Wednesday Hodgepodge: Taxing Season

1. What's the last thing you did that could be described as 'taxing'?

I'm not sure what's going on with my clothes washer, but for some reason the laundry wraps around the agitator tightly every spin cycle. When it starts sounding weird, I open the lid and unwrap the laundry. And it will only spin out if I stop the spin cycle, turn the knob around 2-3 times, and restart the spin cycle. I suppose I need admit defeat and call a technician...

2. If you could plant a garden of anything, what would be in it? 

There's nothing better (IMO) than fresh, sweet peas from the garden, ripened in the sun and still small. But if I was planning flowers, I think I would go with Lily of the Valleys. I tried once to transplant 50 bulbs, give or take, but not one popped up the following season. So much for an easy perennial!

3. April 10-16 is National Library Week...will you celebrate with a visit to your nearest library? When did you last make a trip to the library? What are you reading right now? What's one title on your want-to-read list?

Tomorrow? I finished my latest book, Dawn's Prelude by Traci Peterson, and I NEED another. Reading and crocheting are what I do, and I can't go long without either. Sometimes they are my sanity! (Well, not really, but both ARE relaxing.)

4. Share a saying or an old wives tale you heard while growing up, you believed to be true or that you paid attention to 'just in case'?

I am completely drawing a blank. I'm sure there were some old wives' tales my Mom shared or my grandparents or SOMEONE when I was growing up, but I can't think of any this sec. Can I blame it the mild headache I have?

5. Are you a fan of onions? Garlic? Ginger? What's a dish you love that contains one, two or all three items listed?

Onions and garlic go in almost every single dish that I make. Onions and garlic MUST be finely minced. I don't like chunks! Now, ginger? I use ginger in gingerbread and quick breads, but it's not something I use a lot of. Ironically though, I'm making a Crispy Chicken Romaine and Pasta Salad for dinner tonight...with a sesame ginger dressing.

6.  Where does nurturing end and indulging begin? What are some skills or qualities you think a person needs to possess in order to be viewed as mature?

A mature person is responsible, patient, kind, and caring. They are secure and confident in who they are, what they do and how they relate to others. They adapt well to different circumstances, making thoughtful decisions. And they possess a sense of humor.

7. What leading figure in any field would you like to hear speak, and why?

Er. Um. Hmm. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Would you like to see our camping and fishing adventures? You would? I started another blog just for that! I'd love more readers. Click here!

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Wednesday Hodgepodge: A Spring in my Step

1. Has spring sprung in your little corner of the world? Other than the calendar how would I know? What's your favorite thing about spring?

Almost! Most of the dingy snow has melted away. Again. Every once in a while a few inches of new snow falls, but it doesn't stick around long. The road is a muddy mess during the day, but frozen in bumpy tracks overnight. The birds have returned. But the REAL sign of spring is when the peepers wake up and start singing again.

2. Besides the weather, what's put a spring in your step recently?

The camping and fishing season will be here soon! My husband has been readying the skiff, painting and remounting the motor, and I've been packing up the camper, for a new season of outdoor fun.

3. How does Easter impact you?

We haven't made plans for this Easter yet. :: shrug ::

4. I saw this somewhere on Facebook and thought it would make a fun Hodgepodge question. Which of the following would you find most disappointing...

a just stuffed taco shell breaking open and spilling out before you take the first bite? dropping a just-purchased Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts coffee? opening the peanut butter jar and finding it empty? upending onto the sidewalk a just-purchased ice cream cone? a burnt bagel popping up in your toaster when you're rushing breakfast? or cutting into an avocado and finding out it's rotten? 

Ice cream should be taken very, very seriously. A dropped cone is a cause for concern.  It would need to be replaced ASAP.

5. What's something held together with tape at your house? Or a paper clip? Or a wing and a prayer?

My van? It continues to hobble along. Or sputter along? I do need to get it back into the garage again as the RPM gauge sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. Otherwise it seems to run just fine.

6. Do you feel underappreciated? In what way?

Sometimes. My husband is wonderful about supporting me and letting me know how much he appreciates all that I do. The kids? Not so much. But isn't that the way it goes? I love them to pieces, and I know someday when they are older and wiser they'll appreciate all the times I washed dishes and clothing for them.

7. What's something you'd build if you knew how?

A little cabin in the woods by a lake. With solar power and a woodstove. And maybe Wi-Fi.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

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Wednesday Hodgepodge: Peace in our Hearts

1. March is National Women's History Month. In that vein, who are three women who've been influential in your life? How so? 

The MOST influential, my Mama. I am always amazed at her knack to read people and know when and how to support them. She's a hard-worker, raising kids, working a job, and keeping up a house. She's a go-getter. It something needs doing, she does it. And even through life's challenges, she perseveres.

