The Wednesday Hodgepodge Coffee Hour

Welcome to another edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge, our last in September. How do we feel about the end of summer and the start of fall? Something to ponder I guess as we roll into October. Today though it's a bit of this and that. If you've answered the questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger linking before you. Here we go-

 

1. When is the last time you experienced nostalgia? 

When I find myself feeling nostalgic music is usually involved. I think music has the ability to whisk us back to a place and time and create a sort of longing for something simpler or perhaps for a second chance to get something right that we missed along the way.  

Recently though I was driving with my window rolled down and the big mowers were cutting the grass along the highway. The smell of that freshly cut grass took me back to the Saturday mornings of my childhood and made me feel something that is hard to put into words. Nostalgia. 

 2. September 29th is National Coffee Day. Do we need this? Ha! So are you a coffee drinker? If so how many cups per day, and tell us how you like it. Is there a recipeyou enjoy that calls for coffee as one of the ingredients? 

Pretty sure coffee drinkers would say every day is National Coffee Day, but there are stranger days out there so Happy National Coffee Day. I am a coffee drinker and sometimes go to bed thinking about how much I'm going to enjoy tomorrow morning's first sip. 

I don't drink coffee all day, usually two cups in the morning with a splash of half and half. I'm not a fan of flavored coffees, fancy coffee drinks, or flavored creams with one exception. Summer afternoons call for iced coffee and I like sweet cream in iced coffee. 

As far as recipes go, we make a coffee rubbed pork tenderloin that is really delicious and I also love an affogato dessert. Affagato is basically freshly brewed espresso poured over vanilla gelato and it's yummy. Ice cream works too. 

 3. Do you find praise or criticism to be more motivating? Explain. 

This is an interesting question and I think both can be motivating. With criticism it definitely depends on how its expressed. If it's harsh I retreat and maybe want to do the opposite of what it is you're trying to get me to do. Ugh. That's not very attractive, but it is a little bit true.  I'm a people pleaser so I'm going to say praise is always more motivating to me.  

 4.  What's a television series you keep coming back to and re-watching? 

The Andy Griffith Show would be one. Hubs and I also re-watch Everybody Loves Raymond when we can't find anything else on tv. I feel like today's pc culture has killed comedy. Everything has not so subtle political overtones and to that I say yuck. Comedy has always touched on politics, but it feels mean-spirited and personal these days and it's actually not very funny. 

 5. As the month of September draws to a close give us three words to describe your mood. 

tired/disgusted (I'm lookin' at you social media and complainers everywhere), hopeful (Thanksgiving, Christmas, family time, a wedding, and knowing the government is not my Savior no matter how this election goes), and cozy (hello Autumn! You're my favorite)

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

"...and all at once, summer collapsed into fall." Oscar Wilde

Growing Older With The Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to 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 linking before you. Comments keep the Hodgepodge rollin' right along. Here we go-

 

1. What's one thing you learned at the ripe old age of whatever age you are now?

Does Zoom count? I'd never heard of it before this year. 

2. I read here a list of foods that can help you look younger-

extra virgin olive oil, green tea, fatty fish, dark chocolate, vegetables, flaxseeds, pomegranates, avocados, tomatoes, spices, bone broth

How many of the foods listed have you tried? How many do you eat regularly? Your favorite from the list?

I've tried them all and regularly use extra virgin olive oil, eat fatty fish (salmon), dark chocolate, vegetables, avocados, tomatoes, and spices.  I like pomegranates but wouldn't say they're a staple here. If I could only have one thing on the list I'd choose vegetables.  

3. Something you miss from the 'good old days'? When were the good old days anyway?

Common courtesy, respect, and humor.

When did they occur? I'm not sure I can give precise dates, but feel pretty certain it was sometime prior to the invention of the iphone. 

4. What are two or three of the most rewarding things to be found in growing older?

There are many, but I'd say one of the best things about growing older is knowing who you are and being comfortable with that. Interacting with my adult children is pretty great too. 

Also see next question. 

5. What's your favorite part of your life right now?

Did you really need to ask? 

Grandparenting is not overrated. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

As I was turning off the light about 10:30 pm Tuesday night I suddenly remembered, that while I wrote the Hodgepodge questions, I never answered them. Bother. You'd think after almost 400 episodes answering would be automatic. Chalk it up to 2020 and/or turning a year older this week. 

