Hickory Dickory Dock Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. This is the last Hodgepodge in April. Share something you learned this month.

Contractor time is different from standard time.  We've had various workers here the past couple of weeks and they all are on their own time schedule. 

2.  It's National Poetry Month, and we all know you can't escape an April Hodgepodge without a little poetry. Keeping the first line as is, change the rest of the wording in this familiar rhyme to make it your own - 'Hickory Dickory Dock...

please let me wake before the clock!

I do not like waking up to an alarm clock, especially when it is an annoying beeping sound.

3. What were one or two rules in the home you grew up in? Growing up, did you feel your parents were strict? Looking back do you still see it that way? 

Clean up after yourself and don't bring food into the house unless you are willing to share.  My parents were not strict.  Yes, looking back I still see it that way.  I am way stricter!

4. Tell us about a kitchen or cooking disaster or mishap you've experienced. Do you have many from which to choose? 

Thankfully, I can't think of too many.  I remember putting the waffle iron in the oven once when unexpected company was on the way.  I forgot I put it there and later turned the oven on.  I caught it in time so the waffle iron wasn't ruined.  That should teach me to not hide things in the oven. 

5. Plant a kiss, plant doubt, plant a tree, plant yourself somewhere...which on the list have you most recently planted? 

Plant doubt.  With many house projects planned it is easy to doubt they will get done. 

6. What's your most worn item of clothing this time of year? Are you tired of it? 

Capris.  I have them in a few different colors and denim and wear them every day that I don't have to be dressed up.  I am not tired of them.  I actually found super comfortable ones at Kohls a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to wear them. 

7. I'm wrapping up the A-Z Blog Challenge this month and our Hodgepodge lands on letter W. What's one word beginning with W that describes you in some way? How about a word to describe your home, also beginning with W?

Warm.  I like to think that I am a warm person and not cold and standoffish.  I would describe my home as welcoming.  I like everyone who enters to feel comfortable and at home.  I try to let everyone who comes over know they are welcome. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

With the arrival of Spring, many birds have been visiting our backyard.  Usually I see bluejays and an occasional cardinal.  The other day I saw this little bright yellow bird in the tree.  It didn't look like a bird you'd see in nature, more of a bird you'd see in a cage as someone's pet.  When our roofer was here he told me it was a finch.  I've seen several since and they are the cutest little birds.  My favorite spot in the Spring is out on the deck listening to the birds and drinking a cup of tea.  If I was better at taking pictures and always having my camera ready I would have a picture, but I'll have to work on that ;)

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. What's the last thing you did that could be described as 'taxing'?

Communicating back and forth with the bank.  I kept asking if they needed any other papers sent over and they would say no.  Then someone else would call and ask for the same papers that I had already sent over.  At one point I was told "that's what happens when you deal with multiple people" and I responded with "I didn't ask to deal with multiple people" :).  Finally it seems to be completed but I will know for sure later today. 

2. If you could plant a garden of anything, what would be in it?

Organic, non-gmo corn.  Corn on the cob has to be one of the best summer foods.  I used to eat it frequently until I found out most USA corn is made from genetically modified organisms.  It isn't so easy to find organic corn on the cob but in the summer I am always looking for it. 

3. April 10-16 is National Library Week...will you celebrate with a visit to your nearest library? When did you last make a trip to the library? What are you reading right now? What's one title on your want-to-read list?

I don't have the library on my list this week, although I will renew a book for my son by phone or on the computer.  We have a great library just a few minutes away and I was there a couple of weeks ago to return some books.  I usually request books online and they call me when they are ready for pickup.  It is very convenient and saves a lot of time.  I'm not reading anything for myself at the moment but am reading Peter Pan with my son. 

4. Share a saying or an old wives tale you heard while growing up, you believed to be true or that you paid attention to 'just in case'?

When you are riding in a car and go over the railroad tracks you are supposed to lift your feet and touch the ceiling with your hands.  It was one of many silly games we played as kids riding in the car.  My big sister did it so I figured I better do it too. 

5. Are you a fan of onions? Garlic? Ginger? What's a dish you love that contains one, two or all three items listed?

Yes, I like all three.  I like pan fried onions with my hamburgers or pork chops.  My favorite dish with garlic would be my tomato sauce.  I don't make any dishes with ginger but like the flavor of it in ginger ale or making a cup of hot tea from fresh ginger root. 

6.  Where does nurturing end and indulging begin? What are some skills or qualities you think a person needs to posess in order to be viewed as mature?

I have no idea.  I am looking forward to reading how others answer this one.  I think in order for one to be viewed as mature they must be responsible, not overly emotional, dependable and steadfast. 

7. What leading figure in any field would you like to hear speak, and why?

I'm drawing a blank on this one.  I can't think of anyone in particular at the moment, but someone from the field of natural health because I always want to learn more about that.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I completed seven days of the whole 30 program.  I got through a massive headache that lasted from Thursday night until Sunday (part of the adjustment of eating no sugar or other junk) and can feel the difference already.  23 more days and then I plan on switching to following a Paleo diet, which is a tiny bit less restrictive.  Hopefully I can be at my goal by Christmas. 
Have a great rest of the week :)

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. What does retirement mean to you? Are you planning for it, not thinking about it, looking forward to it, or dreading it?

Retirement doesn't mean much to me.  I'm not thinking about it. 

2. It's International Guitar Month...do you play? Does anyone in your family play? What's a song you especially like to hear played on the guitar or a favorite song featuring the guitar?

No, I do not play guitar, or any other instrument for that matter.  No one in my immediate family plays.  A favorite song is "Who'll Stop The Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. 

3. What's your comfort food?

My comfort food is ice cream.  Since going dairy free I switched to "ice cream" made from coconut milk.   I am starting another much needed round of Whole 30 so that is out for the next 30 days.  My diet will consist of meat, veggies, fruits, nuts and healthy oils.  I've done it before so am hoping to do it again. 

4. What's one activity or area of your life where you absolutely never procrastinate?

I asked my husband since I couldn't think of anything and he said "helping out a friend in trouble".  Aww, isn't that sweet. 

5. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? Does your local store bag the groceries for you or is it a do-it-yourself kind of place? Do you like someone packing your groceries?

My husband does most of the grocery shopping.  He started going for me when I had really bad dizziness and has continued since.  Sometimes I'll go along with him but usually I make the list and he goes to get it.  I haven't seen a bagger in a long time.  The cashier will pack if you wait but usually I am packing while they are ringing.  I don't like someone packing my groceries because I pack them in a way that makes putting them away easier. 

6. What's the coolest thing you've seen in nature?

I'd say dolphins jumping in and out of the ocean as we were driving to the Florida Keys. 

7. Share a favorite quote about home.

"There is no place like home." 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We woke up to snow on the ground on Monday.  The past few days have been cold.  It just doesn't seem right to have flowers blooming, beautiful blue skies with puffy white clouds and a winter coat on ;)  At least the sun is shining and the birds are still chirping :)