A true mix of questions today.

Hello Hodgepodgers!   With all the sadness in the world right now (especially the wars in the Middle East, and the shocking news of Robin Williams death), it's good to take a few moments to lighten up the mood.  The Hodgepodge is just that… a chance to keep our head above water and to consider all the possibilities of this life we lead.  

So, on with it….

1.  The best part of waking up is _____________. 

You know I have to say "Folgers in your cup"!   ha.    But, really for me I love to wake up early as long as I have had a good night's sleep - and walk outside with my doggies, grab the newspaper on the driveway, stand  there and hear the birds singing.    Then I go in and feed the dogs and cats - and make myself a cup of International Coffee's Cafe Francais.   Aaaahhhh.

2.  Given a choice, which animal interaction would you most like to experience - a swim with the dolphins at one of the several locations in the Florida Keys, a lion encounter ten minutes from Victoria Falls (Africa), or a day at a remote base camp high in the Big Sur wilderness via the Ventura Wildlife Society helping to track California condors? 

My hubby and daughter have done the dolphin swim - and they got the pictures of the dolphin kissing them.  It certainly looks fun and "harmless".   No way, no how,  would I enjoy a lion encounter!  And I have been to Big Sur, but not up into the wilds in the mountains.  I could take a day of that, but not overnight.

So - my answer is the swim with the dolphins.  

3.  What is something you fear about old age?  What is something you look forward to?  

Oh my!  I like to think I'm still "middle aged" but I am seeing the writing on the wall….or should I say, in the mirror.  What I fear?  Dementia.  Cancer.  Any other debilitating disease.   On a more vain note, I fear continued loss of physical looks and freedom.  I can still walk where I want, and do what I want, without more than an ache or a pain.  The mirror is not my friend anymore.  I don't like what the years are doing.

BUT…  I am blessed to be here.  I realize that.   So, as I look forward to old age I look forward to continued time with my hubby and with my daughters - and their lives.  Maybe one day grandchildren.  That would be awesome!!   I look forward to continued time to help others in need (as long as my health allows.)  I look forward to continued relationships with those I love (and like) and laughs and…I look forward to music.   Each day brings joy!

4.  Hot sauce…are you a fan?  On a scale of 1 - 10 how hot is too hot? 

I'm not a fan.  On that scale I think I'm only about a 2.  No thanks.   I have a sensitive stomach when it comes to hot and spicy foods.  

True story:  once when my family was having dinner at my sister & brother-in-law's home years ago he made a dish that was quite hot (in my mind anyway.) I can't remember the dish - but I DO remember the burning afterwards.  Both my mother and I snuck to the refrigerator after dinner and downed a glass of milk!  We didn't want to hurt his feelings - but our sensitive stomachs were churning!  lol

5.  It's been said children learn what they live.  What do you think children learn at your house?

Unconditional love.   For them - and for everyone who comes through our door.

6.  What's your favorite movie with a number in it's title? 

Off the top of my head I'm thinking about "Sixteen Candles."  Funny, sweet, goofy, romantic, coming of age - all wrapped up in one movie.

7.  Saturday (August 16th) is National Tell a Joke Day…    share one here.  

I am a TERRIBLE joke teller.  Seriously.    And… I don't ever remember them either. (Dementia?)  So, I'm passing on this one but I look forward to reading other blogger's jokes.

8.  My random thought. 

So, when I started out the venture as the Mother of the Bride a couple of months ago I thought "no, I don't need a wedding planner."   Now, as I am deep into the planning and prepping I realize that the week of the wedding and on the wedding day I will definitely NEED someone to take control and make sure everything is done right and on time.   So, yes, I have an appointment this afternoon to meet with a "wedding planner."   No, it's a woman - so it's not Frau-nnk (from "Father of the Bride")!