ONCE MORE INTO THE BREACH HODGEPODGE!

     We have had two, that's right two, northeasters strike the granite state within a week. They deposited fifteen inches and ten inches of snow respectively. I understand that it snows in Winter but does it have to fall in the same week. Following each snowfall is a procedure commonly known as shoveling, but I call it "Canadian Archaeology." You have to rediscover your rear deck and stairs, your front stairs and walkway, and sometimes your mailbox. Also, the oil company needs a clear path shoveled to the oil tank filler tube which, lucky me, is located at the rear of my house. I am getting too old for this stuff!
     Well, enough whining about snow and Winter. Joyce Daley has provided us with another set of interesting Hodgepodge questions. So without further ado...

1. What do/did you call your grandparents? If it's something unusual tell us the story behind the name. If you're a grandparent what do your grands call you? Who chose your moniker?
     I grew up in the same house with my maternal grandparents. I called my grandmother "Memere" (Mem-May) and my grandfather "Pepere" (Pep-Pay). They are traditional French Canadian appellations for grandparents so there is no unusual story to tell. SWMBO and I both chose our own moniker. She chose "Granny" and I chose "Pepere." 

2. Ever taken a road trip along the California Coast? If so what was the highlight of your trek? If not, any desire to do so? If you were to take a trip along the California Coast what's one attraction you'd have on your must-see list?
     SWMBO and I have not taken a road trip along the California coast. We did take an interior route from San Diego to Yosemite National Park. I think a trip along the California coast would be a beautiful ride. Maybe someday!

3. What are three things you don't know how to do?
   I don't know how to do brain surgery. I don't know how to rebuild an engine. I don't know how to speak Mandarin Chinese. 

4. Tom Peters is quoted as saying, 'Celebrate what you want to see more of.' If that's true what will you celebrate and more importantly, how will you celebrate?
     I've got nothing!

5. Thursday (February 16) is National Almond Day. Do you like almonds? Which would you prefer-an Almond Joy or a macaron? What's something you make that calls for almonds?
     I do like almonds. I would prefer an Almond Joy and then the macaron. I make an ice cream sundae with crushed almonds.

6. What does Saturday morning look like at your house?
    If the dog's cooperate SWMBO and I try to sleep in an extra hour or two. SWMBO normally gets a call from her cousin and they share updates on what's going on in their lives. I get up, have some breakfast, take my meds and then plan the rest of my day.

7. Share with us a favorite book you've read this winter.
     Sadly, I haven't read a book this Winter.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
     On this Wednesday my beloved SWMBO is entering the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, in Lebanon, NH, to undergo her stem cell transplant. She will be in the hospital for two to three weeks. Once she is discharged and is allowed to come home she will be housebound until at least the beginning of June at which time her immune system will be restored and functioning as intended. 
     The medical center is a two hour drive from the house so that makes frequent visits problematic. We'll stay in touch via video-chat and I will visit as often as I can but it will be difficult being separated for such a long time.
     On the positive side, the transplant team has done hundreds of thousands of these transplants with a very high success rate. 
     Many of you, and you know who you are, have forwarded encouraging comments and have offered prayers on our behalf. Thank you all, very, very, much for all of it. It really has been a help and a comfort. Please keep the prayers coming. Again, thank you for your support. Enjoy your week.