A Mostly Tax Free Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge, and bonus the letter M in the A-Z Blog Challenge. You'll find my entry for that in today's random thought. Scroll down to question #6.

If you've answered today's questions add you link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. It won't be taxing at all. Now here we go...

Wait. One more thing. Hodgepodge links only here today, please and thank you. And now here we go for real...

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately? 

We do not do our own taxes. Actually our accountant phoned us at 8:30 PM Sunday evening to discuss, so thank your CPA because this time of year is brutal for them. 

Something I've found taxing lately? Hmmm...how about blogging my way through the alphabet every day in the month of April? I really do enjoy it, but it's also a lot. 

2. When it comes to travel are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you. 

I am not last minute except for those things that can only be added last minute. I am more of an overthinker when it comes to packing. I like options, and I like to have somewhat of a plan for what I will wear each day. If I'm flying I have more self-discipline, but with a car trip all bets are off. 

My packing tips? I have traveled a lot but still am not sure you want packing advice from me. Use the packing cubes. It keeps things organized in your suitcase and you can group items in whatever way works for you. 

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level? 

In hosting the weekly Hodgepodge for many years I've learned there is a national day and/or month for everything under the sun. Not complaining though because it helps me come up with questions when my brain cannot. 

I love a grilled cheese sandwich, and it's even better with a side of tomato soup for dipping. I feel like grilled cheese is a winter lunchtime meal and rarely make one in the summer. I will order a fancy grilled cheese on occasion, but my favorite is the plain old fashioned kind with bread, butter and plenty of melted cheese. No need to doctor it up. 

4. There's a well known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd  

Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? 

I've had seasons where I've been tucked safely in the harbor and that felt necessary. There have of course been many seasons where I've been tossed on the waves which, while unpleasant and confusing, were also likely very necessary. 

I'm not sure anyone's life is all smooth sailing. I think we can and do grow in rough water, but growth can also happen while in a place of stability and peace. Sometimes we need a more gentle environment to be able to look at our lives and see what's working and what's not. 

Ideally we need a balance of growing and rest. Think about the natural world where plants lie dormant in the winter and grow like wildfire in the spring. We humans need something similar. 

Now in terms of spiritual growth I want that to be ongoing. I want to always be growing more like Christ which I think is what we're made for. 

'Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.' Colossians 3:2 

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

• daffodils or tulips tulips
• lemonade or iced tea half tea half lemonade is my favorite
• gardening or hiking both, but if I have to choose I'll say hiking 
• ladybugs or butterflies butterflies 
• umbrella or raincoat both, but I am partial to a cute umbrella 
• floral patterns or polka dots I like both...my answer would depend on where the pattern is going; is it a top? a dress? a pillow? my bedding?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm using this space for today's letter in the A-Z Blog Challenge, continuing my theme which is The Things We Keep: An A-Z of Ordinary Objects. 

Day 13-M is for the MGB

Technically the MG is hubs baby but what's mine is his and all that jazz. Plus, I enjoy being a passenger in this little beauty who must have it's own garage bay in whatever home we own. 

We bought the MG in the UK and brought it back with us when we returned stateside. I will say we have more money in the car than the cost of the actual car but I think that's how it often goes with old vehicles.

The MG is a right hand drive vehicle which can freak people out when they pull up beside us at a traffic light. Hubs used to sometimes take our dog with him and the dog sits in what would be the driver's seat in the US so there are lots of double takes by people passing by. 

We drive it on country roads mostly, and try not to get into interstate traffic or super congested areas if possible. We never put the top up so we only drive it in good weather. It wreaks havoc on my hair but we don't get out in it every day so I deal. I am strictly a passenger because she's a tad fussy. 

The car is almost sixty years old, and we've owned her for more than twenty ourselves. I can't imagine getting rid of her, and hope maybe someday hubs can hand over the keys to a grandchild. None of them will be driving for years yet so it won't happen anytime soon, but maybe someday. 

For now...

