Wednesday Hodgpodge Questions-Vol 117

Lucky you...it's time for the weekly Hodgepodge!  Answer the questions on your own blog, then 'march' back here tomorrow to link answers with the whole wide world.

Told you I was going to use that bad pun every Tuesday in March.

1. Do you play games of luck/chance for money? Have you ever played bingo for money? Visited a casino?  Placed a bet on a horse? Bought a lottery ticket?

2.  Will you be preparing and/or dining on the traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage meal this St. Patrick's Day? Mashed-baked-hash browned-french fried...your favorite way to have potatoes?

3. What's the last thing you felt 'green with envy' over?

4.  What's at the end of your rainbow?

5. March 12th marks the anniversary of the death of Anne Frank (June 12, 1929-March, 1945).  Anne's diary detailing her time spent hiding from the Nazi's during the war ranks as one of the best selling books of all time.  Besides your blog, do you keep any sort of diary or journal?  Was this a habit you developed as a child or is journaling something new for you?

6. What's an item in your home or closet that contains every color of the rainbow?

7.  Write a limerick with you as the subject.  You can do it!!  Just remember this is a family friendly blog...don't make me get out my wooden spoon.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Forward March!

It's a little bit funny how much bloggers like talking about the weather, especially this blogger, but the weather impacts our mood, our plans, and oftentimes how we view the day that is in front of us.  So let's discuss the weather, and some other stuff too, but let's start with the weather, shall we?

Last week was crazy.  The all knowing weathermen (ha!) told us we could expect to wake up to snow on Thursday morning, but nada.  Nothing. Nil.  Friday was a whole 'nother story.  We got literally a foot of snow.  It came down all ding dong day.  Our road wasn't plowed, but I ventured out to get my hair cut anyway.  I don't need to explain, do I?  I thought not.

Anyway, foot of snow Friday.
50 degrees and not a cloud in the sky on Saturday.
I'll take it!

We wanted to be out walking in all that glorious sunshine, but going to one of our favorite local trails would have meant trudging through deep snow, so we headed into the city instead.  I live in a beautiful little corner of New Jersey, where there are woods and lakes and bear, and I love all of that because I'm part country mouse.  I'm also a very large part city mouse, and New York City on a sunny Saturday makes my heart leap.

We decided to take the pup with us, and walk around Central Park for a few hours. Central Park is my dog's happy place. Her favorite thing in the world is stalking birds and squirrels, and Central Park is full of both.

They had snow over there too but not as much, and while the ground was still pretty muddy the sidewalks were clear.

We were not the only ones who decided a day in the park would be nice.  People were out in droves, biking, running, skateboarding, walking their dogs, pushing strollers, and of course simultaneously talking on their phones.  Yes, while skateboarding and running.

They were also sharing picnics on a big giant rock-

Blowing bubbles of the ginormous variety-

Painting themselves silver in an effort to entertain and make some money-

Napping while waiting on a train, bus, plane, friend?

This lady lugged her harp to Central Park-

I didn't even bring my purse.
We had important stuff to do too though...

...like soak up the sunshine on a sunny park bench.

Technically hubs and I were soaking up the sunshine, and she kept her eye on a squirrel in the tree just behind us. This little guy drove her to distraction, taunting her mercilessly by darting in and out of that hole in the tree trunk-

She finally gave up.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right?

Whenever we're out with our pup we meet a lot of people, because she is the sweetest, most beautiful dog in the universe. Strangers always approach us and ask a) what breed is she?, and b) is she friendly because I see her teeth? 

Yes she is super friendly, she's just in need of some doggy orthodontia, which we would never because a) I can't imagine what braces on a dog would cost, and b) her smile is part of her charm.

A family stopped to chat and told us they'd owned a Gordon for fourteen years. They agreed this breed has a wonderful disposition, and were all feeling a little nostalgic for theirs after seeing ours. They were from California and their daughter was accepting a marriage proposal as we spoke.  She had no idea her family was in town, and they were on their way to the Boat House to surprise her.  

