Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 612

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday, July 23rd to share answers with all your friends and neighbors. See you there! 

1. When does time pass slowly for you? When does time past quickly for you? 

2. Do you have a favorite beach? What's your favorite 'beach' activity? Tell us what we'd find in your beach bag.

3. Your favorite book or movie with a beach setting? 

4. What's a food you love, but find it's a pain to eat? Is it worth it? 

5.  Do you like roller coasters? What's the best (or worst) roller coaster you've been on? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 606

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (obviously), June 11th, to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What's a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?  

2.  It's been said 'variety is the spice of life'...in what way is this true for you? Elaborate. 

3. What's something in your life that adds 'spice' (excitement, intensity) even if also comes with challenge or unpredictability? 

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why? 

5. We're halfway through the year...what's one book, movie, or activity you've loved this year that you'd recommend to others? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 605

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Hop back here on Wednesday (June 4th) to add your link to the party...see you there!  

1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up? 

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses...what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate. 

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day...will you celebrate? What's something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese? 

4. 'tis the season...any weddings on your June calendar? What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage? 

5. What are you most looking forward to this June? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

No Kidding It's The Hodgepodge

Welcome to 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's your favorite room in your house and why? 

Does a porch count? Because the porches in my house are definitely my favorite spaces and we use them like rooms. 

We have a covered upper deck, a screened porch off the kitchen, and then the lower level space with a covered patio, a covered dining space, as well as an uncovered patio. Lots of options for sitting outside.

The upper deck is my favorite because it's easy to just step out there first thing in the morning, and the view is so pretty. 

I do love the new lower level space, but we haven't spent as much time there yet. It does have the potential to become my new favorite, especially in the summer months. 

2. What's something that will instantly annoy you? 

Getting behind someone in the left lane driving below the speed limit. Even if they're driving right at the speed limit I can feel annoyed. It's the passing lane. Move over. Please. 

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...will you celebrate? How do you like yours? If you're not cooking at home is there a favorite place you like to go for a burger? Did you ever work in a fast food  restaurant? 

A hamburger on the grill is one of my favorites, and I think yes, we'll 'celebrate' (AKA-grill a burger on May 28th).  I like mine with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayo. I have never worked fast food, and there's not really one favorite place here for a burger. There is a place that's more or less a sports bar in town and they do make a good burger. 

4. What are three scents you like? 

It's hard to narrow it down to just three, but I'll try. I love lemon (or any citrus really) and also cinnamon in terms of candles and baking. For the third I'm going with the scent of freshly mown grass, which I wouldn't want in a candle or perfume, but which does have the power to wing me back to my childhood in the blink of an eye. 

5. What do you miss most about being a kid? 

I don't know if miss is the right word, because I don't have any desire to be a kid again. I do sometimes have a longing for the sense of carefree-ness I felt as a child. (I looked it up because carefreeness didn't sound like a real word, but it is indeed a real word). 

By carefree I don't mean free from having any responsibilities because I think we're made to have those, and I like having some responsibilities. 

I'm thinking more along the lines of not being weighed down by the world and all its trouble and strife.  The division, the conflict, the endless complaining.  I know that's part of growing up, taking those things on and trying to make the world better in whatever way we can, but the 2020's so far have been more than a little exhausting. 

My childhood was for the most part carefree, and for that I'm grateful. I was protected from the heaviness of the world that, while different than what we have today, was still there. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

I started this post a little late so will just say enjoy this last week of May...it's flown! 

Happy Wednesday everyone~

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 604

Here are the questions to this week's midweek Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (May 28) to add your link to the party. See you there!

1. What's your favorite room in your house and why? 

2. What's something that will instantly annoy you? 

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...will you celebrate? How do you like yours? If you're not cooking at home is there a favorite place you like to go for a burger? Did you ever work in a fast food  restaurant? 

4. What are three scents you like? 

5. What do you miss most about being a kid? 

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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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 586

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)? 

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?

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

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

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Opportunity Knocks In The Hodgepodge

Welcome to another wintry 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. Thanks for playing along here on Wednesdays! Here we go...

1.  It's been said January is 'the month of opportunity, inspiration, and change." Which of the three do you need most right now? Elaborate. 

I'm going to say inspiration because motivation isn't one of the choices. Thinking in particular of my writing and how inspiration and motivation go hand in hand. As they do for most things I want to accomplish. 

