A busy Hodgepodge! Thinking about Lent, Valentine's Day and President's Day!

Yes, this is a busy week ahead with Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, then Valentine's Day, and ending with President's Day.  Joyce has questions about all three.  Read on for her questions and my answers.

1.  This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving up something or adding anything to your life during this season of the year?

I plan to do both.  Each Lenten season I try to give up something, and in recent years it's been chocolate. I like chocolate and therefore there are times I have to say no. Is it a major sacrifice?   No.  Giving up wine or peanut butter would be harder for me. (They are part of my daily intake.)   I am adding to the season by attending my church's Wednesday evening Lenten service. 

2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday....tradition states you eat pancakes on this day.  In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'Pancake Day.'  How do you like your pancakes?  Or don't you?

First, I don't know where I have been but this is the first I have ever heard that this day is known for pancakes!  Really.  I know of it as an indulgance day - where people party in New Orleans, and have one last wild night before Lent starts.   As for pancakes, I am not a fan.  Never have been.  I consider it "filler food"... and unhealthy.  Flour, milk, butter, syrup.   I'd rather have an egg omelet for breakfast.  Or if I'm going to indulge I'll take eggs benedict! 

3. I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love?

"It's Your Love" - sung by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill.    (April - is it yours too??)   Absolutely! Beautiful words - "it's your love, it just does something to me, sends a shock right through me!!"  If you have ever seen the video Tim & Faith are singing this to each other & she's got to be 8 1/2 months pregnant & radiant...and he's gorgeous (of course) and they are looking deep into each other's eyes.  It's a beautiful duet, sung to each other.  {{melt}}

4. What are some things you do to let others know you love them?

Besides tell them?  And, tell them often?    That's about the best one can do - and it doesn't take money.  But, also I like to just do "little" things...like sending a card, or a quick text message... or picking up a special little something you know they like.

5.  Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color?  Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers?  Given the choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies?

I was fortunate to work in a florist while I was in college...and was even more fortunate to take home the "day old" roses that no longer could be sold.  So, I got to know and enjoy roses at an early age.  My favorite is called the "Sonya Rose" and it is a peachy-pink color.  Different and beautiful!  

The last time I got flowers?  My hubby ordered a Christmas arrangement that was delivered to the house for the holidays.  He ALWAYS sends flowers for special times, to me and our daughters.  What a guy!

I think I would prefer the pink peonies because they last the longest - and are different.  Actually, I would prefer them still as a plant (not cut) so that I could replant them.  That would be the best!

6.  President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you?  Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...  Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home), and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few.  Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring? Why?

I find that American history in general is interesting. I don't specifically find presidential history something I search out to learn more about though.  

I have been to Monticello, Mount Vernon, and the White House (on a tour - not a personal invitation! HA!!)  I would definitely like to tour the other two homes, but I think nothing can top walking through the White House...  it's a beautiful place but also the hub of so much that happens that effects us all.  It's "our" house and I love that it is NOT just a museum -  it's still a working and living space.

7.  Are you good at keeping secrets?

I am good at keeping them if I have to - but I prefer not to be in a situation where I have to keep a secret.    Thankfully, it rarely happens.

8.  My random thought.

I just got to thinking that today's Hodgepodge is about God (Lent), love (Valentine's Day), and our country (President's Day.)   Just saying...     What a week!