DIE ! JANUARY, DIE ! HODGEPODGE

     Welcome to the day before we wait with bated breath for the weather prognosticating rat to tell us if he see's his shadow. If he see's his shadow, we get another six weeks of Winter. If not, we get about a month and a half more.
     We have come to another month and, being Wednesday, another Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Thank you Joyce Daley for another series of probing questions. Now onto this week's answers.

1. Can you believe it's the end of January? What was the best day of January 2017 for you, and why?
     January 31st was the best day of the month because with the passing of the 31st the month of January died with it. See my random thought for the reason why.

2. What sounds make up the background noise in your life?
     The sounds of grandchildren laughing and playing dominos and Score Four with their Granny and Pepere. 

3. I read on the Power of Positivity website a list of ten things to drop from your life right now. They are-

anger outbursts, people who put you down, regret, negative self talk, being a people pleaser, the notion you need to be perfect, the past (but keep the lessons learned!), gossip and judgment, comparing yourself to others, and the word hate (focus on what you love instead)

Which thing on the list do you most need to drop? Are you trying or will you try?
     I guess there are two things that I need to drop. "Regret" and "Negative Self Talk." I tend to be my harshest critic and I have difficulty letting go of things I should have done better.

4. What is sacred to you?
     God, my beloved SWMBO, and my faith.

5. January is National Oatmeal month. Are you a fan, and if so how do you like it?
     I am a huge fan of oatmeal. I like it with a little cream and sugar or maple syrup.

6. What feelings does twilight stir up in you?
     Nostalgia...for events of the day, the highlights of the year and friends and occasions of the years past.

7. Something you're looking forward to next month?
     My beloved SWMBO's Stem Cell Transplant. It had to be pushed back two weeks for reasons I won't go into. She is currently scheduled to enter the hospital on February 15th.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 
     This month has been an economic disaster. It began with our vehicle needing rotor and brake pads on all four wheels. 
     Next, SWMBO needed oral surgery which is only partially covered by our dental insurance. 
     Next in the January hit parade, last Thursday our oil furnace gave up the ghost and had to be replaced. Fortunately, we have a wood pellet stove so we had plenty of heat. At least that's what I thought. During the overnight from Thursday to Friday a car, who's driver is apparently a graduate of the Helen Keller School of Driving, took out a utility pole on our road knocking out power. No power...no pellet stove...no heat. Happily, our utility company was able to restore power within a few hours. 
     Finally, while the furnace installers were replacing the furnace, they inadvertently nudged our water well's expansion tank which proceeded to fail, spewing water everywhere. So the expansion tank had to be replaced before the furnace installation could continue because we have a forced hot water system. We were without any water for several hours until the tank replacement was completed. 
     So the month of January has put us in a deep hole which will probably take years to dig ourselves out of. That said, our God has explicitly said that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is our rock and our refuge during times of trouble. He is ALWAYS faithful. So we're fine! With God on our side, how can we not be? 
     Enjoy your Wednesday and thanks for listening.
     

NORTHEASTER SURVIVAL HODGEPODGE!

     Yesterday we experienced a "Northeaster." That is not unusual at this time of year. What was unusual is that we did not get the 10-18 inches of snow that usually accompanies them. I'm not complaining mind you. We did get sleet and freezing rain which made the roads treacherous. SWMBO and I stayed home for the duration out of an abundance of caution.

    Today, being Wednesday, we have another Hodgepodge of questions from our Hodgepodge Mistress, Joyce Daley. Enjoy this week's edition...

     

1. "The cure for anything is salt water-tears, sweat, or the sea." (Isak Dinesan) Would you agree? Of the three, which has 'cured' you most recently? 

     I don't know. I am reluctant to accept assertions that contain words like "Everything," "Always," "Anything," and so forth. I believe that there are usually exceptions to such statements. I think Isak's statement might be mostly true but I don't believe it's true in every instance.

     None of the listed choices have cured me most recently. What does cure me is the devoted love of my beloved SWMBO and the support of some very dear friends.

2. What's something you can't eat without salt? Do you normally salt your food a lot, a little, or not at all? 

     There are a few foods that I can't eat without salt...raw tomatoes, some pasta dishes and of course, popcorn. If I use salt I use a little.

