OUTAGE RECOVERY HODGEPODGE!

  

      How was your Thanksgiving Day. SWMBO and I lost electric power around 2:30 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. We were supposed to host some friends at our house for Thanksgiving dinner. It did not happen as planned. Well, I'll let you know what happened another time. Today is Wednesday Hodgepodge time so on to this weeks questions.

1. What is something in your life right now that feels a little 'hodgepodge'?

     Recovering from the recent power outage. There's putting fuel stabilizer in the power generator and the gas cans to keep the fuel fresh for the next time. Putting the power extension cords away. There is, of course, removing the snow from paths and beginning the clean up of all the debris from the trees that fell during the storm. It seems to get harder and harder to do that the older that I get.

2. What does 'peace on earth, goodwill to men' mean to you?

     The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:18 "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." More often than not if you extend peace (goodwill) to others, you will find peace on earth.  

     It is God's desire that there be peace on earth and that we be people of good will. It is an ideal worth working for...so long as it depends on you!

3. Which edible treat you are most looking forward to sampling this December?

     I love Italian Nut Cookies. I also like the variety packs of Christmas Cookies. Taken with a glass of ice cold eggnog they are absolutely scrumptious.

4. It's that most wonderful time of the year...do you agree, and if so why is it so wonderful?  If not, what would you say is the most wonderful time of the year?

     I suppose it depends on the year. Some years it is the absolute best. Other years there are other ties of the year that are best. The thing that diminishes the enjoyment of the Christmas Season for me is the vulgar commercialism that is "Black Friday." 

     However, when I remember that God became man, Immanuel-God with us, and walked the earth living as one of us because He so loves us, My heart soars with gratitude and all manner of positive emotions and feelings. That is what Christmas is all about to me.

5. What was the last word you looked up in a dictionary (actual or online) and why?

     "Stabilizer" because I could not remember how to spell it for my response to question #1.

6. Besides a Christmas tree, what is your favorite thing to decorate this time of year?

     We have a blue spruce tree that I put lights on. I also have three lighted deer that I arrange in front of the spruce tree. I guess that would be my favorite. This year my granddaughters helped me place the deer in front of the tree. That was special!

7. Share one thing you've learned (about yourself, people, or anything at all) in the Wednesday Hodgepodge, or through blogging in general. 

     One thing I've learned is that there are many, bright and articulate people out there with well reasoned and well stated opinions whether I agree with them or not. I also learned that there aren't many men who are comfortable with sharing their thoughts via the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Personally I enjoy the weekly exercise in self expression.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     Last Wednesday, New Hampshire was blanketed by heavy wet snow that caused tree branches to break taking down power lines as they fell to the ground. A widespread power outage ensued. We lost our power sometime around 2:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The storm plunged about 200,000 other customers into the dark. 

     It is times like these that SWMBO is glad that I am retired. I can stay home and focus on taking care of her rather than having to go to work to take care of other people.

     We celebrated Thanksgiving by transferring our dinner to a friends house who did not lose power. We cooked and ate the meal there. We had a wonderful time and a wonderful meal with special friends. It was a Thanksgiving we will always remember. I am thankful for the people that God has placed in our life.

     I hope that you all had a memorable Thanksgiving Day.