GROUNDHOG DAY-SNOWBOUND HODGEPODGE

     Last Sunday was Groundhog Day and today, Wednesday, we in New Hampshire are being inundated with snow. YUCK! It is also time for another series of questions. I urge any male bloggers to join me in participating in the weekly Hodgepodge. I think I may be the only man to participate weekly. Come on in, the waters fine!

1. Are we always responsible for our actions? Are there any exceptions?
   We are always responsible for our actions. Our responsibility may be mitigated somewhat if we act upon information that was deliberately misrepresented to us. Even then, we are ultimately responsible for our actions but somewhat less so. Due diligence requires that we make every effort to insure that the information upon which we act is true and accurate.

2.  Has anyone from your home town become famous?
     I was born in Lowell, MA. Three famous names come to mind: Bette Davis, the great American actress; Jack Kerouac, author of "On the Road"; and Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson's longtime Tonight Show sidekick.

3. January was National Slow Cooker month. Do you own a slow cooker/crock pot? Did you use it last month? What's a favorite dish you make using a slow cooker or crock pot?
     SWMBO and I have three crock pots in three different sizes. Baby Pot, Mama Pot and Papa Pot. SWMBO recently blogged about them at "Life Through Bifocals." I have two favorite meals. SWMBO makes an incredible Beef Stew. She also makes a Pork Chop Chili that will clean out your innards like Drano cleans out a clogged pipe. By that I mean it burns going down, clearing out your sinuses in the process. It also burns coming out, if you know what I mean. It tastes really, really good though!

4. How do you feel about private companies collecting data about you?
     I have become convinced that the days of having personal privacy is over. The most intimate details of our lives that are stored on any computer is vulnerable. That said, I don't mind if a company stores the kind of things I buy from them or how often I shop and stuff like that. I do object to them collecting data which invades my privacy, stuff I would prefer to keep confidential or that is not intended for public consumption.

5. The Games of the 2014 Winter Olympics kick off with their opening ceremony this coming Friday....will you be watching? Which Winter Olympic event would you most like to see in person? Have you ever been to Russia? Any desire to go, Olympics or otherwise?
     I love the Hockey competition. I prefer the earlier Olympic games when only amateurs were allowed to compete. Now the NHL takes a two week hiatus so that some of their players can compete for their respective nations. SWMBO loves the figure skating.

6. Share a good or bad sports related memory from your childhood or teen years.
     I played little league baseball as a young boy. I was a pretty good first baseman. My team was in the league playoffs. It was the bottom of the last inning and I caught a game ending foul ball that secured our victory. Unfortunately, my team lost the rubber game of the playoff, but that catch was an exciting moment in my young life.

7. What's a must have song for you on a work out play list? If you don't work out, run, swim, bike, walk, or anything else that could be construed as 'exercise', then what's a song that motivates you to at least get up off the couch?
     There's a lot of songs that get my blood moving. Foreigner's "Dirty White Boy" and "Hot Blooded"; Deep Purple's "Highway Star" and "Space Truckin"; Roy Orbison's "Only the Lonely" and "Pretty Woman"; Styx "Too Much Time On My Hands" and "Blue Collar Man" and "Renegade"; The Eagles "Life in the Fast Lane" and "Already Gone" just to name a few!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
     I have been thinking about Divorce recently. No…SWMBO and I are doing fine. In fact we're closer now and more in love than we have ever been. I have been thinking about some of the self deluding things that people say when they choose to divorce.
     "We have just grown apart." In my humble opinion this just means that you have stopped trying to please each other like you did when you were dating. Also, when you are dating someone you tend to overlook a bunch of stuff that for some strange reason becomes intolerable after you are married.  Don't kid yourself, you have stopped trying because you chose to stop trying.
     "We have become different people!" You were different people when you started dating. You were different people when you got married. You are both different people now. The one constant in the universe is change. You are both going to change. Your interests, your abilities, your bodies, etc. will change over the years. Change can be properly managed if you choose to do so.
     "We don't love each other anymore."  You have chosen not to love each other anymore. Love is a verb! Love is a choice! Nuff said! 
     "It is better for the kids" This is the worst of all the self deluding statements! The one unalterable fact about divorce is that no matter how amicable the divorce may be, the kids are ALWAYS adversely affected. I have seen this first hand in my career as a police officer and have dealt with the very real consequences of the fallout from "amicable" divorce.

