Hello Hodgepodgers!
1. Summertime is the season of reunions, weddings, and other family celebrations and gatherings...are any of the above on your calendar in the next two months?
Yes! Several in fact! We host a 4th of July party and have a bunch of family and friends come to it each year. This year is no exception! Then, after it, our family heads to a place in Ohio on Lake Erie, called Lakeside, and we spend a week together. My Dad actually built a cottage there back in the 70's. Some stay there but we also rent another cottage to house everyone. Lakeside is a Christian Chatauqua town that has fun activities like shuffleboard, crafting, nightly entertainment, movies, etc. And sometimes we just sit around, play board games, drink wine, and talk!
2. June is National Ice Tea Month... are you an iced tea drinker? If so, how do you like yours (sweet, flavored, etc.)?
I did not drink iced tea as a kid growing up in the mid-west, but now as someone living in the south, yes, I occasionally drink it. "Ya'll" know...It IS the drink of the south! I like mine sweet... no other flavors. I also like sweet tea and lemonade mixed together, which is sometimes called an "Arnold Palmer" because he likes to mix the two.
3. When were you last nervous? Looking back, was the event nerve-worthy?
I am not real comfortable speaking to large groups so I think the last time I got nervous was when I was the guest speaker at a Kiwanis Club meeting here. I organized and now oversee a charitable program through our church that collects newborn baby items for new, needy moms. I put together baby layette baskets and deliver them to a local hospital. The Kiwanis asked me to speak about it, which I did... and they totally supported me and the program! Yes, I was nervous BUT it wasn't worth the jitters because I spoke from the heart about this project.
4. The bristle toothbrush was invented in China June 26, 1498 - not sure how that date was pinned down so precisely but, on a sale of 1 - 10, with 10 being sick to your stomach and 1 being not at all, how nervous do you feel when you're headed to the dentist? Do you see the dentist twice a year?
Another question about being nervous! But, on a scale of 1 to 10, I would say I am a 3 when it comes to going to the dentist. I have a little anxiety, but really I'm not too nervous or worried. Thankfully I haven't needed many major dental procedures. I have had a few cavities filled, and had 2 wisdom teeth extracted but they were not impacted. 1 crown. Here's something weird though: I still have a couple of baby teeth! There were never any permanent ones formed to push them out. So far they are hanging in there! I try to go to the dentist often to keep my teeth in good shape...but it's not every six months.
5. What's making news in your town this week?
I love this question beause I can't wait to read what other Hodgepodgers write about! Here in my hometown the recent talk has been about the Dept of Transportation wanting to put barriers in on our main drag (Highway 17) and getting rid of the "suicide lane" in the middle. Some are for it, but others worry that it will look ugly, and merchants are concerned it could hurt business if people can't turn easily into their driveways and parking lots. There have been a couple of open town hall - style meetings about it along with Letters to the Editor in our local newspaper.
6. Curtains, drapes, blinds... your window treatment of choice? Are there any bare windows in your home? By choice or because you haven't gotten around to covering them?
First, I must say I live in a "Lowcountry-style" home, which means the living space is built up a level. Most homes of this style were built so if there is a flood the rooms and important stuff are up & safe from water damage. Our house had been finished off down below before we moved in. For those windows downstairs I have plantation shutters. The bathrooms have plantation shutters. But, that's basically it. I have NO drapes or curtains. I do not like them. People can't see in the upstairs windows. And, I love the sunlight to come in! I am one of those people who doesn't like it dark indoors...and get sad/depressed walking around in a dark space. So, many of my windows are bare and I let the outside shine in!!
7. Summertime is officially here - what one song is a must-have on your summer playlist?
Easy answer! "Summertime" by Kenny Chesney!!
8. My random thought.
I'm still walking the beach each Monday morning hoping to see a mama loggerhead turtle's tracks up to the dunes where she lays her eggs. I haven't seen one yet, but the nests are being found up and down the South Carolina shore now. As I walk I pick up trash. It's amazing what is left behind on a beach! I know sometimes children forget and leave toys, and sometimes the wind blows a candy wrapper....BUT there is so much stuff out there! I know people on vacation are not always thinking about the long term concerns, and many certainly don't realize that big stuff left out can block the turtles. I'm not a crazy environmentalist, but I do want people to realize that the beauty of the beaches and the lives of sea creatures depend on us all caring a little.