On the bright side I did not overthink this one. Happy Wednesday! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 386

Still here, Hodgepodging on Wednesdays. This week's questions are below. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here to add your link to the party. See you there!

1. What's one thing you learned at the ripe old age of whatever age you are now?

2. I read here a list of foods that can help you look younger-

extra virgin olive oil, green tea, fatty fish, dark chocolate, vegetables, flaxseeds, pomegranates, avocados, tomatoes, spices, bone broth

How many of the foods listed have you tried? How many do you eat regularly? Your favorite from the list?

3. Something you miss from the 'good old days'? When were the good old days anyway?

4. What are two or three of the most rewarding things to be found in growing older?

5. What's your favorite part of your life right now?

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Three Things August

Since I can't talk about the weather every day I decided today I'd participate in this fun little hop I saw on Rebecca's blog (Knit By God's Hand). It's a nod to another month winding down, the good, the bad, and the ugly. The plans, no-plans, and the cancelled plans too since it's been that kind of summer. Bonus! You get to hear what I've been eating and googling this month. You're welcome.

Also, I think we know I could (and probably will) talk about the weather every day.
It's gorgeous here at the moment btw.

Okay,  here we go-

Three things I like about August
1. Sunday evening sunset kayaking with the neighbors
2. my knockout roses still a-bloom
3. it's almost my birthday : )

Three things I dislike about August
1. flies-they've never been a problem before but this summer they're a nuisance. Thanks 2020.
2. chaos, law-breakers, and violence in America's cities
3. we're still not doing much in person with our people

Three goals for the rest of August (guess I better get busy-ha!)
1. buy a birthday gift
2. mail a baby gift
3. finish the book I'm reading-Irreversible Damage by Abigail Schrier.

Has anyone read this one? It's really disturbing and it's non-fiction.

Three things I thought I'd use more this year
1. my car
2. my calendar
3. my guest room

Three things I never thought I'd use as much this year
1. ZOOM
2. hand sanitizer
3. a face mask

Three things I'm into right now
1. FaceTime with the grands
2. Home Chef
3. Coffee with the sunrise from my back deck

Three things I've googled lately
1. best baby/toddler board books
2. home owner's insurance comparison quotes
3. matching family Christmas pajamas

Three foods I've survived on in Corona summer
1. watermelon (let's be honest...this is what I survive on in non Corona summers too)
2. home grown cucumbers
3. tomatoes right off the vine...so thankful for my daughter's in-laws who've kept us well supplied

Your turn...leave me a comment if you play along. And if these questions don't suit you feel free to change 'em up.

In The Middle Of The Hodgepodge

Yup. Still here. Still smack dab in the middle of a strange season, still at that thing we know and love called The Wednesday Hodgepodge. 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 linking before you since that's what good neighbors do. Here we go-

1. August 12th is National Middle Child Day...are you a middle child? If not, where in your family do you fall in terms of birth order? Do you hold true to the typical characteristics of oldest-middle-youngest-only child? (A quick list can be found here) Elaborate.

Am I a middle child? Sort of. What's the middle of four? I'm the third child, but the middle daughter so I think that qualifies. 

As far as holding true to the characteristics of the middle born, I'd say mostly yes. I'm for sure a peacemaker which seems to be a trait common to all the lists I checked. I'm also independent, make friends easily, know the importance of alone time, and can sometimes be a tad melodramatic. I know how to negotiate and compromise, but will add that I cannot recall ever feeling left out in terms of my family. 

2. Tell us about a time you felt like (or you actually were) in the middle of nowhere.

I read something a journalist I follow (Salena Zito) said when reporting on the last election and it was this-

"...In my estimation, there is no patch of geography in this country that is the 'middle of nowwhere'. This is America; everywhere is the middle of somewhere." 

It was an interesting reflection on how the people living in the middle of America, in a multitude of ways, are regularly and unfairly maligned as being 'less than' the people who reside in our large coastal cities. 

Anyway, back to the question...there have been quite a few places but probably standing in the middle of the moors back in 2007 tops the list.  

It seemed like hubs and I might be the only two people on earth. 

3. What's something you're smack in the middle of currently?

Besides a pandemic? Wedding planning. The two live side by side in 2020. 

4. What's a food you love to eat that has something delicious in the middle?

The first thing that popped into my head was an ice cream sandwich so I'll go with that. A jelly donut would be a close second. 

