Flag Day and Father's Day.

Hello Hodgepodgers and friends! I missed a couple of weeks, but I am back.   This time of year is busy, but I am happy to find time to answer the weekly questions.  Join in with me if you would like!

  1. The Hodgepodge lands on June 14th this week, Flag Day in the US of A. Do you fly your country's flag at home? Sometimes, often, or every single day? Have you ever visited the city of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia)? Did you make a point of seeing The Betsy Ross House? Have you ever made a trip to Baltimore? If so, was Fort McHenry on your itinerary? (where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner)

We don't have an American flag flying all the time in our yard but I do make sure we have one up for special times... i.e.  Memorial Day, Flag day, the 4th of July, etc.   I also have some red,white and blue bunting I hang on our front porch railing.

Yes, I have visited Philadelphia, and yes, I do believe I have been to Betsy Ross's home... many, many years ago.   Fort McHenry?  Oh yes.  I lived in Baltimore back in the 80's and I have visited the famous fort a few times. 


2. Red flag or white flag? Which have you encountered most recently? Explain.

Red flag = emergency.  White flag = surrender.   Have I encountered one recently?   I don't think I have, in any major way.   That's a good thing!  ha  I am happy to say that I have not had anything  happen in my life that would want to make me wave either of those flags.  

3. Are you a stay in the car listen to the end of a song kind of person? What kind of person is that?

Oh, I am DEFINITELY a 'stay in the car and listen'  type of person!  In fact, I feel bad if I cut off a song halfway through.   I love listening to a song to its end, and I time when I turn off the music so that it is between songs.  I have always felt that a song is written to be experienced beginning to end - and to stop listening halfway through is disappointing to the hard work of the artist, musicians, and producer who created the music.  

4. What are some of the traits or qualities you think a good dad possesses? In other words, what makes a good dad? What's an expression you associate with your father?

A good dad?  Well, the most important quality is unconditional love.  And, then let's add in pride, consistency, solid belief, and fun!

A good dad is there for their child - with time, and advice, and comfort, and commitment.  Add in some silliness too!!

An expression?  My dad always said chronology is inexorable.   In other words, you can not stop the passing of time... that good and bad things are temporary.  It's all temporary.  Make the most of each moment. 

5. What's one rule you always disagreed with while growing up? Is that rule somehow still part  of your adult life?  Is that a good or bad thing? 

Hmmmm.  Tough question.  A rule I did not agree with?  I have to say that I was raised to be a 'rules follower.'  I have always felt that rules were made for, and important for, the common good.  I have always felt that rules keep society sane, and that rules are needed so we can live in peace.

So, yes - in general - rules are good.  Rules give guidance, and can teach right and wrong.   I believe in rules.

6.  Insert a random thought.

Okay.  It's a big random thought!  Finally, I can announce that my daughter and her husband are having TWINS!  The twins are identical - and are due sometime after Thanksgiving!  I am beyond excited and I am ready to pitch in and help out as much as needed.   Life will change for us all - for the better!!  It's going to be crazy, busy, fun, sweet, and beautiful!   I ask for prayers for a normal pregnancy.  She has just entered her 2nd trimester.  And, prayers for the new mom and dad - to be!  We should know the babies sex in a month or so.  I will keep you all posted.

Have a great week ahead all.   Enjoy summertime!    Enjoy life!


of yo