I Cannot Tell A Lie...It's Monday

Good morning friends, and happy birthday George and Abe. 

Speaking of Abe, hubs and I watched a movie last week we hadn't seen before, even though it was released in 2011- The Conspirator with James McAvoy, Kevin Kline, Robin Wright, and more. The plot follows the trial of Mary Surrat, the first woman tried in connection with the Lincoln assassination. It was good and I wasn't all that familiar with her story. 

And as long as we're talking about Abe...how do you feel about the penny? The last were minted in November of 2025, and now the penny is no more. I mean except for the pennies we have stashed in pockets, purses, and jars, but I guess nothing is one cent going forward? Or two, three, or four cents either? Or twelve, thirteen, or fourteen and so on and so on. Hmmm. Is everything going to be rounded up or rounded down? I guess we're about to find out. 

Now let's put the train back on the track and discuss the weekend. Hubs and I had plans to celebrate with a nice dinner Friday night since I would be leaving town Saturday morning. We wanted to make a lobster risotto because that sounded fancy, and it's also something we've never made before, but we missed the lobster truck so went with plan B, which was also good. Hubs grilled steaks and he's mastered that so no complaints. 

My mom lives with my younger sister, but my sister had an opportunity to take a big trip so we shifted mom to my brother's house in NJ for the two week holiday. My older sister and I each took a week to be there too so everyone could come and go as needed. We don't leave my mom alone at all so having extra hands in the house helps.

Hubs drove me to the airport and I arrived with plenty of time to spare. It wasn't busy so I sailed through security, grabbed my Dunkin' latte, and settled in with my book until it was time to board. 

The flight was smooth and my brother picked me up on the Philly end and so all in all easy peasy. 

I've spent a lot of my life living in this part of the country, but I'm a Carolina girl now and I forgot about all the snow on the ground. 

When my older sister was here last week the temps were frigid, but I've timed my week better and I think it might hit the 50s so whoohoo! I love seeing freshly fallen snow, but month old dirty snow is not my favorite. 

Celebrating with my first Valentine ❤️

We spent the afternoon watching the Olympics and we did some coloring too. My brother grilled salmon for dinner, and my sister-in-law served a yummy Valentine's Day dessert, and all in all it was a nice low key day. I don't have a chance to hang out with my brother and sister-in-law all that often so it was fun to be in their house and talk about all kinds of things. 

Hubs stayed home with the little brown dog, and he had a good day too. A Clemson baseball game with our son-in-law and the two oldest grandsons, and then dinner at their house which was really nice. 

Sunday morning we had coffee beside the fire in their cozy kitchen nook and did some laundry for mom. My brother and sister-in-law went out for a run and I hung with mom, then they came home and I took a good walk in the crisp fresh air which felt great. 

It wasn't windy and I was bundled up. There's a lot of sitting in our week so trying to move when we can. 

My brother still coaches and had a track meet that afternoon so it was just us girls at home. I blogged, started my new book, chatted with mom who colored some more, became knowledgeable about curling, and watched still more Olympics. The next few days will be more of the same and I'm not mad about it. Hope your weekend was a sweet one too. 

Linking with Hollyand Sarah today for their Hello Monday weekend recap blog hop. 

A Puzzler Of A 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, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Or all the bloggers before you if you've got the time. Here we go-

1. Many of our earliest presidents created words or expressions widely used today. Teddy Roosevelt is credited with mollycoddle, pack rat, frazzle, and loose cannon...which of those words/phrases currently relates to your life in some way? 

Hmmm...none truly apply at the moment. We try not to mollycoddle the grands and I'm married to the opposite of a pack rat so neither of those work. Am I frazzled? A teensy bit, mostly about three or four semi-large bits of paperwork/organization I need to take care of, but just can't seem to get to. 

I guess I'm going with frazzle. 

2. Have you visited many (or any) of the US Presidents homes, monuments, libraries or related sites? If so what's been your favorite? Are there any you particularly want to see? Here's a link to presidential sites listed by state which is kind of fun to read-Presidential Places by State. And since several bloggers who participate in the HP each week live outside the US, here's a link to Presidential Places Outside the US. Have you seen any of those? 

