5/28 Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday again, which means another list of great questions from 
Joyce, over at From This Side of the Pond .. 

1. What news story are you following right now?

I've been following the story of the American pastor, Saeed Abedini, who has been in an Iranian prison since 2012 for "alleged crimes related to his Christian faith". The latest news article was published last week in WND.  He had been transferred to a private hospital in March with stomach pain caused by the beatings he's received. He had been promised medical treatment, but last week he was pulled from his hospital bed, shackled and beaten, then thrown back into a jail cell. His family has pleaded over and over with our government, and the UN, to do something to help him, but so far nothing has been done. 

2. What's the last thing you wanted but didn't get?

I wanted to go out to eat supper tonight, but didn't get to. I had to cook --- again. 

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...when did you last have a hamburger? Other than your own kitchen or BBQ grill, where is your favorite place to go for a hamburger? And for all you non-meat eaters out there...when you're invited to a cookout what is the one side dish you hope is on the menu?

Last Saturday, our daughter had a backyard cook-out where the choice of meat was hamburgers, hot dogs and brats. I don't usually eat much in the way of hamburger, but I tried eating one. I ended up throwing half of it away. I don't do that either (waste food) but I just couldn't do it.

4. How have your priorities changed over time?

When I was younger, there was always those things that I felt were important and we just couldn't live without them. Now that I'm older, I know we could have survived. My priorities now are for the lasting sort, God, family and home. Material things are not important; they don't last. 

5. What's a favorite memory with your grandparents?

I never had grandparents that I could make memories with. I did, however, have a great-grandmother that I visited often. I have some great memories of the time I spent with her. She taught me how to cook on her coal stove, how to do laundry in her wringer washer and how to roll her cigarettes. :)

6. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being fantastic!), how good are you at multitasking? Share an example.

I'd have to say I'm a 2, maybe 3. Back in the days when I worked in a real estate office, I got fairly good at multitasking. Now that I'm retired, I hate to admit I've lost my ability to do that. However, if you consider preparing a big meal as multitasking, then I'm a 10!

7. How would you summarize your highs and lows for the month of May?

The highs were good, happy times and the lows weren't too bad, nothing serious. All in all, it was a good month and I have no complaints. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I've had a very busy morning so this post is getting linked up late again. Our youngest daughter came in and spent some time with us between her appointments. She's a medical massage therapist and today is the day she sees some of her Hospice clients. The doctors have found out that a massage, once a week, helps with their pain. She's been very busy with Hospice. So many patients -- too many. It's sad. 

Memorial Day

Last evening I watched the annual Memorial Day concert held on the mall in front of the Capitol building in DC. It was a very good and very moving program. 

There were hundreds (maybe thousands) of people on the lawn. They had several WWII veterans seated on stage, some in uniform, some not. There were many stories told by people who lost someone very close to them. Very sad stories. It was hard at times to keep a dry eye. At the end of the show, everyone, on stage and all those out on the lawn, stood and sang "God Bless America". 

I couldn't help but think of all those liberals hiding so they couldn't hear it. Actually I was surprised they were allowed to sing that song there. But I was happy they did. I found out later that our "illustrious" President didn't hear it. He was in Afghanistan, supposedly visiting with our troops over there. A grand gesture on his part? Or just to make him look good. I have yet to see any news or photos of his trip. 

I hope you are having a great day. God bless us all and God bless our country. 

Memorial Day Weekend

It has always been a family tradition with us that on this weekend, to ring in a new summer season, we would get the whole family together in our backyard for a cook-out and yard games. For several years, when the grandkids were still young, we also had squirt gun battles that ended in "bucket" battles. It was always so much fun. Some good memories.

A few shots from one of our backyard parties (2010) .....

Grandson #5 

Grandpa always got in on the fun

Grandson #4 battling it out with his dad

Daughter #2 with her youngest son on the right

This year is another story. I guess we can't always keep things the same. And forgive me for being a little nostalgic today. Our holiday weekend this year is so much different. 

Daughter #1 is in Denver, CO with her son. Daughter #2, who lives in MI, is working the weekend and couldn't come down. 

Daughter #3 did have a backyard cook-out last evening and we went over. It was very different since I'm always the one to play host. We did have a good time

We met some new people so I didn't get very many pictures. I couldn't take any with them in the shot, not knowing how they would react, so all I have is those when my family was off out of the crowd. 

Grandson #6 was playing kick ball with one of the gals while Daughter #3, in the background, was throwing a Frisbee with her boyfriend. 

And, how appropriate, on this weekend we met a friend of their's, a young veteran who had spent 2 years in Iraq. Right away, he and my Hubby found several things in common. Bob is also a veteran from the Vietnam era. They spent almost 2 hours together, just talking. This young man, Ryan, has PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), but is getting better, thanks to the support group he attends. He's finally able to talk about some of the things his unit did, the people he worked with, but none of the horrible things he saw. He just kept saying those things changed him and he'll never be able to forget, but he said the thoughts and images are beginning to come less frequent. 