     I understand that there are times when Divorce is unavoidable for a variety of reasons. I am not trying to be judgmental or even self righteous. I just know what a blessing marriage is or can be. In my humble opinion Divorce is bad and nobody wins, especially the kids! 

SUPER BOWL HODGEPODGE WEDNESDAY!

1. It's  been said that one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. Do you think that's true? Do you find that an easy exercise most mornings? What's something positive you told yourself today? If you missed that boat, what's something positive you could tell yourself tomorrow?
     I am not very positive early in the day. I don't recall ever starting my day with a deliberate positive thought. Perhaps I'll give it a try and see what happens. 
     I'm not particularly negative either. When I get up I kind of take inventory of joint pain and other aches and see if there are any new ones or if any are missing. If any are missing that means it's going to be a good day.
     I usually drag myself to the kitchen, greeting my beloved SWMBO enroute, and have breakfast and/or just a cup of coffee and once the juices start flowing I plan my day.

2. There will be karaoke at the next party you attend...are you in? Or will you be faking a sore throat?
     It depends upon who else is in attendance. I am way less likely to participate if most of the attendee's are strangers or new acquaintances. I wouldn't fake anything, if I chose not to participate I simply would not participate. 

3. January 29th is National Puzzle Day...what's something you've found puzzling recently?
     I watched the movie "Inception" with Leonardo DeCaprio and had trouble following what was going on. It's a puzzling movie.

4.  Jigsaw, crossword, acrostic, logic, sudoku, word search...what's your favorite kind of puzzle, and when did you last work one?
     In order of preference: Crossword, Sudoku, Word Search, Logic then Jigsaw. I generally work the daily crossword and sudoku puzzles from USA Today. I also enjoy Word Jumbles.

5. Recently a writer by the name of Amy Glass ruffled feathers with a post she wrote saying she looks down on young women with husbands and kids and she's not sorry. Among other things, she says women will be equal with men when we stop saying house work and real work are equally important. You can read the whole piece by clicking here.
     
What say you? Do you think men and women are equal in the 21st century? Why or why not?
   I say that Ms Glass is wrong! If my feathers got ruffled every time someone said something that seemed ignorant, offensive or down right stupid I would be in a perpetual state of ruffle-ness. I fail to understand why people get riled up over stuff like this.
   Anyway,  in my humble opinion housework and real work, whatever that means, are equally important. In today's world it is not unusual for both parties to a marriage to do housework and hold a job outside the home. As I type this I am doing the week's laundry.                       Believe me, having clean clothes is important. Having nutritious meals to eat is important. Having a clean place to live is important. These things don't happen by themselves.
    So I say again, Ms Glass is simply wrong!

6. What's a product you've noticed in the grocery store that you'd like to try, but haven't yet?
     I've got nothing! No idea!

7. The author, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) was born this week in 1832 (January 27th).  Which character from his celebrated novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, would you most like to meet, and why? Here's a link to a character list if you need help on this one. 
   I choose the Cheshire Cat. He's logical and would be able to elucidate the realities of living in wonderland.
  
8. Insert your own random thought here.
     Last week neither I nor SWMBO participated in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. We were otherwise engaged and unable to. Suffice it to say, we sincerely thank all of you who graciously held us up in prayer. Your prayers went a long way towards making a difficult week more tolerable. 
     Here's my random thought. The U.S. Government recently indicted a conservative film maker, Dinesh D'Souza (sp?), and released him on $500, 000 bail. A half million dollars, and the Court required him to surrender his passport(s). What heinous crime is he accused of? He allegedly conspired with three other people to donate $20,000 cash to the senate campaign of a former classmate. He has pled "NOT GUILTY" in this matter. 
     Could the fact that he made a couple of documentary films that are unflattering to President Obama have anything to do with the heavy handedness of this prosecution?
     This could be chilling for anyone who holds conservative views and decides to publicly express them. May God bless America, we really, really, need it! 

