You Say Potato, I Say Hodgepodge

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

1. Are you too hard on yourself or not hard enough? Elaborate. 

Both, depending on what area of my life we're talking about. 

2. What's the role of gratitude in your life? 

It's really important. I'm definitely a glass half full kind of thinker. If I'm around negative people/talk I'm the one pointing out the bright side. Sometimes we have to work to cultivate a feeling of gratitude, but it's a good habit to adopt. Gratitude is what keeps me optimistic in a world that feels anything but, and honestly there is always something to be grateful for. 

3. Where do you get your news these days? How much attention are you giving it currently? 

Ugh. Is it just me or does hearing the word 'news' make your stomach churn too? I want to know what's going on in the world, I just don't want everyone's opinion about it shouted from the rooftops lol. We rarely sit down and watch the news from start to finish (does it ever end in the era of 24/7 programming???), but we will watch in bits and pieces. If something big is happening in the world we watch a little more. I read news online too, but again in small doses. If we don't listen to any news how do we know what and how to pray? 

Currently I'm paying attention to the conflict in Israel and Gaza, to the almost unbelievable anti-semitic rhetoric being spewed from college campuses around the country, to the unadulterated evil on display...it would be easy to look away and bury our heads in the sand, but I don't think we can or should  look away. 

I pray every day for the children and babies especially, ripped from their homes and their families. It's a very strange world we're living in where the calls for 'cease fire' are louder than those calling 'release the hostages'.

4. Do you like potatoes? Last time you prepared potatoes in some way? Which of the following is your favorite...baked potato, mashed potato, french fried potato, sweet potato, hash brown potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potato salad? 

I like potatoes, all of the above really, but I try not to eat them often. My favorite is a baked potato with just butter and salt and we do have those when we grill steaks. 

5. Are you a veteran? Are there any veterans in your family? Will you do anything special to honor them on Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day this year? 

I'm not a veteran, but do have veterans in my family. My dad was a career Marine and my son-in-law just wrapped up his Army commitment in June. I have great affection and respect for our military service members, and also for their families who sacrifice much in their own way. 

Our neighborhood is having a small Veteran's Day event this weekend, and we plan to attend. We went last year and it was really lovely. A bonus was discovering many of my neighbors have served their country. 

I am praying for the safety of all our soldiers in harms way. We absolutely take their service for granted, and their families contributions too. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I wrote a post way back in 2012 about my dad, the Marine. I'm linking it again here if you're interested-

Portrait Of A Marine

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 526

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

1. Are you too hard on yourself or not hard enough? Elaborate. 

2. What's the role of gratitude in your life? 

3. Where do you get your news these days? How much attention are you giving it currently? 

4. Do you like potatoes? Last time you prepared potatoes in some way? Which of the following is your favorite...baked potato, mashed potato, french fried potato, sweet potato, hash brown potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potato salad? 

5. Are you a veteran? Are there any veterans in your family? Will you do anything special to honor them on Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day this year? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

As The Hodgepodge Turns

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

1. Besides Thanksgiving (in the USA) what's one thing you're looking forward to in November? 

Attending a game at the nearby university. They've had a crummy season, but it's still so much fun to go to a game in person. 

Also, I'm going to see all of my grandchildren this month, and that's always something to look forward to. They won't be in the same place at the same time, but we take what we can get here. 

2. Do you like candles? Your favorite scent? How often do you burn a candle in your home? 

I do like candles and we burn one most evenings. I'm very particular about the scent though. I don't like anything too floral or too sweet. My favorite scents are a citrus-sage and, this time of year, cinnamon/spice. 

3. What gadgets did you use today? 

My laptop, cell phone, potato masher (for deviled eggs), my washer and dryer (do they count as gadgets?  I looked it up and the definition says 'small device' so probably not...)

4. This question is a repeat from one asked in November of 2014, but I liked it so it's coming round again. Many of you weren't here in 2014. Okay, you can have fifty pounds of something (anything but money)...what will you choose? Also, since I mentioned it...what were you up to in November of 2014? 

I'll take fifty pounds of ham please. I volunteer in a soup kitchen and they're gathering foods for the holidays. Fifty pounds of ham would go a long way. 

What was I up to in 2014? This-

We were knee deep in this girl's wedding plans, and the RSVPs were rolling in. So much fun!

5. 'Tis the season...what's something you're feeling especially grateful for today?