2. In what ways do you think women have it easier than men? 

I'm glad that God gave husbands the role of "head of household",  For years I was "head of household", making decisions on my own...and dealing with the consequences. Sometimes they were great outcomes; sometimes they were terrible. The pressure of making responsible choices for several people is a huge one, and I think that it is easier for us wives when we have a Godly husband to make them.

3. What do you need most right now: faith, love, hope, or peace? 

My word for the year is PEACE. I tend to worry about situations that haven't even happened! Those "what ifs". There will be big changes coming up in my life and my family's, changes that will be unsettling. But we are focusing on new adventures together!

4. Do you have a collection? If so, what do you collect and why? 

Does yarn count? :: grin :: It's nice to have a variety of yarns for when I see a crochet project I MUST do from Pinterest or the (numerous) Facebook groups I've joined.

5. Plaids, checks, polka dots, stripes...your favorite?

Polka dots are fun and whimsical, especially in bright colors, but my style is probably more earthy plaids, which are homey and cozy.

6. In what ways are you the same as your childhood self? 

I still LOATHE doing dishes.

7. You're a contestant on the TV game show Jeopardy. What category will you ace?  

Crochet Fiber Arts! 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

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Wednesday Hodgepodge: Randomness MARCHes On

1. February ended with an extra 24 hours in 2016. What did you do with your bonus day?

I wish I could share something exciting, but it was the usual kind of day. We homeschooled. We ran errands. We prepared meals and tidied the house. The flock free ranged. I crocheted.

2. What's something in your life that's grown by leaps and bounds in recent days, weeks, months, or years? I'm giving you lots of room to come up with an answer here, so no fair passing on this one.

My faith. I have only been saved about 18 months or so. Although as a child I went to church, I didn't as an adult. Ever. I have a wonderful church family, and a husband who doesn't mind buying me journaling bibles. (They have a new one coming out with preprinted coloring pages on the edges!) I'm a visual, creative person, and bible journaling as become an awesome way to study.

3. Do you read reviews about a film before deciding if you'll see it? Did you watch The Oscars this year, and if so your thoughts on the program? How many of the Best Picture nominees had you seen prior to the broadcast? (Spotlight, The Martian, The Big Short, The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, Room, and Brooklyn) If you watched The Oscars who gets your award for 'best dressed'?

I have only heard of The Martian. (My kids have seen it twice.) But I haven't seen any of these movies. I suppose I'm not much of a movie-goer. I would rather catch them later, borrowing from the library, and watch them in the comforts of home.

4. When did you last have overnight houseguests? Give us your top three tips on being a good houseguest.

My parents visited for a few days in the fall. It was a memorable visit as Dad broke the toilet and flooded the bathroom in the first 60 seconds of arriving. Being a good houseguest? Don't break the toilet! Don't flood bathrooms! And be handy with a toolbox when you do!

5. March 2nd is Peanut Butter Lover's Day. Will you be celebrating? If so, would you prefer a home made peanut butter cookie, a Reese's peanut butter cup, an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or shall I just hand you a jar and a tablespoon?

I love PB! I make quick no bake chocolate peanut butter bars that are oh-so-yummy. Think chocolate dipped peanut butter balls without the hassle of dipping...I don't make a lot of PB goodies though as my daughter is allergic. I save them for when she is visiting family.

6. Why is failure important? Or isn't it?

Life is a lot of failure with a little success. We don't usually do things right the first time around, and it's OK. Failure helps us grow mentally with thinking, creatively with problem-solving, and emotionally with self-confidence. It's a great thing! (As long as you don't let fear of failure keep you from living.)

7. Share with us one fun thing on your March calendar.

My daughter and step-daughter both turn 14. Our girls are turning into young ladies!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

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Wednesday Hodgepodge: Quick Answers Edition

Welcome to this week's edition of Wednesday Hodgepodge. I've fallen behind on my blogging, so this will be the QUICK answer version. Thanks for stopping by!

1. February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It lands on the calendar one day after National Do Something for a Grouch Day (February 16) which somehow feels related. Perhaps the 16th inspired the 17th?

Tell about a time you performed a random act of kindness or were the recipient of one. Will you make an effort to perform a random act of kindness on the 17th? Share details if you're so inclined, and if you have something specific in mind.

Yesterday my friend and her husband jump started my van as my daughter and I sat stranded at Family Dollar. Much quicker than AAA! 

Every day I try to be kind, helpful, thoughtful, and giving to everyone that "crosses my path". I don't have anything specific in mind today, but I'm sure something will come up.

2.What's the most uplifting or encouraging thing you see happening in the world right now? You may have to dig deep for this one.

