Day 23-WOW

I'm going with my usual Saturday list of little things I love, all relating to the letter of the day in our A-Z Blog Challenge. 

 

W is for Whimsical

'lightly fanciful'

I've had fun coming up with these lists each week, and they do feel a little whimsical in nature, so the word fits. Here in no particular order is my W list of 20-

worries unrealized

wisteria in bloom

wittiness 

a water view

Sunday worship

wisdom gained

no weeds

warmhearted people

a sense of wonder 

watermelon

willpower 

freshly washed windows

homemade blueberry waffles

the Carolina wren 

weddings 

winning a mahjong hand

a walk in the woods

a warning heeded 

sushi with a side of wasabi 

water lilies in bloom 

The ABC's Of April

ABC...easy as 1-2-3...

Good morning Readers. I've decided (pretty much last minute) to jump in to the April A-Z blog Challenge this year. If you're relatively new here you should know that last minute is how I almost always jump in to this particular challenge so not to worry. I know there are bloggers participating who have a month's worth of posts written and scheduled, but that's not me. I'm a bit of an overthinker and blogging under pressure forces me to 'just do it'. 

You can read more about the challenge on the host blog (linked here), but basically it's a month long writing exercise where you blog your way through the alphabet during the month of April. One post a day, every day but Sundays. 

April 1st is the letter A, April 2nd is the letter B, and so on until you reach the letter Z, which should land on April 30th.  

I've done the A-Z many times over the course of it's 15 year history, and I've always had a theme of sorts. A last minute theme to be sure, but a theme nonetheless. Here's the 411 on years past for anyone who might be interested-

2011-one post a day detailing places we've traveled and loved (starting with A My Name Is Anna) 

Also, lest you're confused, my name is not Anna...the jingle just worked with my theme

2012-I managed to make the recap of our nearly three week trip to Shanghai-Taipei-and Hong Kong last longer than the trip itself (starting with No Foolin'-A is For Adventure)

2013-the year I organized a brown bag of random photos using the alphabet as my guide. Really fun, tender, and productive too (starting with  A Is For Assorted Stuff) 

2014-my theme was 'married with children' True story- I knew my daughter's engagement was happening that month and this was my not so sneaky way of dishing out words of wisdom to the soon-to-be marrieds (starting with A Is For All In)

2015-the theme was change and we had plenty of it that year, from a daughter getting married, to hubs retirement, then a move south late summer to build a house (starting with ABC. Easy as 1.2.3)

2016-all about the home build which took fourteen months to make happen, and a full 26 posts to describe the process from start to finish (starting with A Is For Architect) 

2017, 2018-a hiatus from the A-Z 

2019-my theme went hand in hand with my word of the year which was 'delight'. It took me until the middle of May to get to letter Z, but April of 2019 was quite the month for our family, and I gave myself a lot of grace and space to get it done (starting with No Foolin') 

2020-maybe my favorite year of the challenge in spite of this being the year of Covid, or maybe because of it. I sent 26 of my friends/family a letter of the alphabet and asked them to send me a word of their choosing, beginning with that letter. So much fun! (starting with Alphabet Soup) 

2021-Life is grand... posts about grandparenting, grandchildren, and then a few random things I think are pretty grand (starting with A Is For Ain't Life Grand)

2022-this was the last time I participated, and in the words of Maria von Trapp...'these are a few of my favorite things' was my theme (starting with Raindrops On Roses) 

And now it's 2025. Is there anything I haven't talked about? 

I like to say my blog is a little slice of mid-life, but am I still in mid-life?  When does mid-life end and that last third begin? I can do the math, and I'm definitely past the halfway point in terms of candles on the cake, but that's just a number. We all know some young 60-somethings and a few 'old' 40-somethings, don't we? 

What defines mid-life, figuratively speaking?  

Let's take inventory.  

My theme for the 2025 A-Z Blog Challenge...26 Life Lessons Learned.

And we're off...

