Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Hodgepodge and more.

It's a rainy Tuesday here as I answer this Hodgepodge just two days before Thanksgiving.  So many people are traveling today and tomorrow, and across the US there is some lousy weather…from rain and wind to snow.  I hope everyone reaches their destinations safely - and somewhat "on time"!   I have to admit that I am thankful for not traveling very far for Thanksgiving! I don't do well in cold climates and don't enjoy driving or flying in bad weather conditions.   

1.   Besides Thanksgiving, it's also National Game and Puzzle Week… what game have you played most recently, and who were you with?   Have you worked a puzzle in the past week? 

I have on-going games of "Words with Friends" on my Iphone and I play them everyday.  I enjoy it very much!  I hope it helps to keep my brain strong, plus I get to play with family and friends near and far.  That's the beauty of app games.  You can play regardless of distance.   My hubby and I have 4 or 5 games going with each other, and we can sit in the living room together watching TV, and play on our phones back and forth!    I know -  that's a bit crazy.  

I have written about crosswords before, because I am a bit of junkie for them!   I love playing crosswords out of the newspaper each day!   My favorite is the Sunday New York Times crossword!  Why?  Well, it's not always the most challenging (Friday & Saturday crosswords are tougher), and it's large and in the NYT Magazine - no newsprint ink!    Occasionally I play crosswords on-line and it's okay, but for me it's not the same as holding the actual crossword in my hand.   I feel the same way about reading books.  I prefer the real book, not an electronic one.  

2.  What is one place you are thankful for this year? 

As Dorothy said in "The Wizard of Oz" …..    "there's no place like home!"  I am very thankful for my home!!   

3.  Take a nap, watch football, go for an after-dinner walk, or hit the stores…  which ONE is on your must-do list for Thanksgiving Day? 

Watching football is ALWAYS a part of Thanksgiving Day!   Followed by watching some of the Westminster dog show too!  I love both.      I will say I also enjoy an after-dinner walk.  No nap, and definitely NO shopping for me on Thanksgiving Day.  

4.  Besides Thanksgiving, what's your favorite home cooked meal? 

Whose home?   lol     I don't make many meals these days since it's just hubby and me here, and he's away on business some of the time.  But, back in the day when I cooked more, I think we both loved my "Chicken roll-ups" (also made with tuna)…and I used to make a great chicken dish with an apricot sauce.  I wore out the cookbook "365 Ways to Cook Chicken."  

5.  What product from an infomercial would you most like to own? 

I don't pay attention to them too much.  But if there is one out there that just makes the weight fall off…  I'll take it!     Wait. There is that exercise machine that Christie Brinkley promotes and she looks pretty good at 60+…   maybe it will work for me!  

6.  Christmas shopping?  Have you begun?  Finished?  Will you shop on Black Friday?  How do you feel about stores opening on Thanksgiving Day?  What percentage of your shopping is done on-line? 

Many questions!   First I have definitely started my shopping.  I am not one to wait to the last minute. I have said it before, I try to keep my stress to the minimum if possible!  I never like to do "panic shopping."    Have I finished?   No.  And, I know there will be a few gifts I want to give as December goes along… for some friends, etc. and those I will get later.  

Will I shop on Black Friday?  NO!  I am actually trying to shop this year away from malls.  I am getting gifts from local businesses.  My hubby shops on-line for our daughters.  He loves to get them work dresses, and a couple of "fun" outfits.  Sometimes the girls love them - sometimes they "appease" him and say they love them!  But, he gets joy from buying for them. 

Should retails store be open on Thanksgiving?   No! 

7.  What are you most grateful for that adds beauty to everyday life? 

Easy answer….      nature!     Priceless!   God's gift to us…. 

8.  My random thought. 

I have many random thoughts swirling around my brain this morning.   Some days are like that.

The grand jury decision came down last night in Ferguson, MO and as expected, some people rioted.  I really have more questions about it then my own statements.  Had the media not shown up and did a minute to minute countdown and turned it into a huge waiting game, would it have been as damaging?   I go back to the question from my college mass communications class: does the media reflect the news or make it?     And,  opinions, opinions, opinions!  I really wish all the chatter would stop.  Again, it increases the chances of more negative spotlight action. 

Yesterday I was out running errands and stopped in at a quaint little shopping area near me just to look for a few Christmas gifts.   It really is a lovely area, but I felt SO sad because it brought back to me all the glitz of the season, with none of the meaning of the season; Christ's birth.  I got that "ugh" feeling again and I saw people in action… shopping,  rushing a bit, etc.     Seriously, I really wish sometimes that we dropped all the peripheral "stuff" and could just focus on the Christian event.      I vow to myself every November and December to focus myself on it.    I think we all know that for many people Christmas can be a VERY sad time of the year.  So many expectations.  Some people have little. But, then I think - maybe they are better off.  They don't have to get caught up in the "game" of buying the right gifts, at the right amount, decorating, etc.   

Another thought in my head….  aging.  The good, the bad, the ugly.     I need to exercise! I need to get back into a routine - especially as the season of eating is upon me.   But, I realize I have this little voice in my brain saying "you are old now and you can only do so much.  The body is what it is."    When did this happen?      I never used to think that.    BUT - I do want to look nice for my daughter's wedding in April so I am making a pledge now (and it's once again my New Year's resolution) EXERCISE!!  I must!  It's not just for looks…. it's for health.  Weight control, yes.  But for stronger bones and more flexibility.   I must "get moving" more!! 

Well, the rain is still falling and it's a good day to clean indoors.   Time to end this post.  Thank you to anyone who read through to this point!  MY blog has been my place for putting down my thoughts and today is no exception!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.  Be thankful - be safe!   









6 comments:

  1. I'm so weary of the rioting, looting, burning...we are a country where law matters. When you read what the GJ heard, I feel like they made the right decision. One thing I read, was there were a number of witnesses who testified who did not speak at all to the media. And I don't understand why people are allowed to set fires, create public health and safety hazards like blocking Times Square, bridges and interstates? Peaceful protesting is one thing, but this is definitely something else, and yes I definitely think the media fuels it. We are going to reach a point where nobody wants to go into law enforcement, something civilized societies need. Why would anyone want to be a police officer in this climate?

    It's raining here now, but supposed to turn to snow and a fair amount of it. Fortunately we're having dinner with neighbors tomorrow so we can walk over : ) My m.o.b. dress is pretty form fitting, so I am very aware of how few Christmas cookies I can eat this year! Nothing like a wedding right after Christmas to instill a little holiday self-discipline! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  2. I SO agree with all of your random thoughts today--every single one of them!
    I don't know about you, but I'm about ready for a break from the rain...3 days and counting!
    Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!
    (Kathy - from Reflections by Kathy)

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  3. I don't understand all of the looting & rioting...or the people who are being paid to cause trouble. If it took the grand jury that long to come to a decision, don't people think they took everything into consideration? *shaking head*
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  4. I enjoyed what you wrote about the newspaper crosswords. I know what you mean about the hype and commercialism hijacking Christmas. That's what I love about celebrating Advent every day from November 30 through Christmas Eve. It really keeps one focused on the Reason we celebrate. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  5. I don't understand the need to riot. I was very upset that Dancing with the stars was interrupted and we missed seeing Sadie and Mark's dance.

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  6. Great hodgepodge! It's very nice to find your blog. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

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