Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

From This Side of the Pond

1. Do you find yourself influencing your world, or is it more the other way around?

Philosophical question to start off this week's Hodgepodge I see. I honestly have to say I think it's both. I think I influence my small part of the world, but I also think that my small part of the world influences me as well. 

2. July 14th is National Tape Measure Day...the device was patented on this date in 1868. When did you last use a tape measure?

Last week. Body measurements. Helps me stay on track to getting fit. 

Do you always know where to find one in your house?

Yes, in my bathroom. I have a regular one in my bedside table as well. So I will know where to find one when I need it.

Tell us one way in which you feel blessed 'beyond measure'.

With my family. Our home. Our life. Very blessed. 

3.The Plaza Hotel (Eloise), The Land of Oz (The Wizard of Oz), Narnia (The Chronicles of Narnia), The Hundred Acre Wood (Winnie the Pooh), Wonderland (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland), or Never Never Land (Peter Pan)...which storybook land (on this list!) would you most like to visit and why?

Narnia. Hands down! I love that whole series of books and if there was a chance to meet Aslan, I would definitely take it. 

4. Where and when do you get your best ideas?

Whenever I can't write them down. While driving, showering, or getting ready to sleep. Those are my best thinking times. 

5. So what have you been watching on TV this summer? Anything good?

My hubby and I are watching How I Met Your Mother via Netflix. We started the series years ago but my hubby finished it without me one day when he was sick. So we started it over and we're now up to where we stopped the first time. I never did get to see who the mom was!

6. 'Don't swim for an hour after you eat', 'Dog days of summer', 'Knee high by the Fourth of July'...choose a summer saying from the list or share one of your own, then tell us what image or memory comes to mind when you hear it spoken.

"Don't swim for an hour after you eat." Reminds me of the summers I spent with my grandparents and my aunt and uncle when I was small. My aunt and uncle had a pool so I remember this being enforced. And my grandparents lived near the water so again, enforced. I have wonderful memories of spending weeks every summer from the time I was very small (about age 2) until about age 9-10 with them. 

7. In a single sentence, sum up one life lesson you've learned.

This too shall pass. 

No matter what is going on in your life at the moment, better days are coming. It may seem like the worse continues on forever, but it doesn't. Things always get better. Maybe not in the way we would hope, but they do.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm finding it very hard to believe that July is here and almost half-over. My middle son went on his first mission trip last month to New York (a work trip to help those in need). My younger son goes to camp in a couple of weeks. And my oldest son leaves for college in just about a month. Life is passing by far too fast for my liking lately. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

From This Side of the Pond

1. How did you welcome the month of July, and tell us one fun thing you did to celebrate the 4th. (or the weekend for any non-USA residents playing along today)
My husband and youngest son spent the weekend camping. My middle son arrived home from a week-long mission trip. My oldest (and middle once he had rested some) spent a lot of time cleaning out our old greenhouse. The plastic ripped this year. We only used it for storage so time to clean it out and take it down. I also spent a lot of time cleaning out the basement so that the things that needed to come in from the greenhouse would have a place to live. 

I wish I had taken before photos, but these are the "afters" - 

This was an old sheep pen left by the former owners. 

We did get the last of those boards out. 

There was also a bunch of glass back here. 

A lot of it had broken so that was time consuming to move.

Standing on one end. The plastic ripped this year so that's been

mostly removed. Unfortunately, the last of the "debris" in here

is being "guarded" by hornets. We seem to have quite a few

around here and they are the really nasty white tipped ones. 

They HURT when they sting. I know - they got me this year. 

They also got my youngest before his camping trip. 

Dad ended up taking him to the ER. He had a very 

nasty local allergic reaction on his foot where he was

stung. His foot swelled, reddened, and he developed

some very yucky blisters. All was good in the end.

Although he still has some blisters and itching on his foot.

2. Right now..what's your favorite red thing? white thing? blue thing?
I love red. It's one of my favorite colors. Not sure if I have a favorite red thing right now though. 
White...I bought some new white containers at IKEA last month. I really like those. 
Blue...the summer skies. Corny I know, but I absolutely love looking at the white clouds in the blue sky. So peaceful.

3. Wave the white flag, raise a red flag, fly your freak flag...which 'flag' have you flown most recently? Explain.
I have no idea. 

4. According to Cond Nast Traveler these are the seven best places to visit in July-

a boat safari in Botswanna's Okavango Delta, 

Riviera Maya Mexico (it's whale shark season and apparently you can swim with them), 

Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, 

Pamploma Spain, 

St. Petersburg Russia, 

the Fuji Rock Festival at Mount Naeba Japan, 

the Salzburg Festival in Salzburg Austria 

If time and money weren't factors would you want to see any/all of these? Which would you most like to see and why?

I would love to see all of these! I think my top choice would be Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. They are in the US so easier to get to. I would love to travel and see more of the world...some day.

5. Grilled cheese, pimento cheese, or mac and cheese...your favorite from the cheesy treats listed?
I'm weird I guess. None of the above. I'm not a huge cheese lover. 

6. What makes you sweat?
Exercise! Humidity. Any temperature above 68. It does not take a lot for me to sweat. At the end of a thirty-minute HITT class I'm dripping. Literally.

