Happy Wednesday Hodgepodge

Here we are, another Wednesday, and time for another Hodgepodge.  Time just goes so fast these days, but not fast enough to get rid of this dang hot weather. 

Joyce always gives us great questions and this week is no exception.  She actually made me think this week...not sure if I really like that or not ;)  Please hop on over to Joyce's blog, From This Side of the Pond, and read all about Wednesday Hodgepodge, visit some new blogs and play along if you like!  It really is fun...honest!  Ok, here goes....

1. The Wednesday Hodgepodge this week falls on John Chapman's birth date. He's more famously known as Johnny Appleseed...what's your favorite variety of apple?

I'm not a big apple person.  I have animosity towards the apple that dates back to Eve.  The apple is directly responsible for my menstrual cramps, the horrendous labor pains I had with all three of my children AND menopause...totally the apples fault.  Ok, not really...I just don't really care for them.  Cooked maybe with a little sugar and cinnamon...but raw, not so much.

2. When did you last say 'ick'?

When I read the words "printed pants" in question #6....

3. Do you think there's a generation gap? Explain.

I think there is always a generation gap.  Times change.  Every generation grows up with a different environment and usually they think the way they grew up was best and that today's generation is ruining the world.  I remember very clearly my father being incensed by the Vietnam war protests and the riots at the colleges.  He HATED rock and roll.  He thought the world was going to hell in a hand basket.  But we all survived and we are here today...repeating the same things our parents did.  I HATE rap...and I will reserve my thoughts on whether or not were going to hell in a hand basket until after November 7th.  Having said all that...I think you should drop on over to my daughter's blog and read her response to this question.  She hit the nail on the head for her generation.

4. What's on your computer screen saver? Do you leave it alone or change it often?

I can't even tell you what my screen saver is so I'll tell you about my desktop background.  At home I have some random nature shots that came with the computer.  It's new (hence why I have no idea what the screen saver is) and I haven't downloaded a lot of my pictures to it yet.  But usually I change for the seasons with random pictures of my kids or my Christmas trees.  Once, I left my Christmas trees on a whole year because it made me happy to look at Christmas in the middle of July.  On my work computer I have this beautiful pic I took of the Indian ruins north of Flagstaff.  I wrote about it here.  I always feel calm when I'm there so I was hoping it would give me a sense of calm at work.




Wupatki Pueblo Indian Ruins: photo credit: me :)


5. If you had the attention of the entire world for two minutes, what would you say?

Get over yourself.  Everyone has problems and all problems are relative.  We need to learn to get along and live on this big blue marble together.  Be nicer to each other...try to walk a mile in someone else's shoes before you judge.  Lastly, smile...it costs you nothing and you never know when your smile will make someones day.  There is an acute shortage of smiling in this world.

That's it.  Simplistic I know, but I feel like if we took a simplistic approach the world would be a much nicer place.

6. Four fashion trends to try this fall are-brocade/jacquard (fancy printed fabrics), peplum, lace, and printed pants...which of these four would you be most likely to wear?

HaHa...this makes me laugh.  Only because, I wouldn't know fashion if it hit me in the face.  I'm sure I am Stacy and Clinton's #1 nightmare.  Honestly, I would wear none of those...especially printed pants...ick ;)

7. What can make your bad day better?

Being with my family, talking to my kids, listening to my youngest daughters laugh...it's infectious.  Oh, and chocolate...always chocolate!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Three months from today Christmas will be over.  That is all.


Ok, kids, that's it!  Hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing.  Enjoy the rest of your week and meet me back here on Friday for Arizona Almanac...we'll both be surprised, because I have no idea what I'm going to write about!

Wednesday Hodgepodge: Fall Edition

Happy Wednesday Everyone!  I'm back to doing Hodgepodge.  Joyce has provided us with some great questions this week.  If you want to play along or just read some really fun blogs, hop on over to Joyce's blog and visit all the Hodgepodge posters! 

1. What's the best and worst thing thing about growing older?


The best part of growing older is knowing that there are some things you will never, ever have to deal with again.  Like going to high school...blech.  Puberty...eewww.  Toilet training toddlers...exhausting.  Raising teenagers...blech and ewww and exhausting plus frustrating!  I think the worst part of growing older is all the changes in your body.  In my head I'm still 30 and I can't figure out how my children got older while I stayed the same age.  But the body is the rude awakening.  It just doesn't move the way it used to and no amount of cajoling works.  Old age is stubborn...that's for sure.

