My two cents

It's Hodgepodge day and I will get to it next, but first I wanted to write a few things...  why?  It's my right, my blog, my way of expressing myself.  Read it at your own risk.

*  North Carolina is in hot water over a bill that is twofold.  The first part (the part that the law is named for) is the concern/confusion over which bathroom transgender folks should use when in a public place.  I get that... because, yes, there is worry that some people (those not truly transgender) will dress as if they are trans, just to go into a specific bathroom... because they are lewd people, or peeping toms, or you know, crazy.   In reality, they probably already do it,  but this law will make it easier.   Also, transgender people identify one way but have body parts that don't match.   It's confusing for us, so I can only imagine it is for them too! 

BUT...the second part of the law is what has most people up in arms.  It is the part that gives groups, churches, etc. the right to exclude them.  That part is blatant discrimination.   Even though we may not understand a transgender person's "need" to be the way they are, we can NOT exclude them from their constitutional rights... their rights for freedom, equality, and all the other beliefs that the very conservative speak out about upholding.   If the conservatives spout these rights for gun freedoms, then they have to acknowledge it's same rights for transgenders.  (Oh, and don't get me started on women's freedoms to decide about their own bodies too.)


*   I have had several incidents lately where others have left me 'in the dark' on purpose.  And, I admit, it has hurt.   As many know, I live my life as an open book.  I live my life with nothing to hide.  As Popeye said "I yam what I yam!"    What you see is what you get.    I find living this way is less stressful.  I don't have to remember.... 'did I tell this person?  But not this person?  Can I speak up - or out -or not?' 

For those, who don't live so openly, let me tell you:  it eventually comes out.  When it does - it can cause hurt and it can leave a person, like me, with a feeling of 'unworthiness.'  Or I feel that I am not to be trusted - or will think poorly about them.    I don't get it.   Really.   And, I feel for those who keep so much emotion in, and hide truths.  Play games.  Hide things away.   Just be who you are!   But...  as my favorite song says (by a certain favorite singer) - yes, speak openly, but always stay humble and kind.   It can be done!


*  Speaking of humble and kind...   Isn't it rather nice to have a break from political debates and town halls, and all the media interviews?  Is it me, or does it now seem like it's a bit calmer out there?  Less people are left in the race.  phew.   And, my state has already had it's primaries.  I purposely do NOT turn on CNN or Fox News, or MSNBC... or any other station that uses 23 1/2 - 7 for political discussions.  (A 1/2 hour a day may actually be about real news. But that is all. )


*   I am happy it's April.  Spring is here and summer is around the corner! Bring it on!!  My favorite time of year!!  (I disagree with the Christmas song...  )


*  I filled out a Neilsen TV rating book a few months back and so, I now just received one for radio.  Back in my days of working in radio the big rating service was Arbitron.  Does it still exist?   I am happy to take time for a week to fill out the Neilsen diary book about my radio listening habits.  I know from being on the other side how important the rating by the listeners is.  It's mostly about WHEN you listen and for HOW LONG.  Advertising dollars are decided by the results AND announcers jobs can be on the line by it.  

I learned by filling out the diary this week that I now only listen to radio when I am in my car.   My music in the house comes from my iphone - it's either from Pandora, or my pre-downloaded songs.   Occasionally I turn on CMT-TV to listen... mostly morning time when the music videos are aired.   I still enjoy music while I clean. It keeps me energized.

Neilsen and Arbitron used to only send cash to people to fill out the dairies in areas where encouragement was really needed. I suppose that's everywhere now.  I have already received from them some nice crisp new dollar bills.  At the end of the TV diary time, I received $10 for filling it out and mailing it back in to them.  I think I will get the same for the radio responses.

If you get the opportunity to do it, you should!  It's kind of like voting... and you get to make your own selections and add your opinions.


*  So, I'm wondering...  of all the social media that is out there now, which one is your favorite?  I know most people are on Facebook.  Are you a Twitter person?  What about Snapchat?  And Instagram?   I just got something online that encouraged me to download Dubsmash.  Have you heard of it?  I'm not really sure what it does.   I think I'm starting to get a bit app overload!!   I'm all about Facebook, and I use Instagram.  I have a Twitter account but I gave up trying to follow people.   What about you?

