It's The Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. For bookkeeping purposes...last week was Volume 665 and next week will be Volume 667. 

Also, I don't actually keep books here. 

Anyway...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 before you run off. Here we go...

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-'The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while." 

Time is crazy isn't it? So...what were you up to in the year 2002? 

I'm going to show great restraint in how many pictures I post. But we need a few, right? 

Living in Maryland. We had a boat and were out on it every weekend. We had friends with boats and we'd all raft up together. Lots of fun! 

I was working as the Director of a church Preschool and Kindergarten, and our girls were in grades 7 and 9. I have to say that makes me feel a little bit ancient. 

We got a puppy that year. A Gordon Setter we called the supermodel, the life of the party, and the absolute sweetest pup ever. 

Hubs and I went to St. Lucia for a reward trip with work colleagues. 

We took a family vacation to the Outer Banks of NC and rented a big house in Duck with four other families. 

We went camping a couple of times. Tent camping which we loved. 

We had a really fun family trip to St. Thomas for Thanksgiving.  

And it was another tender Tennessee Christmas spent with hubs family. 

2. "Me? I'm scared of everything..." What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway? 

I feel like this kind of question wants bungee jumping or sky diving or some other physical kind of crazy feat as an answer, but those are not things I've ever had a desire to do. 

How about camping with toddlers? Is that scary? I think it would be the fun sort of scary. 

If I dig a little deeper I'd say being bolder in speaking the truth with courage, and sharing my beliefs without holding back.

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to...

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

I love watermelon, all melons really , but especially watermelon. Of the food/beverages listed the only one I'd pass on is the Jolly Rancher. As much as I love watermelon I don't love watermelon 'flavored' candies. 

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate. 

There are four children in my family of origin so no real middle. 

Except I do consider myself a middle because three of the four are girls and I'm the middle girl. I have an older sister and a younger sister and then an older brother, but as the only boy and king he doesn't count lol. 

I have a lot of the traits typically associated with middle children which include being "adaptable, easygoing, and independent people who excel at compromise". Middle children are often the peacemakers and that is very much me. Middle children are said to have high self-reliance which can be both good and bad, but my most uttered phrase as a child was-"I can do it myself" so you be the judge. 

I have a 2-yo granddaughter about whom I think you could say, 'the apple does not fall far from the proverbial tree', ahem. 

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain. 

Probably the second, significant conversations with a couple of people. Huge parties aren't really my thing, but give me a dinner party for 6 or 8 and I'm a happy hostess (or guest). 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Speaking of time passing...

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

This Week's Hodgepodge Questions

Last week was Volume 665 and next week will be Volume 667. You're welcome : ) 

And you know the drill. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (August 12th) to share answers. See you there-

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-'The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while." 

Time is crazy isn't it? So...what were you up to in the year 2002? 

2. "Me? I'm scared of everything..." What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway? 

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to...

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate. 

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Peaceful Easy Hodgepodge

Hi friends. Long time no blog. We've been out of town, and only arrived home Monday night. We've hit the ground running here with a full week and then company starting on Friday. I want to recap our time away, but that won't be quick (probably not short either, just sayin') so will save that for Thursday's blog.  I think? 

Today let's Hodgepodge. If you've answered this week's questions answer on your own blog, then hop back here to share answers. Before you rush off, be sure to leave a comment for the blogger before you! Here we go...

1. What's something you enjoy now that your younger self would never have appreciated? 

A great nap.  Another thing would be a vegetable plate. I wasn't crazy about vegetables as a child, but I could make a meal off of them now, especially in the summer months. 

2. What was peaceful about today? 

Early morning sunrise and that first cup of coffee...

3. It's National Blueberry Day (July 8). Will you celebrate?  You can have one of the following right now-a slice of blueberry pie, a warm blueberry muffin, or a stack of blueberry pancakes...which do you choose? 

A slice of blueberry pie please. I made one a couple of weeks ago for some dinner guests and it was delish-

This or that-blueberries or raspberries? 

blueberries or strawberries? 

My answer is blueberries. 

I love blueberries. Also blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and boysenberries. Not sure I can pick a favorite berry, but blueberries are near the top of the list. 

4. Do you need a break? From what? 

I've just been to the beach so right now my answer is no. 

Gulf sunsets carry the stress right away. 

