POST IDES OF MARCH HODGEPODGE!

     Yesterday, in 24 B.C., Julius Caesar, famous inventor of the Caesar Salad, went to the Roman Forum and was immediately stabbed to death by a cadre of carnivorous Roman Senators. Either that, or they killed him to prevent him from becoming what they believed would be a totalitarian emperor. I'm not sure which one. This occurred during the ides of March. So beware the ides of March.
     Today is Wednesday and of course time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you Joyce for another set of questions. I hope that you all enjoy this week's edition. 

1. What do you think about luck?

     I believe that preparation combined with opportunity is what we know as luck. I also believe that there are times when we are inexplicably fortunate. For example, you often hear of people who miss their flight only to find out later that that flight crashed. This happened to some people on 9/11/2001. That is luck. 

2. Not counting your own backyard, what's a favorite green space in your town, city, or state?

     There is a ridge in the lakes region of NH where there's a ledge that overlooks a beautiful valley. To the left of the valley is a gorgeous lake. Across the valley are a couple of mountains. The view is breath taking.

3. How do you make your life more complex than it needs to be?

     I have made my life more complex by getting married. I then made it more complex still by having children. Seriously, I make my life more complex than it needs to be by procrastinating. 

4. I read here the three places you should visit with friends. They are-New York City, Hawaii, and Amsterdam (rent a bike, walk along the canal, visit one of their world class museums). I felt the need to expound on that one. Moving on...Of the three places listed which would you most like to visit with friends? What's one place not on the list you think should be visited with friends?

     Of course, I'd love to visit Hawaii. I am also intrigued with the idea of riding bicycles around Amsterdam.

5. What's the last live performance you saw? On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being best) how would you rate it?

     I think the last live performance I saw was a folk group called "Atlantic Crossing." On a scale of 1-10 I'd give them an 8 or 9. They were really good, but it was several years ago.

6. March 14th is National Potato Chip Day. Are you a fan? Your favorite flavor? Besides potato, what's your favorite chip type of snack?

     I am definitely a fan of potato chips. Rippled chips are my favorite. SWMBO and I also like goldfish crackers.

7.What rule is most important in your home?

     We have two rules...(1) Mom is always right! (2) If Mom is wrong, see rule #1. Another rule is If Mom ain't happy, nobody is happy. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     There is a hole in our lives that can never be refilled. Becke, the Wonder Dog, crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Monday after a period of declining health. Becke was a remarkable dog in oh so many ways. She was a yellow Labrador Retriever who lived over 16 years giving unconditional love and service to all with whom she came in contact. 
     Becke had a unique way of knowing how frisky she could be with people. She was able to sense if someone was afraid of dogs and she would adjust her behavior accordingly. She was able to help our grandson to get over his fear of dogs.
     She was a certified pet therapy dog, visiting our local Veteran's Administration Hospital. She was also a R.E.A.D. service dog. She would patiently listen as children would read out loud to her. This allowed children to improve their reading skills in a non-threatening environment. 
     Becke became a member of our family 12 years ago. She has been a constant blessing to our lives ever since. We thank God for bringing her into our family and for how she uplifted and enriched our lives.