BIKE WEEK HODGEPODGE!

     This week the thundering roar of motorcycles will be heard throughout the Granite State. It's motorcycle week! The annual Laconia Motorcycle Rally is in full swing. Motorcyclist from all over the world come to this rally. Outlaw biker clubs/gangs come from all over the country. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith fame and Ted Nugent, the Motor City Madman, will perform in different events this week. 
      Also, today being Wednesday, it is time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge. It's as important as the bike rally only not quite as loud. Enjoy!

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?

     I love being lakeside! I prefer a small to mid sized lake. I prefer that it be far enough from the noise of civilization to be deathly quiet but close enough to civilization to get provisions as the need arises. I don't have a specific lake in mind. There are many lakes to choose from in the New England states.

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink?

     My favorite adult beverage fruity drink is a Pina Colada. I'm a fan of the pineapple-coconut combination. My favorite non-alcoholic beverage is a watermelon collatta from Dunkin Donuts or a watermelon sherbet Fribble from Friendly's Restaurant.

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simplify your life. They were-
clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

     When I cook our meal I generally clean as I go. I'm not a "planner."  SWMBO  is a huge planner which sometimes results in tension between us. I don't write down daily goals because it becomes too discouraging when I fail to meet them. I tend to set the bar too high I guess. 
     I don't have a morning routine either. I make it up as I go along. I really have no problem telling people "No." I love to do favors and help when I can but when I can't I say no without guilt. 
     I suppose my life is fairly simple as is!

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school? 

     That's easy...I married my beloved SWMBO!  We have been happily together ever since...42 years and counting!

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? 

     I used to listen to several podcasts but I've lost interest. These days I listen to live Talk Radio or Heart, Pandora or Spotify on my cellphone.

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

     I think it's the same when you're talking about training children, to try and instill moral values and build character and integrity. It still requires a father be engaged with their children. Absentee fatherhood is no fatherhood at all.    
     I think that it's different in that fathers today have to deal with a vastly different culture than previous generations. The technological advances are tough enough to keep abreast of, let alone the cultural and social changes.
     
7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?

     One way that I'm not at all like my father is that I am 6'4" and weigh over 300 lbs. My dad was 5'6" and weighed about 160 lbs. One way that I'm like him is that I worked very hard to provide for my family. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     My heart is heavy over the mass shooting at the Pulse Club in Orlando, FL. I am disgusted over the response of our feckless president, the candidates, and the political leaders on both the right and the left. 
     About 50 people lost their lives. More people were wounded. Instead of allowing the investigation to proceed and the information to come out, there is a rush to judgement to define the cause(s) and cure(s) before all the information is in and the news cycle plays out.
     Some are saying that guns are too accessible. Others say it is Islamic terrorists involved. Still others say that it's an anti-gay hate crime.
     There will be plenty of time for us to argue those issues ad nauseum. In the meantime, let the people mourn and bury their dead. Let the wounded heal and resume some semblance of their former lives. Let the authorities complete their investigation. 
     My prayers are for the families of those who lost their lives. My prayers are for the rapid healing of the wounded. My prayers are for a nation that must suffer the trauma of another horrific event. May God have mercy on our wounded nation!