2. Do you consider opportunity as something that comes to you or something you create for yourself? 

Both can be true. When opportunity comes our way we need to be ready for it. We need to have the courage to seize the day so to speak. Mostly though, I think we have to make things happen, chase our dreams, create opportunity even (or especially) where one might not be readily available. 

To quote one of my favorite movies..."When the Lord closes a door He opens a window somewhere...you have to look for your life." 1000 bonus points if you can name the film. 

3. The British Museum opened on this date (January 15th) back in 1759. Do you like visiting museums? Do you have a favorite? 

I love museums. It's hard to pick a favorite because they're all so different. If we're spending a few days in a new city we'll generally visit a museum there. I like art galleries. I like historic old homes that have been turned into museums. I like natural history museums. 

The Met is definitely a favorite plus I love NY. 

4. It's National Oatmeal Month (yes, apparently it gets a whole month as opposed to a single day)...do you like oatmeal? How often do you eat a bowl of oatmeal? How do you like yours? What about an oatmeal cookie? Is that a sweet treat you enjoy? 

First things first...I love an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. I like the texture oatmeal gives the cookie and usually make my chocolate chip with oatmeal in the batter. 

I also like oatmeal for breakfast and we have that about once a week. I make mine with sliced bananas, dried cherries and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It's yummy.  

5. What's something useful you learned in high school?

Typing. Who would have thought that would be the thing we'd use on the daily decades later?  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Shameless nepotism here...

My daughter1 is getting ready to move back to the states and she wrote about it on her blog here (Sincerely Shannon). She's got a lovely voice and so much wisdom, and I want to encourage her to write more.  If you have time go say hi and welcome home. 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 585

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then skate back here on Wednesday (January 15) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1.  It's been said January is 'the month of opportunity, inspiration, and change." Which of the three do you need most right now? Elaborate. 

2. Do you consider opportunity as something that comes to you or something you create for yourself? 

3. The British Museum opened on this date (January 15th) back in 1759. Do you like visiting museums? Do you have a favorite? 

4. It's National Oatmeal Month (yes, apparently it gets a whole month as opposed to a single day). Do you like oatmeal? How often do you eat a bowl of oatmeal? How do you like yours? What about an oatmeal cookie? Is that a sweet treat you enjoy? 

5.What's something useful you learned in high school? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

It's The Hodgepodge. Period.

Welcome to the second Hodgepodge of the year, the 584th edition of all time. That's a lot of questions, wouldn't you agree? We press on...if you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post, then be a good neighbor and leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go-

1. At the end of every year (or at least since the mid-1970's) Lake Superior State University posts a list of words they think should be banished from the Queen's English for misuse, overuse, and/or general uselessness. You can read more about the decision making process here, but this year's list includes-

cringe, game changer, era, dropped, IFKYK (If you know you know), 

sorry not sorry, skibidi, 100%, utilize, and period. 

Which of these words/phrases do you use regularly or even just every now and then? How many did you have to look up? Which of these words would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word/phrase not on the list you'd like to add? If so do share, then tell us why. 

I use cringe, 100% and period on occasion, but wouldn't say they're a regular part of my speech. I had to look up the word skibidi. I've never heard it used or used it myself and it's safe to say I have no plans to do so going into the new year. 

None of the words bother me too much, but if I have to pick one I'll say I think era has become tiresome. 

2. Your favorite soup? Do you make this one yourself or is it from a can? 

I love soup and make lots of different kinds this time of year. Hubs would say my vegetable beef soup is one of his favorite meals. Good ol chicken noodle is probably my favorite. I love the way my house smells when a pot of soup is simmering on the stove, and a bowl of homemade chicken soup just says comfort to me. I make my own and that's my preference, but I can eat the canned variety too. I like Progresso's homestyle chicken and noodle if I'm having soup from a can.

3. How do you feel about winter? What's one winter activity you look forward to? 

I enjoy the changing seasons and don't mind a little bit of winter in December-January. We have some cold weather here, but it's rare for us to have snow. I miss it a little. Now, I do not like the late snows or a long winter like we had up north, but there's something cozy about a snow day where everyone is in and the world feels quiet. We may have some snow here on Friday, but I'm not holding my breath. 

I don't ski anymore and like I said we won't really have snow that amounts to anything here so not a lot of true winter activity. I love a walk in the woods on a winter day and we'll make that happen for sure. 