That there are people out there who choose to do good no matter what. In a world of so many negatives, there are always people reaching out to others.

3. Black olives, black currants, black grapes, black beans, blackberries, Oreos...your favorite food the color of night? Your least favorite on the list?

Oreos! But NOT dipped in milk. And least favorite? Olives! The texture...Ew!

4. A while back I read (here) a list of twelve things you should do before you turn 50. They were-

travel when you have the chance, take care of your skin, learn a foreign language, make exercise a habit, leave a toxic situation, stop caring what others think about you, stop worrying, volunteer, spend time with your grandparents, pledge to work less, learn to cook an amazing dish, and seize an opportunity as it arises

What do you think of the list? What would you add or remove and why? If you're over 50, have you done all 12? If you're not yet 50, have you done any at all? What's on the list that you haven't done, but would like to do?

A great list! I think I would remove "cook an amazing dish" as I TRY to do that every dinner, and add read great books.

5. Besides the classic Christmas flicks, what's your favorite film where winter plays a part in the setting?  

Besides Christmas? "March of the Penguins", but is that really winter since it's always cold there? Or the "Ice Age" movies. Sid's a hoot!

6.When did you last feel helpless, and what did you do about it?

I never feel completely helpless as I have God by my side, a sacrificing husband, and supportive children, family and friends. Someone always has my back!

7. Share a favorite proverb. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

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Wednesday Hodgepodge: The HEART Edition

1. Create an acrostic using the word LOVE. If you're unsure what an acrostic is click here. 

         ALways
         cOmmitted
to that Very
       spEcial someone

 2. Does LOVE really conquer all? Why or why not?

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth...(1 Corinthians 13:7-8)

LOVE does conquer all. It can get us through everything without fail!

3. Tell us about a time recently, where you really put your heart into something.

I always put my heart into my family, my husband and my kids. Every. Single. Day. They make life worth living.

4. What's your favorite fictional LOVE story?

One of my favorite movies is "Forrest Gump". Forrest had a deep LOVE for Jenny that never faded over time despite how diverse their lives were. He waited and waited, and eventually they married and were a family. He never gave up on that LOVE.

5. Do you generally wear your heart on your sleeve, or keep your cards close to the vest?

My heart has been broken and healed, but the scars remain. I'm quite protective of it and keep it close, sharing it with those I truly feel LOVED by.

6. What food says LOVE to you? Why?

When my sweet husband takes over the kitchen and makes something for dinner. It's not often that someone cooks for me. It doesn't matter what he "whips up" because the thought behind it says LOVE.

Now, if I really need to pick a food then CHOCOLATE. Sweet and decadent!

7. When were you last 'tickled pink' over something? Explain.

I'm crocheting a very special afghan as a keepsake for our first anniversary. I chose the trinity stitch to represent our vows "woven" between us and God, and together husband and I chose yarn colors. It's going to be cozy. I'm "tickled pink" how it's coming out!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Photo Source

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Wednesday Hodgepodge: What's the Sense in Loving PJs for Happiness at Home

1. Describe love using all five senses.

Visual attraction. Sweet kisses. Snuggly touches. Words of "I love you". His special scent.

(This one will be interesting to read responses...)

2. February is Canned Food Month. What's your favorite food that comes straight from a can?

This will probably gross some of you out, but I like canned creamed corn. It's especially good on a baked potato with butter. Nothing I serve often because it's not particularly healthy, but if I'm going to have a baked tater then there needs to be creamed corn!

3. A principal in a UK school recently sent home a letter to parents requesting they(the parents!) dress appropriately when escorting their children to/from school (basically saying please don't wear your pajamas) You can read the letter here. It's gotten a lot of publicity, both positive and negative. Your thoughts? And do/did you ever make the school run (or hit Starbucks, Walmart, etc) in your pjs?

I have! :: grin :: But since my son catches public transportation from a parking lot of a gas station nearby, I don't even get out of the van. No one sees me! I just pray that the van doesn't break down...

4. Crew neck, V-neck, turtleneck, scoop neck...which is most prevalent in your wardrobe?

Crew neck. I'm definitely a casual clothing kind of girl. T-shirts prevail! (I find turtlenecks feel like I'm being choked! :: cough cough :: )

5. I read here recently a list of four things to avoid so you wake up happier. They were late night snacks, hitting the snooze button, social media just before bed/upon waking, checking emails. 

Are you guilty of any of these behaviors? Which on that list do you need to work harder at avoiding?

Guilty on social media! Wonder if I skipped a peek on Facebook I would be happier the next day. Perhaps an experiment!

6. Share something you remember about a house you lived in as a child? Of all the homes you lived in as a child, which did you love best? 

