Monday Morning Musings

Before we get to our weekend recap I want to say a heart felt thank you to all of the men and women who've served this land I love in some branch of the armed services. I have so much respect and admiration for those who take this path and for the many sacrifices they make. Their families too. My dad was a career marine and my son-in-law was in the Army, and I'm both proud and grateful today for their service. 

Linking this post with Holly and Sarah and their Hello Monday party happening today-

Our weekend kicked off with a trip to the lawyer's office Friday morning. Hubs and I had some financial stuff we needed to deal with and we finally made ourselves book an appointment. Who else loathes talking about anything related to taxes, wills, estate planning, and such? 

We had new wills made about fifteen years ago, but our girls were in college then, and we lived in another state, and so much has changed that it just made sense to update. We also spent some time figuring out if we need a trust or don't need a trust, or if you're me, what even is a trust? 

These are the sorts of things I want someone else to figure out and then just tell me where to sign, but I adult-ed like an adult and we got it done. We spent an hour and a half with the lawyer and he did let me know he won't charge us for the twenty minute sidebar he and hubs had discussing their mutual love of bourbon. We got home just in time for hubs to meet a tree guy about a big tree (sob) that needs to come out. 

The fun never ends 'round here. 

Friday afternoon I baked a batch of mini cupcakes to take to an evening event. I did minis because I feel like a sweet bite as opposed to a whole cupcake is what most people want at something like our once a month Friday evening socials. In November the organizers always recognize and honor any Veterans and active duty military in the neighborhood which I love to see. 

These are banana cupcakes with a peanut butter frosting and I used this recipe- Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes. The icing is fabulous, so light, and I think would be really good on a chocolate cake or cupcake too. I had a big bottle of fall sprinkles so why not

Saturday morning hubs went to our quarterly HOA meeting and I went grocery shopping.  Like I said...it was a weekend chock a block full of excitement. Have you seen this in your market? 

I know pickle juice is supposed to be good for you and we always put some in our Bloody Marys, but that might not be what they mean when they say it's good for you -ha! It's also good for leg cramps, electrolyte replenishment, and your gut, but this is quite the jug isn't it? I can't imagine how long it would take me to consume all of that. 

I don't like grocery shopping on the weekend, but since I didn't do my pre-weekend shop I had no choice. Also, I wore shorts. The weather has been so warm it's hard to know how to dress. 

We've been walking most days, and while it doesn't feel like summer it's warm for fall. My basil plant is happy though, and still going strong, so Saturday afternoon I snipped a bunch and made pesto to use on Sunday. We watched a lot of college football and hubs and I went out for Thai food Saturday night. 

Daughter2 and her hubs and kiddos had been at my son-in-law's university homecoming all weekend long, and we were sort of on their way home so they made us an overnight stop. I hadn't seen these grands in two months and was so happy to have some in person time together. 

I might come back and add pictures to this post later, but they arrived close to dinner time Sunday, and Sugar was not feeling her best. Big brother made a beeline for the toy box and then we ate and did baths  and I kind of forgot about taking any pictures. 

Daughter2 and I have been baking along with The Great British Bakeoff this season and had this crazy idea we'd be able to do the week 4 bake (caramel) while we were together. No way that was happening Sunday night. 

We might try to add this one in at the end or somewhere in the middle when a bake pops up that we're unable to complete for our own 'technical' reasons. We make the rules and we say it's okay. 

We didn't do a lot but somehow the weekend flew right on by. And I love waking up to Monday morning coffee with a daughter in the house. 

Have a great week everyone!

You Say Potato, I Say 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. Are you too hard on yourself or not hard enough? Elaborate. 

Both, depending on what area of my life we're talking about. 

2. What's the role of gratitude in your life? 

It's really important. I'm definitely a glass half full kind of thinker. If I'm around negative people/talk I'm the one pointing out the bright side. Sometimes we have to work to cultivate a feeling of gratitude, but it's a good habit to adopt. Gratitude is what keeps me optimistic in a world that feels anything but, and honestly there is always something to be grateful for. 