3. Sands of time, bury your head in the sand, built on sand, or draw a line in the sand...which sandy phrase could best be applied to something in your life right now? 

      "Sands of time" best applies to something in my life right now. My beloved and I have been devoting huge chunks of our time fighting cancer. Our life is made up of "Which doctor do we see this week?" "What medical test(s) do we need to have done this week?" We have been fighting this battle since Spring 2012. A week from today, God willing, SWMBO will enter the hospital for a stem cell transplant. They will be giving her stem cells that they harvested from her back in 2014. So for us it has been a "What's next?" kind of existence over the past five years. Like sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives.

 

4. A favorite book, movie, or song with an island setting or theme? 

     I'm going with "Castaway" starring Wilson and some guy named Tom Hanks. 

5. Yesterday-did you run your day or did it run you? How so? 

     Yesterday (Monday) we ran our day. We dropped the Littles (our two small dogs) off at daycare. Then we went out for coffee. After that, SWMBO wanted to go to a couple of craft supply stores to use some gift cards. After that, we went grocery shopping. After arriving home and getting the groceries put away, it was time to pick up the Littles. It was a full day.

6. You're on an island holiday. Will I most likely find you parked in a beach chair, shopping in town, on the back of a jet ski, or snorkeling off the back of a catamaran? 

     Depending on the day, all of the above. 

7. What do you think we humans most take for granted?

     On a secular level we take our God given liberty for granted. On a spiritual level we take the grace and patience of God for granted.

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

     My beloved New England Patriots are going back to the Super Bowl. They beat the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. They will be facing the NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, February 5th. It bodes to be a magnificent game. Both teams have earned their way to the Super Bowl and it's even money as to who is going to win. It could go either way. 

    The NFL Commissioner showed himself to be a coward by declining to go to Gillette Stadium for the AFC Championship Game. He went to the Atlanta Stadium for the second week in a row. 

     I hope the Patriots win the Super Bowl because I am a die hard Patriots fan. I also want to see the look on the NFL Commissioner's face when he has to hand the Lombardi Trophy to the Patriots owner. Sweeter still would be if he has to hand the Most Valuable Player Trophy to Tom Brady, ...that is if he has the courage to even show up.  Have a great rest of the week.

     

ANOTHER WINTER STORM HODGEPODGE!

     As I write this it is snowing. Being January and being in NH, this is not an unusual occurrence. We are expecting 3 to 7 inches depending upon which forecast that you listen to. 

     Another occurrence which is not unusual is the arrival of another Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you Joyce for another challenging set of questions. I encourage all of you to participate in the Wednesday Hodgepodge...it's a lot of fun and you meet the most remarkable people when you do. Now, onto the Hodgepodge...

1. ASAP typically stands for 'as soon as possible'. What else could it stand for in your life right now? 
     "Another Stupid A _ _ Problem." This applies to a couple of issues confronting my beloved SWMBO and/or me. We are confident that we will ultimately triumph over them by the grace of God and the support of good friends. 

2. Are you the last person to speak up in a group or the first to have an idea? Why do you suppose that is? Is it a good thing or no?
     I like to sit back and listen to make sure that I understand the issue and once I achieve that understanding I am not shy about chiming in with my humble opinion. The more that I care about an issue under discussion the more assertive I become.

3. What do you remember best about being 12? 
     Boy Scouts, Little League Baseball and fishing or playing along the banks of the Merrimack River.

4. January 18th is National Winnie the Pooh Day. Which character do you relate to the most, and why? If you're stumped go here for inspiration.
     At the risk of less than humble, I'll go with "Owl." I possess a certain kind of wisdom and I so enjoy telling humorous stories and remembrances. 

5. What's an app you use that helps simplify or make life easier for you in some way? 
     SWMBO and I use an app called "AnyList." It holds our shared grocery list. What I like about it is if I add an item to the list on my phone it automatically syncs to SWMBO'S phone and vice-versa.  We each have a number of shopping lists on our phones some of which we share.

6. San Francisco (CA), San Diego (CA), San Juan (PR) San Antonio (TX) Sanibel (FL)...you have an all expenses paid long weekend to one of these destinations. Which one do you choose and why?
     I pick San Diego, CA. The reason being is that our grandsons live there. So, I'd take the time to visit them and their parents. 

