At Home. Home Run. Home made. Home work.

Remember the Moody Blues song "Tuesday Afternoon"?   Well, it is playing in my head.. .along with songs about 'home.'  Why?  Read on...

1. Besides your very own house, describe a place where you feel most 'at home'? 

 

Well, there is no place like home!  Dorothy was right!    But, where else do I feel the same way?  First, at our 'riva' cabin (it really is home away from home) - and then at one of my daughter's places.  

2. When did you last 'hit a home run' with something? Explain. 

 

Ah, a little baseball connection!  Very appropriate.   The last time I hit a home run, so to speak, was perhaps when a musical performance went well.  Although, I would not really call it making a home run - but more like rounding the bases and doing what I needed to do, and then coming in to home plate.   Taa-daa!!  

I can't think of a time where I did something so well it was a 'flying event' or an amazing happening that caused everyone to cheer!

3. Tell us about something you love in your house or kitchen that is 'homemade'. 

 

Nothing much is homemade in my kitchen!  ha   I am kind of crafty from time to time so I have a few things I have made that turned out good enough to display.  

By sentimentally, I have a few handmade cross-stitched items that were given to me as gifts. My one girlfriend made a wedding sampler for me over 30 years ago and it still hangs in hubby and my bedroom.  Another dear friend has made some cross-stitched Christmas pillows.  I put them out every year.

4. 'A man's home is his castle'...which of the world's ten most captivating castles (according to The Travel Channel) would you most like to visit and why-

Mont Saint-Michel (France), Edinburgh Castle (Scotland), Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany), Glamis Castle (Scotland), Windsor Castle (England), Chateau de Chambord (France), Hampton Court Palace (England), Prague Castle (Prague), St. Michael's Mount (England), Leeds Castle (England), and Swallow's Nest (Ukraine)

 

Oh my.  I know you are going to think this is weird, but I have no deserve to visit a castle. I have gone through one in Germany, and I think in general most of them are the same.  Cold, dark, damp.   They were built so long ago to be a fortress, usually on a hill... and they were not made for 'beauty' or for comfort.   Now, the views from the castles would be worth seeing! 

5. What's a recent or upcoming plan or project that's required you do a little homework before getting started? Did the homework cause you to abandon your plan or adjust it in some way?

 

Well, right now I am preparing for a women's retreat at my riva cabin on Friday.  15 women from my church have signed up and we plan to discuss Martin Luther and the Reformation since we are meeting right before the annual day we celebrate -  when Luther nailed the 95 theses on the church door. 

 

I have grown up knowing about it - heck, I'm Lutheran!  But, to help lead the discussion I googled information about Martin and his wife Katherine - and believe it or not, I went on Pinterest to look for a small craft to do that connects with the theme.  There were some cute kids crafts - but I'm still a bit up in the air on what the women might like to do, that takes only about a half hour or so.  Any suggestions?  

 

No, I am not abandoning the theme - or plan.  I'm sure it will all work out!

6. In your opinion, is homework an unnecessary evil or a valuable practice? Should schools be done with homework? Why or why not? 

 

I do not think schools should completely eliminate homework, but I do feel it should be used as a time to review concepts or information learned in the classroom.  Especially in the elementary school level!  And, 10 to 15 minutes per subject should be enough time spent... because kids need down time and play time, and they need family time at dinner - and a proper bed time.  

 

Oh - and I have never been a fan of projects done at home!!  I disliked them when I was a student AND especially when I was a parent of a school aged child. I felt the projects were too often worked on/completed by parents.   I am against science fair projects done at home.  And remember "diaramas?  I know lots of parents who did more than 'help' their son or daughter or those!!  

7. Share a favorite memory of your childhood hometown. 

 

My hometown?   Hmmm...  the one I remember best is where we  moved to when I was in 8th grade. We stayed until my senior year in high school.   It was a rural, small-ish town in Ohio.   There was only one high school in town.  People knew each other - or knew of each other!  High school sports was very big!  It had a festival every summer, which was also really a big deal!  Downtown was closed off to car traffic and there were two parades (one each night) and a queen & court, and the marching band played, twirling groups performed, etc. and there were lots of vendors, and some rides, etc.  I was a teenager when I lived there so going to the festival with friends was lots of fun!  The town was small enough that my parents felt safe having us walk around (with friends) and we biked too. Tandem bikes were the big thing back then!  