I've lived a fair chunk of my life on the East Coast, with easy access to many historic and presidential sites. I'm not sure I can even list them all but...Mount Vernon, George Washington's Birthplace, the capitol building in Annapolis, the capitol building in Austin Texas, the capitol building in Richmond Virginia (all of these buildings have a lot of statues relating to Presidents), Monticello, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, allllll the Washington D.C. Presidential memorials/monuments, the White House, the U.S. Capitol building, Arlington National Cemetery (JFK and William Taft are both buried here) and then further west the LBJohnson Library in Austin TX, and the Reagan Library in California. 

3. February 20th is National Cherry Pie Day...will you celebrate? Given your choice of cherry pie, cherry cobbler, cheesecake with a cherry topping, or black forest cake which would you choose? 

I'm not opposed to celebrating but someone would have to bring me the cherry pie because I also have no plans to bake one. I like all of the desserts mentioned so it would kind of just depend on what I was in the mood for at the time. Right now I'd go for the pie or cobbler. 

4. Last time you worked a puzzle of some kind? Something that had you puzzled recently? 

I worked a puzzle with my two oldest grandsons over the weekend. It was a map of the United States. 

Something that's had me puzzled recently? 

AI, 4D printing, the size of our galaxy, and hypocrisy in politics among other things

5. Of the early blooming flowers (January-early March depending on your zone) which one's your favorite? 

snowdrops, lenten roses, pansies, violets, snapdragons, reticulated iris, crocus, winter jasmine

Do you have any of these in your own yard/garden? 

I love them all...how do you choose a favorite flower? We had snowdrops in our English garden and they're definitely a favorite, but I don't have any here. We have lenten roses and iris in our garden and I sometimes have pansies, violets, and snapdragons in pots but currently do not. I love iris and they always make me think of my mom who used to have an enormous bed of iris in one corner of our yard. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This year I'm trying to bake all the cakes on the Southern Living calendar. They suggest one for each month and I mentioned January's cake in a post here-Buttermilk Cake. 

I made the February cake on Sunday-Raspberry Molten Chocolate Cake-

before baking

This was scrumptious! Normally lava cakes are made in ramekins and baked individually, but this version was baked in an 8 x 8 pan, and it was really easy. 

I wondered if you'd get the 'lava' texture and you definitely do. This cake needs to be eaten pretty soon after  removing it from the oven, and needs a  scoop of vanilla ice cream on top as it's quite rich. It's surprisingly light too, and sooo good! I'll absolutely be making this one again. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 590

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (Feb. 19th) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. Many of our earliest presidents created words or expressions widely used today. Teddy Roosevelt is credited with mollycoddle, pack rat, frazzle, and loose cannon...which of those words/phrases currently relates to your life in some way? 

2. Have you visited many (or any) of the US Presidents homes, monuments, libraries or related sites? If so what's been your favorite? Are there any you particularly want to see? Here's a link to presidential sites listed by state which is kind of fun to read-Presidential Places by State. And since several bloggers who participate in the HP each week live outside the US, here's a link to Presidential Places Outside the US. Have you seen any of those? 

3. February 20th is National Cherry Pie Day...will you celebrate? Given your choice of cherry pie, cherry cobbler, cheesecake with a cherry topping, or black forest cake which would you choose? 

4. Last time you worked a puzzle of some kind? Something that had you puzzled recently? 

5. Of the early blooming flowers (January-early March depending on your zone) which one's your favorite? 

snowdrops, lenten roses, pansies, violets, snapdragons, reticulated iris, crocus, winter jasmine

Do you have any of these in your own yard/garden? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hail to the Hodgepodge

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (January 22) to share answers with the rest of the world wide webbers. See you there! 

1. What's a winter memory you treasure (can be from any winter in your lifetime)? 

One of my favorites would for sure be the winter of 2005 when we took a family trip to Seefeld Austria. It was one of those trips where everything felt nearly perfect, from the location, the weather, the activity level, the accommodations, and the food. I wrote a little bit about it in this post-Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Ski Jumpers

Speaking of babies...look at these two teenagers from way back when...