A Puzzler Of A Hodgepodge

Welcome to 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. Or all the bloggers before you if you've got the time. Here we go-

1. Many of our earliest presidents created words or expressions widely used today. Teddy Roosevelt is credited with mollycoddle, pack rat, frazzle, and loose cannon...which of those words/phrases currently relates to your life in some way? 

Hmmm...none truly apply at the moment. We try not to mollycoddle the grands and I'm married to the opposite of a pack rat so neither of those work. Am I frazzled? A teensy bit, mostly about three or four semi-large bits of paperwork/organization I need to take care of, but just can't seem to get to. 

I guess I'm going with frazzle. 

2. Have you visited many (or any) of the US Presidents homes, monuments, libraries or related sites? If so what's been your favorite? Are there any you particularly want to see? Here's a link to presidential sites listed by state which is kind of fun to read-Presidential Places by State. And since several bloggers who participate in the HP each week live outside the US, here's a link to Presidential Places Outside the US. Have you seen any of those? 

I've lived a fair chunk of my life on the East Coast, with easy access to many historic and presidential sites. I'm not sure I can even list them all but...Mount Vernon, George Washington's Birthplace, the capitol building in Annapolis, the capitol building in Austin Texas, the capitol building in Richmond Virginia (all of these buildings have a lot of statues relating to Presidents), Monticello, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, allllll the Washington D.C. Presidential memorials/monuments, the White House, the U.S. Capitol building, Arlington National Cemetery (JFK and William Taft are both buried here) and then further west the LBJohnson Library in Austin TX, and the Reagan Library in California. 

3. February 20th is National Cherry Pie Day...will you celebrate? Given your choice of cherry pie, cherry cobbler, cheesecake with a cherry topping, or black forest cake which would you choose? 

I'm not opposed to celebrating but someone would have to bring me the cherry pie because I also have no plans to bake one. I like all of the desserts mentioned so it would kind of just depend on what I was in the mood for at the time. Right now I'd go for the pie or cobbler. 

4. Last time you worked a puzzle of some kind? Something that had you puzzled recently? 

I worked a puzzle with my two oldest grandsons over the weekend. It was a map of the United States. 

Something that's had me puzzled recently? 

AI, 4D printing, the size of our galaxy, and hypocrisy in politics among other things

5. Of the early blooming flowers (January-early March depending on your zone) which one's your favorite? 

snowdrops, lenten roses, pansies, violets, snapdragons, reticulated iris, crocus, winter jasmine

Do you have any of these in your own yard/garden? 

I love them all...how do you choose a favorite flower? We had snowdrops in our English garden and they're definitely a favorite, but I don't have any here. We have lenten roses and iris in our garden and I sometimes have pansies, violets, and snapdragons in pots but currently do not. I love iris and they always make me think of my mom who used to have an enormous bed of iris in one corner of our yard. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This year I'm trying to bake all the cakes on the Southern Living calendar. They suggest one for each month and I mentioned January's cake in a post here-Buttermilk Cake. 

I made the February cake on Sunday-Raspberry Molten Chocolate Cake-

before baking

This was scrumptious! Normally lava cakes are made in ramekins and baked individually, but this version was baked in an 8 x 8 pan, and it was really easy. 

I wondered if you'd get the 'lava' texture and you definitely do. This cake needs to be eaten pretty soon after  removing it from the oven, and needs a  scoop of vanilla ice cream on top as it's quite rich. It's surprisingly light too, and sooo good! I'll absolutely be making this one again. 

It's The Hodgepodge. Period.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A cup of mocha please. 

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

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

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

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

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

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

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

And our Gordon Setter was in her glory...

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

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More Than Words

Good Monday morning friends. I'm not going to do a weekend recap because ours was spent mostly de-Christmas-ing the house which is such a chore and not that interesting to read about.  Hubs remarked that we put out fewer decorations this year but it seemed like it took us longer to get everything taken down. I tried to be more intentional in how I stored things for next year, which contributed to the process moving at a snail's pace. 

