A YULETIDE WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE!

     As you read this we are four days from Christmas Day. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time passes. Perhaps it's a function of getting older. One of my granddaughters purchased a gift for our two little dogs with her own money. She was so proud and happy to give them her gifts. I love the innocent wonder in the eyes of young children around this time of year. 
     I believe that Christmas is, as it always has been, a magical and special time of the year. I hate the commercialism but I do so love the Spirit of Christmas. So to all of you reading this A very Merry Christmas to you and yours. Now, onto the Hodgepodge...

1. What's left to be done on your Christmas to-do list? 

     SWMBO and I have wrapping still to do. I still have one or two gifts to purchase. I also have a Christmas menu to plan and obtain the provisions for. Other than that we're good to go!

2. The Hodgepodge lands on the first day of winter this year. What's your favorite thing about winter? 

     My favorite thing about Winter is it's end. I believe that Winter is the price that we have to pay for the privilege of living up here the other three seasons. 

3. In what area of your life are you immature? Feel free to elaborate or not. 

     Growing old is mandatory...growing up is optional. I have warned High School graduates to be careful, that adulthood is a trap. Another pithy saying is "I don't know how to act my age, I've never been this old before!"

4. What was the most (or one of the most) important lessons you learned in 2016? 

     One thing that I knew, but has been reinforced for me this year, is that wedding vows are more than just words. They are a covenant between a man, a woman and God. To love for better or for worse; for richer or poorer; in sickness and in health, is a daily choice. I pity the poor fools who choose to do otherwise.

5. It's Fried Shrimp Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite way to eat shrimp? Will there be shrimp somewhere in your holiday feastings? 

     My beloved SWMBO loves seafood. I, however, am allergic to seafood including shellfish. We will from time to time get a shrimp ring from our grocery store. I also love the Coconut Breaded Shrimp served at the Outback Restaurant. It is worth the risk of anaphylaxis resulting therefrom. There will probably be some shrimp consumed during the upcoming Christmas holiday.

6. What sound lulls you to sleep? 

     The sound of ocean waves crashing on the beach or soft music playing will convey me to the land of nod.

7. What one word best describes your 2016? 

     Perseverance - When cancer invades your life, it's like embarking on a carnival ride that never ends and which you can't get off. Perseverance is essential whether you are the cancer patient or the caregiver. #cancersucks

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     In the spirit of the holiday, Merry Christmas to all and all the best of health and prosperity in the New Year!