3. Where do you get your news these days? How much attention are you giving it currently? 

Ugh. Is it just me or does hearing the word 'news' make your stomach churn too? I want to know what's going on in the world, I just don't want everyone's opinion about it shouted from the rooftops lol. We rarely sit down and watch the news from start to finish (does it ever end in the era of 24/7 programming???), but we will watch in bits and pieces. If something big is happening in the world we watch a little more. I read news online too, but again in small doses. If we don't listen to any news how do we know what and how to pray? 

Currently I'm paying attention to the conflict in Israel and Gaza, to the almost unbelievable anti-semitic rhetoric being spewed from college campuses around the country, to the unadulterated evil on display...it would be easy to look away and bury our heads in the sand, but I don't think we can or should  look away. 

I pray every day for the children and babies especially, ripped from their homes and their families. It's a very strange world we're living in where the calls for 'cease fire' are louder than those calling 'release the hostages'.

4. Do you like potatoes? Last time you prepared potatoes in some way? Which of the following is your favorite...baked potato, mashed potato, french fried potato, sweet potato, hash brown potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potato salad? 

I like potatoes, all of the above really, but I try not to eat them often. My favorite is a baked potato with just butter and salt and we do have those when we grill steaks. 

5. Are you a veteran? Are there any veterans in your family? Will you do anything special to honor them on Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day this year? 

I'm not a veteran, but do have veterans in my family. My dad was a career Marine and my son-in-law just wrapped up his Army commitment in June. I have great affection and respect for our military service members, and also for their families who sacrifice much in their own way. 

Our neighborhood is having a small Veteran's Day event this weekend, and we plan to attend. We went last year and it was really lovely. A bonus was discovering many of my neighbors have served their country. 

I am praying for the safety of all our soldiers in harms way. We absolutely take their service for granted, and their families contributions too. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I wrote a post way back in 2012 about my dad, the Marine. I'm linking it again here if you're interested-

Portrait Of A Marine

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 526

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

1. Are you too hard on yourself or not hard enough? Elaborate. 

2. What's the role of gratitude in your life? 

3. Where do you get your news these days? How much attention are you giving it currently? 

4. Do you like potatoes? Last time you prepared potatoes in some way? Which of the following is your favorite...baked potato, mashed potato, french fried potato, sweet potato, hash brown potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potato salad? 

5. Are you a veteran? Are there any veterans in your family? Will you do anything special to honor them on Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day this year? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Five On Friday

Actually I have seven not all that important things to share but Seven On Friday isn't a thing in the blog world and Five on Friday is. Quite often you have to use your imagination here. 

1. It's been a really rainy day here and we've taken advantage of the 'at home' time to get a few things done that needed doing. We've been gone more than we've been home these past two months and it feels good to slow down (ish) and catch our breath before the holidays roll in.  

2-I'm so excited to have my whole crew here for Christmas this year and we got the very first bit of decorating done today. I don't put my Snow Village out every year because the set up/take down is a bit tedious, but I know the grands will love it so up it went. 

I love it too. Takes me back to Christmases at my momma's as some of these buildings used to be hers. 

We won't put up any trees until after Thanksgiving, but I'm doing bits and pieces starting now to get  ready for the holidays. I've got my card sorted, stockings ordered for the two newest littles, and a few gifts bought. Baby steps. 

3. Last weekend daughter2 and her hubs and the cutest little boy in the world spent the weekend at a college reunion in Charleston. 

We were on their route home Sunday so they stopped for an overnight visit. We loved the unexpected snuggles with this munchkin. 

I could eat him up with a spoon. We Facetimed with the cousins and I cannot wait to have all four grands in the same house at the same time. 

42 days, not that I'm counting. 

4-We started watching the new season of The Crown and I have to say I'm not loving it as much as I enjoyed the previous seasons. I think the Diana storyline is still too fresh, and it feels strange to see the current royals in the news, then watch them fictionalized on tv. I bet it feels strange to them too. 

5-I loved the Amor Towles novel, A Gentleman in Moscow, and I saw this week it's being made into a Showtime movie starring Ewan McGregor. I'm excited.

6-This was the entrance to our neighborhood just a few days ago-

I'm sure all this rain will mean the end of the gorgeous color but we have really soaked it up these past several weeks. We've had beautiful moonlit nights too and while I love summer, it's the autumn skies that are my favorite. 

