Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 582

Hello Hodgepdogers! I hope you're enjoying this most wonderful time of the year. 

Please note: There will not be a Hodgepodge next week (December 25th) since Christmas lands on a Wednesday this year. 

There will be a Hodgepodge link up on January 1st BUT!! I'll post the questions on Sunday (December 29th) to give everyone a couple of extra days to get their answers written.  

December 25-NO Hodgepodge

December 29-questions posted for the first HP of the new year (Volume 583)

January 1-the link goes live

Now back to today and this week's questions. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with all of Santa's elves. See you there! 

1. What's one thing you want to get done before the calendar flips to a new year?

2. What's something that brought a smile to your face this year?

3. What do you like on a cracker? Do you have a favorite cracker variety? 

4. Do you have plans for ringing in the new year in a fun or special way? Are you typically awake at midnight on the last day of the year? 

5. What are three words that describe your 2024? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A Bird-Brained Hodgepodge

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

1.  April 26th is National Audubon Day, honoring John James Audubon, the French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter known for his detailed study and illustration of birds in their natural habitats. Do you have a bird feeder? Any birds in your home decor? Have you ever owned a pet bird? What's your favorite bird?   

We have a hummingbird feeder, but not an ordinary bird feeder. We have bears in the area, and bears and bird feeders do not go together. We also have a bluebird house and we do feed them, but for some reason the bears aren't interested in that sort of food. 

I like birds in home decor and we have quite a few bird prints throughout our house. I've never owned a pet bird and never will.  My favorite kind of bird? Hmmm...that's a toughie. The blue heron, the red tailed hawk, and bluebirds rank right up there

2. What's something you took to 'like a duck to water'? 

Blogging? 

3. Empty nest, nest egg, proud as a peacock, free as a bird, birds of a feather flock together, or the early bird catches the worm...choose one and tell us how it currently applies to your life. 

Empty nest is something of a misnomer I think. Our nest is technically empty but our home, guest rooms, and calendar rarely are. 

4. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds...your favorite seed and a favorite food or dish made with that seed or topped with that seed? Have you tried all the seeds on the list? Any you don't care for? 

I like all the seeds mentioned, sesame and poppy are my favorite. I love an everything bagel which has both. 

5. Something in the past week that made you 'happy as a lark'?

A little breathing room. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The question about John James Audubon sent me on the hunt for a photograph of daughter2 taken when she was in grade 4. It also sent me down a rabbit trail through stacks of other pictures taken in the late 90's/early 2000's, but for now let's focus on this cutie-

If I'm remembering correctly students had to read a biography, then give an oral book report dressed as the subject. Her subject was John James Audubon. She's wearing hubs pith helmet, has his trusty binoculars around her neck, a beanie baby bluebird pinned to her shoulder, and sketchpad in hand. 

She's a mom now. 

''How did it get so late so soon. It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness, how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?" Dr. Seuss

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 501

Here are the questions for 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.  April 26th is National Audubon Day, honoring John James Audubon, the French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter known for his detailed study and illustration of birds in their natural habitats. Do you have a bird feeder? Any birds in your home decor? Have you ever owned a pet bird? What's your favorite bird?   

2. What's something you took to 'like a duck to water'? 

3. Empty nest, nest egg, proud as a peacock, free as a bird, birds of a feather flock together, or the early bird catches the worm...choose one and tell us how it currently applies to your life. 

4. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds...your favorite seed and a favorite food or dish made with that seed or topped with that seed? Have you tried all the seeds on the list? Any you don't care for? 

5. Something in the past week that made you 'happy as a lark'?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

End Of The Month Kinds Of Thoughts

Raise your hand if you say Feb-RU-ary in your head every single time you have to write the word. 

I don't know about you but I feel like this month has absolutely flown by. We packed a lot in (always I know!!) but still I can't believe it's March. Gonna mention just a few little happies here before the calendar page turns, so in no particular order....

Daffodils. 

Ours are in full bloom on the side hill and they lift my spirits every time I pull down the drive. It's the first real sign of spring here and I love it. 

Also, between you and me, pollen is the other first real sign of spring here, and we're seeing the beginning of that too. Pollen is truly a season all its own in this part of the country, but we're talking happies today so let's move on. 

