A Beauty Of A Hodgepodge

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here on Wednesday (September 16) to add your link to the party.  See you there!

1. How do you define beauty? 

It may be cliche to say, but beauty comes from within. Of course there are people who are physically attractive, but I think real beauty goes deeper than that. Confidence, the way you treat others, and being 'real'  all make one's beauty something more than just appearance. 

2. Have you ever taken a trip by train? If so where did you go and what did you think of the experience? If not do you have any desire to do so? Where would you like to go? (You might find inspiration here-The Best Train Trips in The World)

No, but it's definitely on my bucket list. I've ridden a lot of trains around Europe, but have never taken a real train vacation. I'd like to take the Rocky Mountaineer as we have several friends who've done that and loved it. Course if money were no object you could book me on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express which runs from London to Venice. There may be options in terms of route, but I think that's the most popular. The original Orient Express route went from Paris to Istanbul, but that service ended in the late 1970's. 

3. Shell shocked, bombshell, bandshell, shellacking, in a nutshell, walking on eggshells...choose one and tell us why you chose it, or how it relates to your life in some way currently.

Our home town team took a shellacking in the college football season opener. It was painful. They looked slightly better Week 2.  Our VOLS won games in weeks one and two both though, which made us happy. 

4. Tacos, pistachios, oysters, clams, eggs...your favorite food on the list that comes in/with a shell? 

I like all of the above so it's hard to choose...eggs would probably be my favorite on the list. 

5. Are birthdays a big deal in your house? Is your own birthday a big deal in some way? Elaborate. 

Maybe you should ask my family lol. I try to make birthdays a big deal, including my own. I like party planning and celebrating the people I love. I want you to feel special on your birthday and I try to do something to make sure that happens. 

As far as my own birthday goes the thing I want most is to know I was thought about prior to the day. I know people say if you want the day to look a particular way then say so, but the main thing I want is someone else to do the thinking and the planning and the booking and the cooking.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I've been a bit off the grid here lately and have so much to catch up on. Just know I probably won't. I want to get back to my blog and hopefully I will. In the meantime...

I'm definitely turning a year older this week. 

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens...' 

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 671

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here on Wednesday (September 16) to add your link to the party.  See you there!

1. How do you define beauty? 

2. Have you ever taken a trip by train? If so where did you go and what did you think of the experience? If not do you have any desire to do so? Where would you like to go? (You might find inspiration here-The Best Train Trips in The World)

3. Shell shocked, bombshell, bandshell, shellacking, in a nutshell, walking on eggshells...choose one and tell us why you chose it, or how it relates to your life in some way currently.

4. Tacos, pistachios, oysters, clams, eggs...your favorite food on the list that comes in/with a shell? 

5. Are birthdays a big deal in your house? Is your own birthday a big deal in some way? Elaborate. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Ready-Set-Hodgepodge

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

1. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?  On a scale of 1-10 how much of a fan are you? (10 is never miss a game and 1 is I'm just here for the snacks). Who's your team? If you're playing along today, but live outside the US feel free to sub your feelings about futbol for the more American sport of football. 

I'm a fan. Maybe not a 10 but more than a 5. More so college football, although that's changing by the day and not for the better in my opinion. My feelings about it might change too. 

Call me old but I miss the days when kids played for a team, fans got behind their team, a player or two might transfer once at some point if they weren't getting play time, but mostly your team was your team and that was that. 

I'll hush. Go Vols!! And if we're talking NFL then Go Eagles! 

When it comes to futbol my grands love Tottenham so I've declared them my team now too. 

2. What's something you currently have a game plan for managing? 

Honestly I could use a game plan for managing a few things right about now. 

3. Do you like chicken wings? Hot, mild, or some other flavor? What's a must have food for you on a tailgate menu? I know tailgating isn't as big of a thing outside the US of A as it is inside the US of A, but you can also answer the question this way-what's a must have food for you at a sporting event viewing party? 

I do like wings. Hubs makes them on the Big Green Egg and he's got it down pat. 