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

Joyce:  I hope you have a smooth move-in next week! I know you have got to be SO excited!!  What perfect timing to get in before the weather turns cold.  And, also to get settled in before the holidays.   Here:  roofers are into the second day of taking off the old and putting on the new.  I thought the drywallers would be here today but they have not shown up yet.  They are busy these days helping the flood victims so I really can not complain.  The walls will eventually get done...  and I too, hope by the holidays to have this whole 'hurricane adventure' behind us!

Enjoy the last week of October!

I sense questions about my youth, my home, and my five senses!

Tuesday has come around again.  And, with Tuesday comes the weekly Hodgepodge.

Let's get started!

1. What would you say is your strongest sense? 

Interesting question.  I think I am pretty good with the visual.  I tune in visually to my surroundings. I remember places, especially when I NEED to for directions, or for decisions.  Thinking back... I remember back to my school days when I used the visual to help me study.  I would write down what I needed to know for a test, often over and over a few times - or I would write it all down and try to squish it all on one page, thinking "See! This is all I need to memorize!!"

Second is my hearing.  I notice that I tune into sounds more than others.  I hear small sounds.  Plus, I love hearing music and "decoding" it a bit... what instrument is playing?   How does that singer pronounce words, or when does he/she breathe?   I love hearing birds sing. And, I absolutely love hearing quiet at times...especially when my ears have had an overload of sound for awhile.

2. Do you believe in the idea of a 'sixth sense'? Why or why not?
 
As in ESP?  Or "a special gift" of perceiving?   Yes... and no.  I believe it's possible for some people to have a way of experiencing something that doesn't include the 5 senses. I have watched some people on TV that amaze me. I believe the human brain is so unbelievable in what it can do, but it does not work the same for everyone, and some people can reach into a part of it that others can't. So, call it a 'gift'... or a 'uncanny thought process'... or a 'sixth sense.'  But, yes, some - not all - people have it.


3. When do you most feel like a slave to time? Explain.

In the morning!  Especially if I have something to do, or some place to be.  And, especially mornings when I need to wake early and set an alarm!!  On those mornings,  I get up and I count back from the appointment time, or rehearsal, or whatever, and I think...okay, I need this long to drive there so I have to leave the house at a certain time. That means I have to allow myself a certain length of time to get dressed, and eat, etc.   I HATE to be late - ever.  I never want to be, and I never want to make others wait... so watching time is very important to me.

I gotta say, I love the occasional days when I don't have to rush in the morning or watch the time closely.

4. Have you ever worked in a restaurant? How would you rate the experience? If you could own a restaurant what kind would it be? 

I have worked fast food. I guess Burger King is considered a restaurant!  ha  I had a part-time job in high school at the local BK.  I also worked at a Ponderosa Steak House for awhile while I was in school.

How would I rate the experiences?   Both jobs were good starter jobs for a teenager.  It was my first experience working in the 'real world' where I had to clock in and out, wear a uniform, prepare food, follow directions and standards, and DEAL WITH THE PUBLIC!   So, it was a good learning experience!!

I have NO desire to ever own a restaurant!  It takes so much work, with long hours, and you hire & fire people, and deal with all kinds of customers.  It's a very tough job!  I see so many restaurants come and go!  We have a couple of local locations that seem jinxed. A new restaurant will come in, and have a big splash when they open, and they stay open for business for awhile...then quietly close.  Then the cycle happens again.  Over and over.    "Trendy" restaurants come and go.  I suppose a good, basic restaurant with a nice mix on the menu has the best chance of staying in business and in getting repeat customers. 


5. Ever traced your family tree? Share something interesting you learned there.




A few years back I signed up for the 3 month free membership to Ancestry.com and did as much exploring online with them as possible in those months.  I then let the membership end. 


I learned that even though both sides of my family (my mother's and my father's sides) hailed from Germany, they were quite close to the French border.  And, there were times of territorial battles where the line between the countries moved a bit.  So, perhaps I have some French in me!