Amaryllis.

Y'all my hubs has somehow kept this plant alive and blooming for several seasons now. This plant was given to my daughter by one of her students back in 2020, and it tipped over in her car on the way home causing a big section to break off. And all the dirt to spill in her car, but hubs took care of that too. She was going to trash the plant but hubs came to it's rescue and she's such a beauty. This year he also gave several bulbs from our plant to a neighbor and his is thriving too. 

Jesus Revolution. 

Hubs and I went to see this film over the weekend and we both absolutely loved it. A powerful story and  so well done. It's the kind of film that stays on your heart and mind even when it's over. In a nutshell this is the true story of a national spiritual awakening in the early 70's that originated within the teenage hippie community in Southern California. So good!! Go see it. 

The morning sky. 

February ending with a flourish...

Let's all keep calm and March on. 

Nine Out Of Ten People Read The 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. Here we go-

1. Last time you were 'dressed to the nines'? 

I'm not sure 'to the nines' describes it, but I suppose it would be a late September wedding we attended. My favorite heels and fancy jewelry made it so. 

2. Something recently that had you on 'cloud nine'? 

The birth of this little beauty of course-

3. Tell us about a time, circumstance, experience, or decision you made where the saying 'a stitch in time saves nine' proved true. 

Hmmm...I guess adding the wood to the stairwell wall when we did 'saved nine'. This wasn't part of the plan but when  the carpenters were here doing another project we had them price it out and then went ahead with it. The painted wall had been taking a beating with both big and little hands going up and down the stairs and especially with suitcases being toted up and down. Now that we have the wood installed we won't need to spackle, sand, and repaint on a regular basis.

4. A recipe you make that calls for exactly nine ingredients? 

I immediately did a mental run through of my Mexican style recipes because it feels like there are lots of little ingredients in many of those. This yummy baked taco dip calls for exactly nine items. So good! 

5. This coming Friday is Veterans Day in the US of A. Will you mark the day in some way? Are you a veteran? If you live outside the US does your country have a day dedicated to celebrating veterans? 

I'm not a veteran but my dad served and my son-in-law currently serves. Members of our military are near and dear to my heart always. If I see someone when hubs and I are out and about wearing a cap that indicates they served I make an effort to speak to them and thank them for their service. 

Our neighborhood is having an event in the clubhouse with a speaker and the chance to recognize neighbors who are vets. We're hoping to attend. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Today is my one and only brother's birthday. He grew up in a sea of women (three sisters, which I'm sure probably felt more like an ocean at times) and he is one of the nicest most easy going people I know. 

I like to think we sisters helped shape his character ha! He's a good listener and has always had boatloads of patience for all of our moods, worries, and emotion. 

"To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time." ~Clara Ortega

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 483

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

1. Last time you were 'dressed to the nines'? 

2. Something recently that had you on 'cloud nine'? 

3. Tell us about a time, circumstance, experience, or decision you made where the saying 'a stitch in time saves nine' proved true. 

4. A recipe you make that calls for exactly nine ingredients? 

5. This coming Friday is Veterans Day in the US of A. Will you mark the day in some way? Are you a veteran? If you live outside the US does your country have a day dedicated to celebrating veterans? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The Hodgepodge With Sprinkles

Welcome to another week in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post then go say howdy to your neighbor there. Here we go-

1. "A daughter's a daughter all her life, but a son's a son til he takes a wife." What say you? Elaborate.

There are exceptions to every cliche of course, but for the most part I'm going to say the daughter bit is accurate. When we marry we need to form a new bond with our spouse and I think daughters can do that and remain close to their mothers more easily than sons. Sons need to 'leave their mothers which makes the second part of that saying also somewhat true. 

That being said, I don't have a son but I am married to one, and I think it depends on the son, and maybe even to a greater degree on the daughter-in-law, as to what the relationship with the in-laws will look like going forward. My hubs family has always been close and I think we've been good about sharing time with both families over the course of our married life. I have a good relationship with my mother-in-law and have raised my daughters to be warm and welcoming to their mothers-in-law as well. 