Fall. The changing seasons really. I love the way the world turns and the ever changing landscape. Fall is my favorite season and I'm in love with the color and the light and the cooler weather. Hubs wants summer all year long, but I am all about fall.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I know there are mixed feelings about Halloween, and we don't go overboard here, but we did have a fun couple of days dressing up and seeing friends. 

He's Alice Cooper for those not in the know

Now let's turn the page...

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 525

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. Besides Thanksgiving (in the USA) what's one thing you're looking forward to in November? 

2. Do you like candles? Your favorite scent? How often do you burn a candle in your home? 

3. What gadgets did you use today? 

4. This question is a repeat from one asked in November of 2014, but I liked it so it's coming round again. Many of you weren't here in 2014. Okay, you can have fifty pounds of something (anything but money)...what will you choose? Also, since I mentioned it...what were you up to in November of 2014? 

5. 'Tis the season...what's something you're feeling especially grateful for today? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Stuck In The Middle With You

Today my second born grandson turns four years old, and this fabulous little boy needs a letter from his Nana. 

Dear Max,

It's your birthday! Today you're four and I cannot wait for you to be celebrated big by your family and friends. Your birthday is number five in a family of five, and it's not easy to be the caboose on the family birthday train. 

You were right there beside your big brother when he had his extended celebration(s) this summer. Then earlier this week your sweet little sis had her first birthday, and you were there cheering her on, still waiting your turn. 

And now it's here.You honestly didn't seem to mind the wait and I think that's because there's something very special about you (many things actually), but one big thing is this- 

You my sweet boy are the one in the middle. The middle child. The younger brother and the older brother too. But not the oldest brother. And not the baby either.

A lot has been written about the middle child phenomenon, but Nana is going to tell you a few things she knows first hand, because guess what? Nana is also a middle child. If you were sitting beside me right now we could fist bump. 

I'm a little sister and a big sister too. But not the biggest sister. And not the baby either. 

I'm like you, only not quite as smart. You're so smart Max, and you have the vocabulary of someone much older. In fact sometimes we forget how old you are because you have so many words and you know how to use them. 

You're always working things out, the hows and the whys, but also context, tone, and nuance. It's pretty remarkable. You wear your emotions right there on the surface too, and sometimes they spill out all over the place, occasionally in the form of mad tears, but more often in the form of the biggest best hug anyone could ever want or need. 

You moved this year, your third house in four years. There are grown adults who've lived in fewer places, and you Max have settled in so well to this new home, new neighborhood, and your new place in the middle of your family. 

Did you know middles are good at lots of things? Waiting for one. We come into this world never knowing what it's like not to have to share or wait a turn. We become good at negotiating and keeping the peace. We're often introspective. We form strong bonds and learn to go with the flow. We want fairness and we're trustworthy friends. 

Who wouldn't want to be a middle child? You're surrounded by love on all sides, and that is a marvelous thing. 

You played on a soccer team this fall and I think you liked it. You work your own Lego projects now, have become skilled at riding your bike, love trips to the zoo, bugs and lizards and playing outside, books books and more books, and most of all your big brother and your baby sister. You have opinions and big feelings and the absolute best smile in the whole wide world. 

Happy birthday 'baby wheel'. You keep us laughing, on our toes, and feeling ever so grateful for the gift of you. Keep bringing the fun, keep learning more and more about this big beautiful world and the One who made it, and who made us too. Know always your Nana loves you deep and wide xoxo 

"Stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

The Art Of The Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge, our last in October of 2023. Next week November is upon us and the holidays are coming up quick.  If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for your neighbor there. Trick or treating, hodgepodge style. Here we go-

1. October 25th is International Artists Day...do you have a favorite artist? If so tell us who and why. 

I'm not sure I have a favorite. I love the ballet paintings of Degas, the gardens of Monet, and the birds of John James Audubon.  Why? I love ballet and the great outdoors. 

2. Would you describe yourself as artistic? Elaborate. 

No not in the sense of having skill in drawing or as a painter or sculptor. I'm creative with words but I'm not artistic. 

3. What's a skill, task, hobby, or job you've done so often you now have it 'down to a fine art'? 

Loading the dishwasher lol. 

4. How often do you dine out? Fast food, fine dining, or somewhere in between? Tell us about a less than stellar restaurant experience you've had recently (or not so recently if that's easier).  