7. Your favorite movie with a 'patriotic' theme of some sort?
The Patriot. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.
It's been pretty hot here in Maine this week. I've very thankful for air conditioning. And cool showers after working outside in the heat cleaning out that hoop house! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

From This Side of the Pond

1. It's officially summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway). Which summer month is best and why?

I'm going with June. Yes, summer is only half of the month, but I don't like heat so it's still cool enough that I find it comfortable - typically. We've had very hot Junes as well. 

2. Can you swim? How did you learn? June 27th is National Sunglasses Day. How many pair do you own?

Not well. I only took lessons one summer while at Girl Scout camp and it took most of the first week for me just to put my head underwater. I have a slight fear of the water dating back to an incident when I was a child. I do enjoy the water, but I am not a good swimmer at all. It's the biggest reason I made sure my kids took lessons. 

I own one pair of sunglasses that fit over my regular eyeglasses, a pair that clips to the front of my eyeglasses, and one pair of regular sunglasses I can wear if I have my contacts in. 

3. What characteristic do you judge most harshly in yourself? How about in others?

Myself: procrastination  Others: Selfishness

4. Robert Frost wrote the now well known poem entitled The Road Not Taken. What's a road (literal or figurative) you've always wanted to travel, and where do you hope it takes you?

I have wanderlust. I would absolutely love to travel more. Perhaps in the future when my kids are grown and gone. My hubby and I took a week long trip to Canada almost three years ago now for our 20th anniversary. I enjoyed every minute of it. I'd love to see more countries (only been to Canada and England) and more of the US (never been further south than DC or further west than PA/NY). 

5. Popsicles-yay or nay? If you answered yay, what's your favorite flavor?

Nay. I loved them as a kid, but I haven't eaten one as an adult in forever. Favorite flavors were "red" and orange. 

6. Brexit-on a scale of 1-10 how knowledgeable are you on what's involved here? (1=very knowledgeable and 10=what's Brexit) Is this news you'll follow or is it something you think won't impact your life in any way shape or form?

I'd say about a 6-7 - I know enough that I realize the impact it has on the world. I know it will impact everyone but I'm honestly unsure of the extent. I know it was very big news though. 

7. Share a favorite song on your summer play list.

Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop the Feeling - working on learning a routine so I can use it in my Zumba classes. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This crew (including my middle son - front row right #33) left on Sunday for a mission trip to upstate New York. They went on a work mission and are helping area residents fix up their homes. Minor carpentry and painting. I was able to talk with him today. His group plus two others are working on a home that is getting a deck rebuilt, a wheelchair ramp built, and the entire exterior of the house repainted. He was very excited about what they have been doing. 

The mission had over 400 kids coming from across the US to work on various houses throughout the area. They are broken into teams and you may or may not have someone from your home youth group in your team. He has no one he knew beforehand but assured me he has made "lots of new friends." I don't doubt it. This child has never, from the time he was very small, ever met a stranger. 

He was most excited because the home they are working on (he's on the crew doing the painting) overlooks a military airbase. He wants to be a commercial pilot one day and adores planes so this really is a highlight of the trip for him. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

From This Side of the Pond

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why? I prefer the ocean, but I guess I'd have to say Moosehead Lake. It's the one lake I spend any time near - little though that really is.

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink? I don't drink a lot of fruity drinks. Fruity drinks = carbs. Carbs = insulin. I try not to drink my carbs. 

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simplify your life. They were-

clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead 

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? I find writing down a daily to do list helps me to stay on task well. 

Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month? I'm currently working on decluttering. We have a huge dumpster sitting in our backyard right now for this sole purpose. 

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school? Gosh! What did I do? It's been so long. I honestly have no idea. I probably went to visit my aunt in Massachusetts for a bit. I think I had a job then so maybe not. Obviously it wasn't life changing or all that interesting because I simply can't remember.

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? I want to be a fan, but I never seem to get around to listening to any. 

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past? Just different. I think fathers have a hard job period. 

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier? Some may find this untrue, but I have a temper like my father. It's taken me many years to get that under control. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. It's been pretty cold here in Maine this year. It's mid-June and I'm still wearing jeans more than shorts. Odd weather. This weekend I'm heading to the beach - cold or not! I love the ocean. Even just a walk along the shore will be well worth the time.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

From This Side of the Pond

1. What's something fun you're looking forward to on your May calendar? I'm going to go visit my aunt and uncle in a couple of weeks alone! No kids. No hubby. Just me. I've been looking forward to it for months.

2. What are some images that come to mind when you hear the word mother? 

Our last family photo before my Mom passed away.

My mom was full of life and the glue that held our family together. It was seven years this past March since she left us for her forever home in heaven. Still miss her like crazy. 

3. What's something beautiful you own or have seen that's made of glass? I love stained glass.

4. Was today typical? If not what made it unusual? Relatively typical. Although, I've had a friend's kiddos during the day this week while she's at a week long workshop. That's made life more interesting.

5. What is a quality you wish you could have more of? Patience. This is not related to #4 in any way though.

6. What's the next major purchase you need to make? Will it happen in the month of May? We just purchased a new living room set (first time ever in our marriage that we have bought new furniture). I think it will be a bit before we do any large purchase. Although, I do still need to get the rest of the curriculum for our upcoming school year.

