It's Hodgepodge Day! Bienvenue!

Bonjour mes amis! Welcome to the games of the five hundred and sixty first 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 after you. Or all the bloggers on the list. 

On your mark, get set, go...

1. The Olympics kick off this coming weekend. Will you be watching? If you could watch just one event in person, which one would you choose? 

We'll definitely be watching. I always enjoy the Olympics. 

If I could only see one event in person I guess it would be swimming. I've always loved the gymnastics but we know more now about what goes on behind the scenes as well as the toll the sport takes on the body, so it's less appealing to me than it once was. 

2. Have you ever been to Paris? Is this a city you'd like to visit? What's your favorite 'French thing'? 

Ah, Paris. I love it. I've been a few times as it was an easy train ride from the UK. I cannot imagine the traffic with the Olympics on tap, but I wouldn't say no to a trip. 

My favorite French thing? Impossible to choose just one. France is a beautiful country and while I love Paris I love the small villages and countryside more. 

I also love the language, the food, the wine, the champagne...

... the architecture, the cheese, the bread, the Alps...                                                 

3. Macaron, creme brulee, chocolate souflee, mille feuille, or an eclair...your favorite French patisserie from the ones listed? 

Yes please. 

Okay, if I must choose-Creme brulee is my favorite dessert, but I do love all of the above. Europeans know how to do afternoon coffee and cake. 

4. July 24th is National Cousins Day...do you have many cousins? Are you close to them? Will you see any of your cousins on July 24th? 

I have a lot of cousins, but have never lived geographically near them, and most of my cousins are older than me. One of my dad's brothers had two sons nearer the age of my younger sister and I, and we did see them from time to time, as they were at least on the east coast. My parents grew up in Colorado and New Mexico so most of my cousins lived on that side of the country, and people didn't travel the way they do now. 

This was taken on my grandparents Colorado farm. My grandpa is the one who looks like a farmer and I'm standing beside him with my brother, younger sister, and two of my cousins. My uncle is the one with his shirt unbuttoned. It was summer so I guess maybe he was warm? 

Whenever we visited grandparents we spent time with our cousins too. It wasn't often, but I liked knowing I was part of a big extended family and still appreciate that today. Thanks to Facebook I've reconnected with some of them there. It's been fun to see their growing families and share a little bit of our lives that way. 

5.  Last time you went somewhere that felt like 'everyone and his cousin' was there? 

Hmm...I pretty much try to avoid huge crowds these days. How about my dock on the 4th of July lol! If you don't know what I'm talking about I mentioned it here-A Post Holiday Hello Monday

We'll be at the Atlanta airport this week and I can pretty much guarantee there will be a crowd. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I've recently added a follow me by email option on my sidebar. If you'd like to be notified via email of new posts here, just put your address in the box and click subscribe. 

Also, I'm wondering how you respond to comments on your blog? Do you reply to the commenter by email or do you reply to them right under their comment on your own blog? If you ask a question in the comments section do you go back to the blog to see if it's been answered? 

If I respond to a commenter under their comment I'm not sure the person will be notified or will come back and see my answer.  Email replies feel more reliable, and I usually end up doing both. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 561

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. The Olympics kick off this coming weekend. Will you be watching? If you could watch just one event in person, which one would you choose? 

2. Have you ever been to Paris? Is this a city you'd like to visit? What's your favorite 'French thing'? 

3. Macaron, creme brulee, chocolate soufle, mille feuille, or an eclair...your favorite French patisserie from the ones listed? 

4. July 24th is National Cousins Day...do you have many cousins? Are you close to them? Will you see any of your cousins on July 24th? 

5.  Last time you went somewhere that felt like 'everyone and his cousin' was there? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Just Like That Groundhog...

The Hodgepodge keeps popping up here every Wednesday. 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. Otherwise we'll have six more weeks of winter.  

Here we go-

1. The Wednesday Hodgepodge landing on Groundhog's Day sounds about right. Besides the Hodgepodge what else lands on your calendar just once a week? Is it as much fun as the Hodgepodge-ha!? 

I attend a Women's Bible Study every Wednesday morning and volunteer in a local soup kitchen every Thursday. Are these activities as much fun as the Hodgepodge? Pssht...nothing is as much fun as the Hodgepodge, is it? 

2. The Winter Olympics begin on Friday, surrounded by much controversy. Will you be watching? Why or why not? Have you ever been to China?

Let's start with the easy part...have I ever been to China? Yes. Not Beijing, but Shanghai which I thoroughly enjoyed. That trip was ten years ago and the world was not what it is today. 

I feel for the athletes who spend their whole lives preparing and have no control over where the Olympics are held. But y'all I also feel for the Uyghurs who have been placed in 're-education camps' while the world stays mostly silent. Didn't we decide that wasn't who we wanted to be all the way back in 1944? 