Also, I love my mom. I might be many decades old, but she is and always has been very much a piece of my heart. I know I am so fortunate to still have her in my life. 

2. Something you've seen recently that was 'cuter than a June bug'? 

Any guesses as to how I'm going to answer this one? 

3. 'You can't buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream and that's pretty much the same thing.' Agree or disagree? Last time you had a serving of happiness ice cream?  Dish-cone-milkshake-sundae...which one do you choose? 

I like ice cream but it's not something I have or even want very often. I'd rather have a homemade cookie, a piece of cake, or a slice of pie. My mom has been visiting for several weeks and she loves ice cream. We made homemade strawberry last weekend and it was delish! Of the choices offered I'll take a cone. 

4. What is one way/area in which you're currently 'swimming against the tide'? 

I don't think social media is where the world's problems will be solved or even reasonably debated, and I don't weigh in on  most of what's going on in the world today on sites like Facebook or Insta. I do my best to avoid engaging in conflict online. So many people seem to thrive on it, but I'm not one of them. 

5. Three things you're looking forward to this summer?

Spoiling a brand new grandson with too many kisses and lots of snuggles and also overwhelming him with all my many words

A few days at the beach with the grandboys and their mom and dad

Seeing old friends

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I bought a big bucket of strawberries from a local farm shop and besides the ice cream made the first strawberry shortcake of the season. 

South Carolina strawberries are the sweetest and nothing says summer like strawberry shortcake. 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 465

I feel like I still need a week, but I'm happy to be back with Hodgepodge. I can't promise I won't need another break when baby boy arrives, but I'll do my best. Answer this week's questions on your own blog, then swim back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. "A daughter's a daughter all her life, but a son's a son til he takes a wife." What say you? Elaborate.

2. Something you've seen recently that was 'cuter than a June bug'? 

3. 'You can't buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream and that's pretty much the same thing.' Agree or disagree? Last time you had a serving of happiness ice cream?  Dish-cone-milkshake-sundae...which one do you choose? 

4. What is one way/area in which you're currently 'swimming against the tide'? 

5. Three things you're looking forward to this summer?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

There Once Was A Hodgepodge On Wednesday

Welcome to another edition of your weekly 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 do you never get tired of? 

watermelon, popcorn, small acts of kindness, a bright blue sky, watching the sun rise

2. My mother made the best enchiladas.

3. What machine or appliance in your home aggravates you the most? Why? 

Besides the computer you mean, because that's a given? Of our home appliances I guess I'll say the TV. The remotes still make me crazy, I guess because they are basically mini computers. I try, but operating the tv like a computer does not come naturally to me. 

4. What are three things that brighten up your day when they happen? 

A facetime call with the mancubs
A spontaneous invitation to dinner 
Checking off my to-do list

5. Thursday (May 12) is National Limerick Day...write a limerick about relating to spring weather, spring blooms, or a spring event (five lines, the first two lines rhyme with the fifth line, the third and fourth lines rhyme together).

There once was a bird on a rock
His eyes on a chipmunk were locked
He swept in for the grab
The chipmunk he nabbed
His dinner he ate on the dock. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Who plays Mahjong? I'm learning and it's a lot of fun. I probably don't need any more games to play but this one requires a bit of skill so good for the brain, right? 

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Fly Me To The Hodgepodge

The Hodgepodge is back so let's get right to it. If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post. Be sure to leave a comment for the blogger linking before you because that's the neighborly thing to do here on a Wednesday. Here we go-

1. Tell us about a time you felt like you were 'flying by the seat of your pants'.

It's hard to think of a specific example, but I do know I feel this way pretty often-ha! One instance that came immediately to mind was the time I subbed in a high school chem class and the regular teacher had left about 5 minutes worth of work for a 50 minute class. I was forced to wing it aka fly by the seat of my pants. 

2.  When or where would you most like to be 'a fly on the wall'?

The delivery room when baby boy makes his grand entrance. 

3. 'Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.'-Henry David Thoreau 

Would you agree? Why or why not?

Hmmm...not always, although there are certainly times when this is true. We do need to stop and smell the roses, and in the slowing down will sometimes find happiness has been sitting on our own front doorstep all along. 

