ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE HODGEPODGE!

     Here we are, the day before Thanksgiving. Man, this year is passing by way too quickly! This being Day 25 of "A month of gratitude" I am thankful for the Wednesday Hodgepodge. I enjoy interacting with fellow bloggers from around the country. I enjoy reading the different perspectives on common issues. So, again I say, thank you Joyce for coming up with these questions week after week. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

1.What's something you wish you knew how to do, but feel like it's too late to learn?

     I wish I had learned to fly, and safely land, an airplane. I really do enjoy air travel. One of my favorite software programs is a flight simulator where I get to safely fly various types of aircraft from the safety of my home. If I crash and burn, I hit the reset button and I get a brand new aircraft, fueled and ready to go. I would have like to have learned how to do it for real.

2. Your least favorite thing to shop for? Why?

     The least favorite for me is shopping with my beloved SWMBO for her unmentionables. I feel like a fish out of water in those particular departments of the store. SWMBO seems to like to take great joy in my discomfort by taking her sweet time in selecting what she wants.

3. How has the celebration of Thanksgiving today changed from when you were growing up?

     The main difference is that some stores are open on Thanksgiving Day for earlt Christmas gift shoppers. The whole Black Friday madness did not happen when I was growing up either. It is sad, really!

4. What's something that when other people see it, reminds them of you? Explain.

     When they see a dashingly handsome, brilliantly witty, remarkably intelligent and well groomed man, they can't help but think of me! If you believe that you haven't visited my blog page and read my profile!

5. If you could guest star in a TV show, what would it be and why?

     I guess any "Cop" show would be my choice. I have over thirty years of training for the role. Now if only I could act!

6. Have you ever farmed or spent any time on a farm? Are there farm stands in your little corner of the world and do you make it a point to shop there? If so, what item do you particularly like to buy from a roadside stand or farm shop?

     I have never farmed, nor have I ever lived on a farm. We do have farm stands in our town as well as in most of the surrounding towns. My favorite purchase is corn on the cob. We have the best corn on the cob in the world.

7. What's something you've experienced recently that made you feel a sense of awe or wonder?

     Today SWMBO and I watched our grandgirls. They wanted to go outside and jump onto a pile of leaves. We still have plenty of leaves on the ground so I raked up a big pile and let them jump to their hearts content. Something as simple as a pile of dried leaves brought such joy to two of the cutest beings on the planet and that I had something to do with their being here is awesome. SWMBO and I are truly blessed.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     Have you ever considered the level of technology that is available to the average human being. Take your smart phone for instance. There is more computing power in that cell phone than there was in the NASA computers that landed men on the moon and brought them back safely. We have cars that communicate with satelites to determine their position. We have gadgets that will map out a route to any place you want to go. Ten years ago these gadgets and gizmos were the stuff of imagination in the minds of science fiction writers.  Now they're common place.
     Can you imagine what will be available ten years down the road? It boggles the mind. What are your thoughts? What would you like to see?

THE IDES OF NOVEMBER HODGEPODGE

     I hope that this Wednesday finds you all to be well. Thank you Joyce for another set of thought provoking questions. My beloved SWMBO is battling a cold. We are hoping that we don't play "Who has the cold?" like we did a couple of months ago. Well onto this week's Hodgepodge questions!

1. What's surprised you most about your life, or about life in general?

    There's two things that surprises me about life. First is that SWMBO & I continue to live life like we're newlyweds. We have been together for over forty years and we love each other way more than when we first started. We still hold hands. We still love being in each other's company. We just are truly best friends. Our marriage is one of our greatest blessings.
     The other thing that surprises me is the basic innate goodness of most people. When you read a newspaper or watch tv news you can get the impression that people are vile, evil beings. The fact of the matter is that people step up, often at great sacrifice to themselves, to help their fellow human being. 

2. Among others, these ten words were added to the Oxford English Dictionary this year...awesomesauce, beer o'clock, brain fart, buttdial, cat cafe (apparently this is a real thing), fatberg (gross-read the definition here), fat shame, hangry, Mx (gender neutral), and skippable. 

Your thoughts? In looking over the list, which word do you find most ridiculous? Which word would you never in a million years say out loud? Which word would you be most likely to use in conversation?

     No thoughtd really. I can't see me using any of the aforementioned words in my writing. I don't see me using them in my speech either. Maybe, "brain fart" because I have a fair amount of them, but not the other words. 

3. Do you like gravy? Is there a food you'd rather not eat unless it comes with gravy? Do you make your own or buy the canned or store-made variety? Turkey and gravy, sausage gravy, mashed potatoes and gravy, country ham and red eye gravy, biscuits and chocolate gravy, pot roast and gravy...which one on the list is your favorite?

     I love gravy! I don't know of any food that I wouldn't eat because of a lack of gravy. My favorite food with gravy is Pot Roast. Although, I love turkey and gravy, sausage gravy, and mashed potatoes and gravy.

4. Do you have a plan? Do you need a plan? Have you ever had a plan fall into a trillion pieces? Explain.

     I have a plan. Whether I need a plan depends upon what I am doing. Sometimes I need a plan, other times I don't. Yes, I have experienced plans falling into a trillio pieces. 

5. November 19 is National Play Monopoly Day. Do you own the original or some version of the game? Do you enjoy playing Monopoly? How likely is it you'll play a game of Monopoly on November 19th? Ever been to Atlantic City? Ever taken a ride on a railroad? Is parking in your town free? Last thing you took a chance on?

I do not own any version of Monopoly. It is fairly unlikely that I'll play any version of the game of Monopoly on Monopoly Day. I have never been to Atlantic City. I have taken a ride on a railroad. Parking is mostly free in the town where I live. The last thing I took a chance on was I bought a MegaMillions lottery ticket. I did not win!