2. Tell us about the last time or a recent time you were caught up in red tape. Does it send your frustration level off the charts or is it something you've come to expect when dealing with any sort of bureaucracy?

Hmmm...just got my tax organizer and anything tax related feels like red tape to me. I breeze through parts of it but there are a few questions that always send my frustration level soaring. I expect it which is why I haven't tackled it yet. 

3. Do you eat/like fish? Do you cook fish at home? What's your favorite fish dish? Ever been ice fishing? 

I love fish, all kinds and fixed many different ways. I don't know if I have a favorite but if sea bass  is on the menu I will likely order that. If we're including shellfish in this category then the answer is easy-Maryland blue crabs picked and eaten on a picnic table beside the water. 

Hubs doesn't like the smell of fish cooking in the house, but we do seafood on the grill fairly often, particularly salmon, shrimp, and scallops. I have never been ice fishing. 

4. Did you watch any of the US President's Inauguration coverage on Monday, Jan 20? On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being not at all and 10 being very very) how interested are you in politics in general? Do you follow/keep up with/ get involved with local politics? 

I did watch a lot of the coverage. History being made in real time. I'm interested in politics but they also make my stomach churn so I have to limit my consumption. I will say I'm an 8. 

I keep up with local politics and while I'm not involved in them I do vote in every election, no matter how small. 

5. What's the coziest thing you own and what makes it so? 

Hubs knows what I'm going to say and he's probably laughing, but also it is not his favorite thing in my wardrobe. 

My bathrobe. So so cozy. I put it on and instantly feel better. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Daughter2 arrived with her two littles today (Tuesday) joining her sister who's been here since last Thursday with her three littles, and it's not crazy at all...

Nobody in this crowd has a small personality, including the mommas lol. So much fun! 

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Hello Monday Tuesday

If you're looking for this week's Hodgepodge questions you'll find them in the post before this one. 

Good morning friends. Linking up with Holly and Sarah for their weekly Hello Monday party, happening this week on a Tuesday due to the holiday. Am I the only one who will be a day off all week because of the extra weekend-ing? 

Even though in retirement every day is technically the weekend?

It's officially September and September means a month of birthdays in our house, starting with hubs. Daughter2 has a birthday next week, then mine rolls around the following week. I'm all about making a birthday celebration last more than a day, and will no doubt mention mine more than once before it actually arrives. If you've read here for any length of time you already know this. 

Our backyard construction project is moving right along, but it's all a lot. Hubs likes to stand on the upstairs deck and survey the work from above. He goes in and out at least a hundred times a day, he paces and frets about that one rock he thinks is leaning in a downward direction more than it should, and all that to say it was time for a break. 

He reluctantly agreed, so on Friday we went to the late afternoon showing of Reagan. Fantastic! I'd seen a preview and wasn't sure how I'd like Dennis Quaid in this role (even though I love Dennis Quaid in pretty much everything), but he did a great job in his portrayal of 'Dutch'. Penelope Ann Miller plays Nancy and she was wonderful too. 

I won't say too much about it, except this...I miss having an articulate leader who inspires with wisdom and wit and common sense, one who is unafraid to say the hard things, and who lives out the courage of his convictions no matter which way the wind blows. I miss when nearly the whole of America loved America. 

At the end of the movie everybody clapped. 

Saturday I made my second trip to the supermarket to get some last minute things for hubs birthday dinner happening the next day. I got home in time to watch our favorite college football team (the Tennessee Vols) crush their opponent and also watch our second favorite college football team (the Clemson Tigers) get crushed by their opponent. 

I spent the rest of the afternoon cooking and baking. I made a key lime pie which is what hubs wanted for his 'birthday cake', and I also slow roasted tomatoes for one of our favorite appetizers, Pomodori al Forno, all for Sunday. 

When you spend hours cooking it feels like you shouldn't also need to make dinner, but meals just keep on coming. About a week ago Amy (Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa) shared a recipe for an egg roll bowl and we tried that on Saturday night. It was good. I added slaw to my bowl like she suggested, and Siracha too because we like Siracha. 