7-Heading to a little neighborhood Veteran's Day recognition ceremony this evening. My heart is so tender towards all who serve and towards their families too. I grew up in a military family and am not sure I truly appreciated the load my mother so often carried in my father's absences due to wars and other responsibilities relating to his service. 

And now I have a son-in-law in the Army and their various postings have once again given me the chance to spend time around the military community. These men and women and their families give so much that goes mostly unrecognized and is very often under appreciated  I'm glad we have this day to acknowledge all those who have served. 

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation 

is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John F. Kennedy

Nine Out Of Ten People Read 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. Here we go-

1. Last time you were 'dressed to the nines'? 

I'm not sure 'to the nines' describes it, but I suppose it would be a late September wedding we attended. My favorite heels and fancy jewelry made it so. 

2. Something recently that had you on 'cloud nine'? 

The birth of this little beauty of course-

3. Tell us about a time, circumstance, experience, or decision you made where the saying 'a stitch in time saves nine' proved true. 

Hmmm...I guess adding the wood to the stairwell wall when we did 'saved nine'. This wasn't part of the plan but when  the carpenters were here doing another project we had them price it out and then went ahead with it. The painted wall had been taking a beating with both big and little hands going up and down the stairs and especially with suitcases being toted up and down. Now that we have the wood installed we won't need to spackle, sand, and repaint on a regular basis.

4. A recipe you make that calls for exactly nine ingredients? 

I immediately did a mental run through of my Mexican style recipes because it feels like there are lots of little ingredients in many of those. This yummy baked taco dip calls for exactly nine items. So good! 

5. This coming Friday is Veterans Day in the US of A. Will you mark the day in some way? Are you a veteran? If you live outside the US does your country have a day dedicated to celebrating veterans? 

I'm not a veteran but my dad served and my son-in-law currently serves. Members of our military are near and dear to my heart always. If I see someone when hubs and I are out and about wearing a cap that indicates they served I make an effort to speak to them and thank them for their service. 

Our neighborhood is having an event in the clubhouse with a speaker and the chance to recognize neighbors who are vets. We're hoping to attend. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Today is my one and only brother's birthday. He grew up in a sea of women (three sisters, which I'm sure probably felt more like an ocean at times) and he is one of the nicest most easy going people I know. 

I like to think we sisters helped shape his character ha! He's a good listener and has always had boatloads of patience for all of our moods, worries, and emotion. 

"To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time." ~Clara Ortega

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 483

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

1. Last time you were 'dressed to the nines'? 

2. Something recently that had you on 'cloud nine'? 

3. Tell us about a time, circumstance, experience, or decision you made where the saying 'a stitch in time saves nine' proved true. 

4. A recipe you make that calls for exactly nine ingredients? 

5. This coming Friday is Veterans Day in the US of A. Will you mark the day in some way? Are you a veteran? If you live outside the US does your country have a day dedicated to celebrating veterans? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

11 on 11 In The Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! If you've served in our country's military or are the spouse of someone who has served I truly thank you. I hope you feel honored and appreciated every day, but especially so on this Veterans Day. 

Now on with the questions. Add your blog link with today's answers in the space at the end of my post. And please leave a comment for the blogger linking before you so everyone has a little company in their corner of the internet.  Here we go-

1. It's the 11th day of the 11th month and bloggers often make lists on days like today. Let's go with a list of eleven things you're feeling grateful for today.

daughters who stand firm in their faith, grandbabies who make me forget for a minute the troubles of this world, the colors of fall, insurance, nice neighbors, books, God's word, imagination, new mercies, time

2. What's something you decided to do or act on at the '11th hour'?  

Hmmm...I'm not really much of an '11th hour' operator. I am more of a let's plan weeks in advance and also have a plan B and maybe a plan C too.  I guess I'm often an 11th hour blogger-ha! As in let me just sit down for a minute and see what words happen. 

3.  Apparently the Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe contains 11 herbs and spices. What's a dish you make that calls for exactly eleven ingredients? Feel free to share the list and/or recipe. 

Well this question sent me on a ridiculous hunt through my most used 'shared recipe' cookbook and what I discovered is most of my recipes call for nine ingredients or fewer than six. My momma's enchilada recipe does list 11 ingredients as best I can determine. I have it written down in narrative form as opposed to a list so if I counted correctly it's eleven. 