Enjoy this sweet, sweet summertime!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
In life a little rain must fall.
It's cloudy today with on and off showers. I am a person who loves a sunny day so when we get a rainy one I have trouble staying busy. This weather makes me think...
1. I don't have to worry about watering my flowers. They are getting a drink from nature. That's good!
2. I love to "piddle around" in the yard and the rain is keeping me from being outdoors. Today that is good because my back has been bothering me, for weeks now really, and I need to be forced to stop bending. I think one of the biggest culprits is pulling weeds. And, believe it or not, I love to pull weeds and to be outside to clean up the yard.
3. I also think that my golf game is not good for my back. Perhaps it's that I have tried to golf, and to weed in the yard, too many days in a row. I have one leg shorter than the other, which therefore has given me curvature of the lower spine, and that's the area that tends to get sore - and weak. Today I noticed that just moving my right foot from the gas pedal to the brake hurts my back. Hmmm. That's not good. I really need to give my back a break.
4. I do enjoy a nice thundershower. Do you? What is it about hearing thunder? It's almost calming. Okay, I do not like the huge crack of thunder when it's directly overhead and it makes the house shake - and I don't like hearing the sizzle of the lightening. That's too close for comfort!
5. I love to read and a rainy day is a perfect day for picking up my book. I try to be reading all the time....and I am so thankful I have belonged to various book clubs over the years. I don't think I would have enjoyed such a variety of reading on my own. Right now I'm finishing up a book written by a woman who lived on a local rice plantation back in the early 1900's here. It's her journal and it's fascinating to read about what life was like in these parts 100 years ago.
6. A rainy day is good for catching up on the computer too. I know I already spend lots of time on it, but I like to check in with other people's blogs, and I like to write on mine. Like the woman I am reading about now, maybe in 100 years someone might read my blog journal. Ha!!!
7. After a rain the birds sing extra loud! They are so happy! They can get a good clean drink of water - and take a bath in it. I love to listen to the birds!
8. A rainy day can help keep things in perspective. I know I sometimes go through my life just wanting the beautiful sunny, warm days...but I also know without the clouds, and the rain, we wouldn't see the flowers and hear the birds. I sometimes can get weighed down with the silly problems of the day...but nothing can stop nature and it's impact on me, the good and the bad. It's good to know somethings are just beyond my control.
9. Hey! and... think of all the songs that would never have been written without rain??!!
1. I don't have to worry about watering my flowers. They are getting a drink from nature. That's good!
2. I love to "piddle around" in the yard and the rain is keeping me from being outdoors. Today that is good because my back has been bothering me, for weeks now really, and I need to be forced to stop bending. I think one of the biggest culprits is pulling weeds. And, believe it or not, I love to pull weeds and to be outside to clean up the yard.
3. I also think that my golf game is not good for my back. Perhaps it's that I have tried to golf, and to weed in the yard, too many days in a row. I have one leg shorter than the other, which therefore has given me curvature of the lower spine, and that's the area that tends to get sore - and weak. Today I noticed that just moving my right foot from the gas pedal to the brake hurts my back. Hmmm. That's not good. I really need to give my back a break.
4. I do enjoy a nice thundershower. Do you? What is it about hearing thunder? It's almost calming. Okay, I do not like the huge crack of thunder when it's directly overhead and it makes the house shake - and I don't like hearing the sizzle of the lightening. That's too close for comfort!
5. I love to read and a rainy day is a perfect day for picking up my book. I try to be reading all the time....and I am so thankful I have belonged to various book clubs over the years. I don't think I would have enjoyed such a variety of reading on my own. Right now I'm finishing up a book written by a woman who lived on a local rice plantation back in the early 1900's here. It's her journal and it's fascinating to read about what life was like in these parts 100 years ago.
6. A rainy day is good for catching up on the computer too. I know I already spend lots of time on it, but I like to check in with other people's blogs, and I like to write on mine. Like the woman I am reading about now, maybe in 100 years someone might read my blog journal. Ha!!!