4. The Pantone color of the year for 2025 is mocha mousse (sample pictured here). What say you? The website describes it as 'a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nourishes us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort'. Is this a color I might find in your home or wardrobe? Is it one you might add in some big or small way in the year ahead? 

I like this color. I like shades of brown, particularly the darker tones. While I don't have this exact shade I do have something close to it in some of my decor, and I'd definitely wear this color too. 

In a similar, but not really vein...if I were to offer you a choice right now of either a cup of mocha or a cup of mousse which would you say yes to? 

A cup of mocha please. 

5. Which of the following winter related idioms can best be applied to your life in some way right now? Choose one, then tell us why you chose it.  

snowed under, on thin ice, tip of the iceberg, chill out, break the ice, snowball effect, not a snowball's chance in hell, get cold feet, the cold shoulder 

I'm going to say the snowball effect. Our outdoor project started out as 'landscape the hill', then picked up speed and quickly snowballed into a waterfall, outdoor BBQ bar, patio, and new furniture for all, which somehow also included a new couch for the indoor pool table room too. It's more like snowmageddon as opposed to one little snowball. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A random throwback to 2014 when we lived in the wilds of New Jersey and had a ridunkulous amount of snow every other day...

And icicles that could literally kill you perched on our gutters...

The neighborhood sky tried to make up for it...

And our Gordon Setter was in her glory...

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

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Happy New Hodgepodge

Happy New Year Hodgepodgers, and welcome to 2025! If you've answered today's questions add your link to the end of my post then leave a comment for the blogger before you. 

I'm going to try a little something new in the HP this year, nothing earth shattering but a change nonetheless. I'm going to start posting questions the Sunday before instead of the Tuesday before like I've always done. The linkup itself will still go live on Wednesdays, hence the title-The WEDNESDAY Hodgepodge. We'll see how it goes, but this will hopefully give folks a bit more flexibility in writing their answers. 

Now back to today and the first Hodgepodge of 2025...

1. Oxford's Word of the year for 2024 is 'brain rot'. Are you familiar with this term? Do you suffer from the condition? Ha! This is a term used to 'capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media'. If you were choosing a word to capture 2024 (for the nation/world, not your own life personally) what word would you choose? 

I'm familiar with the term and I'm not suffering. I've become fairly ruthless in what I click these days and avoid anything that feels ad-full, sketchy, spammy, scammy, mean, lecture-like, or just plain ick. 

Oxford's word is brain rot, but Merriam Webster chose polarization. My thoughts ran in that direction as well, and sadly I'm going to say 'divided'. It's not an upbeat word, but honestly I've struggled to find patches of common ground this year with people who see our country through a whole 'nother lens than I do. I keep trying though! 

2. It's National Polar Bear Plunge Day (January 1)...will you be participating in one of these events (or even your own)? How will you spend the first day of this brand new year? Do you have a traditional New Year's Day menu? 

I've never done a Polar Bear Plunge but we live on a lake so the possibility is there. Hubs says he's in if I'm in so I guess it's all up to me. I'll let you know. 

A few years ago hubs sister and her family were here for the holidays and Daughter2, one cousin, hubs, and his sister all took the plunge. I volunteered to photograph the event because somebody had to do it. 

As far as the meal goes, we do have a fairly traditional menu every January 1st that includes all the 'must-eat' foods...pork (the movement of pigs when they root for food is supposed to represent moving forward), cornbread (representing gold), spinach (green is for dollars), and black-eyed peas (for luck). These foods relate to luck and good fortune, which may or may not be true, but we like them so we play along. 

As far as how we'll spend the day...I love to watch The Rose Parade and if it's not raining hard hubs and I will get out for a walk/hike, then spend the rest of the day relaxing and watching football.  

3. What's something that brings you joy and how will you do more of it in this new year? 

Writing. In the words of Nike-Just Do It. I'm also trying to pencil in some time blocks on the calendar in order to be more intentional about it. We'll see if that helps.  

4. Do you struggle with the January blues? What's one thing you can/will do to keep them at bay? 

I don't really struggle with the blues in January. Usually come January I'm feeling ready for a bit of down time. A quieter month after the frenzy of the previous year's 4th quarter, which is always jam packed with activity, is appealing to me. 

Course this year I'll have grandkids in the house, so not sure how the quiet part is going to work. Stay tuned. 

