Springing Into Wednesday Hodge Podge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge...I hope you'll join the fun today! Answer the questions on your own blog, then hop over to Joyce's blog by clicking here and adding your link to the party. Oh, and go say hi to the neighbors because everybody loves company!

 

Here are my answers to Joyce's questions for this week-

1. Thursday marks the first day of spring...to celebrate would you rather plant a garden or go for a walk in the woods? Would either of those activities be possible on Thursday where you live?
I would like to do both, but would prefer to plant a garden and it would be somewhat possible where I live.  I would have to cover bulbs so some and dig the ground up would be easy.  Things here are starting to bloom out and lots of big time farmers are preparing to put seeds in the ground.  I cannot wait.
2. When did somebody last spring something on you? (or when did you last spring something on someone?)  I really can't remember the last time someone sprang something on me.  Most of my friends know that I really do not like to have things sprung on me and if it does happen you can be assured that I WILL return the favor if I can.

3. We often think of spring as a time for new beginnings...what's something you'd like to start doing this spring?  Cleaning out the past.I would love to finish clearing out my mom's house, get the house sold, and get rid of excess in mine.  I want to travel light from now on.

4. Where do you like to sit in a movie theatre? When did you last sit there, and what were you watching?  Frank and I usually sit in the middle of the row....around the middle of the theater. The last movie we saw in the theatre was Frozen, and we both loved it. It was one of the first movies that Frank did not take a nap half-way through. 

5. When you meet someone for the very first time, what do you want them to think about you?
Joyce and I must be twins from another mother.  Her answer fits me to a tee.  I want people to say that I'm friendly and genuine.  I enjoy meeting new people so if I say I'm happy to meet you I mean it too.

6. March is frozen food month (yes, really!). Besides ice cream (gotta make you think a little) what's your most often purchased frozen food item?  Clark Brother's Meats sells some of the most delicious frozen zipper/sugar peas.  It is cheaper to buy a gallon bag from them, than to grow them myself and that gallon lasts a good while for us.  We bought some frozen steaks from a house to house salesman recently and I promise you we won't again.  With Clark Brother's just down the road I want my meat fresh! 

7. What's something you avoid?  Again Joyce and I are on target with each other.  I avoid negative people too. The one's I work with are draining.  I am so tired and physically/mentally drained after having been around them. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.  I live in an area where chicken farms abound.  They are one of the biggest money makers around.  But, did you know that today is Poultry Day?  Poultry Day celebrates chicken, turkey and other birds we commonly consume. Chicken and turkey are lower in fats, and cholesterol than other meats, making it better for your health. They also give you your breakfast eggs. Celebrating Poultry Day can be quite tasty with eggs for breakfast, a chicken sandwich for lunch, and barbecue chicken for dinner. Don't forget to cook up some chicken fingers for the kids.   FYI:  Most famous Chicken: Looney Tune's Foghorn leghorn. Chicken Philosophy: Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Ash Wednesday Hodge Podge

It is Wednesday and Ash Wednesday to boot so I was excited to be visiting Joyce's blog to answer my questions.  Want to join in?  It is simple just answer on your own blog then hop back here  to share answers.  Newcomers are always welcome!

1. The expression 'mad as a March hare' originated with a fictional character who is distracted and frantic. When were you last 'mad as a March hare' and what was it that made you that way?  I can't remember being that mad for a very long time.  I am sure it had something to do with school though.

2. Mardi Gras this year falls on Tuesday, March 4th. Have you ever been to Mardi Gras, and if so what did you think? If not, do you have any interest in going?  Purple, green, and gold are the colors of Mardi Gras. Which one is most prevalent in your wardrobe? How about in your home?  I have never been to Mardi Gras and don't ever want to go.  It is something that is not on my bucket list.  I love the colors and green is most prevalent in my wardrobe.  None of the colors show up in the parsonage. The walls are whitish...and the furniture is floral and maroon. 

3. Are you old fashioned?  I am very old fashioned.  I love to be treated like a woman.  I love to have my chair pulled out for me, I love to have a door opened for me.  I don't like the dances the kids do today and was appalled at Miley Cyrus. 