I learned that my one side of the family American-ized their last name when they came here.  They went from Vogt to Fogt.  It was how it was pronounced anyway.   I also learned that there were some large families back then, back in the days the families were still in Europe, and a few children died young.  I loved seeing first names that were passed on and some still are.  We had Paul, Pauline, and Paulette.  We had Frederick show up a few times.


6. What did your childhood bedroom look like?

I shared with my sister in my early years.   But, once I got my own bedroom, and once I got into migh school, I remember a bright bedspread that I loved at the time!  It was orange, green, and brown - with big pop-style flowers on it.  My walls were painted peach.  I had a dresser and a headboard/footboard for my bed - from Ethan Allen. My parents bought it for me when I got my own room.  I know I had a desk in my room too. I think it was kind of a pressed wood and metal style.  I had a bulletin board above it...with all my 'special stuff' on it...like pins, movie stubs,  etc.
 

7. Anyone who knows me knows I love_______________________?

Oh, easy answer.   Country music and country music concerts!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Thank you all who commented about the aftermath of hurricane Matthew, and the hole on my house where the tree came in!! It was crazy the first few days, trying to get help lined up. And now... It's been quiet now for a few days. We have the hole covered with plywood and tarps.  The weather has been beautiful since Matthew and it has helped with cleanup around these parts.  But, there is still much to do!  So many, many huge piles of branches, and cut-up tree trunks, and leafy debris are in everyone's front yards by the curb.    The repair work to the house starts this weekend - with scaffolding going up inside.  New trusses will be going in, then a new roof - and new drywall, and painting, etc.   It won't be quiet much longer! 

Between the political noise, and the house repair noise, I will be looking forward to the 'sound of silence' that my sense of hearing longs for at times!!

Have a good, safe week everyone!!

Hodgepodge. A little late due to Matthew

Hello Hodgepodgers!  I'm a bit late this week with good reason.  Matthew!  He came a callin' and he made life around here challenging.  On Saturday hurricane Matthew first dropped a bunch of rain - for hours - and he saturated the ground, and then the wind came.  A very strong wind that lasted for 3 hours or so.  Word has it that here in the lowcountry Matthew came on land as a category 2. I believe it. It was crazy!  To make a long story short, we ended up with a tree on our roof, and through our roof into our dining area and kitchen.   Thankfully, we were hunkering down at our river home, inland about 8 miles. So, we were not home when the tree snapped and fell.  And, thankfully, the rain had stopped when the wind kicked in hard.  So, the tree fell... and went into the house, but no rain came in.  So, the questions below are quite appropriate since I had JUST moved into our home.  Just two weeks!  So...

  1. What would you say is the best and worst thing about moving house?

Hubby and I spent about two months updating the home we just bought. We put in new light fixtures, updated carpet, painted, and more.  Then just two weeks after moving the furniture and officially moving in, hurricane Matthew hit our area and knocked over a huge gum tree that fell on our house, went through the roof, and partially into the house.

So, I have to say it has been the worst event of our move.  We just got most things moved over from our house that is presently for sale... we moved the furniture, clothing, personal items, etc.

The best?  The neighbors! They have been friendly, and compassionate to us about what we are going through right now.  We have good folks around us! 

2. What's moved you recently?

I have to go back to the question above... I have been moved by those wanting and willing to help, and by those just feeling our pain over the events of the last few days.

I have been moved to tears over the initial damage.  Then shocked, and moved to scared tears.  And I have laughed over it too. I have felt love and caring from those around us.  So, it's been a very 'moving' time in many ways this week for sure!

3. Do you feel your life is moving forward, backward, or is on hold? How so?

I feel it moving forward!  Yes, we have had a setback - but all in all, we move on - and we don't regret our move.  

4. On the move, move mountains, get a move on, it's your move, or bust a move...which phrase best applies to some aspect of your life right now? Explain.

I think we all can move mountains when we put our time and effort into it.  In so many ways!  I like to look at the big picture and think positive.  Do it baby!    Even with setbacks... or a step back, we still take two steps forward.   Sounds like a country song to me!  So, on to the next question...

