Looking up as we "fall".

Today is the birthday of the author of the weekly Hodgepodge. Happy birthday to Joyce! I hope she has a great day!

Since she is turning another year older, the first question this week is about just that.  Take a look...

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

The best thing is the gained confidence in who I am, and in my own path in life.   The worst?  I can only name one thing?  Ha!  Well, I think the worst thing is the physical limitations.  So far I have been lucky/blessed with no "major" physical problems and am still able to have an active life.  But, I have already noticed that I can't keep going like I used to go.  I need, and I ENJOY, a time of calm and reprieve.  But, question, why when I sit down to read do I fall asleep when I don't want to?   It frustrates me!

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

I really answered this last week because my favorite thing about fall is the start of football season.  So, if I were to pick one other thing I would say it's the startup of activities after the summer break...and for me this month it includes starting an art class, joining in with the community band, returning to some volunteer work (Backpack Buddies, our church garage sale, etc.).

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?

I like some pumpkin flavoring BUT only in pretty traditional ways.  I love pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread.  But I don't order the pumpkin flavored coffees or ice cream or anything else that is "pumpkin-y" for fall.

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

My worst fall was when I was ice skating with friends, during my college years.  I am an okay skater but this particular evening I was "showing off" how I could skate backwards and I skated right into another person skating.  I went down hard, but I made the mistake of trying to catch myself as I went down, so I took the force of the fall with my arm.  It hurt at the time but I 'bucked up' and didn't fuss about it.  I think the embarrassment of the fall covered up my pain!   The next morning I was unable to move my arm. I remember trying to get ready for school.  I had to do everything one handed and could not get my arm to move enough to use my curling iron!  Horrors!!   Somehow I got to school and was working one-armed at my PT job on campus, at the university's candy & cigerette counter (I am sure that place is long gone).  My girlfriend came up to me and suggested I go to the doctor's.  In fact she drove me there - and after x-rays we found I had fractured my bone at the elbow.  So, I needed six weeks in a cast and then some physical therapy afterwards.     (My other bad fall was also while skating - that time I was on roller skates. Perhaps I should keep my feet safely planted on the ground?)

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

First, I must say I am not a "collector" of things or autographs from famous people or movies.  So, this question has me baffled.  Hmmmm.   Well, one of my favorite movies of all time is "The Sound of Music" so I guess I would like Maria's guitar.  

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

I play a lot of "Words with Friends" on my Iphone, so I am constantly amazed when words I never heard of are accepted and "useable" in the game.   This past week I saw souter, weel, and fey.   Look em up!  ha

7. When was the last time you locked yourself out of your house, car, or office?  Was it a big deal?

Wow.  I can't even think when it was - so it was a long, long time ago.  Now I'm probably jinxed and will lock myself out soon.  (Thanks Joyce - ha!)   I try and do routines with my keys to avoid lockouts.  I try to put my keys in the same place all the time so I know where they are.  I guess it's working!

8. My random thought.

Today's random thought: It's been one year now since I started the "baby layette program" with my church, St. Peter's Lutheran Church.  Women from the church continually donate new/gentle used infant clothing, baby blankets, soaps, towels, etc. - and these  items are then put into a basket to give to new mothers once they have delivered.  The nurses identify the mothers who need them - the are mothers alone, and sometimes don't even have a "going home" outfit for their new little one.  I went by the hospital yesterday to talk to one of the nurses in the OB/maternity area just to make sure it was going smoothly and to see if I could improve on the program.  The nurse told me that ALL the new moms who get them are very receptive and thankful. She told me that everything is going well.   (SMILE)    So, thanks for all the donations this first year - and here's to another year started, so we can give new moms and their new babies a better "start"!  God bless the donors, and the Moms and babies!