Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

1. April showers bring May flowers...what have you been showered with this month? Showered? Well first there was daughter's baby shower which went pretty well. Then there was the DOWNPOUR of rain that washed out roads and flooded basements - mine included. I lost my furnace and my dryer.

2. What is the nature of compassion?  Is it learned or innate?  Can compassion be learned?  If you're a parent is this something you've purposely sought to instill in your children, and if so how? I think most parents try to teach their kids to have compassion but I also believe that it comes more naturally for some. With my own kids it seemed to be instilled in them from the beginning. I clearly remember them both, running to the aid of the other after a fall, or after being scolded. I can hear my daughter's little voice saying "it be ok" as she patted her brother on the shoulder. Did she learn this from me? Maybe, but it's also quite possible that she's just naturally soft hearted.

3. Do you prefer to watch romantic comedy or romantic drama...or are you rolling your eyes saying bring on the action flicks? I tend to gravitate to the romantic comedies.

4.  It's April which means baseball season is officially upon us here in the US of A. Humphrey Bogart is quoted as saying "A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz." Agree or Disagree? So not into sports here - but seeing that I don't care for "fine dining" either, I'm going to stay neutral on this one.

5. What's something in your community or city that needs fixing or improving? I live in a very small town. In fact it is actually classified as a village. There is one very large home that looks like it was once a mansion but is now in a very sad state of disrepair. I would love to see that house brought back to life.

6. Share a song you enjoy that mentions flowers or a specific flower in its title. The Yellow Rose of Texas - love that song.

7. April 22nd is Earth Day...do you believe there's life on other planets?  That wasn't the question you were expecting was it? I believe that this Earth was created by God. I also believe that it is possible that this is not his only creation.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.Last weekend was spent cleaning out the basement from the flooding. I had a lot of Christmas stuff stored down there and had to throw a lot of it out. On the bright side, things are much more organized than they were.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

1. April 15th is the deadline for Americans to file their state and federal income tax returns.  What's a job you do on a regular basis that could be described as 'taxing'? Ironing is very taxing to me - hate it. The bad part is, winter is over so I am no longer wearing sweaters and that means - more ironing.

2. I'm participating in the April A-Z blog challenge, and the Hodgepodge happens to fall on Day O this week. In keeping with that theme...olives, onions, oysters, okra...of the foods mentioned, what's your favorite O food? That would be olives -love them. I use a lot of onions in cooking, oysters are ok but definitely not my favorite and I won't touch okra - yuck.

3.  What is something memorable you experienced as a child that your own children (or future children/nieces/nephews) will not get to experience?  Doing thing the old way. My grandparents on my dad's side did not have an indoor bathroom. I can remember cold morning around the old pot bellied stove and I have helped make apple butter in a big cast iron kettle over a fire outside.

4. Term limits for our elected officials...your thoughts?  I try to keep my political thoughts to myself but I do think this could be a good idea.

5. On April 18th, 1775, Paul Revere made his famous 'midnight ride'...when did you last make a midnight ride?  Perhaps the fate of a nation wasn't hanging in the balance, but tell us where you were headed anyway. I have made many midnight rides - most not for pleasure. I hate to hear the phone ring in the middle of the night - it's never good. My last midnight ride was probably a few years ago - going to my daughter's rescue when she ended up in a ditch.

6.  What would freak you out more...a mouse running across your floor or a big fat hairy spider?  The mouse. I can kill spiders. I can kill snakes. Mice freak me out.

7. I love it when people ask me if my daughter and I are sisters - sadly that hasn't happened in a while.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. I woke up this morning to the Biz digging in cabinets for the papers that came with the TV. I told him last week that the color did not look right. He said it was me. Evidently it was not me - he is not a happy camper right now.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

1. Share one fun thing you did last week, while the Hodgepodge was on 'spring break'. I babysat for my new grandson! That was fun. There's nothing like a little one in your arms to make you realize what life is really all about.

2.  April 10th is National Sibling Day...do you have siblings, and if so are you close? Share a favorite story featuring one or all of your siblings. If you don't have siblings, did you ever wish you did? I have a brother and he lives 700 miles away. We do talk a lot on the phone. I have lost two sisters and some of my fondest memories are of us three girls ganging up on my brother. He took it very well. Once we caught him asleep and put makeup all over his face.

3. Is it important to you to 'buy American'? Why or why not? How much of an effort do you make to 'buy American'? If you're not American, insert your own country in the blank. I am American and I do try to buy things manufactured here but it's getting harder and harder to do.

