HOT & HUMID WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE!

     Welcome back Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you Joyce for another series of penetrating questions. Summer is here in the Granite State in full force. The humidity is elevated which does not help SWMBO's asthma. Well anyway, onto this week's Hodgepodge questions.

1. It's officially summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway). Which summer month is best and why?

     I think July is the best Summer month. It has the celebrations around a certain wedding anniversary, #44 and counting. It has the fireworks associated with celebrating our independence on the 4th. The lake water temperatures are warmer and more tolerable. The vegetation is in full bloom. Fresh vegetables are beginning to appear at the local farm stands. The sunny weather is spectacular. What more could one need?

2. Can you swim? How did you learn? June 27th is National Sunglasses Day. How many pair do you own?

     I can swim. I learned by being tossed out of a boat and being told what to do to keep from drowning. Needless to say I was highly motivated to listen and do as instructed. I was pulled back aboard before I ran out of strength. Unbeknownst to me the water that I was tossed into was NOT over my head, it was about chest deep. I practiced those techniques closer to shore and at area pools at my own pace. I did earn a swimming merit badge at Boy Scout Camp.

  

3. What characteristic do you judge most harshly in yourself? How about in others?

     I judge my procrastination rather harshly. I judge insincerity in others rather harshly.

4. Robert Frost wrote the now well known poem entitled The Road Not Taken. What's a road (literal or figurative) you've always wanted to travel, and where do you hope it takes you? 

     I would have loved to learn to fly and become a commercial pilot. I think that it would have opened up more of the world to me.

5. Popsicles-yay or nay? If you answered yay, what's your favorite flavor? 

     Popsicles-Yay! I love red or purple.

6. Brexit-on a scale of 1-10 how knowledgeable are you on what's involved here? (1=very knowledgeable and 10=what's Brexit) Is this news you'll follow or is it something you think won't impact your life in any way shape or form?

     On your 1 to 10 scale I'm about a 3. I'll continue to follow the developments as they arise. This can't help but impact my life, if only indirectly, given the economic impact it could have on the stock markets etc.  

7. Share a favorite song on your summer play list.

     "Summer in the City" by the Lovin Spoonful. "In the Summertime" by Mungo Gerry and any of the surfing songs by the Beach Boys or Jan & Dean.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

     I have been following the recent disasters in California and West Virginia. These particular events have directly impacted people who I know and love. One such acquaintance lost contact with her dad for a couple of days. Thankfully, and as usual, he was out helping others who were affected by the wild fires. He is fine. Another such acquaintance lives in West Virginia. Her property was spared but she expended her energy to the point of exhaustion helping others to recover from the receding flood waters. 

     So, I say again that Americans are a noble people who go to great lengths to render aid where needed. Anyone who says different is either ignorant or lying. 

      God bless y'all!

BIKE WEEK HODGEPODGE!

     This week the thundering roar of motorcycles will be heard throughout the Granite State. It's motorcycle week! The annual Laconia Motorcycle Rally is in full swing. Motorcyclist from all over the world come to this rally. Outlaw biker clubs/gangs come from all over the country. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith fame and Ted Nugent, the Motor City Madman, will perform in different events this week. 
      Also, today being Wednesday, it is time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge. It's as important as the bike rally only not quite as loud. Enjoy!

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?

     I love being lakeside! I prefer a small to mid sized lake. I prefer that it be far enough from the noise of civilization to be deathly quiet but close enough to civilization to get provisions as the need arises. I don't have a specific lake in mind. There are many lakes to choose from in the New England states.

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink?

     My favorite adult beverage fruity drink is a Pina Colada. I'm a fan of the pineapple-coconut combination. My favorite non-alcoholic beverage is a watermelon collatta from Dunkin Donuts or a watermelon sherbet Fribble from Friendly's Restaurant.

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simplify your life. They were-
clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

     When I cook our meal I generally clean as I go. I'm not a "planner."  SWMBO  is a huge planner which sometimes results in tension between us. I don't write down daily goals because it becomes too discouraging when I fail to meet them. I tend to set the bar too high I guess. 
     I don't have a morning routine either. I make it up as I go along. I really have no problem telling people "No." I love to do favors and help when I can but when I can't I say no without guilt. 
     I suppose my life is fairly simple as is!