Ryan talking with Bob

He also told Bob he was now in school taking classes to be an EMT. My hubby was also an EMT for years, so they found another common ground. On the drive home, Bob was very quiet. I knew this young man had touched him deeply, but all he'd say was "he's still hurting". Meeting a young man like this, if he feels comfortable talking to a stranger, you just listen.... don't ask questions, just let him talk. And I'd say he was comfortable sharing a lot with Bob. 

So, with that, I'll close. I hope you're having a wonderful weekend with sunshine and smiles. 

Until next time.............. 

5/21 Hodgepodge

Another Wednesday, another group of Hodgepodge. I don't know how Joyce can do it every week, but she always manages to give us a great bunch of questions that makes us think.

Thank you, Joyce, From This Side of the Pond

1. Under what circumstances do you do your best thinking?

When I feel calm and rested, the sun is shining, the house is quiet, the birds are singing and my little corner of the world seems at peace. And if all those things don't fall into place at once, I'll seek out that peace and quiet, usually here in my home office, and I'll try to put my many thoughts in order.

2. Are you a risk taker? What's one big risk you've taken?

I used to be, but I prefer to be called impulsive. I remember one very impulsive risk I took. It was back in 1967. I had only been a wife for one year and my husband was in the Army. He was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina for several months. We wrote each other every day, but I missed him so much that when I got the letter where he said he was finishing a field bivouac and his unit was getting a weekend pass. I got to thinking about nothing else, so when I got off work Friday afternoon, I went home, packed a bag and took off. Back then, there was no Interstate 75, so the route took me through the mountains. It went up and down and around, but I made it. We had a good weekend together and I headed back home (in NW Ohio) Monday morning. Later, when I thought about the dangers of what I had done and what could have happened was when I got scared. 

3. Some of the most common phobias according to the National Institute for Mental Health are - fear of spiders (arachnaphobia), snakes (ophidiophobia), heights (acrophobia), fear of spaces from which escape is difficult (agoraphobia), fear of thunder and lightening (astrophobia), fear of dogs (cynophobia), injections (trypanophobia), social situations, flying (pteromerhanophobia) and fear of germs and dirt (mysophobia). True phobias affect only about 10% of adults, but of those listed which would you rate as your greatest fear

Well, it's a toss-up between the spiders, snakes and heights. I guess what I go through could be called a fear. When it comes to the snakes and spiders, I would call it a "healthy respect"...... a detriment to MY health. And I don't a fear of heights, either. It's a fear of "hitting the ground suddenly". hehehe

4. Are you settled or do you feel the need to move somewhere new?

I often think about moving into a new house and out of my old bungalow with all it's many problems. I'm not restless; I'm just upset that I can't do the things I used to do and take care of them myself.

5. What is something you find annoying when dining in a restaurant?

Screaming kids. I know, for the parents, it can't always be easy to remedy, especially if it's a young toddler. I've been there and done that, so I can't be angry or get upset over it. What does annoy me is the older kids who should know better. The parents should have taught them how to act in public. They're the worst. 

6. Daffodil yellow, sunset orange, spring green, or sky blue...your favorite color this time of year?

The sky blue. It's such a beautiful color. What is even prettier is when I look at that sky through the new green leaves on the trees. I love the shades of green and blue together. 

7. If you were going to take a holiday all by yourself, where would you go?

I don't think that I'd ever do that. I couldn't. I don't like to travel by myself. I can't even travel the 30 miles to the next town to go shopping at their big mall. There's strength in numbers.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the completely opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk. Just asking. :) 

♪ ♫ Thursday Tunes ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

I wonder if there is anyone on the face of this earth that would say they don't like music of any kind. I can't fathom that.

As I was growing up, music was always there in the background - in the house, in the car, everywhere I went, and I always found something in each song I heard, no matter how old I was, that I could sing to or dance to. I might not have been good at it, but I could make the moves and the noises.

In the late 1940's through the 1950's, as I was going through my early, informative years, I heard so many different genre of songs. Mother always had on the radio or played her vinyl records on her record player. I grew up listening to the Big Bands, Swing music. She didn't sing, she whistled. I can still hear her and it brings fond memories. As a result, my favorites during those years were Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman (and Gene Krupa's drums). I still can't keep my feet still when I hear this.



In the 1960's, I was a teenager and the music changed. There was Chubby Checker, Elvis Presley, The Ventures, Roy Orbison and Brenda Lee, just to name a few.



That was also a sad time, with the Viet Nam war and my school mates being drafted, worried we'd never see them again. And the music changed.



In the 1970's, I was a young mother, a stay-at-home mom (which I loved). I had our 8-track collection that played most of the day. We had the Village People, Blondie, The Who, Roberta Flack and Barbra Streisand.