7. Share with us a song that makes you feel nostalgic? For what? 
     "Jumping Jack Flash" by the Rolling Stones. This song always evoke images of playing catch in the street in front of my boyhood home with my best friend at the time Roger. I'd place the stereo speakers in the window and blast the volume into the street.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
     I did not vote for the president-elect. I voted against his opponent. This Friday he will be sworn into office, for good or for ill. I sincerely pray it is for the good. 
     It is remarkable that power changes hands in the United States without a shot being fired, at least so far. We are the envy and the wonder of the world for this process of our peaceful transition of power.
    Now to those elected representatives who choose to boycott the inauguration of the new president and/or refuse to work with him for the good of the country and their constituents, they can just kiss me where the good Lord split me! 
     Have a great Wednesday everyone!

HAPPY NEW YEAR HODGEPODGE!

     Welcome to the year of our Lord, 2017. I still measure history in two ways, B.C. - Before Christ and A.D. Anno Domini or After Christ. I refuse to accept the B.C.E. and C.E. crap that some have tried to force upon us. 
     How's your new year going so far? Did you make any resolutions? Are your resolutions still intact? I mean, it's been four days and you're not made of stone. No one can blame you if they're not. 
     I resolved to continue to participate in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Coincidentally, Joyce has apparently resolved to continue publishing the Wednesday Hodgepodge. So in the spirit of my resolution, here is the Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. Share one favorite moment/memory from your Christmas holiday.
     One of my favorite memories is of my beloved SWMBO and I sitting on the couch watching T.V. while cuddling and sharing some Christmas fare. Even the fur babies got in on the act. They're so cute...we just couldn't refuse them.

2. What was the best thing you ate over the holidays? Was it homemade or store bought? If it was homemade did you make it?
     One of the best things that I ate is my world famous meat stuffing. It's my sainted grandmother's recipe and SWMBO loves my stuffing which is homemade. 

3. What was one of the most beautiful things you saw over the holidays?
     There were two, actually...my granddaughters. We bought them some ridiculously large stuffed toys for Christmas which caused their faces to light up. One toy is a large unicorn. The other is an eight foot long snake. Our daughter sent us a photo of the girls fast asleep hugging their respective stuffed toys. That's the stuff that grandparent Nirvana is made of.

4. What does fresh start mean to you?
     A fresh start is beginning anew and forgetting ALL that has passed up to that point. A good example is my daily Bible reading. I have begun a two year program where I will read the Bible in two years. It is premised on the riddle "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Sometimes life intrudes and you miss a few days, or longer, of reading. When that happens I either go back and read everything that I missed and catch up OR I just begin anew at the point where the Bible reading schedule happens to be. 

5. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very positive and 1 being not so great) how would you rate 2016 in terms of personal achievement and well being? Explain.
     I would give 2016 a rating of 5 or 6. I have read a lot more in 2016 than in past years. I have played my guitar way more often as well. I still haven't licked that procrastinating tendency thing though. The nice thing in life is that you can always begin anew if you choose to.

6. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse, or just general uselessness. Go here to read more about how the words were chosen or, if you're like me, to find out what in the world the word or phrase even means or the context in which it's used. There were quite a few on this year's list I'd never heard before.

Here's the 2017 list of banished words-

You, Sir-focus-Bete Noire-Town Hall Meeting-Post Truth-guesstimate-831-historic-manicured-echo chamber-on fleek-bigly-ghost-Dadbod-listicle-get your dander up-selfie drone-frankenfruit-disruption

Which word on the list would you most like to see banished in 2017? What word or phrase would you add to the list?
     I'm not one who supports banishing words...period. I'm not familiar with some of the words such as "831," "on fleek," and "listicle" to name three. Many of the other words are perfectly acceptable if used in a proper context. 
     One of the tenets of Philosophy is that you must define your terms. Words have common meanings. If you change the accepted meaning of common words you are hampering communication, not enhancing it. We use words to communicate as clearly as possible.

