OH, MY ACHING KNEE HODGEPODGE!

Can you believe that Spring is just over a week away?  I can't wait for the flowers to bloom.

1. What's the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word 'spring'? Which phrase best describes the season of spring where you live right now (today)-sprung! almost there, or still waiting?

The first image that comes to mind are all the clean cars people are driving around. The automatic car washes are full with car after car going through getting all the sand and salt off the cars.
The phrase that best describes the season around here is "Almost Here."  We still have lots of snow on the ground but the air is warmer and there are even spots of brown here and there.  The septic tank is still covered in snow however.
  

2. Bed, couch, stapler, garage door, computer mouse, recliner, flashlight, door knob...which household item containing springs most needs replacing in your home? Speaking of springs...did you ever own a Slinky?

I did own a slinky and loved it.  As for something with springs that needs replacing....I would have to say that there is nothing that is in need of replacing.

3. March is Women's History Month. Share a favorite quote by a woman.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” - Maya Angelou

4. What's a question that looms large in your mind right now?

When will my knee be fixed?

5. Are you a sugar freak? By that I mean how much do you love sugar? With all the bad press sugar gets these days, have you made any efforts to reduce the amount of sugar you consume?

I'm not a huge fan of sugar. I drink my tea and coffee without it, but I do like the occasional cream horn or dish of ice cream.  So I do try to limit my sugar but I will give in once in a while.

6. Would you rather have less work to do or more work you enjoy doing?

I would rather have more work that I enjoy doing.  I don't mind working and having something to do that I enjoy doing makes the day go by faster and I feel like I'm helping someone. Plus, it's not work, if I love doing it.

7. Ever been to Texas? Of the top ten Texas tourist attractions which would you most like to see-The Alamo, The San Antonio River Walk, The State Capital, Dallas World Aquarium, Padre Island National Seashore, Houston Space Center, Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Six Flags Fiesta Texas,  Moody Gardens, or Galveston Island?

I have only driven through Texas but if I were to visit, I would love to see the Houston Space Center.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I mentioned in # 4 wondering when my knee would be fixed.  It turns out that I have a tore Meniscus in my left knee and today I saw the orthopaedic doctor.  He agrees that my knee needs to be fixed and has agreed to do the surgery but first he wants to consult with both of my oncologists.  The one here locally and the one up in Lebanon.  The orthopaedic doctor has some questions about my cancer and my meds so it may be a few months before I have the surgery but finally, a doctor who agrees that I need this thing fixed.  

SNOWMAGEDON HODGEPODGE!

With all the snow coming down, Joyce came up with great questions, now for our answers.

1. When did someone last suggest you 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell someone (or want to tell someone) to 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell yourself to 'chill out'?
I can't remember the last time I told someone to chill out or the last time someone told me to chill out.  But when I get upset, I tell myself to chill out a lot.  I take a deep breath, count to 100 (or more) and try to chill out before I make a final decision or say something I shouldn't.  Most of the time it works, but once in a while, I should have kept counting....

2. What most recently caused your heart to melt? 
I love holding my Hubby's hand while we watch TV.  We do it a lot.  I love that but what really makes my heart melt is while we are sleeping, we reach for each other.  We are just old romantics at heart.

3.  "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." G.K. Chesterton  

Your thoughts? When did you last experience either an adventure or an inconvenience? How did you see it at first, as an adventure or an inconvenience?  Does it feel the same in hindsight?

A few weeks ago the car broke down in traffic, I was alone.  It was an inconvenience for sure.  It was so cold and I didn't have heat in the car.  A nice police officer allowed me to sit in his cruiser while I was waiting for Hubby to get to me and then we waited for AAA.  It was an inconvenience for sure.

On the other hand, we sometimes just drive around looking at the beautiful countryside we live in.   We get lost on purpose and drive around, talking and laughing.  To me that is an adventure.  I love that.

4.  A Wendy's Frosty, root beer in a frosty mug, or a frosted chocolate cupcake...of these three, which one is your favorite 'frosty' treat?
Root Beer in a frosty mug on a hot summer day. Hands down. But since it's so cold out, I'm going with the chocolate cupcake.

5. Would you say your life so far this year has been more like a circus or a symphony? Explain why.
More of a symphony so far for sure.  Our lives are filled with joy and laughter and love and grand children.  Family, friends and I love ever minute of it.

6. Since it's a 'snow day' here, what's your favorite song containing the word 'white'?
The first one I though of was White Christmas.

7. If you had to leave the city you currently live in, what would you find the hardest to leave behind?
I love living in the country with neighbors just far away to make it so nice. I would miss the country life.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Well the state shut down. We all stayed in and waited for the snowmagedon.  And guess what?  It really didn't happen.  Yes we got lots of snow, and it blew around a lot, and it was cold.  But it was not what the snow storm of 1978 was and that was the storm this was compared to.  We didn't loose power and we are all OK.  August went out once and fell into the snow.  Since he is 10 inches tall, we knew we had at least 10 inches of show.  He jumped up and into the house in one leap and looked at me with sad scared eyes.  Me, I laughed so hard my side hurt.  

