I SHOULDA STAYED IN BED HODGEPODGE!

     Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. Yesterday was such a day! More about that later, but first the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Joyce from "This Side of the Pond" has come up with more questions to help us enjoy our Wednesday!

1. This coming weekend is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. Do you celebrate Easter in your home? What was your favorite Easter tradition as a child?
     As Christians, SWMBO and I do celebrate Easter. Easter is a kind of Independence Day for the Christian. The Lord's resurrection is the essential proof of our salvation.                                  As a child my parents gave us baskets with candy eggs, chocolate bunnies and other goodies. We sometimes had an Easter egg hunt too. 

2. George Weinberg is quoted as saying, 'Hope never abandons you, you abandon it.' Agree or disagree? Share your own thoughts on the word hope. 
     Humans can live for weeks without food, days without water but they cannot survive without hope. Hopelessness is a choice, it seems to me. As long as you are on this side of the grass there is hope. As long as there's a God, there is hope. The only instance where there is no hope is when either you are dead or there is no God. There never will be a time when there is no God, therefore there will never be a time when there no hope...there is ALWAYS hope! 

3. Weigh in with a yay or nay on the traditional Easter candies. A solid milk chocolate bunny? Cadbury Creme Eggs? Peeps? Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs? Jellybeans? Coconut Cream Eggs? Of the candies listed, which one would you most like to find in your Easter basket?
      I say an enthusiastic Yay! Of the listed candies I love coconut cream eggs the best.

4. When did you last feel 'like a kid in a candy store'? 
     SWMBO had to buy a new pair of glasses a while back. There is a music store next door to the Lens Crafters. Walking around the store looking at all the sheet music, various types of guitars, foot pedals and amplifiers made me feel like a kid in a candy store. Another time was when I got to walk through a brand new, massively huge Bass Pro Shop that opened in the area. Everything you can think of that you might need to do anything in the outdoors is on display there. 

5. What's something you know you do differently than most people? Does that bother you? Does it bother other people?
     Nothing specific comes to mind but I am certain there are some things that I do differently. It does not bother me at all and I don't know if it bothers anyone else...different strokes for different folks.

6. Palm Springs CA, Palm Beach FL, or the PALMetto State...of the three mentioned, which sunny spot would you most like to visit right now? Which have you visited at one time or another?
     I'll go with California. It would give me a chance to visit my grandsons in San Diego.

7. If you could change the length of a day would you lengthen it or shorten it? Tell us why.
     I'd leave it just as it is! Sometimes the day is too long and other times it is not long enough. So, I think it's just right the way it is!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     Yesterday I drove my beloved SWMBO and the fur babies to work. After dropping them off I stopped to get a large coffee and a breakfast sandwich at a Dunkin Donuts. When I got home I placed the coffee on a banister at the top of the stairs. As I removed my coat my arm knocked the full large cup of coffee off of the banister and onto the carpeted stairs spilling its entire contents. 
     Next I had to use the rest room only to find that the toilet was clogged. Yuck!
     I then did the food shopping. When I got home I discovered that I had placed a bag on top of the bag containing the bread, flattening a loaf of bread. I HATE CRUSHED BREAD!
     When I had lunch I tried a new beverage that SWMBO likes. I did not see that it was a carbonated beverage. When I opened it it exploded over me and the living room carpet.
     Today, I'm not taking any chances. I'm staying home, hunkered down with Becke, the Wonder Dog. I hope your day goes better!

I'M NOT IRISH AND PROUD OF IT HODGEPODGE!

        Today is hump day again. Winter is on its last legs. DIE WINTER, DIE! Yesterday was Saint Patrick's Day! Hence the title of this blog entry. It is also time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge. Joyce at "From This Side of the Pond" has come up with another set of questions to make us pause and think a little bit. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Hodgepodge.

1. Share a favorite song, book, or movie title containing the word green?

     A favorite movie is "The Green Mile" with Tom Hanks and Michael Clark Duncan. It was exceptionally well acted.

2. Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, 'Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.' Would you agree? Are you a believer in luck?