Wings are messy though so I need to be dressed appropriately. I like hot wings with some celery on the side to cool things down. I like a teriyaki wing too and some of the creative saucing restaurants do. 

A must have food at a sporting event? I'm not sure there's a 'must have' food for me, but I like to see sliders of some sort, chips and guac, and popcorn. 

4. Teams typically have strict playbooks they follow. What is one unwritten rule or piece of advice in your 'life playbook' you think everyone should know?

The Golden Rule would be one entry in my life's playbook-'Do unto others as you would have them do to you.' 

5. This is the week we remember and mourn all that was lost and changed on September 11, 2001. I always include a spot for bloggers to share anything they'd like to share about 9/11. Share as much or as little as you like. 

I've written about this in various ways over the years, and this year think I'll just say this -don't forget.

Don't forget the lives lost. Don't forget the families whose lives were divided into a world where there is a before and there's an after. Don't forget the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary citizens who ran into the danger while others were running out.  

We're a long way from that awful day and some of what is going on currently in our country is downright frightening in terms of what's become popular ideology. The notion that we won't label what happened that day as terrorism is ludicrous. 

We were living outside of D.C. on 9/11 and we knew people who worked in the Pentagon. We also had a lot of secret service members who made their home in our community. I was the Director of a church preschool and kindergarten and the husband of one of our aides was George Bush's number one guy. We've also lived and worked outside of NYC and I think those of us who knew people who worked in the Towers or at the Pentagon cannot forget. A bright blue September sky is a quick and vivid reminder of that tragic day. 

I pray for the families who lost so much, who continue to grieve, and for our nation, that we would turn our hearts toward Jesus.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The beauty of the sunrise reminds me the same power that paints the skies is not surprised by anything a day can bring. He goes before us into each new day. 

What a comfort. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 670

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (Sept 9) to share your answers. See you there! 

1. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?  On a scale of 1-10 how much of a fan are you? (10 is never miss a game and 1 is I'm just here for the snacks). Who's your team? If you're playing along today, but live outside the US feel free to sub your feelings about futbol for the more American sport of football. 

2. What's something you currently have a game plan for managing? 

3. Do you like chicken wings? Hot, mild, or some other flavor? What's a must have food for you on a tailgate menu? I know tailgating isn't as big of a thing outside the US of A as it is inside the US of A, but you can also answer the question this way-what's a must have food for you at a sporting event viewing party? 

4. Teams typically have strict playbooks they follow. What is one unwritten rule or piece of advice in your 'life playbook' you think everyone should know?

5. This is the week we remember and mourn all that was lost and changed on September 11, 2001. I always include a spot for bloggers to share anything they'd like to share about 9/11. Share as much or as little as you like. 

6.Insert your own random thought here. 

A Gritty Hodgepodge

Welcome to September and this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. I appreciate all of the kind comments and messages sent regarding my mama. I'm going to ease back into the blogosphere today with the Hodgepodge. If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go-

1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing? 

Quite a lot actually. I took a look at my summer bucket list, which is admittedly filled with mostly simple stuff, and there are many things I never got to do that I wanted to do. I've still got three weeks to squeeze it all in, so maybe?

We didn't go peach picking this summer and I missed that. We did have a neighbor gift us peaches from their tree which were super delicious, but I love the view from the orchard when we go for pick-ur own. 

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be? 

I loved school and was a rule follower, so was happiest in the front row. If I were back in high school taking a class just for fun I'd choose French. 

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)? 

Tops on the list would be they must like children. It seems like that shouldn't need saying, but...

Other qualities I'd deem essential would be the more obvious- patience, stamina, the ability to think on one's feet, flexibility, and the ability to communicate effectively. 

4.  September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so how do you like yours? Would people describe you as 'having grit'? 

Have I ever eaten grits? I live in South Carolina so of course I've eaten grits and yes I like them. My favorite way to have grits would be in the form of shrimp and grits which is a Carolina staple. So delicious! I also like grits for breakfast with a little bit of butter and/or cheese. 

Do I have grit?  I think in areas that matter, yes. 

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy? 

Lots of things...a beautiful sunrise, music, going barefoot, dancing, a good nap...

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Speaking of the sunrise...

...some are pure gold. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 669

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here on Wednesday (September 2nd) to share your answers. See you there-

1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing? 

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be? 

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)? 

4.  September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so how do you like yours? Would people describe you as 'having grit'? 

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Today's Hodgepodge

Hello Hodgepodgers and others who are reading here. I'm posting today's link below, but will not be participating today. My sweet mom passed away earlier this week and there is a lot to do and feel and think through before I write about anything. I will though. 

In the meantime if you've answered today's questions add your link here, then leave a kind comment or two for the bloggers before you on the list. Life is short and precious. Spread some joy today. 

If you missed the questions visit the post linked here (Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 668)

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 668

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (August 26th) to share answers with all your friends and neighbors. See you there! 

1. How do you feel about the transition from lazy summer days to a busier fall routine? 

2. Your favorite cookie? 

3. What's something you've learned from a culture different than your own? 

4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic...which hat would you most like to wear? Tell us why. 

5. What's a small, random thing from your childhood that you still remember clearly? 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

A High-Flying Hodgepodge

Hello Hodgepodgers. Come on in. I've got the a.c. running on high. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then hop over and leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go...

1. August 19th is National Aviation Day...do you like to fly? Last time you were on an airplane? The date is chosen in honor of the history and development of aviation, and celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina? The city of Dayton in Ohio (their birthplace)

I don't love to fly, but it is often the best way to get from point A to point B so I deal. The last time I was on an airplane was back in February when I flew from South Carolina to Philadelphia to spend time with my mama. She lives just a car ride away now which makes visiting much easier. 

I've never been to Dayton, but I have been to Kitty Hawk. We spent some of our summer holidays in the Outer Banks when my girls were growing up, and we stayed in Kill Devil Hills one time which is right beside Kitty Hawk. 

The first flight actually took place in Kill Devil Hills but Kitty Hawk was the nearest post office so got the claim to fame. We saw the monument there on one of our trips, but mostly spent our time on the beach, in the water, climbing the dunes, and checking out the little shops. We love the area but getting in and out is always a bit of a nightmare in terms of traffic. 

2. In what area of your life do you tend to 'wing it'? Is this an area you should be winging? 

Lately it's been dinner, or maybe cooking in general. There's been a lot of 'let's see what I can make with what's on hand, is low labor, and won't heat up the kitchen to excess'. Honestly it's been working out okay but come fall I need to get back to better meal planning. 

3. A favorite book, song, or movie that relates to flight in some way?   

Book-The Huntress by Kate Quinn. The novel follows three storylines across WW2 and into 1950. Nina the Soviet pilot, Ian the war correspondent turned Nazi hunter, and Jordan a Boston teen and aspiring photographer whose father marries a soft spoken German woman Jordan suspects is a Nazi murderess. I like Kate Quinn's writing and this was a good read. 

Song-Watching Airplanes by Gary Allan. He's a country artist I think is underrated. He's had some great songs and I like his voice. We saw him as the opening act for Brooks and Dunn many many years ago and he played without breaks. Really good, and this particular song is one of my favorites of his. 

Movie-Fly Away Home This one is about geese in flight, but also the young girl who helped them 'fly away home'. If you've never seen this film its a really good one, and is based on a true story. 

4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or good old fashioned ice cream...what's your pleasure? Your favorite flavor? How often do you indulge? 

My answer would depend on my mood. I'm not big on frozen yogurt because I feel like it sometimes has a bitterness to it, and the texture is a little bit off for me. I love soft serve and gelato and would say those are my favorite. 

It's hard to choose a favorite flavor but if we're talking ice cream I love strawberry, rocky road, and coconut. If we're having gelato I love the stracciatella, which is a sweet milk or vanilla base with shards of dark chocolate throughout. 