7. After a rain the birds sing extra loud! They are so happy! They can get a good clean drink of water - and take a bath in it. I love to listen to the birds!
8. A rainy day can help keep things in perspective. I know I sometimes go through my life just wanting the beautiful sunny, warm days...but I also know without the clouds, and the rain, we wouldn't see the flowers and hear the birds. I sometimes can get weighed down with the silly problems of the day...but nothing can stop nature and it's impact on me, the good and the bad. It's good to know somethings are just beyond my control.
9. Hey! and... think of all the songs that would never have been written without rain??!!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
I believe...
A blogging friend has a list - so I thought I'd try my own:
I believe...
* that each day is worthwhile.
* that music is the universal language. It brings people together.
* that peace IS possible.
* that a calming glass or two of chardonnay each day won't hurt me.
* that some sort of movement or exercise is needed every day.
* pets are God's gift to us.
* that true love allows for differences while being respectful.
* that "everything in moderation" is true.
* that seeing my garden grow and bloom makes me happy.
* summer weather is better than winter.
* there really is "no place like home!"
* that blogging has given me an expressive outlet.
I believe...
* that each day is worthwhile.
* that music is the universal language. It brings people together.
* that peace IS possible.
* that a calming glass or two of chardonnay each day won't hurt me.
* that some sort of movement or exercise is needed every day.
* pets are God's gift to us.
* that true love allows for differences while being respectful.
* that "everything in moderation" is true.
* that seeing my garden grow and bloom makes me happy.
* summer weather is better than winter.
* there really is "no place like home!"
* that blogging has given me an expressive outlet.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Just back home and it's Hodgepodge time!
Tuesday? It's Tuesday already? What a week I've had!! (This is a tease...you have to read about it in my #8 Random thing question.)
1. What do you think makes a good Dad?
A good dad is one who gives time to his kids, and who shows them genuine love. It's simple really.
2. What's something you learned from your own Dad?
Just one thing? My Dad was a Lutheran pastor - so I learned from him to care about other people, and to make my belief in God central in life. I learned from him to accept all people, and that it's not the things in life that mean anything. I learned from him how a family unit is to be. He was a faithful husband, and a fun Dad when I was growing up.
3. It's your birthday - what kind of cake will we be having?
Chocolate cake, chocolate icing. Again, it's simple really!! ( :
4. When you are faced with a big decision are you more of a go with your gut type of person, or are you someone who reasons it all out, weighing the pros and cons?
I am definitely a person who reasons a decision out. I don't like surprises, and I don't like living "on the edge". Too stressful! I prefer to make a list and write down pros and cons, and actually see it on paper. Seeing it written out can give clarity and can also re-affirm a decision.
5. June is National Dairy Month. What's your favorite dairy item? Most often purchased dairy item?
My hubby has worked in the ice cream business for many, many years - so ice cream is definitely my favorite dairy product. It's been the source of our income! Thank goodness everyone LOVES ice cream! ha And, yes, I love ice cream, but I probably have to say that cheese is my favorite dairy item. I like wine & cheese and crackers a lot!
6. Explorer Jacques Cousteau was born on June 11, 1910... what's something you've recently explored or something you'd like to explore?
I have recently become a volunteer turtle walker here on a part of the Litchfiefld/Pawleys Island beach, to look for mama loggerhead turtle's tracks to where she laid her eggs. This is the time of year when the mamas come up on the beach at night to find a good spot near the dunes. Walkers go out early each morning (the first light of dawn) to look for her tracks (which look like large tire tracks) and when one is found we report it and then other members come and cover it with mesh to keep fowl, animals, and people away. It's then roped off and a sign goes up so vacationers know what is happening. The eggs will hatch on their own in August. Most vacationers do not know about this process...so here's a reminder to ALL beach goers: do not leave beach furniture out, or make holes and not fill them up! Mama can't make it to the dunes if she has things that get in her way. Also, do NOT use beach lights at night because the turtles rely on the moon's light to lead on back to the ocean!
