Wednesday's Hodgepodge

 Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. This coming weekend is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. Do you celebrate Easter in your home? What was your favorite Easter tradition as a child?

Yes, we celebrate Easter in our home.  I remember always dressing up for Easter as a child, with a pretty dress, hat, white gloves and little pocketbook.  We would dye eggs and wake up Easter morning to big baskets overflowing with goodies.  The day was always spent celebrating with family and lots of good food. 

2. George Weinberg is quoted as saying, 'Hope never abandons you, you abandon it.' Agree or disagree? Share your own thoughts on the word hope.

I agree in the sense that we choose to have hope, but disagree in the sense that Jesus is the true hope and he will never abandon His children.  Does that make sense?  At first glance it looked like a simple question ;)

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,…”  Hebrews 6:19

“Jesus Christ is the object and ground of the believer’s hope, and so it is a stedfast hope.”  Matthew Henry

3. Weigh in with a yay or nay on the traditional Easter candies. A solid milk chocolate bunny? Cadbury Creme Eggs? Peeps? Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs? Jellybeans? Coconut Cream Eggs? Of the candies listed, which one would you most like to find in your Easter basket?

Yay to a solid milk chocolate bunny (Russell Stover is the best), peeps and jelly beans.  Nay to Cadbury Crème Eggs, and I’m neutral as far as Reese’s PB Eggs and Coconut Cream Eggs.  One of my favorite eggs is Russell Stove Maple Crème Eggs.  With my dietary restrictions I can only eat 70% dark chocolate, Peeps and jelly beans but this year I am requesting no candy.  I already had some Peeps and jelly beans this season and I started a 30 day detox on Monday.  A couple of years ago we made our own Easter chocolates.  Here are some photos:

4. When did you last feel 'like a kid in a candy store'?

On Tuesday at our local party store, which is going out of business.  They are going to put another brand new bank in its place.  Isn’t that what everyone needs, another bank?!  Anyway, everything was on sale so I stocked up on greeting cards and bought some holiday decorations for the fall and winter.  I couldn’t resist the seasonal stuff which was on sale for 75% off. 

5. What's something you know you do differently than most people? Does that bother you? Does it bother other people?

I am sure I do a lot of things differently than most people.  The thing that comes to mind is using a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door in public restrooms.  It doesn’t bother me.  Actually it would bother me if I didn’t do it.  I don’t think it bothers other people but I do get some strange looks at times. 

6. Palm Springs CA, Palm Beach FL, or the PALMetto State...of the three mentioned, which sunny spot would you most like to visit right now? Which have you visited at one time or another?

I’d pick Palm Beach, Florida.  Actually, West Palm Beach, since that is where my aunt lives.  I’ve visited several times over the years, although wish I could visit more.  The last time we were there was in September, 2013. 

7. If you could change the length of a day would you lengthen it or shorten it? Tell us why.

I think I would shorten it.  Maybe then I’d get to bed earlier.  I usually get my second wind at night. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Here is another favorite Easter dessert we like to make.  Isn't he cute?

 ~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. Share a favorite song, book, or movie title containing the word green?

"The Life of Timothy Green". 

2. Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, 'Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.' Would you agree? Are you a believer in luck?

Yes, I agree.  I am not a believer in luck.  I believe in God’s favor and blessings.

3. Spring water, Hot Springs, handspring, spring fling, spring break, spring fever, offspring...which 'spring' word best applies to something in your day, week, or life right now?

I don't think any of them apply right now, but I'll say spring break.  I'm thinking about how much time we will take off from school for spring break.  We aren't going on vacation but I do have a few things I'd like to get done so we will probably take some time off.

4. What's something you do to make yourself look or feel more confident?

I use Henna on my hair. It makes my grays looks like highlights and makes my hair shiny and soft. 

5.  It's National Celery Month...are you a fan? If so, what's a snack or dish you enjoy that calls for celery?

Not really.  I use celery when making chicken soup but that is usually the only time I look for it. 

6. What's one thing you wish you'd learned sooner?

How to cook and bake from scratch.  I laugh when I think about how hard I thought it was.  With the internet and Pinterest, you can find a recipe to make just about anything from scratch.  My favorite to make would have to be gravy. 

7. Would you like to own a second home? If so where would you want that home to be?

That thought has not crossed my mind.  The taxes are so high here I don't think it is something likely to happen.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Did you do anything special for St. Patrick's Day yesterday?  We made Irish Soda Bread and watched some of the NYC parade on TV.  And of course spoke with an Irish accent for the day :)  

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun! 

1. What's the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word 'spring'? Which phrase best describes the season of spring where you live right now (today)-sprung! almost there, or still waiting?

Tulips, beautiful, colorful tulips!  Spring is almost here.  There is still a lot of snow on the ground, but I hear more birds chirping in the morning, the robins are out and you can feel it in the air.  Spring is just around the corner.  

2. Bed, couch, stapler, garage door, computer mouse, recliner, flashlight, door knob...which household item containing springs most needs replacing in your home? Speaking of springs...did you ever own a Slinky?

Couch, hands down.  We bought a leather couch and loveseat set not too long ago, but it didn’t hold up very well. First the levers that make the seats recline broke, next the material started peeling.   I bought quilted covers but they are a pain in the neck.  They were sliding all over the place, so I put non-slip tape underneath.  It helped a little but the covers have to be adjusted constantly.  I don’t ever want to buy a leather couch again. 

