Tuesday means Hodgepodge time.

Last week was a crazy week and I had a hard time remembering what day of the week it was, but thankfully the Hodgepodge questions always arrives on Tuesday.

So, here they are, along with my answers.

1. What's something people might ask you for help with? 

Seriously, I know a little bit about some things but I'm the master of nothing.  So, this is a tough question to start with today.  Therefore, I suppose people may ask me for help at times when they need an extra hand. I'm "willing and able" to jump in and assist.   Really, I can't think of a thing that I can offer knowledge on...   that's sad.

2.  What's something you might ask someone else for help with? 

I'm rather independent so I don't go asking for help too often.  Of course I rely on my hubby to give me advice and to share in duties of our marriage and household.   I consider us a "team."

3.  Did your family take summer vacations when you were a child?  If so, where'd you go?  If you are a parent,  did/do you plan summer vacations with your own family?  Did/do they resemble those you took as a child? 

When I was growing up our family took a vacation each summer.  We traveled by car - pulling a Shasta trailer.  Some summers we went off to new campgrounds in new areas, but we always spent one week each summer at Lakeside, Ohio. Lakeside is a chautaqua town - which means it is Christian-based and has religious and family activities in season.  There were (and still are) Bible studies, lectures, vespers in the evening - and also mini-golf, tennis, shuffleboard, a large park, walking paths, movies, nighttime entertainment in the auditorium, etc.   It has become the place for our family to meet each year for a reunion.  So, each summer still, as many family members as possible still try to meet up there.  I leave Friday for our annual week together.  Yes, my daughters try to go each summer too (but it depends on work schedules - it was easier when they were little). When our girls were growing up hubby and I also took them on some memorable family trips - just the four of us. Great times!

4.  Pool - lake - ocean... which is the most appealing on a hot summer day? 

On a hot summer day I have to say a pool is the most appealing!  I think the water is very refreshing and I love to float on a raft.  I don't like swimming in the ocean (too many slimy things floating by like legs) and I like the lake & the rivers for boating.

5. Have you ever justified this expression, "you gotta be cruel to be kind"?  Was it necessary or were you rationalizing? 

I have never wanted/needed to use the expression - or taken that kind of action.  Wait. I take that back. I'm sure there have been times when I have said something to a person that sounded rough to them because I felt it was for their own good in the long run.  I also understand the "tough love" approach some parents have to use on their children when nothing else works.  I do think it should be a last ditch effort though.

6.  The Journal of Psychology recently listed results of a survey identifying the ten most hated foods as - liver, lima beans, mayonaise, mushrooms, eggs, okra, beets, brussel sprouts, tuna, and gelatin.  Of these foods, how many do you actually hate?  Anything you'd add to the list? 

Hate is a pretty strong word! ha!   I am definitely not a fan of liver, beets, and brussel sprouts. Don't put them on my plate!!!   I actually love mayonaise, eggs, and mushrooms.

7.  What's your favorite book or movie set in a beach or lake town? 

I can't limit it down to one book or movie.  But, "Jaws" has got to be up high on the list for movies.  When it first came out it was so real, so exciting, so scary!  Well acted.  Well directed by a young Stephen Spielburg.   I read many books that take place in a beach town because I live in an area that has many authors and they  use this area as the book setting.  Dorthea Benton Frank lives an hour down the road, and all of her books are "formula" summer beach reads, but still very enjoyable.

8.  My random thought. 

I'm off to Lakeside, Ohio next week so I will miss the Hodgepodge.

Have you been watching the Zimmerman trial?  Or keeping track of the testimony?   I think Zimmerman will get off because there is not enough evidence to show he didn't fire in self defense.  But, it really saddens me that the young man's life was taken by someone who took the law into his own hands and carried a gun.  Trayvon Martin would be alive if Zimmerman did not get out of his truck and did not have a loaded weapon.   Tragically sad.

Take care blogging friends!