There is another snow event scheduled for the end of the week, We must be playing catch up for all the snow we didn't get in November and December.  That's OK, we're ready. 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE!

Joyce had a good time coming up with these questions by the look of them.  She has a funny sense of humor.  Join the fun.

1. American Idol is back for a 14th season. Are you watching? Have you ever watched? If you were to audition for the show (or were made to audition), what song would you sing?
I'm not sure I ever watched American Idol from start to finish, ever, in the 14 years they have been on.  I know that I've watched as they got to the final 4 or close to the end.  I'm not a huge fan of the show.  There was a time when the contestants were not very good and were still put on TV to show just how bad they were and for the judges to tell them that they were not very good and I didn't like that.  
If I was were ever forced to audition for the show, I would most likely sing something from Whitney Houston.  I loved her voice and her songs. 

2.  Mark Twain is quoted as saying, "If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first." 

So when did you last have to 'eat a frog'? Or two? How'd that work out? 

So I'm guessing  this means to do something that you don't like to do and do it first thing in the morning.  That I do agree with.  Get it over with as fast as you can.  The last time I ate a frog?  Last Saturday, the house really needed cleaning.  I got up and got right at it instead of sleeping in.

3. If you were going on safari, what is the number one animal you'd want to see?

Giraffe. I would love to see one up close.  

4. January 21st is National Granola Bar Day. I know. Do you like granola bars? Chewy or crunchy? Your favorite flavor? How about regular granola? Let's exhaust this topic in honor of the holiday okay?
I don't eat granola bars too often but I do like the chewy ones and ones with raisins and dried fruit.  I do like regular granola on yogurt and cereal.

5. If only_Life was as simple now and it was when I was a kid.  

6. You can add one item to your bedroom. What will it be? Keep it family friendly please.

A Fireplace.  I would like a fireplace in our bedroom. It doesn't have to be big, but just having one would be so nice. 

7. What is one thing you've enjoyed about winter thus far? If it's not winter in your corner of the globe, what season is it, and what is something you've enjoyed about whatever season it happens to be?

Lack of snow!  I can handle the rain, the cold and even the icy roads but oh how I hate a ton of snow.  We have about maybe 3 inches of the stuff that has frozen to the ground by now.  I like not having a lot of snow!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
It's been just about a year ago that I had my stem cells harvested and frozen for future use.  At that time, we were thinking we were getting them back in the fall of 2014.  Well the fall has come and gone and stem cells are still in the freezer.  I hope they stay there for 30 years.  I hope I continue to do so well, that I don't need them back.  No one fights Cancer alone.  I have Hubby who takes over and runs the house and everything that goes along with it when I can't.  I work for a Company that allows me to do whatever I need to do to allow me to continue to earn a pay check. I have friends who keep me laughing and keep me sane and on top of it all I have a God who has given me all of the others who keep me going.  I feel blessed.  

FINALLY FEELING BETTER HODGEPODGE!

Joyce likes to keep us all thinking with some hard questions,  This week is no exception.  Come think with us. 

1. What's your best piece of advice for a newly married couple? I'm asking for a friend.

Don't have any conversations with the opposite sex, that your spouse shouldn't hear.  There is nothing Innocent about flirting with a co worker, friend, or anyone.  The only person you flirt with is your spouse.

2. Before we're too far into the new year I wanted to post a question Teresa submitted during the December giveaway. Teresa blogs over at Being Refined As Silver, so everyone go say hi.

Teresa asks, "What were you doing on December 31st, 1999?"and "Did you or your family make preparations for Y2K?"

We didn't do anything different at all.  We knew that life would go on, the sun would shine, the powers that be would figure it all out.  We were not online a lot and didn't have any fear. We believe in God and we knew we were fine.
  

3. According to Global Language Monitor, the most used word of 2014 isn't a word. It's the heart emoji. Huh? How can something that's not a word be the most used word, but I digress. What do you think was your most used word in 2014?

See, a hard question!  I use lots of words so just picking one is hard, but I guess it would be "Sick."  I was sick a lot in 2014.

4. Speaking of words, it's that time again. Time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, and general uselessness) in 2015. You can read more about the decision making process here, but this year's top vote getters are-

bae (before anyone else), polar vortex, hack, skill set, swag, foodie, curate/curated, friend-raising, enhanced interrogation, cra-cra (as in crazy), takeaway, and -nation (a suffering sports suffix).

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?

All of them sounds pretty terrible and would like to see them all go.  cra-cra is my choice for really, really needs to go.  Come on people, how hard is it to say CRAZY.  It doesn't need to be shortened.
I can't think of anything to add.  I guess I talk to people who don't use a lot a words that drive me nuts.

5.  January is National Hot Tea month? Are you a fan? Do you like flavored teas? How do you take your tea? Have a favorite cup or teapot? How many cups of tea do you consume in a given day? 

I do like tea.  I have a few favorites. Earl Gray, Scottish Breakfast tea, PG tips are among my favorites.  I drink hot tea black but like sugar and lemon in ice tea.  I don't drink tea every day so I don't have a number of cups per day that I drink.