7. What responsibility/job/work did you dislike while growing up but has proved helpful to you as an adult? Cleaning. I used to help my mom clean houses and camps. I also didn't particularly like the summer I worked in housekeeping and laundry at a nursing home.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm thrilled spring has finally sprung in my neck of the woods. I rarely have to wear more than an extra sweater or sweatshirt and all the buds are popping on the trees. Ahhhh......

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

From This Side of the Pond

1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem? Slow internet. When we moved to our new house three years ago we only had a handful of devices. Now they have multiplied between computers, smartphones, and tablets throughout the house! It's time to bump up the speed I think.

2. Each year Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. You can read more about this year's selection here. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year? I skimmed the article and I'm okay with this. Too many times people are chosen for reasons too controversial (Bruce Jenner anyone?). A world leader who has done much to help bring about peace and lead successfully, that works for me. If I were in charge, I would have picked a military hero, someone who gave all to save people like you and me.

3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so share it's history and how you display the pieces. I do! I was blessed to be given a set made by my mother. She gifted it to me before she died. What makes it so special is that it's a ceramic set she painted. It was displayed in our home all throughout my years growing up. I typically place it on a bookshelf in my den during the holiday season. However, this year, I haven't decorated as much as I normally do due to an ankle injury. I'm having a hard time getting around to put up all the touches I normally do.

4. Do you make an extra effort to give back in some way during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year? Yes, generally I do. I love to give gifts and help out those I see around me in need. I try to exude a spirit of happiness this time of year. It can go a long way just to be nice to the person in line or the frazzled cashier. It only takes a moment.

5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why?  My two younger boys. They have distinct likes so it's super easy to shop for them.

6. What's the last delicious thing you ate? A chocolate brownie with caramel sauce at my hubby's office Christmas party.

7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is________________.  To show love to those around you.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I injured my ankle three weeks ago. I damaged a tendon in my left ankle. Who knew how much that would slow a person down? I teach four fitness classes a week and I've had to stop teaching since my injury. I'm thankful I have friends who have been able to sub for me though (I own my own business). I'm praying it heals quickly & fast. It's slowly getting better. The key word there is slowly. I see the doctor next week. I'm pretty sure he is not going to give me the all clear. I noticed last night that I already have some muscle atrophy in the injured leg (I am weight bearing on it). It's amazing how quickly things can change.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

From This Side of the Pond

1. It's October so let's get this out there first thing...have you jumped on the all-things-pumpkin bandwagon? How so? Nope. I like pumpkin but I don't feel like I have to wait until the fall to have it. I am planning to make some pumpkin muffins tomorrow though. It's one relatively healthy things all my kids will eat. I'm working on keeping grocery expenses down which means more baking for me. 

2. "We have more power than will; and it is often by way of excuse to ourselves that we fancy things are impossible." Francois Duc De la Rochefoucauld What's something you once thought impossible, but in hindsight see as more a matter of lack of will? Life? Seriously though, I now run my own little fitness business. That is not something I ever would have thought was possible. Ever. I'm not the typical "skinny-fitness-instructor" either. I have quite a bit of weight still to lose, but since February I'm been teaching classes four times a week. I started out with just Cardio Dance (aka Zumba but I'm not Zumba certified - I'm a Group Fitness Instructor so I get to do my own thing there) and now also do Cardio Kickboxing (we beat up heavy bags). 

I'm also now taking a Les Mills Grit class twice a week. It's high-intensity-interval training or HIIT. We do cardio, strength, and plyometrics. Each class focuses on one of those areas and only goes for 30 minutes. I have a cardio class in the morning and this is what we'll be doing. Even though we are now five weeks in to our eight week session, I'm still not looking forward to cardio. Ugh...

3. The rose is America's National Flower, but every state also has its own (click here to see the list). Are you happy with yours? If you were in charge what would you declare your state's flower? If you're outside the U.S. what bloom would you like to see labeled as your country's national flower? Maine is a white pine cone and tassel. It seems like it makes sense except that it's a pine cone and needles. So seeds and "leaves" - not really a flower in the regular sense. Having said that - maybe a lady slipper instead? 

4. What have you lost interest in recently? Not sure on this one.

5. In your opinion, who's the best living musician? Or this one. I like way too may musicians to narrow it down. 

6. S'mores-love 'em or no? Not a favorite but I'll eat one or two every year. Ever make them indoors? No, this is strictly an outdoor treat at our house.  Last time you sat around an outdoor fire? About a month ago. We have a great fire pit but have been too busy this year to use it as much as we like. Are making s'mores and sitting round a fire pit on your autumn bucket list? We do this anytime of the year - not just in the fall. Do you have an autumn bucket list? No, should I? 