6. A song you like that has the word (or some form of the word) thanks in the title, lyrics, or meaning?

     "Thank You for the Music" by ABBA. "Thank You" by Alanis Morrisette.

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude....what is something you're taking for granted that when you stop and think about it, you're grateful for?

     I have often taken my relationships for granted at diferent times in my life. My relationship with God, my relationship with SWMBO, my relationship with friends have all at one time or another been taken for granted.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

     Prayer and best wishes to the people of France, especially those affected by the recent terrorist attacks.

I'M PROUD TO HAVE SERVED HODGEPODGE!

     Today we as a Nation pause to remember and thank all of our fellow citizens who have worn our Nation's military uniform. Americans are a noble and generous people. I thank God for blessing us with such generous people who volunteer to serve and protect us for a few years...and more! I hope that you all enjoy this edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge!

1. In two or three sentences tell us what Veteran's Day means to you?

     I served on active duty during a period when the Vietnam War was winding down. I remember many a veteran coming home and being treated with contempt. Thankfully, that dos not happen much anymore and anyone who is willing to fight and die for this country deserves, and is treated with, respect. 

2. What's your favorite film with a patriotic theme woven into the storyline?

     I like all the "War Movies", Patton, Midway, The Battle of the Bulge, Heartbreak Ridge, Full Metal Jacket. I don't really have a favorite!

3. Flu shot-yes or no? If you answered no, do you plan to get a flu shot? If not, why not? Have you ever had the flu?
     Flu shot-Yes! I had pneumonia a few years ago and since then my Primary Care Doctor recommends that I get a flu shot every year. Ironically, most times after getting the shot I come down with a case of the flu!

4. I've seen lots of people posting pictures of their Christmas trees up and decorated. Many stores have had Christmas on display since well before Halloween. Red cups are back at Starbucks, sans the holiday decor, and that has some people up in arms. What are your thoughts on all the holiday ruckus this second week of November?

     Bah Humbug! As the founding member of the E.S.A.S. (Ebenezer Scrooge Admiration Society) I hate the crass commercialism that is Christmas in America. Ebenezer had a valid point when he observed that Christmas as practiced in his day was a false and commercial holiday.

5. What 'critter' are you most afraid of encountering unexpectedly? Why that one?

     A wolverine because pound for pound they are the most vicious animal in North America!

6. Do you like building things? What's the last thing you 'built'?

     Not especially!

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude...what are you most grateful for that brings beauty to your daily life?

     I am most grateful for my beloved SWMBO! She makes my life shine like the Sun! Her presence reminds me that life is beautiful!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     The United States Marine Corps celebrated their 240th birthday yesterday. I am thankful for these valiant warriors who bravely stand between us and that which would cause us harm. These men and women stand ready to visit great harm upon those who would dare to try!  Semper Fidelis you valiant and tireless sentinels.

30 DAYS OF GRATITUDE ATTITUDE HODGEPODGE!

     Here it is...November already. This year has flown by very quickly, or at least that is how it seems. This November, some people are listing one thing that they are grateful for on each day of the month. This being Day 4 of the month, today I am grateful for the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Though this weekly exercise I have vicariously met some remarkable people. I enjoy learning about other people and their lives, beliefs, preferences and so forth.
Please join in on the fun!

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something you're looking forward to on your November calendar?

     Nothing comes to mind!

2.  If I gave you a thank you card right now who would you send it to and why?

     I would send it to an elderly couple in our the church. They are usually the first to step up to cook a meal for a fellowship, or man the kitchen at the churches summer camp for kids, and every other service project. They are exemplary people and always go the extra mile of service.

3. Of the breads listed, which one's your favorite...bagel, cinnamon, sourdough, garlic, banana, biscuit, pita, Naan, or plain old fashioned white bread?

     I love a banana bread, especially if it has nuts in it. I also enjoy a good garlic bread. I like the tase of garlic.

4. What's something you have in abundance? Is that a good thing?

     I have too much fat and too much sugar in my system. It is definitely not a good thing. I am taking steps to address both situations. Prayers for success are appreciated.

5. November 5th is National Love Your Red Hair Day. Are there any redheads in your family? Who's your favorite redhead?

     My favorite red head was Red Skelton. He was one of the funniest men who has ever lived and he worked clean. I don't think I have a favorite red head who is currently alive.

6.  The travel website Busbud recently calculated the most Instagrammed spot in every state. Go here to see what made the list where you live. Are you happy with your state's #1? If not what do you think should be the most photographed spot in your state? Have you snapped a photo there? If you live outside the USA answer as it relates to your state, city or province.

     The White Mountain National Forest, especially in the fall, is a terrific choice. As a Granite Stater I'm okay with this choice.

7. I'm going to try to have something related to gratitude in this spot each week during the month of November. Here's this week's question-

     

What's something you've learned about yourself this year that you're grateful for?

     I recently took a "Spiritually Gifted" test to determine what my God-given spiritual gifts are. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that given my gifts I am where I belong and I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. I am grateful for that.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

     I am still a bit disillusioned with out political leaders. It seems to me that our elected officials are more devoted to serving the interests of their particualr party than they are in serving the interests of the American people. They pay lip service to serving the American people. I used to be that each party had different views on how to address the problems we have. They were Americans first and loyal party members next.
     It is almost as if they don't care about solving the problems that plaque us. They seem more interested in exploiting them for their political and personal gain. I guess that I am just getting too cynical in my old age. That doesn't mean that I'm wrong. God bless America...please!