...we cruise. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 649

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Hop back here on Wednesday (April 15) to share your answers. See you there! 

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately? 

2. When it comes to travel are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you. 

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level? 

4. There's a well known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd  

Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? 

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

• daffodils or tulips
• lemonade or iced tea
• gardening or hiking
• ladybugs or butterflies 
• umbrella or raincoat
• floral patterns or polka dots

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The Hodgepodge. Not Taxing At All.

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

1. Do you complete your own taxes? Besides actual taxes, what's something you've found taxing lately?

We don't complete our own taxes. We pay the professionals and in my opinion it's worth it. Fun fact...in the state of SC you have until May 1 to file this year. 

Something I've found taxing lately? 

When we got our new patio furniture they took the cushions from the furniture on our upper deck to refurbish. I mentioned to the decorator I was going to buy new and he said they could make them look as good as new and the price was reasonable. Far less than new cushions would be. So off they went. 

Getting them back has been a bit of a headache though. The shop is about an hour from me, but I'm over that way now and then so wanted to get them on one of those treks as opposed to making a whole 'nother trip for pick up. Plus we're having a party early May and we need those cushions. Plus they've had them since February so it's past time to have them returned. I was going to be nearby on Monday, and when hubs called the left hand hadn't talked to the right hand and we thought it wasn't going to happen. He persevered though, and did that squeaky wheel thing he's so good at and yay! I got the cushions. 

Gosh that was a lot of explaining. Maybe my answer to this question will be what you find taxing today-ha! 

2.  What are three values you treasure most in a friendship? 

A friend who is trustworthy, vulnerable, and selfless 

3. Do you meal plan or do you mostly wing it? Share your dinner menus for this week. 

I meal plan. Mostly. I always have a general dinner plan for the week, but I'm flexible if there's a last minute change of plans, an invitation to dine out, or we ate a big lunch and don't need an actual dinner. I have never been someone who decided last minute what we were having for dinner. That sounds super stressful to me, unnecessarily so. 

What's on tap this week..

Monday-wings on the grill, baked sweet potato, green beans 

Tuesday-homemade vegetable beef soup, salad, bread...I made this meal for a neighbor I'm taking dinner to, but my soup recipe makes a lot. I normally freeze half, but instead this was our dinner too. I play Mah Jong on Tuesdays so I don't always eat dinner on those nights. 

Wednesday-grilled Asian (flavorings) salmon, steamed spinach, roasted cauliflower

Thursday- butter chicken over rice, roasted veggies 

Friday-crock pot stroganoff, salad 

4. Thomas Sowell is credited as saying, ''There are no solutions, only trade-offs.' Agree or disagree? Discuss.

Well I mostly agree. I do think there's always a  solution, but not always the one we want. And solutions come with trade offs. If you say yes to one thing you're saying no to something else, right? I think what you're saying no to needs to be considered just as much as what you're saying yes to. 

For instance if I say yes to a full time job, that means I cannot participate in daytime activities I might enjoy like a book club or women's bible study. If I say yes to watching my grandchildren while their parents are away I'm saying no to my usual weekday activities. 

5. What's the best perk you've enjoyed at a job?

Most of my working life has been spent in classrooms and school buildings and there's not a lot of perks there. Unless you count the satisfaction of helping a child in some way a perk. Which I do. In most of my jobs I've really enjoyed the people I worked with too, so friendship might also be counted as a perk. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Using this space for my April A-Z Blog Challenge letter of the day today-

N is for Nostalgia

'a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations'

Consider this a p.s. to yesterday's post. If you missed it you'll find it here-(Pressed Between The Pages Of My Mind)

I've been sharing Easter throwbacks in my random thought on Wednesdays for the past several weeks so I'm incorporating today's letter into the picture. I've shared this snap on my blog before, but it's a favorite so I'm sharing it again.  

Easter, 1991...

Be still my heart. 