I do like to go out for ice cream, but I never just sit down with a bowl of ice cream at home. 

I eat ice cream very rarely. Hubs on the other hand.... 

5. I never get tired of______________________. 

Seeing our flag flying against a bright blue sky...

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm in the very early planning stages for a trip out west. Has anyone been to the Little Bighorn Battlefield? How about the new Roosevelt library in North Dakota? The Tetons? If so send your travel tips my way. Thanks! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 667

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (August 19th) to share your answers. See you there! 

1. August 19th is National Aviation Day...do you like to fly? Last time you were on an airplane? The date is chosen in honor of the history and development of aviation, and celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina? The city of Dayton in Ohio (their birthplace)

2. In what area of your life do you tend to 'wing it'? Is this an area you should be winging? 

3. A favorite book, song, or movie that relates to flight in some way?   

4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or good old fashioned ice cream...what's your pleasure? Your favorite flavor? How often do you indulge? 

5. I never get tired of______________________. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

It's The Hodgepodge

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

Also, I don't actually keep books here. 

Anyway...if you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you before you run off. Here we go...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Speaking of time passing...

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

This Week's Hodgepodge Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

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

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

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A Pearl Of A Hodgepodge

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

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer. 

Time with my Tennessee grands, friends and family coming to hang out on the lake later this month, and dinner with friends at a Michelen Star restaurant where we were finally able to snag a reservation. 

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls? 

I like oysters and we have them on occasion. We don't fix them at home, but will order out if we're in a place that serves them. My son-in-law grills them and those are good too. True story- when we visited friends on Prince Edward Island  we went out with an oysterman and he pulled one out of the water and popped it into my mouth before I knew what was happening. 

I love pearls. They're one of my favorite gemstones and I have a set hubs bought for me in China and another set he bought for me in Japan. In the south pearls go with everything and I wear mine as often as I can. 

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'. 

There were those golden years when I was just out of university, just starting out in my career, just starting out in marriage, where it felt like so much was possible and the world was my oyster. 

In more recent years I'm going to say a road trip somewhere new. 

I love getting in the car and driving with perhaps a final destination in mind, but not rushing to get there, and having no real specific agenda for what we'll see and do along the way. Oh, there might be a few highlights or popular points of interest we don't want to miss, but I love the idea of enjoying the ride, stopping if something peaks our interest, and being open to getting off the beaten path to see what we can see. Those sorts of trips give me the feeling I think this saying implies. 

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why? 

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

I've been to Key West more than once,  but not to any of the other islands listed. I love the Keys but prefer Marathon to Key West. The sunsets in the Keys are spectacular. 

Hubs and I had a really fun trip to Duck Key which is near Marathon one year. It was the start of lobster season and hubs went diving and brought back dinner. A local restaurant cooked them for us. 

Plus I got to do this which was exciting.  

As far as which one on the list I'd most want to see I'll take the all expense paid trip to Mackinac Island please. I've never been and it's a spot that's on my want- to-see list. 

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- 

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month? 

Growing up August was firmly planted in summer and there was no confusion about that. School started after Labor Day and we were still squeezing in all the summer fun we could in August. 

Today maybe that's not so clear, but on the lake it's still summer. The lake is less busy too because schools start so early, and kids are back into all their sports practices, so the gentler weekends on the water are nice. 

Come Labor Day I'll shift into all things autumn, even if the thermometer says otherwise. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I read a thought provoking post on Instagram recently which I'm linking here-The Slow Death of the Beauty Of The World.  I think it's worth a read if you can access it. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 665

Hello Hodgepodgers. I have a very busy week ahead where I’m responsible for tiny humans, so there likely won't be much blogging here other than the Hodgepodge. Can't miss that now can I? Here are the questions to this week's random. Answer on your own blog then hop back here on Wednesday (August 5th) and add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer. 

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls? 

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'. 

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why? 

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- 

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The Hodgepodge. It's Grrrrreat!