Anyway it's done, or at least it's mostly done. Always a few stray bits and bobs that turn up once we've lugged everything to the attic. 

Let's talk words. 

Do you have a word of the year (WOTY)? Is this something you always do, sometimes do, have never done? I've had words from time time, but only when I truly felt there was a word I couldn't escape. That's how God speaks to me. He has to flash something in great BIG BOLD letters everywhere I look, and then I pay attention.

I know some people just pick a word they like and call it their own, but that's not how my words have happened. My experience with a word of the year has gone something like this-I go into it in January thinking my word is going to make the coming year look one way and then my year ends up looking a whole 'nother way. 

I haven't had a WOTY since 2019 when I chose the word 'delight'.  Sounds pretty doesn't it? Sounds like you're in for a year full of awe and wonder, right? 

If you've been around here for a while you might remember 2019 was the year one daughter had a cancelled wedding, and then right about that same time my other daughter and her husband told us they were expecting baby boy2 and would be transferred to South Korea three months before his birth, so yeah. 

It's a little scary choosing a word.

You know what though? 2019 actually did turn out to be a year of awe and wonder, just not in any of the ways I'd envisioned. Sometimes hindsight is a gift, and I can look back at that year and see how I learned to delight in Him, even as life presented some most un-delightful moments. 

So I've landed on a word for 2025 and it's this-anchored. 

Anchored means, "to make something or someone stay in one position by fastening him, her, or it firmly." In the Bible the word anchor is an emblem of hope, and a definition I read in a Bible dictionary added this, which I love, 'held by an anchor, moored, fixed in safety'. That feels like a good way to go in to a brand new year. 

I always like to have a verse to memorize and mull over that relates to my word, and while there are several that apply I picked this one-

I expect come December I will once again look back, and stand amazed at all the many ways God does exceedingly more than I can ask or imagine. 

If you have a word, I'd love to hear it. 

And I always feel like the new year should officially begin around the 6th, so happy new year everyone! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 584

Good morning bloggers. I plan to post the Hodgepodge questions on Sundays this year instead of Tuesdays, in order to give everyone a bit more room in their calendar to answer. The link will still go live on Wednesdays because this is still the Wednesday Hodgepodge. 

Here are this week's questions. Answer on your own blog, then skate back here Wednesday (January 8)  to add your link to the party. See you there!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Happy New Hodgepodge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Insert your own random thought here.

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

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

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 583

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 566

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. Our little corner of it at least. See you there! 

1. What is one cliche you think is nonsense? What's one you think holds truth? 

2. What's the last thing you broke and how did it happen? 

3. Are you a fan of s'mores? Have you had a s'more this summer? Last thing you ate that you wanted to ask for 's'more of'? 

4. A mode of transportation you've never tried? Will you someday? 

5. Believe it or not, next week's Hodgepodge lands in a brand new month. What's your happiest memory from the month we're bidding adieu? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 535

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

1. Do you have a word for the year (WOTY)? If so, and you'd like to share, please share. How do you decide on a word? If you don't have a word are you still on the hunt for one for 2024? 

2. January 23rd is National Pie Day...will you celebrate? Do you like pie? What's your favorite? 

3. Tipping. What are your thoughts, expectations, as to who, when where? Do you appreciate a store/restaurant giving a 'suggested amount'? Have you ever left an extravagant tip? 

4. Share with us one household 'tip' that works for you. 

5. Influencers on social media are people who've built a reputation for their knowledge and expertise on a particular subject. Do you follow any influencers online? Have you made a purchase or tried something new because of that 'influence'? If there's one you particularly enjoy tell us who they are and why you enjoy them. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

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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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 530

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

1. Oxford's Word of the Year for 2023 is 'rizz'. Hmmm...before today had you ever heard the word? Do you know what it means? (Apparently it's short for charisma) Have you ever used the word? If you were in charge of the world, what word would you declare word of the year for 2023?