5. Share a memory from your middle school days, or junior high if that's what your school dubbed kids somewhere between grades 6-8.

Back in the day we called it Junior High, and in our town that meant grades 7-8. In grade 6 you were still in the elementary school and you were king. Grade 7 brought you back down to earth. I disliked grade 7, but cannot tell you precisely why. Everything was awkward and confusing. Somehow the world was right side up again by the time grade 8 rolled around. 

Thankfully my mom did not include a bunch of pictures from that era in the scrapbook she made me, but here's one for you...

Appropriately I am in the middle. The one in the pink mini skirt with legs the size of toothpicks. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I have a collection of random thoughts (in my head) that I planned to compile into a blog post on Monday, but then Monday came and went and now here it is Wednesday and I still haven't gotten to it. I'm thinking Thursday is the day, so my random thought currently is I don't have a single random thought today, but if you pop back here tomorrow I'll have more than a few. 

Life, time, and blogging are all a little wacky in the age of Corona. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 381

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. August 12th is National Middle Child Day...are you a middle child? If not, where in your family do you fall in terms of birth order? Do you hold true to the typical characteristics of oldest-middle-youngest-only child? (a quick list can be found here) Elaborate.

2. Tell us about a time you felt like (or you actually were) in the middle of nowhere.

3. What's something you're smack in the middle of currently?

4. What's a food you love to eat that has something delicious in the middle?

5. Share a memory from your middle school days, or junior high if that's what your school dubbed kids somewhere between grades 6-8.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Moving Into The Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Yep, we're still at this nineteen weeks after I brought it out of retirement to carry us through the mostly at-home time we thought was temporary. Hmmm...not feeling so temporary is it? What a world!

If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post then jump over and leave a comment for the person linking before you on the list. Or everyone on the list if you've got the time. Here we go-

 

1. Last time you moved house? Something you've learned in moving house?

We moved into our current home a little less than four years ago. 

Something I've learned moving house? Well pull up a chair because I've done some moving and I've done some learning. I looked at my blog tags and found I've written somewhere in the neighborhood of 88 posts labeled moving house so obviously a topic close to my heart.

I think the post linked here sums it up quite nicely. 

2. Move mountains, move along, make a wrong move, moved to tears, get a move on, move up, move over, move out of the way, move the deck chairs on the Titanic, move it!...pick one and tell us how it fits your recent circumstances.

Make a wrong move? What is the right move to make in the age of information overload, misinformation, non-expert experts, biased reporting, and so much unknown. 

3. What have you been doing to make yourself move (aka stay fit-active) during these strange times?

Baking doesn't count, does it? 

Yeah. There was a bit too much of that sort of 'exercise' happening in the early days of Corona, but my daughter the bride has us on a plan now and we've been sweating for the wedding side by each on the screened-in porch for the past month. Surely working out in the heat and humidity counts double, doesn't it? It must count double. We're doing a 100 day meltdown via Beach Body and let me just tell you, melt down is an accurate descriptor. 

4. This week's calendar includes celebrations for the following foods-

National Coffee Milkshake Day (Sunday), National Creme Brûlée Day (Monday), National Milk Chocolate Day (Tuesday), National Chicken Wing Day (Wednesday), National Lasagne Day (Wednesday), National Cheesecake Day (Thursday), and National Avocado Day (Friday)

Which one on the list would you be most inclined to celebrate? Which would you be most inclined to skip?

The one I'd most like to celebrate would be National Creme Brûlée Day, but see question #3. If that's off the table I'm going with the avocado because I can make that work with my m.o.b. dress goal. 

I'm most inclined to skip the lasagne. Maybe if you asked me this question in the dead of winter I'd answer differently, but with temperatures near 90 and the humidity making it feel like something more than 90 a plate of lasagne is not at all appealing. 

5. Next week's Hodgepodge lands in August! I know!! Raise your hand if you feel like July flew by in the blink of an eye? Now bid farewell to your July acrostic style. If you don't know what that means click here.

No jetting anywhere, unusual times, loud voices, yearning for hugs and handshakes and in person connections with the people we love...

J-Just
U-Us
L-Loathing
Y-this Yucky virus

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am loving this song-

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 379

Rolling into another week with the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer the questions on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with the whole wide world. Here we go-

1. Last time you moved house? Something you've learned in moving house?

2. Move mountains, move along, make a wrong move, moved to tears, get a move on, move up, move over, move out of the way, move the deck chairs on the Titanic, move it!...pick one and tell us how it fits your recent circumstances.