2. Autumn arrives this week in the Northern Hemisphere...what one thing do you love most about the fall season?

Well, I could say cooler weather but in Arizona it doesn't get cool until December so that won't work.  I love Thanksgiving and I feel like it often gets lost in the hubbub of Christmas...since Christmas starts popping up in July now.  I also love fall colors.  Oranges, reds, yellows....they all make me happy.


3. Speaking of fall...pumpkin seems to be flavoring everything these days-are you a fan? What's your favorite pumpkin flavored food or beverage?

At the cost of being banned from Thanksgiving forever, I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of the flavor.  I don't hate it but one piece of pie at Thanksgiving and I'm good for the year.  I do however love the smell of pumpkin.  Candles, cooking...I love the scent.

4. Since we're on the subject of fall...what's the worst fall you've ever taken?

In October of 2006 I was at the softball field watching my youngest play.  They had a double header in which the two games were played on different fields.  I was walking from one field to the other, stepped in a hole, fell and broke BOTH my ankles.  So, I fell in the fall...nice huh?  I was out of work for 11 weeks...it was not fun, or pretty.  Let's just say you really find out how much someone loves you when you cannot get yourself on and off the toilet.  My husband is a saint!


5. If you could own a prop from any film what would you choose?

I have to pick two because I can't choose between them.  First, I would want William Wallace's (Mel Gibson) kilt from Braveheart.  Second, I really want Benjamin Franklin's colored spectacles from the first National Treasure.  Yes, I AM a history nerd...and proud of it :)

6. What's the most interesting word you've read or learned in the past week?

I love words!  My favorite this week is: conundrum. There are a few definitions in Websters but the one I like the best is: An intricate and difficult problem.  Sometimes, writing my blog is such a conundrum! :)  I just love the way it sounds and the way it rolls off your tongue.  Ok, I'm just a nerd...period.

7. When was the last time you locked yourself out of your house, car, or office? Was it a big deal?
I honestly can't remember the last time.  But I remember the most awful time.  I locked my two toddlers in the car in the middle of the Arizona summer.  I could not convince my daughter to unlock the car after having taught her that touching the locks on the car door was a very bad thing.  This was way before everyone had cell phones and I was stuck in the middle of the grocery store parking lot with no help.  Thankfully, a very nice man happened by with a hanger and got the door unlocked.  It was very scary.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

The fact that there are only 96 days until Christmas completely freaks me out.  Not because I'm behind for Christmas, but because I cannot for the life of me figure out where this year has gone.  I still have vivid memories of taking down the Christmas tree last year so it cannot possibly be almost time to put it up again.

Ok, that's it for another edition of the Hodgepodge.  Thanks for the questions Joyce, they were fun!  Meet me back here Friday for Arizona Almanac.  I've got a bridge I want to tell you about.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge.  We have a few questions about summer.  I hate summer.  But then, where I live, on the surface of the sun...summer's not so fun.  But I'll play along...here goes...


1. Summer officially rolls in with the Hodgepodge this week, for those of us in the Northern hemisphere anyway. What song says summer 2012 to you?

I don't listen to enough radio to be up on what's new this summer.  What I can say is that anytime I hear the Beach Boys it makes me think the kind of summer I wish I had.  The theme song to my Arizona summer would have to be...Walking On The Sun by Smash Mouth.

2. What's your favorite quintessential summer food?

Ice cream.  I love it at any time of the year...but so much more satisfying on a hot summer day.

3. I've spent a lot of time traipsing up and down the NJ Turnpike in recent weeks. Did you know the rest areas on the turnpike are named after people who lived or worked in NJ? Clara Barton, Walt Whitman, James Fenimore Cooper, Molly Pitcher, Joyce Kilmer, Thomas Edison, and Gover Clevland just to name a few. Of those I listed, who would you most like to have known and why?

Molly Pitcher, hands down.  I am quite obsessed with the American Revolution.  In my younger days I used to fantasize about living in that time.  Now that I'm older, I realize that I would not survive a day in the 1770's.  I would crumble and cry like a baby for my mommy.  I am too used to plumbing, running water, air conditioning, mousse and a blow dryer and tampons...ok, that last one was probably a bit too much, but you know you've all thought about that.  Yes, you have.  But, if I could talk to Molly Pitcher she would tell me what it was like to be there and live through those scary, awesome times.  I admire a woman who will go to war for what she believes in, whether on a real battlefield or a figurative one.