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school? 

     That's easy...I married my beloved SWMBO!  We have been happily together ever since...42 years and counting!

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? 

     I used to listen to several podcasts but I've lost interest. These days I listen to live Talk Radio or Heart, Pandora or Spotify on my cellphone.

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

     I think it's the same when you're talking about training children, to try and instill moral values and build character and integrity. It still requires a father be engaged with their children. Absentee fatherhood is no fatherhood at all.    
     I think that it's different in that fathers today have to deal with a vastly different culture than previous generations. The technological advances are tough enough to keep abreast of, let alone the cultural and social changes.
     
7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?

     One way that I'm not at all like my father is that I am 6'4" and weigh over 300 lbs. My dad was 5'6" and weighed about 160 lbs. One way that I'm like him is that I worked very hard to provide for my family. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     My heart is heavy over the mass shooting at the Pulse Club in Orlando, FL. I am disgusted over the response of our feckless president, the candidates, and the political leaders on both the right and the left. 
     About 50 people lost their lives. More people were wounded. Instead of allowing the investigation to proceed and the information to come out, there is a rush to judgement to define the cause(s) and cure(s) before all the information is in and the news cycle plays out.
     Some are saying that guns are too accessible. Others say it is Islamic terrorists involved. Still others say that it's an anti-gay hate crime.
     There will be plenty of time for us to argue those issues ad nauseum. In the meantime, let the people mourn and bury their dead. Let the wounded heal and resume some semblance of their former lives. Let the authorities complete their investigation. 
     My prayers are for the families of those who lost their lives. My prayers are for the rapid healing of the wounded. My prayers are for a nation that must suffer the trauma of another horrific event. May God have mercy on our wounded nation!

JUST ANOTHER WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE!

     Wednesday is here again which means that there absolutely must be another Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thanks to our Hodgepodge Mistress, Joyce Daley, for another weekly essay exam! I hope that you enjoy the edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. I read here a list of 13 things you should do in June. I'm paraphrasing a little but basically...

Go on a road trip with your best friend, pick fresh strawberries, host a garden party, take a morning run, treat yourself to a flower bouquet, spend a whole day hiking, discover a new coffee shop, try a new ice cream flavor, read at least one book, visit a Farmer's Market, make a swing for your home, and visit a new city. 

Which thing on the list do you most want to do? Of the activities mentioned, which one holds the least appeal? How many on the list will you attempt in June? What's one thing you'd add to the list?

     The thing on the list that I most want to do is take a road trip with my best friend. The activity that holds the least appeal is taking a morning run. Next on the list of least likely is an all day hike. I will probably attempt half the items listed. One thing that I'd add to the list is a day of fresh water fishing. 

2. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful?

     When I really need a pick me up I spend some time in prayer and I sing a few songs from the church songbook. I have my own copy. Praying and singing uplifting songs always gives me a measure of peace. Playing my guitar also helps in that regard.

3. June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Are you a fan? Swiss mocha, rocky road, chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate, or a dish of plain chocolate...what's your pleasure? 

     Neither SWMBO nor me are fans of chocolate ice cream...period!

4. If you came with a warning what would it say?

     CAUTION: He's not crazy but he is a carrier! He also uses Humor and Sarcasm, often when it is inappropriate to the occasion.

5.What's the most interesting website you've visited in the last week? 

     The Manchester Union Leader is the local paper. I subscribe to the electronic edition. That was the most interesting website that I visited last week.

6. Spring, summer, autumn, winter...which season are you? Why? 

     I think that I might me mid-autumn to mid winter. I am sometime warm, other times I am cold. Often I am moderate. I am not just one season, that would be boring!

7. "You lose sight of things...and when you travel, everything balances out." ~Daranna Gidel

Would you agree with that sentiment? Explain why or why not.