It would be a lot to share here and not gonna lie, this recipe is super labor intensive. Hubs says I use every pot and pan in the house when I make them, but they're his absolute favorite thing. 

4. Something you remember about your 11-year old self? 

It was 1970-something which would have been the end of grade five and the start of grade 6. In the 'old days' 6th grade was the last year of elementary school before moving on to Junior High and I remember loving that year...my teacher, my friends, lots of fun experiences, one foot still planted happily in childhood, the other stepping tentatively into adolescence...

I found a couple of pictures from that year in a scrapbook my mom made me. That summer I turned 11 we traveled out west to visit my grandparents in Colorado and New Mexico. I'm the one in the middle with the ginormous smiley face button on my shirt, standing between my sisters. It was always exciting to make a big trip like this one. Families didn't travel the way they do now so this was a big deal to my 11-year old self, and to most kids I knew. 

Later that summer we took my sister to college. In Tennessee. A hop, skip and jump from where I'd eventually meet the hubs. Life is funny isn't it? 

Here I am in Maggie Valley NC, not far from where I live now, wearing what we used to call 'hot pants' and now I guess would be called just plain old shorts. Hot pants were short shorts which in 1970-something earned them a name all their own. There's Adidas on my feet and my very own camera, the kind that needed flashcubes for indoor picture taking, hanging in my hand. I don't even know what to say about those skinny legs, except I promise my mom fed me very well. 

Sidebar-I look so much like my own daughter here it kind of makes my heart beat fast. Hey Daughter2...I bet my momma said the words 'too leggy' when I walked down the stairs in a short skirt too. 

Mostly I remember this year as one of carefree innocence. I grew up knowing I was loved. 

5. The 11th of November is Veterans Day in the US of A. This is a day to honor those who have served their country in war or peace-dead or alive-although according to the government's website it's largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. 

Memorial Day is when we honor military personnel who died in service to their country. 

Share a thought relating to Veterans Day or tell us something about a Veteran you know-love-admire. 

I have many friends who are veterans, I'm the daughter of a career Marine, and I have a son-in-law currently serving in the US Army so I guess you could say this day feels very much worth the pause. I honestly don't think a lot of people in this land I love recognize the quiet sacrifices made every single day on their behalf and I find that disheartening. 

Hubs and I watched a movie over the weekend called The 12th Man. It had subtitles but was so good we didn't care. It's based on the true story of a Norwegian man named Jan Baalsrud, who was a commando in the Norwegian resistance trained by the British in WW2.  It's the story of bravery, fortitude, and survival, but also the courage of those who helped him along the way. It's the story of selflessness, sacrifice, and truly doing something for the greater good of humanity. It's a far cry from what's happening in our cities today. 

I'll hush now. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We went to church in person this past Sunday, our first 'live' service since March. We had to reserve a spot ahead of time, wear a mask, sit spaced apart, doors were wide open, and there was no singing along, but still it was wonderful to be back in the building. 

Afterwards we went to brunch with friends which felt almost like the good old days. 

Almost.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 394

It's kinda like Groundhog's Day around here on Tuesdays-ha! Here are the questions for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back tomorrow to add your link to the list. See you there...

1. It's the 11th day of the 11th month and bloggers often make lists on days like today. Let's go with a list of eleven things you're feeling grateful for today.

2. What's something you decided to do or act on at the '11th hour'?  

3.  Apparently the Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe contains 11 herbs and spices. What's a dish you make that calls for exactly eleven ingredients? Feel free to share the list and/or recipe. 

4. Something you remember about your 11-year old self? 

5. The 11th of November is Veterans Day in the US of A. This is a day to honor those who have served their country in war or peace-dead or alive-although according to the government's website it's largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. 

Memorial Day is when we honor military personnel who died in service to their country. 

Share a thought relating to Veterans Day or tell us something about a Veteran you know-love-admire. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. A very special and heart felt shout out to anyone joining us today who is a veteran. Thank you for your service to our country. 