These days it is so hard to weed out the truth in our news, but if the stories coming out of these camps are to be believed then what are we doing? Then there are the issues of Covid, the athletes privacy, etc. Ugh. The Olympics rightfully get 24/7 coverage most years but I am not sure how much, if any, I will watch. 

3. Something in your life lately that has felt a bit like an 'olympic event'? 

Not to sound like a broken record, but I might need a medal when these house projects wrap up. Assuming they wrap up. They're not even huge, just painstakingly slow in getting everything that needs getting, and then installing everything that is eventually gotten. I ranted about mentioned it in my post Monday. 

4. Do you like fondue? Sweet or savory? Restaurant only or do you own your own fondue set?

I do like fondue, particularly if it's served in a charming French ski town high in the Alps. My kitchen is okay too I guess. We never go out for fondue, and rarely make it at home. For a while we made fondue on New Year's Eve and that was always fun, but we haven't done that in several years. I have two pots, one is traditional and one is designed for chocolate. If I can only have one I want the cheesy kind, and now this post has me thinking we need to have a fondue night. 

5. Give us five short (2-3 word) phrases to sum up your January. 

Brrrr....

Let's write

It's a BOY!!!

Let's read

Beauty in a winter sky

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I made a delicious parsnip-butternut squash soup Monday evening using this recipe from Love As Food. Y'all. I am not a food blogger, nor will anyone every mistake me for one. When I cook I'm a bit of a mess, my kitchen is a mess, and I forget to take pictures. 

Except one. I took one. 

We both loved the flavor, really really tasty. I loved the texture of the soup but hubs wanted it thicker so I'll adjust something next time. Also, the recipe says to use your blender and it seemed like my immersion blender would work just fine, but see note above about my messy kitchen. Next time I'll use my big blender. 

Happy February to you all! 

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 450

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

Side note-I've signed up for a #28daywriting challenge hosted by Anita Ojeda. She's keeping it simple, just post something every day in February. I'm not great at that everyday thing, but since I'm working to develop discipline, focus, and consistency in my writing I'm giving it a whirl. 

And also giving myself a break on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, since I already host this weekly link-up. I'm posting Hodgepodge questions on Tuesdays and answers on Wednesdays, which may not always be deep but they are fun. It counts. Hop over to Anita's site if you want to know more about the challenge. 

Now back to your regular programming-

1. The Wednesday Hodgepodge landing on Groundhog's Day sounds about right. Besides the Hodgepodge what else lands on your calendar just once a week? Is it as much fun as the Hodgepodge-ha!? 

2. The Winter Olympics begin on Friday, surrounded by much controversy. Will you be watching? Why or why not? Have you ever been to China?

3. Something in your life lately that has felt a bit like an 'olympic event'? 

4. Do you like fondue? Sweet or savory? Restaurant only or do you own your own fondue set?

5. Give us five short (2-3 word) phrases to sum up your January. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The It's Still Summer Hodgepodge

So much going on here at the moment, but nevertheless we've got a mid-week Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then run say hi to your neighbor. And by say hi I mean leave a comment 'cuz neighbors love comments.  Here we go-

1. It's National Waffle Day (August 24th)...what decision are you currently 'waffling over'? (or share one you've recently 'waffled over')

All in all we're pretty decisive round here, something the whole home build process tests on a regular basis. We like what we like and haven't waffled much on the big stuff. We do occasionally waffle on the 'small' stuff, and currently that would be the countertop edges. Not the actual countertops because choosing the granite was easy. But the edges? The edges are such a small thing which is why we waffle. 

2. It's the middle of August, but I'm already seeing lots of autumn-related posts. Do you think we rush the seasons? If so, does that bother you? I saw (here) an end of summer bucket list that included-

make s'mores, read a new (or favorite) book in the park, eat something delicious and bad for you at a state fair, have a pot luck picnic, book a last minute sumemr getaway, relax by or in the pool, take a hike to watch the sunset, have a day on the lake, try a new summer recipe

Which activities on the list might you squeeze in before summer officially comes to a close?

Yes we rush the seasons, how else do you explain Halloween costumes and candy in supermarkets in July? I don't get it. There's plenty of time to enjoy fall, to look forward to it even, but do we have to start the celebrating soooo early??? 

As far as the list goes...no to the s'mores, but I'll definitely read a new book or two. It will be part of my day on the lake though, since parks are kind of warm here in August. I'll relax by the pool, we'll take a boat ride to watch the sunset, and I'm sure I'll try a new recipe or two.  

As far as what I'd most like to do on this list? Book a last minute summer getaway. Will that happen? Not likely. It's all house all the time here until we're in, plus hubs has some work travel so I'll need to man the fort aka weigh in on any last minute decisions with the build and landscaping.