On Sunday hubs officially turned a whole year older. I offered to make him a blueberry waffle which is one of his favorite things, but we had a big dinner on tap so he declined. Do you have Publix where you live? Have you tried their bakery cinnamon bread? I'd picked some up the day before and it's super delish, so that was his birthday breakfast. 

We spent the day getting the house in order. The dust y'all. It's everywhere. Everywhere! I don't think there's a surface inside or out that isn't wearing some dust. It's impossible to get on top of just now, but we tried. Plus I had to make yet another trip to the store for three things I'd forgotten. Bother. 

Friends came Sunday evening to celebrate and hubs grilled steaks because that's what he wants on his birthday. I'd made twice baked potatoes (forgot how labor intensive they are), a salad, and fresh green beans. 

One of our guests is a wine aficionado and he brought a fabulous highly rated bottle to share. It's a Vineyard 36 cabernet called Five Bands. The bottle has five silver bands across the front, with the design intentionally made to resemble the Stanley Cup. Vineyard 36 was started by two former NHL players, along with a vintner named Jason Earnest. This one is hard to get so it was really fun to have a taste, and it made dinner feel like an occasion. 

Which it was. Happy birthday hubs! We'll see both girls this month which is the best present of all. 

Monday morning was beautiful, and while we wanted to lounge we thought exercise would be the better option. 

We got the kayaks out and had a nice long paddle around the neighborhood. The weather was perfect, warm and sunny with a gentle breeze. 

We got back to the dock and swam for a bit, then went in for lunch and a nap. Actually hubs napped and I worked on my blog. Neighbors who live here part time were in town and invited us over for happy hour so we walked to their house about 4:30 and enjoyed catching up with them. 

Has anybody watched Grantchester? It's a British drama series set in the village of that same name. Hubs and I watched the first several seasons a while back and enjoyed it, and then last week my daughter told me they went to Grantchester for the day, and she found it so charming. We decided to pick up the series again this weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing the village up close and in person when we visit the UK in a few weeks. 

The list of people and places we need and want to see while we're there is a long one. I'm trying to manage my expectations, but haven't been too successful so far. I'll keep you posted. 

Hey, did I mention I have a birthday this month? 

Happy Monday Tuesday everyone! 

No lyin'! It's the 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, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go-

1. What do you find is the most boring part of your life at the moment? 

Well our tax organizer arrived in the mail last week so there's that. 

2. February 22nd is George Washington's birthday. You'll find his face on the US $1 bill. What's the last thing you bought for roughly $1.00? (.94 €/ .83 £)

I had to really wrack my brain to come up with an answer for this one. It's hard to spend just $1, plus I rarely have cash. We dropped a dollar in a musicians tip cup recently so maybe that? 

3. Is it ever okay to tell a 'little white lie'? Explain. 

This feels like a trick question because lying is lying. BUT! there are times when a 'white lie' feels like a kindness, when someone is asking more for reassurance than facts. Most of us don't want to cause someone unnecessary hurt. The thing about lying though, is that one small lie often leads to another, then another, and before you know it you've lost sight of the truth, or you're having to tell more and possibly bigger lies to keep up. 

For the record my kids grew up with 'Santa' filling stockings and the tooth fairy leaving money under their pillows so I'm definitely not guiltless when it comes to telling 'white lies'. 

4. What's the last thing you 'chopped'? Cherry pie, chocolate covered cherries, a bowl of cherries, cherry vanilla ice cream, maraschino cherries, a cherry lifesaver...your favorite cherry flavored something? 

The last thing I chopped would be onion, peppers, and mushrooms for a baked spaghetti recipe I made to take to my daughter's house. She had minor eye surgery and hubs and I spent a couple of days there to help with sweet baby J. I love Joanna Gaines recipe linked here (Baked Spaghetti). 

Also, as I re-read the recipe just now I realized I accidentally omitted the cream cheese this time, and it was still delish. And I never use Velveeta, I just throw in some extra cheddar and that works well too. 

