The end of May...

Hello Hodgepodge friends!    I hope you all had a nice Memorial Day weekend and took a minute to think about the soldiers who have "given the ultimate sacrifice"  over the years.  I like the Facebook quote going around that the best way to honor them is to promote peace in this diverse world.

On with this week's questions...

1.  Did you do anything 'memorable' this past weekend? 

I had a memorable time in many ways!  I was fortunate to have my daughters and my new son-in-law with us over the holiday. We spent part of the time enjoying food and drink together; we did some boating; and we met up with the wedding photographer and looked through all the professional pictures from the big day.  It was such fun!   My Facebook friends have seen some of them online.  I get a little carried away!  

2.  Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying - 

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."   

Your thoughts?   Do you somehow acknowledge and appreciate the freedoms you enjoy?  Did your upbringing contribute to that sense of appreciation?   If you're a parent, are there specific things you do to pass on this sense of responsibility and appreciation to your children in regard to the freedoms they enjoy? 

Oh my.  Joyce - this is a pretty heavy topic and I know my thoughts as a person of peace is not always in sync with so many that are rooting "USA USA!".   I will try and explain myself.  I love this world - and I try to love all people...   I prefer to start there.  I do not like to separate myself from others in other countries and I sometimes feel being an "over the top" gung-ho American can be that way.  It becomes an "us and them mentality."

I am THANKFUL to God for my blessings - for being born in to a family that lives in a land that observes freedoms and strives for equality (even though it is still has many issues.)  I am thankful to live where we have a political system that allows free voting and freedom in speech, etc.   Again, we still are a long way from it working right.   But, it's the best there is so far

Now, as to President Reagan's quote...  it confuses me a little.  Is he saying that if we don't teach children about freedom & equality that it will go away?   Hmmm.  Yes, leaders do become too powerful, and sometimes a few can use horrible scare tactics and keep people down.  But,  I think human beings in general prefer peace over war. They prefer sharing over inequality.   They prefer everyone to attain happiness.  That is what is in our genetic makeup.   At least I hope it is.  

What have I as a parent done?    Again - I hope I have lived a life promoting peace, and used myself as an example of how to live peacefully with others, even with those who are different.  That's why we have the "freedoms."   To be happy together - not apart.   And where do I get my example to follow?   Jesus.   I do not get it from a political system...    although some systems are closer to following Jesus's teachings more than others.   

Heavy.    I like that Memorial Day falls on the calendar the same time as Pentecost.   Pentecost celebrates people receiving God's gift of the Holy Spirit so that we can learn to live together, to unify, to put our eyes and actions towards the real land of milk and honey.

3.  Loudest noise you've ever heard? 

It was probably the really loud <<<<BANG>>>>   when fireworks went off right over my head at a 4th of July fireworks show.

4.  What was the last thing you ate that might be considered 'junk food'?   Did you enjoy it? 

I had some Hershey chocolate kisses 2 days ago....and YES I enjoyed them!  

5.  When was the last time you were somewhere the crowd felt 'packed in like sardines'? 

Last September I went to a Darius Rucker concert with a girlfriend.  She wanted to get there early, to get in line early, to get right up front by the security fence in front of the stage.  I was game!   And that's what happened!   As soon as the doors opened we ran right up to the front...  and got our spots by the fence.  We had a GREAT view of the show - in fact, we were SO close we could feel sweat and spit!  lol    We were packed in...     but it was fun!!

6.  Are you organized when it comes to packing for a trip?  Do you make a list weeks in advance or toss items in last minute?  Are you a carry-on sort of packer - or do you need an entire suitcase for your shoes? 

I am an organized person in general, so I am also an organized packer for a trip.  I never wait until the last minute because I do not like the stress, and I do not like forgetting things that I will need.  I'm not neurotic though - so I don't start a list, or start packing weeks in advance.   I fall somewhere in-between.

As for how much I pack...  I certainly don't like to lug heavy bags around, or worry about having the right pair of shoes for every outfit.  I try to pack "mix and match" clothing, and I like to pack my bags neatly.   Oh - and because I don't like to travel anywhere it might be cold, I find a few tops & shorts, and some flip-flops work!!!   (  :   

7.  What was the last sporting event you attended in person?  Did your team win?  Did you care? 

I think the last sporting event was a Carolina Gamecock football game at William Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina!   It was the season before last.   We tailgated of course!  We made a whole day of it.  We also celebrated hubby's birthday at the same time.   Did the Gamecocks win?  Yes, I think so!!   Do I care?  Absolutely!!

8.  My random thought. 

I leave you today with a picture from my daughter's wedding last month.    What a beautiful day it was!!