7. Your favorite small town? Why? The one I live in right now. I grew up in a small town and always knew I would leave - I just wasn't sure how or when. Even though I spent the first 21 years of my life there, it didn't have the same hold on me. And we've moved a lot in our 22 years of marriage. A Lot! We've lived in cities and small towns. This isn't even the smallest town, but this is where I am right now and I'm happy and pretty content. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. How is it even possible that it's already October? I'm finding it hard to believe just how fast this year has flown by. Blink and welcome 2016 I guess!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

From this Side of the Pond

1. What have you 'fallen for' recently? Tiny houses. I love the idea of tiny house living, but there is absolutely no way I could ever actually live in one. Our family has a camp in the north Maine woods that would definitely qualify as a "tiny house." I just spent four days there with my hubby and two boys. Yeah, I wouldn't survive long term.

2. What's something you're 'squirreling away' for later? Nothing really. I do tend to squirrel away cash for trips but I have nothing upcoming. Or chocolate but I'm trying to eat healthier.

3. How do you like your apples? Sweet? Tart? Crisp? Cooked? Apples are one of the superfoods for fall...how often do you eat an apple either plain or as part of a favorite recipe? What's your favorite variety? Sweet. Definitely sweet. I like my apples raw. I never started eating cooked ones (as in apple pie) until I was an adult. I like apple pie pretty well also, but my favorite way to eat apples is raw. I love Fuji apples. I need to start eating more - just like the old adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." 

4. According to Fodor's the ten best fall foliage trips in the US of A are - Aspen, Colorado; The Catskills, New York; The Berkshires, Massachusetts; Columbia River Gorge, Oregon; Green Mountain Byway, Vermont; Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico; Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee; Upper Peninsula, Michigan; Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri; and Glacier National Park, Montana. Which would you most like to visit this fall and why? I would love to go to Montana. My husband and I have talked often about going out west at some point. In fact, when we first were married we talked for a while about moving to Montana. 

5. The topic of legalizing marijuana was raised in the most recent televised political debate so let's wade in too. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia currently have laws legalizing marijuana in some form. Four states have legalize marijuana for recreational use. Your thoughts? I'm not keen on it being legal for "recreational use." I do believe there are some medical benefits but it's such a slippery slope. (How's that for a political answer?)

6. Are you okay to watch a movie already in progress or do you need to always see it from the beginning? How about jumping into a TV series somewhere in the middle? Is that okay? Hate it. I like to see all movies from the beginning. And I binge watch on Netflix constantly starting always with episode one. (I'm currently on Season 4 of Hawaii 5-0 and mid-way through Season 1 of NCIS.)

7. Thursday (September 24) is National Punctuation Day. What rule of punctuation trips you up most often? What rule of punctuation, when broken by someone else, bugs you the most? Commas get me most often. Quotation marks inside of end marks. I'm not much of a punctuation Nazi though.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm having a hard time believing that today is the first day of Fall. I am loving the cooler temps! Fall is one of my favorite seasons. However, I'm not so thrilled with it getting darker earlier and earlier. And it also means winter is not that far off - my least favorite season of all. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

From This Side of the Pond

1. July 15th is National Give Something Away Day. What can you give away? Will you? I've been busily cleaning out my basement. I've been weeding clothes from the boys closets as well as my own and hubby has even joined in. Just a couple of weeks ago I filled the back of my truck with bags of clothing and even four boxes of books. I gave them to Goodwill. I will admit to getting a tax donation receipt because of the shear volume of what I gave away! And I have another truckload of miscellanous stuff I'm planning to drop off there tomorrow. 

I will also say I tried to give that truckload to a local thrift store and they refused it. They said it was "too much" and they couldn't take it all. I opted to make it easier on myself and just give it to Goodwill. It took all of 10 minutes to unload all of it and get the form I needed to claim it on my taxes. For a busy mom - that was awesome.

That also doesn't include the two trips to the dump just today to get rid of not only trash and recyclables but also a few items I dropped in the "Share Shack" (free for the taking). I'm hoping to make things way easier to find and get to in the basement catch-all space.

2. Do you have a mantra? Please share with the class if you feel comfortable doing so. Not really.

3. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? How many times a week do you shop? Do you make a list or pray for inspiration in the produce aisle? I do all the grocery shopping. I usually go weekly. I will sometimes do a quick mid-week run for milk and water (I drink SoBe LifeWater and often run out in between trips.) And yes, I usually have a list. I actually use a neat app on my Kindle for this. I can even "cross off" the items when I buy them. Then I just "uncross" them for the next week and I can add and delete as needed. The app is called "Simple List Lite." It's free.

4. Is there a TV show you're embarrassed to say you watch? You're going to tell us what it is, right? I like a lot of reality shows, but there is nothing I'm really embarrassed to say that I watch.

5. A recent article listed fifteen words we should eliminate from our (written) vocabulary in order to sound smarter- that, went, honestly, absolutely, very, really, amazing, always, never, literally, just, maybe, stuff, things, and irregardless 

Of the fifteen, which word is your most overused? Most of them? I probably tend to overuse absolutely, amazing, and literally the most though. And irregardless is overused? That's a great word!

6. So apparently dying your hair gray (in your youth!) is a thing right now. It's called 'The Granny Hair' trend. Your thoughts? Interesting. We were just discussing this with friends the other night. I have great genes and even at my, ahem, advanced age (early 40s), I have no gray hair and I don't color it. My grandmother was in her 80s before she started to turn gray. My mom died when she was 65 and still had no gray hair. 