6. Whatever happened to________________________________?

Respect, Caring for others, Please and Thank you.

7. What is one book on your must-read list this winter? 

I don't have a must read list for winter.  Sorry.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I love my grand girls!  They are so much fun to be around.  To watch them play or do a craft with me makes me feel so happy.  There is something about a small child telling me a story and not understanding hardly any of the words and yet the story is fascinating!  Being a Grannie is the best job EVER!

So now it's your turn.  Your answers are?????

A FRIGID END TO A WARM YEAR!

This is the last Hodgepodge of 2014!  Where did the time go?  Joyce has done a fantastic job putting together the questions for us all.  She has a busy life and still, she found time to do this.  I'm impressed! Join us will you?

1. Share a favorite moment from your Christmas holiday celebration.

The favorite moment from this Christmas was when our grand girls saw their "Frozen Body Pillows" and curled up on the floor with them.  Later, I got a video of them sleeping on them for the night.  It made me very happy that they liked them so much.

2. What would you say has been the biggest news event during your life so far?

So far, I think that traveling in space has been the biggest news event during my life.  The fact that we traveled to the moon, and have landed on Mars with the Mars Rover to cover the planet in search of anything.  I love that someone has the guts to ask the question "What if?"  And then come up with a way to answer it.  I love the science news that we hear so often.
YUP Space Travel is the event that fascinates me.

3. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2015 is Marsala. What say you-like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?

OK, I had to look this up because I didn't know what the color was.  It's beautiful!

It's a pop of neutral and I really do like it.  I don't know if it's in our home but I will get some tops in this color.  Reminds me of blush make up from the past.  

4. Would you rather meet your ancestors or your great grandchildren? Explain why.

WOW that is a hard question.  Meeting my ancestors would allow me to fill in the blanks as to why I am the way I am but meeting our great grandchildren would allow me to know if any of us is in them.  I choose both.  It's my blog, I get to pick the both.

5. Share one life lesson learned in 2014?

Good Health is something that I took for granted.  When the doctor tells me that I'm healthy I still laugh.  Healthy?  Then why am I sitting in the Oncologist office talking about living with Cancer.  Define Healthy Please?   So the lesson I learned, I'm better off than many and not as well off as some.

6. What was your best or favorite purchase made in 2014?

We didn't buy a lot of things this year.  We don't need a lot to make us happy so I guess the purchase we made was our vacation in the fall.  The kids were all back to school (no lines), the weather was warm (unseasonably), and the company (Hubby and dogs) was the best.  It was relaxing, refreshing, and just plain wonderful.

7. What is one thing you're looking forward to in the new year?

Getting back to my pre-cancer weight.  I have a plan and pray that God will bless it and allow me to get back into shape. I also want to get back to blogging on a regular basis.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

We don't have any snow, and the last few weeks it's been down right warm (in the 40's) for NH.  However, it's NH and so the cold weather will return.  In fact it did on Tuesday and will remain with us all for awhile.  But you don't shovel cold and we have the pellet stove going keeping us all warm.

GRANNY NIRVANA HODGEPODGE!

1. Besides U.S. Thanksgiving, it's also National Game and Puzzle Week...what game have you played most recently, and who were you with? Have you worked a puzzle of any kind in the past week?

The last game was Domino's that I played with our grand daughters.  I've not worked a puzzle in a very long line.

2. What is one place you were thankful for this year?

One place I'm thankful for this year was Dog Mountain.  It's an amazing place to visit and to walk around.  I hope to go back soon.

3. Take a nap, watch football, go for an after dinner walk, or hit the stores...which ONE is on your must-do list for Thanksgiving day? For those of you playing along who aren't in the US, answer as it relates to any big holiday meal.

Well since we are getting a bit of snow, going for a walk is out of the picture.  A Nap is certainly in my plans for Thanksgiving day.

4. Besides Thanksgiving, what's your favorite home cooked meal?

WOW There are several favorites that I have.  I really love the meat stuffing we will have on Thanksgiving and Hubby will make it at other times of the year for me.  I like a nice pot roast that has cooked in the crock pot all day.  I like a lasagna especially the next day!

5. What product from an infomercial would you most like to own?

I tend to change channel when infomercials come on.  They make the product sound so good and after all it's only $14.99 to try it at home for 30 days right?  I wonder what happens after the 30 days and how much you are charged after that.  Not for me.

6. Christmas shopping? Have you begun? Finished? Will you shop on Black Friday? How do you feel about stores opening on Thanksgiving Day? What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online?

Christmas shopping is almost done! I will not shop on Thanksgiving  and I'm so sorry for those people who have to work on Thanksgiving.  If no one shopped, the stores would stop opening.  They will get the message by the amount of money it cost them to pay everyone to show up and do nothing.  But since so many are greedy, they shop.  It's sad that we talk about all we are grateful for and then leave the table to go to stores to get more.  If I do shop on Black Friday, it will be online.  A lot of my shopping has been online, more than 80%!

