GRANITE STATE HEAT WAVE HODGEPODGE!

     This week Summer 2017 has come with a vengeance. It has gone from unseasonably cool temperatures in the 50's with rain, to the hot and muggies of late Summer. Yesterday was our third day in the 90's, officially making it a heat wave. SWMBO is happy and doesn't have the decency to sweat, uh...um...excuse me, I meant to say "to glow." As for me, I have been "glowing" like a pig.
     Our Hodgepodge Mistress, Joyce Daley, is back with another Wednesday Hodgepodge after a brief hiatus last week. Joyce has been publishing the Wednesday Hodgepodge for over six years. It must be challenging to come up with a theme and the questions related to the theme. Joyce has been masterful at the task. Please join in on the fun. You'll be glad that you did.   

1. The Hodgepodge lands on June 14th this week, Flag Day in the US of A. Do you fly your country's flag at home? Sometimes, often, or every single day? Have you ever visited the city of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia)? Did you make a point of seeing The Betsy Ross House? Have you ever made a trip to Baltimore? If so, was Fort McHenry on your itinerary? (where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner)
     No, I don't fly the American Flag at my home. I often wear an American Flag lapel pin on my suit or sport coat. I have never visited the cities of Philadelphia or Baltimore. 

2. Red flag or white flag? Which have you encountered most recently? Explain.
     When I was in military basic training and it got to be dangerously hot, they would fly a red flag indicating that all strenuous physical activity was suspended for the day. The last three days have been a red flag day. I stayed inside and tried to stay cool.

3. Are you a stay in the car listen to the end of a song kind of person? What kind of person is that?
     I do stay in the car sometimes until the end of a song. Not just any song though, it has to be one of my favorite songs. 

4. What are some of the traits or qualities you think a good dad possesses? In other words, what makes a good dad? What's an expression you associate with your father?
     I believe that a good dad possesses unconditional love and patience for his children. He also possesses an attitude of forgiveness and encouragement. The phrase that I associate with my dad that comes to mind is something that my dad would always say when we were playing chess. After I made a move and just before he lowered the boom on me he would say "That's a good move just in case you don't know it." Within three moves I heard him announce "checkmate!" thereby winning the game. The day that I officially became a man was the day that I finally beat him at chess. 

5. What's one rule you always disagreed with while growing up? Is that rule somehow still part of your adult life? Is that a good or bad thing?
     I really don't know! 

6. Insert your own random thought here.
     I haven't been able to get out much since SWMBO's stem cell transplant. SWMBO and I have been essentially quarantined, staying at home for the most part for the last 100 plus days. Upon reaching the 100th day post transplant we have been given a bit more latitude. 
     I have a friend with whom I share a special bond. We love to share a meal and just talk about all manner of things. We discuss our families, current events, books that we've read, grandchildren and a plethora of other wide ranging issues. We're also able to have frank discussions about how we are doing personally, i.e. physically, emotionally, spiritually and so forth. 
     This morning I was able to meet with this friend for breakfast at a local restaurant. What a great time we had! It's been months since we've been able to meet together and talk.  
     God has lavishly blessed me with the people He has put in my life. This friend, of whom I speak, is one of these special blessings.  
     You may count yourself blessed if you too have such a friend!