2. What's one word you tend to abbreviate in your writing or speech? (as in rizz for charisma)

3. Are you a Hallmark movie watcher this time of year? What's your favorite character from a holiday- themed movie, book, or TV special? 

4. Something you look forward to eating this month? 

5. What's the most stressful part of the holiday season for you? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

And The Hodgepodge It Goes Round And Round

Welcome to the last Hodgepodge in July. Summer is a-flyin'! 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. July 25th is National Merry-Go-Round Day. Do you call it a merry-go-round or a carousel? When was the last time you rode one? Did you enjoy that? Metaphorically speaking what feels like a merry go round you're on right now? 

I've used both terms, but probably use merry-go-round more often (although neither are said a lot!).  I haven't ridden a merry-go-round in years. I think the last time might have been September, 2007 on a weekend trip to Disney Paris with hubs and our girls. I'm not a fan of spinning anything, but as long as the ride doesn't last too long or spin too fast it's okay. I did enjoy this ride and everything else about that weekend. 

As far as what feels like stepping on to a merry-go-round...maybe home ownership? You tackle one project and turn around only to discover three more have been added to the list. 

2. What word do you have a hard time pronouncing? What word do you have a hard time spelling? What's your favorite word in another language? 

Pronouncing? Anemone, which fortunately doesn't come up in conversation too often. 

Spelling? Lately that would be Cincinatti. I have to think about it every single time. Necessity is another. 

Favorite word in another language? I love the phrases c'est la vie, carpe diem, and chin chin. 

3. What's a phrase or cliche you use pretty often and find to be true?

'Every little thing's gonna be alright.' 

I said this often to my girls when they were growing up, and I say it to myself sometimes still. 

4. When it comes to grocery shopping what is your most dreaded chore-menu planning, the actual shopping, or the unloading/putting away? How often do you shop? Do you use any of the pick up and/or delivery services?

Unloading and putting them away. Ugh. My energy is generally pretty high in the meal planning stage and even with the actual shopping, but it dips about the time I pull into the garage and think about putting it all away. I shopped on Monday and it took me almost an hour to get everything unloaded and 'dealt with'.

I bought a watermelon and like to cut that into cubes to go in the frig right away. And of course it's too much for one container which means a trip downstairs to put the second container in my other frig. I also bought a rotisserie chicken to use in a dish I was making for dinner so that had to be cut up too. Then between the rind of the melon and the carcass of the chicken I had a lot of rubbish which meant a trip up to the curb to get it in the can before the rubbish was collected. I think I got at least 1000 steps in just putting away groceries. 

I shop about every 4-5 days. I like fresh produce and it starts to get wilty beyond that.  I usually meal plan enough dinners for a full week -ten days. We don't have a delivery option out here in the country, and I don't use pick up. 

Is all this more than you wanted to know about my shopping habits lol? 

5. Something you need or want to do before July comes to a close? 

Organize a little crafty project I have in mind for my daughter's birthday, complete some lingering paperwork for our financial planner, and read the books on my nightstand that need to be returned to the library. I'm halfway there in terms of the books. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Curious to know if you've seen, or have plans to see, any of the new movies out right now-Barbie? Oppenheimer? Mission Impossible? The Sound of Freedom? If so what did you think? 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 513

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

1. July 25th is National Merry-Go-Round Day. Do you call it a merry-go-round or a carousel? When was the last time you rode one? Did you enjoy that? Metaphorically speaking, what's something in your life right now that feels like a merry go round? 

2. What word do you have a hard time pronouncing? What word do you have a hard time spelling? What's your favorite word in another language? 

3. What's a phrase or cliche you use pretty often and find to be true?

4. When it comes to grocery shopping what is your most dreaded chore-menu planning, the actual shopping and paying, or the unloading/putting away? How often do you shop? Do you use any of the pick up and/or delivery services?