3. Your favorite summertime 'art' found in nature?

Oh I could never pick just one. Impossible! 

Sunlight dancing on the water-

 ...summer skies-

...and watching the sunset from the back of a boat all rank right up there on my list of favorites. 

4. Stephen R. Covey is quoted as saying, 'We judge ourselves by our intentions, and others by their actions.' Agree or no? Do you define yourself based on your intentions, your actions, or something else?

Agree. We can only guess at another person's intentions, which by default means I am making judgements based on actions. I do try to always see the best in people, and give them the benefit of the doubt when situations are murky. 

Myself though? I can be really hard on myself in terms of judging myself based on what I DO. I think it's important my actions are based on good intentions, but good intentions are only part of the equation. They have to be followed up with action and if they're not I feel disappointed in myself. 

5. Are you useful in a crisis? Elaborate.

I'm ususally good in a crisis, particularly if the people around me are feeling panicky. I might be a blubbering mess once things return to normal, but in the moment of crisis I can be level headed and useful. 

6. What's been your go-to dish this summer? Is it something you'll continue making as the seasons change?

B.L.T.'s  We eat a lot of them in summertime because the tomatoes are so delicious. Plus they're simple to prepare and you don't have to heat up the whole kitchen. We don't eat them very often once home grown tomato season passes and also because B.L.T's feel like summer food to me. 

7. Adult coloring books are a thing now. Have you jumped on the bandwagon? If not is this something you think you might enjoy?

I've always liked to color...it relaxes me. When I was in college I'd sometimes go spend the weekend with my sister who lived just one town over from the university. We'd buy coloring books and a big box of crayons and lay on her living room floor and color while we talked about life. These days I like to color when hubs and I are watching something intense on television. Like a tiny little gymnast sailing through the air in her quest for an Olympic medal. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Looking so forward to a weekend with nothing on the calendar. 
That's all. Carry on.

A Post of Olympic Proportion

This should probably be about four blog posts, but instead I'm jamming a whole bunch of things into one. 'They' say you should have a niche when blogging, and I'm pretty sure that's mine.

My daughter2 and I were talking the other night about the back stories of some of these Olympic athletes. She mentioned one in med school and we both kind of decided we must be underachievers. I need some bigger goals y'all. I can't do two things at once anymore and I'm not talking saving lives and winning medals. I'm talking simultaneously pouring a cup of coffee while talking to my mom about nothing in particular on the telephone. I've also pretty much concluded I cannot build a house and do anything else period.

I'm not really building, but have mercy will the decision making ne-ver come to an end? I thought we'd made all of our selections, but in recent weeks we've moved into a whole 'nother layer of choosing. We picked cabinets several months ago, but more recently needed to look through 54 pages of hardware options to go with. We chose stone for the fireplaces back in the spring, but now what about those corbels? Turns out there's an entire catalog of corbel options.

Do I even know what sort of corbels were attached to the fireplace in my previous home?

No. No I do not. They were pretty though. And on it goes.

Some people are completely energized by the home build process. They get all jazzed about whether or not the garage door should have a V or an X (hi hubs!), but I'm more like for the love, just pick one. Which is why I'm so thankful hubs is a detail guy and our builder's wife is a decorator. Some people do this kind of thing for a living, bless their hearts.

I do have opinions and a look I'm hoping to achieve, but there are just far, far, too many choices about absolutely everything. When I begin debating whether we should have an ogee, extreme bevel, or half bullnose edge on our countertops I know it's past time for more people, less things in my life.

So how about we do that Thursday Thirteen thing today, 'cuz that's pretty much all I've got. And random is likely all I'm going to have here until we move because I cannot coalesce enough brain cells to come up with something profound unrelated to home building. See paragraph #1.

1. NEEDTOBREATHE's new album (Hard Love) is so good. I love it, and was excited to see they're coming to our town. Also hugely disappointed to discover it's a date we're away. Why is our calendar so full three months out?

2. Speaking of three months out, can we just make a pact not to go full on fall-wild in August? It's summer people! Get a grip! There will be plenty of time for apple-pumpkin-cool weather talk in another month, but it's the middle of August so let's stay on task. Bare feet- sun on my face-lots of daylight. Why do we have to rush everything?

3. For the record fall is my favorite season. I felt I needed to clarify.

4. My Daughter1 wrote a post recently that was chockablock full of wonderful wisdom. If you know a young married, newlywed, soon-to-be married or anyone married read this.

5. I bought new bedroom furniture this week. Our bedroom furniture is over 20 years old and has been moved from pillar to post, so it was time. I know people who change out their furniture fairly regularly, but we are not those people. We buy good furniture and keep it for-evah. Or at least for 20+ years.

6. My cabinets are in-

7. And they've got hardware-

The lighting (or bad photography) make them look almost white or gray, but they are not white and they are not gray. They're a slightly distressed creamy color which I call oatmeal and I'm positively over the moon with how they've turned out.