I see so much of my youngest granddaughter in the face of her momma there...her momma is the laughing baby girl my dad is holding. They grow up y'all but sometimes they birth one so much like themselves you get to relive the sweetness all over again.  

There's my niece with her darling smile wearing an old t-shirt over her clothes so she wouldn't make a mess. And my first born beside her with her favorite color egg cup-pink. She has a daughter of her own now, and guess what her favorite color is? 

I like the word wistful in defining nostalgia. That's exactly how this photo makes me feel. A great big sigh...happy, weepy, a longing for just a minute to be back in my momma's kitchen. 

Wishing you all a heart full of hope this Easter. 

Patiently Answering The Hodgepodge

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

1. Do you complete your own tax returns or hire out? Something you've found taxing lately? 

We fill out an organizer and send it on to the professionals. To be honest I find just completing the organizer 'taxing'. 

Something I've found taxing lately? Nothing springs instantly to mind. How about this...hubs is vehicle shopping and while he thoroughly enjoys the process, I find the whole thing taxing. 

2. It's spring (in the northern hemisphere anyway)...would you rather spend the day hiking in the great outdoors or planting a garden? Do you/will you have a garden this year? 

Hiking. 

I could definitely enjoy planting a garden if I had the right spot for one here. And if we were home for more than three days in a row to manage it.  I like to hike and there are lots of nice trails nearby that we still need to explore so I'm going with hiking. 

3. Do you consider yourself a patient person? In what sort of situation is patience not desirable? Are you happy with the degree of patience you have in your daily life? If not, what can you do to cultivate more of this quality in your life? 

I would say I'm a very patient person, although sadly not as patient as I was when I was younger. I asked hubs if he thinks I'm patient and he said "definitely".  Impatience rarely makes a situation better and in general winds everyone up in an unhelpful way. 

When is impatience a good thing? Well, the opposite of what I said a minute ago could also be true. Impatience can sometimes motivate me to get things done that need doing. 

Mostly though, in my mind, patience is a positive trait, and impatience negative. 

4. Do you like the flavor cinnamon? If so what's your favorite something made with cinnamon? 

I love cinnamon, probably one of my favorite flavors. I make a sour cream coffee cake that's really more like a pound cake and it's definitely one of my favorite cinnamon foods. In the non-food category, I like a cinnamon scented candle in the kitchen. 

5. Learn by watching or learn by doing? Elaborate. 

Depends what we're learning, but mostly I'm a learn by doing person. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Whatcha reading? I just finished Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano for our neighborhood book club happening today (Tuesday). I thought it was just okay, but I know people who loved it. I thought the story held promise but the character development was weak. 

I'm currently reading The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar, historical fiction based on the true story of Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law. Enjoying it so far, but I've only just started this one. 

I recently finished Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks, which is also historical fiction. Based on a real event, a plague that struck the English village of Eyam in the mid-1600s, the tale follows the story of a young woman named Anna. A really interesting plot line, but I have to say one of the weirdest endings to a book ever. 

I'm also reading Are We There Yet ?: My Journey From A Messed Up to Meaningful Life by the comedian Jeff Allen. I heard him interviewed on a podcast and am enjoying now reading his story in book form. 

If you're reading something great I want to know! Happy Wednesday everyone!

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 546

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

1. Do you complete your own tax returns or hire out? Something you've found taxing lately? 

2. It's spring (in the northern hemisphere anyway)...would you rather spend the day hiking in the great outdoors or planting a garden? Do you/will you have a garden this year? Flowers, vegetables, or a bit of both?

3. Do you consider yourself a patient person? In what sort of situation is patience not desirable? Are you happy with the degree of patience you have in your daily life? If not, what can you do to cultivate more of this quality in your life? 

4. Do you like the flavor cinnamon? If so what's your favorite something made with cinnamon? 

5. Learn by watching or learn by doing? Elaborate. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Ruminations On A Monday

My plan today was to blog first thing. Didn't happen, but maybe that was a little too ambitious for a Monday? For my Monday anyway. 

