No Surprise It's The Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. 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. Here we go-

1. Are you a risk taker? To what degree?

Not by choice. We're retired so we're pretty low risk with investments at this point in our lives. I'm not at all a risk taker in the athletic/adrenaline sport department-snow skiing, rock climbing, that sort of thing. 

That being said if hubs said he wanted to pick up and live somewhere new, visit a country we've never before seen, eat something unusual, then I'd be game.  I'm open to change and I guess that qualifies me as somewhat of a risk taker. 

Out of curiosity I took an online quiz and came out as a sensation seeker but on the low end of that spectrum-

'...Your relatively low score in sensation-seeking indicates that while you may take risks on occasion, you usually choose the well-traveled path. You probably prefer to work in a stable environment in which changes are made gradually and with ample warning...'

So that is my preference and my comfort zone, but of course I've lived outside of that in a lot of ways. While I don't seek out risk I can cope if it comes my way. 

2. What's your favorite candy? Would you say you have a sweet tooth? 

Let's start with the easy part first-do I have a sweet tooth. In a word, yes. 

Next question-my favorite candy? I'm not sure I can choose just one, but Jelly Bellies, Starburst, Hot Tamales, Mike and Ikes, and a PayDay candy bar rank right up there. Also they're what you'd most likely find stashed in my candy drawer. 

Everyone has a candy drawer, right?  

3. Somewhere you've been recently that had you feeling 'like a kid in a candy store'? 

Hobby Lobby always feels a bit like a 'candy store' to me. I met my daughter for coffee on Tuesday and she needed a red feather for her son's costume so we popped in Hobby Lobby after. 

Yeah. We bought more than a feather. 

4. What do you think is the most effective way to make a positive change in the world? 

I think the best way to make a positive change in the world is to make a positive change in your own little corner of it. Most of us won't change the world on a grand scale but we can make a difference in someone's life and of course the lives of our own families. This good has a ripple effect. 

Be a good neighbor. Be a considerate patron of the businesses and restaurants you visit. Volunteer. Be generous in supporting those in need in your own home town in whatever way you're able. Smile. Speak to the sales clerk. Hold that door for the person coming behind you. Make a meal for a new mom or a family grieving. Express your appreciation for kindnesses large and small. Vote. Pray for the needs of the people whose paths cross yours. Stand up for the things you believe in.  

'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' Luke 6:31 

5. Do you like surprises? 

The good kind, sure lol. An unexpected repair, a broken bone, that sort of surprise not so much. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Hmmm...how about a picture of the most delicious entree I had for dinner Tuesday evening? Pretty sure that qualifies as random. 

I got a little too close when I snapped the picture, but it was very pretty-grilled mahi mahi over charred corn risotto, topped with lemon basil cream sauce and pickled onions. I didn't make it, but wow it was so good. We met friends at a local distillery and I think when they first opened the owners were all about the beverages. But they hired a very well-trained and experienced chef and now people are coming just for the food, and the place is always hoppin' which is nice to see. 

The owners of the venue are former rodeo riders which is not a profession you encounter every day. I think the wife may still compete and the venue has their buckles on display along with some fancy saddles. It's a fun place. 

In a completely unrelated vein...this is your weekly reminder I'm hosting a Day In The Life link up here on Thursday, November 13th. If you need more info check out my random thought in this post-A Freshly Painted Hodgepodge. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! My favorite middle grandson turns six years old today. His birthday letter from Nana is here-Snips And Snails And Birthday Tails  for anyone who enjoys reading these. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 626

Here are the questions to the mid-week Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (October 29th) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. Are you a risk taker? To what degree? 

2. What's your favorite candy? Would you say you have a sweet tooth? 

3. Somewhere you've been recently that had you feeling 'like a kid in a candy store'? 

4. What do you think is the most effective way to make a positive change in the world? 

5. Do you like surprises? 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Monthly mUsings

Onward in the A-Z Blog Challenge with today's letter. Today's post will also be linked with Holly and Patty's Monthly Musings party, and somehow I'm going to make it work. 

U is for Understanding

As in understanding and knowing your strengths, your limitations, your capabilities, 

and your healthy boundaries; self-awareness 

I know I should write something deep and introspective here, but instead I'm going to say I've nearly reached my limit in the A-Z Blog Challenge. And because I know myself I'm going to give myself some grace and participate in a fun monthly link up hosted by Holly and Patty (Monthly Musings) instead.

And that's okay. 

Blogging is fun for me, it serves as a stress-reliever, and a place to work things out on paper which often helps to bring clarity of mind. There's an awful lot going on here this week and because I know my limits and my capabilities,  I'm opting for something a little lighter today. 

Monthly Musings with Holly and Patty talking all things spring. Here we go...

  

1. Easter, Passover, or another holiday in the Spring? 

Easter. My favorite day of the year. We had a lovely one this year which I wrote about on Monday (The Weekend Replay).

2. Do you plant a garden? Any tips for those of us without a green thumb? 

Hubs has a green thumb, but we don't plant a garden. We have grown a few vegetables in pots, peppers mostly, but our property is wooded, pine straw-ed, and gently sloped to the lake. We don't have a nice sunny flat spot for planting a garden. 

Plus we're on the go a lot, and I feel like gardens require more daily attention in the summer months than we can give. Fortunately my daughter1's in-laws keep us supplied with fresh produce from their huge garden all summer long. 