If you've answered the questions today, please add a link to your answers at the end of my post. And do say hi to the blogger who linked before you because comments make the world go round. Here we go-

1. In two or three sentences tell us what Veteran's Day means to you?

I grew up in a military family and have a son-in-law currently in the US Army. I feel a special affection for those who take an oath to serve and protect this land we love. The freedoms we enjoy in America are something I think most of us take for granted on a daily basis. It's not until our lives are touched by war, a family member entering the armed services, or some national tragedy like 911 that we really stop and think about what it looks like to 'serve your country'. 

I'm so glad we set aside this date to recognize our servicemen and women's commitment to freedom. Their commitment to defending the ideals our country holds dear and what that commitment means to the average citizen. I'm grateful for their willingness to serve, some giving even their very lives in the call of duty. I think of the words honor and sacrifice, and how to our veterans those aren't just words. I'm proud to be the daughter of a United States Marine, and on this day feel humbled by the bravery of our veterans. 

2. What's your favorite film with a patriotic theme woven into the storyline?

It's too hard to choose just one. A few of my favorites falling under this heading would be The Dirty Dozen, Argo, Saving Private Ryan, Lone Survivor, and American Sniper. Of the movies listed Saving Private Ryan is probably my #1. 

3. Flu shot-yes or no? If you answered no, do you plan to get a flu shot? If not, why not? Have you ever had the flu?

I did get a flu shot. I had the flu once, it was several years ago but it's not something I care to ever have again, so since then I've had a flu shot every year. 

4. I've seen lots of people posting pictures of their Christmas trees up and decorated. Many stores have had Christmas on display since well before Halloween. Red cups are back at Starbucks, sans the holiday decor, and that has some people up in arms. What are you thoughts on all the holiday ruckus this second week of November?

In the words of Nadine from SNL's Burger Castle (go here if you're clueless) everybody 'simmah down nah'! Have mercy we're easily offended in 2015, aren't we? Also, I feel like now people complaining about people complaining about red cups is a thing. We just need a thing I guess. 

Starbucks is a business and if they want plain red cups vs. snowflakes and polar bears I say go for it. This isn't an organization claiming to represent Christianity. It's Starbucks. I don't get why a red cup is offensive?? That being said, if you don't like their business philosophy don't buy their coffee. God bless America! 

Also, it's capitalism with a Capital C, but I'd love to see stores hold off until at least November before decking the halls. And I DO NOT understand people with their trees up on the first of November.  I think it's ridunkulous, but it's your house and if that's what makes your family happy then you go right ahead and hang that mistletoe while snacking on Halloween candy. 

5. What 'critter' are you most afraid of encountering unexpectedly? Why that one?

Well I'm sure I should say a copperhead or a big fat crunchy spider, which are both high on my list of things to avoid and not something I ever want to encounter, but I'm actually going to say a possum. I don't know if it's their rodent-y bodies or their beady little eyes, but there's something about them that sends shivers up my spine. They're creepy. And they like to get in the garbage cans so when you lift the lid they stare back and scare the daylights out of you. 

6. Do you like building things? What's the last thing you 'built'?

Not particularly. Hubs and I are building a house, but technically we're watching our builder build a house. The last thing I built? Hmmmm.....perhaps a casserole? I'm not a hammer and nail kind of girl. 

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude...what are you most grateful for that brings beauty to your daily life?

Sunlight on the water and a clear blue sky. I'm slightly obsessed with both. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 243

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

1. In two or three sentences tell us what Veteran's Day means to you?

2. What's your favorite film with a patriotic theme woven into the storyline?

3. Flu shot-yes or no? If you answered no, do you plan to get a flu shot? If not, why not? Have you ever had the flu?

4. I've seen lots of people posting pictures of their Christmas trees up and decorated. Many stores have had Christmas on display since well before Halloween. Red cups are back at Starbucks, sans the holiday decor, and that has some people up in arms. What are your thoughts on all the holiday ruckus this second week of November?

5. What 'critter' are you most afraid of encountering unexpectedly? Why that one?

6. Do you like building things? What's the last thing you 'built'?

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude...what are you most grateful for that brings beauty to your daily life?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

RSVP-ing to the Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! It's nice to be back here today after last week's break. If you've answered the questions add your link at the end of my post. Be sure to hop over and say hi to the blogger who linked before you, because everybody needs somebody, right?