Of the cherry treats listed a bowl of cherries would be my first choice, with cherry pie a close second. 

5. Describe yourself with three words using your first, middle, and last initials. 

This wasn't as easy as I thought it would be when I wrote the questions. I'm going with-

Jesus follower~adaptable~determined. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We took the little guy to his swimming class on Tuesday morning and hubs got in the pool with him since his momma was still recovering from her procedure. This was his fourth week in the class and he enjoys it more each time. 

Week one he cried the entire class, week two off and on for most of the class, week three not at all, and today he floated on his back like he didn't have a care in the world lol. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 493

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

1. What do you find is the most boring part of your life at the moment? 

2. February 22nd is George Washington's birthday. You'll find his face on the US $1 bill. What's the last thing you bought for roughly $1.00? (.94 €/ .83 £)

3. Is it ever okay to tell a 'little white lie'? Explain. 

4. What's the last thing you 'chopped'? Cherry pie, chocolate covered cherries, a bowl of cherries, cherry vanilla ice cream, maraschino cherries, a cherry lifesaver...your favorite cherry flavored something? 

5. Describe yourself with three words using your first, middle, and last initials. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

On The Road Again

I paused my road trip recap for a fun, full, family-filled weekend but am back on the PCH today, figuratively speaking of course. 

Day 4-San Clemente to Santa Barbara

We waited to get on the road until about 9:30 because everyone scares you about the traffic you're sure to encounter getting around LA. We experienced no delays whatsoever, but we also didn't make any side trips or stops as we were anxious to get around the city and on our way north. 

When we were planning our trip we knew we'd be in the vicinity of the Reagan Library, and hoped there would be time for a stop. Since we made such good time around the city when we saw the exit signs for the library we decided to go for it. 

What a beautiful location and fitting tribute to our 40th president. Ronald Reagan was a leader I very much admired, still admire, and the library is definitely worth seeing if you are traveling in or around the area. 

There's a retired Air Force One in the building, along with a former Marine One, and you can board both for an up close look. 

Reagan had a wonderfully optimistic view of America and the deep love and pride he felt for this country was apparent in all he said and did. 

His ranch was just a few miles from where the library sits today, and looking around it's easy to see why he so dearly loved the time he spent here.

After touring the library we drove on to Santa Barbara, a charming seaside town, arriving at our hotel early afternoon. We stayed in The Lavender Inn and loved this quaint hotel with all of it's small sweet touches. Hubs helped himself to homemade cookies while I got the low down from our very helpful front desk manager on getting to the beach, shops, and restaurants. We dumped our bags in the room and walked a short few blocks to the beach to see what we could see. 

We meandered along the harbor walkway before grabbing a snack at Finneys on State Street. Then it was back to the hotel for a glass of wine in the hotel lobby and a really nice chat with a couple from another part of Cali (by way of Kentucky), who were also guests of the hotel.  

At the hotel manager's suggestion we went for dinner on the pier. While the pier was within walking distance we opted to drive as we were unsure about walking back in the dark. Turns out you can drive your car all the way out to the end of the pier, a little freaky but that's how it's done so we did it. 

Rock crab at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company... 

With a side of sunset view for the win!! 

"Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music." 

~Ronald Reagan

Nuts About 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, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. 

A quick reminder there will not be a Hodgepodge next week (Feb 23rd). I will have a houseful and want to enjoy every minute with my peeps. The Hodgepodge will be back in action the following Wednesday, March 2nd. March!! I know!! 

Okay, back to today...here we go-

1. February 16th is National Almond day...are you a fan? If so what's your favorite food item or recipe that contains almonds? 

I do like almonds, all nuts really but almonds are a favorite.  I have no idea why, but the first food that came to mind was the Good Humor ice cream bar called a Toasted Almond. I haven't had one in years and don't know if they even make them anymore, but I loved them. An Italian almond cream cake is one of my favorite almond desserts, and I used to love the Peshwari Naan bread from the local Indian restaurant we frequented in the UK. Yum!