5. Will you choose your own personal word of the year for 2025? What about a goal, resolution, or maybe even a bucket list? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

I'd like to have a word but haven't settled on one yet. 

I'm working on a winter bucket list and will share it once I get it together. My bucket lists are always part fun, part growth, part stuff I need to do and if I put it on a list is more likely to get done. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm writing my answers on New Year's Eve, and have spent the entire day (so far) in my pajamas. I cannot remember the last time I did this and let me just say it felt glorious. I worked on my blog, did some laundry, made a pot of bean soup using the ham bone leftover from Christmas dinner, and prepped two appetizers to bring to a get together we'll be attending tonite. I won't wear my pjs there, but I might be tempted. 

We're ringing in 2025 with some neighbors and this is my favorite way to greet a new year...sticking close to home, no driving, snacks, friends and fun. Wishing you all a bright, happy, and healthy new year! 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 583

Happy almost new year Hodgepodgers! When the link goes live it will be 2025~whoohoo! Here are this week's questions, which you should answer on your own blog and then pop back here Wednesday to add your link to the party. 

I know many bloggers who participate here regularly would prefer for me to always post the questions earlier than I do, and maybe I'll manage that this year. Questions on a Sunday with the link up still going live on Wednesday. Otherwise we'd have to change the name and that's all too much. We'll see how it goes. 

See you back here Wednesday, January 1 to share answers in a brand new year...

1. Oxford's Word of the year for 2024 is 'brain rot'. Are you familiar with this term? Do you suffer from the condition? Ha! This is a term used to 'capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media'. If you were choosing a word to capture 2024 (for the nation/world, not your own life personally) what word would you choose? 

2. It's National Polar Bear Plunge Day (January 1)...will you be participating in one of these events (or even your own)? How will you spend the first day of this brand new year? Do you have a traditional New Year's Day menu? 

3. What's something that brings you joy and how will you do more of it in this new year? 

4. Do you struggle with the January blues? What's one thing you can/will do to keep them at bay? 

5. Will you choose your own personal word of the year for 2025? What about a goal, resolution, or maybe even a bucket list? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 582

Hello Hodgepdogers! I hope you're enjoying this most wonderful time of the year. 

Please note: There will not be a Hodgepodge next week (December 25th) since Christmas lands on a Wednesday this year. 

There will be a Hodgepodge link up on January 1st BUT!! I'll post the questions on Sunday (December 29th) to give everyone a couple of extra days to get their answers written.  

December 25-NO Hodgepodge

December 29-questions posted for the first HP of the new year (Volume 583)

January 1-the link goes live

Now back to today and this week's questions. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with all of Santa's elves. See you there! 

1. What's one thing you want to get done before the calendar flips to a new year?

2. What's something that brought a smile to your face this year?

3. What do you like on a cracker? Do you have a favorite cracker variety? 

4. Do you have plans for ringing in the new year in a fun or special way? Are you typically awake at midnight on the last day of the year? 

5. What are three words that describe your 2024? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Milk And Cookies With The Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. So glad you're here! If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Comments keep you on Santa's nice list. Here we go-

1. What's one task you'd like a little Christmas elf to sneak in and take care of tonite? 

Hmmm...there are many. I'm going with emptying my pantry, wiping down all the shelves, tossing what needs to be tossed, and then neatly and logically restocking. It's on my list to get done before Christmas, but if an elf wants to take it off my plate I'm happy to hand the job over. 

2. What's your biggest challenge during the holidays? 

Managing my expectations. 

3. Are you a cookie baker this time of year? If your year had to be summed up in the shape of a cookie cutter what shape would it be? 

I am most definitely a cookie baker. In fact, cookies are probably my favorite thing to bake, especially at Christmas time. Have I baked any yet this year? No. But I will. 

If my year had to be summed up in the shape of a cookie cutter I'm going with...

...a waterfall. The backyard project was a big part of our year, so that feels appropriate. Also you can barely see the waterfall in this photo, but I wanted the tree at the top all decked out in Christmas lights in my pictures. 

4. Santa likes milk with his cookies. Do you like milk? What kind of milk is on tap in your house? (whole, 2%, skim, almond, oat, etc). What's the last thing you made that called for milk? 

I like milk but it's not something I drink by the glass except on a very rare occasion. I do put milk on my cereal, I like milk on my oatmeal, and I put a small splash of milk in my hot tea. I buy skim, but when it comes to my coffee half and half only please. 