Which makes me wonder... do you still get a newspaper?  We gave our home delivery up just a couple of months ago.   It makes me sad...but with all the other news sources on line, and with all the social media outlets, the newspaper was behind on everything. I don't care about local ads or coupons.  So, bye bye newspaper.


Well, it's time to hop on over to Hodgepodge and see what our leader, Joyce, has in store for me.  See you there, if you have the time.   Have a great day!! 

Things to do... or not do. What do you put off?

Good morning Hodgepodge friends!  Without further adieu, here are this week's questions with my answers.  Feel free to chime in here in the 'comments' section, or on Facebook.

1. What does retirement mean to you? Are you planning for it, not thinking about it, looking forward to it, or dreading it?

Retirement sure can be a big ole question mark!  Who knows how long you will live?  And, how will you keep busy?  Do you have the funds required?  How will your health be?    Hubby and I have done our best to plan financially and have thought it through on where to live (here) to enjoy our 'later years.'  I admit that I am going through a bit of a head challenge right now about reaching the years of 'down-sizing' - and just wondering how I got to it already!?!  I have been thinking about giving things to my daughters as they get their own homes. And giving other things to charity.   It's harder than I thought. I try not to be about things, but it's also hard to let go of items that have sentimental value. 

My hubby tried retirement once already and it lasted about six months.  He needs business stimulation and challenges.  But, he is also pretty tired of business game-playing and all the traveling.  So, I don't know how much longer he will stick with it this second time around.

Then we will have many more hours together, after all of our married life being on our own in many ways.  That will be an adjustment.   He is high energy and I am more laid back.   So, it concerns me a little.  He likes projects. Activity.  I like 'doing' at times, but I also like just 'being' with a book or with music.


So, yes, I am thinking about retirement a lot (hubby's) and I am thinking how it's a major life change... for both of us.   We will go with what each day brings - together.

2. It's International Guitar Month...do you play? Does anyone in your family play? What's a song you especially like to hear played on the guitar or a favorite song featuring the guitar?

I wish I played.  I have tried several times to learn on my own but never stuck with it - and I never allowed my fingers to get calloused enough for the strings.   My hubby has also thought of learning (perhaps a retirement hobby??)  and one year I bought him a guitar as a gift.   So, we have one in the house.

I have said this before, but I love love love a singer/songwriter who can sing and accompany themselves on an acoustic guitar.  I find it mesmorizing!  I play flute and a little piano - so I have enough musical knowledge to understand the ability it takes to play guitar and sing - and to hold an audience with it.   I love it too because it's raw, open...there is no hiding behind other instruments.  Such a talent!!

A favorite?  I love a lot of the "folk sound" of the 60's and 70's.  Today:  Keith Urban is a triple threat - songwriting, singing, playing his guitar.  One of his early songs "You'll Think of Me" is wonderful.  Also "Tonight I Want a Cry".


3. What's your comfort food?

When all else fails, I go to peanut butter.  It's always in my pantry.  I slather some on Ritz crackers.  Or, I make a sandwich - and I am happy!

4. What's one activity or area of your life where you absolutely never procrastinate?

Gee, it's easier to tell you areas where I do procrastinate!   Like today (actually, last week) I need to call the sprinkler irrigation system guy to come repair some sprinkler heads. I am terrible about calling repair people in general - or anyone that I have to be at their 'beck and call' for... because they keep me waiting.  Grrrr  

Where I do NOT procrastinate?  In general I am not a 'last minute' person so I will say if I have a project, then I prefer to finish it up a few days before a deadline. I don't like the stress of waiting until the last minute.

5. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? Does your local store bag the groceries for you or is it a do-it-yourself kind of place? Do you like someone packing your groceries?

I do the food shopping for our home.  Hubby does it for our riva cabin because he goes there more - he keeps an office there.  The stores I go to - Publix, Lowe's, Fresh Market - have baggers.  Most places here in the south do.  I appreciate it.  It moves the checkout line along faster and is better customer service.  Plus, the stores' employ more people.  So, it's a win-win.  

6. What's the coolest thing you've seen in nature?

Oh wow!  So many things!  In general I find nature awesome!   (Except for snakes.)   I can't think of one thing that was unusually cool or different, or odd, but I love the sights and sounds of nature. 