5. What has surprised you most about getting older? 

Probably the way I  feel on the inside not matching up with what I see on the outside. My mom used to tell me she didn't like people to know her age because once they know they sort of discount what she has to say. I get that now. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Today this beauty turns 96 years young. 

Happy birthday to my mama who is loved more than words can say. 

Lucky You! It's The Hodgepodge

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

1. I write the Hodgepodge questions so they'll post on Sunday, which sometimes throws me off in terms of what day it is. St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on Monday, March 17th. Did you mark the day in some way? Wear green? Make a special meal? Watch or participate in a parade? 

We didn't watch or take part in any parades on Monday, but we did have a traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage. I add carrot and red potatoes to mine and everyone here loves it. A once a year treat for sure. Did I wear green? Of course...

My 5-year old grandson wanted to snap our picture and he did a pretty good job. I literally handed him my phone and a nanosecond later he handed it back. Done. Not bad. 

2. Do you think luck plays a part in your life? Explain. 

Mostly I think we make our own luck in the form of setting goals and working hard to bring them to fruition. If we're talking cards or Mah Jong or a board game of some kind then I'd say yes, luck does indeed play a part. 

3. Of the 15 green foods listed, which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Any on the list that are a hard no for you? In general do you like fruits and veggies? As a kid did you eat them willingly or did you hide peas in your napkin hoping your momma wouldn't see? 

Asparagus, avocado, broccoli, celery, cucumber, grape, green bean, kale, kiwi, lettuce, lime, 

pear, peas, pistachios, spinach

I like everything on that list, although kale is not my favorite. I prefer it in salads as opposed to cooked, but I'll eat it so nothing is a hard no.  

Not sure I can pick a favorite, but if I must I'll say green beans. I like them any way you want to fix them. Sauteed with some garlic, wrapped in bacon, cooked all day on the stovetop, or the Blue Lake variety straight out of a can...it's all good. 

Cucumbers are probably my second favorite on the list. I love a summertime cucumber-tomato salad and can't wait for summer produce in general.  I've always loved fruit of every kind, even as a child, but vegetables were a different story. Growing up I liked corn, green beans, and salad but not much else in terms of veg. Definitely no asparagus or spinach, both of which I love now. As an adult there aren't any vegetables I won't eat. 

4. What's something that makes you 'turn green'? (with envy or with illness... whichever way you want to take it)

Pretty much all forms of transportation can turn me green. Planes, boats, cars on curvy roads. Hubs likes to say there is no mode of transportation we've been on together where I haven't been green around the gills at some point. Ferries are the worst and I never go anywhere without Dramamine. 

Yes we have a boat. I'm good on the boat, especially if we're moving or anchored in a cove. I don't want to sit on 'the big water' and bob unless it's absolutely completely still. And as much as I love to travel you won't find me vacationing on a cruise ship. For a few reasons, but mostly it's the potential to be miserable from the motion. 

5. Did you spend a lot of time outdoors as a child? Doing what? Do you spend a lot of time outdoors now? Doing what? 

I feel like my sister and I were always outside. We would often take our indoor toys outside, Barbies especially, where we'd set up elaborate homes for them under a huge tree in the back yard. We also did lots of bike riding, jump roping, swinging as high as we could swing, and games of HORSE at our neighbor's basketball goal. We'd bring our crayons outside and sit and color on the porch, and we also  liked to lay in the grass and watch the clouds go by, make clover necklaces, and daydream. 

There was sledding, building snow forts, big snowball fights, and ice skating on the neighborhood duck pond in winter. Summertime found us at the pool every day and in the evenings all the neighborhood kids would gather in the middle of our street and play huge games of kick the can and hide and seek. 

I still enjoy being outdoors, swimming, hiking, walking, kayaking, and my favorite-porch sitting. Just keeping it completely real-ha! 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Having the grands with us has meant exploring some of the local playgrounds. We went to one in a nearby park on Monday morning, and it was so pretty. There are Pickleball courts at the entrance to this particular park, which is as far as I'd ever been, but the playground area further back is nice and shady and sits right beside the water.

Hubs and I walked out on the dock there to watch the heron, who seemed unbothered by our presence...

Until he wasn't...