     I do believe in luck. To my mind Luck is the providence of God. I believe that He is in control of everything and that He seeks opportunities to bless us. Our God is a good God.

3. Spring water, Hot Springs, handspring, spring fling, spring break, spring fever, offspring...which 'spring' word best applies to something in your day, week, or life right now?

     Offspring - Today SWMBO and I had our granddaughters over for a few hours. They are such a joy to have around. SWMBO and I are blessed!

4. What's something you do to make yourself look or feel more confident?

     Shave, get a haircut and put on a necktie. How you dress does affect your attitude and confidence level.

5.  It's National Celery Month...are you a fan? If so, what's a snack or dish you enjoy that calls for celery?

     I am a fan. My favorite celery snack is celery filled with either peanut butter or a flavored cream cheese.

6. What's one thing you wish you'd learned sooner?

     I wish I had learned the importance of taking better care of my health. I am unable to do those things I could have done if I was more healthy. Old age is taking it's toll.

7. Would you like to own a second home? If so where would you want that home to be?

     If money was no object, SWMBO and I would love to have a second home on a lake. We would love to have a three bedroom log cabin with a porch and/or balcony that overlooks the lake.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     Today the world is a sadder place. Yesterday, Curtis Winstead passed away and graduated to glory. Curtis had been valiantly battling cancer for several months with his devoted wife by his side every step of the way. His battle ended yesterday.
     The world is better for Curtis having lived among us and at the same time is diminished by his passing.
     Curtis was an exemplary Christian man, Christian husband and Christian father. Curtis and his family worshipped with us at the Manchester, NH, church of Christ for a few years. He was such an example and so well thought of that he was appointed as a church Elder. He was a kind and gentle man who loved God and loved God's people.
     Curtis served our Nation in the U.S. Air Force where he attained the rank of Colonel. Those who served with him descibe him as being an exemplary officer and commander. He earned their respect and affection by the way that he treated everyone and his strength of character. 
     He retired from the USAF a couple of years ago, his last tour of duty being in Afghanistan where he served as a Base Commander. He and his wife settled in West Virginia. Sadly most of his retirement years was spent battling his illness.
     Like I said, the world is a sadder place today. If your are so inclined please remember Curtis' wife Theresa and his two daughters in your prayers as they mourn his passing. 

YEAH! THE SNOW IS MELTING HODGEPODGE!

     We are on our third consecutive day with temperatures in the low to mid forties. The snow is slowly melting. What a nice respite from the cold! Today being Wednesday it is time for another Hodgepodge of questions. Thank you Joyce for this weekly exercise in thoughtful self-reflection. Enjoy!

1. What's the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word 'spring'? Which phrase best describes the season of spring where you live right now (today)-sprung! almost there, or still waiting?
     When I hear the word Spring I have visions of a baseball field and the team having practice before a game. The phrase that best describes where we live is "still waiting." We still have snow rectum deep to a giraffe in our yards.

2. Bed, couch, stapler, garage door, computer mouse, recliner, flashlight, door knob...which household item containing springs most needs replacing in your home? Speaking of springs...did you ever own a Slinky?
     My side of the bed could use some new springs. I'm a big guy and the matress has seen better days.  Yes, I did own a slinky when I was a wee bit of a lad!

3. March is Women's History Month. Share a favorite quote by a woman.
     "You cannot tax your way to prosperity because sooner or later you run out of other people's money." Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

4. What's a question that looms large in your mind right now?
     What does the future bode for the United States of America?

     5. Are you a sugar freak? By that I mean how much do you love sugar? With all the bad press sugar gets these days, have you made any efforts to reduce the amount of sugar you consume?
     I like sugar, the natural cane sugar not the fake chemical substitutes. I do try to keep my sugar consumption to a minimum. I don't necessarily believe all the bad news about sugar.

6. Would you rather have less work to do or more work you enjoy doing?
     More work that I enjoy doing. If you love what you do, it's not work!