7. Are you typical of your generation?
Hmmmm. I'm not sure what is typical of my generation. I have come to embrace technology, and I enjoy the finer things in life... but I also think I am caring of our world as a whole, and want peace, and want to take care of our home, planet earth. Is that typical of our generation?
8. My random thought.
I'm home from Nashville and the CMA Festival. I just got back yesterday from 4 1/2 days of non-stop live country music at various venues and stages - along with lots of other activities up and down Broadway (Honky-tonk central). I attended the CMT Music Awards Wednesday night and went to many, many concerts the following days. I got to enjoy the whole thing this year with my daughter and boyfriend! It was awesome! I heard it was the largest crowd in attendance ever - and yes, it was jammed! But, for the most part everyone got along really well because we come together as one big happy country music loving family! People you may not think of talking to elsewhere can become your friend there - and the love of music & the fun atmosphere makes it open to acceptance. I met people from Oklahoma, Long Island, Tennessee, and even Switzerland!! I know some people don't understand country music, but when you attend an event like this festival, you realize it's a bond with the music, the values it stands for, the "way of life" it represents. I'll be back next year!!
1. What do you think makes a good Dad?
A good dad is one who gives time to his kids, and who shows them genuine love. It's simple really.
2. What's something you learned from your own Dad?
Just one thing? My Dad was a Lutheran pastor - so I learned from him to care about other people, and to make my belief in God central in life. I learned from him to accept all people, and that it's not the things in life that mean anything. I learned from him how a family unit is to be. He was a faithful husband, and a fun Dad when I was growing up.
3. It's your birthday - what kind of cake will we be having?
Chocolate cake, chocolate icing. Again, it's simple really!! ( :
4. When you are faced with a big decision are you more of a go with your gut type of person, or are you someone who reasons it all out, weighing the pros and cons?
I am definitely a person who reasons a decision out. I don't like surprises, and I don't like living "on the edge". Too stressful! I prefer to make a list and write down pros and cons, and actually see it on paper. Seeing it written out can give clarity and can also re-affirm a decision.
5. June is National Dairy Month. What's your favorite dairy item? Most often purchased dairy item?
My hubby has worked in the ice cream business for many, many years - so ice cream is definitely my favorite dairy product. It's been the source of our income! Thank goodness everyone LOVES ice cream! ha And, yes, I love ice cream, but I probably have to say that cheese is my favorite dairy item. I like wine & cheese and crackers a lot!
6. Explorer Jacques Cousteau was born on June 11, 1910... what's something you've recently explored or something you'd like to explore?
I have recently become a volunteer turtle walker here on a part of the Litchfiefld/Pawleys Island beach, to look for mama loggerhead turtle's tracks to where she laid her eggs. This is the time of year when the mamas come up on the beach at night to find a good spot near the dunes. Walkers go out early each morning (the first light of dawn) to look for her tracks (which look like large tire tracks) and when one is found we report it and then other members come and cover it with mesh to keep fowl, animals, and people away. It's then roped off and a sign goes up so vacationers know what is happening. The eggs will hatch on their own in August. Most vacationers do not know about this process...so here's a reminder to ALL beach goers: do not leave beach furniture out, or make holes and not fill them up! Mama can't make it to the dunes if she has things that get in her way. Also, do NOT use beach lights at night because the turtles rely on the moon's light to lead on back to the ocean!
7. Are you typical of your generation?
Hmmmm. I'm not sure what is typical of my generation. I have come to embrace technology, and I enjoy the finer things in life... but I also think I am caring of our world as a whole, and want peace, and want to take care of our home, planet earth. Is that typical of our generation?