7. Share a favorite quote about home.

Well, Dorothy said "There's no place like home!"

And, I always like a Tim McGraw lyric.  This song is called "Home."



Back home
Where the memories all have gathered up
And slowly turned to gold
And I carry them along with me wherever I may go
And I feel fine
So fine
In knowing that this road I'm wandering on
From time to time
It always leads me home
Back home


8. Insert your own random thought here.

Tonight starts the 3 final nights of "American Idol."   You gonna watch?   I am looking forward to seeing many of the past winners appearing on it.  So, many many singers have gotten their starts from Idol!   There's going to be lots of hoopla.         I have said it before: I will certainly miss this show!

  

After the ACM Awards...

Here is my 'two cents' about last evening's ACM Awards...

* Bringing Blake out in the beginning was funny. It was one surprise that was kept a surprise.   But, then when he sang his current record "Came Here to Forget" (which he sang really well by the way) I could not help but wonder where Miranda was at that moment. Kudos to the camera people who did not find her and 'focus in.'  Gwen wasn't there either - at least not on camera.

* Luke and Dierks hosting together went fine.  I heard most of monologue lines earlier in the week because as a die-hard country fan, I heard radio interviews and saw video clips of rehearsals. I heard the jokes early.

* Performances....    Dolly & Katy. I heard about it ahead of time. I think "keeping a secret" would be more fun for the TV audience.  To give a real surprise - and a wow factor!!  (But yes, I know, advertising it brings in more viewers I suppose.)  Dolly still sings AND looks great. I know she is going out on a tour and I would certainly love to see her live!!  She is an icon.  

There were many great performances.  Thomas Rhett.  Chris Stapleton. Keith Urban.  Little Big Town.  Miranda's performance didn't really showcase her, but an old ZZ Top song is always a hit.

Ok. I love Carrie.  Who doesn't?   The lady is beautiful and has incredible chops.  She always wears amazing clothes.  My negative thought about her perfomance was that it was just too showy. Too much going on on the stage.  (Country music is not about that.) And, what was with the silly drum thing for a minute?  I mean - I could do that!!  I tried to hear the words of the song, which in country is ALWAYS very important... and I could not because of the over-production going on.    Personally, I love Carrie when she sings softer.

You know I love "Stay Humble and Kind" and of course Tim sang it well.   Again, perhaps a bit over-production by the ACM on this one.  All the people filing down the aisle and up on to the stage was distracting to the beauty of the song - and the wonderful words.   The cameras focused on people walking... yes, different ethnicities and colors, etc.  I get that.    But, the people were then just standing there on stage  looking a bit 'deer in the headlights' to me....like it was a last minute thought for the show.   And... I have to mention that I participated in a McGraw team contest of sorts...to submit pictures showing a word describing how to be humble and kind.   It was promoted heavily on Facebook, Instagram, etc.   Well, the television audience did not get to see the pictures at all. It wasn't til the end of Tim's performance that there was a quick look behind people of the big screens showing a few...far-away, and fuzzy.    I suppose the live audience in the auditorium got to see them.  We didn't.     Again - over production??    Too much going on during one song.  The words ARE this song!  Focus on them.  My opinion.


* The awards.   Yes, Chris Stapleton is deserving!  The guy has written hits for years, he has sung back-up, and has put out his own stuff - for years.  The ACM finally caught up with his talent.

I love Thomas Rhett.  Could he and his wife Lauren get any cuter?  Such sweet, young love!  He deserved to win. He has had a good year.

Miranda?  Not sure about her winning again.  How many times in a row?  She didn't really tour or have lots of radio hits this year.

Some of the awards were announced per-show - actually pre-day of show.  Eric Church won for best video. Huh?  Mr. Misunderstood.  I think I mis-understand that choice.   I did appreciate his musical homage to favorites who died this past year tho.

Jason Aldean - I'm glad he won. I have seen him a few times.  The first time I took my hubby and daughter to see him at the House of Blues when he wasn't filling big venues.  He has SO MANY great songs now!  He is ALL about the song!  No flash.   Thank you Jason.