Here we go-

1. We celebrate Veteran's Day in the US of A on November 11th. When did you last interact with a member of the armed forces (either currently serving or retired)? Have you ever written a letter to a soldier, bought a meal or coffee for a soldier, said an unprompted thank you to a soldier you encountered out and about somewhere? If you're not in the US, comment on a similar holiday in your own country.

I suppose my last interaction with a member of the armed forces would have been with my future son-in-law who is in the U.S. Army. We are proud and excited he is joining our family in less than two months.   

As to the other pieces of this question, my dad was a career Marine and growing up I wrote him lots of letters while he was stationed in Okinawa, and also in Vietnam. More recently hubs and I sent a care package to the son of a co-worker who was stationed in the Middle East, and we often approach servicemen to say thank you, mostly in airports which is where we tend to see them.  

2. You can have fifty pounds of anything at all (except money)...what would you choose?

I'm thinking something I can give away. Coat drives are happening in our area, so how about 50 lb of coats? Or groceries? I'd love to pack up 50 lb. of turkey dinners for some people who are hungry this holiday season. 

I can't think of anything I need for myself in that quantity. 

3. When did you last receive an invitation in the 'real' mail? What was it for and did you attend? When it comes to RSVP-ing, are you an 'early responder' or a 'last minute, barely-under-the-wire' kind of guest?

Whoohoo! I received an invitation at the end of last week, to my daughter's wedding. Yes I did indeed mail one to myself. 

I wanted to experience the full effect of all that prettiness, plus I was curious as to when they would arrive. I did not stamp my own RSVP card because that felt like a little much, even for me. I don't need to tell you I'm going do I?

In general I'm an early responder. I've heard some interesting stories about wedding RSVP's, but we've already had some returned and so far, so good. 

It is super exciting to see that little green envelope in our mailbox.

4. What's something you really don't like to waste?

Halloween candy?

5. Cheers, Friends, MASH, Seinfeld...of the ones listed, your favorite long-running sitcom?

Such a hard question, but I'm going with MASH. Friends would be a close second. 

6. What decision are you glad you made?

So many, but having children ranks right up there at the top of the list. 

7. In this month of 'Thanksgiving' what is one thing that's different today than it was a year ago that you're grateful for?

I'm going with the obvious answer here.

You know what that is, yes?

So grateful for the wonderful boy my daughter1 is marrying. In November of 2013, we had no idea we'd be adding a son-in-law to our family.  

In something like 50 days in case you've lost track of the time.  

We couldn't be happier.  

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I know people rant about the dark and depressing side of Facebook, but I have to say I loved scrolling through posts there yesterday. How touching to see so many pictures of dads, grandparents, uncles, siblings, sons and daughters who have served our country well. 

Years ago, this wasn't neccesarily something I'd have known about my friends. That they had a father who flew a bomber or a grandfather who died in WW2. It might not even be something we as 'children' took the time to reflect upon too deeply, or to say aloud to our fathers and grandfathers while they were living. In the age of social media we scan our crinkled black and white photographs onto a page and honor them now.  

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 197

The Hodgepodge is back after a one week hiatus. Why not join the party? Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share with the whole wide world.

1. We celebrate Veteran's Day in the US of A on November 11th. When did you last interact with a member of the armed forces (either currently serving or retired)? Have you ever written a letter to a soldier, bought a meal or coffee for a solider, said an unprompted thank you to a soldier you encountered out and about somewhere? If you're not in the US, comment on a similar holiday in your own country.

2. You can have fifty pounds of anything at all (except money)...what would you choose?

3. When did you last receive an invitation in the 'real' mail? What was it for and did you attend? When it comes to RSVP-ing, are you an 'early responder' or a 'last minute, barely-under-the-wire' kind of guest?

4. What's something you really don't like to waste?

5. Cheers, Friends, MASH, Seinfeld...of the ones listed, your favorite long-running sitcom?

6. What decision are you glad you made?

7. In this month of 'Thanksgiving' what is one thing that's different today than it was a year ago that you're grateful for?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Portrait of a Marine

It's Veterans Day today and that always gets me thinking about my dad who passed away twenty years ago this December.  He was a career Marine who loved America with all his heart. I can't help but think how sad he would feel today at the division and strife running rampant across our country in the year 2012.