8.  Hubs dad celebrated a birthday on Saturday so we trekked over to Tennessee to celebrate with him. Daughter2 came with us, which made Grandpa's day just about perfect.

9. When my girls were little and we'd visit the Tennessee grandparents, the first thing they'd do upon exiting the car was make a bee line for Grandma's jewelry box.

Time marches on, but thankfully the sweetness remains.

10. Many many years ago, I baked an Italian Cream Cake for my father-in-law's birthday, and he loved it so much a tradition was born. That tradition lasted for many, many birthdays, then I had two disaster years in a row, decided something was off in the recipe (it couldn't possibly be me???) and declared it the end of an era.

Hubs suggested this year I bake the cake as a surprise for his dad and-

Surprise!

11. I was not going to Tennessee without that cake, and managed to work a minor miracle with the icing. Voila! Trés delicieux! French makes even an imperfect cake sound fabulous, don't you think?

12. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate fine china? I have a theory that much of the rudeness-ugliness-impatience in the world today stems from that moment we started drinking coffee on the run in ginormous disposable cups.

Something so soothing and civilized about a china cup, a cloth napkin, and a slice of cake on a pretty plate. If you visit me in the lake house I'm going to serve you tea in a china cup.

Unless we're on the dock and then it's all plastic all the time.

13. Finally...hubs and I walk pretty often at the nearby university, and on Monday we passed a mass of yellow flowers in bloom. They were absolutely covered in butterflies. Covered! There must have been fifty butterflies on these plants.

I neglected to snap a photo of the entire garden because I was walking, and if you'll remember I can't do two things at once, but you should know it was amazing.

'If nothing ever changed there'd be no butterflies.' Author Unknown 

SaveSave

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?

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 277

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

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? 

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

A Gold Medal Hodgepodge

Welcome to the 276th Edition of the Hodgepodge Games! If you've got a blog you qualify to play along. Also, I might be working that theme a little too hard today-ha! If you've answered the questions add your link at the end of my post, and be sure to leave a comment for the blogger linking before you. Here we go-

1. Are you watching the Olympics? Your favorite summer Olympic event? I read recently a list of the most iconic Olympic moments in history...what stands out in your mind as a great moment from some past summer Olympic games?

We're watching. Like everything else under the sun these days, there's been quite a bit of controversy, but still we watch. A lot of the events I only half watch. I confess to hiding my eyes when those divers do an inward move or those gymnasts triple flip across a beam the width of a credit card.

My favorite event is probably swimming. I love the gymnastics but I just cannot relax while they're performing so the swim races are more enjoyable for me. 

As far as great moments...I loved watching Mary Lou Retton in the '84 games.  

2. Have you ever been to Rio? How about the place that started it all-Greece? Have you ever been to any of the Olympic Games in person? Is that something you'd like to do? Have you ever met an Olympian in person? 

I've never been to Rio, and it's not necessarily on my list of must-see cities. Sure I'd be up for attending the games in person sometime. I have been to Greece and we all enjoyed the trip so much. One of our favorite family travel memories. 

At the Olympic Stadium in Athens-

c. 2005

I've 'met' a couple of Olympians. Kerri Strug was at one of hub's work events back in the late 90's. She was really friendly, and chatted with my girls. I remember she had a warm smile and seemed so genuine. We also got autographs at Wimbledon one year, Andy Murray and Serena Williams were two of them. For some reason I don't immediately think of professional tennis players (or basketball, etc) as Olympians.

3. The ball's in their court (tennis), cross the finish line (track and field), on target (archery), make a splash (diving), on a roll (gymnastics), out of one's depth (swimming)...which Olympic-related idiom best applies to your life right now? Explain.

The house build is on a roll, finally!! so I'm going with that one. We're counting down the days to completion in weeks as opposed to months now. 

4. What have you earned a 'gold medal' in recently?

Nothing spectacular comes to mind. How about reading? I've read a lot this summer. 

5. What is it (or who is it) that motivates you to eat right, exercise, and do what you can to be healthy?

There are several things that motivate me to eat right and exercise, but the biggest factor is probably my age. No matter how young you feel, there comes a time when you can no longer take good health for granted and you do what you must to stay fit and healthy. 

6. Are you young at heart or an old soul? Explain.

I think I'm young at heart. I'm shocked on a regular basis to realize how old I am. I just don't feel it (most days). On the other hand I've always been a bit contemplative and that lines up more with an old soul. Maybe I'm a little bit of both. 