I think the trend is silly. Gray hair is earned. You shouldn't be able to buy it out of a bottle.

7. A while back Buzz Feed asked members to share the most beautiful sentence they've read in a piece of literature. A hard thing to narrow down, at least for me, but let's try. What's one of the most beautiful sentences you've ever read in a piece of literature? I read a lot and I oftentimes am just reading for pleasure so I don't notice the words per se. And I don't keep a book of quotes (although I should!). I did, however, just finish reading The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken. (It's fantastic by-the-way and I highly recommend it!). This quote struck me and continues to stick with me....is it a beautifully constructed sentence? Probably not, but it's definitely thought provoking.

"Don't ever give up in freedom what we would never have given up in persecution! 

That is our witness to the 

power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ!" 

(quoted by a man named Stoyen in Eastern Europe who 

suffered much in order to proclaim the power of Christ).

8. Insert your own random thought here. I saw this bug the other day while I was pulling weeds from my garden....

I posted it to Facebook and some friends identified it as a milkweed tortoise beetle. They feed on vines such as morning glories. I just thought it was so pretty. I had never seen anything like it before.  

Wednesday Hodgepodge

From This Side of the Pond

1. When did you last 'swim against the tide'? Explain. I'm pretty sure my entire life might be able to be summed up in that little phrase. As a believer in Jesus, I'm committed to "swim against the tide" in order to follow Him. 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
~Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

2. What's the last self-help or self-improvement book you read? No idea. I don't read a lot of this type of book.

3. "Tolerance is a tremendous virtue, but the immediate neighbors of tolerance are apathy and weakness." (Sir James Goldsmith) Agree or disagree? Discuss. With civility please, because I think we have a good thing going in our very diverse (in geography, age, religion, political persuasion, ethnicity, marital status, upbringing, and cooking abilities) neighborhood here on This Side of the Pond.

The problem with this word - "tolerance" - is that the meaning has been lost. It's too much of a catchphrase these days which I find highly annoying. 

Here is how dictionary.com defines it: a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those who opinions, beliefs, practices, racial or ethnic origins, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry. 

My issue is that while everyone seems to be crying out for "tolerance," few seem willing and able to give it back! 

4. What is one of your most vivid memories of the kitchen from your childhood? My mom making bread. She had an old hand crank mixer she used. When the bread was rising, she would set it on the side of the wood cookstove that sat front in center of our kitchen. I have so many memories tied up in both of those things.

My Mom's actual bread mixer. 

There are holes in the bottom of it so I don't use it but sits in a place of honor on my kitchen counter.

5. How did/do your own children's summers compare with your summers as a child? If you're not a parent, answer as it relates to what you've observed about the current generation of children vs. your own childhood.

From the time I was about two years old until I was about eight years old I would spend my summers with relatives. My mom had five children in ten years - she stayed home. By the time summer rolled around, she was tired! Her sister (my wonderful aunt) was a schoolteacher so she had summers off and only one child. She would take me and my three older siblings for most of the summer. I loved it. I still spend time in the summer with her as often as I can.

My children have never been away from me that long. I usually take them to visit my aunt in the summer though! We are looking forward to spending a week with her soon.

I spent a few summers going to sleep-away camp as well. This year will be the first year any of my children have done this. The camp is only about twenty minutes away and many of the families we attend church with go here as well so my kiddo will have some friends there. 

Overall though summer just seems to busy.

6. Tell us what body of water you would most like to be on or near today, and why? The Atlantic Ocean! I love the ocean - the waves. I'm not a huge fan of swimming in it (or swimming at all actually), but I do love walking on the beach and watching my kids play in it!

7. Share a favorite song about water, or a favorite song with the word water in it's title, or a favorite song to listen to as you sit beside the water.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm glad I'm making time to blog again. That's all.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

From This Side of the Pond

1. On Saturday July 4th America celebrates her Independence. (If you're not American, feel free to answer in terms of a national holiday in your own country) What is your favorite thing about the day?
I love Independence Day because it reminds me of just that - our freedom.
Your favorite food on the 4th? Watermelon! Yum!
Do you fly a flag at your house? Sure do! We just put it up this year and I love it.

Fireworks-yay or nay? I love watching them. We don't shoot them off though. 
Any special plans this year?  We're going to watch some fireworks and then enjoy some time visiting family.

2. What's something you recently got for free? I can't remember anything recently. 

3. The Statue of Liberty, The Liberty Bell, The Washington Monument, or Mount Rushmore...how many on the list have you seen? What is your favorite historical American monument, and why? I've only seen the Washington Monument and that was years ago. I would love to see all of these someday!

4. When it comes to the news are you more ostrich (stick my head in the sand) or hog (they have room to take a whole lot in)? I'm somewhere in the middle. I don't want to overdose on it, but I don't want to not know what's going on either.

How much attention have you given the recent news reports regarding ISIS and the acts of terror they've perpetrated against those who do not share their beliefs or support their cause? I'm aware of what is going on, but I don't search out the news on it. 

5. We're talking plain ice cream...vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry? Choose one. Vanilla because you can add kinds of stuff to it. Yummy stuff.