4. Besides The Bible, what book has impacted your spirituality in some way? Drawing a blank here.

5. April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes.  Do you find rainy days calming or depressing?  When were you last caught in a rainstorm? What's blooming in your neck of the woods today? I love thunderstorms, It is raining here now but I haven't heard any thunder. Daffodils are blooming! They're my favorites.

6. What's your favorite yellow food? Yellow? Summer squash! Love it in stir frys or battered and fried.

7. April is National Poetry Month...what's a poem that holds special meaning for you, and why is it special?
I've never been "into" poetry" and can't really think of one that I would call special.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. It's almost garden season! I called the guy that plows gardens in the town that I live in to make sure he had me on the list! I am soooooo ready - I have it all planned out - I'll have some of those little yellow squashes before you know it!

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

1. What are your plans for Easter? Are you cooking a big lunch or dinner?  Dyeing eggs? Attending a sun rise service?  Eating too much chocolate? Cooking - yes, a ham for daughter; dyeing eggs - no but the VFW Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday morning - hoping the snow is gone by then; Sunrise service - I wish there was one here but there isn't; chocolate - no - swearing off (clothes getting a little too tight).

2.  What is something you feel too young to do? Too young? Going to have to go with AARP - I really need them to lose my name and quit sending me stuff.

3.  "Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud...it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs..."  

Of the characteristics mentioned in the biblical definition of love which do you find most difficult to live out and why? It always trusts - I have a really hard time trusting men and that comes from my experiences. I used to trust - no more.

4. What's a springtime flower you associate with your childhood? Going to go with daffodils - I love them and have always looked forward to seeing them pop up in the Spring, sometimes right through the snow.

5.  Ever sung karaoke? If so, what's your go-to song? If not and you're given the opportunity, would you? Never, and I never will!

6. What is something you keep in a basket? Crochet projects.

7.  When was the last time you felt foolish? Yesterday - giving presentation and the "smartboard" wouldn't work - maybe it was smarter than me? Could very well have been operator error.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  I wish I could spend Easter with my two favorite guys.
Grandson #1 - isn't he a cutie










Grandson #2 - doesn't look like a preemie anymore!

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

1. March 20th is the first day of spring...is she a lion or a lamb in your part of the world? It's definitely a lion today and we have a "significant" winter storm advisory for this weekend!

2. What's the most dreaded task on your spring clean to-do list?  Do you have a 'plan of attack'? The garage - no real plan - I'll just have to take everything out to the driveway and then try to organize it.

3. Peas...love 'em or hate 'em?  What's a favorite dish you make using peas? Love peas in everything but mostly just plain with a little butter.

4.  Do you feel under appreciated? Sometimes - like when I try to give advice to daughter on her new baby and she blows me off and then I get a text last night saying that her friend told her the same thing so now she's going to try it!

5. Have you been using Google Reader?  If so, what are you switching to now that GR has announced retirement?  If not, how do you read your favorite blogs? I've never used it.

6. Anne Bradstreet is credited with the following quote~

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant;  if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." 

Agree or Disagree?  Why? Agree - it's those times at the bottom that let us know how good the other times are.

7.  When did you last 'spring for something'?  What was it? Yesterday - I ordered myself a tablet - just because I wanted one.

8.  Insert your own random thought here Isn't he a cutie? That is a newborn size - he's getting a little big for the preemies but he sure looks like he's swimming in that one.
 

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

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? I have: neverplayed bingo; been to a casino once; never bet on a horse; and I buy lottery tickets only when the jackpot gets really high.

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? Yes, I will be making the corned beef and cabbage but I will not be eating it (can't stand cooked cabbage). My favorie potatoes would probably be mashed.

3. What's the last thing you felt 'green with envy' over? I can't remember anything. I have a coworker who is vacationing in FL right now and I told her that I was jealous  - does that count?

4.  What's at the end of your rainbow? I had this question yesterday and answered with "soggy ground." I think I'll stick with that.

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? My blog is my only journal. I used tokeep a journal when I was in my early 20s and I still have it - kind of interesting to read every now and then - usually makes me laugh.

6. What's an item in your home or closet that contains every color of the rainbow? I know there's nothing in my closet. I honestly can't think of anything around the house either but I do have my carpenter's box decorated for St. Patrick's Day right now and it has a rainbow in it. It sits on the porch and gets decorated for every holiday.

