It's Hodgepodge time.

Well, I have to say that this week's Hodgepodge questions are toughies.  And, considering it's National Grouch Day (see question #2) I guess I'll complain about it a little bit.... ha!   Here goes:

1.  What was the biggest worry 5 years ago?  Is it still a worry?  

Thinking back I know our country was worried about the housing market, and how the banks had over-inflated values to get money back....and how they handed out mortgages to people who should not have qualified.   It's taken time to slowly get out of that mess.  I think finally in most areas the housing market is returning to where it should be.  I see improvement here where I live.

Unfortunately some worries from 5 years ago are still with us, like terrorism in the world, and crazy maniac leaders in other countries with no sense of human value.

2.  October 15th is National Grouch Day....what makes you grouchy?  What cheers you up when you're feeling grouchy? 

I try, try, try NOT to be a grouchy person.  Most days I succeed.  But, like everyone, I occasionally get up on the wrong side of the bed and feel a bit grouchy.   What cheers me up?   My morning coffee, hearing from my family and friends,  getting on Facebook and sharing jokes & stories, realizing that all blessings are given to me through grace!   How lucky I am!

3.  In one word, how does it feel to be photographed?

Non-threatening.  (I don't get all worked up like some people do.  I don't have to primp ahead of time.  It is what it is.)

4.  Besides your parents, who could you say had the greatest influence on you in choosing your life path?  Explain.  

Oh, a tough question.  I started my college career as an art major but partway through I knew it was not a viable way to make a reliable living.  So, I switched to Mass Communications and got my degree in it. An early influence: my brother because he worked at his university's radio station and I just thought that was pretty cool.  Ha!!  Once I switched majors I had many influences - I had some great professors at Towson State University.  My newswriting prof was David Lightman, and he has gone on to be a syndicated newspaper writer. I see his byline often.  I loved my broadcasting prof Dr. John McKerron.  He was also the adviser for the college station WCVT. Once I got an internship at WBAL Radio my influences were the wonderful people in that newsroom who showed me the ropes, and made it fun.  The News Director at the time Jeff Beauchamp gave me a chance.  My co-workers were wonderful!!  I loved working with Ken Manelis, in the morning. He is now deceased. RIP Ken.

5.  The crisp days of autumn are here... what's something you like to eat, but only if it's crisp? 

My first thought was an apple of course!  But, I do like apple pie too.  Baked apples are not crispy.   So, how about celery?   I don't eat it often but I like it crisp and crunchy.

6.  What's the most useless object you own? 

I have too many...  but the MOST useless?   Lately it's been my treadmill. lol!  It just sits there and doesn't get used.


7.  Share a favorite fall memory.  

My first two years of college were spent at a small Lutheran college in Columbus, Ohio. The school was situated next to a residential area called Bexley, where the homes were old and stately and the streets were lined with trees.  Often in the fall, after having dinner in the cafeteria, I would take a walk be myself through some of the streets of Bexley - for a bit of exercise, for some alone time, to de-stress, and to get fresh air before heading back to the dorm to study.  In Autumn the colors of the trees were gorgeous on that walk - and I particularly remember walking and kicking through the fallen leaves on the sidewalks.

8.  My random thought. 

I received an email from a friend a few days ago, who was trying to help another friend place a pug into a new home.  This pug was found a couple of weeks ago wandering a neighborhood.  Supposedly the owner was found - but doesn't want the dog. So, he just let it go outside.  Some people are very mean!!  I'm waiting now to hear if the pug is coming our way - to be a new "sister" to our pug Miss Honeybee.  My emotions are mixed about it.  Obviously, I want to help this pug - and I feel very sad for the life it has had so far.  But taking on another dog is a responsibility.  Two dogs are more work than one.   By next week's Hodgepodge, we will have the new pug, or not.  I'll let you know.

Have a good week!