4. Do you carefully plan your vacations, or do you prefer the days to be more spontaneous?  I love spontaneous trips but long trips are very planned.  I match my music selections to the trip.  When we did the Pacific Northwest there was music for everywhere we went.  When we first headed West we listened to Dan Seals song, "Heading West."  When Kat and I drove cross the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston, J.T. was playing "Sweet Baby James."  

5.  March is National Sauce Month...what's your favorite sauce, and what do you most often top with this sauce?  Ketchup is my sauce of choice.  I put it on beef, fries, chips....not eggs, beans etc.

6.  What's something that easily brings a tear to your eye?  The commercials about mistreated animals and the cereal commercial about the grandmother who has died.  Most of the Hallmark movies can make me cry too.

7. If you could own any sports team, which one would it be and why?  Miami Dolphins because my dad was a huge fan...even in the bad years.  I think he would get a kick out of me owning them.

8.  Tonight I did my first Ash Wednesday service.  Do you observe Lent?  Do you go to church and get ashes on your forehead?  Do you give up something for Lent.  If so, what is it.  I have always participated in Lenten services and through the years given up things from Diet Cokes, to French fries.  This year I am giving up a sin.  I am going to watch my mouth for 40 days and not let my tongue get me in trouble.  If I can't say something nice....I am not saying anything.

Wet and Nasty Wednesday Hodge Podge - Volume 164

Another week has come and gone.  Another week of unstable and weird weather.  Today we have rain....only!  I am praying that is all it is.  I would like to complete a full week at school.    Here are Joyce's questions for the week.  All you have to do is answer them on your own blog, then jump back to her blog and share answers with friends old and new-

1. What is something you'll never forget about the age you are right now?  Accepting the call to fill a pulpit.  I would have never thought that would be me.
2. What's a household chore you've never done? How have you managed that???  Obviously I have not managed that because there is not a household chore I have never done.  When you are a single mom you learn to do it all. 
3. Does nature shape our personalities more than nurture? Explain?   Yes sometimes!  I raised a daughter who was her mother's child even though she had not been in her life since she was 4.  She had many of her birth mom's character traits and very few of mine.  Her aunt once told me that nature definitely won out over nurture when she was concerned.  I raised her brother....and he was nothing like his mom.  He grew up to be like the people around him.
4. Friday (February 28th) is 'Something on a Stick Day'...funny because Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens recently sent me an idea for a question relating to this topic. What's your favorite food eaten on a stick?  CORNDOGS!!!!!!!  I only eat them at fairs and such....but I love them!   I have to admit too...I loved skewered meat from a grill!
5. Which of your five senses do you treasure most, and why?  I treasure them all....but I guess sight would be my most treasured.  As an amateur photographer there is nothing like it...to through a lens of a camera and see beauty.
6. What's the best music, theatre, or sporting venue you've been to? What made it great?    Little River Band, Michael Martin Murphy at the Ampitheater in Columbus/Phenix City.  The acoustics are wonderful and the music and scenery are just perfect.  Camelot at TPAC in Nashville, and James Taylor at the Ampitheater in Nashville. 

7. It's the last week of the month...in five words or less bid adieu to your February. Filled with snow so GO!
8. Insert your own random thought here.  Did you know that Saturday is National Peanut Butter Day(it is also National Pig Day but....I am not talking about pigs right now).  Do you like Peanut Butter?  What is your favorite way to eat it?  I personally love peanut butter and will eat it straight from the jar. 

Wintery Mix 'Wednesday Hodge Podge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer the questions on your own blog, then hop back over to Joyce's blog to share the linky love. Tell the truth now, it's Honest Abe's birthday ya know!

Here we go-

1. What makes love last?
I agree with Joyce in a sense of humor, a forgiving heart, making a concious effort to put the other person first, seeing the best in your mate as opposed to keeping a tally of all that annoys, not expecting perfection, extending compassion, knowing there will be days, and most especially never underestimating the power of the little things. Frank and I have been married only eleven years but we dated for several years before we married.  We have never had a fight. Most people find that hard to believe, but it is true and it is because we follow the rules above.

2.  The Beatles made their U.S. debut fifty years ago this week. Are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite Beatles tune?
I was watching when they made their debut on the Ed Sullivan Show so many years ago. Yes I'm a fan.  I even loved the goofy Beatles movies.  Remember those?  Picking a favorite song would be hard.  I love so many.  Michelle, Yesterday, When I'm Sixty Four, Norweigan(sp) Wood, and my all time favorite, If I Fell.  