2. Something you are currently 'nuts' about? 

My new Macbook Air. 

3. Something currently driving you 'nuts'? 

Nothing like stating the obvious, but the hypocrisy happening in our country is really hard to take. 

4. Something you recently bought for 'peanuts'? 

Hmmm...maybe pillows for the Murphy bed. I had two gift cards and a coupon which made the purchase feel like a bargain. 

5. Share a favorite quote uttered by any U.S. President ( if you're not an American, a quote made by the leader of your own country). 

"Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light." George Washington 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hubs and I made a chocolate fondue for our Valentine's Day dessert. I used the recipe found here and it's a winner...

Have a nice week everyone!

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A Penny For Your Hodgepodge Thoughts

Welcome back to another week in the Wednesday Hodgepodge! If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then go say howdy to your neighbor there. Here we go-

1. This week's Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday which signals the beginning of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? If so tell us more. Did you grow up 'celebrating' Lent? Is attending church part of your weekly routine? Are churches open for in-person worship where you live? 

I didn't grow up in a denomination that put a great deal of emphasis on the season of Lent, but Easter was most definitely a very special day. As an adult I've grown to appreciate this idea of intentional focus on the days leading up to the crucifixion and the great sacrifice made at the cross. I  don't give anything up, but I do try to read something that sets my mind on that sacrifice and what it means to me and for me as we head into Easter. 

I love church and one of the biggest negatives to all this virus mess has been the disruption to our weekly routine of 'going to church'. Some churches are open, others closed, others open but with limited access. Ours was open for a brief period then returned to virtual. We've been attending our Sunday School class via Zoom for almost a year now, and that's worked surprisingly well. 

I'm ready to be back in the building, which I know is just a building, but again I think worship feels more like worship when we're physically in the same space. Far fewer distractions too. 

2. When is the last time you sat beside a 'real' fire? Do you have a fireplace in your home? Wood or gas logs? Favorite thing cooked over a fire? 

A real fire as in a wood fire? Yes I think that's what I meant when I asked-ha! 

We have an outdoor fire pit that uses 'real' wood and I think the last time we had a fire there was sometime in the fall.  It's been a while. I love a wood fire, but gas is so much more practical and for sure less messy. I always feel like I need a shower after we've had an outdoor fire.  

We sit beside a gas fire most days in the winter months. We have a two sided-fireplace with one side facing the keeping room section of our kitchen and the other facing the family room. We also have a gas fireplace on our screened in porch, which is where we live about 3/4 of the year. 

And finally, we have a 'fire table' on our covered deck which I absolutely love! If you're thinking of getting one I highly recommend. It runs on a propane tank hidden on the under side of the table. 

Favorite thing cooked over a fire? Hubs makes a cobbler in the dutch oven and it's scrumptious. 

3. Something that's currently got you fired up? 

I'm trying hard not to let things fire me up these days. All it takes is for hubs to read me a sentence or two of what's going on in our country on so many levels and I feel my blood begin to boil. So I shut it down. 

I am not a hide your head in the sand kind of girl, but most of what is out there is not helpful, often not accurate or even true, and it's definitely not in line with my current way of thinking which is ...'whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable...think about these things..."

I think it's okay to take a break from the bickering, the 'but I must make my point' way of thinking and try being still for a while. Where have all the opinions stated as fact gotten us? Nowhere we want to be that's for sure. At least nowhere I want to be. 

4. February also happens to be National Cabbage Day. Who knew? Do you like cabbage? Is cabbage on your menu Wednesday? Of the following cabbage dishes which is your favorite-coleslaw (mayo or vinegar?), sauerkraut, cabbage rolls, cabbage soup, kielbasa and cabbage, grilled cabbage, bubble and squeak, kimchi, or haluski? 

I do like cabbage. I mean I don't want it on the menu every night, but I like most things on that list. It would be hard to pick a favorite but my top three would be coleslaw of any kind, kimchi, and bubbles and squeak, mostly because I like saying it, and also because it wings me back to the days of dinner in the local pub in our little English village. 