7. What are you most grateful for that adds beauty to your everyday life?

Life with Hubby adds beauty to my life everyday.  He enriches everyday with his tenderness and care.  He goes out of his way everyday to show me he loves me.  We still hold hands to watch TV and enjoy each others company.  We've been together for over 42 years and we not only love each other but like each other, respect each other and enjoy each other's company.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Well the snow has landed here in NH. It's beautiful, it's white, it's snowman making snow and there is going to be a lot of it.  It really does make it feel like the start of the Holiday season and puts everyone in the mood for eggnog, fire in the fireplace, decorations and sharing things with good friends and family.
Happy Thanksgiving All!!

Thank you Joyce for the questions,  If you all have time while your  bird is cooking, visit  others blogs and answer the questions.

Gratitude Hodgepodge!

Thanks Joyce for this weeks Hodgepodge about being grateful.  It's time to remember why and who we are thankful for.  I'm thankful for Joyce.

1. What's something you take for granted, that when you stop and think about it you feel truly grateful for?

Our Pellet stove and especially the man who feeds it!  I love our pellet stove and the heat it puts out.  Hubby cares for it, cleans it, fills it, starts it and checks on it.  I get to enjoy its warmth and I will turn it off.  I love our pellet stove and really, really love the man who cares for it.

2. The color brown-love it or no? What's your favorite shade of brown? Most loved something in your home or closet in a shade of brown?

Not a great fan of it.  It doesn't really have much color does it? It reminds me of dirt.  I do have one sweater and one vest that are brown but 'most loved', not really.

3. What's something you're looking forward to today?

Christmas wrapping for the west coasters and it's done.  Hubby now has to mail it out.

4. The word 'feminism' is not new, but it has been generating all kinds of headlines in recent days and months. What do you think/feel when you hear the word? If you're a woman, do you want to be described as a feminist? Why or why not?

Feminism is a collection of movements and ideologies aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, cultural, and social rights for women. Well that is according to wikipedia.  It used to be a movement to get equal rights for woman that men had already.  But now, it's all about 

bullying others who think differently.  Just this past week, a scientist landed a shuttle on a moving comet 

and he was picked on for what he wore!  Sorry people, he is a nerd and that is what i makes him what he is. 

Yes his shirt was tacky for TV and so he needs someone to dress him for TV but to bully him over it was just too much.  Ladies, grow up!! No I do not want to be described as a feminist.

5. What's something you personally can't eat without making a mess?

BBQ.  So I don't eat it in public.  It gets all over my cheeks, my fingers and my face.  So I use a knife and fork and eat it at home, with the door closed, and the lights off, and the curtains pulled shut.

6. When did you last surprise someone with a little gift or when were you last surprised by someone with a little gift? What was it?

Last Sunday, I made a dog coat for a friend who has a little dog but couldn't find a coat for her.  Some little dogs are hard to fit.  It's either too short from neck to tail, or too small around the middle.  So I made her a coat.  The friend liked it and since it's reversible, she has 2 coats to put on her little girl.

7. Share a favorite quote, saying, song lyric or scripture relating to gratitude.

Psalm 107:1 - Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I have 2 thoughts this week.
1. Hubby made stuffing for me.  It was not a dry run for Thanksgiving, it was just because I asked him to and it was so delish!! He made 6 pounds of it and it is all gone.  

2. The news is covered with pictures  of snow that has hit the the great lakes.  Here in NH it's cold - teens to 20's but no snow. I'm glad for that as I'm not a fan of snow.  Yes, it's very pretty. Yes, the ski area will be up and running. Yes, it's winter in NH.  However, still, I don't really like the snow.  The first snow people have to remember how to drive in it and it is just plain cold.  I like looking at pictures of snow from inside my home, by the fire and holding a cup of hot cocoa.  How about you?
For those of you  caught in the snow, I'm sorry and I hope you are doing OK.  Stay warm, stay safe.

SALUTE TO VETERANS HODGEPODGE!

I for one, look forward to the weekly Hodgepodge.  Last week Joyce took time off to get ready for her daughter's wedding.  I understand "time off". It feels like I've taken lots of time off.  I really don't mean to but once I get home and get through dinner or work on getting the outside  ready for winter, I just can't sit up and write a blog post.  I just need to sleep.  Joyce did in fact create a Hodgepodge for this week.  Thank you Joyce, I hope you got everything ready for the wedding.

1. We celebrate Veteran's Day in the US of A on November 11th. When did you last interact with a member of the armed forces (either currently serving or retired)? Have you ever written a letter to a soldier, bought a meal or coffee for a solider, said an unprompted thank you to a soldier you encountered out and about somewhere? If you're not in the US, comment on a similar holiday in your own country.

I was taking a picture of him while he was taking a picture of me.

I interact with a member of the armed forces every day.  Hubby was in the Air Force for 8 years.  I have written a letter to a soldier before, especially during Christmas time when they are still protecting our country while I enjoy my family.  I have also thanked a soldier while I was out and about and saw him/her in line at store, or standing on the corner.  I think it's important to thank as many as possible.

2. You can have fifty pounds of anything at all (except money)...what would you choose?

Fifty pounds of mulch would be nice to add to the yard next spring.