3. How do you decorate for Spring? 

I wouldn't say I really decorate for Spring. I put out one or two things for Easter, add springtime hand towels to the bathrooms, and will usually have fresh flowers of some kind on my kitchen island. We haven't done any of our outdoor patio pots yet, but that will happen soon. Flowers on the porch say spring to me. 

We are all about the out of doors here and when you're inside your gaze naturally travels in that direction, so I'm careful not to compete. I don't add a lot of seasonal decor anytime other than Christmas. 

4. Desserts that just say spring to you? 

I think anything lemon makes a nice springtime dessert. 

I made mini carrot cakes for Easter and that felt appropriate for spring. 

A fruit tart or crumble of some kind is another favorite springtime dessert. 

5. Favorite spring flowers? 

Lilacs. But also tulips, pansies, and iris. 

6. Best tips for hosting spring events? 

I love a good theme so choosing to host around a springtime event like Easter, The Derby, Cinco de Mayo, or Mother's Day gives you a direction to run. 

I like outdoor gatherings whenever possible, but you need to plan for the weather and have both sun and shade options. And an indoor backup just in case. 

People want your company more than they want an exhausted distracted host, so let people bring something if they offer. Food doesn't have to be complicated. Light and fresh is the way to go in spring.

You can't go wrong with fresh flowers. 

7. Favorite beverage or cocktail that makes you think of Spring? 

I made my first pitcher of the sweet tea season on Easter Sunday. I live in the south and sweet tea is available everywhere here year round, but I typically don't make it at home until Easter. I'll keep a pitcher in the frig from now until probably Thanksgiving. 

Besides iced tea a glass of Rosé or Prosecco sipped on a sunny patio would be another springtime favorite. 

8. Vegetable garden, flower garden, both or neither? 

As in my own, or what do I enjoy? I love beautiful gardens and a day trip to a garden in bloom is one of my favorite kind of outings. I love to visit gardens when we travel somewhere new. I saw more than a few gardens when we lived in the UK, but there are many beautiful blooms here in the US too-

Tulip Town, Skagit Valley, Washington, 2017

9. Favorite Easter candy? 

Finally an easy one...jellybeans of course. They're my kryptonite. Been working my way through this jar for the past month. 

I won't say how many times I've topped it up. 

10. Marshmallow peeps? Gross or yes please? 

I'm somewhere in the middle on these. I like the way they look better than the way they taste, but I wouldn't say they're gross. 

I love the colors of spring, along with the flavors and scents of spring, but the pollen not so much. It makes me love spring just a little bit less than I would if we didn't have to deal with all that yellow dust. Thankfully the pollen season is nearing an end, and it's pouring rain as I type this which will help a lot. 

Happy Spring y'all! 

10 on the 10th ala Valentine's Day

We've had a busy busy weekend which included a road trip, so I think I'll save my recap for tomorrow (Tuesday) and join Marsha In The Middle for her monthly 10 on the 10th today. 

Feel free to play along and add your link on her blog. Every month is different and this month we have ten 'would you rather' style questions related to Valentine's Day. Here we go-

 

1. A cozy restaurant or cozied up at home in your jammies?

We typically try to cook something special or a little bit fancy together at home on Valentine's Day because restaurants are busy and often have set menus for the holiday. That being said, I feel like we've spent a lot of time cooking at home lately so a nice dinner out is really appealing. 

This year we'll be in charge of the grands over the Valentine's Day weekend while my daughter1 and her husband travel to a wedding. It's possible we'll be dining on pizza and that's okay too. 

2. Eat red velvet cake or wear red velvet? 

I'll have the slice of cake please. I love velvet fabric especially around the Christmas holidays, but I prefer the darker tones-black, emerald, navy. 

When my girls were little I did dress them in red velvet on occasion, but it's not a color/fabric combo I'd wear myself. 

3.  A heart shaped box of candy or a heart shaped piece of jewelry? 

It would depend on the jewelry. Some delicate heart shaped earrings? Yes please. I love these from Kendra Scott-

The little Kate Spade hearts are also really cute-

4. Reese's Pieces or a Reese's Heart?  

I'd be happy with either, but would probably opt for the Reese's Pieces. 

5. Watch a Valentine themed movie or an action movie? 

Is the Valentine movie any good or is it super cheesy? If it's the latter, then I'd rather watch an action movie. 

6. A box of chocolates or a less than perfect homemade card for my person? 

Can I just share the above mentioned Reese's Pieces with my person? They're one of his favorites. 

7. Iceland or Tahiti? 

Definitely Tahiti. I'd like a trip to Tahiti more than a cozy dinner in a restaurant or a cozy dinner at home in my jammies or a bag of Reese's Pieces or some heart shaped jewelry. 

8. Would my Valentine want me to sing At Last or I Don't Want To Miss A Thing? 

My Valentine wouldn't want me to sing lol. Are these my only choices because neither would be songs I'd sing? 

If I could sing I mean. 

Which I can't so there won't be singing. 

9. Celebrate for a week or not at all? 

I like the holiday, but a week might be a lot. Not at all sounds like the February equivalent of Scrooge. A single day feels just right. 

10. A really sour piece of candy or a Brussel sprout dipped in chocolate? 

Finally an easy one...sour candies are my favorite so will happily opt for that one. 

Hope your week is filled with the things and people you love.