3. What have you been doing to make yourself move (aka stay fit-active) during these strange times?

4. This week's calendar includes celebrations for the following foods-

National Coffee Milkshake Day (Sunday), National Creme Brûlée Day (Monday), National Milk Chocolate Day (Tuesday), National Chicken Wing Day (Wednesday), National Lasagne Day (Wednesday), National Cheesecake Day (Thursday), and National Avocado Day (Friday)

Which one on the list would you be most inclined to celebrate? Which would you be most inclined to skip?

5. Next week's Hodgepodge lands in August! I know!! Raise your hand if you feel like July flew by in the blink of an eye? Now bid farewell to your July acrostic style. If you don't know what that means click here.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

Hot Hot Hotdgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. It's a hot one here in the Palmetto State, hence our theme. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then be a good neighbor and go leave a comment for the blogger linking before you. Thanks for playing along today-

1.  Do you think the pandemic has had any kind of positive impact on your mental health? Explain.

Hmmm...I will say I've honestly appreciated the slowdown to an always busy jam packed calendar. I think too, the opportunity for rest and reflection without feeling like I should be doing a hundred other things has been good for my soul.

2. A hot mess, hot under the collar, in hot water, hot button, hot diggity dog!, hot shot, hot seat....choose one and tell us how it applies to your life currently.

I live in the southland so I'm going with a hot mess. 
As in America is a bit of a hot mess these days. 
Bless her heart. 

3. Speaking of the hot seat, do you work well under pressure or do you actively avoid high pressure situations?

If we're talking about accomplishing tasks and getting things done then yes, I work well under pressure. If we're talking confrontation then no, I do my absolute best to avoid it. 

4. Hotdogs-yay or nay? If you said yay how do you like yours? Did you know July is National hotdog month?

I do love a hotdog, make mine with mustard and relish please, except hold the hot dog because I rarely indulge these days. 

5. I read here a list of America's coolest Southern towns. They are Marfa Texas, Greenville South Carolina, Abindgon Virginia, Athens Georgia, Bentonville Arkansas, Florence Alabama, Oxford Mississippi, Abita Springs Louisiana, Wilmington North Carolina, Monroeville Alabama, McMinnville Tennessee, Natchez Mississippi.  How many on the list have you seen in person? Which town on the list would you most like to see?

Well one of these cities is near and dear to my heart and I happen to live nearby. I don't want to say which one because it's made a lot of these types of lists and is becoming something of a destination for tourists. Besides the one I'm not mentioning I've also been to Abindgon Virginia but it's been a while. 

Of the cities listed I'm most interested in Athens, Bentonville, and Oxford. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

"It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream." Bernard Williams 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 378

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

1.  Do you think the pandemic has had any kind of positive impact on your mental health? Explain.

2. A hot mess, hot under the collar, in hot water, hot button, hot diggity dog!, hot shot, hot seat....choose one and tell us how it applies to your life currently.

3. Speaking of the hot seat, do you work well under pressure or do you actively avoid high pressure situations? 

4. Hotdogs-yay or nay? If you said yay how do you like yours? Did you know July is National hotdog month? 

5. I read here a list of America's coolest Southern towns. They are Marfa Texas, Greenville South Carolina, Abindgon Virginia, Athens Georgia, Bentonville Arkansas, Florence Alabama, Oxford Mississippi, Abita Springs Louisiana, Wilmington North Carolina, Monroeville Alabama, McMinnville Tennessee, Natchez Mississippi.  How many on the list have you seen in person? Which town on the list would you most like to see?

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

Hodgepodge Secrets

First things first, happy birthday to my mama! I wrote a celebratory post earlier in honor of her big day, which you'll find in the link here. Now for the 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 linking before you. Here we go-

1. The Hodgepodge lands this year on National Secret Keeping Day...on a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being I'm a blabbermouth and 10 being I'm a vault) how good are you at keeping secrets?

I read here nine jobs for people who can keep a secret-cybersecurity worker, executive assistant, housekeeper, lawyer, nuclear plant technician, physician, private investigator, psychologist, security guard  Of the jobs listed, which one most interests you and why?

I think I'm pretty good at keeping a secret, particularly if it's related to something serious in nature. Giving myself a 9 because I'm not sure I've never accidentally spilled something I shouldn't have. 