5. What song makes you want to get up and move?

Oh my! So many songs!!   "Country girl - shake it for me!" by Luke Bryan  and  "Uptown Funk" and  I can never sit still when I hear "Love Shack"!!   By the way, Luke Bryan has a song out right now called "M-O-V-E" and it's a greta song for dancing.  You got to listen - and MOVE - to it!! 

6. Your favorite snack to grab when you're 'on the move'?

A handful of peanuts.  Or a granola-nut bar.


7. What one accessory makes your house feel like home?

I have some special items: family pictures,  favorite pillows, and such that make me feel in 'my zone'.  I also love having my computer close by.  They are my comfort things - and they are what makes it feel like 'home.'

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

 We have plywood and tarps up and power on again.  Matthew certainly had us in an upheaval for a few days.  Yes, we have much work ahead of us...new trusses, a new roof, drywall, painting, gutters, etc.  But, we are going to be fine. I pray for those in Haiti - and Bermuda.... and even our neighbors in North Carolina dealing with horrible flooding.

DESSERT or DESERT. Which do you prefer?

I am looking at the Hodgepodge questions rather late for me today.  Why? Well yesterday was finally our move day and we are now in our new and smaller home.  Everything went well and we are somewhat unpacked.  It's been a slow process in total - and we aren't done yet.  But, since we don't have a contract on the home we are selling, we can take our time getting all the stuff out of it.  There are still lots of little things in the closets and in the garage. 

 

So, a nice break from unpacking is this week's Hodgepodge.

 

1. Have you ever been to and/or lived near the desert? What did you think? Travel and Leisure lists the 'coolest' American desert towns as-

Palm Springs CA, Virgina City NE, Bend OR, Winslow AZ, Marfa TX, Grand Junction CO, Silver City NM, Moab UT, Taos NM, Yakima WA, Borrego Springs CA, Terlingua TX, and St. George UT, and Tubac AZ

Have you been to any of these? Would you like to visit a desert town? Which on the list would you most like to see?

 

I have never lived in a desert city per say, but I did live in Redding, California, which is really hot and dry.  It's a large town at the northern end of a valley.  Although the mountains are not far away, the valley stays very hot most of the year.  Highs in the summer hit 107 or so.  The landscape was very desert-y looking.  I have always said that describing the California hills as 'golden' isn't quite right. They are really just very dry, a light brown - and a fire hazard.

I have not visited any of the places listed in the 'coolest' desert towns.   I'm not  desert person.  I prefer more greenery - lawns, shrubs, trees.  I love living near the beach.

2. What's a plan or project you've deserted in the past year? 

 

 I'm having a tough time coming up with an answer for this one.  I suppose each year I wish I would be better at correspondence.  I also wish I spent more time on music - practicing.  Especially the piano and flute. 

3. Desert-dessert? Share two or three words you find yourself having to think twice about when it comes to spelling.  

Well, just above I questioned myself about how to spell the word correspondence.   Spell-check helped me out.  It does come in handy!!  ha    I have trouble with niece... the whole 'i before e' rule confuses me sometimes because there seem to be many words that don't fit the rule. 

4. High and dry, like watching paint dry, dry run, dry as dust, not a dry eye in the house...which phrase can you relate to currently? Explain. 

 

I can't say any of the expressions relate to my life right now.  

5. How often do you frequent the dry cleaners? Starch or no starch?  

 

My hubby still likes some work shirts laundered professionally, and we both occasionally have some dry cleaning. I go to the cleaners about once every two weeks.  

Hubby likes light starch on dress shirts for work.

6. What's a food or beverage you enjoy that's named for a place? 

 

Woodbridge Chardonnay!  There is probably some place named Woodbridge, right?  If not, there should be!!    I think there is a Woodbridge in New Jersey although I am pretty sure that is not where the wine is produced.  lol  

7. Do you need solitude? 

 

Absolutely!!!  I love my solitude.  I need it every day.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

 

Question: who would like to recommend a good book to read now?   I'd love to hear your suggestions!  Tell me why you liked the book so much! 

Have a wonderful week ahead!

My two cents.

I know many will disagree with me when I say this, but I think America is reaping what it  has sown in terms of the gun violence happening.  There is no doubt in my mind that the increase in shootings - cops shooting citizens, citizens shooting citizens, accidental shootings - is because we have allowed loose gun regulations and have let carrying a gun become a common occurrence.