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.
There once was a girl named Tam
that ended up with a guy named Sam
Good companions they are
though not a couple by far
but it keeps them both from being on the lam.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
It's hump day!

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

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? I have but rarely.

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? Totally against it. Why? I just don't think it's right. But then I think we messed up years ago with all the women's lib stuff. I would have loved to be able to stay at home and take care of my kids instead of going to work every day.

3.  In looking back at all the blog posts you've written, what's your favorite post title? I'm not much into the witty titles - don't really have a favorite.

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? I tried to fall somewhere in the middle. I was raised by the fanatically overbearing - not sure I'd call it overly protective, just overbearing. I would never do that to my kids.

5.  Candlelight-moonlight-firelight-bright lights in the big city...which one's your favorite?  I'm going to go with firelight, although I do like candlelight and moonlight too. I've never been a city gal, although I do believe that the lights of Cincinnati are a beautiful sight.

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.I missed this question somehow! But yes, books played a big part of my growing up. Books were a way to escape and you could always find me with one.

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.  I just was reading a "ghost story" this morning. there was a passage when a character went running out of the house with his hair "standing on end." For some reason a picture of Albert Einstein came into my head as I was reading that and it made me smile.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.Grandson #2 is doing a little better. He has gained a little weight back (he went down to 4 lb, 1 oz) and is trying to nurse a little more. He still has to be under the light for his jaundice but all is well. Daughter got her staples out yesterday so she is also feeling better.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

1.  When were you last facing an ocean? Using just ONE word, describe how you felt as you faced that ocean. It's been a long time, probably 20 years. In one word - I felt SMALL.

2. What are three sounds you hate to hear? Tornado sirens, a child crying in pain, and a phone in the middle of the night.

3. This question comes to you courtesy of some real life friends. Hi real life friends! When you shop for yourself, do you try everything on in the store before buying or do you buy, try on at home, and then return what you don't like or what doesn't fit? Try on at home - hate trying on clothes in a store.

4. February 26th is National Pistachio Day...are you a fan of the little green nut? Do you use them in cooking and baking or prefer to eat them right out of the shell? Not really a fan.

5. When did you last have to compromise with someone?  Were you happy to reach the compromise or slightly irritated it was necessary? I compromise all the time and it's just a part of life - you can't have everything your way.

6.  Have you ever written a letter to an elected official? Did you get a response? I send emails to officials at times and have gotten a few responses.

7. We 'March' into a new month at the end of this week...what's something on your March calendar guaranteed to make you smile? My garden!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.Vacation day today - yesterday was a snow day. I kind of feel guilty for not being at work this morning but I wanted today off to prepare for my audit tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

1. When were you last 'on a mountaintop'?  You may answer in the literal or figurative sense. Last September when went home! I was on the top of Pine Mountain, Powell Mountain and Clinch Mountain and possibly a few others that I don't know the names of.

2.  Do you establish and maintain a strict budget in your household?  What is one piece of financial advice you would offer someone just starting out on their own? I try to but things always come up - like my washer kicking the bucket last Saturday. So now do I buy a new set instead of the garden shed I had planned on buying or get a used one to get me by till next year which is when I had planned on getting a new set?

3.  Cherries-yay or nay?  Cherry pie, cherry cola, black forest cake, or a scoop of Ben and Jerry's Cherries Garcia...pick one.Cherry pie is my favorite!

4.  Should you ever discuss religion or politics with people you don't know?I wouldn't advise getting into deep arguments over politics or religion but we all have our views and sometimes you just have to speak up.

5.  When you take a road trip do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger?  Where were you headed on your last road trip?I prefer to drive - like to be in control the wheel - other people scare me. The last road trip was the trip mentioned in #1.

6. If we peeked inside your closet, what color would we say is most prevalent? Black.

7. Who's your favorite senior citizen and why are they special? One of the ladies at the VFW is a real sweetheart.

 8.  Insert your own random thought here.Random thought - still working on socks - making pet stockings now. Pictures to follow.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

 1.  This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year? Baptist here - we don't do Lent.

2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you? Two for two. I don't do pancakes either - bad memories of my mother's pancakes as a child. They were always burnt on the outside and raw in the middle.

3.  I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love? The Rose.

4.  What are some things you do to let others know you love them? I do little things all the time. Picking up little things when I see them and think it's something they'd like, driving over to help daughter clean her house, making a special meal.....

5.  Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers? Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies? Yellow roses are my favorite but I would rather see them outside where they belong. I HATE getting flowers, why cut something so pretty just to have it die.

