INSURANCE KERFUFFLE HODGEPODGE!

     Good morning everyone! I hope that you are all well. I hope that your new year is going well, also. 
     The change of the new year brought with it a change in helth insurance for my beloved SWMBO and I. With the change in health insurance came the usual adjustments to the usual change in policies and procedures of the new company. In a word...UUGHH!
     The good news is another Wednesday is upon us and therefore another Wednesday Hodgepodge. Take a break from your week and relax as you enjoy the Hodgepodge. 

1. What keeps you blogging?
     There are acouple of reasons why I blog. One is that I enjoy crafting sentences trying to express my thoughts as precisely as possible. I also have some fairly strong opinions and enjoy giving voice to them through the written word. Last, and by no means least, I have enjoyed getting to know my fellow bloggers through the Wednesday Hodgepodge. I relish the diversity of opinions and personal experiences that have been shared through the Hodgepodge.

2. Some people like to travel in the winter months. Do you enjoy the beach in winter? According to Southern Living the best U.S. beach towns to visit this winter are-

St Simons Island (Georgia), Hilton Head (South Carolina), Bald Head Island (North Carolina), Seaside (Florida), Bay St. Louis (Mississippi), Cape San Blas (Florida), South Padre Island (Texas), Folly Beach (South Carolina), Chincoteague (Virginia), Duck Key (Florida), Nags Head (North Carolina), and Fairhope (Alabama)

Have you been to any of the towns listed (in any season)? Which on the list appeals to you most this winter? 
     SWMBO and I do not do a lot of traveling at any time of the year. I'm sure that visiting a warm water beach during the dead of winter would be a nice break from the deep freeze. 
     We have not visited any of the beaches mentioned...ever. We would like to at some point.

3. What's a song you're embarrassed to know all the lyrics to? Are you really embarrassed or do just think you should be?
     I do not think that I am embarrassed to know the lyrics to any song. I cannot think of a reason why I should or would be. I enjoy music from artists that some people think are not "cool." A few examples are Air Supply, Barry Manilow, and Celine Dion. I am not embarrassed about it. I just like what I like and I am the sole arbiter of what is cool, that is, what is cool to me.

4. When you were a kid what's something you thought would be fantastic as an adult, but now that you're an adult you realize it's not all that fantastic?
     When I was a child I thought that being the master of my own destiny would be fantastic. I thought having the freedom to come and go as I like, to eat what I like, to not eat what I don't like and to stay up as late as I want would be fantastic. Then I grew up and found out too late that adulthood is a trap and that there is no escape from it.

5. Share a quote you hope will inspire you in 2018.
     "Knowing is not enough; We must apply. Wishing is not enough; We must do."  Possessing knowledge is a good thing. Wisdom is knowing how to apply that knowledge. Furthermore, we must engage, we must do, if we are to accomplish anything. The curse of procrastination is that it puts off "doing" and nothing gets done as a result. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.
     President Trump inartfully expressed the opinion that the United States should admit people to the country who have skills that will enhance our country and to not admit people who are essentially unskilled and who would become a burden to this country. He was advocating for changing to a merit system to obtain entry to our country rather than a quota system where we admit a predetermined number of people from a given country.
     I agree with the President that there are countries that are less desirable then others. Case in point, remember all the celebrities who promised to leave the United States and move to another country if Donald Trump was elected. Not one of the celebrities chose a country to flee to whose citizens don't have access to a quality education and are forced, through no fault of their own, to live in squalor.  The Presidents choice of words, although crude and profane, were accurate. 
     Facts are troublesome things. One fact, the president was not denigrating any people. He was describing the conditions under which they are forced to live.

YEAH! THE SNOW IS MELTING HODGEPODGE!

     We are on our third consecutive day with temperatures in the low to mid forties. The snow is slowly melting. What a nice respite from the cold! Today being Wednesday it is time for another Hodgepodge of questions. Thank you Joyce for this weekly exercise in thoughtful self-reflection. Enjoy!

1. What's the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word 'spring'? Which phrase best describes the season of spring where you live right now (today)-sprung! almost there, or still waiting?
     When I hear the word Spring I have visions of a baseball field and the team having practice before a game. The phrase that best describes where we live is "still waiting." We still have snow rectum deep to a giraffe in our yards.

2. Bed, couch, stapler, garage door, computer mouse, recliner, flashlight, door knob...which household item containing springs most needs replacing in your home? Speaking of springs...did you ever own a Slinky?
     My side of the bed could use some new springs. I'm a big guy and the matress has seen better days.  Yes, I did own a slinky when I was a wee bit of a lad!

3. March is Women's History Month. Share a favorite quote by a woman.
     "You cannot tax your way to prosperity because sooner or later you run out of other people's money." Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

4. What's a question that looms large in your mind right now?
     What does the future bode for the United States of America?

     5. Are you a sugar freak? By that I mean how much do you love sugar? With all the bad press sugar gets these days, have you made any efforts to reduce the amount of sugar you consume?
     I like sugar, the natural cane sugar not the fake chemical substitutes. I do try to keep my sugar consumption to a minimum. I don't necessarily believe all the bad news about sugar.