5. Something you need or want to do before July comes to a close? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The Hodgepodge Is Still Young At Heart

Welcome to 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 your neighbor there. Here we go-

1. Tell me something you remember (or if you're not there yet, something you look forward to) about being 35.

I'm going to say this was one of my favorites. We were living in Maryland and I went back to work part time after several years at home. I taught preschool two days a week and loved it. My girls were five and seven and those years are some of the sweetest in a child's life. A mother's life too. 

Mom jeans and all. 

2. Last time you 'burned the candle at both ends'? 

I'm not really one to burn the candle at both ends. Never have been. It doesn't matter what needs doing late late at night I just can't. I can get up as early as you like, before dawn no problem, but don't ask me to stay up way late and get up way early too.  

3. Are you someone with the 'gift of gab'? Elaborate (which shouldn't be a problem if you answered yes teehee).  

I can and do talk a lot so I'm going to say yes. 

Here's another question for you...iIf someone said you had the gift of gab would you consider that a compliment? Hmmm. 

4. Do you request a special meal on your birthday, and if so tell us what that meal is? Do you want the same kind of cake year after year or will any flavor work? Do you want cake at all? Growing up were birthdays a big deal in your house? Are they a big deal now? 

I don't request a particular meal on my birthday, but hubs usually asks me what I'd like and either grills something or takes me out. Growing up I always always always wanted my momma's German Chocolate cake for my birthday, and would not say no to a piece right now. 

No matter where we've lived hubs has always gotten me a chocolate cake with raspberry filling for my birthday, and that's for sure another favorite.  I definitely want cake on my birthday. 

Growing up my mom made birthdays special. I don't think we had parties every year, but there were presents and cake and each one of us felt celebrated on our big day. 

Are birthdays a big deal in my house? Ha! Have you read my blog during the month of September? I am a fan of birthdays and marking the day, especially my own lol. 

5. 'Age is just a number.'..agree or disagree? Tell us why. 

Yes and no. I mean yes you are only as young as you feel, except not exactly. You are the age you are, and no matter how young you might feel on the inside the calendar does not lie. Nor does your lower back, your failing eyesight, or the color of your roots. Just sayin'.

Still I will say it's good to think young. To keep moving, try new things, meet new people, see new places, read, stay current with what's happening in the world of technology and the world in general. These are all things that I do think can help slow the aging process. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This little beauty has a birthday today. I'll let you guess which one-ha! 

She has a beautiful blog, just not a lot of time to write these days. If you have a chance, hop over and wish the girl who made me a momma a sunshiny day. You'll find the link here-Sincerely Shannon. 

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The Absolutely Amazing GOAT Hodgepodge

After a brief hiatus the Hodgepodge returns. 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. Tell us anything you want about your January. 

After nearly a month away from my blog I finally wrote a post on Monday recapping January (click here to read Picking Up Where We Left Off). As much as I love blogging I definitely needed a short break and am thinking there might be another built into my year somewhere down the road. I know that is somewhat contrary to how blogs are supposed to operate, but I see a lot of value in stepping out and coming back to it with fresh enthusiasm. 

2. 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 2023 list includes GOAT, inflection point, quiet quitting, gaslighting, moving forward, amazing, Does that make sense?, irregardless, absolutely, and it is what it is.

Which of these words/phrases do you use regularly? Which of these words would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word/phrase not on the list you'd like to add? 

Hmmm...is irregardless commonly used? It strikes me more as poor grammar rather than a word we overuse. For the record it should never be used, right? I had to look that up and it actually can be used in the same way as regardless. Who knew? 

None of the words on the list bug me too much, but if I have to pick one I'll go with gaslighting. Not so much the word, but the action itself. 

What might I add to the list? The word unprecedented would get my vote.  

3. February 2nd is Groundhog Day. What's something that feels repeated in your life right now? 

I feel like this has a negative connotation, as in habits you want to change but you never do for whatever reason. And I guess our days can sometimes feel like the same old same old, but in my mind that's not necessarily a bad thing. I like routine. I also like to break up routine so hope for some spontaneity and unexpected fun thrown into the mix too. 