Yes, I owned a slinky.  I used to love making it go down the stairs. 

3. March is Women's History Month. Share a favorite quote by a woman.

“But when I’m the center of my world, my world becomes very small—because I’m the only person in it. When I try to find fulfillment in anything besides loving Christ and serving Him, I will only end up more frustrated and completely unfulfilled.”

By Carolyn Mahaney

4. What's a question that looms large in your mind right now?

Is Spring-like weather going to stay for a while or is the heat and humidity going to come early?

5. Are you a sugar freak? By that I mean how much do you love sugar? With all the bad press sugar gets these days, have you made any efforts to reduce the amount of sugar you consume?

How about a reformed sugar freak?  I do love sugar but have really reduced the amount I consume.  I don’t add it to my coffee or tea, but do use it in baking.  Usually I can even cut back the amount used in recipes and it still tastes good.  I’ve been on a few diets that cut out sugar and I can say that after the first week or so the cravings do go away.  Now if I’d only stay on those diets ;) 

6. Would you rather have less work to do or more work you enjoy doing?

I’d say more work that I enjoy doing.  At first less work sounds good, but I’d be bored after a while.  I like to be productive.  Plus an idle mind is not a good thing. 

7. Ever been to Texas? Of the top ten Texas tourist attractions which would you most like to see-The Alamo, The San Antonio River Walk, The State Capital, Dallas World Aquarium, Padre Island National Seashore, Houston Space Center, Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Six Flags Fiesta Texas,  Moody Gardens, or Galveston Island?

Yes, I’ve been to Texas, back in 1997 for my childhood friend’s wedding.  My other friend and I traveled together to be bridesmaids. It is very hot there, especially in September.  I think I’d like to see Galveston Island since I think it would be cooler on the water. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Temps today are supposed to be near 60.  Time to open the windows and let some fresh air in.  Isn't that one of the best things about Spring?

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

 Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. 'In like a lion, out like a lamb'...does the first part of this saying describing March weather ring true where you live? 

Yes, it certainly does!  It is still very cold and we are still getting snow.  I’ve noticed that it is staying lighter longer in the day and I’ve been hearing more birds chirp in the morning but the weather has still been roaring. 

2. March 4th is National Grammar Day. What common grammatical error bothers you the most? 

The use of there, their and they’re.  There is actually a website about the correct use of these words: http://www.theretheyretheir.com.

3. William Arthur Ward says- 'The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.' Which one are you?

I’d like to think I am a realist. 

4. What's something you need to 'march forth and conquer' this month?

I am trying to clean out the basement, which is used a lot for storage.  I listed some kids’ clothes on ebay yesterday, have started a bag for thredup and a donation bag.  Have you heard about thredup?  It is an online thrift type boutique.  You order a bag, fill it, put it out for the mailman to take and they pay you.  You can also buy some great clothes and accessories from them.  Some are brand new, while most are gently used.  If you are interested, let me know and I’ll refer you and both you and I will get $10 to spend. 

5. An ongoing debate around here...do you dust first, then vacuum or vacuum first, then dust? Of the two routine household chores, which do you dislike the least? How's that for wording? 

You dust first, then vacuum.  That way you vacuum up all the dust that falls while you are dusting.  I dislike vaccuming the least. 

6. According to thrilllist.com, the ten most photographed sites in the U.S.A. are- Cinderella's Castle in Orlando, Southernmost House in Key West Florida, The Space Needle in Seattle, The Site of the Boston Massacre in Boston, The Bellagio Lake/fountains in Las Vegas, The Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, Coit Tower in San Fransisco, The Art Institute of Chicago, Niagara Falls, and snagging the number one spot-The Guggenheim Museum in New York City. 

How many on this list have you photographed? Which on the list would you most like to visit and photograph?

I don’t think I’ve photographed any of those.  I’d like to visit Key West again, so I’d say Southernmost House. 

7. Fifty years ago Monday (March 2, 1965) The Sound of Music premiered at the Rivoli Theatre in NYC. Have you seen the film? Do you own a copy? On a scale of 1-10 how much do you love it (or not)? Ten=best movie ever. If you're a fan, what's your favorite scene or song from the movie? 

I love The Sound of Music.  I’d say it is an eight.  I don’t remember seeing it as a kid but enjoy watching it with my family now.  My favorite scene is when Maria is dancing an Austrian dance and then Captain comes over and asks her for a dance.  At one point during the dance their eyes meet and you can just feel it!  She blushes and the Baroness is watching.  It is obvious to everyone that Captain belongs with Maria. 

When I was in high school I had the best Math teacher, Mr. Silver.  All of the kids loved him.  He would sing “How do you solve a problem like Teriya” instead of “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” about me (Theresa).  It was a joke.  Really, I wasn’t a problem.  At least not for him ;)

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The weather is mild today with light rain.  Tonight it is supposed to change over to sleet, then snow.  The forecast says we will get 6-8 inches of snow by Thursday night.  That is good news for the snow ramp we built on our front lawn.  My husband threw the snow from the snow blower there on purpose.  It must be eight feet tall.  The kids made a nice ramp to go down on their round flying saucer sleds.   

I saw a video on youtube called “Looney Luge”.  It was filmed here on Long Island.  I think we may have to try that next. Doesn't it look like fun?

~Theresa