Before I could blog I needed to tackle the paperwork mountain that somehow popped up here last week. You probably know how that goes...one thing leads to another and another and before you know it it's 8 PM and you're trying to remember what it was you wanted to say twelve hours ago?

Nothing important. 

That's my blog lane and I'm stayin' in it.  

My momma was here all last week and when she's here I put everything on hold and just hang with her. We played at least a hundred games of Hand and Foot and worked no less than four jigsaw puzzles, minus a few pieces, thank you very much little brown dog! What is it with snagging a puzzle piece before it even hits the floor? Why??? I promise you we feed him. 

Besides cards and puzzles we enjoyed the beauty of the lake from the back deck, once hubs washed down the pollen. Ugh. He also grilled the most delicious ribs one night and they were every bit as yummy as they look.

                   

My mom and I discussed many of the world's ills and how we got here, and now how do we get out of 'here'? We talked about how our faith keeps us going when planet Earth tilts like one of those amusement park rides that make your head spin and your stomach lurch. 

We reminded each other not only does God have the whole world in His hands, but He is completely sovereign over it. 

I love my momma. 

Every day I expect to wake up and find the general population has come to its senses on any number of issues, which I won't elaborate on right now, mainly because I cannot abide mean people. Talking common sense, stating the obvious, and swimming against the current culture craziness are all things that bring the meanies out of the woodwork, and I cannot deal with all of that and file taxes too. 

On a Monday no less.  

Did you file your taxes? 

How about this face? 

Daughter2 drove over on Monday morning because her hubs was traveling and also because she wanted to see her Mema, and her Mema wanted to see sweet baby J. 

And her granddaughter lol, but especially sweet baby J. 

Chasing rainbows. He is everybody's day brightener. 

We have a few home and yard projects in the works (always!) and today the people showed up to make our garage doors less creaky and also to adjust the sensor so the door will go up and down on a sunny day when you press the button. 

Somehow the whole thing was off kilter so if the sun was shining the sunbeam would hit the sensor and the door thought (do doors think?) there was something in its path so you'd have to stand there and hold the button down until it was all the way down. Or up. Which kinda defeats the purpose of having an automatic garage door. 

First world problems I know, but annoying nonetheless, and now it's fixed and the doors make far less noise because somehow it was all related to being off track, and this is why we needed a professional. 

Next up will be sanding the yard which I know you won't want to miss-ha! 

We're home this week in case anyone wants to know. Seems worth mentioning because that's been a bit of a rarity here lately. Not gonna lie, when I looked at my calendar for the week I let out a big exhale and felt my shoulders relax. 

And now I'm thinking maybe this would be a good week to get the boat in the water and declare it officially lake season. What say you hubs???

Hey Peeps! It's Hodgepodge Time

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

1. Do you celebrate Easter? If so what are your plans this year? Did you have egg hunts as a kid? 

Yes we celebrate Easter, or as my grandson says, 'good news'! The events of Easter are what give me hope in a world gone mad. We don't have any big plans this year. Both girls will be here in early May for a baby shower and it's a bit of haul for Daughter1 to make the trip twice with toddlers in a short span of time. Daughter2 has been in clean up mode from a water leak so they need some time to regroup and relax. 

We'll attend church. I'd love to talk hubs into the sunrise service and the weather looks like it might cooperate, but he may prefer to stick with our usual later morning service, and that's okay too. A church friend who is also a neighbor invited us for lunch with two other couples and we'll all bring a dish and share a meal. Afterwards I'm thinking a nap. Sunday afternoons are made for naps. 

We did have Easter baskets and egg hunts when I was a kid. I don't remember ever going to any huge egg hunts, but the living room was still a lot of fun. 

2. What's your favorite bread to find in a bread basket? 

Not too particular about the type of bread but make whatever kind it is warm and the butter soft. 

3. Your favorite chick flick? 

It's hard to pick just one, but a few favorites are Under the Tuscan Sun, Sweet Home Alabama, 27 Dresses and My Big Fat Greek Wedding, 

4.Tax day is rapidly approaching in the US of A...what's something you currently find 'taxing'?