3. Valentine's Day-your thoughts? Do you celebrate in any way? Do anything special for the people you love? Expect anything special from the people who love you?
Frank and I do NOT celebrate Valentine's Day.  We see it as a rip off holiday.  I don't need a reason to tell him I love him.  I do that every single day!  Our anniversary, birthdays....those are special days.  When my kids were younger I would get them a little something for Valentine's Day....I don' t expect anything....and Frank knows he better not send me flowers on this day!  Valentine's Day is a sad day for those who are alone.  I hate that commercialism rubs that fact in their face.  So sad.

 4. Steak or burger...you have to choose. Now that that's settled, how do you like it?  I love a really good burger.  I feel like the sign of a good restaurant is how good their hamburger is.  But....if I have to chose just one....then it is Steak, medium rare please. 
5. The Hodgepodge lands on the birthdate (February 12th) of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America. Lincoln is quoted as saying, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test his character give him power."  Do you agree? Why or why not?
Power changes people, and generally not for the better. I have a good friend who is a Senator for our state and he went from being a good guy when he was an insurance salesman to a class jerk.  On an even grander level you can just look at the mess our government is in. I do believe many of those in office started off with the best of intentions, but power is intoxicating, and the need to hold onto it makes people compromise their beliefs and principles rather than risk losing it.  Personal reflection - our government officials should follow suit with the President....and serve only two terms.  I think that might do away with some of the opportunities to let power go to their head.  There are people who manage to not fall victim to power hunger and stay true to their beliefs.  They are the rare ones.

6. Honest Abe's picture is on the US penny (1 cent coin) so I'm wondering...what do you do with your pennies (or your country's equivalent)? It's been suggested the US stop making the penny, and two bills have been proposed suggesting just that, but neither were approved.  What say you?
Frank and I have a change jar.  We drop pocket change in it at the end of the day.  Most of it is pennies and the last time we added it up we had over two hundred dollars.  I keep twenty five pennies in my wallet to make change when it is small.  I have pennies in an ash tray in my car from when I get change at drive thru's to also pay the small part of a tab.  

 7. Do you think pop culture deserves serious study?
Not right now.  My students are studying the Jazz Age right now...and down the road a couple of decades it may be worthy of study.  To be honest comparing it with the Jazz Age I think it will be a disappointment!  All the reality shows will be a sad state of the culture.  I guess they are the B grade westerns of today. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here-
I was so excited about the Olympics.....and now....not so much.  It seems to be on in our house 24/7 and right now...we are having some severe weather issues.....and the news stations have shifted their coverage to their sister stations so they do not interrupt the Olympics.  It reminds me of the Heidi football game.  Griefus!  I think weather warnings, school closures, road closures that are serious...should trump a snowboarder.  Could we at least have a scrolling alert at the bottom of the screen?

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Everyone is welcome to play along...answer on your own blog, then add your link to the party over on Joyce's blog. Here are my answers to Joyce's questions this week-

1. Are we always responsible for our actions? Are there any exceptions?
Yes we are.  There is no argument to this.  When you become an adult you are responsible.  The only exception would be someone with a mental illness.  My Down's grandson understands responsibility for his actions. 
 2. Has anyone from your home town become famous?  Yes!  Chris Noel was an actress who appeared in movies, went to Vietnam with Bob Hope.  Burt Reynolds is from my home town as is Monty Markham.  There are many more but I only have a little time to get this done.
3. January was National Slow Cooker month. Do you own a slow cooker/crock pot? Did you use it last month? What's a favorite dish you make using a slow cooker or crock pot?  I own two.  I have a small one and a large one.  Yes I did use it last month.  I use it often.  I love making oatmeal, chili, spaghetti sauce, soups, etc....I love using mine.  We also have a slow roaster that we do hams, turkeys, big chickens, etc. in.  It is awesome!
4. How do you feel about private companies collecting data about you?
I don't like it....but I agree with Joyce.  It is 2014.  We are all over the internet....and Pandora's box has been opened.  There is no closing it now.