4. At what age did you move out of your parent's house and what prompted the move?

I was 18 and I had to get out of the small town I was living in and back to the big city...you can read why here.

5. What's more satisfying to you-saving time or saving money?

Neither.  I don't have anyone to answer to but myself (well, my husband thinks I answer to him, but, what he doesn't know won't hurt him ;) so time is really not an issue for me.  I quit trying to save money a long time ago.  Every time I'd get some saved up, something would happen and I'd have to spend it...so I just quit trying.

6. Name something you think brings out the good in people.

A smile.  Don't you feel better when someone smiles at you?  I do.  It's such a small gesture but it makes a big impact.  It's hard for people to be grumpy when you're smiling at them.

7. Will you be taking a vacation or a staycation this summer? If so where will you go? If a staycation is on the calendar have you made any special plans to fill the time?

I think mine is a vacation, but I'm not leaving the state, just going to another city...so maybe it's a staycation...but the city is 200 miles away soooo...I don't know.  My husband and I are going to my favorite place in Arizona...Flagstaff!  We are going in August...is it August yet?  I'm so excited to get away for a week.  We are planning on taking a trip on the Grand Canyon Railway...something I've never done despite living here my entire life.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am not a fan of summer.  I do not like the heat.  If you've read my blog for any length of time you know this already...but I think it bears repeating.  I hate the heat.  People wonder why I'm not used to it after living here my whole life.  I don't know why...I hated it when I was a kid, and I continue to hate it well into my 50's.  The only reason I suffer through the summers here (which by the way, last from early April to mid October) is that I don't have to deal with any of the other weather related atrocities such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes...and snow.  I mean, I think I would like snow...until I had to shovel it or drive in it.  Then, not so much.  Winter here makes living with the heat somewhat bearable.  I rarely wear a sweater or coat of any kind in the winter...I just want to soak in that wonderful weather for as long as it lasts.  I cherish every day from November through March.  And during the summer...I just go from one air conditioned space to another as fast as I can!

Thanks Joyce, for all the great questions.  Please go visit her blog to get the links for all those participating in the summer fun...and join in!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I know I promised you an Arizona Almanac for last Friday and then never delivered.  After I promised...my life kind of derailed and the post never got done...I'm still trying to catch up.  Posting Hodgepodge Wednesday so you know I didn't completely fall of the face of the earth.  Plus, they were fun questions...so here goes...

1. In what way are you your own worst enemy?

Can I say every way?  I feel like I do at least two things a day that cause me to say later..."Why did I do that?".  If I picked just one though...it would be my tendency to worry just a tad too much.  And by a tad...I mean A LOT.  The worrying only makes things worse and it never solves anything, but I've yet to figure out how to stop it.  I'm better...but not cured. 

2. Jacques Cousteau's birthday was Monday, June 11th...ever been scuba diving? Is that something you'd like to try? What's your favorite 'under the sea' creature?

I've never been scuba diving and I'm not sure how I feel about it.  I love the water but, to be honest, scuba diving kind of scares me.  I am fascinated by whales.  I don't know why.  I just love them.  One of my dreams is to go on a whale watching cruise.

3. On a scale of 1-10, how comfortable are you in and around the water? (1=not at all, 10=very) Do you know how to swim and if so how and when did you learn?

10.  I love the water and I'm a good swimmer.  I'm not really sure who taught me to swim.  I know I didn't have any formal lessons.  I do remember my uncle throwing me in the water and telling me to swim so maybe that was it...but that was long ago and far, far away...my memory is fuzzy.  But, thanks Uncle Ted...for throwing me in and making me swim....for whatever reason :)

4. What's something you do to motivate yourself to tick an item off your to-do list?

The satisfaction of a job well done.  That and knowing if I don't do it, it will just be waiting for me another day.

5. What makes a good neighbor? Are you a good neighbor?

I think a good neighbor minds their own business unless asked to help out with something and then does so with a joyful heart.  Good neighbors watch out for each others well being. 

I don't know if I'm considered a good neighbor or not.  I really like to keep to myself, but I will help out if asked.  I think my husband is the epitome of a great neighbor.  He talks to everyone.  He helps everyone with anything they ask.  Everyone loves him.  Except for the crazy lady next door.  I live in a wonderful neighborhood with great neighbors...except for the one who happens to live next door to me.  She is crazy and I pray everyday that she finds a reason to move. Good neighbors do not call the city on you for parking your vehicle in front of your own home and then report it as an abandoned vehicle.  Good neighbors do not yell like a banshee at your children when they are minding their own business.  Good neighbors do not make enemies over a stupid trash can.  Sorry...but it did feel good to vent :)  Thanks for that!


