Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.

1. July is National Ice Cream month...your favorite flavor? Soft served, hand dipped, or frozen yogurt...which do you prefer? And technically yogurt is not ice cream but its hot outside so I'll let that slide for today.

Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream is my favorite. I love the combination of the cool mint with chocolate. Ice cream is my first choice for a treat. I also love maple walnut, butter pecan and vienna mocha chunk. But really, there are only a few flavors that I don't like, black raspberry being one of them.

2. When you travel do you tend to pack too much or too little?

Too much! I always come home with clean clothes that were never touched. My husband says he never has to think about anything when we travel because I have everything covered. I like to be prepared :)


3. What's your favorite cleaning product?

White vinegar. I keep a spray bottle of vinegar and water next to my sink. I love that I can spray it next to food and not worry about toxic chemicals getting into our food. It works great on mirrors and glass too. I also add some to the rinse cycle of my laundry and it works as a fabric softener. It is so cheap- I wish I knew about it earlier.


4. Which is the greater tragedy-an innocent person imprisoned or a guilty person set free? Explain.

I would have to say an innocent person imprisioned. I can't imagine the feeling of being locked up with a bunch of criminals knowing I was innocene- torture. For that person to have to be surrounded with such evil and filth each day is unthinkable. On the other hand, no one would want a guilty person on the streets but he/she would not be able to escape their Judge. If their conscience didn't torment them, the thought that they will one day have to answer to God will.


5. What's the longest trip you've taken by car?

I have driven from New York to Florida several times. I don't remember how many miles it is, but it took over 20 hours. I love driving through all the different states along the way. (Aunt Carol, if you are reading I hope to do it again soon!)One day I would love to travel cross country. Thought I might do that after high school but it never happened. I started college and work right away.


6. tennis-golf-canoeing-biking...pick one.

Canoeing. Yuck for tennis and golf and I can't bike anymore because of my back. If I could sit up straight I probably could.



7. What sound drives you crazy?

I hate to even write it....fingernails on a chalkboard!


8. Insert your own random thought here.

A couple of weeks ago there was a Harry Potter question on here. Someone asked me why I don't read or watch or allow my children to. I am still waiting for the time to sit down and answer that question on my blog. I know the answer just need to get it written out.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is dark now. Today was much cooler than it has been (78 degrees).

I am thinking... time for bed.

I am thankful for... a break from the humidity today.

From the learning rooms... it is nice to be on summer break. I cleaned out the schoolroom today :)

From the kitchen... I was planning on grilling pork chops but it was raining. Instead I made buttermilk pancakes and sausage.

I am wearing... denim capris and a white t-shirt.

I am going... to have a busy rest of the week. This weekend is our church's 15th anniversary celebration.

I am reading... the Bible, Womanly Dominion: More than a Meek and Gentle Spirit by Mark Chanski, The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson, Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George.

I am hearing... the fan, TV and the dryer going.

One of my favorite things... blueberry iced tea with a splash of lemonade over ice. I make the tea from Celestial Seasonings Blueberry and use Newman's Lemonade. So good!

A picture for sharing... my view of swimming lessons last week- can't you just see the heat?!


Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.


1. How has your hometown changed since you were a kid? What has changed most about the neighborhood you grew up in?

Well since I now live further "out east" I feel like my old neighborhood is like the city although it is a suburb. There seems to be a lot more traffic and many of the businesses have changed. Some old favorites are still there like the Carvel up the block where we always went for ice cream. When I was a little kid I remember it being a walk up window with a big ice cream cone on top of the building. Now it has booths in it and is much bigger and more modern and did I mention much more expensive!


2. What song makes you laugh?

"This is the song that never ends..." I don't know all the words but it is just a silly little children's song that sticks in your head when you hear it.



3. Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Read the books? Seen any/all of the movies? Will you be standing in line somewhere close to midnight later this week? For those of you playing along today who live outside the US or UK is Harry Potter a phenomenon in your part of the world?

No, No, No, No. I won't allow my children to either.


4. If the truth hurts, will you tell a lie? Are we better off as a society in a world that allows no form of deception whatsoever?

I don't think I would but after reading Joyce's response I have to reconsider. I don't like to hurt someone's feelings so... I may not tell them the absolute truth if they asked me how the food was and I didn't like it. I just might smile and say "great, thanks" and leave it at that. On the other hand if it really was great I would go on and on telling them! I mean who wants to be ungrateful and a complainer. If someone took the time to cook for me I am thankful for it. Yes, we are better off with a world that doesn't allow deception. It is everywhere. Just think about TV commercials. People are deceived into thinking they will get the perfect body in six weeks with only ten minutes of exercise three times a week! Kids are deceived into thinking if they wear certain brands of clothes they will be as cool as the kids wearing them on TV.