* I watched the live stream "Red Carpet" before the awards.  It was interesting. It had no sound. It was one camera that panned around, zoomed in occasionally.  But, it was fun to watch each darkened limo or SUV pull up and watch each artist get out.  It was REALLY interesting to see which ones took time to greet the fans behind the barriers!

What did you think?      In general, country artists are not as ego-driven, or flashy, or dressed scantily... etc.  as you see at other award shows.  They don't use foul language.  They DO have manners and they respect their fans.   It's about the SONG not the show - when you see them in concert on tour.  It's not a lot of flash.  There is not a lotof choreography.    It's a family feeling for the most part.  It's why I love the music so much.  I love the words... I love the talent...  I love that most artists are friends and not competitive with each other.

I am excited to see them at the CMA Fest in Nashville in June!!

Back at it... after a week away. This week: expectations, nature, foolishness.

I took a week off from the Hodgepodge while I had some family visiting, and I got myself ready for Easter. 

But, it's back for a new week - and so am I !!   Read on, and please feel free to respond here or on Facebook.

1. What are two or three expectations you have of yourself?

I have many expectations, but the first three that pop into my head are...

1. to be an honest person.  Once you start lying I think it gets easier. Once you start lying you have a much more complicated life.  Once you start lying you play games, and feel guilt.    And, I don't want to live my life that way. 

2.  to stay as 'up' as I possibly can.  I have suffered with down days in my past, but I make it a point to see the sunny side of life much better now, and to be joyful about today, and the future. 

And, 3.  to give back.   I am blessed with so much that I really do feel a responsibility to give back.  I enjoy giving back, and I feel I am called to represent a good Christian.  (Unfortunately, there are so many false or fake ones out there.)   I give because He gives to me. 

2. In what way does your outdoor space need sprucing up this spring?

Well, this morning I just bought a big ole bag of 'weed and feed' for the front yard!  Tell me, how is it that weeds feel the first warmth of spring's sun and flourish?  My yard is more weeds than grass right now.    In general, I try to stay on top of my 'outdoor space' and clean, prune, and weed all the time.  And (I have written about this before) yes,  yard work is something I enjoy doing, and I love being outside with nature.

3. According to this site (Roadtrippers), six of North America's most wondrous waterfalls are-Webster's Falls in Ontario, Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina, Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon, Multnomah Falls in Oregon, The Lower Yellowstone Falls, and Niagara.  Have you seen any on the list? Which one on the list would you most like to visit? Prettiest waterfall not on the list that you've seen in person?

I am surprised at the fact that I have only seen one of the waterfalls listed above.  I saw Niagara Falls as a kid.  That is it. But,  I have seen some beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii, and I have seen them in the fiords of Norway.

Of those on the list above, I think I should work on going to see the Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina, because I live easily within a day's drive to it. 

4. Looking back, what's something you wish you'd done as a teenager?

I had my sister visiting me last week and we did some reminiscing about our teen years at home; our years growing up together.  We had some laughs about it.  But, I really can't think of anything I wish I had done as a teenager that I never got the chance to do.  I was pretty content with my life.  I am fortunate to feel that way. 

5. Ham...yes please or no thank you? If you said yes please which of the following do you like best-baked ham with all the trimmings, a ham and cheese sandwich, prosciutto with melon, a ham biscuit, a bowl of split pea and ham soup, or a slice of pizza topped with ham and pineapple?



Oh, definitely yes, please!! I love ham!  We had some for Easter - spiral-sliced, and glazed.  Along with all the trimmings.  It was delicious!!  Of the choices above, I will say I love it baked with all the trimmings best.  My second choice is having a warm ham biscuit.  I think it's more of a southern thing.   If you haven't tried it, you should.  Yum!!

6. Are you typical of your generation? How so?

Tough question.  I think I am NOT typical of others of my age in that I try to stay 'in tune' with what is happening in the younger generations.  My daughters and their friends help keep me that way. (But I suppose others like me feel the same.)  I am determined to stop myself from 'being old'...acting old.  I want to go out - have fun.  There is something very freeing about having your kids raised, and being able to experience things without worry.

I do NOT want to be 'set in my ways.' I suppose some people reading this are laughing right now.  Because, of course, I am set in my ways on certain things.  But, I TRY to be open, and to be giving, accepting, and forgiving. 