7. Ever been to Texas? Of the top ten Texas tourist attractions which would you most like to see-The Alamo, The San Antonio River Walk, The State Capital, Dallas World Aquarium, Padre Island National Seashore, Houston Space Center, Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Six Flags Fiesta Texas,  Moody Gardens, or Galveston Island?
     I have been to Texas for U.S. Air Force basic training. Lackland AFB is in San Antonio. I have also driven across the state of Texas. I recall not seeing any hills until I reached Oklahoma.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
      I am a person who tries to keep informed with what's going on. I watch the news, I read the paper and "News" websites. I've got to tell you that it is hard to maintain a positive attitude with what I perceive is going on in the world.   
     Then I remember the Christian hymn "This world is not my home I'm just a passing through." I also remember "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." And again "When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!"
     As Christians, we are "IN" the world but we are not "OF" the world. Therefore, we ought not to get so wrapped up in what is happening here but rather we should focus on where our real home and our real treasure is waiting for us. We are visitors in a foreign land but someday we are going home. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. Have a blessed day. 

THE UNKNOWN HODGEPODGE HODGEPODGE!

     You've heard of the Unknown Comic, a comedian on the Gong Show who performed his routine with a paper bag on his head with two eye holes cut out so he could see. Well, this is the "Unknown Hodgepodge," a homage to the Unknown Comic. 
     Thank you Joyce for another series of questions. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. 'In like a lion, out like a lamb'...does the first part of this saying describing March weather ring true  where you live?
     This whole year has come in like a lion. I don't expect that March will be any different.

2. March 4th is National Grammar Day. What common grammatical error bothers you the most? 
     There are a couple of gramma faux pas that stand out whenever I see them. One is when people misuse "There, Their and They're." The other is the misuse of "To, Two and Too."  There is also the classic " "i" before "e" except after "c" or when sounded like "a" as in neighbor and weigh. Spelling errors often stick out too.

3. William Arthur Ward says- 'The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.' Which one are you?
     I tend to be a realist. I try to deal with what "is" and not what might happen. We often waste a lot of energy worrying about things that may never happen when we should be focusing on how to deal with what is happening.

4. What's something you need to 'march forth and conquer' this month?
     I have a book or two that I want to finish reading.

5. An ongoing debate around here...do you dust first, then vacuum or vacuum first, then dust? Of the two routine household chores, which do you dislike the least? How's that for wording?
     Dust? What's that? Vacuum...do we even own a vacuum?

6. According to thrilllist.com, the ten most photographed sites in the U.S.A. are- Cinderella's Castle in Orlando, Southernmost House in Key West Florida, The Space Needle in Seattle, The Site of the Boston Massacre in Boston, The Bellagio Lake/fountains in Las Vegas, The Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, Coit Tower in San Fransisco, The Art Institute of Chicago, Niagara Falls, and snagging the number one spot-The Guggenheim Museum in New York City. 

How many on this list have you photographed? Which on the list would you most like to visit and photograph?
     I have photographed the Lincoln Memorial and Niagara Falls. I would like to visit and photograph the other places mentioned.

7. Fifty years ago Monday (March 2, 1965) The Sound of Music premiered at the Rivoli Theatre in NYC. Have you seen the film? Do you own a copy? On a scale of 1-10 how much do you love it (or not)? Ten=best movie ever. If you're a fan, what's your favorite scene or song from the movie? 
     I have seen the "Sound of Music." It is an excellent film. On the scale of 1 to 10 I give it an 8. I deducted 2 points because of it being a "chick flick." I don't have a favorite song or scene from the movie.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
     What the heck is wrong with people? Case in point...a seventeen year old girl is charged with involuntary manslaughter for sending several text messages to an eighteen year old boy urging him to commit suicide. The boy killed himself in response. At one point the boy texted to the girl that he was having second thoughts about killing himself. This girl, this depraved girl texted him back urging him to go through with it. The boy did kill himself.
     A woman commits an armed robbery of a Credit Union. An hour later she is being treated for a Heroin overdose wearing the same clothes she wore during the armed robbery. She was treated, released and arrested for the robbery.
     These two events make me sad for the future of our society. I fail to understand at which point the thought of urging someone to commit suicide becomes a good idea.
      I understand that drug addiction is a terrible disease. However, most armed robbers do get caught and there are treatment options, help is available.
     What the heck is wrong with people?