There are times too though, when the chase itself makes me happy.

4. Share a favorite movie, book, or song with flying in it's title, lyrics, or theme somewhere.

I love the movie Fly Away Home based on the true story of the young girl and her dad who helped some baby geese get from their home in Canada to the warmer waters of North Carolina. I also love the song played at the end of that film-10,000 Miles by Mary Chapin Carpenter. 

Another favorite flight themed film and book would be October Sky, the movie based on Homer Hickam's memoir- Rocket Boys. Such a great story! 

5. What is one task or chore you tend to do 'on the fly'? Is this something that really needs to be done another way?

Dusting. Eh. It just keeps coming around, doesn't it??? I do periodically give the house a thorough dusting, but a lot of times I'll be walking by a piece of furniture, will notice the dust, and do a quick wipe with the swiffer. Not the same as actual dusting which does need to happen on a more regular basis round here. New construction people. 

6. What was happening the last time you thought to yourself or said aloud, 'Wow, time flies when you're having fun', and you meant it.

Spring break. Last week. I wrote about it here. 

7. This Thursday is National Garlic Day. Will you add garlic to your menu on Thursday? Do you like garlic? What's your favorite dish made with garlic?

I love garlic and cook with it fairly often. As I type these answers I've got a pot of lentil soup on the stove and there's a big clove of garlic in that. Not sure what I'm making yet on Thursday, but it's possible there will be garlic on the menu somewhere. My favorite dish made with garlic is my homemade pasta sauce. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It's been so much fun to see all the baby gear available for new parents in 2017. While we were out in WA Daughter2 helped her sister set up the baby swing my son-in-law's parents bought for their new grandson. 

Yes this is a swing.  

Remember when this was the swing to have? 

The picture doesn't do it's size and scale justice, but that's my Daughter1 chillaxing in her baby swing c. 1980-something. 

The swing that required a ten foot radius to operate. 

By hand, because you had to crank that handle about a hundred times around to keep the swing going for approximately 48 seconds. 

The racket it made while you were cranking was akin to somebody operating a jack hammer in your living room, and then  just as your sweet baby was drifting off to sleep, the motion would end and you'd have to crank it again startling your baby into a level ten stage of alertness. 

My kids loved their swing. They especially loved when their Daddy would stand in front of it and make funny faces every time they came towards him. I can still hear the giggles. 

Today's swings plug into the wall so no getting a cramp in your arm winding that thing up. It sways, bounces, glides and swings, in blissful silence if you like. Or you can play music from your own handheld device on it which is why you have babies when you're young...you know how to do things like connect a playlist on your phone to your infants swing. 

We've come a long way baby! 

The Happy Hodgepodger

Happy Hodgepodge everyone! It's nice to be back on the blog today. If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post, then run say hello to your neighbor. Here we go-

1. Let's all think happy thoughts...share one of yours here.

I know you think I'm predictable, and that my happy thought is the fact we're finally in the new house, but it's not. I mean that is most definitely a happy thought, but there's still so much to do that it's a happy thought followed by thoughts that are a little less than happy. Also I've caught a cold. 

Wait-I'm supposed to be thinking happy thoughts! 

Here's one... I'm really looking forward to having my mom, my sister and her family, my youngest daughter, and some lake friends here for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving is my favorite, and this crowd will all see past the boxes. 

Once I'm a little more settled and we have a few things on the walls I'll do a whole happy house post, k? 

2. There's a Chinese proverb that says, "If you want happiness for an hour take a nap, if you want happiness for a day-go fishing...." What say you? If you want happiness for a day _____________.

Stay off social media-ha! Actually I think fishing is a pretty good answer, along with a hike in the woods, a boat ride, or getting lost in a good book. 

3. Where do you go to decompress from the world around you?

The woods or the water always do it for me. 

4. What song never fails to make you happy?

Lots! Going with the first few that popped into my head-More Today Than Yesterday by Spiral Staircase, Summertime's Callin' Me by The Catalinas, Sugar Pie Honey Bunch by The Four Tops, Do You Believe in Magic by The Lovin' Spoonful...

5. Wednesday is National Fast Food Day. Should that be a thing? Apparently it is, so tell us what's the last 'fast food' you consumed? If you were putting together your own version of a 'happy meal' what would you include?