We don't dine out a lot because choices here in tiny town are pretty limited. We mostly cook at home or dine with friends in their homes. We don't eat fast food (maybe the occasional Chick fil-A when traveling). We love fine dining (our favorite) but again, it's a drive to get to so not something we do often anymore. We belong to a couple of wine clubs that pair wines with food and we enjoy that a lot. Hubs and I get lunch out maybe once a week? Dinner maybe once a week, probably less...depends on the week. 

A less than stellar experience? We met friends for pizza before a concert a couple of weeks ago. The show started at 7:30 and we met at the restaurant (one block from the concert venue) at 5:45. At 7 PM we went to check on the food (or lack thereof) and were told they hadn't even put the order in yet. Bother. 

The bar for restaurant service post-'you know what' is pretty low, but communication is key. If the server had given us an update on the situation (understaffed and overwhelmed) we would have had options. 

5. Do you celebrate Halloween? To what extent? Are there trick or treaters where you live? 

Some years we have something going on, and other years it's quiet. This year we're going to a party and will be dressing up. I do love a costume. I don't decorate my house for Halloween, but do put a few fall pieces out, mums and pumpkins on the porch, that sort of thing. Our neighborhood is hosting a trunk or treat if they get enough of a response. There aren't a lot of young children in our neighborhood. The kayak group is doing a 'dock or treat' and we're hosting a stop at our dock. You give the kayakers a sip of something and a small bite of something before they paddle away. Should be fun. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

This has nothing to do with anything which I suppose is the definition of random but...

I follow a site on insta called SBMowing. He has a landscape business and I think it's once a week he drives around, finds a yard that is overgrown, out-of-control, a community eyesore, and he takes care of it for free. There is something so satisfying about these videos and what he's doing. A little pick me up in a world that needs picking up. 

Here's the link-SBMowing

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"I'm Half Crazy...

 ...over the likes of you..." 

Name that tune. You should know I sing it every time I think of my granddaughter, which is several times a day, every single day. 

Dear Little Miss, 

Today you are one. ONE! 

This is your first birthday letter from Nana and there are so many things I want to tell you. I would love to post dozens of pictures too, but alas it's 2023 and there's too much 'iffy' stuff happening online in terms of pictures, so one or two it is. 

You are my first granddaughter. When your momma was expecting your biggest brother (the mancub as he's known on my blog) and she told us she was having a boy I didn't know what to think. I mean I raised daughters and girls were what I knew. 

But then the mancub came along, followed by your next biggest brother Max, then your cousin sweet baby J, and it was just all boy all the time and we have loved these boys more than I ever imagined was possible. These grandboys we call ours are the grandest, and we have gone all in on the cars and the trucks and the balls and the noise and the go-go-go and the run-jump-wrestle and the build-build-build. 

In five fast years we completely settled in to being Nana and Pawpaw to all the baby boys God would bring into our lives and we have loved every single second of the fabulous chaos they bring. 

Then came you. 

The sweetest, loveliest, little flower in the garden. 

You little miss, are the first grand of ours to actually look exactly like the momma who birthed her. Except for your hair coloring you are the spitting image of my once upon a time baby girl, and you're so much like her in personality there are days my heart wants to literally burst. Sweet and spunky, cheerful and gentle. Completely and utterly enchanting. 

I will say you might be just a little bit louder than she ever thought about being, but then your momma didn't have two big brothers showing her the way, ahem.

It has been so much fun adding a girl to our family. I don't care what the politically 'in'correct culture of today tries to tell us-boys and girls are not the same and I celebrate God's grand and marvelous design. 

It's been a complete joy to watch you insert your girly self into a family of boys. To quote your oldest brother, 'she's the queen' lol. So true mancub, so true. You my darling girl are already adored by all who know you, but by no one more so than your big brothers. They think you hung the moon and we all nod our heads in agreement. 

Some things you love right now are your momma (you're the luckiest), your Daddy (who very quickly and completely discovered the absolute joy of being a girl dad), bubbles, books, the water, standing on your head, looking out the back window for deer in the yard, swinging, cruising around the furniture, getting into your brother's toys, making your brothers laugh, being where they are, doing what they're doing, watching them....

In just a few months you will no longer be quite so outnumbered. Your Auntie M will give us another granddaughter to love, and give you a girl cousin. You will be close in age and I pray always close in heart too. I look so forward to tea parties, girl trips with your momma, aunt, and cousin, and finally getting into all your momma's American girl dolls stored safely in our attic, just waiting for you to come and play. 

Happy birthday Little Miss. It is my great great privilege to watch you grow and bloom. Jesus loves you this I know. And so does Nana...deep and wide xoxo 

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11