4. What's a food you love that's named after a place?

There are many...Korean barbecue, Prosecco, Parmigiana-Reggiano, and Eton Mess to name just a few. 

5. What's the best season of the year to visit your part of the country? Tell us why. 

Well that depends on how you feel about heat. I mean HEAT. I live on a lake so the summer months are primetime here. Also the humidity so you need to be okay with that (there is a lake remember). I live in a mostly quiet small town but it's definitely busier in the summer months, particularly on the weekends. 

We always tell houseguests coming in the summer months to aim for at least one weekday on the lake to enjoy the solitude. If you love swimming, boating, and sunshine then summer here is for you.  

My favorite season on the lake though is autumn. Maybe that's because Autumn is my favorite season period, or maybe it's because I love the solitude that rolls in when the summer people head back to regular life. 

The humidity in September-October-November is down and we can spend time hiking to some of the many waterfalls in our area or wandering the quaint mountain towns nearby. 

The lake water is warm enough to swim well into October, it's quiet here in the fall, and it is absolutely beautiful. 

Yes I'm absolutely going to continue using the word absolutely. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I need to tweak a couple of things on my blog and want to know how you read blogs these days? Do you follow the blogger on social media to see new posts? Receive an email when a new post is up? Use some sort of app? Inquiring minds want to know...

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 490

Hi again. Long time no Hodgepodge. We're back now though, with a brand new month and a brand new set of questions. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to share the love. See you there!

1. Tell us anything you want about your January. 

2. 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 2023 list includes GOAT, inflection point, quiet quitting, gaslighting, moving forward, amazing, Does that make sense?, irregardless, absolutely, and it is what it is.

Which of these words/phrases do you use regularly? Which of these words would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word/phrase not on the list you'd like to add? 

3. February 2nd is Groundhog Day. What's something that feels repeated in your life right now? 

4. What's a food you love that's named after a place?

5. What's the best season of the year to visit your city or your part of the country? Tell us why. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Cheers To The Hodgepodge

Here we are with a new year on the horizon and one more Hodgepodge to close out the year that was. 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. Did you set any goals for the new year this time last year? Did you meet them or miss the mark? Tell us more if you're comfortable sharing. 

I didn't have a long list of things to accomplish/change/improve in 2022, other than write more. Honestly life came at us full throttle this year and I spent a lot more time living it than writing about it. That's okay too. 

Maybe 2023 will be my year. 

2. What are three words that might describe the kind of person you were this past year or describe in some way how your life looked? 

Nana~road tripper~shotgun rider

3. What's something new you ate, saw, heard, or experienced in 2022? What did you think? 

A granddaughter joined our family in 2022-

What did I think? I thought she was perfectly precious.

She still is! 

In a different vein, hubs and I traveled up the coast of California in late September, driving from San Diego to Half Moon Bay just outside of San Francisco. 

Lots of new-to-me sights were seen there, which I wrote about it in excessive great detail beginning with this post-The Golden State. 

4.  Oxford Dictionary has announced it's word of the year for 2022, and it's this-goblin mode. Huh? Have you ever heard this phrase? Used this phrase? 

I hadn't heard the phrase until I read about the choice online and can't imagine I'll ever use it. Still kind of scratching my head, but I'm not trendy in so many ways and I guess this is one I've missed. Most people I asked hadn't heard of it either so I have to wonder how it can possibly be the word of the year? 

It's defined as "a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations." 

This year they allowed the public to choose amongst three finalists. You can read more about that here. 

Who is the public I wonder?

If you were in charge, what word would you declare word of the year for 2022? 

Wordle. Thanks hubs! I surveyed my family because I've had a houseful and still have a houseful and my brain is currently a bit mush. The Wordle trend is definitely more me than goblin mode. 