What a gorgeous day to propose marriage. I mean just look at that sky!  I feel certain I'd love an apartment overlooking Central Park.

That one up top looks nice.

Lunch was a hotdog from a vendor cart and then more miles of walking, after which we went home for naps on the couch.

Sunshine, the city, and a snooze...the trifecta of a perfect weekend.  

Nice recovery March.  

Chillin' on a Snowy Road

Chillin' on a dirt road sounds so much better doesn't it? That phrase conjures up images of summertime fun which, with six inches of snow on the ground and more falling fast, feels a long way off this morning.

March why must you be so cruel?

Might as well grab your coffee and settle in for some Friday Fragments.

Every now and then Safari pops up with that annoying message saying it needs to unexpectedly close.  You're then given the option of reporting this to Apple or not reporting, so I'm wondering...do you report?  Is there a person on the other side of my computer whose job it is to analyze said reports? I'm glad I'm not that person. I have enough trouble with this side of the computer.

Somehow I've ended up with a stack of routine doctor's appointments all happening this month. In spite of sunscreen and a hat, I have some ever so slight tan lines left over from last month's trip to Florida. I'm sure the dermatologist will scold me because that's what they do.

Then there's the eye doctor who will no doubt feel it his duty to remind me of my age. My eyes were absolutely 100% perfectly perfect until one day three years ago when I woke up to a slightly blurry world.

Aging is like a nuclear explosion. There is a lot of fallout.

Are you familiar with the Jason Aldean 'country rap' song called Dirt Road Anthem? I'm pretty sure twenty years ago nobody put the words country and rap in the same sentence, but whatever...

Jason does a good job with the song, but I have to say my daughter2 gives him a pretty good run for his money. She gets every.single.word. and is a tiny little blonde headed thing which makes it doubly fantastic.

Also? That child refers to me as Momma. Not Mother, Mom, or Mommy, but Momma. The word momma is like a windows open, soft breeze blowing, sunshiny blue sky day in my soul.  When your children grow up and move away you don't just miss their faces. You also miss the voices that go with the faces.

I took my pup to the vet yesterday and we won't even discuss how many dinero I've handed over to these people in 2013, but she's cute isn't she?

She thinks if she gets behind the wall maybe they won't see her.  

I'm supposed to be getting my haircut this morning and then having lunch out with friends to celebrate some birthdays. Those two activities together contain the makings of a great day, unless they are interrupted due to pesky snow in March.  

Having my haircut ranks right up there in my top ten list of favorite activities.  A good haircut has the potential to completely change my outlook on a day, maybe even life. (No pressure Jodie!)  

Having to cancel a haircut can also change my outlook on a day. 

Not life, just my day.  

Snow. Bother.  

We have nothing on the weekend calendar. I'd kind of like to go into the city and I'd also like the air to be somewhere around 65 degrees. Not sure either of those things will happen, but if I were betting I wouldn't put money on the latter.  Still, it's a weekend and we're empty nesters, so we can do whatever we want.  

I guess not all fallout is bad.  

To read more Friday Fragments or add your own, hop over to Half Past Kissin' Time

Atten-shun! Right Face! Hodgepodge!

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Add your link to the bottom of my post before you go see what the neighbors are saying.  Here are my answers-

1. My real life friends came through with another question this week so thank you real life friends.  When you've eaten in a restaurant do you complete their comment card? Do you take online surveys highlighted at the bottom of store receipts?

If a restaurant is new and looking for feedback we might fill out their comment card. If it's a place we go regularly we won't, unless there is something particularly bad or particularly outstanding.  

I don't bother with the surveys on the bottom of receipts.  I'm finding it tiresome to check out of almost any shop these days.  The receipt is a mile long even when you're buying just one item, it's also now two or three slips of paper instead of one, and then they whip out the highlighter to circle all the survey information.  

2. The (US) ban on women in combat was lifted at the end of January.  It will probably be next year before specifics are worked out but it's been reported over 200,000 front line positions will eventually open up to women.  Your thoughts?