6. Would you rather have less work to do or more work you enjoy doing?
     More work that I enjoy doing. If you love what you do, it's not work!

7. Ever been to Texas? Of the top ten Texas tourist attractions which would you most like to see-The Alamo, The San Antonio River Walk, The State Capital, Dallas World Aquarium, Padre Island National Seashore, Houston Space Center, Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Six Flags Fiesta Texas,  Moody Gardens, or Galveston Island?
     I have been to Texas for U.S. Air Force basic training. Lackland AFB is in San Antonio. I have also driven across the state of Texas. I recall not seeing any hills until I reached Oklahoma.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
      I am a person who tries to keep informed with what's going on. I watch the news, I read the paper and "News" websites. I've got to tell you that it is hard to maintain a positive attitude with what I perceive is going on in the world.   
     Then I remember the Christian hymn "This world is not my home I'm just a passing through." I also remember "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." And again "When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!"
     As Christians, we are "IN" the world but we are not "OF" the world. Therefore, we ought not to get so wrapped up in what is happening here but rather we should focus on where our real home and our real treasure is waiting for us. We are visitors in a foreign land but someday we are going home. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. Have a blessed day. 

COLUMBUS DAY HODGEPODGE!

1. What's your favorite time of day? Why?
     My favorite time of the day is early evening to late evening. I am most energized during those times. I suppose it comes from working 2nd and 3rd shifts a significant portion of my adult life.

2. Waffle iron, toaster, coffee maker, mixer, blender...which small appliance would you say most needs replacing in your house?
     In my house none of these need replacing. One small appliance that does need to be replaced is the electric can opener. It is on it's last legs. We have only used it for fifteen years or so.

3. It's National Grouch Day (October 15)...what's something that makes you feel grouchy?
     Whenever she's within arms reach I extend my arm and touch her. I love to feel her warmth. People sometimes ask me if I ever wake up grouchy? I say "No! Sometimes I let her sleep." An alternate answer is "No! She gets up before I do!" (Insert cymbal crash here!)

4. Ever been to Canada? Is that a country you'd like to visit? According to Trip Advisor, the top ten best destinations in Canada are-Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Victoria, Calgary, Niagara on the Lake, Niagara Falls, Whistler, and Halifax. Which city would you most like to see?
     I have been to Canada many times, primarily the Province of Quebec. I had an uncle, my dad's older brother, who lived in the city of Trois Rivieres (Three Rivers). It's located on the St. Lawrence Seaway between Montreal and Quebec City. Our family would go visit him often.
     One year SWMBO, the kids and I drove to Quebec City for a couple of days. 

5. What was your favorite food (or one of your favorites) when you were a child? Is that still a favorite?
     My maternal grandmother made the best chinese pie (shepherds pie to some) on the planet. That was my favorite meal growing up.

6. Do you cry easily?
     Depends on the context. I have wept at the funeral of a friend. I got a lump in my throat when Old Yeller bought the farm. I feel emotion watching certain other movies. I have shed tears from laughing too hard at an amusing anecdote or joke. Like I said, it depends on the context.

7. Have you started your (gasp!) Christmas shopping? If so when, and how much? If not, when will you even begin thinking about it?
     ARE YOU NUTS? It's not even Halloween yet! No, dear lady, I have not started my Christmas shopping.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
     Those of you who have been praying for SWMBO, please offer a prayer of thanksgiving. Our oncologist expected that SWMBO would need a stem cell transplant around the end of the year. Well, at our latest follow up visit the oncologist said her numbers that should be up are up. Her numbers that should be down are down. Her cancer is in remission therefore the transplant is off the table for the foreseeable future. Our next follow-up visit is in February 2015.
      At the risk of raining on my own parade it is important to understand that there is NO CURE for the type of cancer SWMBO has. We have won a decisive battle in a war that is still ongoing, but the war is still ongoing. So in addition to prayers of thanksgiving, I humbly ask your continued prayers for an ultimate victory in this war with Cancer. Thank you and I thank God for you!

"DEPORTED HODGEPODGE" WEDNESDAY!

1. July 24th is Amelia Earhart Day.  Earhart was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.  What's something you've recently accomplished solo? 

     I have taken excellent care of SWMBO, driving her to work, picking her up again (very important!), completed some of the house cleaning chores, etc. 

2.  What's one product you use that never ever fails?

     This question is easy! Duct Tape of course! It never fails!

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it?

     I think that I have. I am pleased to be able to devote so much time to taking care of SWMBO. I also am privileged to be able to serve the church. I am remarkably content with where I am at this point in my life. I'm with SWMBO....everything else is gravy!

4.  Worst movie you ever saw?

     "Speed 2" comes to mind. Also, "Star Trek IV, The Voyage Home" was more tree hugging propaganda than entertainment. It is tied for that dishonor.

5. What's the last fun thing you did?

     SWMBO and I went to a local "fine dining" restaurant called the Bedford Village Inn to celebrate our wedding anniversary. That was a really good time!

6. The month of July is named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar...ever been to Rome? What's your favorite Italian dish?

     I have never been to Rome. I did take two years of Latin in High School, but that's as close as I ever got. My favorite Italian dish is Sophia Loren! If you mean food...I love lasagna!