     I think that I more agree than disagree with Daranna. I think that traveling, getting a change of scenery often allows you to get a different perspective and everything does seem to balance out.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

     All my life I have preached and shown by my example that voting is an important civic duty and every citizen is obligated to make his voice heard in the voting booth. However, for the first time in my life I am giving serious consideration to not voting for president this time around. 
     Mrs. Clinton does not possess the strength of character or the integrity or the ability to serve as president. If she does serve anywhere it should be in a Federal Prison. If she avoids getting indicted and is elected, we are done as a constitutional republic.
     The Republican presumptive nominee is clearly not qualified to be president either. Mr. Trump doesn't have an understanding of our system of government nor does he understand the limits that are placed upon the three branches of government. I'd be surprised if he even knows that we have three branches of government. If he gets elected, we are doomed.
     I don't believe or trust either presumptive nominee. So I have no idea what I'm going to do come election day 2016. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

FIRST HODGEPODGE OF SUMMER!

     Today is the first day of June. If the first day of April is April Fools day doesn't that mean that the first day of June is June Fools day? Well, that's for smarter heads than mine to figure out. Thank you Joyce Daley for another Wednesday Hodgepodge. Enjoy it folks!

1. Tell us about one fun thing on your June calendar.
     The week in June that ends with Father's Day is the annual Laconia Bike Week. It is one of the top three motorcycle rallies in the country. I try to go every year. I do not ride a motorcycle. You could not get me on a motorcycle at gunpoint. The attraction for me are people watching, the amazing motorcycle works of art, the smell of Italian Sausages with peppers and onions cooking on the grills and the pithy, if not vulgar, sayings that can be found on apparel, bike stickers, and the like. I worked the law enforcement detail there a couple of times which is a story in itself. Suffice it to say that I'm now happy to be a civilian spectator. 

2. How careful are you in the sun? Do you tan or burn? Do you make it a point to see the dermatologist every year?
     I am reasonably careful. I do tan but if I'm at the beach I often burn. I have never seen a dermatologist ever in my life.

3. Describe a time when you wanted to 'throw in the towel'?
     While I was stationed overseas in the United Kingdom I took some college classes. I took a Philosophy that kicked my butt. I wanted to drop the class but the teacher convinced to persevere and that I would do well. He was correct. I persevered and I did do well.

4. What's a song you love that has a day of the week in the title or lyrics?
    There are two songs that come to mind..."Monday, Monday" by the Mama's and the Papa's, and "Tuesday Afternoon" by the Moody Blues.

5. Are you a fan of berries? Which one's your favorite? What's the most recent berry dish you've eaten? Which blueberry breakfast food appeals to you most-blueberry pancakes, blueberry yogurt, or a blueberry muffin?
     I love berries. My favorite is Strawberry. I also like Black Raspberries and Blueberries. I think I prefer Blueberry Yogurt and then Blueberry Muffins. I'm not a fan of any type of pancake.

6. What's something you want to do before your next birthday?
     I would love to lose a bunch of weight and get my blood sugar under control.

7. June 1st is National Say Something Nice Day, so let's all say something nice here.
     "Something nice here." You're welcome. Seriously though, I appreciate the effort that Joyce expends to come up with these questions most every week.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
     I recently heard someone use the common phrase "God forbid." For some reason it struck me. How many times have you used the phrase yourself? It occurred to me that there are so many things that God forbids but occur all the same. God forbids murder, adultery, theft, and a whole litany of things that occur all the time. How is that possible if an all powerful God forbids it? The thing is, this same God who forbids also gave us free will to choose whether to obey Him or defy Him through disobedience. I believe that too many choose defiance rather than obedience. I urge you all to choose obedience so that it may go well with you. Think about it! Have a great Wednesday!

END OF SPRING WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

     I am writing this blog post on auto pilot. I was able to attend the Red Sox/Rockies game last night at Fenway Park. I got home in the wee hours this morning. The Red Sox won, thank you for asking! I was up and going again at 7:00 a.m. and I feel a nap coming on quickly. In fact it is here and slapping me in the back of the head. So I may nod off in mid.....Okay, I'm back! Now onto the Hodgepodge!

1. How should success be measured? Using that as your standard, who is the most successful person you know? (Or one of the most successful?)
     This is really a great question! The measure of success, like so many other things, depends upon context. Some might use wealth as a measure of success. Others might use power. Others still might use achievement in a particular field of endeavor. Some use a combination of the aforementioned metrics to define success. I don't believe that there is only one way to define success. The Beatles achieved great success. President Reagan achieved success. I can't say who the most successful person is.