7. Large or small, light or deep, share with us one goal you have for the new year.
     One goal that I have is to get my health back. I resolve to eat better, move more and take better care of myself.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
     I want all who are reading this to know that I wish you a very Happy New Year. I wish you all the best that life has to offer. I wish you robust health! I wish you material and financial prosperity! I wish you true contentment and joy! Most important, because of the eternal consequences, I wish you a closer relationship with Almighty God.  Happy New Year!

A YULETIDE WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE!

     As you read this we are four days from Christmas Day. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time passes. Perhaps it's a function of getting older. One of my granddaughters purchased a gift for our two little dogs with her own money. She was so proud and happy to give them her gifts. I love the innocent wonder in the eyes of young children around this time of year. 
     I believe that Christmas is, as it always has been, a magical and special time of the year. I hate the commercialism but I do so love the Spirit of Christmas. So to all of you reading this A very Merry Christmas to you and yours. Now, onto the Hodgepodge...

1. What's left to be done on your Christmas to-do list? 

     SWMBO and I have wrapping still to do. I still have one or two gifts to purchase. I also have a Christmas menu to plan and obtain the provisions for. Other than that we're good to go!

2. The Hodgepodge lands on the first day of winter this year. What's your favorite thing about winter? 

     My favorite thing about Winter is it's end. I believe that Winter is the price that we have to pay for the privilege of living up here the other three seasons. 

3. In what area of your life are you immature? Feel free to elaborate or not. 

     Growing old is mandatory...growing up is optional. I have warned High School graduates to be careful, that adulthood is a trap. Another pithy saying is "I don't know how to act my age, I've never been this old before!"

4. What was the most (or one of the most) important lessons you learned in 2016? 

     One thing that I knew, but has been reinforced for me this year, is that wedding vows are more than just words. They are a covenant between a man, a woman and God. To love for better or for worse; for richer or poorer; in sickness and in health, is a daily choice. I pity the poor fools who choose to do otherwise.

5. It's Fried Shrimp Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite way to eat shrimp? Will there be shrimp somewhere in your holiday feastings? 

     My beloved SWMBO loves seafood. I, however, am allergic to seafood including shellfish. We will from time to time get a shrimp ring from our grocery store. I also love the Coconut Breaded Shrimp served at the Outback Restaurant. It is worth the risk of anaphylaxis resulting therefrom. There will probably be some shrimp consumed during the upcoming Christmas holiday.

6. What sound lulls you to sleep? 

     The sound of ocean waves crashing on the beach or soft music playing will convey me to the land of nod.

7. What one word best describes your 2016? 

     Perseverance - When cancer invades your life, it's like embarking on a carnival ride that never ends and which you can't get off. Perseverance is essential whether you are the cancer patient or the caregiver. #cancersucks

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     In the spirit of the holiday, Merry Christmas to all and all the best of health and prosperity in the New Year!

SNOW! WICKED COLD! YEP, IT'S WINTER IN NEW HAMPSHIRE!

     Hello to my fellow Hodgepodgers and anyone else who is stopping by for a visit. I hope that you are all well today. Thanks again to our Hodgepodge Mistress, Joyce Daley for another set of thought provoking questions.

     Here in the Granite State we have snow. We also have wickes cold. So, regardless of what the calendar may say, winter has officially arrived. I thank God for our pellet stove and the wood pellet fuel to go with it. I thank God for our furnace and the oil to keep us, and by us I mean SWMBO, warm.

     Now, it's onto the Hodgepodge...

1. Are you more task oriented or people oriented? Elaborate.

     I am task oriented in that I like to get tasks done when I finally get around to doing them. I do tend to procrastinate. People, on the other hand, are more important to me than completing tasks. Tasks will always be there. People may not be. 

2. December 15 is National Wear Your Pearls Day...do you own/wear pearls? If you're a man answering the question, does your sweetheart own or wear pearls? Everyone share a 'pearl of wisdom' with us here today.

     I don't have or wear pearls. I can't remember my beloved having or wearing pearls. My pearl of wisdom is " Use things and cherish people. Do not use people and cherish things."

3. Speaking of pearls...oysters? Are you a fan or not a fan? If you answered yes, tell us your favorite way to eat oysters? If you said no, be honest-have you ever tried one or does just the idea of eating an oyster make you gag a little?

