Mid-May musings with the Hodgepodge

As always, thank you to Joyce for the weekly Hodgepodge questions.  Here they are, with my answers.

1.  May is National Blood Pressure month...  what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively?  What calms it down?  When did you last have your bp checked? 

I don't get revved up too much in a negative way that will make my blood pressure raise.  I'm just not made that way.  Thank goodness.  I have always had a pretty steady blood pressure and do not need medications to lower it, or raise it.   Figuratively, I suppose I get upset when I hear of injustices in the world - and the wrong-doers getting away with it.   But, I know life isn't fair, and that one day everyone will have to be accountable for their actions.   I calm myself down in many ways - lamaze breathing (it's just not for pregnant women), and praying, and trusting in God.   I have my blood pressure checked everytime I go into a doctor's office but I don't think I have been to one for at least six months, perhaps longer.

2.  You just found $1 - what do you spend it on?  How about $10, $100? 

If I found one dollar I would just stick it in my wallet.  There's not much I could buy for $1 that I yearn for... I mean can't even get a good cup of coffee for $1.  (Dunkin Donuts medium coffee is $1.65.)  If I found $10 I might spend it on a coffee and biscotti, and save the change!   $100?  A new top or two perhaps.  A few new books.  

3.  Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not enacted in the US.  How much attention do you give food labels before you buy?  Are you in favor of labeling if it means an increase in food prices?  Is this an issue you've been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you've heard of it?  

I must admit I do not read food labels on a regular basis.  I do not know if I understand half of what is written on them.  I have not been too concerned up to this point, and I make a point most times to buy simple, fresh foods.   I don't eat much frozen - except some Lean Cuisines.  I suppose when it comes to "fresh foods" I'd like to know if they have been shot up with something chemical to make them bigger and tastier.   This is not an issue I have heard much about but I support total openess and honesty in food production and packaging.

4.  May 15th marks the birth date of Frank Baum, the author of "The Wizard of oz."  At this point in time, are you in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home?  Explain. 

This question makes me laugh!  I suppose we all could use a bit more of all of it!  But, at this time I worry most about my brain.  I am "of the age" where the brain seems to be working slower and not retrieving info that I know is in there somewhere!  I don't want to get dymenta as I continue to age, so I work crosswords most days and read books all the time.  It does worry me.

5.  "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of this statement? 

I feel the truth of this statement every single time I go away from home and then return.  Even if I love where I go to visit, and the people I see, it's always great to be back in the comfort and security of my home.  I love home!

6.  Steak...   yes please or no thank you?   What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked? Sauce or no sauce?  Besides your own kitchen, where's a place you go to get a great steak? 

Yes, please!   I love steak!  I try not to eat red meat that often but when I do eat steak I prefer a petite filet, cooked medium.  I love it cooked "Pittsburgh-style"... seared in some butter to crispen the outside & keep the juices in.  I love some mushrooms on top,   I have a few wonderful places to go for a good steak, including "New York Prime Restaurant"  in Myrtle Beach - and any of the Palm Restaurants.

7.  When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry? 

I live by the motto "To arrive early is to be on time, and to arrive on time is late."  So, I do my best to allow plenty of travel time when I go places. I do not like the anxious feeling of being late.  So, it's been a long time since I have really had to be in a hurry.  (Maybe that's why my blood pressure is good!)

8. My random thought.

I am proud of my oldest daughter who just got accepted into the graduate program for a Masters of Teaching at NC State.  She worked for a few years after getting her under-graduate degree, and has now decided to go back to school and become a teacher.  She got her letter yesterday and starts classes next week!


Thanks for checking in here.  Enjoy your day!