5. Do you hang on to pennies? What do you do with them? Last thing you purchased for $1.00? Last thing you purchased for $5.00? 

I make hubs crazy digging for change when change is called for. We rarely use cash these days so it doesn't happen often, but if you tell me I owe x dollars and .62 cents I'm going to dig up 2 quarters, a dime, and two pennies from the bottom of my purse. Is that a woman thing? I feel like it might be. 

Last thing I purchased for a dollar? I paid a library fine that was considerably less than one dollar and told them not to bother with the change. Five dollars it's harder to remember....maybe the donuts we bought from the Donut Wagon a couple of weeks ago? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A friend shared this with me and I thought it was lovely...a little snapshot of heaven perhaps? It came out quite a while back, but somehow I missed it.  Still timely though-

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 408

Here we are again. Still? You know the drill...answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there-

1. This week's Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday which signals the beginning of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? If so tell us more. Did you grow up 'celebrating' Lent? Is attending church part of your weekly routine? Are churches open for in-person worship where you live? 

2. When is the last time you sat beside a 'real' fire? Do you have a fireplace in your home? Wood or gas logs? Favorite thing cooked over a fire? 

3. Something that's currently got you fired up? 

4. February also happens to be National Cabbage Day. Who knew? Do you like cabbage? Is cabbage on your menu Wednesday? Of the following cabbage dishes which is your favorite-coleslaw (mayo or vinegar?), sauerkraut, cabbage rolls, cabbage soup, kielbasa and cabbage, grilled cabbage, bubble and squeak, kimchi, or haluski? 

5. Do you hang on to pennies? What do you do with them? Last thing you purchased for $1.00? Last thing you purchased for $5.00? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Live! From This Side of The Pond! It's The Hodgepodge!

Welcome to another edition of the weekly Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered the questions today, add your link at the end of my post and then go say hi to your neighbor. Newcomers are always welcome to join the party! Here we go-

1. When did you last have to interact, either by phone or in person, with someone in a government run agency? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the experience? (10 being fabulous and 1 being pass the Tylenol)

Government agencies...IRS, DMV, Social Security? Nothing in recent months, unless you count helping my newly married daughter obtain all the many ID docs she needs in her married name. That's been more her headache than mine. 

Wait-The United States Postal Service! I've had a lot of recent in-person interaction with our local PO in the past few months...Christmas, wedding mail, sending packages to the west coast, etc. While the PO can be a frustrating place to do business, my recent experiences there have all been pretty positive, so I'm giving them a 9. 

2. The current governor of Wisconsin is considering a run for President next time around. Walker attended Marquette University but never graduated. In terms of any candidate running for the office of President (not asking here if you agree or disagree with Scott Walker's politics) would the lack of a college degree influence your vote or no? Would that be a factor in your support of any candidate running for public office, even a role less weighty than President?

I don't know many post 40-year old adults in any field, who want to be judged til the end of time primarily on their college career or lack thereof.  

That being said, we do all hold college degrees in my house, so I'm definitely not knocking the value of higher education. I think the way we view higher education is changing, and there will be more and more candidates out there who either didn't complete university or didn't attend at all. 

When it comes to voting I want to know where candidates stand on important issues. I want to know they are persons of integrity who don't wait to see how the winds of political correctness blow before determining their own sense of right and wrong. I want a candidate with experience in the working world... someone who has managed a business or a classroom or a household. Dealt effectively with employees, bosses, co-workers, or cranky toddlers. Accomplished something besides running for office.  

I want my elected leaders to unapologetically love this land and to hold in high regard the men and women who fight to defend our freedoms.

There are so many things wrong with our political system at the moment, it makes me tired.  Love him or hate him, the Governor of Wisconsin has a very public record as a state leader. Let's talk about that. Let's examine how a candidate has performed in real world job environments. If they're already in public office, let's assess how they've managed those responsibilities. 

I can't say where someone attended uni, or even if they attended uni, has ever swayed my vote. 

3. When did you last visit a place or site named for George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, and what was that place or site?