I lived in ONE home growing up. In fact, my parents STILL live in the same home, and someday my husband and I may return there. The ONE thing I always notice when visiting my parents is the lighthouse horn in the distance, sounding off every few seconds. It means HOME.

7.Your favorite movie based on a true story? 

"The Blind Side". (It's the only one that I could think of right now.)

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

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Wednesday Hodgepodge: Every Day New Beginnings

 

1. Share a winter memory from your childhood.

The Island Country Club has this HUGE hill perfect for sledding. I remember my mom, my sister and I trudging through the snow to the hill (as it's a bit of a walk from the road), and sledding lightning-quick down that hill with other families. I couldn't have been older than 8 or 9, but I still remember how exciting it was.

2. What was on your blog this time last year? (Besides the Hodgepodge of course!) If you weren't blogging, what in the world were you doing with all that free time? 

Last year's post AROUND this time: http://oursideofthemtn.blogspot.com/2015/01/six-word-saturday-finding-feng-shug.html. (A blog hop I couldn't keep up with despite the simplicity of it.)

3. Ellen Goodman is quoted as saying, 'We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential.' 

Do you see more flaws or more potential in your life at the start of a new year? Have you done anything specific this month to address either one? Does the new year truly begin for you on January 1, or is there some other month of the year that feels like a fresh start and new beginning?

A "new year" starts every morning when we wake up, a new day, a new beginning, a new chance to make a change, to move forward. Change doesn't need to wait for a specific date!

4. Who's an athlete you admire or respect and why?

Is it bad that I can't think of one? I'm don't really follow sports, especially professional, nor do I have cable to see games or news regularly. And nothing has come across my Facebook newsfeed lately about something awesome an athlete has done. :: wink::

5. Do you like cream in your coffee? Whipped cream on your pumpkin pie? Cream cheese on a bagel? Sour cream on a baked potato? Cream of wheat for breakfast? Have you ever had a scone with clotted cream? Of all the creamy foods mentioned, which one sounds most appealing to you right this very minute?

Oh, whipped cream on a homemade New England Pumpkin Pie would be awesome! Now, who'll bake it?

6. Where were you last kept waiting for 'hours on end'? Or for what felt like hours on end? How well did you cope?

My husband and I are waiting for one more thing to fall into place before taking a step towards a DREAM of OURS. The waiting and not knowing is tough! I'm impatient! But if everything works out as we hope, it'll be worth it.

7. Believe it or not, when next week's Hodgepodge rolls around it will be February.Huh?!? Bid adieu here to January in seven words or less.

In with a chill, out with a thaw.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

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Wednesday Hodgepodge: The Perfect Accessory to Cheese and Hypocrisy

1.  Speaking of skating...when did you last 'skate on thin ice', 'skate over the details', 'encounter a cheapskate', or just plain skate?

I've been told I'm a "cheapskate", but I like to call myself a conscientious purchaser. I'd rather "make do" and spend money on something meaningful such as an EXPERIENCE rather than on cable TV, the newest gadget or eating out.

2. What would you say is the biggest problem of people your age?

I'm going to be serious here: DEBT. With college loans, the high cost of housing and transportation, the ease of obtaining credit cards, a sense of not delaying satisfaction, and challenges finding employment (in some places), we are a generation that seems to owe someone.

3. What's your favorite accessory? Is it something you wear every day, often, or only on special occasions?

There's two accessories that mean the world to me: my engagement ring and my wedding band. A promise of forever!

4. January 20th is National Cheese Lover's Day. Are you a lover of cheese? What's your favorite dish made with cheese? Last thing you ate that contained some kind of cheese? 

Cheese. Is. Awesome! For lunch I had a homemade Girl Scout Samoas cookie that my daughter made - shortbread cookies with toasted, sweetened coconut, caramel and chocolate - and a low fat cheese stick. At least I saved some calories, right? My favorite dish would be baked macaroni and cheese. Comfort food at its best!

5. What's something guaranteed to make you roll your eyes?

I sometimes have little patience and understanding for adults who demand (yes, DEMAND) certain behaviors from others yet not from themselves. How can someone expect others to comply when they are hypocritical in their own choices?

6. Your favorite book series? 

I'm more of a genre kind of reader. I like books with a message, with triumph over challenge, with love and family and devotion. 

7. Why did you choose your profession?

I didn't always start out as a teacher. I remember telling my professors that I would never "go in that direction" (despite being at a teaching college). My plan was to focus on child and family therapy. But I was burned out completing by BA with a major in Psychology and 2 minors in French and Sociology in 3 years. After getting married and a 4 year break, I had a change of heart. I went back to school and became a certified K-8 teacher. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

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