I'm going to be honest...my initial gut reaction is eh.

I am a huge supporter of our military, and am a military brat myself.  I admire the courage, the discipline, and the willingness of our troops to protect this land we love. Women are, and have been in the military for eons filling all sorts of roles. They are pilots, medics, lawyers, programmers, strategists, military police and intelligence officers. I could go on because women can pursue pretty much anything except front line combat.  I know female soliders will probably tell me it's not all even steven opportunity wise, but its a long way from where it was even 25 years ago.   

In spite of not serving in combat there are still female soldiers killed in every war. You don't have to be on the front line to serve your country, risk your life, or be put in harm's way.    

I guess if a woman really wants to be on the front line, and can meet all of the requirements including the physical, then okay.  It's the meeting the requirements bit where things get dicey. Will the physical requirements be lessened to accommodate women who, no matter how hard they try, are just not made like men?  If so then no, I'm not in favor of it.  Men are sent to the front line whether they want to be or not...is that where we're headed with women?  

If you're a woman and can meet the current requirements then knock yourself out. I think there are very few who can, and that is not intended, nor should it be taken as, an insult to women.  It's just the way we're made.  

3. In looking back at all the blog posts you've written, what's your favorite post title?

I could never answer a 'what's your favorite post' question because posts are meaningful for a variety of reasons.  Titles are another matter though, and I have a couple of favorites in my blog history. The one that immediately sprang to mind was this one-

Misty Water Colored Naked Barbie Memories Light the Corners of my Mind

4. What's worse-overly permissive parents or overly protective parents? Did your own parents lean toward the permissive or the protective category? If you're a parent where do you fall?

In my opinion the overly permissive parenting style causes more harm, because that one seems to negatively impact society more so than the overly protective.  

My parents were definitely not overly permissive, but I didn't feel they were overly protective either.  I'm sure there were instances of that at some point along the way, but overall they had balance.  I hope I  did as well, but we'll see if my daughter plays along and answers this one today.  

As teenagers my girls had some pretty amazing adventures all over Europe, which I think confirms I was not overly protective. I also said no to some things other parents may have said yes to (co-ed sleepovers anyone?), and to a teenager some of my 'no' answers may have felt overly protective. I say God gives us parents for a reason. 

5. Candlelight-moonlight-firelight-bright lights in the big city....which one's your favorite?

Oh dear.  I like them all, depending on mood, weather and occasion.  If I can only choose one I'm going with moonlight.  

6. Dr. Seuss's birthday was celebrated on Saturday. What's a favorite book you remember (Seuss or otherwise) from your childhood?  Did books play an important role in your growing up years?  Explain.

Definitely.  My mom was a librarian and she brought home stacks of books on a regular basis.  Then she read them to us, which is one of my most favorite childhood memories.  My younger sister and I walked home from school for lunch all through the elementary grades.  We had a full hour for lunch which seems crazy since kids today get about 20 minutes, but it was wonderful.  My mom read aloud to us while we ate and we three bonded over funny words, expressions, and the emotion a particular story evoked.  

My favorite book as a young child was called Crow Boy by Taro Yashimo.  It is the poignant tale of a poor Japanese boy called Chibi, an outcast who was made fun of all through school. It's not until the very end of the very last year of school that Chibi's special talent is revealed in his school's program.  

This story is good on so many levels. I like the way the author didn't feel the need to hit you over the head with the message.  Instead he made you feel Chibis hurt. He didn't lecture the reader on bullying, rather he made you feel ashamed of the classmates behavior. I think these types of stories resonate and stay with a child so much more than a book with the word bully in the title.  Great books lead naturally to talks about all sorts of things that we'll face in life as we grow up. It is one of the biggest benefits to reading aloud to your children, no matter their age.  

I reread Crow Boy every now and then. I love the soft illustrations, the way it can still make my heart ache, and the sweet memory of a sister across the table listening as our mother read aloud on a school day noontime break.  

If you've never read it, look for it in your library. You never outgrow a truly good 'children's book'. 