JANUARY THAW HODGEPODGE!

     We are experiencing a warming trend called the January thaw. The temperature climbs into the balmy 40's or the sweltering 50's. It never ceases to amaze me how warm the 40's feel after a few days with highs in the teens or low 20's with windchill temperatures well below zero. 

   Well, it is Wednesday and it is time for another set of probing questions from our friend Joyce from "From This Side of the Pond." Enjoy!

1.  Are you a force to be reckoned with? In what way?

     Generally, not so much, but in a few specific situations, absolutely. What I mean is I don't have to get my way in most of the things that crop up in my life. I don't dig in and fight many battles because at the end of the day most things are really not worth fighting about. However, were my beloved SWMBO or our children or grandchildren be threatened, I am definitely a force to be reckoned with. 

     

2. What are two things you love about the wintertime? Or, if love feels like too strong a word, what are two things you 'like' about winter? 

     One of my favorite things to do on a clear, dry, cold winter night is to stargaze. The sky looks so spectacular on such a night. It is awe inspiring. A second thing I like is just after a snowfall, the ground looks so pristine and beautiful. Also, all is quiet as if the snow muffled all sound.

3. Pomegranate, kumquat, persimmon, kiwi, and guava are all fruits said to have health benefits, particularly during the winter months. Do you have a favorite on the list? Are there any on the list you haven't tried? 

     I don't have a favorite from the given list of fruits. I have tried Pomegranate and Kiwi. I can take them or leave them. 

4. I passed a local church yesterday and noticed they had this on their outdoor sign- 'When all else fails, do the right thing.' Your thoughts?

     I believe that we should always try to do the right thing in the first instance. Doing the right thing is not a fall back position. To do otherwise is like "You're not trying if you're not cheating." or "It's only wrong if you get caught!" As a Bible believing Christian I believe we are called to do the right thing always.

5. Do you ski? According to one list I've seen, the top 5 ski destinations for 2014 are-St. Anton Austria, Whistler Canada, Cortina Italy, Tahoe USA, and Zermatt Switzerland.  Of the five listed, which would you most like to visit? We can make skiing optional if that helps the non-skiers with their answer. 

     I am not a skier. I have never been tempted to try. That said, I wouldn't mind visiting Switzerland or Austria. I wouldn't mind watching other people ski from the cozy warmth of a chalet while sipping a hot chocolate.

6.  What's the last thing you looked for online? (Besides my blog!)

     The last thing I looked for online are pet friendly hotels in the Lebanon, NH, area. SWMBO and I and the fur babies will be spending a few nights in a hotel when they try to harvest her stem cells for a possible stem cell transplant in the future.

7. What saying, slogan, quote, or motto have you seen lately that inspires you for the new year?

     "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 4:6,7)

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

     The NFL Super Bowl is once again upon us. I love the Super Bowl because it is the first death knell of Winter. It is a reminder that Spring is just around the corner. The next death knell of winter is when the Red Sox pitchers and catchers report for spring training in Florida. The final death knell is St. Patricks Day. We can still be whacked with a snow storm but the odds are increasingly in our favor that we will not.

     Winter is the price we must pay for the privilege of enjoying the other three seasons here in New England. It is a price worth paying. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR HODGEPODGE!

1. Times Square is the setting for the infamous ball drop signaling a brand new year....when did you last 'drop the ball' on something?

     Hardly a week goes by when I don't drop the ball on something or other. Nothing specific comes to mind. SWMBO is very forgiving however, otherwise my ghost would be typing this right now. No jury in the entire nation would ever convict her if she was not so forgiving!