2. Have you ever been to a hot air balloon launch/fest/party? Ever taken a ride in a hot air balloon? Is that on your bucket list? According to Frommers the ten best hot air balloon adventures in the world are-
Loire Valley (France), the Serengeti (Tanzania), Napa Valley (California), Lake Champlain (Vermont), Cappadocia (Turkey), Istria (Croatia), Gstaad (Switzerland), Yarra Valley (Australia), Muelle (Costa Rica), and Albuquerque (New Mexico).

Which one on the list would you most like to experience?
     I was stationed in Albuquerque, NM, in the mid 1970's. I was able to witness firsthand their annual balloon festival. From time to time a balloon would inadvertently land in a "Restricted Area" which inevitably led to some interesting interaction between heavily armed security response teams and the balloon crew. I would love to go back to Albuquerque some day.
     I have never taken a ride in a balloon.

3. May 25th is National Brown-Bag It Day. Did you/will you pack a lunch today? When did you last pack a lunch for someone and what are your go-to ingredients for a brown bag lunch?
     I will not be brown bagging it today. I can't remember the last time I packed a lunch. My go to ingredients are Bologna & cheese sandwich, potato chips and a piece of fruit.

4. What's one of your favorite dance scenes from a movie or television show?
     I'm sorry, I don't dance don't ask me!

5. John F. Kennedy made famous the line, '...Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." So what can you do for your country?
     I've pretty much have done it already. I served in the U.S. Air Force for almost eight years. I served my community as a police officer for thirty years. I have voted in every election in which I was eligible to vote. Now I just vote!

6. Weekends are made for __________________________________.
     Michelob! At least that's what a beer commercial used to say. Weekends are made for relaxation and recreation!

7. On this last Wednesday of the month, bid farewell to the month of May in seven words or less.
    Goodbye Sweet May, as you go away!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
     Our church is currently in the second year of a two year Bible reading program. I have taken to posting the day's Bible reading on the church Facebook page with a pithy spiritual thought. Yesterday I posted the following..."Is the existence of God a matter of fact or of opinion? Does God cease to exist if a majority of people say that He does not exist? Does God cease to exist if you decide, for whatever reason, that He does not exist? The answer is a resounding "No!" 
God exists...Period! There is so much evidence for the existence of God that it seems to me that it takes more faith to believe that He doesn't exist than to believe that He does. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)" I think that this quote from Scripture is pretty clear. Think about it!

IDES OF MAY HODGEPODGE!

      Welcome back Wednesday Hodgepodgers. Thank you Joyce for another weekly essay test. Not that you asked but my beloved Red Sox are playing some pretty decent baseball. It's been quite the turn around fom last season. However, experience as a long time Red Sox fan tells me that it could unravel at any moment and for no particular or forseeable reason. Now onto the Hodgepodge.

1. Tell us about a time you found yourself 'in the middle of nowhere'. Was this deliberate?

     I was hunting one year. When the day started it was cold and overcast. I knew where I was in the woods. I could see the landmarks. I could clearly see the trails. It began snowing heavily. Everything got quickly covered in snow changing the landscape. I had no idea where I was or how to get back to my car. I couldn't see the landmarks. I couldn't see the trails. I was in the middle of a snow globe that was being shaken violently.  This was the first time I had to rely on my compass to safely get out of the woods. If it wasn't for my compass they'd still be trying to find me today.

2. What's something you're 'in the middle of' today or this week? 

    Today I was in the middle of my granddaughter. SWMBO had to take August to the vet for a follow up appointment. August was having ear problems but is doing much better now. Thank you for asking. Anyways I was home with Divine watching the girls. We watched My Little Pony together until SWMBO and August came home.

3. At what age do you think 'middle age' begins? What does it mean to be 'middle aged'? 

     In my humble opinion middle age begins at 40. It lasts until 55-ish. Middle age is where a man considers his legacy. He also contemplates his mortality. He often panics and goes a little crazy and does some ill advised stuff. 

4. Ravioli, stuffed peppers, samosas, deviled eggs, steamed dumplings, pierogis, or a jelly donut...your favorite food (from this list!) with something yummy in the middle. Your favorite not on the list? 

     The only ones I'm not partial to are samosas, steamed dumplings and pierogis.  

5. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying ''In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.' Would you agree? Have you found this to be true in your own life? Feel free to elaborate. 

     I say sometimes yes and sometimes no. It depends entirely upon the circumstances and the nature of the difficulty. There is little opportunity when you are battling a life threatening or chronic disease. In other circumstances there may be opportunities that present themselves to you. Einstein was a pretty smart fella, maybe he is right. I am certainly no Einstein!

6. What's a song you remember loving from your middle school years? Do you love it still? 

    One song that I loved was the Rolling Stones' Jumping Jack Flash! I used to blast it out of the front windows of my house as I played in the street.

7. May 18th is National Visit Your Relatives Day. Will you celebrate? Which relative would you visit if time, distance, and expense were not considered. 

     I won't be celebrating Relatives Day. If I did, however, I'd take a trip to San Diego, CA, to visit my Son, Daughter in Law and Grandsons.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

     The Bible is true and we reject it at our peril. That is all!

A MAY DAY WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE!

    On May 1st the Soviet military prades through the streets of Moscow showing off their vast array of armaments to bolster the confidence of the Russian people that their military is well prepared to protect them from any invaders as it protected them from the Nazi invasion of World War II. 
    Every Wednesday Joyce Daley parades a series of eight questions to bolster the writing skills the Wednesday Hodgepodgers. Here is this week's edition!

1. What's something fun you're looking forward to on your May calendar? 

     Taking my beloved SWMBO out to eat at one of her favorite restaurants for Mother's Day.

2. What are some images that come to mind when you hear the word mother? 

     It depends on the context. It can mean the woman who brought you into the world or it could be half of a perjorative and vulgar term depending on who is saying it, how they're saying it and in what context. 
     That said, I'm sure Joyce meant the former. I was blessed with two mothers. The lady who birthed me passed away when I was in the 5th grade. My Stepmother came into my life years later and never tried to take my birth mother's place but made significant contributions to the man I have become.  I was doubly blessed.

3. What's something beautiful you own or have seen that's made of glass? 

     I literally have nothing of the sort. SWMBO has a few things.

4. Was today typical? If not what made it unusual? 

     Today is fairly typical. I drive SWMBO and the "Littles" (Our two little dogs) to work and daycare respectively. I return home and do some writing on my Facebook page. I do chores around the house. I pick up SWMBO and the Littles from work/daycare and drive them home. Meals are prepared, dogs get fed. We settle in for the evening. Like I said, fairly typical.

5. What is a quality you wish you could have more of?

     I wish I had Vision, the ability to see how certain decisions would play out in the near and far future.

6. What's the next major purchase you need to make? Will it happen in the month of May? 

     I think that we might have to purchase a new vehicle, but probably not in the month of May.

7. What responsibility/job/work did you dislike while growing up but has proved helpful to you as an adult?

     I am certain that there were a few but nothing comes to mind.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

     One of my hobbies is that I play guitar. Now when I say I play guitar I mean that I know a number of chords and strum as I sing words to the song, sometimes the song I'm actually playing! Normally I would play until the tips of my fingers became calloused. Then I would put the instrument away for months or years. Then I'd get the urge to start playing again and so I'd begin playing again. I began playing again about six weeks ago.
     I have three acoustic guitars. My oldest and dearest is a Hohner acoustic I bought sometime between 1977-1980 in Louisiana. I call this one my Louisiana Guitar. It still has a sweet resonant sount. My next oldest is a Mitchell MD-100S which I bought in 2011 after I retired from my law enforcement career. The Police Association gave me a few bucks as a gift so I bought a guitar. I call it my retirement guitar. My third guitar I received as a birthday gift last month. It's an Epiphone electric-acoustic guitar. I call it my birthday guitar.
     I have taken to playing one of them for a week or so and then swap to another. I've been doing this for about three weeks now. I'm currently playing the retirement guitar. Some of the songs I play are like old friends stopping by for a visit after a long absence. Other songs are just fun to play because of the chord progressions. I am thankful for the gift of music and for my guitars. SWMBO says that she likes hearing me play. I think that she's just being kind because the dogs seem to have the opposite opinion. My musical philosopy is..."Never Let Music Get In the Way of Your Playing!"