6. Share a song you love containing the word 'stars' in the lyrics or title. TobyMac "Beyond Me"

7. Describe and/or say goodbye to June with an acrostic.

Just fleeting days

Until next year.

Nice days will come again.

Enjoy them while they last.

8. Insert your own random thought here. My poor neglected blog. I'm praying this summer will allow me the time to get back in the habit again. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

From This Side of the Pond

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 didn't watch the first few seasons but then watched a few in the middle. I'm not watching this year. I have been cutting way back on my television watching - not that I watch a ton actually. If I were to audition, I would either sing "God Gave Me You" or "Amazing Grace."

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? I know I've had to tackle lots of things I don't particular care for, but right now I can't think of one. Although, I do still need to finish my oldest son's high school transcript and course descriptions in order for him to apply to college. I think at this point we have put off the frog eating a bit and we're aiming for January 2016 college entrance rather than September 2015.

3. If you were going on safari, what is the number one animal you'd want to see? An elephant. I've seen them up close and personal, but I'd love to see one in its natural habitat.

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 actually do, but typically only one brand and flavor. I like the Sunbelt Chewy Chocolate Chip ones. I keep them on hand as they work great for raising my blood sugar when I'm having a low. I usually pair it with a small glass of milk and I'm good to go. As for regular granola, I do like it, but I like it best in yogurt.

5. If only__________________________________________. Life had a rewind button...

6. You can add one item to your bedroom. What will it be? Keep it family friendly please. A dual heated blanket. I could turn up the heat on my side and hubby could keep his side of the bed cooler.

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? I'm pretty sure "enjoy" and "winter" do not go together. This winter has just been weird here in Maine. We've had super cold weather (as in -20 one morning) and warmer than normal (as in 40 degrees yesterday - hello mud!). We haven't had a lot of snow yet either. However, thankfully the freezing rain hasn't been as much this year either, although any is too much. Oh wait, I was suppose to share something I've enjoyed. Um....well...I'll just leave it as I'm not much of a fan of winter. Period.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I've been super busy studying for my group fitness instructor certification. I take the test at the end of the month. However, I'm offering free classes starting next week! Yikes! January has certainly gone by fast.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

From This Side of the Pond

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. Just yesterday. We have friends who are retired military and we had Bible study together last night. Aside from that both of my brothers are retired military and my brother-in-law is in the reserves currently, although not currently deployed thankfully. 

I have sent care boxes to soliders overseas. During the first Gulf War I was in college and oftentimes carloads of students would head to the airport - two hours north - to welcome back troops. I had evening classes and I was never able to go. I so wished I had skipped classes to go just once. 

2. You can have fifty pounds of anything at all (except money)...what would you choose? I think, given the time of year, I would want to donate 50 pounds of food to either a local food bank or to some families in need.

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? I'm guessing it was for my brother-in-law's wedding last fall. I think. I honestly can't remember. We obviously did attend that one. As for RSVP-ing...I always want to be an "early responder" but I tend to be "where-on-earth-did-I-put-that" responder. 

4. What's something you really don't like to waste? Time. That's one of my biggest pet peeves actually. 

5. Cheers, Friends, MASH, Seinfeld...of the ones listed, your favorite long-running sitcom? I'm going to have to go with Friends. I think that's one of the only ones I actually watched all the way through. 

6. What decision are you glad you made? To marry my hubby. Best decision ever. 

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? Gosh, this ones is hard. I really can't think of anything. I'm sure there is something but it's just not popping in my head at the moment. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This photo is of my Great-Uncle Walter. I never met him in person, but I grew up hearing stories about him. He fought in World War II and was shot down and died. He was buried in Belgium. He was my grandmother's brother. I'm so glad I have photos and stories of him to share with my boys. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

From This Side of the Pond

1. What's your favorite time of day? Why? Typically I love the evenings when everyone else has gone to bed and it's just me still up. It's quiet and peaceful. However, I started getting up super early in the morning to head to the gym before my day begins with kiddos. I wouldn't want to get crazy and say 4:30am is my favorite time of day, but it is just as quiet and peaceful. 

2. Waffle iron, toaster, coffee maker, mixer, blender...which small appliance would you say most needs replacing in your house? I'm actually pretty good on all of these things. I don't actually own a waffle iron though so I guess I should pick that.

3. It's National Grouch Day (October 15)...what's something that makes you feel grouchy? That's a loaded question! Unfortunately, I can get quite grouchy quite often for no reason. Just ask my hubby. He'll tell you the truth of that statement! If I'm really grouchy, it's a combination of a few things including lack of sleep and a busy schedule. I'm working on that though. A low blood sugar also makes me super grouchy. I just need to eat to fix that one though.

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? Last year my hubby and I took a week long vacation to Canada for our 20th wedding anniversary. We started in Quebec City, took an an afternoon in Montreal, time in Toronto and we ended our week at Niagara Falls. It was fantastic. We both agree that Quebec City was our favorite and we'd love to go back some day.

I'd love to go to PEI and Halifax. I love Anne of Green Gables.

Anniversary dinner in the 360 Restaurant in the CN Tower in Toronto

5. What was your favorite food (or one of your favorites) when you were a child? Is that still a favorite? Pizza but it wasn't a favorite until I was about 10. And yes, I still do like it! In fact, I had pizza for lunch just today.

