It's the weekly Hodgepodge. Jump in - if you dare!?!

It's Hodgepodge time.  Jump in!

1. Noah Webster was born this week back in 1758...besides the online version, do you own a dictionary?  Do you ever use the hardback copy or is your hunt for a definition strictly online these days?

We own several hardback dictionaries.  Since hubby and I have liked to play Scrabble over the years we have kept them around to use as the definitive answer to whether a word put down on the board is real. Hubby once gave me a dictionary as a gift (pre-computers.) I also love to do crosswords so I have a specially designed dictionary for crosswords.  But, I must say it's been a long time since any hardback copies have been cracked open.  I rely on the online dictionaries these days more than not.

2. Should public schools ban Halloween celebrations?  What about other holiday celebrations currently under fire?

Some people love Halloween, but me...not so much.  I have never liked the eerie, spooky part of the holiday. I don't like zombies, and bloody walking dead, and all the really creepy costumes.  As for schools, I think for the elementary level it's important to teach children about all holidays: why we have them and how people traditionally celebrate each.  I still remember my grade school classroom bulletin board decorated each month with a calendar that highlighted the holidays.  When my daughters were young and in elementary school they had a Halloween parade outside on the playground.  The children and teachers dressed up and walked around while parents took pictures.  I don't recall any teachers in ghoulish costumes. I don't know if that was mandated.   In today's world I suppose I can see this as an optional "after school" activity.  

3.  What's your favorite 'dog' movie?

It's got to be "Turner and Hooch" with Tom Hanks!  It's so funny and endearing - and slobbery! 

4. When were you last somewhere you'd describe as "too quiet"?

First, I must say I enjoy the quiet.  I do not get lonely often in a quiet situation.  I enjoy sitting in the quiet and reading (if I don't fall asleep! ha)  The last time I recall it being "too quiet" was on a weekend here at home.  Many of you know my hubby travels for business during the week so I'm used to quiet Monday through Friday.  In fact at times I like it a lot!  But, on a rare weekend when he can't get home due to business, then the house seems "too quiet".  It's more my state of mind because  he's not home and we aren't doing things together. 

5.  Are you a neat cook?  In other words do you clean as you go or make a big mess and then deal with it later?

Cook?   What???   ha!   As I have said before I am not a lover of cooking...but I do cook sometimes. Yes, I do - and when I do (I sound like the man on the commerical) I always clean as I go. 

6. Did you hear about Felix Baumgartner, the skydiver who broke the sound barrier via parachute?  Was your first thought COOL! or was it CRAZY! ?  Are you adventurous?

Yes, I heard about him and have seen some of the video of the jump/fall to earth.  My first thought:  CRAZY!!!!!!   My second thought:  why???    I don't understand people's needs to be first or to do something wacky like that.   Am I adventuous?  People who know me will say that I am not.  And, I agree...I am cautious. I have always been that way and became even more so when I became a mother.   Now that I am a bit "older" I'm trying to be a bit more adventurous...but not in a physical, do stunts way.  I do not get enjoyment from doing something that will give me an adrenaline rush (aka: scare the "you know what" out of me.)  I am trying to be OPEN to new things or ways though.  I do not want to grow old and be stuck in my old ways.  I want to live each day as an adventure! 

7. What's not a word that should be?

Joyce, this question makes me think of playing Words With Friends!  I still can't believe that the word "ade" is not accepted.  I keep trying it! ha! It keeps getting rejected! 

8. My random thought.

I always type my answers on Tuesday...  so tonight is the 2nd Presidential Debate, with a town hall meeting format.  I'm looking forward to it more than the others. There will be the usual rattling off of numbers skewed to each other's side (lies??), and meaness, but perhaps there will be some light-hearted moments too.  I think I will pay attention to which candidate actually answers the question asked by the audience member.  Candidates have a way of steering answers to issues THEY want to talk about - and double-talking - and saying lots of words without giving a simple answer.  So, that's what I plan to focus on tonight.    PS: I hope Facebook friends are not as mean-spirited in their comments after the debate as they were last time.  Remember what your mom taught you: "If you can't say anything good, then don't say anything at all!"