As for the jobs listed I'm intrigued by the private investigator, but far too chicken to actually try it. I'll say psychologist since I'm a mom and I've also worked as a kindergarten teacher, speech pathologist, and school director, all roles requiring a bit of psychology. 

Plus hubs says I like to analyze him-ha! 

2. What's the secret of life (or one of them anyway)?

I think Solomon summed it up best...'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

3. Off the record, best-kept secret, a fly on the wall, top secret, my lips are sealed, secret shopper, as quiet as a mouse, poker face, spill the beans, open secret, bite your tongue...which secret idiom can you best relate to right now? Explain.

When to speak and when to bite your tongue...a real dilemma in the year 2020. 

4. Spill here the secret ingredient in one of your favorite recipes?

Since it's my mama's birthday and she's both a fabulous baker and a serious chocolate lover I'll say her chocolate cake, the one with coca cola in the mix and also cooked into the fudgy icing. So yummy! 

5. Speaking of my mom...she celebrates a birthday today and she reads my blog.  Share a favorite quote, song lyric, saying, or verse of scripture that will add some sunshine to her day (ours too!)

'Mother is one to whom you hurry when you are troubled.' Emily Dickinson 

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

Was this really just last year? 

Little man says yes indeed. 

And where's the party this year?

It's A Grand Ol' Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered this week's questions, add your link at the end of my post then go say howdy to the blogger linking before you. Here we go-

1. Are you currently making plans of any kind? What kind? What emotions are associated with the planning process? Tell us about one plan you had to cancel due to the current situation which shall remain nameless. Ha!

As far as current planning goes we're trying to make some wedding plans for Daughter2 and her groom. How does it feel? A wee bit complicated. Also exciting, joyful, overwhelming, and fabulous. Taking it in small chunks and making the best decisions we can with the information we have at hand which, quite honestly, is conflicting depending on who what when where the information comes from.  

On a smaller scale, we're trying to make plans to see my sister in a couple of weeks and praying everyone stays well in the meantime. 

One plan we were forced to cancel due to you know what was a birthday luncheon celebration for my mom in N.J. She has done so well during this crazy at home time and I'm so sad we're not going to be able to mark her big day as we'd hoped. Still, my brother and younger sister live in her neck of the woods, and will have a small outdoor party for just the six of them, and no matter where we are in the world she's still my mama and I thank God every day for giving her to me. Me to her? Either way, I'm truly grateful for the way she has loved, supported, and prayed for me all of my life.

2. Last time you saw stars, either literally or figuratively?

Literally seeing stars would be pretty recently. Hubs and I like to sit on our covered deck in the dark of night and star gaze. Figuratively? Hmmm...the thing that came to mind immediately was my mishap with the step ladder a couple of summers ago where my foot slipped causing the ladder to collapse. I came down with a bang on my rib cage and definitely saw a few stars.  

3. Blueberries yay or nay? Blueberry pie, blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt, blueberry pancakes, or blueberries by the handful...what's your pleasure?

Blueberries are my favorite berry so yes please! Of the choices given I'd go for the pie or just blueberries by the handful. 

4. swim against the tide, swimming upstream, in the swim, sink or swim, makes your head swim...choose one of the 'swim' idioms listed and tell us how/why you relate?

Let's go with makes my head swim. 'Merica. No explaination needed is there? 

5. Sum up your June in a single sentence.

Young love, old love, longer days, shorter fuses, riots, cruelty, self-centered humans and a God who loves us in spite of ourselves. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

If June were a picture. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 375

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

1. Are you currently making plans of any kind? What kind? What emotions are associated with the planning process? Tell us about one plan you had to cancel due to the current situation which shall remain nameless. Ha!

2. Last time you saw stars, either literally or figuratively?

3. Blueberries yay or nay? Blueberry pie, blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt, blueberries by the handful...what's your pleasure?

4. swim against the tide, swimming upstream, in the swim, sink or swim, makes your head swim...choose one of the 'swim' idioms listed and tell us how/why you relate?

5. Sum up your June in a single sentence.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

A Rosy Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge, our first edition of the summer. If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post, then pop over and leave a comment for the blogger linking before you. That's the neighborly thing to do here on From This Side of the Pond.

Here we go-

1. This time last year where were you?

Can I sigh a little? Right here on the lake with my not quite two year old grandson. My daughter, son-in-law and grandson spent a month with us prior to their move to South Korea and it was pure gold. 

And now he's turning three and is still as precious and precocious and perfectly hilarious as he was at two, only more so. Grandbabies just keep getting better y'all. 

photo credit: Sincerely Shannon

Plus now he's got a completely adorable baby brother to add to the shenanigans so I can't sigh too awfully much.    

photo credit: Sincerely Shannon 

2. In honor of National Pink Day (June 23rd) tell us your favorite pink food or beverage. Was it on the menu at your house yesterday? Do you like to wear the color pink? If we came to visit would we find this color in your home decor? Blush-fuschia-salmon-raspberry-your favorite shade of pink?

I'm not good at the 'just one' questions. One of my favorites would be salmon which I think is more orange than pink, but salmon is officially considered one of the pinks so salmon it is. And it's often on the menu at our house, but not yesterday. 

My favorite shade of pink is blush. 

If you came to visit would you find the color in my home decor? Not inside, but does outside count? 

Yes it totally counts. 

3. Stop and smell the roses, looking through rose colored glasses, a rose by any other name, not all moonlight and roses, no rose without a thorn...which rosy saying currently fits your life in some way? Explain.

I am known for my perpetual wearing of the rose colored glasses, but y'all the mean crazy in this world is smudging them a little. Still I think we always have a choice as to how we'll view our circumstances and I'm going to choose the bright side as often as I can. 

4. Are you a 'reader'? Do you tend to read lighter books in the summer months? Do you have a summer reading list? If so, give us a title or two.

I'm a reader and always have a general list of -to be read- books going, not specific to the summer season. I don't purposely read anything that falls under the heading of 'beach read' because I prefer meatier stuff. Not that all beach reads are light, but I think it's fair to say most are, and that's generally not my cup of tea. 

I'm currently reading The Dutch House by Ann Patchett and it's good so far.  Next up American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins and The Huntress by Kate Quinn. 

5. Share with us one rose and one thorn from your weekend.

No daughters in the house on Father's Day, no grandsons either which would be my thorn. However we are masters of FaceTime and making the most of what technology has to offer when it comes to communicating long distance, so it was still a mostly rosy weekend. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Artist John Marshall makes cardboard cutouts and sets them against sunsets and it is so cool. Check them out by clicking the link here.

Saying Yes To The Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. When I resurrected this mid-week random twelve weeks ago I wasn't sure how it would feel. It's been fun reconnecting with so many familar faces, and I also enjoy having something I can count on for Wednesday content. Thanks for playing along!

Also, twelve weeks?!? I guess that old saying is true-'Time flies when you're home all day every day for months on end.' Something like that. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger linking before you. Here we go-

1. Last thing you said yes to? Did you regret it?

'Do you still live at xyz?' A question asked by the poll worker when we voted on Tuesday. Everyone was masked and gloved and appropriately distanced so voting in person was easy peasy. It was primary day in SC and they always verify your address when you sign in. Do I regret it? No.

For the record she didn't say xyz.

2. No big deal, no contest, no dice, no hard feelings, no ifs ands or buts, no kidding, no offense, no pain no gain, no way...choose one and tell us how it applies to your life currently.

This world needs Jesus. No kidding. 

3. Thursday June 11th is National Making Life Beautiful Day...in this strange season how are you adding beauty to your days/life?

I'm spending a lot of time on the covered porch. I watch the birds, marvel at the way sunlight dances on the water, and count the stars in the starry night sky. It's also my most favorite place to nap and I would argue there is great beauty in a good nap. 

4. According to an article found here, these six foods taste better in June than at any other time of the year-strawberries, asparagus, peas, peaches, beets, and garlic. How many of these have you tasted so far this month? Anything on the list you'd say 'no thank you' to trying? Rearrange the list starting with your favorite (1) to your least favorite (6).

I like everything on the list, so none requiring a no thank you. It's a tough list to rank (didn't I say last week food questions are the hardest?), but if I'm pressed I'd go with-

1. Peaches
2. garlic
3. strawberries
4. beets
5. peas
6.asparagus

I've had peaches, garlic, strawberries, and peas so far this month. 

5. Describe your current mood in three words.

full (after dinner Hodgepodging), tired (long day) confused (what to do or not do in this weird season)

6. Insert your own random thought here.

My mother-in-law has been with us for a bit and we took a sunset cruise Sunday evening. 

Talk about adding beauty to your life. 

I highly recommend. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 372

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

1. Last thing you said yes to? Did you regret it?

2. No big deal, no contest, no dice, no hard feelings, no ifs ands or buts, no kidding, no offense, no pain no gain, no way...choose one and tell us how it applies to your life currently.

3. Thursday June 11th is National Making Life Beautiful Day...in this strange season how are you adding beauty to your days/life?

4. According to an article found here, these six foods taste better in June than at any other time of the year-strawberries, asparagus, peas, peaches, beets, and garlic. How many of these have you tasted so far this month? Anything on the list you'd say 'no thank you' to trying? Rearrange the list starting with your favorite (1) to your least favorite (6).

5. Describe your current mood in three words.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Hodgepodge Happiness

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge, a tiny corner of happy in the midst of a noisy world. Grab your cuppa and stay a while. 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. Kind comments make the blog world go round.

1. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful?

Stay off social media. 

I could elaborate but then people would weigh in and there would be disagreement and opinions spewed and conflict of one sort or another, basically the polar opposite of peace, so just going to keep calm and carry on. 

2. June 2nd is National Rotisserie Chicken day. Who knew? Are you a fan of rotisserie chicken? You've purchased one at your local market for tonite's dinner. Will you serve as is or make something else using the chicken?

I've been asking these questions for years now, and am not surprised that everything under the sun and then some has a 'national day' to celebrate its existence. I do like rotisserie chicken but rarely serve as is. I buy it most often when I want to make chicken salad or chicken pot pie. 

3. I read a list recently (go here to read more) of 20 of the most beautiful places in America. How many of these have you seen up close and in person?

Antelope Canyon Arizona, Kenai Fjords Alaska, White Mountains New Hampshire, Crater Lake Oregon, The Palouse Washington and Idaho, Grand Prismatic Spring Wyoming, Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Oregon, Horsehoe Bend Arizona, Na Pali Coast Kauai Hawaii, Antelope Valley California, Lake Tahoe California, The Berkshires Massachussets, Maroon Bells Colorado, Angel Oak South Carolina, Acadia National Park Maine, Grand Teton National Park Wyoming, Turnip Rock Michigan, Central Park New York City, Niagara Falls New York, and Skagit Valley Tulip Fields Washington

Of the sites on this list that you haven't seen, which would you most like to see?

Wow I need to get busy. There are quite a few on this list I haven't seen or even heard of, case in point-what's a Palouse? I googled it and you should too, because it's really pretty. I've only seen 5 of the 20 sites listed so lots to choose from. The Grand Tetons have been near the top of my 'must see' list for a long long time, so I'm going with that as my number one. 

4. What's one pretty spot you'd add to the list in question #3? Are there travel plans of any kind on your calendar right now? Does that make you happy, anxious, excited, sad, or relieved?

Redwood National Park along the Northern California coast ranks pretty high on my list of most beautiful places in America. Pictures do not do this place justice. (I wrote about our visit there in two posts linked here and here) 

There are currently no travel plans on my calendar and I feel a mixture of sadness and relief.  I'm hoping to be able to visit my mom in July, but that is a big giant question mark right now. I don't necessarily feel the need to go anywhere, but would love for travelers to feel like they can safely move around because I need to see my grandbabies and the only way that can happen is via air travel. Their plans all along were not to come until sometime this fall but again, it's another giant question mark right now. 

5. Tell us one un-COVID related thing you're looking forward to in the month of June.

Hubs and I celebrate our wedding anniversary in June, and while this year it might be a champagne toast on the back porch, we will for sure say cheers to another year of life together. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

This cutie potootie is a whole entire seven months old. He is a happy chillaxed little fella who grins big now when he sees 'the man and lady in the phone'. Somehow he knows we love him in a way only your grandparents can. 

We haven't seen him in person in 196 days, not that I'm counting, but if I were it would add up to 196 days. We do what we must, and are grateful every day for his wonderful parents, his darling big brother, their good health, and the miracle of video calls.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 371

Whew. It has been an exhausting-hard-sad week here in the land I love so going to try to keep this week's questions on the lighter side. Answer on your own blog then pop back here tomorrow to share answers with the world wide webbers. See you there!

1. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful?

2. June 2nd is National Rotisserie Chicken day. Who knew? Are you a fan of rotisserie chicken? You've purchased one at your local market for tonite's dinner. Will you serve as is or make something else using the chicken?