7. To quote Dr. Seuss...

"From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere." 

from One fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Share something funny you've recently read, seen, or heard.

Why is it we see and hear funny things all the time, but when someone asks us to share one, we're blank?

Here's one-Honest Toddler.  I've mentioned it here before, but it is hilarious and very clever.  

I follow on Twitter (@HonestToddler), but there's also a facebook page and a blog.  It never fails to  make me laugh.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Is anyone watching the History Channel's mini series-The Bible?  What do you think so far?  

Hodgepodge Questions Vol 116

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge!  Answer the questions on your own blog, then 'march' back over here tomorrow to add your link and share answers. 

Yes, I will likely reuse that terrible pun every week this month.  Now onward to the questions...

1. My real life friends came through with another question this week so thank you real life friends. When you've eaten in a restaurant do you complete their comment card? Do you take online surveys highlighted at the bottom of store receipts?

2. The (US) ban on women in combat was lifted at the end of January. It will probably be next year before specifics are worked out, but its been reported over 200,000 front line positions will eventually open up to women.  Your thoughts?

3.  In looking back at all the blog posts you've written, what's your favorite post title?

4. What's worse-overly permissive parents or overly protective parents?  Did your own parents lean more to the permissive or the protective category?  If you're a parent where do you fall?

5.  Candlelight-moonlight-firelight-bright lights in the big city...which one's your favorite?

6. Dr. Seuss's birthday was celebrated on Saturday. What's a favorite book you remember (Seuss or otherwise) from your own childhood?  Did books play an important role in your growing up years? Explain.

7.  To quote Dr. Seuss...

"From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere." 

from One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Share something funny you've recently read, seen or heard.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

March. Grrr.

March is not my favorite month for which I mostly blame the weather. When I really stop and think about it I would say March is perhaps my least favorite month of the year, although I don't actually hate it. Hey, the days are getting longer even if it was 27 degrees when my feet hit the floor this morning. And this year March will have Easter sneaking in on her coattails, which feels wrong but makes me happy anyway. Easter should be sleeveless pastel dresses and maybe a new spring cardi. I think we all know that is an unlikely scenario for Northern NJ in the month of March.

We were not out of town this past weekend.

It seems I need to say that. When snowflakes stay on your nose and eyelashes it's hard not to wish you were still in a beach chair on Florida's Gulf Coast.  March. Grrrr.

My gourmet group met on Friday and we had a Panera Pick Two theme. Did you know there are recipes on the Panera website that aren't served in their stores?  Me neither. I made a roasted red pepper soup which was tasty, but next time I'll add a cheesy crouton or a handful of popcorn as a topper.

Hubs bought me a Cuisinart hand blender for Christmas and I am in love with this little kitchen tool.  It makes pureeing a soup so easy, and it also has a chopper attachment that is super easy to clean so I use it all the time.

Another member of the group made a chicken peanut soup and I will definitely be making that one again.  It's got a slightly different flavor than the Virginia peanut soup, but I loved it.  She gave me a container to take home, and hubs loved it too. We ate soup and salad for dinner and watched Taken2 courtesy of Red Box.  It wasn't as good as Taken, but it confirmed that if I run into trouble while traveling I want Liam Neeson nearby.

The sky spit snowflakes off and on all day Saturday so we did a few household chores and then went to the movies. We saw Quartet and we both loved it.  Maggie Smith is so fabulous in everything, but in our minds the star of the show was the magnificent English countryside. The movie takes place in a home for retired musicians, and the house used in the film is in Taplow, a little village not far from where we lived. We get ridiculously sentimental when we watch British programming.

Or hear British accents.

Or think about England.

Sigh.

On another note... what's up with movie theatre concessions these days?  I tell the girl I would like a small diet coke and a medium popcorn and she immediately does some sort of magic math and asks if I would like a medium coke and a large popcorn for the same price?  Why don't they just give you that instead of trying to trick you into thinking you're getting more than you pay for?  I am not a fan of the medium drinks because you need two hands to carry one, and we always share a medium popcorn, but I still found myself saying yes because it felt like I was in some sort of shell game.  It makes no sense.