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

1. What was the last thing you celebrated? 

My oldest grandson had a birthday a few days ago and we've had fun celebrating him big. There was a special dinner out with Nana and Pawpaw, a birthday party at home with his friends, and then his dad took both he and little brother out for a day on the river on his actual special day. 

Go big or go home is our birthday motto. 

2 July 29th is International Day of the Tiger. Besides the wild animal itself, when you hear the word tiger what's the first  person-place-thing-whatever that comes to mind? 

Well I live near Tiger town so the first thing that came to mind was the local university sports team mascot. There are tiger paws painted on the road in to college town, tigers on hats, shirts, Tervis tumblers, flags, and pretty much anything that's not nailed down and even some things that are. 

The football team has what's been dubbed the 25 most exciting seconds in college football with their run in down this super steep hill. The whole team flies down this hill after they've touched the rock up top, and every time I see it live I ask hubs if anyone has ever been injured here before the game even begins. He reminds me they're elite athletes as opposed to say someone like me who struggles to walk without falling on flat ground. 

He doesn't say that exactly but pretty sure that's what he means. I filmed it once but it doesn't really show how crazy steep it is. So fun though! 

3. The expression 'eye of the tiger' describes someone with intense focus, determination, and the drive to succeed. What area of your life are you currently bringing that kind of energy to?  

If the question had been what area should I be bringing that energy to I'd have several answers. But right now I am not bringing a lot of focus and energy to anything. 

4. What was the last meal you cooked? 

Let's use the term cooked loosely. Honestly I haven't done a lot of cooking this summer. I mean I have but not the every night thing. For the past month or so we've either hosted dinner parties with a full menu, been at a dinner event or eaten out, or we've put cheese and crackers on a plate and called it a day. 

It's been hot and I'm not super hungry for dinner when it's really hot outside. 

Monday night we cooked. Hubs grilled the most fabulous burgers and also some long hot peppers we were gifted by my daughter's mother-in-law. She gave us lots of jalapeños too and some pepperoncinis, but we added the grilled long hots as a topping to our burgers and they were delish. 

I made a quick cucumber tomato salad and some corn on the cob so if you call that cooking I guess I cooked. 

Thursday night we'll have ten friends here for dinner so there will be cooking then for sure. Although everyone is bringing something so even that won't require an excessive amount of work on my part. 

5. Describe your July using exactly five words. 

road trip • wedding • houseguests • celebrate 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

So, couple of things...if you're in the USA are you eating lettuce? How about eggs? What's happening? 

I don't know if you saw this amazing rescue, but this 16-year old lifeguard on a California beach is absolutely committed to getting this 10-year old drowning victim to safety. The waves are insane and I admire his heroism so much. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 664

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (July 29th) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What was the last thing you celebrated? 

2 July 29th is International Day of the Tiger. Besides the wild animal itself, when you hear the word tiger what's the first  person-place-thing-whatever that comes to mind? 

3. The expression 'eye of the tiger' describes someone with intense focus, determination, and the drive to succeed. What area of your life are you currently bringing that kind of energy to?  

4. What was the last meal you cooked? 

5. Describe your July using exactly five words. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

When The Hodgepodge Gives You Lemons

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

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate. 

I tend to set smaller, more manageable goals these days, so I wouldn't say they exhaust me. In this season I want to live with intention and focus my energies on what's going to matter for eternity. I would say I do feel a greater sense of urgency about some things because time is a tickin'. For all of us actually, but once you hit a certain age you're more aware of it. 

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons? 

I love lemon flavored anything. One of my favorites. I make a lemon pasta with shrimp, a lemon garlic shrimp, sweet iced tea with lots of lemon (gotta have the lemon here!!), lemon crepes, chicken piccata, lemon bars, and good old fashioned lemonade. 

Oh and let's not forget icy cold limoncello made with lemons from our lemon tree-

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it. 

I think I'm pretty good at this. I mean we don't usually have a choice, right? I'm normally that person looking for the bright side in every instance, which I think fits here. 