Am I like others of my generation?   Some yes - some no.

7. April rolls in at the end of the week, and in keeping with that theme...'act the fool', 'nobody's fool' 'a fool's errand', 'could have fooled me'...which foolish idiom most recently applies to you?


Recently?   ha.  How about 'always'?  I think I don't always get when I am being fooled by somebody else.   So, which idiom is it?  'Could have fooled me?'   I am gullible. I take people at their word. I expect people to follow through on what they say they will do.  


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I hope everyone had a nice Easter day!  I love the Easter season so much more than the Christmas season.  Anybody else like me?  I love that it does not have the same expectations, food orgy, presents to buy, cards to send, etc.  It's about the event... the fact that Jesus, the son of God, conquered death - for us all.   The lead up is very different, obviously.  And, I like that.   Easter is such a joyous day! 

Luck, life, and things green.

Happy Tuesday!

Here's this week's Hodgepodge.

1. What do you think about luck?

I think it seems like sometimes people have good luck or bad luck, but in reality things just happen in life.   Sometimes life goes their way; sometimes it doesn't.   

I don't believe that people are predestined to have more luck than others.  And, I think some people are better at turning bad things into good things...and it seems they have good luck. 





2. Not counting your own backyard, what's a favorite green space in your town, city, or state?

This is an easy answer for me because I live close by to Brookgreen Gardens.  The gardens are on land that originally was comprised of several large plantations.  After the rice era ended here and slavery ended, the plantations were sold.  The Brookgreen land was bought by a famous sculpturer (Anne Huntington) and her philanthropic family.  They turned much of it into absolutely beautiful year-round gardens, and they started collecting sculpture to place among the beauty of nature.   The Huntingtons have passed on, but the Brookgreen Gardens continue to be a picture perfect spot... with huge live oaks, magnolia trees, azaleas, many seasonal flowers, walking paths, etc.  A small walking zoo has been added, a small cafe, and historical lectures and classes are given.   Google it - and see the beauty!  Better yet, if you plan a trip this way (the lowcountry of South Carolina) you must make it a stop! 



3. How do you make your life more complex than it needs to be?

I have worked over many years to simplify life.  But I certainly still have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF!  Next month is the annual church garage sale (and I run it) and I plan on getting rid of stuff... I already have an area in the garage loaded with items to take to the sale. 

Beyond that though, I try to stop worrying.  Worrying, especially about things I have no control over, makes life complex and complicated.   "Let go, let God" has always been an expression I turn to when I feel my life getting out of hand.


4. I read here the three places you should visit with friends. They are-New York City, Hawaii, and Amsterdam (rent a bike, walk along the canal, visit one of their world class museums). I felt the need to expound on that one. Moving on...Of the three places listed which would you most like to visit with friends? What's one place not on the list you think should be visited with friends?

Of the three places listed, I have visited both New York City and Hawaii with friends (and family.)  I have not been to Amsterdam although my hubby, and both of my daughters have explored the city.  I have been to Venice, and Brugge, and other European cities with similar old charm. I have walked along canals and visited museums.

A great place to be with friends not on the list?   For me - it's Nashville.  I love the lower Broadway area.  There are many places to hang out, endless music.... museums, and more!  I have noticed it has become a destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.   It seems every time I have visited "Music City" it has festivities and people just having a really good time!

 
5. What's the last live performance you saw? On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being best) how would you rate it?

Live performance.... well, I am a live concert person! For sure!    I love musical theater too!    The last one I went to?  I went to some local non-professional Christmas concerts.   But, the last professional music event?  I had tickets last summer to the Country Music Series at the pavilion in Charlotte.   I think Jason Aldean was the last in that series - in September.   I rate it a 9.  I love Jason's music. He has had many hits - so the concert was one hit right after another.  

I have tickets  to see Kelsea Ballerinni and Billy Currington next month at House of Blues.  I'm looking forward to it - and looking forward to going with friends!


6. March 14th is National Potato Chip Day. Are you a fan? Your favorite flavor? Besides potato, what's your favorite chip type of snack?