Saturday night we went out to dinner with friends, and came out of the restuarant afterwards to actual snow falling and sticking. We woke up Sunday morning to snow on our driveway and hillside, although it melted before it could cause any inconvenience.  March. Grrrr.

I added a splash of Spring to the apothecary jars on my kitchen island because it felt therapeutic to do so.  I liked the finished product and asked hubs what he thought.  He said,  "Why do you have peas in a jar?" I told him I liked their spring green color, but they're actually chocolate.  Shhh....don't tell.

Last night hubs and I finally watched the season finale of Downton Abbey. It's been sitting on the DVR for weeks, but I knew we needed to be in the right frame of mind to actually sit through it.  I knew what was coming (thanks Social Media!), but still it was so so sad.  I'm glad there is a break before Season 4 begins because between the drama, and that castle in Scotland, and the green, green rolling hills and gray blue magnificent English sky we're gonna need the full six months to recover from this season.

Reading back over the weekend it seems like all we did was eat and watch movies. There was more, but that was the gist of it.

March.  Grrrr.

De Soto Knew A Good Thing When He Saw It

I'm wrapping up (I think) a recap of the little getaway we made to Tampa last weekend. Am I the only blogger out there who needs two days to write about a four day weekend? In last year's A-Z challenge I needed every bit of an entire month to blog about a two week trip.

Words.  

I heart them.  

Back to Tampa...on Sunday we headed out to explore Ft. De Soto Park, also near St. Pete and about a half hour from our hotel.  There is an enormous amount of history associated with this piece of property, and you can read more of that by clicking on the link if you're interested.  

The remains of an old war fort sit on one edge of the park, and as it happened a battle re-enactment was happening as we pulled in. Once upon a time Robert E. Lee walked these parts, and before him De Soto, whom I hope we all remember from our 4th grade social studies classes.

Remember studying the explorers?  

Do 4th graders still study the explorers who made America's map?

I have to insert here it was 80 degrees and humid, so I said a quick thankful prayer I was born in the decade of sundresses and air conditioning.

Ft. De Soto Park sits on over 1000 acres containing beautiful sandy beaches and over 300 species of birds.

There's some other wildlife here too...

I'm not a wildlife expert (I just play one on my blog), but I'm pretty sure raccoons are nocturnal creatures. Hubs says they're probably tame and know the precise location of every rubbish bin in the park. Still....Shudder.  I'll take a bird over a raccoon any day.

This guy was waiting on the fisherman to bring in some lunch he could steal-

I love it when birds line up as if they're listening to a lecture.

As we started to walk out to the fishing pier the weather got very strange. A thick, heavy fog rolled in over the sea and it was a little eerie.

We knew from the sound of its horn there was an enormous cruise ship sitting out there, but you could not see it even a little bit.  I heard later they had to sit out there all night because of the fog.  Here's the pier-

Like I said-foggy.
Not so foggy we couldn't see some dolphin just below us though-

The fishermen have to be quick to reel in their catch, and its not only the dolphin they have to watch out for.  This guy?  

Way quicker than you'd imagine.

If you look closely you'll see the shadow of the dolphin he beat to the punch just beneath his wing.

Since we'd walked about a thousand miles in the park on Sunday we were able to enjoy another fabulous dessert dinner guilt-free.  That's how it works, right?  A friend of the hubs had recommended a steak house called Ocean Prime, and I know you need to see a picture of the peanut butter pie.  

It was more like a delicate peanut butter mousse topped with a bittersweet chocolate ganache and it was positively decadent.

Sigh. Even when you're at the beach Monday rolls around.  Hubs had meetings all day so I busied myself with this-

He texted a few times to be sure I wasn't bored.  

Bored?  Ha!  

My only worry was figuring out how to get back here sooner rather than later.  

"Why do we love the sea?  It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think." Robert Henri