Wednesday's Superhero Youthful Hodgepodge

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1. Expect the unexpected on From This Side of the Pond. Here's my x-ray question...when was the last time you felt like Superman? What's your superpower? Explain.  

Probably in the beginning of April when all of this social distancing started.  I had things to drop off at my dad's and then my mom's.  We weren't wearing masks yet but I had lots of hand sanitizer on hand.  Actually I had made some and that was part of the deliveries made that day.  I felt like I was on a mission and it was not a regular visit which felt very odd.  No hugs or kisses hello or goodbye and I made sure not to breathe on anyone just in case.  My superpower is getting things done that need to be done.  When something needs to get done to help someone I usually can rise up with focus and get it done.  When it doesn't involve someone in need not so much.  

2. Are you a fan of the 'superhero' type movies? If so what's your favorite? 

No, I don't like adventure movies.  They make my adrenaline rush too much.  The rest of my family does but I don't join them in watching.  Here is a Superman cake I made several years ago for my son's birthday.  If I had to pick a superhero it would be Superman.

3. Have you postponed or cancelled a trip to the dentist in recent weeks, and if so when do you think you'll feel comfortable going back? How about other routine medical procedures? 

I had an appointment with my MD in April.  Her office called to offer a video appointment or to reschedule.  Since it was just a follow up I rescheduled for July.  I may postpone it further when the time comes.  I figured I would leave her appointments available for those who may need her more.  

4. What's something that makes you feel youthful? Something that makes you feel 'not so youthful'? Tell us why. 

I feel youthful when I am in a pool or the ocean.  Must be because my body feels light ;)  Getting up off the floor makes me feel not so youthful.  I can't believe it takes such effort to get up from a seated position on the floor.  It probably has more to do with being out of shape than age but I am going with it ;) 

5. I feel compelled to include some sort of corona related question in the HP these days. What's the strangest thing you've seen in relation to the virus? Something that really struck you as odd, made you stop and think, 'Dorothy we're not in Kansas anymore?'

Our state park and beaches are still open but are asking everyone to follow social distancing rules.  My husband and I had been going to walk each day and it was very peaceful.  Then one Saturday we went and as we were walking on the wooded trails we heard a loud announcement coming from the boardwalk.  It was a public service announcement reminding everyone that due to Covid-19 we had to follow the social distancing law.  We just looked at each other and shook our heads.  Do they think that anyone doesn't know that?  It is only on the news constantly and posted at the entrance.  People are going there to get a break from the news and our current situation and enjoy nature.  Now they have to blast these announcements?   I thought this state of constant policing people is getting out of hand.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Anyone else feel like Spring is coming very slowly this year?

Wednesday's Quietude Hodgepodge

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1. What's something you resolved to do this year? Have you done it?

I don't know if it is truly a resolution but I did try to start eating better and to exercise.  I have not done very well, however I haven't had soda or fast food since January :)  

2. Where do you go to find quietude?

If I can leave the house it is the beach for sure.  

If it is while we are staying home these days it is my back deck.  I sit and stare into the woods, listening to the birds and praising God for His creation.  The other day it was very windy and the trees were swaying.  I was thinking of how God created the birds, how they didn't fall to the ground from the wind.  It reminds me of the children's hymn "God Sees The Little Sparrow Fall".  One of the lyrics is 

"If God so loves the little birds,
I know He loves me, too."

3. A friend asked this question on her Facebook page and said I could borrow it for the Hodgepodge...you're only allowed to buy 5 things at the grocery store, and all must start with the first letter of your first name. Whatcha' buying?

Toilet paper, Taco shells, Tomatoes, Tea, Twix

 

4. The television show Survivor, the Gloria Gaynor song 'I Will Survive', survival mode, survival of the fittest...pick one and discuss.

I know people use survival of the fittest for other meanings but I think of Darwin's theory relating to natural selection.  I do not agree because I do not believe in evolution.  I believe that the world and all that is in it was created by God. 

5. Share a favorite quote or saying about strength.

"Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come."

Proverbs 31:25

6. Insert your own random thought here.

"A frightened world needs a fearless church."
A.W. Tozer

So thankful for technology and the ways in which churches can still meet during this time.  