Hubby and I were just talking about potato chips the other day!  I never buy them for the home because I know they are fattening and have no real nutritional value.  We were saying how every once in a rare while now we will be out at a restaurant somewhere and chips come on the side of a dish ordered.  It is a BIG TREAT!   ha

Favorite flavor?   I like basic potato chips.  Nothing spicy or weird.   


Another chip snack?   Fritos.  I used to love them when I was a kid, as the side for a peanut butter sandwich.  


7.What rule is most important in your home?

I think I have always lived in a home where people are not loud.  Nobody yells... or speaks foul language.   It's calming.  Comfortable.   So, I think that it is an unspoken rule here...  we speak with "inside voices" and are therefore calm and easy-going.


8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Spring is here - and so is the pollen! If you are not familiar with the yellow and green stuff that lands everywhere, you are not living in the south.  Within hours we have it all over cars, outdoor furniture, over everything!  Even the roads get green!  It's only here for a week or so while all the buds start to pop.  A good rain usually washes it away.          This year it happens to hit right at St. Patrick's Day... I guess it's appropriate!  We literally have our world turned green!

Here's to women!!

Happy Hodgepodging! 

Here are today's questions and my answers.

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

1. My mother, Gloria Milheim.  She was a very devoted wife and was a wonderful example on how to be in a long and loving marriage.  She was a sweet, caring mother and I always felt my dad, my  siblings and I were her "reason" for being.  She was 'old school' and traditional - but isn't that a good kind of mom to be?   She wasn't a strong woman under today's standards,  but she was extremely  loyal, spoke well of everyone, and loved her role in life.  

2. My mother-in-law Carol Dowdy.  She scared me when I first met her because she was so strong (on the outside. I later found she out she had her softness side and her weakness too), and she was at a time in her life that she could travel to see us and she made time for hubby and me.  She never made me feel like I was not the right one for her little boy.  I appreciated that she accepted me immediately.   Then when our daughters came around, she made them feel like they walked on the moon.  For her, they did!  She loved them incredibly and they loved her back the same.   

3. My first female boss was Denise Oliver.   She was the Program Director at 98 ROCK and she still did a 3 hour slot on-air each day.  She was strong, and fair, and she did not use being a female to her advantage to get things done.  She was business-like, and she was a pioneer for women in radio management by in the 80's.  She helped start that radio station and it was a powerhouse in Baltimore  (and I think it still does quite well) back when I worked there.  I was honored to work by her.

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

This is an interesting question because we know there are many ways that women have it tougher in the workplace and still have unequal rights and pay.  But, thankfully,  women do have more choices than men in terms of working outside the home or inside the home.  Women also have the ability to show their genuine emotions more than men.  Some may say that is a hindrance, but I think it's an asset.  Women "experience" all emotions more - or at least can "let them out" and share them.  Men have been burdened by society telling them to keep that 'stiff upper lip' and to hold in emotions. 

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

Well, they are all combined.  But, I will say my faith is strong, and my love is there...and I am willing to give it.   Faith and love together give me personal peace.

So, I will say I need more hope right now.  I need it as I watch this crazy political world unfold. I need it as my church family continues to struggle with many issues.  I need it for myself as I wait for my foot to heal (a stress fracture.)  

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

I have had several collections over the years. I used to buy the Cat's Meow wooden houses from places I lived or visited.   I don't add to the collection anymore but I enjoy the ones I have.  

I also used to collect a Christmas ornament from the places we vacationed, or visited.  I have too many ornaments now - so I stopped collecting them.  lol

 I have a shell collection.  We live near the beach and we go there often, to walk our dogs and to enjoy the beauty.  While walking I keep my eyes open for interesting shells. I have a collection that includes conch shells, starfish, sand dollars, round urchin shells, and any other unique and beautiful shells that land on our local shoreline. 

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

I am thinking about what is in my closet.  I think of the 4 listed, I have the most stripes.
 

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

Oh my!  Funny question. I know I have aged and hopefully I have gotten a bit smarter through the years, but I think I am still a gullible person.  I still try to believe what people tell me as truth. I don't look for things hidden under the surface and I don't think about how people are doing something just to only better themselves.   Gullible...   yep, that's me.