The 1980's brought a new sound. As I was getting older, my tastes in music just couldn't keep up with the new songs coming out. There were very few I would listen to. That's when I turned to country-western music. It was during this time I found Waylon Jennings, Mickey Gilley, Charlie Pride and Kenny Rogers.



When the 1990's came around, I was pretty much hanging onto the country-western songs. The new music during that time was the rock and hip-hop (with dirty words) that I didn't care for and still don't, even though I heard it on my daughters' stereos and car radios.

Which brings me to the new century, 2000 to today, and my music tastes have changed a lot. Now I'm listening to classical. Back in 1970, if you would have told me that I would be listening to it when I reach my 60's, I would have argued with you. However, it's true. My tastes have turned to Chopin, Beethoven, Albinoni and some Tchaikovsky.



So, to all the music lovers out there, I hope I have touched on some of your music memories. With your favorite tunes playing in the background, tell me what you're listening to.

Until next time.......

Hodgepodge 5/14

Today's Hodgepodge questions and my answers:

1. It's still May, right? When were you last in the middle of something that might be described as mayhem?  I can't think of anything right now. I live a quiet life. For that, I thank God every day.

2. When did you last feel dismayed?  Dismay: verb \dis-ˈmā, diz-\ : to cause (someone) to feel very worried, disappointed, or upset; to cause to lose courage or resolution, as because of alarm or fear; upset or perturbed. 

To cause to lose courage or resolution..... every time a severe storm warning comes on. I become a coward.

3. What's a food combination you like, but other people may find strange?  I put sugar on my spaghetti. Not much, just a sprinkle. My gr-grandmother put sugar in her tomato recipes and that's what Mom and I did too. Then I got married and Hubby didn't like it, so I just sprinkle what's on my plate.

4. "It is never too late to be what you might have been." Do you think that's true? Why or why not?  That depends on what it is and age. If I wanted to be a model or a brain surgeon, then yes, it's too late. But if I wanted to go to college for the higher education, then no, it's not too late. However, if I just wanted to be a happy, caring woman, it's never too late for that either.

5. US News and World Report listed the best historic destinations in the US as follows-Washington D.C, Philadelphia PA, Williamsburg VA, Charleston SC, Boston MA, Richmnd VA, Savannah, GA, Santa Fe NM, Yellowstone, San Antonio TX, San Francisco CA, New Orleans LA, and Charlottesville VA. Of those listed how many have you seen in person? Which two sites on the list would you most like to see in person?  Out of that list, the only place I've been is San Antonio TX. The two I would most like to see would be Boston and Savannah. And that's only for the history each one holds. 

6. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. If you had to participate in a single fitness activity for the next half hour, which activity would you choose?   Walking.... that's all I'd be able to do. 

7. What did you like best about the city, town, or neighborhood where you grew up?  Our neighborhood, our small town, was a safe place to live. We never worried about the things that are present today. We could leave our doors open and not worry about thieves or home-invasions. We never worried about any child being stolen because everyone watched out for all the kids, not just their own. The neighbors kept an eye on each other. We didn't even know what a drive-by shooting was. It was a good time and a good place to grow up. 

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.  On this day, in 1965, I was preparing for my high school graduation. It was also the day that Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones recorded the song "Satisfaction". Just thought I'd throw that in for fun. 

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day, Ladies. I hope you all are having a great day.

My tribute on this day is always to my mother.... Evelyn Jane (1918-1989). She was a strong, loving woman who would help anyone in need, doing whatever she could, from food, clothing, support or just a listening ear.

I wrote a bit about her the other day so I won't repeat myself today. Here's a look at the woman I called "Mom".

In 1921, my grandmother took her to a professional photographer for her first portrait. She had just turned 3 years old. ( I love this photo )

My father was drafted in the first months of WW2 and before he was shipped out to go overseas, he took this picture of Mom to take with him. This was 1943.

When Dad returned home 3 years later, they started their family. She was to have 3 children with him before he walked out on us. I'm the oldest, then my sister and brother. Our mother used every bit of her strength to raise us on her own after that, working a full time job, plus odd jobs now and then, cleaning other people's homes. I've always admired my mother's strength and will-power. She was an amazing woman. 

In 1980, when this picture was taken, we had all given her 7 grandchildren which she adored. (One grandson isn't in this picture at this time. He was born later. ) 

Mom died a few years later, (my father died the following year all alone), but a day doesn't go by that I don't miss her. The pain of that loss lessens as the years go by, but it's still there. No matter how old I get, I figure I'll never get too old that I'll not want my mother. She would be so proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren today. 

Mother's Day Weekend

I've had some crazy, busy days this week. Hence, my absence from Blogger. 