We crossed the George Washington Bridge last Thursday evening, or the GW as it's known round here. For a mere $11.75 ($14 if you don't hav E-Z Pass), you can enter NYC via the bridge. They only charge you to come in...you're free to leave-ha!  Hubs and I met up with a college friend who was in the city on business, so worth every penny. We had dinner at Bobby Flay's which is one of our favorites.  

4. February 16th was President's Day in the US, but did you know it was also National Almond Day. I didn't think so : ) Do you like almonds? If so, what's a food/dish/recipe you enjoy that contains almonds?

I do like almonds, but as far as snacks go, a small handful doesn't really satisfy. I'd rather have a whole apple and feel full. My favorite food made with Almonds? That's easy...an Almond Joy. 

5. The television program Saturday Night Live celebrated its 40 anniversary this past weekend. Were/are you a fan of the show? If so what has been your favorite (or one of your favorite) skits, sayings, or characters to come out of the program?

I was fifteen when SNL first aired. I haven't watched the show in recent years, but as a teenager and young adult I was definitely a fan. Some seasons were much better than others of course, and its hard to pick a favorite, but a few would be-

Dan Ackroyd as The French Chef, Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi as The Blues Brothers, Steve Martin as Theodoric of Yorick-The Medieval Barber, and John Belushi in The Samurai Delicatessen. I also loved Jan Hooks and Nora Dunn as the Sweeney Sisters and Phil Hartman who was on the show in the mid-80's. 

6. Anything purple within ten feet of you? What is it?

I don't have much in the way of home decor or furnishings in the color purple, although I do love it in my closet. I'm in our home office at the moment, and I spy several books on our bookshelf with purple on the spine-Lonely Planet's Guide to Western Europe, Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life. How's that for eclectic?

7. Back in December I asked you to submit a question for a future HP as part of a giveaway I was hosting. I grabbed this one from those entries, submitted by Zoanna who blogs over at Penchant for Pens. Thanks Zoanna!

She asks, "How often do you make your bed, and how do you like to make it-pull the covers all the way up over the pillows, tuck the covers in around the pillows, or place all the pillows on top of the covers?" 

This is exactly the kind of question I tend to overthink. 

I make my bed every single day. I'm not a meticulous housekeeper, but I cannot abide an unmade bed unless someone is in it. And if it's past 9 am they better be sick. Kidding! Sort of -ha!  

We have a duvet on our bed so I pull it all the way up, prop the sleeping pillows on top of that, prop the shams on top of the sleeping pillows, and then prop the decorative pillows on top of the shams.  It's not as much work as it sounds. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Thinking I may use my random thought as a place to share some wedding photos over the next couple of weeks. I posted this one on Facebook and it's one of my favorites-

p.s.-they're all my favorite.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 209

Here are the questions to 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. When did you last have to interact, either by phone or in person, with someone in a government run agency? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the experience? (10 being fabulous and 1 being pass the Tylenol)

2. The current governor of Wisconsin is considering a run for President next time around. Walker attended Marquette University, but never graduated. In terms of any candidate running for the office of President (not asking here if you agree or disagree with Scott Walker's politics) would the lack of a college degree influence your vote or no? Would that be a factor in your support of any candidate running for public office, even a role less weighty than President?

3. When did you last visit a place or site named for George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, and what was that place or site?

4. February 16th was President's Day in the US, but did you know it was also National Almond Day? I didn't think so : ) Do you like almonds? If so, what's a food/dish/recipe you enjoy that contains almonds? 

5.The television program Saturday Night Live celebrated it's 40th anniversary this past weekend. Were/are you a fan of the show? If so what has been your favorite (or one of your favorite) skits, sayings, or characters that came out of the program?

6. Anything purple within ten feet of you? What is it?

7. Back in December I asked you to submit a question for a future HP as part of a giveaway I was hosting. I grabbed this one from those entries, submitted by Zoanna who blogs over at Penchant for Pens. Thanks Zoanna!

She asks, "How often do you make your bed, and how do you like to make it-pull the covers all the way up over the pillows, tuck the covers in around the pillows, or place all the pillows on top of the covers?" 

8. Insert your own random thought here.