Wednesday's Taxing Hodgepodge

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1. In Monday’s post I mentioned I would incorporate the word I was given for letter K into this week’s questions. That word was karaoke. On a scale of 1-10 how excited would you be to find out there was karaoke happening at your next gathering/outing with friends? 10=gimme that microphone!, and 1=I suddenly remembered there’s somewhere else I need to be. Have you ever actually done karaoke? If you had to perform karaoke what would be your ‘go-to’ song?

Well it depends on the crowd...if it was my extended family I would say a 10!  I love singing karaoke with my niece.  They have a system that hooks up to the TV and we have had a lot of fun with it.  If it were friends that don't know me too well that I would probably be a 3.  I might be coaxed into singing if it wasn't by myself.  My go-to song is "Suspicious Minds" by Elvis.  My fifteen year old niece loves Elvis.  Who doesn't?

2. How do you listen to music these days? Favorite app or do you listen the old fashioned way? Do you have music playing often in your home? Is there still a CD player in your car?

I mostly listen to music on my laptop through Amazon Music.  I do play music often.  I am not sure if I have a CD player in my car.  My old car did but we replaced it in October and the new one came with Sirius so we listened to that until the free trial expired.  Now I hook my phone up through Bluetooth and play music from Amazon Music.  

3. The HP lands on US tax day this year. Or what used to be tax day before everything including filing your taxes was cancelled, delayed, postponed or extended. FYI- filing your taxes has not been cancelled, only delayed for a bit.
Besides staying away from anyone and everyone, what have you found taxing lately?

Constantly washing my hands and sanitizing everything.  I don't go out much but I am frequently thinking what did I touch?  Did the package of food have germs on it?  Did I wipe it down well enough?  It is exhausting.  You hear so many differing views on things like should you disinfect groceries before putting them away, how long can the virus live on paper or plastic bags, etc.  


4. You’re without power so no oven, and you can’t open your frig or freezer in order to keep what’s in there from spoiling. And you don’t have access to take out. What will you make us for dinner?  

How about cereal?

5.  I’ve seen this exercise going around Facebook and thought it would be a good one to include in the HP...what are five things everybody seems to love and go crazy for that you personally don’t care for?

#1- Starbucks 
#2- Fake eyelashes
#3- Acrylic nails
#4- Sushi
#5- Big earrings

Wednesday's Pink Spring Hodgepodge

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1. Has spring sprung in your part of the world? How can you tell? Did March come in like a lion where you live? Going out like a lamb or something more ferocious?

It is starting to spring.  The forsythia bushes are starting to bloom and the tree in my backyard is starting to show its pink flowers (I think it is a crabapple tree).  I would say March came in like a lion because it was rainy and windy but not snowy.  We only had a sprinkling of snow a few times this winter which is most unusual for us.  We did not use any of our snow gear this year.  It is going out like a lamb, but I wish it wasn't so gray.  Really could use some more sunshine to make the days feel a bit brighter.  

2. The last thing that caused you to spring to your feet?

The kitchen timer going off.  I usually set it to remind me to do something (switch the laundry, check something I am cooking, etc.) but then get annoyed when it goes off.  It has the most irritating sound that I rush to shut it off.  I guess that is its purpose.  If the sound was pleasant I might not get up ;) 

3. Do you have a spring clean to-do list? What's one chore on the list you've already managed to accomplish? What spring clean chore do you most dread?

Yes I have a spring cleaning list in my head.  I have already managed to do the windows and curtains in the living room, dining room and kitchen.  I am not looking forward to doing my bedroom because I want to go through my paperwork and closet.  I will feel better once it is done but it is taking me a bit to get started.  

4. Tell us something you've learned about yourself or the wider world as a result of social distancing/the virus crisis.

People really do try to come together when crisis hits.  I have seen many gestures of care and concern for others during this trying time.  There still are countless people who are selfless in their acts of service for their fellow man.  So many are sharing their gifts to benefit others.  

 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”

 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 22:36-40

5. Something you love that's the color pink?

I love pale pink roses. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Have you heard Keith and Kristyn Getty's newest song?