Cops shooting citizens -  I can not even imagine what it is like for policemen and women who now fear that every single traffic stop or domestic disturbance call they go on could turn into someone shooting at them.  The freedom of gun use by citizens has created a fear for police, and it has cause citizens to think they can take the law into their own hands.  We must have police, and we need to give them the right to protect us.  We can't have an equal playing field.   But, now we do. 

Citizens shooting citizens -  It doesn't take a math expert to figure out that the more guns that are out there on the streets, the more they will be used.  And, the fact that ordinary citizens feel the NEED to carry a gun with them all the time means they also in a fearful society.  They think "I will shoot you before you shoot me!"    Citizens who carry all the time carry their guns into places that should never have them...  bars, churches, schools.   Even if by accident.   People forget...  people act dumb...people want to be superior...people are fallible.   People get hot-headed.  People get road rage.   Putting a gun into these situations is just plain crazy - and deadly.

Accidents -  The more guns, the more likely there will be an accident with one.  Again, statistically, it just happens.  Well meaning gun owners leave them in cars, or heaven help me - where a child can pick it up.  They clean them without proper concern.  They leave bullets in them. They do not lock them up.  Accidents  happen.  And a gun accident can be deadly.

I see every single day on our 24-7 news sources all of the above types of gun shootings.   My heart breaks for families of cops, for victims of rage, and for the innocent children.

I hear people say "it's too late - guns are everywhere" and they say "the bad guys will always have guns and we need to protect ourselves."    I'm sorry.  But, I find that both statements are said as a way of giving up, and of thinking nothing can be done to better our country when it comes to gun deaths.
I WILL NOT GIVE UP!   And, really, if we work to slowly improve this "wild west" world we have created, isn't that alone worth it?  Saving one or two from a gun death?  Isn't even that worth it?

There are things we can do NOW to better our country, and to feel safer - without needing to rely on guns. We can require gun makers to make "smart guns" that can only be used by it's owner with a fingerprint - just like iphones do today. (the technology is here now - so why isn't it happening?)   We can restrict places to carry them, and we can raise fines and punishment.  We can push for stronger gun sale requirements (by both buyer and seller). We can vote for those who support a safer America and want to see gun restrictions.  Guns are not going away.  Nobody thinks that.  But, there is SO much that can be done to turn the tide the other way, and to change the fear so many feel.  Guns are not the answer to fear.  In fact they make it worse.

For me - I have always thought that owning a gun is such a big responsibility!   Think about it.  It could be misused or stolen from me...or I could get nervous and shoot out of being scared.   I never ever want to put myself in that situation!!  EVER!

When I see on TV the videos of horrible confrontations when police stop a vehicle and the driver has a gun, I just know it's not going to end well.  How can it?   Both the police and the citizen are afraid. Both have lost trust.  Guns escalate the situation.

So, this is where America is now.  I don't know how we turn the minds of those who fear, or want superiority, or do not trust.  But, making guns harder to get, and making people more responsible with them is achievable.  Please don't think it isn't.  

The times, they are a changin!

Welcome to this week's Hodgepodge.  Another list. My answers.  

 

Something's don't change!

 

 

1. Thursday (September 22) is the first official day of autumn in this part of the world...how will you welcome the season? I know some of you have been celebrating way too early, but it's official now so permission granted. House Beautiful recently listed ten ways to make your home smell like fall (you can read the list here) What's a scent you love this time of year and how will you add it to your home? 

 

How will I celebrate and welcome the new season?  I won't do much really.  I have some autumn decorations but I just carried the box over to the new home.  I may put out a pumpkin on the front porch over there.  It's hard to do anything while we are transitioning from one house to another. 

 

When the weather gets cooler I will change over my wardrobe and put away my summer-y colors, and pull out my jeans and sweaters.

 

Scent?  

 

 I think pumpkin is overly used now. But, I like the smell of a warm loaf of pumpkin bread in the oven, or some apple cider steaming on the stovetop. But, in reality, all I do is change my plug-in air freshener from lavender to spice! lol

2. Apple pie or pumpkin pie? Apple cake or pumpkin bread? Warm apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte?