6. Do you cry easily? Yes and no. I seem to tear up more easily but I rarely have a good breakdown crying session. 

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 actually have! This is early for me as I don't typically start until November and I've even been known to wait until December. This year I have most of the gifts already bought for my younger nieces and nephews. I am heading out shopping at the end of the month and will probably get some things for my immediate family. I have a few miscellaneous things for my boys but not anything big yet. I like that by doing it early I'm able to be more thoughtful in my gift buying.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I contribute to another blog called Dear Daughter. It's a "Titus 2" blog set up to help encourage younger woman. I'm really enjoying writing articles for it.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

From This Side of the Pond

1. Are the leaves turning color where you live? Have they begun to fall? Will you have to rake when it's all said and done? Is that a chore you love or loathe? It seems like the leaves began to turn overnight and they are falling fast! I hate that fall seems to go by so quickly. It's one of my favorite seasons! We have no large trees near our house so we don't have to rake - thankfully! Raking is not a favorite activity although I don't loathe it.

2. When did you last shake like a leaf? A few months ago I had a car pull out in front of me as I was driving. The adrenaline rush hit hard and fast. 

3. After 20 seasons with the NY Yankees, Derek Jeter played his last official game Sunday afternoon. Jeter has been described even by opponents as a 'class act', both on and off the field. The NFL is back in action this month too, with several players in that sport also making headlines. What are your thoughts on athletes as role models? I think there are much better role models out there for people. However, given the spotlight most athletes are in, I think it's just par for the course. 

Should a professional athlete be expected to act as role model or is that going beyond their job description? I'm not a huge fan of any professional athlete. I think they are overpaid and too many people make them out to be above the rest of the citizenship. They are just good at playing a game. So while I think it is above and beyond, I think it just goes hand and hand. (I wonder how many more cliches I can use...)

What responsibility do the organizations these athletes work for have when it comes to dealing with off the field behavior? I think they need to hold them to a higher standard given how many people do look up to them. I also think they need to hold them fully responsible for their actions - no matter what.

4. What season of the year is toughest for you in terms of your health? Why? Winter. The cold weather begins to wear on me after a few months. Although, I'd much rather be cold than hot. I don't like having to get bundled up to go outside though. That's one reason I love fall so much, I can just wear a long-sleeved T-shirt, slip on shoes, jeans, and call it good. Now that I live in a house with a lot of light in the winter months - thanks to lots of windows - it's not as hard as it used to be on my mental health. I used to have SAD - seasonal affective disorder.

5. The top six healthy food trends of 2014 according to Eating Well are-

clean eating (more veg, less meat, less sodium, limit alcohol and processed foods)
trash fish (you know those fish that get caught in fishermen nets and are thrown back? It seems chefs are finding creative ways to make them more appetizing)
cauliflower (this year's IT vegetable)
kaniwa (essentially baby quinoa, so like quinoa only smaller)
fermentation (think pickling except with twists on flavor we're not accustomed to)
community supported food (farms operating with community support/membership).

Okay-so how many of the hot healthy food trends for 2014 have you experienced, encountered, enjoyed? Any you've tried and said ewwww? Any on the list you'd like to try before year's end? I've been loosely following the Trim Healthy Mama eating plan. So I do a lot of clean eating although I occasionally eat something not very clean. Although, their plan doesn't call one to eat more veggies or limit meat. It's really all about how one fuels their body. They teach how to eat low carb and healthy fats - but in separate meals - and how to combine them to help burn fuel efficiently. It's not complicated once you get the hang of it but there is a learning curve. I don't drink alcohol so that's not an issue for me. 

I have tried cauliflower. In particular, I attempted cauliflower pizza where you grind up the steamed cauliflower in a blender, drain very well, and then mix with mozzarella cheese, egg, and spices to form a crust. I didn't get enough water out of mine so it was a bit too moist, but not bad. I'd still like to try it again. 

I've also had quinoa but not kaniwa. I would assume it would taste similar. I want to start using this more often (quinoa) as it's so healthy for you.

I'm not a big fan of anything fermented so that is not top on my list of things to try. 

I'm also not a member of a CSA. There aren't many such things where I live in Maine anyway. Most people have their own farms or small gardens. 

6. In seven words or less, bid September adieu. Fleeting. 

7. What's something on your October calendar that makes you happy just thinking about it? Outlander Day. I've been a fan of Diana Gabaldon's book series for years. I own all but the last book, which just came out in June, both in paperback and Kindle. I'm currently re-reading them for, oh, the sixth or so time so I can fully enjoy the newest one. 

In August, the cable network Starz began airing a new TV show, called Outlander, based on Diana's books. I've loved every second of it. In my opinion, they have done a great job bringing the characters to life. 