7. It's National S'mores Day (August 10th)...are you a fan? Will you celebrate with a s'more today? 

I prefer a deconstructed s'more. The traditional s'more is way too rich and sweet. Give me a perfectly toasted marshmallow with a side of chocolate and you can skip the graham cracker. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

The sunlight in Greece is magical. 

c. 2005

Or maybe it was the moment. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 276

The Hodgepodge is back in action this week, and here are the questions you need to answer in order to participate. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. Here we go-

1. Are you watching the Olympics? Your favorite summer Olympic event? I read recently a list of the most iconic Olympic moments in history...what stands out in your mind as a great moment from some past summer Olympic games?

2. Have you ever been to Rio? How about the place that started it all-Greece? Have you ever been to any of the Olympic Games in person? Is that something you'd like to do? Have you ever met an Olympian in person?

3. The ball's in their court (tennis), cross the finish line (track and field), on target (archery), make a splash (diving), on a roll (gymnastics), out of one's depth (swimming)...which Olympic-related idiom best applies to your life right now? Explain.

4. What have you earned a 'gold medal' in recently?

5. What is it (or who is it) that motivates you to eat right, exercise, and do what you can to be healthy?

6. Are you young at heart or an old soul? Explain.

7. It's National S'mores Day (August 10th)...are you a fan? Will you celebrate with a s'more today?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Fresh From The Garden Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Answer the questions on your own blog, then jump back here and add your link at the end of my post. Be sure you say howdy to your neighbor on the list, because that's how we roll here on Wednesdays. Here we go-

1.  Do you find yourself influencing your world, or is it more the other way around?

I think we all influence, for good or ill, our own little corners of the world. I certainly influence my husband and children, just as they influence me. Personally I think if everyone concentrated on loving and leading and also learning from the people closest to them the world be a better place. 

Somehow we've gotten caught up in making sure our voice is heard in some larger arena, that our opinions are noted and scored as 'right', when what we really need to be doing is loving the people nearest us every single day. I feel certain if we took better care of our small circles of influence the big one (aka planet Earth) would improve too. 

2. July 14th is National Tape Measure Day...the device was patented on this date in 1868. When did you last use a tape measure? Do you always know where to find one in your house? Tell us one way in which you feel blessed 'beyond measure'.

I went furniture shopping on Tuesday and used a tape measure several times. I do know where we keep ours at home. 

In what way am I blessed beyond measure? 

3.  The Plaza Hotel (Eloise), The Land of Oz (The Wizard of Oz), Narnia (The Chronicles of Narnia), The Hundred Acre Wood (Winnie the Pooh), Wonderland (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland), or Never Never Land (Peter Pan)...which storybook land (on this list!) would you most like to visit and why?

I'm going to say The Hundred Acre Wood. I like the beauty found in nature, and the wisdom of Pooh and company. The Hundred Acre Wood seems like a peaceful place to take a break from the chaos, anger, name calling, and political rhetoric we're confronted with on a regular basis.  

4. Where and when do you get your best ideas?

Generally somewhere quiet with a view to the outdoors, and definitely early in the day. In my old house I did my best thinking in our sunroom first thing in the morning, and I've got a spot already earmarked in the new house too. 

5. So what have you been watching on TV this summer? Anything good?

We've watched a lot of the Olympic Trials...swimming, track and field, and gymnastics. I'm looking forward to watching the games next month. 

6. 'Don't swim for an hour after you eat', 'Dog days of summer', 'Knee high by the fourth of July'...choose a summer saying from the list or share one of your own, then tell us what image or memory comes to mind when you hear it spoken.

Well you couldn't be a kid in the 60's or 70's and not hear that first expression at least once in your life. Makes me think of afternoons at the neighborhood pool, moms sitting in lounge chairs around the pool deck and kids on their towels spread across the grassy hillside behind. 

Lining up at the snack bar for a frozen Milky Way, jumping off the high dive, fun times with my sister, games of Marco Polo, waiting impatiently to get back into the pool the minute the whistle blew signaling the end of adult swim, and the carefree happy days of my childhood summers. 

7. In a single sentence, sum up one life lesson you've learned.

Prayer changes things. Most times that 'thing' is me. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My daughter's in-laws have the most fabulous garden, and the best part of that is they share. Last weekend hubs and I came home loaded with all of this goodness-

We've been feasting on tomato sandwiches, cucumber salads, a pan of to-die for eggplant parmesan, and super delicious veggie omelettes. There's nothing so sweet as produce right out of the ground except for maybe the people who grow it and share the love!

Follow your heart to the Hodgepodge

The blogosphere tends to get a little quiet in the dog days of summer, doesn't it? If you're in a slump, or you're just hot, tired and not quite ready for summer's end why not play along today? Once you've answered the questions on your own blog add your link to the bottom of my post and then go visit the neighboring countries.

That Olympic theme refuses to die. Sorry.