6.  President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you?  Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring?  Why? I've seen Monticello. I've also seen Lincoln's home, both in Springfield and in New Salem. Past presidents do interest me but then all  vintage things interest me.

7.  Are you good at keeping secrets? I'll never tell.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.I had the day off today (Lincoln's birthday). I do not get Washington's birthday or President's Day- which if I remember right - started as a way of combining Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays so that schools only had to give one of them off. Somehow I think that's a little weird. But I did get a lot done today. Floors are all scrubbed, house is clean and I got two Christmas stockings crocheted! Some of you may know I'm making new ones for everyone next year. I actually have 13 done already and I only need 12 - but I have more patterns to go. Last week I found patterns for special "pet stockings." Yep, gonna make those too. I'll post pictures when I get them all done.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

 1. Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 10th, and 2013 is the year of the snake. When did you last see a snake?  Are you okay around snakes or do they give you the shivers? When I lived in the country I saw snakes all the time. I'm ok as long as I see them before I step on them - and having a hoe in my hand when I see them is a plus.

2. The color red in Chinese culture usually means good luck.  Do you believe in luck? Somewhat - I've been lucky in some things in my life but I don't believe in it enough to buy lottery tickets - unless the jackpot gets really big!

3. sledding-ice skating-building a snowman...if given a choice, which activity would you choose?  Which of the three have you done most recently?  Building a snowman - that's my kind of fun and the one I've done the most recently, but I do like ice skating and sledding too.

4.  Ralph Waldo Emerson is credited as saying, "The years teach much which the days never knew."  Where have you seen this quote played out in your own life?  I think this works in everyone lives. There is no teacher like experience.

5. When was the last time you ate a cupcake?  Probably at a carry-in at work.

6. What's something you can't say no to?  Coffee!

7.  Are you a doodler?  Only when REALLY bored!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  I decided right after Christmas that I wanted to make new crocheted Christmas stockings for everyone in the family this year - each from a unique pattern. I started them in January and just finished #8 out of 12(that covers my kids and grandkids along with Biz's kids and grands).  So far the hardest part has been altering the patterns to make them all close to the same size. I have a total of 21 different patterns and am having trouble figuring out which ones to use. Somehow I think I'm going to make them all - there will hopefully more grands to come. I think I'll try to come up with some sort of "game" at Thanksgiving to have everyone choose their stocking. I'm also making Biz build me a "stocking post" to display them next year. Am I nuts to be working on Christmas in January and February?

 

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

This week's questions:  This week's questions are all about sports and since I'm not, in any way, a sports fan - I don't think my answers to them would be of any interest to anyone. Going to sit this one out. I'll be back next week!

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

This week's questions: 

1. The popular saying, 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly.  Is he right? No - all is not fair. I don't care how much you "love" someone - if they are married or even in a committed relationship - it's HANDS OFF!

2. Are you a cereal eater?  What's your favorite kind? Rarely, but when I do I like things like Cheerios or Shredded Wheat.

3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles).  She did not have the gun with her at school.

A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record.  The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts?  (If you missed the story click here for details). That's ridiculous! Suspending a child for playing - I think that's definitely going too far.

4. Whatever happened to_letting kids be kids____________________________?

5.  January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil.  Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive?  This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to? I sign my name quite a bit for things at work and my handwriting is ok as long as I'm not in a real hurry.

6. Speaking of John Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?  No - and no.

7.  Share something funny you've heard a child say.  Drawing a blank here. The only thing I can think of is my son when he was really little and couldn't pronounce "truck" - it was humorous but sometimes a little embarrassing.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. I'm working on planning daughters baby shower and I don't quite know what to do. I haven't been to a baby shower in years. Help!

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

This week's questions: 


1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English...here's the list for 2013-

fiscal cliff, kick the can down the road, double down, job creators/creation, passion/passionate, yolo (an acronym for you only live once), spoiler alert, bucket list, trending, superfood, boneless wings, and guru

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why. Go here to read more about how the words were chosen.Superfood - I don't go for all the hype - just give me plain old food - guess I'm just a country girl when it comes to food.

2.  When was the last time you rode a train?  Where did you go? I can honestly say that I have never been on a train.

3. Bagels-yay or nay?  Favorite 'flavor'?  Favorite topping? Bagels are ok once in a while - with cream cheese.

4.  'Tis the season of awards shows...if you could star in a movie already made which one would you choose? Not that much of a movie buff so I really have no idea about any new ones but Gone With the Wind would be a great movie to be in.