8. My random thought.
I'm home from Nashville and the CMA Festival. I just got back yesterday from 4 1/2 days of non-stop live country music at various venues and stages - along with lots of other activities up and down Broadway (Honky-tonk central). I attended the CMT Music Awards Wednesday night and went to many, many concerts the following days. I got to enjoy the whole thing this year with my daughter and boyfriend! It was awesome! I heard it was the largest crowd in attendance ever - and yes, it was jammed! But, for the most part everyone got along really well because we come together as one big happy country music loving family! People you may not think of talking to elsewhere can become your friend there - and the love of music & the fun atmosphere makes it open to acceptance. I met people from Oklahoma, Long Island, Tennessee, and even Switzerland!! I know some people don't understand country music, but when you attend an event like this festival, you realize it's a bond with the music, the values it stands for, the "way of life" it represents. I'll be back next year!!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Floating on air and water
I almost forgot about today's Hodgepodge questions because I'm preparing to leave for Nashville to go to the CMA Festival. I'm "floating on air" in expectation of 4 days of seeing amazing country music and spending the time with my daughter & her boyfriend.
Today's questions have a little something to do with "floating in the river" and that's something I really enjoy. So, read on!
1. Have you learned more from success or failure? Explain.
I think the PC answer is that I learned more from failure. And, throughout my life I am sure I have learned from making mistakes, and not doing a project the right way, etc. But, I
tend to be a very organized person and I like to have my "ducks in a row" when it comes to everything. I'm not big on surprises. So, I "prep". I learn from being pro-active and I prepare myself for situations, or projects, best as I can. Not everything is successful, but I give it my best.
tend to be a very organized person and I like to have my "ducks in a row" when it comes to everything. I'm not big on surprises. So, I "prep". I learn from being pro-active and I prepare myself for situations, or projects, best as I can. Not everything is successful, but I give it my best.
2. What did you call your grandparents when you were growing up? I
f you have children, what do they call your parents? If you have grandchildren, what do they call you?
f you have children, what do they call your parents? If you have grandchildren, what do they call you?
When I was growing up I called my mother's parents "Grandma" and "Grandpa". My dad's parents were deceased. My children have had more original names for their grandparents: "Nannie" and "Gandy", and "Grammy" and "Grandpa." I do not have grandchildren yet, but am anxiously awaiting the day! They can call me anything they want - as long as they call me!!! ( :
3. You're invited to a luau. In keeping with that theme, what dish will you bring to share?
I am not a big cook, and I am not experimental in the kitchen, so I would probably bring something basic... perhaps chicken with pineapple. Yes, pineapple would be in the dish.
4. Besides Jesus, what one person's life story do you think everyone should know about?
Tough question. I suppose I would like people to know more about the "everyday man" who pulls themselves up by the bootstraps, works hard, lives honestly, is compassionate, and doesn't go looking for stardom.
5. "Don't sweat the small stuff." Agree or disagree.
Definitely agree!!! People who "worry" all the time are just hurting themselves - mentally and physically. Small stuff comes and goes... but with faith in God and His assurance of love and eternal life, it doesn't matter.
6. June is National Rivers Month. When were you last on a river? What's the prettiest river you've seen? what's a river you'd like to see?
Wow. This question is perfect for me. We have a cabin on the Black River here...and spend time there each week. We actually spent all day this past Saturday out boating with friends...on the Black River, the Peedee, the Waccamaw, and into the Winyah Bay. I love boating the rivers of the lowcountry! It's beautiful and peaceful. I would have to say this is the prettiest area with rivers I have seen. What river would I like to see? I suppose the Jordan because of it's Biblical history. From what I hear from friends who have seen it, it's small and not visually impressive. But, I'd still like to stand there and see it.
7. Speaking of rivers - paddling, fishing, swimming, bird watching from shore? Which activity would you choose?
I prefer being in a boat, not swimming, although many people do around here. But, we have snakes & gators in the rivers, so "no thank you!" My favorite way to be on the river is in a motorboat... stopping at secluded beaches to walk and search for shells, to enjoy the water fowl, and then to pull into a nice harbor with a great restaurant! Now, that's a lovely day!
8. My random thought.
I know I'm a broken record when it comes to this... but tomorrow I leave for Nashville. This will be my third year in a row to attend the festival. It's my second year going to the CMT Music Awards, which are airing live tomorrow evening. This time I got tickets for the three of us to stand in the "mosh pit" down front, right by the stage. I'm VERY excited!!! I'm guessing I will be the oldest person in the pit - but I don't care. So, look for me! I'll be the "mature" woman...that is mature in age, but not in my love for country music! ha!!!
Have a great week everyone!!
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