 

As I answered above pumpkin bread is a winner!  I love both apple pie and pumpkin pie, but I don't really eat them except at Thanksgiving.   Warm apple cider beats out the spice latte.  

3. Do you suffer from what is sometimes referred to as an afternoon slump? What helps ward it off before it hits and/or tell us what helps you shake it off once it's here?

 

Oh yes I do! If I sit down in the afternoon to read a book I doze off. I often make a cup of real, caffeinated coffee to sip while reading to help me stay awake.  My afternoon nap has nothing to do with the quality of the book.  It just happens!  

 

So, what is my best way to ward off the afternoon slump?   Just don't sit down!   

4. Ladies-how have your friendships with women inspired you or made you a better person? For the men here today- how have your friendships with men inspired you or made you a better person?

Friendships with other women is vital for my life.  I love knowing I can hang out with a girlfriend, and talk about 'girly things.'   I think women friendships are really important during the college years and those friendships bonded then tend to last a lifetime!  Friendships with other women when raising your children is also wonderful - sharing stories, laughs, helping to keep sane! ha!  

Am I inspired by my friends?  Yes!  They have many of the same ups and downs that I experience, so they understand, and they know how to say the right thing at just the right time to me.  They show me that 'girl power' is strong, fun, and loving!

5. Are you a people pleaser? If you said yes, do you think that's a good or bad thing? If you said no, do you wish you were more of a people pleaser? 

 

In general, yes, I am a people pleaser.   And, yes, I think it's a good thing.   I never like being in a situation where disagreements get out of hand and regretful words are spoken.  I like to keep everyone calm and happy... so I do what I can, or maybe say something to ease the thick air.  

Saying that, I do not go as far as to do something or say something that would go against my moral and ethical compass! I also won't be walked on.

6. The seasons are a-changin'...share a favorite song relating in some way to change (not necessarily seasonal change, it could be change of any kind).

 

Well, immediately I think of David Bowie's "Changes"...  and then, thinking of season changes, I think of "Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds.   "For everything, there is a season...    turn, turn, turn."  Bob Dylan's "The Times They are a Changin" is another classic. 

7. What do you wish would never change? 

 

Wow! Can I make a list??   I'd like to never change my age again!  I want my adult children to stay the same - happy and healthy.  I never want my husband to have serious ailments.  

Beyond keeping my family and friends the same, I never want people with good hearts to harden.  I don't want to see peace change to war.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

 

We had a realtors Open House today at our home we have on the market.   Instead of "turn, turn, turn" it was "clean, clean, clean!"   Will it make a difference?   I'm not optimistic about it really, but at least my house is CLEAN for a few days!! 

Have a good, healthy, and happy week!

 

 

Patience! No need to hurry through the Hodgepodge.

The Hodgepodge took last week off but it's back again today.  Just for fun, on Tuesdays, our leader comes up with 7 questions and posts them online.  Then we answer them and we meet back and share our answers on Wednesdays.  Want to join in?  Just let me know and I will pass along our leader Joyce's info to you.  In the meantime, here is this week's questions with my answers. 

 

1. What's changed in your life, home, or community since your last birthday? 

 

I can't think of a big change that has happened since my last birthday - which is December 15th.  But, within the month a big change is 'a coming.'  I have mentioned this before here, but hubby and I are getting ready to downsize our home.  We have our house on the market, and we have already purchased a smaller one.  We have been doing some work on the smaller one, and we are taking over lots of the small stuff that we can handle.  Hopefully next week we will have the furniture moved, so then it will become our 'official' residence. 

We will have a new permanent address.

 

2. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like/listen to classical music? If so what's a favorite piece and/or who is a favorite composer?  

Yes, I like to listen to classical music but it's not my 'music of choice' when I am doing work around the house or riding in the car.  Classical music has such wide degrees of volume and I find it hard to listen to it well with just a radio or on my Iphone.   I also find that since I know enough about music in general, and about the different instruments in an orchestra, that I can't really listen passively... I need to sit, and really listen to classical music.