6. Who loads the dishwasher at your house? Is there a right way and a wrong way?

My son loads the dishwasher most of the time.  He is still living at home and this is one of his chores as set down by our agreement for him living at home.  I like the dishwasher loaded a certain way...but I don't force anyone else to do it my way...it's not worth the fight and as long as the dishes get clean...that's all I care about.


7. You know it's summer when_________________________.

Everyone says this over and over and over...."But it's a dry heat"


8. Insert your own random thought here.

Some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed....I've had a few too many of those days recently.  Here's to better days ahead!

Hope you all enjoyed the Hodgepodge.  Hop on over to Joyce's blog and find out how you can participate and find links to other blogs that are joining in the fun.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Can't believe it's already time for Wednesday Hodgepodge again!  This is hosted by Joyce at From This Side of the Pond. Go to Joyce's blog for links to all the fun bloggers who participate. Go here for instructions if you wish to play along. Enjoy!

1. How many students were in your high school graduating class? Did you know most, if not all of them?

Wow, I have to go way back to answer this question!  At my first high school my graduating class would have been around 75.  It was a small Catholic high school and we knew most everyone.  Between my sophomore and junior years my father was transfered to a town where there was only one high school and it wasn't Catholic.  I had gone to Catholic school my entire life...it was a HUGE culture shock for a sheltered 15 year old.  My actual graduating class had about 250 students.  I knew a lot of them, but certainly not all.


2. What was the last thing you photographed?

When my kids were little, I lived with a camera in my hand.  I took tons of pictures...this was way before digital.  But now, I don't really take many photos unless we go on vacation somewhere, which we don't do often.  I think the last thing I took a picture of was the afghan I'm working on.  Exciting huh?

3. Pickles-love 'em or loathe 'em? If its love what's something you eat that needs a pickle?

I love kosher dills.  I especially love the spicy ones.  And usually I have them with a burger or a pastrami sandwich....yum!  Now I'm hungry!

4. What's a stereotype you seem to perpetuate without meaning to?

Wow, this is a hard question....my brain is tired...I can't think of anything.  I'm sure there is something, but right now I can't think of one.   I'm very interested in seeing what everyone else has to say...I hope it was as hard for them as it is for me.

5. Ever been horse back riding? If so is it something you enjoy? If not, do you have any interest? Did you watch the Kentucky Derby? Will you be watching the last leg of the Triple Crown this weekend?

I've always wanted to ride a horse, I think they are beautiful animals.  I've never ridden though.  I will probably watch this weekend...because it could be history...and I'm all about history :)

6. What's your favorite 'wedding' movie?

I adore 27 Dresses...one of my favorite movies ever.  I also have two favorite wedding scenes.  Braveheart and Sound of Music.  Two opposite ends of the spectrum to be sure, but both equally moving.  William Wallace marries his bride in secret, in the forest, so he doesn't have to "share" her with the fudal lords...so moving.  The wedding scene in the Sound of Music is just so majestic and I think it's every little girls dream of a princess wedding.

7. What is one 'tourist attraction' in the USA that you'd like to see in person?

Picking just one is hard.  But if I have to, I'd pick Independance Hall in Philadelphia.  I love the American Revolution and I'm fascinated by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution...I'd love to be in the place that first heard those historic words.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It's getting too darn hot here.  You would think after 53 years I'd be used to it...somehow I don't think you ever get used to living inside an oven.

That's it, hope you enjoyed it.  Arizona Almanac will be back this Friday so stay tuned!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's time for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce at From This Side of the Pond.  Go to Joyce's blog for links to all the fun bloggers who participate.  Go here for instructions if you wish to play along.  Enjoy!

1. What can the average citizen do to honor a military veteran and/or those currently serving?

• When you see members of the military, thank them for their service.  I know they appreciate it. 
• Don't take your rights and freedoms for granted.  You've heard it before but I'll say it again.  Freedom isn't free.  Millions have lost their lives for our freedoms and rights.  Millions continue to protect those freedoms and rights.  We should honor them by being grateful everyday.

 2. Besides a flag what is something you own that is red, white and blue?

I'm sure I do own something, but right now I'm drawing a blank. 

3. Does love really conquer all?

No.  At least not for me.  You can really love someone, but there are issues that even love can't overlook.  Drugs, abuse, adultery...just to name a few. 