My dad was a man of few words who lived his life with the utmost of integrity.  He taught us the value of hard work and that perception matters. He reminded us we live in a country that is free, not because we wish it so, but because our servicemen and women fight to make and keep it so.  

Today we fly our flag against a bright November sky and I remember the man in uniform, and also the man at the dinner table. The Sunday School teacher, the disciplinarian, the football fan, the wood worker and teller of corny jokes. The man who lit the grill with gasoline and unwrappped his Christmas presents with a letter opener.  The man who churned ice cream by hand and taught me to ride a bike by letting it fly down a hill as he shouted hold on. The man who loved babies and puppies and the Rocky Mountains. The man who swelled with pride at the playing of The Marine Corps Hymn and turned to mush at the sound of a grandgirl calling Poppie.  

The man who held us to high standards, but was always there to catch us when we missed the mark. The man with a twinkle in his eye, and a voice that sang out of tune, but with feeling and gusto and volume. The man always called upon to narrate the Christmas cantata, not because he couldn't sing, but because he had a commanding speaking voice. The man who loved Charlie Pride and Amazing Grace. The man who shined his shoes with spit and polish. The man who taught me to drive, walked me down the aisle, and rocked my babies. 

The Marine who moved his family from coast to coast and base to base. Who led family devotions and lived within his means. The farm boy who became part of the greatest generation and went on to serve again and again. WW2, Korea,Vietnam.   

The man whose grave is marked with a simple white cross on a hill called Arlington.  A cross that save for the wording, looks just like the many thousands of other white crosses planted across that quietly majestic Virginia cemetery.  

The man who lived his life with honor, and in death wanted his grave marked no differently than any other soldier.  It's something I love about Arlington, that in death rank matters not at all...where Colonel and Private are interred side by side. In the end, they are soldiers.  

America can learn a lot from her soldiers.

Today I think of veterans everywhere, some gone and some now old men and women. Some still in the prime of their lives. Every generation is called to answer freedom's call and I'm thankful for each and every one who did.  

I'm thankful most of all for the example of a man who was more than a solider and patriot. He was also my dad.

Let Freedom Ring

There is a place of quiet beauty sitting on some land that once belonged to the wife of Robert E. Lee. This land sits across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. not far from the Pentagon. Arlington National Cemetery. On this land more than 300,000 men and women are buried, veterans and military casualties from every war dating all the way back to the Civil War and right up through our more recent battles in Iraq.

I’ve been to this place of quiet beauty many times. My dad is buried here. His funeral was held on a bitterly cold December day and we smiled and said he would love it that we all had to stand out in the icy rain…he was a Marine after all. Pride and sorrow and gratitude and hope…you feel them all as you stand beside a grave in Arlington National Cemetery. One grave among thousands. Hundreds of thousands. The beauty and the silence and the order speak to you. And you love your country a little bit more.

There is another place of quiet beauty sitting on land far across the sea. It sits up on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach and the English Channel. Close to 10,000 American servicemen and women are buried here. France has granted the United States a special, on going concession to this land, free of charge, free of tax. The U. S. flag flies here. Our flag. In France. They were grateful.

I’ve been to this place of quiet beauty just once. Pride and sorrow and gratitude and hope…you feel them all when you stand on a sandy beach in France on a windy spring day. You think about the boys who went into the sea and who died on that beach as men. You think of their fear and you stand in awe at their courage in spite of that fear. And you love your country a little more.

There are cemeteries like these all around the world…in England and Belgium, in The Philippines and Luxembourg, Tunisia and Panama. Every day men and women sacrifice much, sometimes everything, for our freedom. Freedom we don’t really think about most days.

Today is Veterans Day…a day set aside to honor these brave souls…take 2 minutes today to thank a veteran, to say a prayer for a soldier fighting far from home, to help a family left behind in some practical way, to write a note to someone who won’t be spending the holidays with their family, to donate to one of the many organizations that offer assistance and support to those returning home injured and hurting. Freedom is precious. And costly. In this season of Thanksgiving I want to remember to be especially grateful for mine.