2. What is one thing you resolved to do in 2013 that you actually did?

     I resolved to be more active in the church. I think that I have achieved this goal.

3. Jack London is quoted as saying, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." Agree or disagree? Why? 

     I guess I would have to disagree. I would assert that Inspiration hunts us down and comes after us with a club. Inspiration is something that is spontaneous. Inspiration is something that jumps up and smacks you dead in the face without warning. You hear a song with a powerful message and a beautiful melody, you are inspired.

     You read about some of the great figures of history and all that they overcame to become the influential people that they became and you become inspired.

     Sooner or later Inspiration gets us all!

4. What was the best thing you ate in 2013?

     I give up...what was the best thing that I ate in 2013? I don't know. If you were to meet me in person you would soon realize that there is a veritable cornucopia of things that I have consumed over the pst year. To narrow it down to one specific "best thing" is daunting to put it mildly.

5.  Share an anti-resolution...that is, something you plan to keep on doing in the new year.

     I plan to keep on loving, serving and enriching SWMBO's life in any way I can. Beside that I intend to keep blogging, reading, and studying the Bible.

6. The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is radiant orchid.  Like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?

     I have way too much testosterone to be able to respond to this question and maintain possession of my "Man Card!"

7. In three words or less sum up your 2013.

     Cancer Really Blows!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     At this time of year people often look back over the past twelve months and reflect upon the condition of their lives. They assess the progress that they made on the changes that they resolved to make during the year. The more common resolutions such as to lose weight, exercise more, improve their personal relationships and yada, yada, yada often don't survive past the first quarter of the year. We start out with zeal and positive expectations as well as good intentions to succeed. Despite our best intentions we fail. I number myself among those good intentioned souls who have added bricks on the road to perdition, that particular road being paved with good intentions.

     It can be discouraging to make the same resolutions year after year to just see them fall by the wayside year after year. How can we stop this vicious cycle? I haven't got a clue!

     One thing that I do know is that perseverance is unbeatable. I take a lesson from Thomas a. Edison. He used something like a thousand different metals for the filament on his light bulb until he happened upon tungsten, the metal that finally worked. 

     Well, if you have failed at keeping your resolutions, persevere! If you stumble and fall during the year, get up and begin anew! Persevere! Never retreat! Persevere! Never surrender! Persevere!

     I readily acknowledge that this is easier said than done. Remember...PERSEVERANCE WINS THE DAY!

     Happy New Year to one and all!

      

     

SNOWBOUND HODGEPODGE WEDNESDAY!

1. Do you believe in miracles?

      Miracles by definition are those events where the natural laws are suspended. A couple of examples from the Bible are Jesus changing water into wine at the wedding in Cana. (John 2:1-11) and the immediate and complete healing and restoration of a diseased hand.(Matthew 12:9-13) Miracles in the Bible were performed to confirm/verify that God was speaking through the person performing the Miracle.
     I do believe that God still is actively involved in the lives of people, however, I do not believe that Miracles still occur. It's not that I believe that God cannot perform miracles today it's just that I do not believe that he does perform miracles today. God's word is complete! God's Kingdom is established! There are many amazing things that occur in our lives that seem to be miraculous. There are some amazing occurrences that seem to be inconsistent with our understanding of science and with our experience. I believe that these things happen within the parameters of natural laws.

2. What's a recent fad you admit to trying?

     I am not given to participating in fads. I probably have done some of the things that were fads but none come to mind.

3. Peppermint-are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite food or beverage containing peppermint?

     I am a huge fan of peppermint. I love peppermint flavored milk shakes. My favorite flavor of chewing gum is peppermint. I like those peppermint starburst candies and chocolate covered peppermint patties. I am a fan!

4. Break the ice, on thin ice, as cold as ice (emotionally, not literally)...which phrase have you run into most recently? Explain.

     I spend a fair amount of time "on thin ice!" I tend to behave in an impish way which often gets me into dutch with my beloved SWMBO as well as other people in my life. Nothing malicious, mind you, just playfully naughty.

5. Have you ever broken or spilled something in someone else's home? Still friends?

     Accidents do happen! I cannot imagine me ending a friendship over someone breaking something or spilling something in my home. People are way more precious and valuable than "stuff." I do not know any of my friends who don't have similar values. If I break or damage something I try to make it right. When I cannot make it right, that's where grace comes in.

6.  'Tis the week before Christmas...are you feeling more like Buddy the Elf or the Grinch before his heart grew?

     I'm still in "Grinch" mode! Having said that, my heart is beginning to grow!

7. Share a favorite quote relating to Christmas.

     "Do not be afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be for you and all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10. 11)

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     Why do you observe the Christmas Holiday?  Some people observe the day simply because it is a "Federal Holiday" and therefore is a day off from work. 
     Other people celebrate the pagan traditions of the day, the Winter Solstice.
     The Christian celebrates the day because it is the day we celebrate the most important occurrence in all of human history. We celebrate the day that an Infinite, Almighty God entered into time and space and became humanly born. Ironically, no one knows the precise day that the Baby Jesus was born in that manger in Bethlehem. December 25th is the day that man has selected to commemorate that blessed event however.
     The angels announced to the shepherds "Do not be afraid." As an aside, I am struck by how many times in Scripture that God says "Do not be afraid!" or "Fear not!" So the angels try to calm the shepherd fear.
     Then the angels announced good news of great joy! In my life I have received good news of great joy. For example, when I learned of the healthy birth of my grandchildren and that mother and child were doing great, those were incidents of "good news of great joy."
     The news that the angels announced was the birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord. This news is the long awaited fulfillment of God's promise. It was the culmination of His plan to deal with man's "Sin Problem." It was the ultimate game changing news! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son!
      For the Christian, we celebrate Christmas because it is the day that our liberation from the bondage of sin and death was at hand. So I say to one and all Merry Christmas! May God richly bless you, oh wait, He already has! Merry Christmas!  

WICKED FREEZING COLD HODGEPODGE!

     We have been snowed on, rained on and iced on. Now we have a polar air mass poised to drop us down into the deep freeze. BRRRRR! Whatever the weather the hodgepodge endures. Thank you Joyce for these questions. Don't just enjoy our thoughts. Participate in the Hodgepodge and share yours as well.

1. Are you doing anything special to mark this season of Advent? If so please share.

    I don't do anything specific to advent.

2. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen...and of course you recall, the most famous reindeer of all...so, which reindeer name best describes you this week? 

     I have no idea! I have never seen a beakdown in the character traits of the Santa's reindeer.

3. What's worse-too quiet or too loud? Which have you had more of lately?

     Too noisy is far worse. I have had more of "too noisy" with all the hub bub of Christmas shopping, holiday preparations, etc.

4. This question comes to you from Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens-thanks Zo! 

     

When you are administratively gifted, how often do you find yourself not trusting less gifted people to do what they've committed to do?  If you are not so gifted that way, but are reliable, how do you feel when the stronger person (in that area) goes ahead and covers it before giving you a chance to come through? 

     If I ask someone to complete a task, I trust them to complete the task. I believe that it is disrespectful, inconsiderate and condescending to do myself that which I have asked another to complete. 

     If I was on the receiving end I would feel disrespected and angry. If you want me to do something and I agree to do it, then let me do it. If you are not going to let me do it, then don't ask me and just do it yourself.

5. What is your most dreaded task relating to the holidays? Your most looked forward to holiday task?

     My most dreaded task is Christmas shopping. My most looked forward to task is completing my Christmas shopping.

