Living in the USA !

Welcome to the Hodgepodge!  According to our leader Joyce, this is the 180th edition.  I jumped on board awhile ago but I have not been posting the questions and my answers since the beginning of it.   But, I'm glad my friend Diane suggested it to me, and I enjoy it each week.  So, thank you Joyce!  I know it's sometimes work, but it's also a "labor of love."

1.  Since this is the 180th Hodgepodge….    When was the last time you 'did a 180' on something? 

Well, I think it's been a long, long time because I can't remember back when I made a 180 on a decision, figuratively or for real.   I usually stick with plans.  I usually don't change my mind on doing something, or on how I live my life.

I think when I was a young person, in my 20's, I may have made a 180 turn now and again, as I was trying to figure out my life.  But, like I said above, that was a long, long time ago!  

2.  It's Independence week in the US of A!  What's your favorite thing about America right this very minute?  Favorites only!  Let's hear what you love about America. 

Thank you Joyce!  Good question and it certainly is the right time to list what's GOOD about our great country, which we sometimes take for granted.   Yes, we often focus too much on the wrongs, and the differences.  I love that we can take a little time to think about ALL the wonderful freedoms we have here in the US of A!  We have rights and freedoms that so many other countries do not have, and many in other countries have to live in fear in their homelands.

So… my favorite thing about America right this minute?   Freedom of speech! (I am blogging my thoughts this very second without worry of persecution.)

As we celebrate Independence day we need to remember ALL the wonderful freedoms we are given in this country!  We live in a land that respects people, that gives everyone a fair chance, that strives for equality and value.   We don't always get it right, and we have differences on HOW to get there…  but we are blessed to have had forefathers that set up a pretty amazing system for this country!

3.  Stars or stripes?  Red, white, or blue?  Watermelon, homemade ice cream, or blueberry pie? 

I will go with stars…  I love them on a clear, summer night!   And, I'll go with blue - as in a blue sky and blue ocean!   As for the food selections… since I'm married to a man who has worked in the ice cream business a good part of his career, I will say ice cream!!  Okay, not homemade… but, store bought…   especially Baskin-Robbins in the grocery store!  Yes, it's there now - in many supermarket chains.   Pick it up - for the 4th of July picnic!   ( :

4.  When did you last see stars, figuratively speaking? 

Well, years ago, when my daughters were in middle school and went to birthday parties at the roller rink, I wiped out and hit my head hard - and saw stars!  (Actually I didn't see stars, because my vision got effected for awhile - and it was scary.)  I had ice skated as a kid so I thought I was going to be fine at roller skating, but roller skating was more different than I thought it would be!!  My skates went fast - and my feet went out in front of me, so I flipped back and smacked the back of my head on the rink floor.   I made my way off the floor somehow and sat the rest of the time, trying to clear my head, and get my vision back.  I probably had a concussion but never got it checked out.  Duh.

5.  'Clear as a bell,' 'with bells on,' 'lots of bells and whistles,' 'saved by the bell'…  which phrase rings truest for you lately?  Have you seen the Liberty Bell? 

Toughie.  Hmmmm.    I guess 'clear as a bell' is the most accurate phrase for me right now.  I know who I am, and why I am here… and I guess it goes back to question #1 (above) that I am at an age where I have found my path in life, and I love where it continues to lead me.

I have been in Philadelphia a few times.  And I know I have driven by the Liberty Bell - and looked over at it and said "oh, there's the Liberty Bell!!"  But, I don't think I have actually parked, walked over and looked at it up close.  

6.  Are you caught up in World Cup fever?  Have you watched a lot or a little or none at all? 

The only time I really watched part of a game was about 2 weeks ago when I was getting a mani-pedi at the nail salon and the technicians were all glued to the TVs around the salon. They were cheering and rooting on the teams that were playing.  (I can't remember which teams… the techs are mostly Vietnamese so I'm not sure which soccer team they cheered for.)   So, I watched… and I asked a couple of questions about the strategy, etc.  But, I just could NOT get into it.  There seems to be SO much running without much scoring!   I'm a huge fan of "American football" - not world football.  

But, I will say I admire the stamina of the World Cup players!  And, I did watch enough to realize that it can be a dangerous sport!   Yowza!!

7.  Bid farewell to June in 10 words or less. 

Too quickly gone but a wonderful, exciting, summer month!

8.  My random thought. 

I hope everyone has a SAFE and fun 4th of July celebration!

 It looks like my part of the USA may be getting a tropical storm system effecting us for at least part of the weekend.  It depends on whether it stays out in the ocean or not.  We will be watching it's movement for the next couple of days.  (I have been worrying about this year being a worse hurricane season - after the weird winter we had here. And, already we have "action." )   It's also been a different loggerhead turtle season so far.  There have not been the number of nests yet.  For some reason mama turtles are not coming up on the beach at night to lay eggs.   I am a "turtle walker" on Monday mornings as part of a group that looks for tracks, nests, etc.   The nest numbers are really down so far.  It's a strange season.