5. What is your favorite 'sauteed in garlic and butter' food? Or garlic and olive oil if that makes you feel better.

Tomato sauce. I start my sauce with garlic sauteed in olive oil. Then add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, parsley, basil and a pinch of sugar. I have no idea how much... I eyeball it. I have trouble sharing that recipe ;)


6. Attending any reunions this summer/year? High school? family? Other? Do these events stir up excitement or dread?

No. I didn't go to my high school 20th reunion last year. I had no interest in going. The friends that are special I still keep in touch with and that is only a select few.


7. Lilac, hydrangea, peony...pick one.

Hydrangeas! I have a few bushes in the yard and they are so pretty- whether blue or purple. I had them in my wedding flowers although they were fake since it was November in NY. All the rest of the flowers were real though so I don't think anyone even noticed.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

Why do people talk about personal details of their lives on their cell phones in public? I mean really Mr. who sits next to us at swimming lessons did I need to know every job you have ever had? Especially that you earned $30 to strip at a bachelorette party in college? Your wife would be so happy to know that perfect strangers now know all those details. And who could you have been talking to on your cell phone? Oh I shouldn't be so presumptive; maybe you don't have a wife. Really is it necessary to sit there with your feet propped up against the fence where all the other parents are trying to look through to see their kids? Arrogant, indeed. Oh and I think you mentioned you are now a teacher. Great, just great. I bet those students would be proud to have seen and heard you on this day (sorry just the former public school teacher in me coming out :).

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is sunny and hot. I need to be in the A/C or in a pool.

I am thinking... I have to get that laundry started. It is hot downstairs where my washer and dryer are so I don't look forward to it. Maybe I'll have to find a fan.

I am thankful for... a family where there is a lot of love.

From the learning rooms... it is nice to be on summer break.

From the kitchen... yesterday I made homemade whole wheat pizza. Since it is too hot for the oven I will throw something on the grill for dinner.

I am wearing... black bermudas and a persimmon colored crew neck.

I am going... to the dentist for a consult today. I need to get some work done and have been putting it off for a long time.

I am reading... the Bible, Womanly Dominion: More than a Meek and Gentle Spirit by Mark Chanski, The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson, Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George.

I am hearing... the A/C, birds chirping. The kids are outside with my hubby so it is really quiet. Well the door just squeaked and my hubby came in to get something- LOL.

One of my favorite things... getting take out and going to the beach. We are planning that for tomorrow so I don't have to cook on my birthday.

A picture for sharing... the picnic area of the beach we go to. Photo credit here.



Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.

1. What is the most useful book in your house?

The Bible. It is our instruction manual for life.

2. What's worse-being too hot or too cold?

Too hot!!! I can't stand being hot and it seems I often am! When you are cold you can always grab another blanket or add another layer, but when you are hot there isn't much you can do (besides jump in a pool or stand in front of the A/C).

3. Share something that made you smile this past weekend.

My son lost his second top front tooth so now there is a big space there. He was so excited and happy to smile and show us his new "hole" :)

4. How do you like your hamburgers? Or don't you?

Medium-well with cheese, pickles, red onions and ketchup on an English Muffin. Buns are good too.

5. What's your summer beach read? If it's not summer in your part of the world then tell us what book you're reading in front of the fire while sipping hot cocoa.

The bible, The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson, Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski. I like to look at magazines while sitting outside- they don't require too much focus :)

6. How was your birthday celebrated when you were a kid?

Always with a party and cake. Birthdays are always big celebrations, especially since mine is in the summer!

7. What's something that is totally uncool that you love anyway?

Totally uncool....hum. Not sure about that. I bet some of my friends could give you an answer- lol.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

For some odd reason I seem to be attached to the TV after hearing the verdict on the Casey Anthony case. I didn't follow the whole trial but was shocked to hear the verdict. What do you all think about it?

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is hot! 86 degrees and sunny. I know this may not seem hot for some of you, but for this Long Island girl it is!

I am thinking... I would love to jump in a pool right now.

I am thankful for... a great day yesterday with family and friends celebrating our country's independence.

From the learning rooms... reading, reading and more reading for the summer :)

From the kitchen... I have to still figure out what I am making for dinner. Maybe sausage on the grill?

I am wearing... light beige bermudas, lavender polo and pink flip-flops.

I am going... to acupuncture tomorrow.

I am reading... the Bible, Womanly Dominion: More than a Meek and Gentle Spirit by Mark Chanski, The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson, Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George.

I am hearing... the A/C, ceiling fan, and TV.

One of my favorite things... meltaway cake from our local bakery. It is like a coffee cake ring with chocolate in the middle and a thick layer of hard chocolate on the top. We brought it for dessert yesterday.

A picture for sharing...

Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook