Energized By The Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then hop over and leave a comment for your neighbor there. That's how the blog world rolls. Here we go-

1. What gives you energy? What takes it away? 

What gives me energy? Sunshine. Ticking to-do's off a list. A good night's sleep. Time spent in nature. 

What takes it away? Complainers and negativity in general.  

2. How often do you shop for clothes? What accessory do you always wear? 

We live in a small town, so I mainly shop online these days. It can be done at my leisure, and most places have made returns easy. I will shop for specific events I know are on the calendar, and I generally add a few things each season as needed too. I just did a pass through my closet last week and have three bags to donate. I didn't get to the drawers but that's coming. 

Accessories I always wear? My wedding and engagement rings on my left hand and a ring hubs gave me for our 15th anniversary on my right. I wear earrings every day, and my iWatch too. And glasses. Are glasses an accessory?  

3. What's something free that you feel grateful for? 

God's grace if we're going deep. Something less deep? the sunrise, music, a starry night sky, and library books. 

4. Breakfast, lunch, dinner...which meal of the day do you enjoy most? What's your go-to comfort food?

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I mean a real breakfast, not a grab and go meal. I love to have breakfast out, love brunch which is always breakfast for me, love sharing it with someone, love lingering over coffee, love the beginning of a new day and the meal that marks it.  

My go-to comfort food? Homemade chicken soup... it's good for what ails you, mind and body both. 

5. This week the world remembers the tragic events of 9/11. Do you mark the day in any way? How do historical events shape your perspective on your personal challenges?

It seems like it shouldn't still feel fresh, yet somehow it does. I don't know if it's because we lived outside D.C. on the day and knew people whose lives were directly impacted, or because we've lived outside NYC a couple of times and the city is a part of the landscape of our lives. 

Sometimes I think it's just that bright blue September sky, so achingly beautiful, that gives me pause. We will remember the day. We'll listen to the names read and will say a prayer for the families who lost so much, for the bravery of so many on that awful day, and for our nation which has been in turmoil of one kind or another ever since. 

I think if you're of a certain age you remember where you were on the day,  and you can't help but think about it when the date comes around each year. 

As far as how historical events shape my perspective when I face personal challenges? Well I suppose they make so many of my own problems feel small in comparison. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Happy birthday today to this little sweetheart...

This picture y'all! 

She was a baby and so was I. She's a momma now, but still and always my baby girl. 

Time is a thief but also a gift. 

I wrote a post yesterday in honor of her special day because that's what I do every year on her birthday. (you can read it here if you're so inclined-The Carousel of Time)

Happy birthday Daughter2...what an absolute joy and privilege it is to be your momma xo 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 609

Here are the questions to our regular mid-week Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then swim back here on Wednesday (July 2nd) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What does freedom mean to you? 

2. How will you celebrate Independence Day this year? If you live outside the USA answer this question as it relates to your own country's patriotic holiday, wherever that may land on the calendar. 

3. This or that...red, white, or blue? Stars or stripes? Watermelon, home made ice cream, or blueberry pie? How do you feel about fireworks?  

4. What have you purchased recently that made you excited? 

5. I'm thankful to live in America (or fill in whatever country you call home) because____________.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The Friday Five

It seems everyone is blogging about that end of the school year kind of crazy busy-ness that happens every May and what I want to know is why is my May the same kind of crazy busy? No school aged children at home and we're retired. Here's my friendly psa to anyone who isn't retired and is telling themselves life will 'settle down' once they are-

It won't. 

Retired does not mean bored, a calendar full of blank space, or nowhere to go-nothing to do. 

At least it doesn't for us. We still have so much going on and are always in search of 'a quick nap' to recharge which will not be happening this week. 

This week is still pretty grand though. My son-in-law has a work conference and spouses were invited to tag along. We're in charge of their littles while they're away, and we are absolutely loving every happy exhausting minute of it. 

 It's only Day1 but so far so good lol. 

While baby is napping and the boys are lego-ing I'm going to do a quick five favorites from the week that was....linking with Erika and Andrea and their Friday Favorites hop-

1. My parents. My in-laws. I've been thinking about them a lot this week. My hubs traveled extensively for work back in the day and I was able to accompany him on a number of really fun trips. Before leaving I remember always feeling a little bit anxious about how my girls would do while we were away (they were always completely fine), and not giving a a whole lot of thought as to how my parents would do. 

Now that I'm the parent watching the grands I realize my worries were misplaced-ha! The littles are living their best lives with grandparents in the house. 

Grandparents on the other hand are used to sipping their leisurely two cups of coffee in the morning without anyone ever asking a single question. They have  to relearn how to buckle a car seat and unbuckle a stroller every.single.time they visit, and they've forgotten what it's like to watch kids and cook dinner at the same time. They work hard to bite their tongue and not say, 'be careful!!' every few seconds when the six year old is on top of the jungle gym. 

Seriously. I'm married to a literal dare devil who gave his own mother gray hairs (and possibly still does), but when it comes to his grands he can't help but say 'be careful' when they're doing kid type things. We're working on it, but I'm also pretty sure this is just how grandparents are wired the world over. 

I do know my girls appreciate our efforts, and that of their in-laws too. I will have to assume some decades after the fact, that my own parents and in-laws also knew how much I appreciated the excellent care they provided whenever we asked. 

2. In person time with our grands. I haven't seen this set in person since January so we were overdue. And we're having the best time doing all the things, keeping them busy, them keeping us busy (truth!) stacking blocks, reading books, climbing, building, running, swinging, sliding, looking, and laughing, all with laps full-hearts full. 

We arrived a day early so we would also be able to spend some time with Daughter1 before they left on their trip, and that always does a momma's heart good. 

3. When my girls were small and hubs and I went out of town I'd wrap little gifts, one for each day we would be away, for the girls to open. It was something to look forward to and also helped them mark the time. My daughter has done the same for hers and I love that. 

4. I started a subscription to Lovevery when my third grandson was born. My daughter2 knew about it and thought it looked good, so I signed him up and sent boxes the first year of his life. Then when Little Miss arrived on the scene I sent her boxes too. 

Then of course I forgot to cancel the subscription so surprise! they both got boxes this month. It worked out well as we're doling out the items here this week while Mom and Dad are away and the toys in the box are a happy distraction. 

Distraction is king in terms of managing the toddler kingdom. 

Anyway, if you're not familiar with Lovevery they are stage-based play kits and the quality is top notch. I'm not a rep for them, we've just been so pleased with the product I thought I'd share. They are not inexpensive but like I said the quality is phenomenal. 

Each kit contains 7-10 playthings, a book, and a developmental play guide. I will add that both of my grands have absolutely loved the kits they've received and the toys are made to last. 

If you're interested message me and I'll give you a friend referral which will save you $20 on your first kit.  You can also skip boxes or cancel if you decide you don't want the full year.  

5. Lastly, I never want the Memorial Day weekend to go by without mentioning the men and women who have served this land I love, as well as those currently in some branch of our nation's military. In particular I want to honor those who've given their very lives...'who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life...'  

I grew up in a 'military family' and while my dad did not die in battle, he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery beside so very many who did. I pray on this holiday weekend, between trips to the pool, backyard barbecues, and the thrill of summer rolling in, that we can all pause for a moment and acknowledge the sacrifices made, by those soldiers and by their families too. 

Let's hush the national bickering on this day, and remember with pride and gratitude how America became and remains the land of the free. 

Have a wonderful holiday weekend everyone and may God bless America! 

Raindrops on Roses

Back on the blog after a couple of very busy weeks. I did manage to sign up for this year's April A-Z blog challenge, at the eleventh hour but still, I'm in. I'm not going to be too hard on myself if I fall behind, miss a day and need to combine letters, or run past the last day of the month. I know I'll reach letter Z at some point, just maybe not in April. 

Except May is also very busy so I am aiming for April. 

If you have no idea what I'm talking about the A-Z challenge is pretty simple. You blog every day of the week except Sundays in the month of April. Yes I know today is Sunday, but I'm just coming up for air here which means I'm already starting off behind. Like I said... I'll get there. 

When you take Sundays out of the equation in the month of April you're left with 26 days of posting, one for every letter of the alphabet. Your posts can be themed or not and mine are generally very loosely themed. I have been participating every April since 2011 and enjoy the process. 

I can't do deep and heavy right now so I'm going with something fun. Although sometimes my blog has a way of going places I didn't anticipate so I guess anything is possible. 

It's 2022 and 'these are a few of my favorite things'. 
26 things to be exact. 

Here we go-

Day 1-A is for America

America is a bit of a mess these days, isn't she? Originally I thought I might write 26 posts on this word alone, but that feels too hard at the moment so I'll keep it to one letter. Probably. 

I love America. I've lived away from America and I have traveled to many many places around the globe, but America is home. I view the wider world from the lens of this country, for better or worse and honestly it's almost always a bit of both. 

America is not a perfect place, but it is a good place to call home. One of the best in fact, yet it seems lately we're determined to hyper focus our lens on all her imperfections and only her imperfections. Do they exist? Of course! We could make a list right now of all that's wrong with this country, but let' s not. Let's focus the camera for just one minute on what's good and right and hopeful. 

What do I love about America? 

I love her can-do spirit. 

I love her wide open spaces and her too noisy cities. I love her diversity of thought, experience, culture, food, and climate. I love her music, college football, and small town USA. 

I love her many freedoms and the men and women who fight to preserve them. 

I love her natural beauty and her volunteerism. Her history and her modernity. Her compassion and her fortitude. Her southern drawl, New England clam chowder, purple mountains majesty and the way the sun sinks into the Gulf on a warm July night.

I love her optimism. It may be harder to find these days, but step away from the angry rhetoric filling our screens and our news feeds and sometimes even our neighborhoods, and you'll find the extraordinary. Everyday people working hard, loving their families, helping their neighbors, and praying God's blessings on this nation we call home. 

Hodgepodge Headlines

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go- 

1. Where do you get your news these days? 

Define news. Everything is so biased, so curated to present a particular point of view, so full of double speak and opinion and 'facts' presented as 'facts' before we even know the actual facts that its hard to find the news. 

I watch almost none and listen to very little. I peek at what's trending/making headlines on Twitter most days, and then I go on the hunt for details. I like to check 'news' sources on both sides of the political fence knowing the truth lives probably somewhere in between. 

2. It's National Crab Day...do you like crab meat? What makes you crabby? 

My favorite kind of seafood so a definite yes for me! There's nothing like sitting beside the water with a table full of friends and a pile of steamed blue crabs to end a summer day. 

What makes me crabby? See #1. 

3. Does freedom mean more choices? Have you ever felt there were too many choices? Elaborate.

Maybe the converse would be a better way of stating things...the more choices we have the more freedom we have. But an abundance of choice can also weigh us down, create anxiety or regret (did I choose correctly/I wish I'd chosen differently), and leave us feeling not quite satisfied. Sometimes choosing between A and B is simpler and more satisfying, more freeing if you will, than choosing between A and B, C, D, E, F..... 

All that being said, I'm grateful for all the choice we have about so many things in the land of the free. 

4. Barbara Millicent Roberts was introduced to the world on March 9, 1959...that's Barbie to most of us. Did you have Barbies as a kid, or did you let your own children play with Barbies? What well known Barbara (living or not) would you most like to meet? 

We did have Barbies when I was growing up and my sister and I set up elaborate games with them. Sometimes in our living room but also quite often under the great big tree in the corner of our backyard. We spent a lot of time dressing them and assigning them boyfriends, less time actually having them go anywhere or do anything. 

My own girls had Barbies and also enjoyed dressing them. Really wasn't she all about the clothes? I mean you could call her lawyer Barbie or Senator Barbie or Doctor Barbie but if the outfit wasn't appealing we were't buying lol. 

A famous Barbara I'd like to meet? Barbara Bush...she lived an interesting life. 

5. What are three things you value most in another person? 

kindness, optimism, faith

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hubs and I have been on the road quite a bit in recent days and have been listening to a most fascinating book on Audible. Do you do Audible? Anyway, the book is called Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe. It's long (18 hours and six minutes on Audible) but reads like fiction so it moves. Sadly it's not fiction...the Sacklers brought us OxyContin and it's quite a story. Highly recommend the read, just be forewarned it's not light.

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 454

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. Where do you get your news these days? 

2. It's National Crab Day...do you like crab meat? What makes you crabby? 

3. Does freedom mean more choices? Have you ever felt there were too many choices? Elaborate. 

4. Barbara Millicent Roberts was introduced to the world on March 9, 1959...that's Barbie to most of us. Did you have Barbies as a kid, or did you let your own children play with Barbies? What well known Barbara (living or not) would you most like to meet? 

5. What are three things you value most in another person? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 425

Winding down the month of June today in our weekly random. Answer the questions on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with the world wide webbers. See you there! 

 

1. It's been said the best things in life are free...are they? What are some of those things? 

2. Stars or stripes? Red, white, or blue? Apple pie or home made ice cream? Do you like hotdogs? If so, what do you like on yours? 

3. One thing on your summer bucket list? Any plans to make it happen soon? 

4. What's your summer anthem? Yes, you need to have one. 

5. What's something you love about America? If you live outside of America, tell us something you love about the place you call home. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Good Morning Vietnam

We've reached the final week in this year's A-Z Blog Challenge and these last few letters are always a doozie. Here we go-

V is for Valor

Dear Darling Grandboys living on the other side of the world, 

Nana misses you. When we talk via Facetime I want to cry from the missing, but you're so precious and so hilarious I smile instead. You live on the other side of the world because your Daddy is serving his country in the US Army. My daddy served his country too. You never got to know him, but you hear stories about your Poppie and that helps a little. 

In going through some boxes recently at your Mema's house in preparation for her move, your great aunt found a letter I'd written to my Dad (your great-grandfather) when he was in Vietnam. That's on your side of the world but to a not quite nine year old in 1969 it might as well have been the moon.

The letter is written on purple paper and I used four different colored markers to make it feel extra special. Across the top I've written Remember I Love You and I circled it too so he wouldn't forget. 

There are so many things I love about this letter, the first being my question to him asking-'What are you doing over there?' with a follow up ...."I hope you are having a good time." At age nine I did not know or understand the first thing about how war worked and for that I am so very grateful. 

I was telling my brother about the letter and he said that's exactly the kind of letter you want to get when you're fighting a war a world away. One that tells you the ordinary thoughts and doings of your little girl. One that reminds you home is a safe place and love lives there. 

The other thing I absolutely treasure about this letter is my dad kept it. He brought it back home with him when he returned from Vietnam. It was tucked away and this is the first I've seen it in decades. I guess the magic markers were not the only thing that made it special. 

Boys be proud of your homeland. Of America. The small towns and big cities. The natural beauty from coast to coast, her purple mountain majesty and amber waves of grain. 

The peoples so incredibly diverse in their race, religion, thought, and voice. 

The opportunities that abound for anyone willing to work hard. 

The risk takers and the homebodies. The volunteers, the philanthropists, the boy who mows his elderly neighbor's lawn. 

The generosity and unity of spirit we embrace when calamity occurs.

The freedom we have to pray, worship, gather. 

The freedom we have to speak, choose our leaders, be who and what we want to be. 

This is our foundation. It's what those early patriots envisioned when they put pen to paper and birthed a nation that would live on long after they were gone. It's what they gave their life's blood to and for, and what our service men and women have been defending ever since. 

Be proud of the men and women who sacrifice so much to defend the ideals this nation was founded upon. Noble ideals set in motion by imperfect people doing the best they could with what they knew in the times in which they lived. 

Is America a perfect place? No. There are no perfect places. But your country, the US of A, is better than most. She is a nation still growing up, a nation willing to learn from her mistakes, a nation longing to always do better, be better. Be proud of that and know too, how incredibly fortunate you are to be a citizen of the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

When I signed off on my letter to Poppie I told him I couldn't wait until September 29th, the day he would come home. That I was counting the days. Know I am doing the same for you. 

xoxo
Nana

'Merica 2020

Happy July 4th! I know I'm a couple of days late, but it's never too late to mention Independence Day in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

We're still that, in spite of all the messaging out there currently.

I'm a bit weary of it to be honest. Weary of the complaining and the nit picking and the nastiness. The steady stream of fault finding and blame/shame and most of all the thought police who tell us loving our country is wrong.

America is an imperfect place full of imperfect people. She was founded by imperfect people too, people doing what they felt was right given the times in which they lived. Making mistakes, failing in a lot of ways, but also gettting a whole lot right because here we are more than 240+ years later and America still stands, still brims with opportunity, diversity, and a long long list of freedoms so many people around the world can only dream of.

A long time ago, before the internet, television, or even the telephone, courageous men and women envisioned something beautiful and set the wheels in motion to birth a nation.

The wheels are still turning and we're not there yet, but we have come a long long way.

If this country were my children I'd send them to their room to write a list of all the good and hopeful things to be found in America. I'd make them read it every morning as a reminder that gratitude is a habit just like complaining, but it's gratitude that softens hearts while complaining makes us bitter.

Are there things in this nation worthy of real complaint? Absolutely. But those very real issues are lost in the noise and chaos of so much that is not. Somewhere along the way we adopted an 'everybody get out there and change the world and be loud about it' sort of mantra. And p.s. if you're not you don't count.

Maybe we need to stop aiming for the whole world?

This is planet Earth not heaven, and I for one wish we could each strive to bring peace, forgiveness, and kindness to our own little corner of it. America is a beauty. Flawed and free. Pained and  passionate. Imperfect, impatient, strong and generous. She is not just one thing. She is not an either or.

America is a mixed bag of people, emotion, imagination, wit, brains, skill and heart.
'May God shed His grace on Thee....'

A Garden State Hodgepodge

I've had my share of of travel frustrations and snafus this past week, but I did finally make it home last night. Just in time for the Wednesday Hodgepodge! If you've answered the questions on your own blog, add your link at the end of my post then leave a comment for the blogger linking before you. Now put your seat backs up and be sure your tray tables are stowed because we're off-

  

1. Security or freedom? Can you have both? Explain.

Absolutely. I think maybe a better question would be can you have freedom without security?

2. If you could visit any historical American site what would it be? Why?

I’ve seen a number of what would be considered the top historical sites in America, but I’d still like to visit Mt Rushmore and Pearl Harbor. I think Mt. Rushmore is something that must be seen in person to truly be appreciated and of course Pearl Harbor is significant in our country's history. I like history. 

3. Free as a bird, free reign, be free of, free enterprise, free trip, walk away scot free, free for all...which 'free' phrase can best be applied to your life in recent days or weeks? Explain.

Well I’ve been on two American Airline flights this week and am happy to be free of that airline for a while. One cancelled flight rebooked a day later, eight hours sitting in an airport waiting on the newly booked flight which was delayed-delayed-delayed, then more sitting in the airport on the return leg, again waiting-waiting-waiting on delay-delay-delay. 

4. Something in your frig that's red? Something in your house that's white? Something in your view that's blue?

Something in my frig that's red-salsa.

Something in my house that's white-call me crazy but I do have a white couch. Two actually. 

Something blue in my view-there are certain times of day when the lake looks green, but mostly it's clear blue in color.  I guess technically it’s just clear, but it definitely looks blue.

5. July 27th is National New Jersey Day. Have you ever visited The Garden State? If so where did you go? Are there diners where you live? Have you tried Taylor Pork Roll? Do you like to play Monopoly? Salt water taffy-yay or nay? How do you feel about shopping at the mall? Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi-you have to pick one.

I’ve lived in NJ three different times and as a result have spent almost half my life in the Garden State. She gets a bad rap, but there’s much to love there too. In fact I was in NJ last week visiting family so NJ is one of the places I feel most at home. 

We do have a little restaurant here in tiny town that bills itself as a diner, but it’s nothing like the diners I’m used to. If you're in NJ you must eat at a diner. The menus are the size of a novel and there is definitely something for everyone anytime of the day or night. I miss NJ diners. 

I’ve tried Taylor pork roll or Taylor ham as it’s also known. There's a bit of controversy as to which name is the right one. 

I don’t dislike Monopoly, but I have to be in the mood to play that game.  

Salt water taffy? Yes please. 

I’m not a big mall shopper anymore, but there was a time I enjoyed it. These days I prefer stand alone stores with parking out front. Or online shopping in my pjs. 

Silly question-the Boss of course. 

Raise your hand if you know why these add-on questions are appropriate on National NJ Day.

For anyone scratching their head...NJ has more diners than anywhere else in the world, and more shopping malls in one area than anywhere in the world with seven malls in a 25-mile radius. Taylor pork roll and Salt Water Taffy originated in N.J. The streets of Monopoly take their name from Atlantic City and Springsteen, Sinatra, and Bon Jovi are all Jersey boys.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I need to regroup here a little bit (or maybe a lot), and since next week's Hodgepodge lands on the 4th of July I think we'll declare that our summer holiday. No Hodgepodge next week (July 4th), then we'll be back in action the following week-July 11th. 




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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 357

Another week, another Hodgepodge. That's all the blogging I've had room for lately, but maybe it's better than nothing? I have lots to catch up on here, but for now this will have to suffice. Answer the questions on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with the universe.

Here we go-

1. Security or freedom? Can you have both? Explain.

2. If you could visit any historical American site what would it be? Why?

3. Free as a bird, free reign, be free of, free enterprise, free trip, walk away scot free, free for all...which 'free' phrase can best be applied to your life in recent days or weeks? Explain.

4. Something in your frig that's red? Something in your house that's white? Something in your view that's blue?

5. July 27th is National New Jersey Day. Have you ever visited The Garden State? If so where did you go? Are there diners where you live? Have you tried Taylor Pork Roll? Do you like to play Monopoly? Salt water taffy-yay or nay? How do you feel about shopping at the mall? Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi-you have to pick one.

Raise your hand if you know why these add-on questions are appropriate on National NJ Day.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Hands Free 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. The button is still a work in progress, so don't worry about adding that today. We'll figure it out eventually.

And by we I mean my Daughter because we all know that sort of thing exceeds my tech capabilities.

Okay, here we go-

1. When and where were the best fireworks you've ever seen? Speaking of fireworks...do you know your hot buttons? The things people can say and do to set you off? When was the last time someone pushed one of your hot buttons?

All fireworks are the best, aren't they? Probably the best best would be those we saw our second Independence Day as husband and wife. We met friends in D.C. and the fireworks at the end of the evening were spectacular. 

As far as that other sort of firework, well of course I know my hot buttons. I don't have many, but you don't live five+ decades without knowing what makes your blood boil. I detest conflict and try to avoid situations I think might set me off because I hate feeling angry.

Last time one was pushed it was probably a minor disagreement with hubs, because we're married and I can't avoid him. teehee. 

2. Have you hosted any outdoor summer parties this year? Attended any? What makes for a great outdoor party?

Everyday's a party here. Ha! Not really, but kinda. It's summertime on the lake so we're living outside and people are always coming and going. I don't think you need a lot in terms of making an outdoor party great...nice weather of course, citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay, casual dining under the stars, and music in the air works for me. 

3. What does freedom mean to you?

Freedom to me means choice. We're so fortunate to live in a country that, while governed by law, still grants us a tremendous amount of freedom. We can speak, worship, gather, vote and more as we choose. I also feel like with every conversation we have about freedom we need another about responsibility. While we're free for the most part to make our own choices, we are not free from the consequences of those choices. 

4. July is National Cell Phone Courtesy month...what annoys you most about people's cell phone habits?

My biggest pet peeve is a cell phone at the dinner table, either at home or in a restaurant. Unless you're performing heart transplants or something similar there's nothing that can't wait until after a meal. 

5. What's your current summer anthem?

Not so much an anthem, but definitely a song I am loving and have on repeat quite a lot. It's upbeat and there's something about the picture it paints in my head that makes me think of summertime and the boy I married. Hey hubs...''...make me your country bride, you'll be my prince of tides...'  



6. Insert your own random thought here.

 In less than a month we welcome our first grandchild, a baby boy we will love and adore. We'll celebrate his birth and all the days after as our family grows and changes to welcome a new little life. 

My father-in-law passed away this week. He and my mother-in-law were married more than 60 years and their lives have been a wonderful example of persevering through all the joys and trials life brings. Together they raised four children and from Day1 embraced all the in-law children as their own.  

My father-in-law was a wonderful grandfather who thought my girls hung the moon and told them so every chance he got. This week we'll celebrate his life and remember all the days that came before as our family grieves the loss of one who loved us well and was so well- loved in return. 

 "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." ECC 3: 1

Hodgepodge in the USA

Welcome to the Hodgepodge on this first day of July. Are you in summer mode yet, or like me still trying to figure out how it got to be July? You know the drill here-answer the questions on your own blog, then jump back over to add your link at the end of my post. Be sure to at least say hi to the blogger who linked before you, because that's the neighborly thing to do. Here we go-

1. On Saturday July 4th America celebrates her Independence (If you're not American,  feel free to answer in terms of a national holiday in your own country) What is your favorite thing about the day? Your favorite food on the 4th? Do you fly a flag at your house? Fireworks-yay or nay? Any special plans this year?

I love the 4th, and probably my favorite thing about the day is the patriotic pride on display in the form of flags flying, tiny town parades, and children and adults alike dressed in red, white and blue. We definitely fly the flag at our house, and my favorite food on the 4th would be red ripe watermelon. Fireworks are a must. We don't have firm plans this year, but whatever we do we'll end the day watching fireworks from the deck in my brother's back yard...prime viewing for their small town's spectacle.

2. What's something  you recently got for free?

Besides advice? I guess it would be the scoop of frozen yogurt my pup was treated to when hubs, my mom, and I went for ice cream last week.

3. The Statue of Liberty, The Liberty Bell, The Washington Monument, or Mount Rushmore...how many on the list have you seen? What is your favorite historical American monument, and why?

I've seen three of the four listed, never been to Mount Rushmore although I'd like to someday. Of the four my favorite is probably The Liberty Bell. I love the history associated with the city of Philadelphia and the story of our nation's early days.  

4. When it comes to the news are you more ostrich (stick my head in the sand) or hog (they have room to take a whole lot in)? How much attention have you given the recent news reports regarding ISIS and the acts of terror they've perpetrated against those who do not share their beliefs or support their cause.

I'm probably somewhere in between, but I've certainly been paying attention to the stories mentioned. I think Americans are so easily distracted by things that don't matter in the long run. I wish we could focus more on the atrocities being perpetrated against Christians, and a little less on Bruce Caitlyn Jenner et. al. I'm not in the mood to rant today so I'll leave it at that.

5. We're talking plain ice cream...vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry? Choose one.

It really depends on my mood and whether or not the ice cream is homemade. If it's homemade then give me good old plain vanilla. 

6. Share a song you love containing the word 'stars' in the lyrics or title.

He's Everything to Me 

Some of the best lyrics ever written. 'In the stars His handiwork I see, On the wind He speaks with majesty, Tho he ruleth over land and sea, what is that to me? Till by faith I met Him face to face...and I felt the wonder of His grace...then I knew that He was more than just a God who didn't care, who lived a way out there and...' 

7. Describe and/or say goodbye to June with an acrostic.

Just a whole lot of rigmarole

Unloading boxes, cars, houses, suitcases

New location and never ending paperwork

Eager to get started on the next phase of our home build. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Sunday hubs and I met my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew at the Tall Ships Festival on the Camden waterfront. There were ships on both sides of the river, but we parked on the NJ side since that seemed simplest.

One word- crow.ded. The festival was essentially rained out on Saturday, so the whole world decided to turn up Sunday. 

We spent a big chunk of the day standing in line, but the weather was delightful and it was fun hanging out beside the water. Also, stepping below deck on one of the Tall Ships confirmed for me the fact that I was not born for a life spent at sea. 

Monday was a picture perfect day, so my brother and sister-in-law invited us over for a swim and BBQ. We had more paperwork to tend to in the morning, but the rest of the day was spent relaxing beside the pool and sitting in the cool breeze on their back deck while the moon showed off. We decided Monday's weather was going to be included in the top ten days of summer. 

Not a bad way to wrap up a crazy-busy June. 

A Hodgepodge Kind of Crowd

Hello Hodgepodgers! So glad you stopped by here today. If you've answered the questions add your link at the end of my post, then run say hi to the neighbors. Here we go-

1. Did you do anything 'memorable' this past weekend?

Hubs drove his little red car in our tinytown parade, and that was fun.  Not necessarily memorable, but  still fun. Every year he's been asked, but this is the first year he's participated. 

Oh, and I learned to fly fish. 

Ha! Not really. But I did hold a fly rod for the first time, and hubs tried to teach me the ten and two trick and the turn the page trick.  I think we're gonna need to bring in the professionals, but you have to admire the look of determination on my face.  

2. Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying-

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

Your thoughts? Do you somehow acknowledge and appreciate the freedoms you enjoy? Did your upbringing contribute to that sense of appreciation? If you're a parent, are there specific things you do to pass on this sense of responsibility and appreciation to your own children in regard to the freedoms they enjoy?

I try to acknowledge and appreciate the freedoms I enjoy.  I think it's good we have some days on the calendar to remind us too. I try to speak to service men and women when I see them, support the Wounded Warriors project, keep our troops and their families in my prayers. My heart is full of love and gratitude for the brave souls who protect and defend this land I love.

My upbringing most definitely contributed to my sense of patriotism. I think most people my age would say the same. I feel like there's so much more complaining in America today.  It's never been a perfect place, but growing up I don't think we expected it to be. It seems we've become very focused on what's wrong with our country, and the sense of entitlement so many feel is greater than ever before. 

I was on the sidelines of our little hometown parade on Monday, and a car came through carrying a veteran of WW2.  I do wish parents would insist kids take their eyes off the candy for a minute to stand still and wave at the veterans, the police officers, the firemen and rescue crews walking the route. I don't know what your town is like, but in ours these holiday parades have become all about the candy. Kids bring sacks to the parade now which just feels wrong to me. Maybe I'm an old fuddy duddy, but can't we take 20 minutes to show a smidgen of respect on Memorial Day and the 4th of July? 

I think as parents, hubs and I have tried to instill in our girls a love of country. We've traveled a lot, have made a conscious effort to soak up the history where ever we are, and to appreciate the staggering natural beauty and differences in food and culture you find from region to region in the US.  We've taught them to be respectful of the flag and to recognize that while there will always be things we can do better, there is much we do right here in the US of A. To be proud of America. 

Living outside of the US for a number of years in many ways made us love it more. You definitely see it through a different lens, but the things you love about your homeland become clearer as you experience other countries and cultures. 

3. Loudest noise you've ever heard?

I stood right behind the face of Big Ben as the clock chimed,  and as you might imagine it was loud. 

Loud and awesome.

4. What was the last thing you ate that might be considered 'junk food'? Did you enjoy it?

I ate a hotdog at the ball park on Monday evening. Prior to that I couldn't tell you the last time I had a hotdog. I love them on the grill, but never buy them anymore. Kind of an easy thing to say no to in terms of my diet. 

Was it good? Yes!

5. When was the last time you were somewhere the crowd felt 'packed in like sardines'?

Hmmm...what comes to mind would be cable cars I've ridden up mountains because that's when I really notice the confines of a particular space. I mentally begin calculating our combined weight and wondering about the people who inspect such things. 