5. The move towards single gender classrooms has been making the news in recent months....what say you?  Do you think kids perform better if seperated by gender and are taught differently or is that discrimination?  If you're a parent, is this something you'd support in regard to your own children? That sounds like segregation to me - can't see any reason why to separate kids.

6. What's your favorite thing about staying in a hotel? Having someone else clean.

7. Do you have a 'word' for 2013?  What's the story behind your choice? Maybe accomplishment - because I hope to accomplish a lot this year.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.I'm off to the doctor today. Insurance changed providers so I had to choose a new primary care provider. I don't do doctors often and even though I have the flu right now, today's visit will just be the initial "hi, here's my information" visit.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

This week's questions: 


1. What is ONE thing or area in your home or life you hope to report is completely organized when 2013 draws to a close?  Do you  have a plan to make it happen? My kitchen and yes, I always have a plan.

2. What's the worst uniform you've ever had to wear for a job? A nurses aide uniform back in the day before scrubs were allowed.

3. What was your last kitchen 'mishap'?  This question comes to you courtesy of Betty who blogs over at A Glimpse Into Midlife...everyone go say hi to Betty! A chicken dish the I over spiced - and I mean WAY over spiced.

4. How do you protect yourself from other people's negativity? I try to avoid negative people.

5. Who in your family do you most resemble (physically)? If you have children, who do people say they favor? Do you agree? I look like a cross between my parents. With my children, daughter looks like me, son looks like his father.

6. January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day...will you be celebrating? No - I haven't taken a bubble bath in ages.

7.  Some of the 'world's best winter festivals' are - Mardi Gras (New Orleans), Quebec Winter Festival (Canada), Sundance Film Festival (Park City, Utah),  Rio Carnivale (Brazil), Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan), Venice Carnival (Italy) and the Harbin Ice Festival (Northern China).  Of those listed (and if cost were not a factor) which would you most like to attend and why? I've always wanted to see Mardi Gras - just to see all the mayhem.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.I'm teaching a friend to crochet on my lunch hours so I don't have much time today - I need to finish an example before I go to work.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

This week's questions: 


1.  How did you ring in the new year? In my bed, watching TV.

2.  What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2013? Meeting both of my grandsons - one who will be a year old and one who should arrive in April.

3.  Steven Spielberg is quoted as saying, "All of us every single year, we're a different person.  I don't think we're the same person all our lives."  What say you? I agree, somewhat. We all grow and change throughout our lives but usually our basic values remain the same.

4. The Pantone color of the year for 2013 is emerald green. Like or dislike? Do you already own something this color?  Will you add something in this shade to your home or wardrobe in 2013?  Green is my favorite color so yes, I like but I don't think I have anything emerald green in my wardrobe - maybe I will add something.

5.  Speaking of emerald...what's your favorite gemstone? Peridot - green again - and my birthstone.

6. Share a favorite book or movie from 2012. Our fellow blogger,  Brenda's book, Skewered Halo was very good - I'm looking forward to the next one.

7.  What is something you want to tell yourself at the start of this brand new year? Just to keep on keeping on - taking one day at a time.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.Administrative leave is over- it's back to work tomorrow for me. We get 11 days off at Christmas which turned into 12.5 days off this year because of the big storm. With all that time off, you'd think that I could tell you lots of things I accomplished but sadly, I didn't really do much. I did finish a baby blanket and  rearranged the spare bedroom. That's about it.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

This week's questions:

1. How will you spend 'the night before Christmas'? There is a Christmas Eve service at the church that I plan on intending.

2.  What is one thing you are not? I am not pretentious.

3.  Fudge-are you a fan?  Your favorite flavor? Yes please, any flavor  will do but especially peanut butter. I'll be making some this weekend.

4. Did you attend any craft/vendor fairs in the month of December?  Do you prefer homemade goodies or the more professional stalls? Are you giving any homemade gifts this year? I give home crocheted gifts every year. Homemade gifts mean more to me because they require you to actually work at making something special for someone special.

5. What's your favorite type of holiday gathering? Family and friends, small get togethers are the best.

6.  We're approaching a new year...what's going to be different in 2013? Hopefully a new job description.

7. Share a favorite scripture, quote, saying, or song lyric relating to peace. "Peace on earth, good will toward men."

8.  Insert your own random thought here.I hope everybody has a wonderful Christmas with their families. I also hope that everyone, in some way, remembers the reason for the season.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

This week's questions: 


 1. So, when did you last take a walk in the woods? A stroll along the beach? A drive going nowhere in particular in the car? The last time I walked in the woods was when I lived in the country - about three years ago.

