It's a Blue End of August Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1.  Are there any men or women in blue on your family tree?

Not that I know of. 

2. Are you someone who suffers from the Sunday night blues? What helps you get over it?

No.  I try to think of the coming week as a fresh start. 

3. I read the color blue is an appetite suppressant since there are very few naturally blue foods out there. How do you feel about blue cheese? Love it or blech? If you're a fan, what's something you like that's made with blue cheese?

I do not particularly like blue cheese.  I used to dip my hot wings in it but hoped to not get a chunk of cheese in there.  Now I just eat them plain. 

4. We can't head in to the Labor Day weekend without a related question, can we? Complete this thought: I work best when____________________. 

I have a clear plan of action. 

5. 'Everything yields to diligence.' Antiphanes Your thoughts? (on this particular quote or on diligence in general)

I think diligence is a necessary discipline. 

6. The National Park Service turned 100 years old on August 25th. Have you been to many of America's National Parks? If so share with us a favorite or two. Which National Park would you most like to visit before the next birthday rolls around?

I have not been to many of America's National Parks.  I have been to Fire Island, which is absolutely beautiful.  I usually visit more town and state parks.  I would like to get to a Fire Island beach again. 

7.  Bid farewell to August in seven words or less.

August started slow and ended so quickly!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Twelve days of summer vacation left.  I plan on floating in the pool, sitting around the fire pit at night and getting to the beach :)

It's Still Summer Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. It's National Waffle Day (August 24th)...what decision are you currently 'waffling over'? (or share one you've recently 'waffled over')

Choosing curriculum for the upcoming school year.  I think I've made a decision, just have to make the actual purchase. 

2. It's the middle of August, but I'm already seeing lots of autumn-related posts. Do you think we rush the seasons? If so, does that bother you? I saw (here) an end of summer bucket list that included-

make s'mores, read a new (or favorite) book in the park, eat something delicious and bad for you at a state fair, be a tourist for the day, have a pot luck picnic, book a last minute summer getaway, relax by or in the pool, take a hike to watch the sunset, have a day on the lake, try a new summer recipe

Which activities on the list might you squeeze in before summer officially comes to a close? 

Yes, I think we rush the seasons and it bothers me big time.  We don't start school here until September so we still have a few weeks of summer left.  I would love to squeeze in a last minute summer getaway, but realistically I will probably relax by the pool. 

3. Your favorite summertime 'art' found in nature?

Finding seashells along the beach, does that count?

4. Stephen R. Covey is quoted as saying 'We judge ourselves by our intentions, and others by their actions.' Agree or no? Do you define yourself based on your intentions, your actions, or something else? 

I don't agree.  I think I judge myself by actions as well. 

5. Are you useful in a crisis? Elaborate. 

I'd like to think so.  I may get an initial burst of panic but then will jump right in and do what needs to be done.

6. What's been your go-to dish this summer? Is it something you'll continue making as the seasons change?

Chicken parts cooked on the grill, either with BBQ sauce or hot sauce.  Yes, I will continue making this as the seasons change, although once it isn't too hot to put the oven on I will start roasting whole chickens. 

7. Adult coloring books are a thing now. Have you jumped on the bandwagon? If not is this something you think you might enjoy?

I think it is a great idea.  I haven't actually bought my own, but colored in my daughter's and printed out a coloring sheet from my laptop.  I enjoy coloring and would like to buy an adult coloring book.  There are so many choices I just haven't decided on one yet.  My son commented that I look so content when I color :)

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Happy August & Late Summer :)

Time Flies Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. I read here four creative activities to try this month. They were-calligraphy, make your own cookbook, dance or learn a new type of dance, and letter writing. Which activity on the list appeals to you most? Will you add it to your August?

Calligraphy appeals to me the most.  I dabbled in it some years ago and taught myself so that I could address my sister's wedding invitations for her.  A couple of years later I did my own as well.  I love fancy handwriting and the neat pens to choose from.  I don't think I'll be adding calligraphy to my August but may buy some new colorful pens to write and doodle with.  I love new pens! 

2. Bertrand Russell is quoted as saying, 'To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.' Agree or disagree? Explain. 

I agree.  Happiness is a state of mind and you can be happy without "having it all".  After all, there is always something else to want. Society seems to whisper to us all the time that there is something better out there that we need to be happy. 

3. August 17th is National Thriftshop Day...are you a 'thrifter'? If so, tell us about one of your best or favorite finds. 

No, I am not a thrifter.  I think it is great for those that are but it is not for me. 

4.  On a scale of 1-10 (with 1= almost none and 10=loads) how would you rate your sense of wanderlust? What kicks your wanderlust into high gear? 

I'd say 1 since I really do not have any desire to travel.  It may have something to do with the vertigo I've had this summer.  I'd guess the only thing that would kick my wanderlust into high gear would be the desire to see family or friends that live far away. 

5. Has life felt more like a marathon or sprint so far this month? How so?

It's felt like a sprint because August seems to be going so fast. 

6. What do you need to get a jump on before fall officially arrives? 

Hmm, I still need to order our homeschool curriculum. 

7. What's the last thing you did with friends or family where you lost track of time? 

I can't think of a specific time but it is usually when we get to talking and catching up with friends that time seems to fly. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I almost missed out on the Hodgepodge again.  I looked on Joyce's site, thinking it was Tuesday and saw her answers and realized it was Wednesday!  I stopped reading and scrolled down to the questions.  Now back to laundry and cleaning I go ;)