6. Facebook has released its list of the 'most talked about' topics of 2013. Pope Francis took the number one spot.  Does that surprise you? He was followed by election, royal baby, typhoon, and Harlem Shake. Your thoughts? What was your most talked about topic in 2013? (Facebook, around the kitchen table, or wherever it is you talk)

      My particular circle of friends have not talked about any of those things. We talked about  Obama-care and the lies that the administration told to get it passed. We also discuss the ever increasing number of government scandals that are being ignored by the main stream media and the electorate. We speak of the dysfunctional government and how it came to be this way and how to change it for the better. We also talk about the debasement of society, evidence by the "knock out" game and other such things.
     We also have spend a fair amount of time talking about "Cancer." You know why!

   

7. What's something you consider a necessity that others might view as a luxury?

     Our wood pellet stove. My mission in life is to try to keep SWMBO warm and toasty. That is a full time job. Our pellet stove gives me a better than average chance of meeting that goal.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     This week the world lost Nelson Mandela. President Mandela was not a perfect man. He was a good man. The thing that impressed me most about the man is after being imprisoned for 27 years and after his release becoming president of his country did not use his new power to punish his enemies. He instead used the power of his office to bring the people of his nation together and not to further divide them.
     Our nation's leader could learn from Nelson Mandela's example. Our nation's leaders should do those things which benefit the nation rather than themselves, their particular political party or their narrow minded agendas. Our nation's leaders should do those things that unite, rather than divide, us.
     Rest in peace, Mr. President! God bless the people of South Africa during this time of mourning.

WEDNESDAY BAH-HUMBUG HODGEPODGE!

     The past weekend has brought out the most crass aspects of human nature. Shoppers trampled over barricades and people to enter stores and purchase "stuff" and anyone in their way be damned. That's one reason why I echo the words of Ebenezer Scrooge "Bah-humbug!" So pause from your Christmas shopping and other preparations and enjoy the Hodgepodge!

1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts? When did you last take a selfie? Do you post them online somewhere?  Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?

      People have been photographing themselves for years. However, I don't care for the more salacious selfies that some people feel compelled to post on the various social media. I don't recall ever taking a selfie. I don't generally post such things on social media. I prefer to be behind the camera.
   

2. Will you send out Christmas cards this year? If so, are they ready to go? If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?

     SWMBO and I will be sending out Christmas cards this year. They are not ready to go but I'm confident that we will get them out on time.

3. Do you trust easily?

     I do not trust easily. Cynicism and distrust is an unfortunate side effect of my law enforcement career. When you live for many years in an environment where trusting the wrong person could result in your being seriously injured or killed, you become intensely circumspect in your dealings with people. It becomes difficult to act otherwise.

4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?

     Peppermint-vanilla is my favorite around the Christmas holiday.

5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?

     I did more listening...I was with SWMBO! Just kidding! I did do more listening. I had some ministry tasks to perform Monday (which is yesterday as I write this) which required my listening carefully before speaking. I think I'm a pretty good listener. I think that as a general rule I listen more than I talk.  It's the "we have two ears and one mouth thing" which means that we ought to listen twice as much as we speak.

6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now :  )

     Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger." It is a most persistent "earworm."

7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why? 

     Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, the crew of Apollo 11 which was the first mission to land on the lunar surface and return safely. It must have been spectacular!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     Christmas is the Holiday where Christians celebrate an infinite almighty God becoming human through His birth on that cold night in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. It is the celebration that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. Jesus lived on this earth for about 33 years being totally human and at the same time totally God. Because of what Jesus accomplished while He was on earth all mankind has an opportunity to spend eternity with a loving, merciful and extraordianry Holy God. It's up to all of us to choose where we get to spend eternity. Think of the immensity and the ramifictions of that choice for a moment.
     When I look around and see the avarice, materialism, and vulgar displays of the more crass aspects of human nature supposedly in celebration of the holiday, I am stunned and saddened.
      I don't mean to imply that it is all bad, however. I am encouraged and uplifted when I read or see stories that report people expending a large amount of effort and resources where the less fortunate are being clothed, given warmth, being housed and being fed in the TRUE spirit of the Holiday. I want to believe that these people of good will are the rule rather than the exception. 
     I pray God's blessing on all of you!