2.  Are you sending Christmas cards this year?  About how many do you send?  Photo card or something more traditional?  How do you display the cards you receive? No cards from me - I do sit out the few that I get - usually on the counter of the built in cabinet.

3. What's a word you've heard too much of in the past week? Finals.

4. December 13th is National Cocoa Day-are you a fan?  Plain or flavored?  Marshmallows or no marshmallows? Yes - plain and no marshmallows for me! I do sometimes mix my cocoa with my coffee - imagine that!

5. What is something you do to help alleviate the hectic pace of the Christmas season? This year I did most of my shopping online and avoided the stores whenever possible.

6. Besides jewelry, what's a favorite sparkly-glittery item in your home or closet? I'm not much of a glitter fan. I really can't thing of anything I own that is glittery.

7. Share a favorite line or two from any Christmas carol. Come they told me, pa rum pa pa pum!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.As I said, I did a lot of shopping online this year. I got a package tonight that was minus 4 things - so now I have to come up with some more "finishers" for daughter and sil. Bummer!

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

This week's questions: 


1.  Share your traditions surrounding the Christmas stocking. The year my daughter was born I found a pattern for a Christmas stocking that I really liked and made them for what at the time was three of us. Since that year, I have probably made close to a thousand of those stockings. One year my bf approached me the week before Christmas and asked if I could possibly get 19 of them done before she had a special Christmas party. Her whole family was going to be home for the first time in years. That week flew by with every spare minute spent crocheting. I even enlisted my daughter to help me but we got them all done. I've altered the pattern to where I can make them from about 6 inches to a huge one I made for my nephew - it was 36 inches long! They normally are about 18 inches. I'm going to put mine up tomorrow night and will try to take a picture!

picture as promised

2.  How many hours of sleep do you average at night?  Is it enough? Usually about 6 and it seems to be enough for me.

3.  If you had to give up one thing for the remainder of this year what would it be?  Um...... definitely NOT coffee - I may be able to do without my flavored creamers for that long - but I wouldn't like it.

4.  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (or Wills and Kate as I like to call them) have announced they're expecting a baby. Do you follow news of the Royals? Nope!

5.  For me,  the sound of childhood is giggles.

6.  Fruit cake-yay or boo? What's your favorite dessert made with fruit? I have to say nay. I've had a few that weren't too bad but most are just horrible.

7. What is one thing you want to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end? A baby blanket for my grandson who's due in April.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. My last final is next Monday. I graduate - again - on the 15th. Then on to my Master's. I will be taking a semester off so I'll be available to help daughter with the new baby if she needs me. I cannot wait for next May! Son, dil and my G1 will be coming home on leave! I'll have TWO grandsons here at the same time. After discussing with son and dil, I have put off the England trip until next fall or the following January. That way daughter and G2 will be able to go too! I really don't want to travel by myself. It will be the first time I go overseas.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

This week's questions: 


1. Which do you prefer-pretty gift wrap with a bow or a pretty gift bag with/without a bow?  What percentage of your holiday gifts are currently (as in right this very minute) wrapped in some form or fashion? I like both wrapped and bagged gifts. None are wrapped yet.

2.  What is one item on your Christmas list this year? I don't really need anything.

3.  What makes a home? Love makes a home.

4.  Motown founder Berry Gordy celebrates his birthday on Hodgepodge Day-November 28th. Are you a fan of the Motown sound?  If so, who's your favorite Motown artist and/or song? Here's a list in case you're stuck.  Not a fan - don't know any artists.

5.  Red or green-which one is more prevalent in your closet? Definitely green - it's my favorite color. I've been told that I look good in red but it has never been a color that I like.

6.  True or false-bacon makes it better? If you answered true, what's your favorite dish made with bacon? True - I put bacon in my potato soup.

7.  Share a favorite holiday memory. Some of my favorite memories are of when the kids were little. Like the time my son was about 2 and got a flashlight in his stocking. He was so happy with that flashlight we had trouble getting him to open any of his presents.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.There was an accident here last night - semi trailer hauling hogs turned over in an intersection. Driver wasn't injured - didn't say how many pigs were (they were headed to slaughter). They say none of the pigs escaped - can you imagine pigs running round town? It took them hours to offload them to another trailer.