3. When did you last receive an invitation in the 'real' mail? What was it for and did you attend? When it comes to RSVP-ing, are you an 'early responder' or a 'last minute, barely-under-the-wire' kind of guest?

The last invitation, delivered by real mail that I got was for a baby shower.  I didn't go as the invitation showed up about 4 days AFTER the shower.  Talk about slow mail!!

4. What's something you really don't like to waste?

I'm Scottish, so there are lots of things I don't like to waste.  I use tea bags for at least 4 cups of tea. I  fold the trash to make more room in the trash can (saving more trash bags).  I guess if I have to pick one, it would be the craft paper I use to make cards.  I will use as much of the paper as possible before I toss what is left out.

5. Cheers, Friends, MASH, Seinfeld...of the ones listed, your favorite long-running sitcom?

Friends.  Watching those friends grow and become a real family was just so much fun.

6. What decision are you glad you made?

Hands up -marrying Hubby! He is the other half.  We truly have become One.

7. In this month of 'Thanksgiving' what is one thing that's different today than it was a year ago that you're grateful for?

Last year we were not able to watch the grand girls because I was too weak and couldn't be sure if I would catch anything from them.  This year, we get to see them often and spend time with them. I am so very thankful that we get to play with them.  If only our Grandsons were so close.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

My heart goes out to those of you in the middle states.  The news is covered with photos of the snow and cold that you have.  By the time is gets to us, the temps will be cold but it looks like the snow will only be light and scattered, If at all.  I pray that you have not lost power and that you are all safe and especially warm.

GRANNY NIRVANA HODGEPODGE!

1. My hubs spent last weekend pheasant hunting. Are there hunters in your family? If so, what do they hunt? Which of the following have you tasted-pheasant, rabbit, venison, duck, goose? Which of those would you most like to taste, or be most willing to taste?

Hubby spent many years hunting venison and we had many years of it to eat.  I relly do love the taste of it.  He hasn't hunted in a few years now and I miss it.  Of the ones listed, I would like to try Pheasant, it just sounds like it would taste good.

Vegetarians keep calm and Hodgepodge on.

2. What high spot have you visited that gave you a wonderful 'bird's eye view' of something below?

Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park gave such a beautiful fall view of Bar Harbor, Maine.

3.  Do you have any birds in your home? These could be either real live pets or decorative, as in bird prints, knickknacks, fabric or pottery.

No

4. Tell about a time you 'killed two birds with one stone'?

Oh my, these are hard this week.  I can't think of anything.

5. Your favorite song with a bird in it's title?

I had to Google song titles with Birds in the title.  I'll pick Rockin Robin By Bobby Day and the Jackson 5 both turned it into a hit.

6. What most recently gave you goose bumps?

Our vacation at Arcadia National Park gave me the  goose bumps, it's so beautiful and to think God created it all!!

7. Halloween is this Friday...any plans? Did you trick or treat as a child? Carve pumpkins? Share your most memorable costume.

We live too far out for Trick or Treaters to come to our home so we will stay home and watch TV.  When I was a kid, we grabbed the pillow case of of our beds and ran around the neighborhood getting all the candy we could carry.  Then I ran home, emptied the pillow case and would go right back out.  It was common to empty that pillow case several times an evening.  Then my sister and I would go through the candy and trade off what we didn't like for what we did like.  I usually wore the "Hobo" costume which came from my dads closet.  We didn't carve pumpkins.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I am fine, just either busy or sleeping.  We are WAY behind in getting the house set for the cold weather that will be upon us soon.  The list is long to get this house ready for the cold weather.
Don't forget to Fall Back this weekend.  I sure hope that the dogs let me get that extra hour of sleep!!

WAHOO! YAHOO! BALLYHOO! HODGEPODGE!

Wednesday's has been Hodgepodge Day for a long time now and I must say, I  love the questions.  Thank you Joyce.  Come and answer them as well.

1. Elizabeth Lawrence is quoted as saying, 'Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn." So have you done just that? And what did you leave undone in order to do so?

Oh Yes, I sat and watched the leaves turn.  I left dishes undone.  It was so worth it.  Now I'm watching the leaves fall on our grass so it's time to get them up.

2. Since we're talking turning...what's one thing you feel you're doing 'every time you turn around'?

Putting dishes in the dishwasher.  It's just the 2 of us but the dishes end up in the sink rather than 6 inches to the left and into the dishwasher.

3. How hard is it for you to 'turn the other cheek?'

Depends on the circumstance and the person.  If someone I love has offended me and it's the first offense, turning the other cheek is easy.  It gets harder as the offenses increase from the same person.

4. When did you last turn a drawer, your car, a room, or your entire house upside down looking for something? Did you find it?

I lose my shoes almost daily because as I come into the house I kick them off and we have a small dog who will walk off with one of them or I'll just forget where I was when I kicked them off.  But I don't usually turn the house upside down, I call on Hubby to find them for me.  He does it often.

5. 'One good turn deserves another'...were you most recently on the giving or receiving end of that sentiment?

Hubby and I often say that we each got the better end of our marriage.  So we think that each of us are on the receiving end of a great spouse.  Of course, I did get the better deal when I married Hubby.