4. Strawberry shortcake or blueberry pie?

Strawberry shortcake....love it! 

5. Do you share personal stuff with your hairdresser?

No.  But then I don't share personal stuff with many people.  When I go to the salon I think of that as time away from all my problems...I don't want to bring them with me.

6. Does money lead to selfishness?

I don't think so.  I think having money exagerates the type of person you are.  So, if you are a little selfish to begin with, money will only make you worse.  If you're generous to begin with, money will make you more so. You're either a selfish person or you're not.  I don't think money, or anything else, can change who you really are inside.  When people say money, or fame or whatever changed a person...I think they didn't know that person as well as they thought they did. 

7. What piece of furniture in your home most needs replacing or refinishing?

Um, everything.  I often refer to my decor as "Early Other People".  The only thing in my house that wasn't previously owned by someone else are my kids beds.  Everything else belonged to someone else before it belonged to me.  Some of those things, like my mother's hutch and dining room set, I love and cherish.  Other pieces, not so much.  I just have them because I've never really had the cash to buy furniture.  If I had to pick one I'd say the chair I sit in to crochet and watch TV...it's in desperate need of a makeover.

8. Insert your own random here.

I hate Mondays.  Whether it's a real Monday or a Tuesday after a long holiday weekend...I hate them. 

Ok, there you have it. Another fun Hodgepodge.  Hope you enjoyed it!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I've decided to join in the fun of Wednesday Hodgepodge, hosted by a great blogger I found during the A to Z challenge.  Please check out Joyce's blog, From This Side of the Pond.  She's great.  Play along if you like!

For Wednesday Hodgepodge she gives us 7 questions to answer and an 8th random thought.  So here goes...my first Wednesday Hodgepodge...enjoy!


1. What's something you miss about the 1980's? If you're too young to miss the 80's how about the 90's?

I really miss being a young mother and having babies...that's what my '80's were all about.  I do not, however, miss big hair bands or leg warmers...somehow my daughter thinks all things '80's are super rad...even the leg warmers.  Go figure.


2. Do you have a library card? If so, how often do you visit?

I do have a library card and I don't visit as often as I'd like.  I LOVE the library...you can read all about my library love here.  Maybe I'll go to the library this weekend....you've planted a seed Joyce!


3. What's the secret to success?

Not being afraid to fail.


4. This is National Backyard Games week...what's your favorite backyard game?

Hmm...this is a hard one...I don't usually play backyard games but when I was a kid I loved tetherball..so I'll go with that.



5. If I dropped by today what would I find on your coffee table?

You would find nothing...and not because I'm such an outstanding housekeeper or anything like that (just ask anyone who knows me!)...it's because I don't have a coffee table.  But in the interest of fun, I'll tell you what would probably be on a coffee table if I had one.  Papers of some kind...probably relating to softball, because my husband leaves papers everywhere and they usually relate to the softball league that he is president of, even though we no longer have any children playing softball.  Kinda got off track there...sorry.

6. Do you own a bicycle? When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Is that something you enjoy?

I'm not sure.  My Schwinn bike was one of the few things I brought with me from my parents house to my own home after I got married.  But, it just sat in the garage and collected dust, so I'm not sure if my husband got rid of it or not.  If I had to guess, I'd say not, because if you saw our garage, you would know my husband doesn't get rid of anything.  I have lived in my house for over 30 years and I've yet to park a car in my garage...ok off topic again ( I really do love my husband, he's just a collector..of papers and other random stuff...not of anything fun.  And he's a procrastinator...but that's for different post).  I can't remember the last time I rode a bike but I did enjoy it when I did.  Ok, I'll try to stay on point here.


7. What's your favorite cheese?

Extra sharp cheddar


8. Insert your own random thought here.

Since I'm writing this on Tuesday...I'm wondering if the Coyotes can play well enough to keep this series going.  That and the fact that my kids are going to the game and we saw a traffic alert that says about 650 parking spaces at the arena are going to be down for repaving.  Who repaves during playoff season?  My husband says those things are planned out way in advance and who ever would have thought that the 'Yotes would have gone this far....well, they should have thought.  If there's a chance you are going to sell out the building at any time...you don't pave the parking lot.  But then, who am I to question.  I'll let you all know how the parking and the game turned out.  Go 'Yotes!!

Well, this was fun!  Can't wait for next week!

PS~ Parking was fine.  They got there early enough to get "rock star" parking, according to my daughter.  The outcome of the game was not so fine.  Coyotes lost and the season is over...more on that in an upcoming post.