3. I read a list recently (go here to read more) of 20 of the most beautiful places in America. How many of these have you seen up close and in person? Of the sites on this list that you haven't seen, which would you most like to see?

Antelope Canyon Arizona, Kenai Fjords Alaska, White Mountains New Hampshire, Crater Lake Oregon, The Palouse Washington and Idaho, Grand Prismatic Spring Wyoming, Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Oregon, Horsehoe Bend Arizona, Na Pali Coast Kauai Hawaii, Antelope Valley California, Lake Tahoe California, The Berkshires Massachussets, Maroon Bells Colorado, Angel Oak South Carolina, Acadia National Park Maine, Grand Teton National Park Wyoming, Turnip Rock Michigan, Central Park New York City, Niagara Falls New York, and Skagit Valley Tulip Fields Washington

4. What's one pretty spot you'd add to the list in question #3? Are there travel plans of any kind on your calendar right now? Does that make you happy, anxious, excited, sad, or relieved?

5. Tell us one un-COVID related thing you're looking forward to in the month of June.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 370

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

1. The US of A celebrated Memorial Day this past Monday. Does your family have any military ties? If so, tell us about them.

2. Cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, potato chips, mac and cheese, macaroni salad...your favorite BBQ side? How many of these do you make from scratch vs. buying from the deli?

3.  I enjoyed asking this question back when the Hodgepodge was a regular thing...Lake Superior State University posts a list each year of words they think should be banished from the Queen's English for misuse, overuse, and/or general uselessness. The 2020 list includes-quid pro quo, artisanal, curated, influencer, literally, I mean, living my best life, mouthful (word used by foodies to describe texture of food in their mouth), chirp (basically an insult, you can read more on the website), jelly (short for jealous), totes (short for totally), vibe, and OK Boomer (internet response from millenial to older generation).

Of the words/phrases listed which would you most like to see 'banned'?

4. I'm sure next year's list will be filled with words springing out of this weird season we're all in currently. What word or phrase associated with the Corona would you be happy to hear less often?

5.  The month of May wraps up in just a few days. Bid her adieu in ten words or less.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Mother's Day Post Game Analysis

Good Monday morning! I know it's afternoon but I started typing hours ago and just now got back here for sentence number 2. It's been a while since I wrote a 'what I did this weekend' kind of post, but I have some pictures I want to save and this is where I'm going to let them land.

We've had the loveliest spring, although I could do with a bit less wind and there was that tornado a couple weeks back, but mostly we've had true springtime weather. Blue skies, pleasant temperatures, and no humidity. Next weekend we'll hit the upper 80's so going to enjoy this while it lasts.

Daughter2 is in the house and her boyfriend has joined us for a few days which has been really nice. Friday night we made pizzas on the big green egg and while we're still perfecting the technique (mostly the sliding it on and off the peel without any naughty words being said), they do get better every single time.

This one was delish! I made the Pioneer Woman's pizza dough recipe and it's a keeper. This recipe makes a thinner crust which is what we all like best.

Mother's Day was just gorgeous. Daughter2 gave me the most fun gift called Yardtzee which is the backyard version of Yahtzee and Farkle. Giant wooden block dice that come with a plastic bucket for tossing them onto the grass.

The set includes big wipe off scorecards with a dry erase marker, and we had a great time breaking it in. #winning

We took a little boat ride mid-afternoon but decided it was too breezy to be out on the water so we made our way back and spent most of the afternoon relaxing beside the fire pit. Hubs grilled steaks for dinner which were 5-star and my resident baker, aka Daughter2, made the most scrumptious Victoria Sponge for dessert.

She and I love to watch The Great British Baking Show and they make a lot of sponge every season, which was her inspiration. She used Mary Barry's recipe and we all loved it.

We also Facetimed with Daughter1 and our favorite little men and on the other side of the globe which is always a day brightener. This picture isn't from our call, but I saw it on her page and swiped it because I'm the mom and I can do that.

She gave me a really interesting gift that I'm super excited about, but I'm not going to say too much more just yet. It falls into the category of 'an experience' so I think I'll wait and share details later.

It was a good day. A strange day as all days are in the age of Corona, but it felt almost normal being outdoors, hanging with my girl, calling my mom, and texting with my sisters. I know Mother's Day is a jumble of emotion for so many, but I appreciate the pause to think about what the mothers in my life mean to me.

 And the gift of motherhood I never want to take for granted.