Here are my answers to this week's questions-

1. In an effort to combat obesity, the mayor of NYC has plans to ban the sale of large sugary drinks (anything over 16 oz.), initially in restaurants, movie theatres, and street carts. Corner stores would also be affected if they are defined as food service establishments. You can read more here. Your thoughts?

I understand his motivation, but I don't think it's up to the government to tell us what and how much we can eat and drink. Slippery slippery slope. I mean in reality people can just buy two 16 oz drinks but I suppose this ban would discourage that.

Here's the thing-people make bad choices in this regard (and hundreds of others) every single day. Will we next regulate how many bakery items you can purchase? How many pieces of fried chicken you're permitted?

I think the government has a responsibility to educate the general public in matters of health but beyond that, it's still a free country. When it comes to what we eat and drink I believe the government's role is to ensure food safety and to regulate/monitor/enforce the laws concerning the sale and distribution of drugs and alcohol.

Should people drink a 32 oz. Dr. Pepper every day? No.

Should they be able to decide that for themselves? Absolutely.

2. Art festival, music festival, food festival...which would you most like to attend?

Tough call...I'm going with music.

And maybe there could also be some great food available?

3. What are you irrational about?

Hmmm...did you read my post on Monday?

4. Do you feel confident you'll have a comfortable retirement?

This is a hot topic in our house these days as we inch ever closer. Given the current economic climate I'm not sure anyone can feel completely confident about their future financial well-being.

We've got children, hobbies, and a love of travel so actually filling the time won't be a problem. When it comes to our health we're doing our best to keep up with our 50-something selves. Let me just say that between the eyes, the teeth, the joints, the back, the heart, the colon, and the waistline it's a whole lotta work.

5. What's been your favorite Olympic moment so far?

(Not ever, just in the 2012 Summer games.)

I just love the US swimmers...not sure I can pick a single favorite moment but that 4 x 100 women's relay team is adorable. Missy Franklin, Dana Vollmer, Allison Schmitt, and Rebecca Soni...you're all invited to dinner at my house!

6. What would you label as the messiest room in your house?

My house isn't messy. I live with a neat freak and a messy house would send him right over the edge. If I had to declare one spot the 'messiest' I guess I'd say my office. It's not messy but since there's always something that needs filing-shredding-dealing with, it's the closest thing to messy that I've got.

7. Do you follow your heart or your head?

A few years ago my next door neighbor had a party. He put tags with a celebrity's name on each guests back as they arrived and you had to walk around and ask questions to figure out who you were. Most people were given names of living musicians, actors, etc. but I was having trouble guessing mine. My neighbor said he chose it specially for me because when he sees me this is who comes to mind.

It was Cinderella.

I'm going with my heart.

I've got hubs to be the voice of logic.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hubs and I went to the State Fair last weekend. Piglets that leap squealing from a platform to compete in a swim race make me smile.

What are they racing for you ask?

An Oreo of course.

A Decathalon of Sorts

I like the idea of wrapping up my weekend thoughts by writing a post on Sunday night but that rarely happens. My brain is like a computer (Ha!), not because it's crammed full of knowledge, but because it goes into sleep mode on Sunday and doesn't really reboot until sometime after Monday morning's third cup of coffee.

For the record, it's still Sunday but I have so many swirly thoughts I feel like I will never be able to get to sleep if I don't write some of them down. Hubs is laughing now. Okay, I'm sure I can fall asleep but my brain won't feel rested tomorrow.

Hey, did y'all know the Olympics are happening right this very minute? Does anyone else feel a little glassy eyed from all the viewing? I have a few thoughts about the whole thing so here we go...

The Opening Ceremony. I loved it. I know there were mixed reviews, but in our house it was a complete hit. As soon as the show got started both my girls simultaneously texted to say they were about to cry. I think you know we lean toward sentimentality around here and hubs and I were feeling it too. Daniel Craig, Mr. Bean, and the Queen herself all made us feel a little bit homesick for life on a small island.

I love their way with words, their smart dry humor, and the obvious pride (understated of course) they feel for their history and landmarks. Top it off with a mound of glorious green countryside representing Glastonbury Tor, and my heart was swept right across the pond last Friday evening. Don't even get me started on the sweet clear voices of children singing. No matter where I am when I hear the hymn Jerusalem I get a lump in my throat.

I know there are some critics out there but let's face it, following the Beijing opening is kinda like drawing the short straw. Personally I'm glad England stayed true to herself. I have a big giant soft spot in my heart for the UK and the people who live there. I didn't get the giant creepy baby bit, but the NHS did start off as a dream and is now something of a nightmare so I'm thinking metaphor.

I'm a little disappointed in NBC's coverage of the games. Firstly-too many adverts. I know they paid an arm and a leg to get the broadcast rights, but ugh.