Besides taxes you mean? Because I still find those taxing. We just had a dead tree removed and have quite a few other outdoorsy projects that need doing and paying for and prioritizing and I find just thinking about it all somewhat taxing. I prefer sitting on the porch with my iced coffee and a good book. 

5. Have you ever ridden in a taxi? Do you have a funny-scary-crazy-interesting taxi story to share? Do you use any of the newer taxi-like services such as Uber? 

I have ridden in many a taxi and have had more than a few scary-crazy rides. London cabs are the best by the way. Don't even try to convince me otherwise. 

We use Uber when we're in a place that has Uber. Not really an option out here in the country. 

One of the 'scarier' taxi rides I experienced was in the Bahamas. I was meeting hubs at the end of a work thing there and another woman was supposed to be on my same flight but missed her connection. We were going to share a cab but it ended up just me and the cab driver in the dark of night and this was back in the olden days of no cell phones. 

We were driving along when he suddenly pulled into a small apartment complex, told me he'd be right back, took a paper bag from under the front seat and dropped it on someone's doorstep. He then carried on driving me to the hotel as if nothing had happened. I lived to tell the tale so maybe it was simply take out for his momma as opposed to something nefarious? Right. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Using this space for today's letter of the day in the A-Z April Blog Challenge. My theme this year is 'these are a few of my favorite things'...

Day 11-K is for Promises Kept

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The Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here and add your link at the end of my post. Don't forget to copy the button code or add a link back here somewhere in your post so your readers can join in too.

I don’t have it in me today to get creative with a title. Currently sitting in the car blogging on my phone as we are still without power after Sunday’s tornado. Hoping everything posts and links as it should. Let’s give it a whirl-

1. In Monday’s post I mentioned I would incorporate the word I was given for letter K into this week’s questions. That word was karaoke. On a scale of 1-10 how excited would you be to find out there was karaoke happening at your next gathering/outing with friends? 10=gimme that microphone!, and 1=I suddenly remembered there’s somewhere else I need to be.

I enjoy watching, but am not a singer so am going with a 4. Unless we’re talking carpool karaoke and then I’m all in. I do love belting out a song when I’m alone or not alone in the car. 

Have you ever actually done karaoke?

Does sharing a mic with my sister in our living room count? We once sang some Shania Twain a little too enthusiastically, and in fact my daughter brought it up had a flashback as soon as I said the word karaoke. For the record, my sister and I thought we were GREAT! Ha! 

If you had to perform karaoke what would be your ‘go-to’song?

Dancing Queen by ABBA? Or anything by ABBA because everyone knows all the words and their music is made for a sing-a-long. If I'm on the mic I want other people singing with me. 

2. How do you listen to music these days? Favorite app or do you listen the old fashioned way? Do you have music playing often in your home? Is there still a CD player in your car?

We have Sonos in our house so normally listen that way. Speakers are inside and out and we can control where music plays, and can have different music playing in different parts of the house. We like Pandora and we also have Alexa which I tend to use when I’m in the kitchen cooking. I normally listen to Sirius radio in the car, but we do have CD players we still sometimes use. This is where I see a generation gap because my kids do not listen to CD's in their cars. 

We have music playing in our home most nights. Hubs would have made an excellent D.J.

3. The HP lands on US tax day this year. Or what used to be tax day before everything including filing your taxes was cancelled, delayed, postponed or extended. FYI- filing your taxes has not been cancelled, only delayed for a bit.

Besides staying away from anyone and everyone, what have you found taxing lately?

I have always enjoyed grocery shopping but it’s a lot of work these days. Trying not to take too long in the store, wearing a mask, not handling what I’m not buying, getting it all decontaminated once I’m home, wiping down door handles, all without hubs help since we’re keeping it to one person handling the items. I hope someday soon we can leisurely meander through the market, then come home and put everything away without a fuss.