5. The Games of the 2014 Winter Olympics kick off with their opening ceremony this coming Friday...will you be watching? Which Winter Olympic event would you most like to see in person? Have you ever been to Russia? Any desire to go, Olympics or otherwise?
I will definitely be watching.  I have never been to Russia.  I would love to see any of it.  I am a big Winter Olympics fan.  I have been to see a few soccer games when the Olympics were in Atlanta.  I would love to be there for the Opening or Closing Ceremonies. 
6. Share a good or bad sports related memory from your childhood or teen years.
I got hit in the head with a softball during a practice.  Then....while rounding second base I tripped over the base, sprawled out on the field, and badly broke my ankle.
7. What's a must have song for you on a work out play list? If you don't work out, run, bike, swim, walk, or anything else that could be construed as 'exercise', then what's a song that at least motivates you to get up off the couch?  Born to Be Wild makes me want to run.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Queen Latifah's rendition of America the Beautiful made me cry at the Super Bowl.  It and the National Anthem were two of my best memories of the game.....well and the Budweiser commercial with the puppy.  What say ye? 

Snowed In Wednesday Hodge Podge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Joyce's rules are simple.  All you have to do is answer the questions on your own blog, then hop back and link up with all your friends and neighbors. Be sure to add a link to Joyce's post on your blog  by clicking here so people reading know how to play along too. The code for the Hodgepodge button is on her sidebar.

Now for my answers to the questions......hope you are ready.

1. It's been said that one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day?  Do you think that's true? Do you find that an easy exercise most mornings? What's something positive you told yourself this morning? If you missed that boat, what's something positive you could tell yourself tomorrow?  I have an hour commute each morning and afternoon, so on my way in and out I do Hwy 22 Prayers part of the way and then listen to Praise and Worship Music or a motivational CD the other part of the way.  It helps me prepare for my day and get me in a positive zone.  I reverse the practice on the way home and it gets rid of all the negative and I don't come home and lambast Frank with it.  Yep...I believe positives can override negatives.
 2. There will be karaoke at the next party you attend...are you in? Or will you be faking a sore throat?  I am a singer by nature so I am all in.  I am not usually one of the first to jump in.  I know I can sing and I have lots of opportunities to sing.  It is supposed to be fun so I always let others go first....and I may or may not participate depending on the crowd. 

3. January 29th is National Puzzle Day...what's something you've found puzzling lately?
How something as beautiful as snow can be so deadly....especially when it is hiding ice below it's surface.

 4. Jigsaw, crossword, acrostic, logic, sudoku, word search...what's your favorite, and when did you last work one?I like most of them....but Word Search is my favorite and I did three today.  I have them on my IPad....and keep a book or two of them beside my bed.  I also love jigsaws.  I wish I had had one at the house to eliminate the cabin fever I was suffering from. 
 5. Recently a writer by the name of Amy Glass ruffled feathers with a post she wrote saying she looks down on young women with husbands and kids and she's not sorry. Among other things she says women will be equal with men when we stop saying housework and real work are equally important.  You can read the whole piece by clicking here.What say you? Do you think men and women are equal in the 21st century? Why or why not?
 I agree with Joyce on this one and think "Amy Glass just wanted some traffic on her site and her wish came true. Not sure if this is truly the way she feels, or if it was put out there because she knew it would generate controversy and buzz, and most of all traffic aka revenue. I'm not going to get all riled up about something a self-described feminist blogger says, other than to say this-It is the year two thousand and fourteen. Why do women continue to beat each other up about the way we choose to work and parent?  Are men and women equal? No. Thank goodness!"  Right now I am working full time as a teacher and part time as a preacher.  Frank is only working part time because he is in school.  We chose to go that route.  When he finishes school I am going to retire.

6. What's a product you've noticed in the grocery store that you'd like to try, but haven't yet?
I was watching the commercial last night for the Campbells Slow Cooker Sauces, and thought I might like to try it out.  It is winter and crock pot meals are great for now.  I usually do my own sauces but this really looks interesting.

7. The author, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) was born this week back in 1832 (January 27th). Which character from his celebrated novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, would you most like to meet, and why? Here's a link to the character list if you need help on this one.  This is not one of my favorite novels.  I really have no feelings either way about meeting any one of the characters....this is especially true after seeing the Johnny Depp movie.  

 8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I have participated in the A-Z Challenge for the past three years and would love for some of you to join in as well.  I was delighted to find out through Joyce that the  A-Z Blog Challenge registration is up and running.  Go here to add your name to the list.