Also, I like live coverage. I like the excitement of watching competition as it happens, and since it's 2012 and not 1985, it's nearly impossible to keep people from hearing or seeing the results somewhere. You can't turn on your computer, car radio, or even your phone without hearing who won the gold. Leaving your house is even difficult because restaurants, malls, and shopping centers all have radio and television playing these days. It's ludicrous. If we're unable to watch live we can set our DVR or watch the replay in the evening programming or on NBC online, but let's see the events as they're happening please.

I am loving the games themselves. How can you not feel moved when you see a medal winner wipe a tear from their eye, standing atop a podium as their Anthem is played?

Imagine getting to the Olympics and missing out on Gold by 32/100 of a second. Is that even a number? I love the underwater camera and the way the swimmers seem to be genuinely happy for each other when records are broken. I actually like to swim and have decided I need a suit, cap, and abdominal muscles exactly like theirs.

Also, gymnasts have nerves of steel. Man-oh-man! So many missteps and kerplunks on the mat and that darned horse. I think the degree of difficulty is so incredibly high now we're bound to see more spills with every passing year. It's insane what these tiny girls can do on the mats and beam. They're literally airborn. I find myself holding my breath during the gymnastic events.

True story-when my brother was in high school or maybe Jr. high, he broke his arm on the horse. When I came home from school and asked how it happened he told me he'd been shot with an arrow in gym class. I believed him. I don't know why I'm sharing this little tale other than the fact that vaulting and archery are both Olympic events and that horse is scary hard.

In non-Olympic related news we did actually get out of the house for a bit on Saturday. The weather couldn't quite make up its mind but we managed a walk in a nearby park before the rains came.

The humidity was brutal but nature came with a canopy which made it not so bad. It's a good thing hubs has eyes like a hawk, otherwise I might walk right into something like this-

The hornets were at home in case you're wondering. The model boat operators were also out on Saturday which is always fun to see. These boats positively fly...

Until they don't and must then be rescued by an actual boat.

Going on the hunt always wears her out-

fyi-she didn't actually catch anything.

A new diner recently opened in tinytown and we ate lunch there before heading out to see The Dark Knight Rises.

The movie was so violent. I mean, all the more recent Batman movies have been violent, but this one is seriously dark and disturbing. Why oh why parents of children who are less than 13, would you bring your offspring to see this??? I just don't get it. I actually thought this one deserved an R rating but we're relaxing our standards, and not in a good way.

Here's something a little bit funny. We ran in CVS before the movie and I purchased exactly two small items. Here's my receipt beside a yard stick-

Whaaaaaat? That's three feet! I didn't even want or need a receipt and this one is longer than my arm. It's not just CVS...it seems like all stores want you to take online surveys, rate their employee performance, join various reward programs, etc. and the result is a receipt the size of a yardstick.

I fear this post has become Olympic in length. It's the blog version of the decathlon since I'm pretty sure I hit ten different events. If you've made it to the end you deserve a gold medal.

Go USA!

The Games of the 86th Hodgepodge

Unlike the Summer Olympics which only occur every four years, the Hodgepodge rolls around every Wednesday. No training, sweat, or heavy lifting required either, so what are you waiting for? Come play along...

1. The Summer Olympics officially begin this Friday...will you be watching? If you could see just one event in person which one would you pick?

I love the Olympics, summer and winter, and we'll watch a lot of the coverage. If I could see one event in person I'd pick the men's swimming 400-meter Individual Medley final. Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte are expected to win gold and silver. They both want gold.

Plus their abs are easy on the eyes.

Just sayin'.

2. Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

I guess it depends on whether or not its a 'scheduled' lazy day or a day when I should be productive, but instead, have been lazy. I think we all need a lazy day now and then. We had a weekend of lazy days recently and it was bliss. That kind of lazy recharges my batteries so essentially being lazy was productive. Then there's the kind of day where my to-do list is overwhelming so I go read a book instead. That sort of lazy makes me feel icky and unproductive at the end of the day.

3. July 25 is 'officially' Threading the Needle day...can you sew? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being Betsy Ross-like, how would you rate your skill with a needle and thread?

About a 5. I know how to sew, but haven't done much more than a hem, button, or girl scout badge in recent years. I used to be a better seamstress than I am these days, but I think sewing is like golf...if you don't practice regularly you're not going to be very good. I have a sewing machine that hasn't seen the light of day since we moved to the UK. I should open it up, dust it off, and sew something I guess. Or I might just wait until I have grandbabies.

4. Threading the Needle can also mean to walk a fine line between two things or issues (think awkward social situation). When was the last time you had to 'thread the needle', figuratively speaking?

Politics on facebook.

I really dislike political stuff on facebook. Really really. I much prefer facebook-lite and wish people would save the political maneuvering for their blogs, letters to the editor, call in radio programs, rallies and the like.

I fear I'm becoming less adept at threading the needle when it comes to politics and facebook.

