Veterans, flu shots, early Christmas decorations

Welcome to this week's Hodgepodge of questions - and my answers.   For what it's worth - read on!

1.  In two or three sentences tell us what Veteran's Day means to you? 

Despite what political agendas may bring our country to war, and what the reasons are that the US  decides to go into battle, I admire the men and women who have stepped forward and enlisted in military service.   Most go into it with a true honorable belief that they want to serve and protect this country.   Veterans experience things we can never imagine.   War is scary.  They deserve our thanks  and our respect.  Veteran's Day is the day to thank a living military person.  

If you reading this and are a vet, THANK YOU!!

2.  What's your favorite film with a patriotic theme woven into the storyline? 

Patriotic doesn't have to mean a war movie, right?  I do not like to watch any war movies.  When I was younger I watched "Born on the 4th of July" and "Private Ryan" and a few of those.  But, they are too upsetting.  I worry that many of the war movies "glorify" the experience.

So, I guess I will say "The Patriot" because it is such a history lesson - and I love that so many scenes were filmed down the road in Charleston.  

3.  Flu shots - yes or no?   If you answered no, do you plan to get a flu shot?  If not, why not?  Have you ever had a flue shot? 

I have only gotten a flu shot once that I can recall.  I do not work in a hospital, or daycare, or office environment where it is mandatory.  Thankfully I do not have a health condition where a doctor feels the flu shot is of great importance for me.   I have heard so many "rumors" about them not being the right concoction each year, or if you get it too early it won't last all winter... or too late is, well, too late.  

I was in a CVS a couple of hours ago and saw the signs - and saw three people waiting in line to get the shots.  At that time I didn't want to wait and I really wasn't sure if I wanted to get it or not.

The flu is not fun to have - for sure.  So, maybe I'll wander back in to CVS at an off time and try to get my shot. Guess it won't hurt me any.

4.  I've seen lots of people posting pictures of their Christmas trees up and decorated.  Many stores have had Christmas on display since well before Halloween. Red cups are back at Starbuck's, sans the holiday decor, and that has some people up in arms.  What are your thoughts on all the holiday ruckus this second week of November? 

Every year the decorations go up too early.   Every year!  Too early!!   I know it will not change but I really wish that we kept the start of the Christmas season to Advent - which is the start of the church year, and the time of preparation for the baby Jesus's birth.   We will never return to it but I wish it were so.  I'm usually tired and over with Christmas on December 26th.  Too much too early.

As for the red cup hoopla...I think a couple of comments have exploded into this whole social media thing.  It's really rather silly.   Get over it people.

5.  What 'critter' are you most afraid of encountering unexpectedly?  Why that one? 

I have said it before: snakes are my biggest worry/fear living here.  They are definitely around. I have marshland right behind me.  Snakes occasionally show up in my yard - and I have 3 kitty cats I keep outdoors AND I place moth balls around my house foundation.  Occasionally I see one - and I can not ever be sure if they are poisonous or not. People say you can tell by their markings or the kind of eyes they have.  Well, I freak - and can't stop and "analyze" it.    I have a BIG fear of snakes!!   Always have.  I remember in high school when we had an assembly and a guy brought reptiles and snakes to show....and he carried a huge snake up into the bleachers where the students were sitting.  I was petrified.  It was horrible.  

6.  Do you like building things?  What's the last thing you built? 

Our leader Joyce is in the building process right now - and therefore, the question!   Hubby and I have bought two homes in the past that were new "spec homes" and needed finishing off, so we picked flooring, bathroom fixtures, etc.    Right now he decided to knock down our carport at our "riva cabin" and put up a garage - and while at it, an apartment above it.   I have left it in his hands unless he specifically asks me.   The project, like most building projects do, has grown - and there are so many choices to make.  

I'm at a point in my life now where I let things slide... and I know it will be fine. Whatever he picks.  I like to decorate - and may try to step in more when we get to that point.

7.  What are you most grateful for that brings beauty to daily life? 

My back view - off the kitchen/master bedroom/Carolina room. We back up to old ricefields that are now marshy - and therefore it's natural and beautiful.  We have spanish moss hanging, live oaks, cypress trees - a real Southern view - and I love it.

8. My random thought. 

I love the new Tim McGraw song.  Have you heard "Humble and Kind"?

We all just need to be...humble and kind!