I have a number of friends who are fans of the books as well, but do not have cable television. Starz opted to air only eight episodes (the last in that series was last Saturday). In April they will air the next eight episodes of Season 1. So next Saturday, I'm hosting an "Outlander Day" where any of my friends who haven't seen it or even those who have, will come for a marathon viewing of all eight episodes. Let me know if you'd like to join us!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I bought this canvas print last month while on a shopping trip with family. It was my last purchase of the day and my absolute favorite! I just put it up on the wall on Sunday afternoon. I keep stopping to just look at it because I love it so much. It's huge too - about three feet by two feet. It will only hang in this spot until we put in a garage though. After that it will have to find a new wall to hang on as there will be a big window where it's hanging now. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

From This Side of the Pond

1. It's fall. Y'all. My favorite season of the year! What's something you love to do this time of year that makes you feel it's officially fall? And unrelated to that, do you ever say-'y'all'? I make a lot of pumpkin bread this time of year. That usually goes through the Christmas season though so not just fall. I also love to go for walks this time of year. The weather is cool. No bugs. Beautiful scenery. So nice. 

And I am a full blooded Yankee. Occasionally a y'all comes out, but rarely and I'm sure anyone from the south would look at me very strangely if they heard me!

2. When did you last have a falling out with someone? Has it been resolved? I honestly can't remember. 

3. A song you love with the word 'fall' in it's title? Heaven Fall Down by Phil Wickham

4. What's something you've recently let 'fall by the wayside?' Protecting my time. I'm horribly over scheduled this fall so I'm working on that at the moment. 

5. When did you last attend an event, read a book, watch a movie, try a new recipe, or visit a shop-town-tourist attraction that fell short of your expectations? In what way? That is an interesting question. I try very hard to not have high expectations for most things. I find that helps me be pleasantly surprised more often than not. 

6. Describe a time you said or thought, 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Pretty much every time I look at my boys. In fact, just today while on a field trip, my sister and I were talking and she commented that my middle son is a lot like me as he heads through puberty. Sadly, she was very correct. Quick to be offended and upset. Thankfully he's also very quick to forgive and forget. I love that about boys.

7. Was today better than yesterday? Why or why not? Yes. I had more sleep last night. I've started getting up early in the morning twice a week (working on three times a week) so that I can go to the 5:30 classes at the local gym. Due to some evening commitments I can't make my usual Zumba workouts at night. However, I'm still finding it hard to shut things down at night and head to bed at a reasonable hour. Yesterday I was up at 4:45 to go to the gym and had a very busy day of shuttling kids from one activity to another. I also had our small group Bible study last night which meant I didn't get home until almost 9pm. Add to that some things I needed to get down before bed and I wasn't ready for sleep until almost 11. I had hoped to get up this morning to go to the gym, but opted instead to reset my alarm for 7am. Those extra two hours helped immensely. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. In the last few weeks I've realized my schedule is just crazy busy this fall. I participate in online Bible studies hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Our new one kicked off on Monday and it talks about giving our "best yes" - making sure we give God our best time each and every day. I like these studies because you can do that at home at your own pace. I'm praying that I get a lot out of this study and find a way to free up some more time in my life!

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

From This Side of the Pond

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? I would agree with this statement. I think the essence is that if you have faith, self-confidence, and hope the big picture doesn't really matter. It's when we get bogged down in the things that strip us of those things (doubt, fear, and despair) that we forget how much we have to be thankful for. I find that as I grow older this becomes even more true for me. (Great quote, by-the-way!)

2. What remarkable feat, interesting piece of trivia, or historical event occurred on your birth day and month? Not necessarily in your birth year, just the same date/same month. After a quick internet search I discovered that the first official US flag was raised aboard the USS Alfred naval vessel (December 3, 1775). 

3. Describe a time or circumstance where you wanted to 'have your cake and eat it too.' In a few weeks actually, I'd love for this to happen. I have two different events planned. However, I can't attend both as much as I would love to. In fact, that seems to happen quite often. A similar thing happened this past weekend. I had three things I wanted to do but I needed to pick just one.

4. What's something you do that makes you feel young? Something that makes you feel old? I take care of little ones, well, one little one. There is nothing like chasing after a two-year-old to make you feel young. 

"Mr. T."

As for feeling old? How tired I feel (and it's not all the fault of this little one) and how I don't bounce back as quickly as I used to. I certainly feel all the aches and pains I have!

5. When did you last do something that was 'a piece of cake'? Honestly, I can't think of anything at the moment. I'm sure there was something but for the life of me I can't remember. Oh wait....wasn't there a question about what makes me feel old? This. The memory is going fast I tell ya!

6. Beef, wine, and cheese all improve with age. What's something else you'd add to that list? (not necessarily food or beverage) Relationships - if done right. The more you get to know a person and the longer you know a person, the better the relationship. In particular I'm thinking of my marriage. We celebrated 21 years this past July and it's far better than it ever was when we were barely in to our 20s and married.

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. Oh gosh. I'm not going to be any help at all with this one.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm absolutely loving this song lately. Have a listen. 

Spent today in a conversation

In the mirror face to face with

Somebody less than perfect

I wouldn't choose me first if

I was looking for a champion

In fact, I'd understand if

You picked everyone before me

But that's just not my story

True to who You are

You saw my heart

And made

Something out of nothing

I don't need my name in lights

I'm famous in my Father's eyes

Make no mistake

He knows my name

I'm not living for applause

I'm already so adored

It's all a stage

He knows my name