5. Kidney, pinto, black, or navy-your favorite bean?

I love Kidney beans in chili, pinto beans with cornbread or beside a plate of Mexican food and black beans or navy beans in my soup. I'll say pinto beans are my favorite, but that's mostly because I love cornbread and Mexican food.

6. Have you ever hosted a garage sale? Was it more success or bust?

I co-hosted a garage sale once. I was still hauling a bin full of baby clothes out of the back of my car when I was 'accosted' by a patron. She practically climbed up into the station wagon with me. Offered me $200 bucks on the spot for the whole bin, sight unseen. SOLD.

That's kind of how I like it. I know people love garage sales, but I'm not really a fan of sorting thru other people's junk (fine antiques are another matter).

I feel like a garage sale is too much work for mostly too little reward. I prefer giving gently used clothes to Goodwill or some other charity.

7. What makes you roll your eyes?

Passing a slow or erratic driver only to note he/she is on the cell phone or reading/sending a text. Arrrrgh! You're operating a motor vehicle-pay attention!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My daughter1 posted a fun thing on her blog this week and it's gotten me thinking...go here to read the post. I'm working on creating my own 101 in 1001 now, but it's harder than it sounds. Let me know if you're inspired to come up with a list of your own.

Gold Medal Hodgepodge Volume 85

Welcome to the weekly Wednesday Hodgepodge...answer the questions on your own blog then add your link to the bottom of my post. The more the merrier!

1. The summer Olympics begin next week and London is playing host. If you had the chance to go in person what (non-Olympic) London site would you most like to visit?

I think we all know I'm not going to be able to answer this question.

If I can only choose one thing I'm going to Marks and Spencers by way of Covent Garden. I'll browse the shops then pick up a picnic lunch and head over to Green Park. I'll sit on one of the chairs they let you rent there and I'll slip off my shoes and admire Buckingham Palace peeking thru the trees.

I'll hear that lovely British accent all around me while I eat crisps with my cheese and 'pickle' sandwich followed by a biscuit and a cuppa.

And the sun will shine.

And I'll feel lucky.

2. What is something in your life right now that feels like an Olympic event?

Answering that first question?

Okay, I guess I'll say figuring out where we want to settle when we retire and all the logistics involved in making that happen including the financial piece of the puzzle. It's still a few years away but not that many years away, and we like to have a plan.

The only thing we know for certain is that we will not retire in NJ.

One word...T-A-X-E-S

3. What's your favorite supper to prepare and serve when it's too hot to cook?

Cold chicken salad. If I don't have leftover chicken and don't want to turn on the oven I buy a rotisserie chicken from the market and use that. I add sliced almonds, sliced green grapes, chopped cooked egg white, and chopped celery combined with a little mayonnaise. I like this meal even when its not too hot to cook.

4. July 18th is National Get Out of the Doghouse Day...when was the last time you were 'in the doghouse?'

I honestly can't remember. I associate that phrase with 'in trouble' like forgetting to pay the electric bill or dinging the car or losing some important document. I don't think I've done anything recently that would land me in the doghouse.

5. What television commercial do you find particularly irritating or inappropriate? You may not answer with 'all of them'. I know some of you were thinking about it.

This one. The Vlasic pickle commercial where the guy eats a pickle at a funeral. I think it's in extremely poor taste.

6. Share one interesting piece of news from the year you were born.

The Summer Olympics were held in Rome the year I was born. Rome had originally been set to host the games in 1908, but Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 1906 so they were forced to pass the games on to another city, and coincidentally that city was London. Rome finally got its turn the year I was born-1960.

In other big news, JFK was elected President.

So essentially it was Presidential election politics and the Summer games. Kinda like now only with less advertising, pundits, and over the top media coverage.

7. What's the best part of your average day?

I love the early morning. The quiet, my coffee, and figuring out what the day holds.

Anytime of day my girls phone home.

I still love to hear the garage door going up signaling hubs home from the office.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

There is nothing on our calendar this weekend.

Other than napping I mean.

Some people would find that depressing.

We are not those people.

We haven't had a blank page on our weekend calendar since May 19th.

Questions for the Hodgepodge Vol. 85

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer the questions on your own blog then hop back over here tomorrow and link up with the wide wide world.

1. The Summer Olympics begin next week and London is playing host. If you had the chance to go in person which (non-Olympic) London site would you most like to visit?

2. What is something in your life right now that feels like an Olympic event?

3. What's your favorite supper to prepare and serve when it's too hot to cook?

4. July 18th is National Get Out of the Doghouse Day...when was the last time you were 'in the doghouse'?

5. What television advertisement do you find particularly irritating or inappropriate? You may not answer with 'all of them'. I know some of you were thinking about it.

6. Share one piece of interesting news from the year you were born.

7. What's the best part of your average day?

8. Insert your own random thought here.