Favorite piece or composer?   I have several for varying reasons.  My Lutheran background and upbringing makes Bach one of my favorite composers.   He wrote much of the music used in the early church.   When it comes to amazing piano concertos I love Rachmoninoff.  I also love the beauty of the Chopin Nocturnes.   Oh - and Mozart!  Strings and Mozart!

3. Besides The Bible, what's a book that has positively changed your life, relationships, career, or perspective? How so? 

 

I just finished reading a book last month that really meant a lot to me, and I may have mentioned it here already. I loved it so much I shared copies with family members.  It is "Across That Bridge. Life lessons and a Vision for Change" by Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis.  

It doesn't take long to read.  Congressman Lewis is such a role model to me on how to work non-violently towards a better life for all. He is a man of faith, and a man not afraid to get into the political world and work endlessly for change and for a better country.  

It's a book that stimulates discussion - and that is always a good thing!

4. I read (here) these ten hobbies will make you smarter...play a musical instrument, read voraciously, meditate regularly, work out your brain (puzzles, sudoku, board games, etc), exercise often, learn a new language, write your feelings down (blog, journal, just write), travel to new places, cook different kinds of meals, participate in sports actively

Are any on this list your current hobbies? Which hobby on the list would you be most inclined to try? 

 

At this point in my life, I don't know if I want to be smarter - I just don't want to lose my brain ability and become dumber!  lol   Of the hobbies on the list above, I already play a musical instrument regularly, I read all the time, I meditate/pray, I work crossword puzzles often, I exercise occasionally (not enough), and I write my feelings down in my blog. 

So... of the hobbies I do not do, I will say I would like to get into golf again.  I played regularly for a good while but then I backed away last year for two reasons:  I got very frustrated with my game.  ha!  Who doesn't??  And, my back had given me pain issues.  Golfing was a challenge with a sore back.   

I do not have a desire to travel to new places or to cook different kinds of meals.

5. What sports traditions does your family have? 

 

I can't say we have any long-standing traditions that have to do with sports. But, in general, we are a family that enjoys watching lots of sports.  Especially football.  We are college and NFL fans.  Some of us like watching tennis too.  We even enjoy watching golf on TV.  

I will definitely pass on watching boxing. 

As for playing sports, we all have dipped our toes into various types of sports... as I said in question 4,  I played golf...and some tennis. 

 

 

6. In a few words, weigh in on the current football/National Anthem brouhaha. Keep it family friendly please. 

 

Although personally I think it's a bit disrespectful to kneel or stay seated during the National Anthem, we live in America and we are allowed Freedom of Speech (and freedom of actions that do not harm others) and we have the right to express ourselves.  Many citizens of other countries do not have that opportunity.

I think the media again is making this a bigger deal than it should be. And, I think once again it causes people to 'take sides' and I don't think we need to be so divisive all the time. 

7. Where do you have loads of patience, and where do you most lack patience? 

 

Ha!  Why is it easier to think of the times I lack patience?!?    I lack it when I get behind a slow driver in the left lane.  I lack it when someone is in line to buy something - and then they get up to the counter and are not prepared to 'check out'... and I lack it when I think something is easy to do, but someone else finds it difficult.  

Where am I most patient?   I do not mind waiting in a long backed up traffic line (or in a  standstill) when I know it's due to a car accident ahead of me.  I pray for the people involved and realize being late to where I am going is no big deal compared to those involved in the accident. 

 

 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

I have not watched "Dancing with the Stars" for a few years - but I did last night.  I was one of those who wondered about how it would go with Ryan Lochte on last night's show.   Yep. The network pulled me in.   If you watched too, you saw, but more 'heard,' the scuffle after he and Cheryl Burke danced.   Someone came out on the stage and yelled about Locht being a liar. I guess the guy was tackled and 'escorted' out.  The camera kept on the judges table during it all.    What do you think?  Part of me kinda thinks it might have been planned...which I realize it pretty cynical of me.  But, how can they not know who is in that audience?  How did someone get in to the room and jump out on to the stage like that without people not knowing ahead of time?    Could the network big-wigs who got me to watch the show last night also had 'allowed' this to occur?   I hate to think so...but I do wonder.  

 

Your thoughts?

 

Have a patient week ahead!!