Now. I did have a situation not too many years ago, where I wish I'd been a bit better at making lemonade right off the bat, but will confess it took me a while to get there. Let's just say it was a learning experience and leave it at that. 

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color? 

The sun. Italian pottery. A bowl of lemons sitting on the kitchen counter. Daffodils.  A NYC taxi. 

5. How would you describe your attention to detail? 

Excellent if we're talking the written word. Something less than that if we're talking house cleaning. Hubs is a 10 in this department so I don't have to be. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Who's watched  I Will Find You on Netflix? We're more than halfway through and it's good. I love Harlan Coben's books and the television adaptation of this one is well done. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 663

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (July 21st)  to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate. 

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons? 

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it. 

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color? 

5. How would you describe your attention to detail? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A Guilt Free Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Don't be lazy now. 

Here we go...

1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate. 

Why does rest make us feel guilty? In this season of life I'm taking time to relax guilt free. We're not lazy people and while work is important rest is also essential. I enjoy having things on my calendar, both fun and commitment related, but I also love seeing some blank space to do nothing in particular. 

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset? 

I'm not someone who hides their emotions very well.  I cry easily and if I'm upset while talking I might cry. I try hard not to, but...

At other times I might go quiet, and since I tend to talk a lot going quiet is noticeable. 

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? What do you see as a benefit? How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? 

Well it's here to stay so I want to think about it at least a little bit. It's already tucked in to so many things we use every day so there's no avoiding it.  I listened to an interesting podcast recently on the topic and have linked it here (What Every Christian Should Know About Artificial Intelligence). 

A lot of people ask if I use AI to come up with questions every week. So far no, except in all likelihood something has slipped through the cracks. We just don't know (or always think about) all the spaces AI now inhabits. I come up with most questions off the top of my head. But I also have a book of questions Marilyn gave me, there are websites with questions, and I google topical issues to inspire questions, so it's a mix. 

I'd say AI is both exciting and worrisome. Like all technology there is the potential for misuse and actual evil and I'm sure we'll see that with AI too. Also I want to think and I guess the biggest negative I see is the temptation to become lazy in that department. I am rebelling against it as much as I can. 

Positives? I think if a summary is needed for something AI can be helpful and a real time saver. While it doesn't actually think it does consolidate a lot of information in a short amount of time and that's useful in a lot of instances. 

We want to take a trip out west and I was struggling with how to combine a couple of destinations without excessively long drive days so I popped my locations into AI and he/she/it? came up with a plan.  Since I'm not familiar with the geography in this particular part of the country I needed help and AI gave me a place to start.  

4. You're invited to a summer pot luck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? 

Depends on my mood, and possibly who else I know will be there. I would likely go for dessert because I like to bake and desserts hold up well in transport. 

5. It wouldn't be summer without___________________. 

A tomato sandwich, made with homegrown tomatoes right off the vine, slathered in Duke's Mayo. Yum! Haven't had one yet this summer, but it will happen soon. I need my daughter to share some of her larger tomatoes with me as we only grew cherries. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

So one of our state's senators passed away suddenly this week, and people are just vile. Sadly this is no longer surprising. 

I don't know how we've gotten to the point of celebrating the death of another human being in our country, but here we are. Lindsay Graham was from our local area and hubs and I met him in person once. He was really funny. Did we agree with everything he said and did? No. But he served our country in the USAF and raised his sister upon the death of their parents when she was just 13, and both of these things I do admire. 

I read a quote by Matthew Hennessey with the Wall Street Journal who said, "The best thing you can do when someone dies is say a prayer. If that isn't your thing, find something nice to say. If neither of those options works for you, there's a third option: Shut up." 

You don't have to agree with someone's politics to be decent in death. We need to do better. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 662

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (July 15th) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate. 

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset? 

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? What do you see as a benefit? How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? 

4. You're invited to a summer pot luck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? 

5. It wouldn't be summer without___________________. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.