The last thing I made that called for milk would be this Angel Pie, which is a meringue crust with a custard filling, topped with whipped cream and shaved German chocolate-

This pie is every bit as delicious as it looks and I generally make one around the holidays every year. We had company for dinner on Monday night and I served this for dessert. It's a favorite here for sure. 

5. Share one favorite line from a Christmas carol or holiday tune? 

From the carol O Holy Night...

"Til He appeared, and the soul felt it's worth..." 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A lot of life is lived in a decade and there's nothing like a Facebook memory to remind us that is so-

December 25, 2014

"Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still." Dorothea Lange 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 579

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Guess what our theme is? Answer the questions on your own blog, then waddle back here tomorrow to add your link 'to the table'. See you there!

1. Talking turkey...are you cooking the turkey this year? Does ham belong on a Thanksgiving day menu? When it comes to gravy do you pour it over your whole plate, skip it altogether, or land somewhere in between? Cranberries-homemade or jelled right out of the can? Do you look forward more to the main course, the savory sides, or the desserts? 

I know there are at least a couple of bloggers who participate here who live outside the US and won't be celebrating Thanksgiving. If that's you feel free to adapt this question to your December (or any) holiday meal.

2. Holiday movies...tell us your favorite and what it is about the film that makes you love it. Is it the film itself or a memory it stirs? 

3. A favorite way to give back and help others? 

4. Name a place or setting you encountered this month that made you feel grateful. 

5. Knowing what you know today, if you could redo yesterday what would you do differently? 

6. Spill your own random thought here. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 573

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. How did you meet your significant other? If you don't have a significant other, tell us how you met your best friend. 

2. It's Department Store Day (October 16)...do you still shop in department stores? If not do you miss that kind of shopping experience? Do you have a favorite department store? Any fun memories of department store shopping when you were a child? 

3. Something you're currently nuts about? 

4. What's your favorite nut and is there a favorite recipe where this nut is used? 

5. On Wednesday we officially reach the '70 days until Christmas' mark. Have you purchased any gifts? If you don't celebrate Christmas then how about Hanukkah presents? 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

A Poetic Hodgepodge

Welcome to October and the first Wednesday Hodgepodge of the month. 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. We all know comments keep the blog world cozy. Here we go-

1. Hey, it's October...what's one fun thing on your October calendar? 

We'll be traveling for a wedding later this month, we have a wine dinner on the calendar, I have a facial booked, and my women's Bible Study starts back up after an extended summer break. These are all things I'm looking forward to in October. 

2. Thursday is National Poetry Day...do you like to read poetry? If so, what's a favorite poem, or whose poetry do you especially enjoy? 

I do like to read poetry. Sometimes I try to memorize poetry and wish I'd done more of that when I was a little younger and my brain had space and ability. One of my favorite poems is  Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe. My dad used to recite it from time to time, and I always think of him when I hear it. I love the children's poem Wynken, Blynken, and Nod by Eugene Field. 

In terms of more contemporary poets I love following Laura Wifler on Instagram. Her writing is absolutely beautiful (@laurawifler)

3. Tell us about something you've seen recently that could be described as 'poetry in motion'. 

I haven't seen any ballet lately, but I have seen flowers dancing on the breeze. That feels a lot like poetry to me. 

4. What's one song on your autumn playlist? Do you have an autumn playlist? If not, pretend you do. If yes, then feel free to share more than one. 

 Songs on my autumn playlist are not necessarily specifically about the season, but they do tend to be 'moody' because that says fall to me. One song on my list?  So Far Away by Carole King. 

5. Share a quote that inspires you this time of year especially. 

"Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go." author unknown 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Spent Monday in the English countryside with our girl and her crew. A rainbow on the drive home made the sweetest ending to our UK travels. Cheers! 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 571

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge, our first in October. How is it already October??? Answer today's questions on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share your answers. See you there! 

1. Hey, it's October...what's one fun thing on your October calendar? 

2. Thursday is National Poetry Day (first Thursday in October)...do you like to read poetry? If so, what's a favorite poem, or whose poetry do you especially enjoy? 

3. Tell us about something you've seen recently that could be described as 'poetry in motion'. 

4. What's one song on your autumn playlist? Do you have an autumn playlist? If not, pretend you do. If yes, then feel free to share more than one. 