     I am not a fan of oysters. I have tried them before. They look disgusting but they don't taste too bad if you consume them with crackers and hot sauce.

4. Time Magazine has named President-elect Donald Trump Person of the Year. Let's take presidents and presidential candidates out of the mix for a minute. If a political figure had not been chosen who would you name Man or Woman of the Year for 2016?

     I would name the masses of people who compose the silent majority who turned the political world on it's head as the persons of the year. None of the professional political operatives or the professional pollsters got it right. The American people spoke loudly and clearly and shook the world and proving once again that our system is still vibrant and more importantly, still works.

 

5. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2017 has been announced, and it's a vibrant green aptly named-greenery. Your thoughts? Is this a color currently in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade for the new year? Click here to see the color.

     I am sorry to report that color and fashion have no meaning for me. When it comes to color give me the primary colors and let it go at that.

6. Today I've had too much________________________.

     Self criticism. I tend to be my harshest critic. I'm sure I'm not as bad as the voices and thoughts in my head seem to indicate. I am reminded that we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves. We, and by we I mean I,  forget that we are to love ourselves. 

7. Share a favorite lyric from a favorite Christmas carol.

     "Hark! The herald angels sing. Glory to the new born King. Peace on earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled."  The Creator, Almighty God of the universe wants to be reconciled with a sinner like me. Hallelujah! That thought is amazing to me.

 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     There's a saying "You don't know what you have until it's gone." That is often true of some of the things in your life. It is certainly true of the people in your life. This truth was brought home to me again this week.

     Another truth that I was reminded of this week is that as Christians we don't say "Goodbye" to our loved ones when they pass away. We say "Til we meet again in Heaven." 

     This week our church family said "Til we meet again" to a dear man who has shaken off his mortal coil and has graduated to glory. This man has served our Lord and His church for over 50 years. He had a gruff exterior but his heart was extra large and pure gold. He loved people and he loved doing things for them. He lived an exemplary life and he will be sorely missed.  

     So my random thought today is cherish the people in your life while they are still with you. Tell them that you love them and that you appreciate their presence in your life now. Don't wait until they leave your life to express your appreciation. 

     May God bless you this week.

 

WINTER IS COM...IT'S HERE! HODGEPODGE!

     Good morning everyone! Welcome to another Wednesday Hodgepodge. The Granite State has experienced its first snow event of the season. Mother Nature, having impeccable timing, dropped a couple of inches of the white stuff just before and during the morning commute. Many drivers have apparently forgotten the simple rules of Physics, specifically, the coefficient of friction as it applies to momentum and the efficacy of brakes under those conditions.  And so we slide into this week's Hodgepodge...

1. Let's talk holiday decorating. On a scale of 1-10 where do you fall? (1=Scrooge and 10= Clark Griswold). What's your favorite corner-room-table-space to decorate? Is it done?
     I am a Scrooge-ophile, definitely. I may get the tree up and some lawn decorations put out by New Year's day.
     We do not have a favorite space to decorate.

2. Is there a nativity scene in your decorating somewhere? Post a picture or, if it's special to you in some way, tell us why. Or do both-it's Christmas!
     We do not have a Creche, or Nativity Scene, as you call it. We had one, but it is in a box of decorations that we chose not to bring down from the attic this year.

3.  Do you live in a social neighborhood? If so are you glad? If not do you wish you did?
     We do not. We do chat with one of our neighbors from time to time but we mostly keep to ourselves.

4.  As the saying goes, 'there's no time like the present'. How does that ring true in your life right now?
     It doesn't...I am an avowed procrastinator.

5. Do you dread Mondays? Why or why not?
     Not really. Being retired, Monday is just like any other day. We have a routine but I don't dread Monday any more than the other six days of the week.

6.  Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus, Amaryllis-which on the list is your favorite holiday plant? Are any of these on display in your home right now?
     I am not a flower or plant person. That is more of a SWMBO question.

7. Share a favorite quote from a Christmas movie.
     "Merry Christmas? Bah! Humbug!"  A Christmas Carol, the George C. Scott version.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
     I was going to vent my spleen again over the post election state of affairs in the good ole U.S. of A. or write something commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan. However, I will simply bid you all a good week and let it go at that.