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

I love Jeopardy and watch it every evening if I am home!  But, that doesn't mean I answer well or quickly enough!    I think I would do okay in a music category, especially about singers of the 80's.  And, I certainly could ace a country music category!!   Bring it on!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

So, I am loving the days of spring here this week!  Do you have nice temperatures where you are?  Our flowers are starting to open and as they open I come more alive with them!!   I love sitting outdoors listening to the birds.  I love walking and doing yard work too - but I am trying really hard to temper it so my foot will heal.   It's the start of flip-flop weather here and I need to get my foot ready for them!!!  ( :   

Hello March!

Hi Hodgepodgers. I was "down and out" for about 24 hours so I got behind in the weekly schedule.  I'm just getting to the questions now.   Better late than never I suppose! Here they are, with my answers...


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

 It was a nice day here so I did some yard work in the morning, and I did some of my normal chores.  Then I went over to our river place because we had my two cousins and a couple of friends coming over for dinner and some time hanging around the fire pit.   We had burgers and brats on the grill, some wine,  and a good time was had by all!


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.

I can think of things that have not grown by leaps and bounds recently...  like my bank account or my weight.  lol     Let me think harder.   I have some plants that I put into the ground several years ago that have grown well and now require cutting back from time to time.   I love to work in the garden and watch everything grow.  My backyard is coming to life right now and I enjoy walking around and looking at the new growth.
 


 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 an app on my iphone called "Flickster" (I think) and I will read the reviews there sometimes.  But, I get a pretty good idea on movies from the ads for them, and the trailers in the theatres. 

I did not go to many movies this year. I have gotten a bit pickier on where I will put my money.   And, when I did go I did not see ANY of the ones listed above that were nominated for Best Picture.  My hubby saw "The Martian" and said it was very good.  He also saw "The Revenant" and knew it would be too bloody for me to see.  I have never been a Mad Max fan.   Although it was not in the category above, I did recently see the Steve Jobs movie and thought it was well done.

Best dressed:  Cate Blanchett.   Beautiful color. Style. maybe too many things attached to it but she wore the dress beautifully.  It was tasteful -  and not too revealing.  

4. When did you last have overnight houseguests? Give us your top three tips on being a good houseguest.
 
Not counting family?  It's been a little while.  My sis and her friend/her next door neighbor are coming here in a couple of weeks and I look forward to their visit! 

Three tips?   Have their favorite drink on hand, make sure their "space" is clean and has fresh linens,  and have several types of breakfast items.  People have a morning routine - and it's nice to have it available.  Coffee - or juice.  Cereal or toast?  Find out what they like.





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?


Every day is peanut butter day for me!  I love peanut butter and eat it for breakfast almost every day. (See - question #3 - we all have breakfast items we love!  Right?)    What is my preference of the yummy items listed above?   I'll take the Reese's cup!  I love pb AND I love chocolate!!  

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

I just saw a friend put a post on Facebook this morning about letting her child fail in something to learn from it.  It's hard for a parent to do.  But, it's a wonderful way to teach a child that not everyone wins all the time, and that when you lose, you can become stronger, and can feel compassion for others who don't always win.   It's a lesson in the real world!      At some point everyone fails at something.  It's how they deal with it that shows their real character!  

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

As I said above, I have my sister and her girlfriend coming here to visit for a week.  I'm looking forward to that.   I hope the weather will be nice. I hope the azaleas will be in full bloom.  They are just starting to open in a few spots.  I hope we can do a bit of sight-seeing, and maybe take a river boat ride. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I was struggling with a migraine last night so I didn't stay up and watch the results of all the voting yesterday. I'm glad I didn't. My headache would have been worse - if possible.  I wrote about Trump a couple of posts ago (scan back) and I really just can't believe how far this whole thing is going with him.  Seriously.  Do people not understand that if he beats Hillary (which I hope he doesn't) he will be President of the United States of America?    I understand that many that vote for him are trying to get a point across because they are so tired of Washington politics.  I get it.  We all are.  But, electing Trump will be th wrong, wrong, wrong thing to do!  He is the ultimate ego-maniac and he promises things that will set our country back. He will not make "friends" with our elected, and with world leaders.  He is too rude and crude, and bigoted.    I can go on... and on...       

What is happening to the respect of this office???