Wednesday's Pink Spring Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun! 

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?  

The Hodgepodge is back!  Visit Joyce and join the fun. 

1. Howdy Hodgepodgers. It's kind of fun to be back, isn't it?  Last time we met was September, 2018. Tell me something big-important-happy-or sad that's happened in your life since that date. Just one thing. We don't know how long this current isolation situation is going to last and we might need to dole out our news bit by bit.

It is fun to be back, thank you so much Joyce.  My daughter and son are both in high school now.  That is something big because we homeschool :)  They are both doing extremely well.  I am even more thankful now since the schools have almost all switched to online learning because of COVID-19.  It wasn't an adjustment for us.  We just keep plugging away at our BJU distance learning curriculum.    

2. Might as well get this out of the way early on...COVID-19. On a scale of 1-5 how serious are you about keeping your distance? Explain. fyi-I didn't create the scale but have seen it several places online. Also fyi-we won't only have virus related questions each week, but for this first one it feels right.

1-Not at all, living normally

2-Cautious but still going out

3-Going out as needed, mostly home or working from home, still seeing friends/family

4-Extremely limited, only going out when unavoidable, minimal contact with people

5-Full lockdown, no one in or out

I am a 4.  I have only been going out to walk.  We did bring things to family members one day but didn't stay to visit.  No hugs or kisses hello or goodbye either.  If what they are saying is true about carriers not having symptoms I think it is wise to keep our distance.  It feels very awkward though.  I keep my distance and sanitize, sanitize, sanitize.   

3. Raise your hand if you think you might run out of steam in the cooking department before it's all said and done? What's something delcious you've cooked or eaten in your own kitchen in the past week?

I think having leftovers has been helpful for me so hopefully I don't run out of steam.  The stores are limited so it seems I have been cooking with what is available and not planning meals ahead of time.  I cooked a lasagna on Sunday and I don't do that often.  It is a family favorite.  

4. What's a television show or movie you've seen recently (it could be an oldie) that you really liked?

Last night I watched The Wall which my husband had on the DVR.  I liked it because the players were a father and daughter from Long Island.  The father was a  NYC firefighter who worked during 9/11.  The daughter was a nurse who worked with children.  They were a great team and you could see how much love their family had for one another.  

5. Share something funny you've seen or heard this week.

It may have been last week but I found this hysterical! 

An Empire Hodgepodge

 Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. When was the last time you chatted with a neighbor? About what? (sharing that last bit is optional)

Sadly, I don't chat with my neighbors.  Seems everyone is so busy and keeps to themselves.  I will wave or say hello when I see them but unless something of interest is going on in the neighborhood that is usually the extent of it. 

2. River, lake, ocean, or waterfall...which one are you most like and why?

I'm going with my favorite, ocean.  The ocean has many moods to it.  It can be calm and gentle or rough and stormy.  I think I am like that too. 

3. July 13 is National Delaware Day. Ever been to Delaware? Delaware is called 'the first state' because it was the first to declare independence from the British. What's your state's nickname and does that moniker make sense to you? If you were in charge, what nickname would you give your home state?

I have driven through Delaware several times.  Only stopped to eat and once my husband got a speeding ticket there in a speed trap.  I almost forgot but I went to Rehoboth Beach a couple of times with friends a long time ago.  I've often wondered what it is like to live there.  I've heard the taxes are low and know of a couple who retired there for that reason.  My state's nickname is "The Empire State". 

"The Empire State" This New York state nickname refers to New York's national wealth and global impact. This state nickname was inscribed on New York license places for a little over a decade (from 1951 to mid-1960'ies) and then suddenly reappeared in 2001 and still going strong this very day.
Also the nickname "The Empire State" is the source of inspiration behind the name of The Empire State Building in New York City.
The Empire State Building was the world's tallest building from 1931 till 1972 when The World Trade Center took over the honour of being the tallest building. After the tragedy of 9/11 in 2001, The Empire State Building regained its previous title and is now the tallest building in the State of New York.


Yes, it makes sense to me.  I can't think of a nickname that I would choose but it would have something to do with the variety NY has.  There are so many different areas of NY state and they are all so different.  Within a 2 hour drive you can go from the city, to the ocean beaches, to the mountains, to farmland, etc. 

4. What dish did you contribute to the last pot luck meal you attended? Do you have a go-to recipe for pot luck suppers?

We usually have pot luck lunches at church once a month.  The last dish I made was cheese ravioli with homemade sauce.  That was a last minute what can I throw together in the morning dish.  Some of my favorites to bring are mac and cheese, sausage and potatoes, bbq pulled pork or a pot roast in the crockpot. 

5. What is your number one tip for a brand new parent?

Smile when well meaning people give you advice but remember God has given that child to you so pray and ask Him for wisdom. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.


This is the first birthday without my Aunt Carol.  She always sent a birthday card with a gift and note in it and called to wish me a Happy Birthday.  I am missing her and really feeling it this morning.  I'll remind myself that she would want me to have a fun, relaxing day with my family and smile thinking of her.  Even if I have to swallow hard and hold back the tears.