4. You’re without power so no oven, and you can’t open your frig or freezer in order to keep what’s in there from spoiling. And you don’t have access to take out. What will you make us for dinner?

My life currently. We ate peanut butter sandwiches on Monday night with half a box of cookies as our side. It was pretty delicious. I'm answering these questions on Tuesday and conveniently had a Home Chef delivery already scheduled so we'll eat one of the two meals I ordered, salmon because hubs can use the grill.  

5.  I’ve seen this exercise going around Facebook and thought it would be a good one to include in the HP...what are five things everybody seems to love and go crazy for that you personally don’t care for?

I’ve enjoyed reading responses to this one on Facebook. Here’s mine-

High waisted swimsuits
The Marvel series of movies
Tattoos
Cruises
Late night TV host monologues

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

I wrote my answers to the HP earlier today (Tuesday), but it's almost 5 pm now and I wanted to edit my random thought. Whoohoo!! Power is on and we're back in business! Almost back in business. I didn't get my A-Z post written for Tuesday's letter (L), but I'm not going to skip it because the word my sister picked is one of my favorites. A virtual room temperature pint to anyone who correctly guesses-ha! 

Anyway, it ties in nicely with the word a friend sent for the letter O (Friday's post) so I'm going to incorporate it there. Stay tuned. 

But what about Wednesday's letter? That one came from my brother-in-law and I feel qualified to write about it here...

Day 13-M is for Monotony

Did my brother-in-law know when he chose this word we'd still be social distancing, only now without power to keep things humming along at home? 

So what about you? Are you bored? Is life feeling a bit monotonous? Let's all weigh in...

I guess life is a bit monotonous in the sense the days tend to run together and one day is not all that different from the next. We're not spending time with friends, not traveling, and not dining out the way we normally do, but I have to say I'm not at all bored. 

For all the coming and going we do on a regular basis here, I am something of a homebody. I'm enjoying less activity every single day, and am indulging without guilt in my quieter hobbies of reading and writing. I don't feel any pressure to be somewhere else and it's kind of nice. 

I like it. 

A lot. 

Today I read a whole book, start to finish, while sitting in the sunshine on my back patio. It was glorious. 

I know we'll all be glad to get back to the days where there is freedom of movement and freedom to interact with one another up close, and I look forward to that too. I also know I'm going to want some days like today built into my calendar always. A little calm to cut the crazy. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 364

Here are the questions for this week’s Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with your friends and neighbors.

Currently setting this up to post via my phone since we’re without power, and I can’t link the button. Hopefully by Wednesday my internet will be back in business. Here we go-

1. In Monday’s post I mentioned I would incorporate the word I was given for letter K into this week’s questions. That word was karaoke. On a scale of 1-10 how excited would you be to find out there was karaoke happening at your next gathering/outing with friends? 10=gimme that microphone!, and 1=I suddenly remembered there’s somewhere else I need to be. Have you ever actually done karaoke? If you had to perform karaoke what would be your ‘go-to’song?

2. How do you listen to music these days? Favorite app or do you listen the old fashioned way? Do you have music playing often in your home? Is there still a CD player in your car?

3. The HP lands on US tax day this year. Or what used to be tax day before everything including filing your taxes was cancelled, delayed, postponed or extended. FYI- filing your taxes has not been cancelled, only delayed for a bit.

Besides staying away from anyone and everyone, what have you found taxing lately?

4. You’re without power so no oven, and you can’t open your frig or freezer in order to keep what’s in there from spoiling. And you don’t have access to take out. What will you make us for dinner?

5.  I’ve seen this exercise going around Facebook and thought it would be a good one to include in the HP...what are five things everybody seems to love and go crazy for that you personally don’t care for?

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

A Medley of Thoughts

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge, and also today's A-Z Challenge post for the letter M. You'll find that by scrolling down to #8. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, and then go say hi to your neighbor.

Please do not link here if you have not answered the questions. I understand the desire, but this space is reserved on Wednesdays for the Hodgepodge only.  Thanks for understanding! 