Oh wait, Macys right before Christmas last year. Ridunkulous! It was hard to walk and I couldn't wait to get out of there. 

6. Are you organized when it comes to packing for a trip? Do you make a list weeks in advance or toss items in last minute? Are you a carry-on only sort of packer or do you need an entire suitcase for your shoes?

I don't know if I'm organized when it comes to packing, but when I have a trip coming up I start setting aside clothes I plan to take. I usually lay them on the bed in one of the guest rooms and I do make a list of odds and ends I need to bring. Also little jobs around the house I want to remember to do before I walk out the door, like empty the trash, go through the frig, water the plants, etc. 

 I'm not a light packer. I can be if you make me, but I never willingly pack light. 

7. What was the last sporting event you attended in person? Did your team win? Did you care?

We attended opening day at the baseball stadium here in our neck of the woods on Monday evening. The local team is part of the Can-AM league, and it was a perfect evening weather-wise for a ballgame. 

I love the minor league games...tickets don't cost an arm and a leg, you sit close to the field, and it all feels like a little slice of Americana. As a bonus they had fireworks after the game and they were grand. 

Our team won, and sure I care. I think it's been well established here that I'm a teensy bit competitive. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We had dinner with friends on Sunday evening. Friends we met when we lived in NJ the first time around, more than 25 years ago. This is the part of moving that tears at the heart a little.  Our girls went to pre-school together, and now they've each attended the other's wedding. Full circle. 

Thankfully these friends have family not too far from where we'll be in SC, so we know we'll see them again. As they reminded us too, they've visited us in all our homes, including England, so a trip south will be a piece of cake. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 222

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers...see you there! 

1.  Did you do anything 'memorable' this past weekend?

2. Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying-

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."  

Your thoughts? Do you somehow acknowledge and appreciate the freedoms you enjoy? Did your upbringing contribute to that sense of appreciation? If you're a parent, are there specific things you do to pass on this sense of responsibility and appreciation to your own children in regard to the freedoms they enjoy?

3. Loudest noise you've ever heard?

4. What was the last thing you ate that might be considered 'junk food'? Did you enjoy it?

5. When was the last time you were somewhere the crowd felt 'packed in like sardines'?

6. Are you organized when it comes to packing for a trip? Do you make a list weeks in advance or toss items in last minute? Are you a carry-on only sort of packer or do you need an entire suitcase for your shoes?

7. What was the last sporting event you attended in person? Did your team win? Did you care?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Hodgepodge Questions-Vol 131

Welcome to a star spangled version of the Wednesday Hodgepodge!  I know the whole world isn't celebrating America's independence, but I love the 4th of July.  It's the middle of summer, watermelon and blueberries are in abundance, and hopefully you have friends and family gathered round too.

I know there are some folks participating in the Hodgepodge every week who hail from the United Kingdom.  I'll just say that some of our family's most fun Independence Day celebrations have been shared with friends from across the pond.  Okay,here are this week's questions-

1. What's one simple small pleasure on your summer 'to-do' list?

2. Do you have strong feelings or opinions regarding the immigration debate in your home country? Feel free to share your thoughts, but please play nice.

3.  What's something in your home or wardrobe that could be described as 'star spangled'?

4.  Is your house set up for a party?

5. What one never-before-visited city in America, would you most like to see?

6. Your favorite red food? White food? Blue food?

7. What freedom do you value the most, and why?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Hop back here tomorrow (Wednesday) to add your link to the party!

Portrait of a Marine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

America can learn a lot from her soldiers.

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

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

Some Gave All

On Memorial Day weekend I usually find myself thinking about our many visits to Arlington National Cemetery. I've been there as a tourist and I've been there as a daughter. I've walked behind the horse drawn caisson and flinched as the guns were fired. I've stood beside my siblings and cried tears of pride and sadness as a flag was folded and handed to my mother. I've seen the changing of the guard and I've stood with hundreds more as the sentinel walks the walk at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Arlington, go. The ceremony at the Tomb is moving and something every American should see. And I would like to think that on Memorial Day we could put aside all political posturing and take a moment to honor and thank the men and women who have served our country...to honor especially those who have died defending our many freedoms. Freedoms which, incidentally, include our right as Americans to hold differing points of view. Not everyone in this world is so lucky.

There is something known as The Sentinel's Creed which the guards at the Tomb learn and live by and it goes like this-

My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted.
In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter.
And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection.
Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements,
I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability.
It is he who commands the respect I protect.
His bravery that made us so proud.
Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day, alone in the thoughtful peace of night,
this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.