6. Red, yellow, and orange are the colors of fall. Also the colors of fruit. If you were permitted only one color of fruit in your diet, which would you choose? This question isn't as easy as it sounds, at least not for me.

I love the dark colors of fall so it's not easy to pick just one color of fruit but since I need potassium  I'll pick yellow for banana.

7. The Hunt for Red October, October Sky, Halloween...which 'October' film is your favorite?

 I really don't like Horror films so I never say Halloween and I can't remember October Sky so I will go with The Hunt for Red October.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

A few week ago, our grand girls were over and I showed them some boxes in my office of fall decorations and I asked them to help me decorate.  They took all the decorations in the boxes and placed them into my office.  It took them about 5 minutes to decorate the office.  I suggested that we share the decorations with the rest of the house.  They thought it was a great idea and began to decorate the house.  The girls are so much fun.  Grandchildren are the best!!

HUBBA! HUBBA! HUBBY HODGEPODGE!

Thank you Joyce for this weeks questions and thank you Hubby for copying them for me.  Between you both, my day has been great.

1. What's your favorite time of day? Why?
Anytime I get to be with the Hubby and/or the Grand Girls.  I love spending time with them, that's why.

2. Waffle iron, toaster, coffee maker, mixer, blender...which small appliance would you say most needs replacing in your house? 
None on this list.  They all work very well (except the waffle iron because we don't have one.).

3. It's National Grouch Day (October 15)...what's something that makes you feel grouchy?
When I'm over tired, I get grouchy.  I don't like it but it does happen.

4. Ever been to Canada? Is that a country you'd like to visit? According to Trip Advisor, the top ten best destinations in Canada are-Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Victoria, Calgary, Niagara on the Lake, Niagara Falls, Whistler, and Halifax. Which city would you most like to see?
Yes we've been to Canada. Quebec City was beautiful.  We got to see the changing of the guard at the Citadel.  Hubby spoke french growing up and it sure did come in handy a few times.   I've seen Niagara Falls  from the USA side,  I would like to see it from the Canada side.

5. What was your favorite food (or one of your favorites) when you were a child? Is that still a favorite?
My mother was not a very good cook but she did make a good American Chop suey.  I still like it but now either myself or Hubby make it.

6. Do you cry easily?
Yes.

7. Have you started your (gasp!) Christmas shopping? If so when, and how much? If not, when will you even begin thinking about it?
I haven't started yet, but we will get going on it soon.  We have kids and grandkids on the west coast and we need to get stuff mailed out soon to avoid the rush.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
1/2 way through our vacation, we had a doctor's appointment with the transplant doctor.  It was a 2 hours appointment between the blood tests, talking to his nurse and then meeting with him.  The outcome was that I'm in remission and not sick enough for a stem cell tranplant.  He will see us in 4 months!! That news made the second half of our vacation a real celebration.

Hodgepodge Time agian!!

Thank you Joyce for the questions again and I can't believe that we all are zooming in on 200 hodgepodges!  Join in on the fun.  

1. Do you manage your own money or do you have a financial planner who helps in some way? Do those kinds of conversations stress you out? A lot or a little?

We manage our own money and yes conversations about money always stress me out, a lot.  I hate to hear that we something that broke or gave out and we have to replace/repair it.  That ends up being money we had planned for something else.

2. The second week of October is Pet Peeve Week. Off the top of your head, share TWO of your current pet peeves.

People who cut me off without even so much as a blinker to warn me that it's about to happen.  

3. What is one thing you'd like to learn right now, this very week if you could?

How to groom my own dog, August.  He is a great dog and I would like to know how to shave his face like his groomer does. Or he ends up looking like this photo above.

4. How concerned are you about the recent health related news concerning Ebola? How about Enterovirus D68?

Not concerned at all.  Now that I'm living with Cancer, everything else seems small somehow.  If I catch something, my doctor's are right on top of it and I know that in the end God is in control. 

5. Garfield, Nemo, or Tigger-your favorite orange cartoon character?Tigger is my favorite orange cartoon. 

6. I'm going to see Gone Girl with my neighborhood book club this week. So often books made into film are disappointing. What's a book turned film you thought was well done, in that the casting was 'like you pictured' when you read the book, and the film plot remained mostly true to the book plot?The early Harry Potter movies.  I really liked how the casting  matched the book and the plots in the movie were as I saw them in my mind as I read the books.

7. What is one story your family always tells about you?Most of my family is gone so there is not a story that I can remember them telling about me.  Sorry. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Last week, Hubby and I went on vacation.  It was our first vacation in 3 years.  It was so nice and relaxing.  I've been showing pictures and telling stories about on this blog this week.  Living in New Hampshire one thing we do have is lots of pretty colored trees this time of year.  People coming from all over the country just to see out trees.  What a great vacation we had.  Then again, anytime I get to relax with this guy I'm thrilled!!  I so love this man. What fun we have whenever we are together.  

IT'S TOO COLD TOO SOON HODGEPODGE!

It's still Wednesday so it's still Hodgepodge Time.  I want to wish Joyce a Very Happy Birthday! She comes up with the questions every week.  I hope your Birthday is as special as you are Joyce.