7. What is one piece of advice you'd offer new mom Kate Middleton?

     I would advise her to allow the new prince to be a boy. The burden of being a member of the royal family will come upon him way too soon. Let him enjoy the carefree nature of childhood for as long as is humanly possible. Try to keep him out of the limelight of the too invasive Press for as long as possible!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     Last week I mentioned that SWMBO and I got kicked out of Canada during our trip to Niagara Falls. Several people commented that they wanted to hear the story of how that happened.
     Well here is what happened. During our trip I wanted to visit a Duty Free Shop that can be found at several of the border crossings between Canada and the United States. There was such a shop on the U.S. side of the Friendship Bridge in Buffalo, NY. What I didn't know is that once you drive into the parking lot of the Duty Free Shop you could not exit back into Buffalo...you had to cross the bridge and enter Canada.

     So what's the problem? I'm glad you asked! First, neither SWMBO nor I had passports. All we had to identify ourselves were our NH Driver's Licenses. Second, we had the dogs with us and we did not have their shot records. Third, I was armed with a loaded .38 caliber revolver. (I generally carry a revolver with us when we travel, for protection)
     So we drive across the bridge and stop at the Canadian Customs Booth. The Customs Agent asked a series of questions that were quite innocuous, like..."Where were you born? Where do you live? Are you American citizens? Where are you going? What is your purpose in coming to Canada?" We had no problem with these questions. I explained how I mistakenly came to be at his customs booth. But then, he asked the 64 thousand dollar question, "Do you have any firearms with you?" Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Houston, we have a problem!
     I told him that I did have a loaded .38 caliber revolver. He paused...got this look like he didn't believe what he just heard...and repeated the question. I repeated my answer! He got this frightened look on his face, spoke discreetly into his lapel microphone and told me to drive to a parking space where several custom officials had just gathered in a tactical formation of sorts.
     Being the compliant sort, and noticing that the customs officers were well armed, I complied! Upon turning off my engine, a supervisor came to my window asked if I had a loaded firearm. I said "yes!" He asked why I was armed? I told him that I was an off-duty police officer and that I generally travelled with a loaded firearm. He asked me if I was aware of Canadian gun laws. I said I was generally familiar with them and that had I intended to come into Canada, I would have left the firearm secured at home but I had no intention of entering Canada.
     He asked me to surrender the firearm to him, which I safely did. He unloaded it and went inside the Station, presumably to speak with his supervisor and to conduct a records check on yours truly. While he was gone the other officers maintained their tactical positions keeping their gaze fixed upon me and my beloved SWMBO.

     After several minutes the supervisor returned to me and handed my revolver and the five rounds that were formerly loaded into the gun back to me. He said that I was not to reload it until I was back in the United States. He then kindly directed me back across the bridge towards the land of the free and the home of the brave.
     So that's the story about how I got kicked out of Canada! I'm sorry that it's a long story, but you asked for it! Enjoy your week!

WHY MEN RETREAT!

     Every year in the fall, men from the Churches of Christ from all the New England States drive to Raymond, Maine, and meet at Ganderbrook Christian Camp. The purpose for this annual migration is to "retreat" from the world to focus upon spiritual matters.  This is a time to forget about all the responsibilities of life; work, home, family and anything else that occupies us on the daily journey that is our lives. It is also a time to renew acquaintances with brethren from all around New England who you had met at retreats over the years.


     The retreat begins on Thursday afternoon and adjourns at about noon on Saturday until the following year.

     Every year a noted speaker from one of the Churches of Christ or affiliated Universities and Colleges nationwide presents a series of lessons over the course of the retreat, following a theme. This year's speaker, F. Laggard Smith, will be bringing thoughts on the Old Testament Book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament.


     Some of the things that bring me back, year after year, are... (1) The natural beauty that surrounds the camp; (2) The peace and quiet of the Maine woods; (3) The chance to get away by myself and spend time in prayer, quiet reflection, or thinking about the future, uninterrupted by phones or other noise; (4) Spending time in prayer, in song, in conversation, with other like-minded men; (5) Making new acquaintances and getting to know them; (6) Hearing how the work of the Church is going in the various states.


     I am a Christian. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, is God incarnate. I believe that His death on the cross of Calvary was for the purpose of redeeming sinners, like me and like you, from eternal damnation. I believe that by believing that Jesus died for me in my place, by repenting of my sins,  by confessing that Jesus is God and by being baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I now have eternal life.


     By claiming to be a Christian I am NOT saying, in any way, shape or form, that I am perfect or that I don't sin anymore. I do, everyone does! That doesn't excuse me, it is just a fact. Every person who claims to be a Christian is in the same boat, not perfect...just forgiven.


    So, in a way, the Men's Retreat is kind of like a support program for sinners. We are not alone in this world. Those of us in the Church are blessed to have like-minded brothers and sisters who support and encourage each other for no other reason than...it is the right thing to do.  


     So, my friends, this is why Men Retreat. If you have any questions, if you want to know more about salvation or the Gospel please do not hesitate to ask. If I don't know the answer, I'm sure I know someone who does! May God richly bless you.