The park is huge and has an area for camping too. There's a great little camp store beside the playground  that was fun to browse, and we'll definitely come back and bring a picnic lunch next time. #lovewhereyoulive

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 560

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

1. What is an adult problem nobody prepared you for? 

2. Without mentioning any tech, what's your most prized possession? 

3. It's National Peach Ice Cream Day (July 17th). Will you be celebrating? Do you like peaches? Given a choice would you prefer peach ice cream, peach pie, peach cobbler, or just hand me a peach? Do you own anything that is peach in color? 

4. What makes a friendship successful? 

5. Let's give our brains a rest and do a little summertime this or that...beach or pool? ice cream or snowcone? amusement park or camping? burger or hot dog? watermelon or strawberries? get up early or sleep in late? sunrise or sunset? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Going Bananas For The Hodgepodge

Hello Hodgepodgers! Here we are again with another edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go-

1. What's a skill you think everyone should have? 

There are more than a few skills I think everyone should have so narrowing it down to just one is hard. Critical thinking, cooking, swimming, communication...each important in it's own way. 

2. Do you have a special place or organizational system for gift wrapping? Do you still buy 'real' cards to send for birthdays, anniversaries, get-well, etc? 

I sort of have a system, but it's not great. I actually keep my wrapping paper, ribbons, bags, etc in the attic. We have a walk up attic over our garage and I'm up and down the stairs there nearly every day for one thing or another. I need to better organize what I've got and also part with some gift bags that, let's be honest, I'm not going to reuse. Why are they so hard to part with???

I do still buy real cards. I love sending and receiving although will admit the cost has skyrocketed. I know that puts many people off, and I think the cost of stamps is going up too. Still l enjoy choosing cards that feel like they fit the recipient. 

3. It's National Banana Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite thing to make with bananas or, if you're not a cook, your favorite thing to eat that contains banana? 

Yes I like bananas, not too ripe and not too green either. Just right lol. I really dislike the overly ripe ones though, so they get turned in to banana bread which I love. I have a recipe that calls for coconut and has a lime glaze poured over top, which sounds a little odd, but trust me it's delish. I also love bananas in my oatmeal. 

My favorite thing to eat that contains a banana is a banana. Not too ripe and not too green. Just right. 

4. Do you believe in second chances? Elaborate. 

Yes. I think except in rare circumstances everyone deserves a second chance. 

5. What is your idea of fun? 

Jumping off the dock with my grandkids, a hike to a pretty waterfall, dinner parties, cards with friends, time in the kitchen with my girls, dining al fresco, boating to a friends dock for a champagne sunset, writing, a spontaneous road trip, a full house, porch time with my people...the list goes on. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I was inspired to clean out my closet today, a task that was long overdue. Have you ever gotten three quarters of the way through a job and decided you were no longer inspired? I feel ya. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

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An Ice Cold Hodgepodge

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

1. What's a change you'd like or need to make this year? 

I want to make some small changes to my morning routine, and have been giving some thought as to what that would look like.  

2. Break the ice, on thin ice, ice skating, tip of the iceberg, ice cold...which icy idiom applies to your life right now? Explain. 

Ice cold. The weather was abysmal today, pouring rain, blowing wind, gray foggy skies, and cold temps. Cold for South Carolina anyway. 

3. What's a project you've been putting off? Will you get to it this month? This year?

I need to tackle some of the boxes in my attic and will get to at least some of them this month. Definitely this year. 

4. Of the fruits that grow well in winter which ones have you tried? Which is your favorite? 

pomegranates, clementines, persimmons, passion fruit, pears, grapefruit, lemons, pomelos, kumquats

I don't think I've ever tried a pomelo, but the rest I've tasted and enjoyed. I like all fruit so it's hard to choose a favorite. Of the fruits listed we probably consume more clementines than any of the others, and they're definitely one of my favorites. I also love anything lemon so that one ranks right up there too. 

5. What do you think it means to be courageous? 

My book club just finished reading and discussing The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, and there was a quote in there about courage I liked...

'Courage is fear you ignore. It wasn't the fear that mattered in life. It was the choices you made when you were afraid. You were brave because of your fear, not in spite of it." 

I think courage is doing what's right in spite of the threat of danger, difficulty or, in 2024, cancellation. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

What day is it? I feel like I'm still in 2023, my Christmas decorations are still mostly up (coming down this week though!), and I'm not mentally organized for a new year. We had a fabulous new years weekend with a houseful of friends here, then we had three of our grandchildren in the house for a fun few days, the tile replaced in our master shower, a car repair to organize, and whew! I think I'm almost ready to call it January 1st. Happy new year!

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