5. Any special plans for an end of year celebration in your house or town? The travel channel says the world's best New Year's Eve celebrations will happen in Copacabana Beach-Rio de Janerio, the Orlando theme parks in Florida,  London, Sydney, New York's Time Square, Edinburgh Scotland, and Paris. If you could attend any one of these which would you choose? Tell us why? 

No special plans this year, but if I could transport myself to one of the cities listed it would most definitely be London. 

Here's me with my girls in a London black cab, New Years Eve 2008. We were on our way to dinner and then to meet up with friends after. 

Auld lang syne man. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Sometimes I post things here around the holidays so I can look back the next year and recreate a decoration, recipe, craft or in this case...charcuterie tray. 

I made this for a neighborhood get together earlier this month and loved the way it turned out. I got the idea from one of my favorite Insta accounts, Ain't Too Proud To Meg. She does all sorts of beautiful and creative boards.  

Happy new year everyone! Cheers to more kindness, more grace, and more Hodgepodging in 2023!

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 489

Welcome to the final Hodgepodge in 2022. Let's wrap up the year with a bit of random. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. Did you set any goals for the new year this time last year? Did you meet them or miss the mark? Tell us more if you're comfortable sharing. 

2. What are three words that might describe the kind of person you were this past year or describe in some way how your life looked? 

3. What's something new you ate, saw, heard, or experienced in 2022? What did you think? 

4.  Oxford Dictionary has announced it's word of the year for 2022, and it's this-goblin mode. Huh? Have you ever heard this phrase? Used this phrase? It's defined as "a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations." 

This year they allowed the public to choose amongst three finalists. You can read more about that here. 

If you were in charge, what word would you declare word of the year for 2022? 

5. Any special plans for an end of year celebration in your house or town? The travel channel says the world's best New Year's Eve celebrations will happen in Copacabana Beach-Rio de Janerio, the Orlando theme parks in Florida,  London, Sydney, New York's Time Square, Edinburgh Scotland, and Paris. If you could attend any one of these which would you choose? Tell us why? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A Perfectly Perfect 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. Be sure to leave a comment for the blogger before you because that's what good neighbors do. Here we go-

1. What's something you've learned from a younger person?

When I think of 'younger people' I think of my girls and I've learned a lot from them. 

Computer shortcuts, good follows on Instagram, tv shows I might like, book titles I might not have found on my own, how to laugh at myself, and how to see shades of gray in a world I often see in black and white. 

2. Are you a perfectionist? Elaborate? 

About some things. I was a bit of a perfectionist back in my student days. I can be picky (is that the same thing???) about my handwriting, a table setting, the way a towel should be folded, how the dishwasher is loaded-ha! In other areas of my life good enough is good enough. I will say I don't expect perfection from others, and in general give other people more grace than I give myself. 

3. What makes you cringe? 

I learned a new word recently that fits here, the German word fremdschamen. It means second hand embarrassment which is what I think of when I hear the word cringe. Someone else is doing something embarrassing (although they may not realize it) and that causes me to feel embarrassment for them. 

A list of things that make me cringe would include small children going barefoot in restaurants or public restrooms, someone talking with a mouthful of food, a person's mistake being called out in front of others, poor grammar from someone who should know better, someone misusing a word (pacific for specific), any time our Vice-President makes a speech of any kind, and virtue signaling. 

4. September is National Honey month...do you have bees and make your own? Know someone who has bees and they share? Your favorite thing made with honey? 

We do not keep bees but daughter2's father-in-law does, and he keeps us in honey. We also have a good friend here on the lake who has bees and he shares too. We love it. 

My favorite thing made with honey is probably a toasted English muffin with honey dripping in to all the nooks and crannies. I drink my tea with milk, but if I have a scratchy throat I love hot tea with honey. I like honey mustard dressing on a salad, and honey butter on a warm piece of bread. 

5. Where is your happy place? 

The English countryside.

My backyard is pretty great too. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I made an apple cake with a caramel drizzle for my book club this week. It was easy and delish and you'll  find the recipe in the link here (The Best Apple Cake)  Enjoy! 

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