I feel like maybe it shouldn't be a thing, but everything is a thing now, right? The last 'fast food' I consumed was a southwest grilled chicken salad from Chick-fil-a. 

My own happy meal would probably include a warm soft Brie with crackers, prosciutto, an assortment of olives, peppadews, nuts and a chilled bottle of champagne. Fast food isn't really my thing. 

6. In a few sentences tell us why you blog.

Mostly it's because I like to write, and a blog is a place to do that on a regular basis (unless you're moving, in which case you become a slacker in the blogosphere). Along the way I've found blogging helps me hit pause now and then, to find beauty in the small things. I love connecting my words with my memories and I've learned a lot about myself on This Side of the Pond. I know blogging isn't what it once was, but I still enjoy it and have no plans to quit. 

7. List seven things you're feeling especially grateful for today.

My husband who takes care of so many things around here, Internet in the house (whoohoo!), FaceTime with grown up daughters who are smart, kind, and passionate about the world around them, She Reads Truth devotionals in my morning inbox, my mom who is always just a phone call away, forgiveness, and my brand new super comfy bed. Just keepin' it real with that last one. This cold has knocked me for a loop. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I thought I'd show you the 'mixing bowl' today, but first let's talk about the cabinet because it's one of my favorite things in the house.  My decorator found it in an antique shop and our cabinet guy distressed and painted it for me. He did a beautiful job. 

If you don't know what I'm talking about when I say 'mixing bowl' click here.  The bowl is actually called an offering bowl, but I knew if I told hubs that up front he'd think it was crazier than the mixing bowl so I kept mum. He loves the sink btw. 

I have stacked stone tile on one wall only, and am really happy with the way it turned out. 

That picture is a little dark but it was evening and I had trouble getting the right lighting for a photo. 

And this one is an awkward angle, but my ceilings are high and I had trouble getting all the pieces in one shot. Everything is in proportion in real life. 

You're used to my photography, right? 

I love the light fixture. Initially I was going to have two sconces, but once we found the mirror we decided to go with a hanging lantern in an antique silver finish. I have a recessed light in the ceiling too, so in spite of what these pictures suggest the lighting really does work well. 

The powder room is in great shape and when all these boxes and the laundry (sheets and towels from storage-have mercy!) get to be too much for me I sometimes go in there and hide soak it all in. 




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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 286

Moving is not for sissies y'all. Eventually I'll catch up here, but how 'bout we start with the Hodgepodge? Answer the questions on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday to add your link to the party. Here we go-

1. Let's all think happy thoughts...share one of yours here. 

2. There's a Chinese proverb that says, "If you want happiness for an hour take a nap, if you want happiness for a day-go fishing...." What say you? If you want happiness for a day _____________.

3. Where do you go to decompress from the world around you? 

4. What song never fails to make you happy? 

5. Wednesday is National Fast Food Day. Should that be a thing? Apparently it is, so tell us what's the last 'fast food' you consumed? If you were putting together your own version of a 'happy meal' what would you include? 

6. In a few sentences tell us why you blog. 

7. List seven things you're feeling especially grateful for today. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Sprinting Through The Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Please only link here today if you've answered this week's questions. And don't forget to race over and leave a comment for your neighbor, after you read my answers of course! Here we go-

1. I read here four creative activities to try this month. They were-calligraphy, make your own cookbook, dance or learn a new type of dance, and letter writing. Which activity on the list appeals to you most? Will you add it to your August? 

I have a calligraphy program my girls gave me for Christmas, but honestly the house build has consumed (and continues to consume) so much of my time I haven't wanted to add anything new to the mix. I'm anxious to try calligraphy, but want to give it the attention I'm sure is required, which means I need a clear head and space to work. How 'bout you ask me again in November? 

2. Bertrand Russell is quoted as saying, 'To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.' Agree or disagree? Explain.

Who asked this question??? It's a toughie. I think I mostly agree. Is having everything we want whenever we want it true happiness? Don't we need that period of wanting to help measure happiness? I think wanting is an essential part of what makes us happy with the eventual getting.  

