us the general theme of your fourth blog post. Does it still ring true today? Is it a topic you re-visit on your blog from time to time?

I know you'll find this shocking, but my fourth blog post was entitled 'Home is Where the Heart Is' and was all about answering the question- 'Where is home?' Next to the weather home is pretty much my go-to blog topic. 

Have I re-visited the subject on my blog? Ha! According to a word search on my blog, only about 600 times in some form or fashion. And yes, that fourth post still rings true today, some eight years later. 

Click here to read if you're so inclined. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I've been mulling over the Wednesday Hodgepodge because there have been a few weeks recently where getting the questions posted has stressed.me.out. 

I don't do stress, so a little fine tuning is now in order.  

I've been posting Hodgepodge questions here since November 8, 2010. That's a lotta brain cells y'all. I still very much enjoy answering the questions and interacting with everyone who participates here on Wednesday mornings, so I'm not quite ready to let it go entirely, but I am ready to make a couple of adjustments.  

Some weeks I have the questions set up days in advance. Other weeks I'm too busy to give it five minutes thought and end up scrambling to post the questions by 12:30 AM on a Tuesday. I'm typically not on my blog over the weekend, which means I have to write the questions on a Monday. 

I like to write a regular old blog post on a Monday, so that's double the trouble and pretty sure that's what's making me twitch when I think Hodgepodge posting. For the sake of my sanity, here's how it will work going forward-

I will still post the questions on Tuesday.  Sometime. They may very well be up by 12:30 AM Tuesday morning, or they may not go up until 10 AM. I will do my very best to have them up before noon, how's that? 

The link will still go up sometime Wednesday morning, and I vary the timing on that so east coasters and west coasters have equal opportunity to be one of the first blog links posted. Hopefully everyone is visiting someone, so nobody should be without a comment regardless of where you fall on the list. 

Also, I'm going to cut my brain some slack. Beginning next week the Hodgepodge will contain six questions (as opposed to seven), plus that random thought of your own added at the end.  In the course of a year that's 52 less questions I have to come up with and I feel like six is still plenty to answer.  I will see how it goes, but I might even drop back to five. 

If anyone has a question they think would be fun for a Wednesday Hodgepodge send it my way. I will give you credit in the posting. I try not to repeat questions, and I try not to ask yes/no questions, but other than that I'm open to suggestion. 

Whew. I feel better already. Happy Wednesday all! 




SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 306

Hola! Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then scoot back here tomorrow to share answers with your amigos. Here we go-

1. Can you tell I'm embracing a Cinco de Mayo theme here this week? Do you like Mexican food? What's your favorite dish? How about on the side-black beans, pinto beans, refried beans, rice? What about heat-mild, medium, hot? Will you celebrate with Mexican food and drink on May 5th aka Cinco de Mayo?

2. Ever been to Mexico? For work or holiday? Love it or no? If you haven't been is this a place you'd like to visit? Can you speak Spanish?

3. What's one thing you may accomplish this month?

4. If you were mayor of your village, city, or town, what's one thing you'd like to see changed, done away with, revamped, or accomplished? Is serving in public office something you've ever seriously considered?

5. What's something that may be popular, but that you just don't get?

6. Can't let this week slip by without mentioning Thursday May 4th is Star Wars Day. As in 'May the 4th be with you' ahem. Are you a fan of the Star Wars series? Exactly how much of a fan are you? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being 'I've seen every film, own the action figures, might have dressed as Darth Vader for Halloween one year', and 1 being, 'what's a Vader?' -where do you land?

7. Scroll back through your blog posts and in three sentences or less tell us the general theme of your fourth blog post. Does it still ring true today? Is it a topic you re-visit on your blog from time to time?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.