1. I'm celebrating a birthday this week so a question relating to aging feels appropriate. Douglas MacArthur is quoted as saying, 'You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair." Would you agree? If not why not?
WHY!! Nothing like starting off the Hodgepodge with a hard question Joyce!!  I think we are as old as we feel on any given day.  It changes from day to day.  Some days I feel really old when my body creaks and cracks while on other days I feel very young and even taller.  I don't know if fear or despair have anything to do with it. I think it's all a state of mind.

2. What remarkable feat, interesting piece of trivia, or historical event occurred on your birth day and month? Not necessarily in your birthyear, just the same date/same month.
~Tupac Shakur's Me Against the World makes him the first rap artist to debut at No. 1 on the US charts while in jail on charges
~A massive earthquake Named the 'Good Friday Earthquake,' that measures 8.6 on the Richter scale struck Alaska , flattens buildings and triggers a massive tidal wave in Alaska
~The U.S. Congress and President Washington authorize the creation of the U.S. Navy

3. Describe a time or circumstance where you wanted to 'have your cake and eat it too.'
I honestly can't think of anything.  Sorry.

4. What's something you do that makes you feel young? Something that makes you feel old?
~I feel young when I play with our grand girls.  Playing dolls or running around the yard with them makes me feel young.
~I feel old when so many others seem to understand modern technology and I'm a bit lost. When I ask the computer IT guy a question I sometimes have to ask him to explain the answer.

5. When did you last do something that was 'a piece of cake'?
I designed and sewed a bag for August's stroller that would hold lots of stuff so I don't have to carry a lot stuff.

6.  Beef, wine, and cheese all improve with age. What's something else you'd add to that list? (not necessarily food or beverage)
Growing old with the man I love.  He gets better with age!  As Robert Browning said “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be"

7. If I were to have a giveaway when we hit Volume 200, what should I give away? By my calculations we'll hit Volume 200 on November 26th, the day before Thanksgiving, which means whoever wins would have whatever it is in time for Christmas.
What ever it is you give would be something from your heart and that would make any giveaway a great giveaway.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
This weekend Hubby is off for a "Men's Retreat". It's a great time for Christian men to get together, worship God and develop great friendships.  I like it when he gets to take off and be with other Christian men and develop those friendships.  I also like that I can have fish while he's gone - Hubby is allergic to fish.  I can also have breakfast for dinner and eat at whatever time I want to.   So it's a win-win for both of us.  He always comes home happy, tired, and full of God's love.

So these are my answers, what would be yours?

BACK TO SCHOOL HODGEPODGE!

Thank you Joyce for these questions.  I have my answers, do you have yours?

1. On Thursday we pause to remember a dark day in history-9/11. Will you mark it in some special way?

I will say a prayer for those who were left behind to live forward without the love of their family member.  I know for many, this is hard.

2. Do you ever/still...listen to an actual radio? Watch a videotape (VCR)? Look up a number in a phonebook? Refer to a paper map while traveling? Set an alarm on an alarm clock as opposed to your phone?

No, everything I do, I do on my phone.  How strange this new life style has become.

3.  Is it ever a good idea to discuss religion or politics with people you don't know?

Not for me.

4. What's a dish you haven't eaten all summer, but come September find yourself craving? Have you made it yet this month?

Lazy Man's Lobster and no, I've not made it yet this month but the month is still young.

5. What's something you know nothing about?

WOW there are lots of things I know nothing about.  Like how people in Africa live, Why did we have 3 super moons this year, how to cook a snake, what does the sound of a skunk sound like, and how long does it take to walk to Boston. There are lots to still learn about this world I live in.

6. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like classical music? If so, what's your favorite piece?

I do like to listen to the Children's Classical Hour on the radio (on my phone of course) where they explain why the songs were written and how the instruments mirror the sound of water, wind, and horses walking on the cobblestone.  I don't have a favorite, I like the learning about it.

7. What's the oldest thing you own?

I have a side board that belonged to my grandmother. She got it second hand so it's something like 100+ years old by now.  I really love it and it goes with our dinning room set perfectly.  At the moment, it's in the kitchen holding dishes and lots of things.  There is a story in there someplace.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

NH had a primary election today.  The turn out was light this morning but the total counts are not in yet.  Here in NH at our polling place we have to show a photo ID to vote.  I'm proud to do so!  I think showing my ID is a privilege that so few in other country's have the right to do. So what is the big brouhaha about everyone having to show an ID?  I show it to get money from my bank, to fill out a car loan application, to vote, and to pick up some medications. If we are here legally then we should be proud to show off our ID; if we are not here legally, then go home and stop using up our resources and get in line to come here legally.  That's my soap box moment.  

HAPPY GRANNY HODGEPODGE!

The first Hodgepodge of September.  WOW the Christmas stuff is coming out, the days are being counted down and the 31 parties are in full swing with - " Hey, get your Christmas shopping started now". Let's slow down and talk about what is happening now.  Today is Hodgepodge day.

1.  What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to actually doing?

Going to the Beach and walking around and getting Fried Dough there.  But in October we are taking a real vacation (Lord Willing) and we will get to it.