1. Speaking of April 15...what's the most 'taxing' thing you've done recently?

Hmmm...most things I find taxing around here have to do with actual taxes, so there's that. Also, we're selling a house and the whole process is a little bit taxing. Maybe even more than a little. 

2. When did you last take a taxi somewhere and where was that somewhere?

I'm trying to remember. Every now and then we grab a cab to get from point A to point B in the city, but I don't think we've needed to do that in a while. We try to walk everywhere. We did take a taxi in Portugal last summer, and that might be the last time I was in a cab. 

3. What's something you can do today that you couldn't do a year ago?

Call myself a mother-in-law! 

photo credit: Chris Isham 

4. How often is chicken (in some form or fashion) on your menu at home? Which of the following would you most like to see on your table tonight....a chicken salad sandwich, your mom's fried chicken, a Chick-fil-A meal, Cracker Barrel's chicken n' dumplings, a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings, or 'hold the chicken, I'm a vegetarian'...?

We had chicken last night. I typically have a salad topped with grilled, roasted, or barbecued chicken at least one night a week, and then also have it fixed some other way at least once or twice more. I like chicken and you can change it up with so many different flavors and preparation styles.  

Of the chickens listed I'd choose Chick-fil-A. We don't have Chick-fil-A in our neck of the woods, so it's a pretty rare treat. 

5. What was your favorite television program when you were a kid? What characters do you remember the most?

Define kid. I'm not sure I can choose just one, but some of my favorites growing up were The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Here Come the Brides, The Partridge Family, My Three Sons, The Brady Bunch, and The Mod Squad.

I loved Mary Tyler Moore. I wanted a cool apartment and my own theme song.  

6. What was the last piece of 'art' you made?

Lots of diy-ing happened here in December. Daughter1 and I spent more than a few hours working together on some of the detail that made her wedding day feel personal. I haven't done a whole lot of 'crafting' since then, since we've been busy preparing for a move. 

7. What frustrates you most about the Internet?

Probably pop up advertising and videos that refuse to load. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Once again using this random space today for my A-Z Challenge post....

M is for The Change

Can't really have change as my theme without talking about The change. 

Yes with a capital The. Like death and taxes, it's unavoidable. At least I think it's unavoidable. If there's a way to avoid it nobody told me. 

I'd excuse the men here, but you have to live with us, so you might want to read to the end-ha! 

In my experience, this is not a change you can really prepare for. It's a bit like being hit by a mack truck and surviving to tell the tale. You regroup, take inventory of what still works, and make allowances for what doesn't. You carry on, a little wobbly at first, but recover your footing eventually. 

You don't expect your footing to be perfect either. 

Good enough is suddenly pretty good. 

I remember feeling just a little bit crazy. Hubs will attest to this-ha! I told my Dr. I wasn't myself...that something was wrong, but I could not articulate precisely what that something was. And my doctor bless him, didn't call me crazy. 

But y'all I was a little crazy. 

Maybe not crazy, but definitely not rational. I felt like I was in a perpetual fog. Like my blood was no longer racing through my veins, but instead was crawling through at a snail's pace. My memory has always been sharp as a tack, and suddenly I couldn't remember my own name. 

I gained weight literally overnight and my eyesight went from 20/20 to can't-see-the-fine-print-or-the-big-print either. I won't bore you with the rest like all the less than positive changes to my hair, skin, and more but trust me it's akin to Invasion of the Body Snatchers. 

It all feels quite rude, which I think is the hardest part about the whole thing. You're going along feeling confident, energetic and really good about hitting some sort of stride in your 40's. You know yourself or at least feel like you do, and BAM! in a literal  flash you seem to be falling apart. You wonder who is this person? 

It takes some time to figure it all out and you need to be kind to yourself while you do, because you will figure it out. You won't stay stuck in the fog forever, although there are still  foggy days now and then. You will still occasionally want to open the freezer and climb in for a minute to cool off, but the intensity of it all subsides. I know some women take hormones, but I wasn't a candidate for those so needed to find other ways of  regaining my equilibrium. 