Hubby went to the doctor Tues. about the pains he's had in his upper chest. They drew blood at the lab next door and he's on Prednisone for the "possible" inflammation. He goes back to the doctor in 2 weeks. I pray the doctor's diagnosis is true and this will take care of the problem.  

Wednesday we got word that his cousin's wife died suddenly the night before from heart failure. Bob spent the next 24 hrs. trying to get hold of his brothers to make arrangements for flowers and our trip to go see his cousin and the rest of the family. We got to the funeral home last evening and spent the next 3 hrs. with them. 

While we were there, I get a severe storm warning on my cell phone. I kept an eye on the radar and the sky. When we were leaving the funeral home, the sky was an ugly black and was starting to rain. We decided to stay in town and let it blow over so we wouldn't get caught in it driving home. The 5 of us went into town to Bob Evans where we ate too much and drank too much coffee. We then headed for home around 9:30 pm. I contacted some friends at home via Facebook to see what the storm was doing. (There's a lot to be said for the social sites.) They told me it wasn't too bad as long as the power stayed on. From what the warning was saying, I expected to see fallen trees and downed power lines, but everything seemed alright. No damage at our house anyways. 

The day is half over and I haven't accomplished a thing. It's just so nice to relax and not have anything pressing that needs to be done. 

Oh, this is great... Blogger won't let me save or publish this. This has happened many times before, so I'll keep trying. 

Until next time........ 

Hodgepodge 5/7

Another Wednesday, which means another list of great questions from Joyce over at "From This Side of the Pond"  Here

1. Share something you appreciate (or something you appreciated as you were growing up) about your mother. Her strength. She worked a full-time job, a hard job that not every woman could handle, plus took care of my younger sister, brother and me by herself. (our father walked out on us). I saw her on many mornings how she was bone tired, but she dressed and went to work while I fed us breakfast and we walked to school. She never gave up. She had the kind of strength I didn't know was possible and still kept telling us kids that we will be ok.

2. A quote most commonly ascribed to Plato reads "Necessity is the mother of invention." When did this last play out in your own experience?  When our girls were little, there were times when money was scarce, but I managed to put together an evening meal for the 5 of us with the few items I had on hand.

3. Share one of the earliest memories you have from childhood.  When I was 5, Mom and I lived with Great-grandma. I remember Mom leaving one day and was gone for a very long time (it seemed to me). When she came back, she had a baby in her arms. I was fascinated with this little screamer at first, until Mom said we were keeping her! "No! Take her back where you found her!"

4. When did you last 'hit the mother lode'? What was it?  That is a tough question. I can't think of anything.

5. What is/was your favorite dish mom made? Do you make that dish for your family/friends now that you're all grown up?  Mom made the best fried potatoes and onion with wilted lettuce. We all loved it. And yes, I will make it occasionally for hubby and I even tho' it's not at all healthy, fried in bacon drippings.

6. Mother May I? was at one time a popular children's game. It required no equipment or parts to play. What was your favorite childhood game where you could just turn up and play- no gear needed?  Hide and Seek, of course. There were several children in our neighborhood and in the summer we were all allowed to play outside until the street lights came on. As the sun was setting, and shadows of the trees were growing darker, that was the perfect time to hide.

7. Which TV mom (past or present) is your favorite, and why?  Caroline Ingles from Little House on the Prairie. She was portrayed as another strong, hard working mother, patient and gentle.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Random Thoughts for Saturday

I have an online friend that knows how much I love to see photos of far-away places around the world, so he often sends me groups of pictures he finds that were taken by very talented photographers. So many of them fascinate me and I thought I'd share a couple with you.

This is the lighted Cherry Blossom Lake in Sakura, Japan.

Such a beautiful color. 

This one is a little closer to home. 

Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia.

I have no plans for today, just the usual. I'm just finishing up a load of laundry and I'll be making a pot of spaghetti sauce for supper in a little while.

There's nothing new to report from here. Daughter #3 came in yesterday when she finished work and I went out to WalMart with her. She's much better after that ordeal she went through last weekend. Since she found out she had a battle with low blood sugar, we shopped for grocery items she can eat for meals and items she can carry with her. I want to thank everyone again for the prayers for her. God has heard us.

Do you wear an apron when you cook? I've been thinking of looking for one like Gr-Grandma wore. When I make my spaghetti sauce, it never fails -- I always manage to get some on me. Some times I'll change clothes and put on a black t-shirt white I cook. Today I'm wearing a yellow top, so I'll have to change. I need that apron. Do you like this one?

Our grand-daughter had her first ultra-sound this week and she reported her "babybug" is healthy with a strong heart beat. We're praying the little one continues growing strong and healthy for the next 6 months. I can't wait to hold my first great-grandchild.

The primary election is this coming Tuesday. I've been doing my homework and finding out as much as I can about the candidates and the issues, so I can go to the polls with my decisions made.

Until next time............