2. Share a favorite memory of your own back -to-school days as a child.

We didn't have school buses and we either walked or rode our bikes to school.  My favorite memory was to get to school and see who got a new bike for school because they grew so much over the summer or their old bike "Just wore out".  Do bikes wear out anymore or are our kids driven everywhere?

3.  What's one chore or daily task you prefer doing 'old-school' ?

Laundry. I still put Vinegar in the spot marked Fabric Softener, and still use simple laundry detergent.  I don't use nor need those pods and whatnot's to get clean clothes.

4.  Share something you've learned in life through the 'school of hard knocks'.

Spending money is easy, saving is hard and sometimes a lot harder, but when you get to pay cash for something you've wanted for a long time - that feeling - right there - is priceless.

5.  As a child, did you mostly bring or buy your lunch for school? What was your favorite thing to find in your lunchbox?

I brought my lunch to school, we didn't have a cafeteria so either the students brought lunch or went home.  I liked finding a whoopie pie (also known as a "moon pie") in my lunch.

6. Football season is upon us which has me wondering... how big of a sports fan are you (not just football) ? On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being 'I scream at the players through my television screen' and 1 being 'is knitting a sport?' where do you fall in fandom? 

Napping is a sport as well, right?

7. Share a favorite quote you think might inspire students of all ages at the start of a new school year. 

“We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face…we must do that which we think we cannot.”  Eleanor Roosevelt

8. Share a Random Thought!

We (Hubby and I) are still getting to watch the grand girls which helps out our Daughter and Son-in-law for a few hours.  We are still super tired after they leave. But talking to them, watching them care for each other and for the "babies" we play with is such a joy. Poor Pepere has no idea how to play with dollies.  He just watches us and shakes his head.  Yes, we talk a lot with out Dollies.

And every sentence starts with "Grannie, guess what?" They are so much fun!

SCHOOL BEGINS HODGEPODGE!

Thank you Joyce for coming up with more questions. Want to play along? Answer the questions here on your blog.

1. As August draws to a close, share what's been your favorite weekend of the entire summer?

There have been a few Mondays when Hubby and I looked at each other and said what a nice weekend it was.  But it was because it wasn't packed full of places to go, people to see, or household things to fix, repair, or clean.  It was low key, relaxed, do-what-we-want-when-we-want-to-do-it  kind of weekend.

2. Labor Day is marked in the US of A on Monday, September 1st.  What paying job have you held that you've loved the most? Liked the least?

My current job as class coordinator and dog class instructor is my best job. The job I liked the least was working in a small pizza/burger place as the cashier.  I hated that job and I was not good at it all!

3. Does the new school year start before or after Labor Day where you live? When do you think it should begin? There is much discussion now about older students having later start times to their school day...your thoughts?

School here starts differently for different schools. Some of the small towns around here and the charter schools have already started this week. Some of big city schools start after labor day.  I think we should have school year round.  After all the building is there. We should be using it.  Some kids will forget a lot of what they have learned after 9 weeks off.  It needs to run year round with a bigger break in December.  As for the start times, I think we should start at 8:00 a.m. and forget all the stupid classes like study hall so that the kids get out earlier.

4. What's something you've worked at recently that could be deemed a 'labor of love'?

I love to make and send greeting cards to people who are hurting.  This is a labor of love for me.

5.Which of the following work idioms can you most relate to right now...'A woman's work is never done.', 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' 'Many hands make light work.'

Many hands make light work.  My Hubby has done so much to help me over the years and more so this summer.  He tag teams with me when we watch the grandgirls so that I can sit and rest up a bit.  He cooks, cleans, does laundry, drives me all over, helps me in every way to make my life easier.  He is a true blessing to me and I thank God every day for such a Godly man who takes such great care of me every day.

6. Crab or lobster or thanks, but no thanks? Favorite way to have your choice prepared?

Lobster is such a treat for me and I like it Lazy Man Style, all ready out of the shell and sittitng in butter all ready for me to enjoy.

7. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, 'Three rules of work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.' Which of the three do you consider to be the most important? Share one of your own 'rules of work'.

One of my rules is 'A clean workspace will give you time to work'  I really cannot work with a desk covered in piles of stuff, I need to concentrate on what I'm doing, not of looking at piles of stuff.
As for Einstein rules, I guess I would pick "Out of clutter find simplicity" because I would toss out the clutter and what is left is simplicity.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

According to the Farmers Almanac, us folks up here in NH are suppose to have a cold and snowy winter.  DUH...It's winter and it's NH!! Still people are talking now about how terrible it will be and they are dreading it all ready.  Me I'm so so happy that summer has returned and the temps are in the 80's, even if it is only for the first 3 days of the work week.  Starting on Thursday temps return back to the 70's and dry.  I'm not thinking winter, I'm thinking summer!  I guess cancer does that to a person.  We think of today, not tomorrow and certainly not of winter because many of those with cancer will never see winter.  I am blessed to have a Hubby that keeps me focused on today and looking forward to a better today.  Winter will be winter and there is nothing I can do to stop that.