A true Hodgepodge

Hello Hodgepodgers!  I have missed a few weeks because life has been busy.  It's good to be back now and to answer this week's questions.  Feel free to play along. I'd love to hear your answers!

1. When was the last time you chatted with a neighbor? About what? (sharing that last bit is optional)

I live on a wonderful street with great neighbors!  I walk my dogs almost every day (weather permitting) and I run into neighbors and have chats.  The last time was on Friday when one neighbor was walking her dog and hubby and I were in the front yard doing some yard work.   What did we talk about?   Dogs! ha   And we let her know that we were going to be gone over the weekend. It's always nice to have someone watching the home when you are away.  

2. River, lake, ocean, or waterfall...which one are you most like and why?

This question reminds of the days when Barbara Walters would ask celebs "if you were a tree, what kind would you be?"   ha!!   Sorry Joyce.  It's a bit odd.  But, okay, I'll answer it...

I think I am most like a river. Why?   Well, a river is always moving and I like to think I do not stay stagnant in life - and that I like to move forward, and I look on to what might be downstream.   Rivers have banks on each side - so safety is close by.  

3. July 13 is National Delaware Day. Ever been to Delaware? Delaware is called 'the first state' because it was the first to declare independence from the British. What's your state's nickname and does that moniker make sense to you? If you were in charge, what nickname would you give your home state?

Yes, I have been to and through Delaware.  For many years I lived in New Jersey and traveled Route 95 down to South Carolina - and that trip took me into Delaware.  Occasionally I took the "Eastern Shore route" which took me through a bit more of it.

For awhile, years ago, my bestie girlfriend lived and worked in Delaware - and I visited her there.

I live in South Carolina and it is known as the Palmetto State.  It's motto is "As I breathe, I stand."  Why the Palmettos?  They are a type of palm tree, seen a lot around here, and the trees were used to build Ft. Sumter because the trunks are very dense and solid - and could stop cannonballs from going into the fort.

My nickname?   I love my state, so maybe "A little bit of paradise!" 

4. What dish did you contribute to the last pot luck meal you attended? Do you have a go-to recipe for pot luck suppers?


Ha.  You'll know I don't cook much, right?   Well - the last contribution I made was this past Saturday night when I was at my daughter and son-in-law's home and I boiled the red potatoes!   But, in my own defense, I did help with setting up the buffet of food, and did most of the clean up!

I don't really have a 'go to' dish but in summertime I often bring deviled eggs. And, yes I make them!


5. What is your number one tip for a brand new parent?

Joyce and I both have daughters who are about to be new parents.  So, I like this question - because we can pass along some advice and tips answered here!

My number one tip?  Stay calm.  Take each day as it comes.  And, it's amazing how fast new parents 'learn the ropes' and get into the swing of parenting.  After a couple of months, new parents become comfortable and life with baby becomes routine. 


6. Insert your own random thought here.

I know my daughter and son-in-law will quickly learn parenting, BUT I still plan to help out for awhile once their identical twin boys arrive!!   Double the fun and double the work - and double the lack of sleep and double the feedings, diaper changes, etc.    The babies are due in late November so I look forward to spending the holiday season with them.

Have a good week ahead.  Stay safe.  Fires in the west. Oppressive heat in the east.  I hope you are not effected by mother nature's summertime wrath!