3. August 17th is National Thriftshop Day...are you a 'thrifter'? If so, tell us about one of your best or favorite finds.

In a word, no. I'm not a thrifter. I've tried to like it but nope, still don't. I admire people who can take something in less than stellar condition, clean-paint-redo in some way and make it fit their home and style, but that's just not me. Nor am I someone who can weed through stacks of clothes and find something I absolutely must have. I've got oodles of patience for lots of things, but this is not one of them. 

4. On a scale of 1-10 (1=almost none and 10=loads) how would you rate your sense of wanderlust? What kicks your wanderlust into high gear? 

I'm going with an 8. What kicks my wanderlust into high gear? Pretty pictures of far away places, friends living in far away places, travel websites, travel quotes, scrolling through my Passport, Pinterest, and most of all actual travel.

"I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world."

~Mary Ann Radmacher

5. Has life felt more like a marathon or sprint so far this month? How so? 

Going with a sprint this month, since we're on the last lap (so to speak) of our house build. Suddenly it feels like the finish line is within reach. Overall the process has been definitely more of a marathon, but we're sprinting through August. 

6.What do you need to get a jump on before fall officially arrives?

Y'all will be glad when we're through building because then I can quit using it as my answer for every single question asked, but...I still need a few things to make the house feel like home. Our build should be wrapping up about the time fall officially arrives. 

7. What's the last thing you did with friends or family where you lost track of time?

Swimming in the lake

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Daughter2 and I celebrated her first day of kindergarten last night with that quintessential summertime treat-the snowball. Our local stand has 100 flavors including dill pickle. Haven't tried that one yet, but I'm definitely tempted. This one is a cantaloupe/honeydew combination. 

Have you had a snowball this summer?

Feeling All The Feels

So much has been happening here that trying to condense it into something readable feels a little overwhelming. Still I'm gonna give it the old college try. Where did that expression come from anyway? I googled the phrase and it goes back to Babe Ruth or maybe even further to the evangelist Billy Sunday, but that's got nothing to do with what's been happening here so let's carry on...

Daughter1 has been here visiting since a week ago Wednesday, and then her hubs was able to join us several days later. He is conveniently attending a medical conference in the Palmetto State which allowed him a couple of days to see his family too. So very glad we live near his parents and don't also have that layer of complication to work around.

The distance is hard. In a funny way I think I feel it more when she's home than when she's actually on the other side of the country. Somehow the nearness of her, the happy knowledge that she's sleeping in the other room, sitting beside me at the pool, baking cookies in my kitchen, it all makes me long for more.

If you have children who live far from you I know you understand. You anticipate these visits to the nth degree, but you're also acutely aware of how quickly you'll be sending them on their way once more, and it takes an act of will not to let that overshadow the time you do get to spend together. We do our best.

Arrival day Daughter2 went with me to the airport to collect her sister, we had a leisurely lunch in town, then hit the Teacher Store because the start of a new school year waits for no man mother-daughter-sister reunion.

The three of us have a deep and abiding love for paper products and school supplies so we were happy to help Daughter2 find some fun things for her new classroom. She's moved to a different grade this year, which essentially means completely re-doing classroom plans, organization, library, everything.

We met up with hubs later in the day for a fab dinner downtown.
Made me ridiculously happy.

Him too.

We spent Thursday at the lake because suddenly there are a million and ten things happening with the house, and we needed to make some decisions on big giant boulder placement, drainage, and paint colors.  I know! Can you believe it???

We also had to sort out garage doors, check out the trim and ceiling progress, and then meet the landscape designer to figure out a plan to lay down some grass and concrete in place of the mud pit we've got going on. Rain y'all.

In between all that we swam and hung out on the dock.

We took a late day boat ride and Daddy let her drive (name that singer) which only made the day sweeter.

She has always loved the water.

I feel like these sunsets are made especially for me right now.
God knows I need pretty sunsets.

Friday morning we walked around the lake at Daughter1 and 2's alma mater.

Weren't we just moving her in to this dorm?

We stopped by the in-laws to say hello and pick up some eggplant, but really that was just an excuse to see these girls-

Ha! They are super cute! Also a tiny kitten appeared out of nowhere and I can't be certain my daughter didn't put him in her suitcase when she left there today.

We baked cookies because kitchen time with a daughter ranks high on my list of favorite things. Peanut butter cookies rank high on my son-in-law's list of favorite things so I like to have some in the house when he's here. He wasn't actually here yet, but we also took a dozen with us to have for dessert at my sister and brother-in-law's house that night.

Cousin time and southern BBQ make for a picture perfect Friday night.

The next couple of days were spent at the lake and they were splendid. Yesterday Daughter2 went to work in her classroom and Daughter1 went furniture shopping with me.

Hubs and Daughter2 met us for lunch then he went back to work and we followed her to school to check room progress.

There are some lucky, lucky kindergartners meeting their teacher for the first time next week.

We all went to dinner together last night at a favorite local spot, and let me just state again for the record how happy I am we're living in the same geography as the in-laws. We have a nice time together and it was fun sitting around a great big table sharing a meal and our kids.

The Mr. and Mrs. left for the conference today, and only a few
hundredtears were shed. I'm almost recovered from the goodbyes and the see you soons and the can't wait til next times. Almost. 

But hey, how about that sunset?

Tripping Over the Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Just a reminder there will not be any Hodgepodge next week (August 4/5). We'll be wrapping up some travel here and then making our way south, aka moving, so I'll need a break.

Is moving a break?

The HP will be back the week after (August 11/12) so check back then for a new set of questions. We're here today though, so let's get started.

1.  I recently read here about four secrets to happiness from around the world. They were-

Overcome your fears by facing them head on, allow yourself to relax and reset, work to live versus living to work, and find the good in life. Not sure if these are the actual secret to happiness, but which of the four do you struggle with most? Which one comes most easily to you?

Biggest struggle would probably be facing my fears head on. Does that come naturally to anyone? I will say I'm definitely better at it than I used to be. 

Finding the good in life comes most easily to me. 
I can always find the good. 

2. How would you spend a found $20 bill today?

I had a manicure this morning (Tuesday), so might have used the $20 towards that. 

3. Ego trip, power trip, guilt trip, round trip, trip the light fantastic, or trip over your own two feet...which 'trip' have you experienced or dealt with most recently? Explain.

We're traveling to Canada via Maine and back again in the next week, so round trip works. We'll be attending a wedding in Prince Edward Island so trip the light fantastic also works. 

4. If you could master any physical skill in the world what would it be, and how would you use that skill?

This is hard. In thinking about all the possibilities I realize I'm quite mediocre at a whole bunch of stuff-ha! I'd love to be a great dancer, and as long as we're going to master the skill, sign me up for DWTS or the NYC Ballet. 

5. As July draws to a close, let's take inventory of our summer fun. Since the official first day of (North American) summer (June 20th) have you...been swimming? enjoyed an ice cream cone? seen a summer blockbuster? camped? eaten corn on the cob? gardened? deliberately unplugged? watched a ballgame? picked fruit off the vine? taken a road trip? read a book?  Are any of these activities on your must-do-before-summer-ends list?

I have not been swimming at all this summer which is so sad. I love to swim. There's a pool in the apartment complex where we'll be living in less than two weeks, so ask me again in August. And since I've enjoyed more than one ice cream cone a few laps in the pool are feeling necessary. 

Hubs and I saw Jurassic World which I think qualifies as a blockbuster, have not camped, but have eaten corn on the cob because it's not summer without corn on the cob. 

I haven't gardened because we're currently without a garden, haven't picked fruit off the vine, and I only accidentally unplugged thanks to a tornado wreaking havoc with the power for a long, hot, three days. I've been to a couple of minor league ballgames, and have read several books. 

Have we taken a road trip? Um, yeah. We've been on the road more than we've been home. 

6. The Republican Presidential candidates will debate on August 6th. What's your question?

Here are a few things I'd like to hear every candidate address, both sides of the fence or no side of the fence- 

• What are the two biggest issues facing America today?
• Tell me why I should believe you're going to do what you say you're going to do. 
• Do you support a pathway to citizenship for illegals currently living in the US? 
• What about illegals brought here as minors? Do you support in-state college tuition for illegals brought here as minors?
• In a few short sentences tell me what America means to you. 

7. What's your most listened to song so far this summer?

I Do by Holly Maher and Always Been You by Marie Hines. 

True confession...those two songs are on my daughter's wedding video and it's possible I watch it once a week. Or twice. Maybe three times. Whatever. Here's the link if you somehow missed it when I linked to it twice before- Best Day Ever Link

Like I said...ob.sessed. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

My girls are together in Washington this week. Makes my heart so happy.

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."~Marion C. Garretty

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 230

Hello Hodgepodgers! One item of business to note: There will not be any Hodgepodge next week (August 4/5) as we'll be wrapping up some travel, and then moving into our apartment down south.

Or as I like to call it-Phase 3.

The Hodgepodge will return the following week (August 11/12), so thanks for understanding! Now back to this week...answer the questions on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with your peeps.

1.  I recently read here about four secrets to happiness from around the world. They were-

Overcome your fears by facing them head on, allow yourself to relax and reset, work to live versus living to work, and find the good in life. Not sure if these are the actual secret to happiness, but which of the four do you struggle with most? Which one comes most easily to you?

2. How would you spend a found $20 bill today?

3. Ego trip, power trip, guilt trip, round trip, trip the light fantastic, or trip over your own two feet...which 'trip' have you experienced or dealt with most recently? Explain.

4. If you could master any physical skill in the world what would it be, and how would you use that skill?

5. As July draws to a close, let's take inventory of our summer fun. Since the official first day of (North American) summer (June 20th) have you...been swimming? enjoyed an ice cream cone? seen a summer blockbuster? camped? eaten corn on the cob? gardened? deliberately unplugged? watched a ballgame? picked fruit off the vine? taken a road trip? read a book?  Are any of these activities on your must-do-before-summer-ends list?

6. The Republican Presidential candidates will debate on August 6th. What's your question?

7. What's your most listened to song so far this summer?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Friday Happies

Or fragments, but I'm going with happies today.  Is that a real word?  Even Merriam Webster isn't completely convinced.

I've been mostly off the grid and on the couch this week. My empathy for people suffering from the flu or chronic illness has grown 100 fold.  I haven't had the flu, just something related that will.not.quit.

My voice is slowing returning.  I'm still trying to stay
mostly quiet, because when I talk I cough. Also, my head still feels like it's underwater, but I think that's slowly improving.

So far this is super happy, isn't it?

It's been kind of interesting not having a voice all week.  My phone rings and I don't even think about answering it.  Last night as we were going to bed I started to say something out loud to my hubs and he told me to rest my voice.  Hmmmm.  My voice is irritating right now, even to me because its soft and scratchy, and then there's that pesky cough, but still....he actually wondered aloud if once my voice is completely back to normal I will start talking and not be able to stop.

Possibly.

I had a lot to tell him this time last week, but it all seems rather unimportant now. Maybe I've become that person who is quietly contemplative as opposed to someone who talks because she likes to talk.  Ha!

I ventured out into the deep freeze for a quick minute on Wednesday because we needed something from our safe deposit box at the bank. It was 7 degrees and I was wearing a heavy wool coat, a fur collar, lined gloves, and I was still cold. The guy getting out of the car beside me was in his gym shorts and a warm up jacket.  I get why women wear full length fur coats.  I do not get this.

Here's a few things that have made me happy this week-

hot tea
text messages that contain the word Momma
cough drops
my comfy couch
antibiotics
ice cubes
words with friends
homemade chicken noodle soup
seven deer playing in the front yard under a big brilliant moon
Robitussin
clementines
slippers
Redbox
a husband who calls home and says he's picking up dinner
a husband who brings me a cuppa, draws me a hot bath, and who doesn't complain about the incessant coughing even though I know it's super annoying and likely keeping him awake at night
a husband who makes me laugh even when I feel crummy

Also, this-

Conversation hearts in a big glass jar make me ridiculously happy.
I may have eaten one for breakfast.

Then there's this-

The view that greeted me as I came down the stairs this morning.  

In the midst of frigid temperatures and laryngitis and short dark days we get this. 

Kinda impossible not to feel a little bit happy.  

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork."  Psalm 19:1