Diet and exercise. 

Yup. Two things I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to in my 20's and 30's suddenly took center stage. I reached my late 40's never needing to think about my weight. And exercise? Blech. Swimming and hiking were wonderful in a natural setting, but I wasn't a gym rat. I liked being outdoors, and if exercise naturally fit with that, then okay. Otherwise, blech!

Hello new habits. 

It's taken me a while to find what works for me, and I imagine everyone's different. No gimmicks or tricks, just a healthy diet with less sugar, little or no processed foods, and a regular early morning appointment with my boot camp peeps. 

It really is true what 'they' say...you're never too old to learn something new. 
Change sometimes forces you to recognize that. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 217

L is for Later, which is when today's post for the A-Z Challenge will be up. In the meantime you can read yesterday's letter K by clicking here. Or you can join this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

That I've got covered!

Answer the questions on your own blog, then pop back here tomorrow and add your link to the party.

1. Speaking of April 15th...what's the most 'taxing' thing you've done recently?

2. When did you last take a taxi somewhere and where was that somewhere?

3. What's something you can do today that you couldn't do a year ago?

4. How often is chicken (in some form or fashion) on your menu at home? Which of the following would you most like to see on your table tonight...a chicken salad sandwich, your mom's fried chicken, a Chick-fil-A meal, Cracker Barrel's chicken n' dumplings, a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings, or 'hold the chicken, I'm a vegetarian'...?

5. What was your favorite television program when you were a kid? What characters do you remember the most?

6. What was the last piece of 'art' you made?

7. What frustrates you most about the Internet?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I know I'm not the only one...

Income taxes? Blech. I’ve been working on our online organizer which must be submitted to the accounting firm by Monday or else! Quite honestly I think I’d rather give the ski jump a try than answer one more question about how many days of the year were spent in the UK and how many in the US and how many in Timbuktu and were we working/vacationing/in transit/on a designated work holiday/weekend/ oh and color code it by country thank you blah blah blah.

Once we moved to the UK we had to bring in the professionals because I love words not numbers but also if you could see the book that our final paperwork turns out to be you’d understand. We also have to file taxes in the UK except their tax year is different than our tax year (naturally) so yay! we get tax fun pretty much year round. And the whole half a year in one country and half a year in another country complicates matters. I know you’re thinking how can it possibly be more complicated but trust me, it can.

American Idol? Get on with the singing already. It feels like it has been yakkety yak yak yakking this time around. Enough with the talking pu-leez!

Curling? Huh?

Women’s alpine skiing? Yikes! I couldn’t watch when the Swiss girl bounced across the slope. The reports today said she suffered just a little dizziness but other than that she was okay. This is why you don’t see 40 something year old women on the ski team. If I bounced across the slope like that I’d be the color of an eggplant. Which is aubergine. I love that word.

The Bachelor? Stop the madness. Like watching a train wreck. Or an alpine skier on an icy slope in Vancouver.

DTR? Daughter 2 and I were just on the phone and she casually dropped this into the conversation and continued right on with her story. I had to tell her to back up for a quick vocabulary lesson. Any guesses? Define the relationship. You know...Are we friends? Are we boyfriend/girlfriend? Some days I'm glad I'm my age. She told me I could use it if I wanted although she could not in her wildest dreams imagine what circumstances would require me uttering DTR. Guess she forgot I had a blog. Technically I think her dad and I have already d'd our r by getting married. I think you can see why my kids tell me not to use their lingo. And also not to use the word 'lingo'.

Graduation Announcements? Crazy! Daughter1 needs to place her order today. She is graduating. She's graduating. She is graduating. Maybe, just maybe, if I say it many many times the words will not feel so strange on my tongue. Or in my heart.

Spring? Thirty days away. At least that's what the calendar says. Bring on the daffodils!