5. Share a quote that inspires you this time of year especially. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

The Hodgepodge In Autumn

Welcome back to another edition of the weekly 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 before you run off. Here we go-

1. It's officially fall y'all...in the northern hemisphere anyway. What are three of your favorite things about this particular season of the year? 

Fall is my favorite and there's really nothing I dislike about the season. Three favorites would be 1.- the light this time of year-it's golden, 2-the color-gem tones are my favorite and this season is filled with dark greens, brilliant reds, bright golds, and deep oranges, all of which I love and 3.- wearing jeans and boots after months of shorts and flip flops. I'm always ready for the change in wardrobe. 

2. Your favorite fall fabric-denim, flannel, tweed, corduroy, tartan, polar fleece, leather? Do you own something made with your favorite fall fabric? 

Well I do love a good fleece. Such a cozy fabric and I love mine and sort of live in it this time of year. That being said, denim is probably my favorite. A soft, well-loved, comfy pair of jeans is my favorite thing to wear any time of year. 

3. According to Everyday Health here are ten healthy fall foods- apples (flavonoids may improve brain health), pears (for heart friendly fiber), cranberries (helps your body fight oxidative stress) winter squash (for eye health), pumpkin (another great source of Vitamin A), leeks (an anti-inflammatory food), brussel sprouts (full of fiber and anti-oxidants), sweet potatoes (loaded with Vit A and C), parsnips (keep your bones healthy with Vit K), and broccoli (may help prevent cancer). 

How many on the list do you eat on a regular basis? Which one is your favorite? Which one gets a big no thanks from you? 

I love all of these and eat almost all of them on a regular basis. There are none on the list I'd say no to. I wouldn't say I eat parsnips or pumpkin regularly, but we do have those foods now and then, and I especially like parsnips.

It's impossible to pick just one favorite, but if you make me choose I'll say cranberries, with apples a close second. 

4. Tell us about the last time (or a recent time) you experienced a wave of nostalgia? 

Nostalgia almost always hits me in the form of a song played or a scent that floats in with a breeze...it's that almost indescribable feeling that makes me wistful for days gone by. 

I'm in England right now, and I definitely felt something like nostalgia standing in front of my old house last week. I could almost see my girls sitting at the kitchen table, French doors open to the garden, homework on the table. 

Do I want to go back? No. Is it sweet to remember? Absolutely. 

5. Sept. 22nd was National Daughter's Day. Like mother, like daughter...does this idiom ring true for you? You may answer in terms of your own role as a daughter or, if you have daughters, then your role as a mother of daughters. 

Yes, both directions actually. I am my mother's daughter and am very much like her in so many ways. I wrote a post quite a while back about this very thing-One Of These Things Is A Lot Like The Other. 

My own daughters are also a lot like me, particularly when it comes to how we all mother. My younger daughter is pretty much my mini-me in most ways and I wrote a post about that too, for her birthday one year-And The Seasons They Go Round And Round. 

My mom, my girls, and me...we all love homemaking, baking, books, babies, and Jesus. We're all tender-hearted, family-oriented, and a tad bit stubborn, or as I like to say-determined. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Spent part of Tuesday here-

York Minster Cathedral

In a word...magnificent. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 570

It's that time again. Here are the questions to the weekly Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with all your friends and neighbors. See you there! 

1. It's officially fall y'all...in the northern hemisphere anyway. What are three of your favorite things about this particular season of the year? 

2. Your favorite fall fabric-denim, flannel, tweed, corduroy, tartan, polar fleece, leather? Do you own something made with your favorite fall fabric? 

3. According to Everyday Health here are ten healthy fall foods- apples (flavonoids may improve brain health), pears (for heart friendly fiber), cranberries (helps your body fight oxidative stress) winter squash (for eye health), pumpkin (another great source of Vitamin A), leeks (an anti-inflammatory food), brussel sprouts (full of fiber and anti-oxidants), sweet potatoes (loaded with Vit A and C), parsnips (keep your bones healthy with Vit K), and broccoli (may help prevent cancer). 

How many on the list do you eat on a regular basis? Which one is your favorite? Which one gets a big no thanks from you? 

4. Tell us about the last time (or a recent time) you experienced a wave of nostalgia? 

5. Sept. 22nd was National Daughter's Day. Like mother, like daughter...does this idiom ring true for you? You may answer in terms of your own role as a daughter or, if you have daughters, then your role as a mother of daughters. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.