The manufactured holiday of Valentine's Day is once again upon us. It is a day where men everywhere get themselves into trouble for not remembering to honor the day and their beloved. This happens because someone, somewhere many moons ago decided that cards, candy, flowers and jewelry must be bought to show how much you love your beloved on this 14th day of February. It's a scam I tell you ! It's a scam!
One thing that's never a scam is the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Today being Wednesday our friend Joyce Daley, has come up with more questions. Joyce has a very inquisitive mind. So grab your favorite hot beverage, sit back and enjoy the Hodgepodge.
1. When's the last time you had a heart to heart talk with someone? A change of heart? Experienced figurative 'heart failure?' This morning. My beloved SWMBO and I went out to breakfast at a local Friendly's. We always love having a meal together. It is a great time to just be together. Today we discussed recent life changes and what adjustments these changes necessitate us making. The consensus reached that whatever happens we will face it head on, together, and will kick it's butt.
2. Champagne, chocolates, flowers...what's your Valentine pleasure? Any special plans for the day? SWMBO usually receives a thoughtful greeting card, some candy and sometimes, not always, a bouquet of flowers. Carnations are her favorite.
We have no special plans for the day.
3. Are you a hopeless romantic or do you fall more in the category of practical and pragmatic? What's a gesture you find romantic? I think I fall well within the practical/pragmatic camp. A gesture I find romantic is when I am unexpectedly served one of my favorite meals.
4. Do you ask a lot of questions in life or are you pretty content with what you already know? I certainly do! I am keenly aware that no matter how much I know, there is so much more to learn, and sadly, sometimes to re-learn.
5. Your favorite power ballad? There are a few favorites..."I Can't Fight The Feeling Anymore" by REO Speedwagon; "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" by Meatloaf; "Heaven" by Brian Adams. There are more but I'll go with these three.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
There have been a number of news stories that have grabbed my attention and not in a good way.
One story is the kabuki theater going on in our Nation's capitol. It appears that the Democrats were the ones to collude with the Russians to affect our elections, not the president. It appears that the warrant that was submitted to the FISA Court was knowingly false but was submitted anyways. The warrant that was issued allowed the government to spy on American citizens. This, and many other things that have come to light, is chilling from a civil liberties standpoint. It also calls into question whether we are truly a nation governed by laws.
Here is another story that struck me where I live. This past week six police officers were murdered in the line of duty from around the country. In Ohio, two police officers responded to a domestic disturbance and were both shot and killed upon their arrival. It was reported that afterward the police station received a number of calls expressing happiness that the officers were killed and cheering for the killer.
Have we sunk so low as a people?
Please join me in prayer for our National Soul. We are in the process of losing it.
Greetings from my top secret bunker located far beneath the surface of the earth. I have relocated to my bunker to protect my beloved SWMBO and I from rampaging Philadelphia Eagles fans. All kidding aside, congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles for their first ever Super Bowl win. Likewise, kudos to my acquaintances who are Eagles fans. Enjoy the win Eagles Nation. You earned it with your long-suffering devotion to your team.
Another Wednesday is upon us. Old Man Winter is dying, and not too soon. Another Wednesday Hodgepodge is upon us. Thank you Joyce Daley for another set of writing prompts. I look forward to this weekly writing exercise.
So, Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Hodgepodge!
1. February can be a little bit tricky given the weather and the winter and the whatnot. I read a list (here) of things you can do to make your February brighter which included-start planning your next trip, take more baths, make your own chocolate covered strawberries, and exercise in preparation for swimsuit season. Anything on the list you might try? Which suggestion on the list appeals to you most? Tell us something not on the list that helps make your February brighter.
February is one of the harshest months of the year. We have to contend with bitter cold and incessant snowfall and the Winter blahs.
I might select exercising more simply because I can do with more exercise. The good ship "How I Look in a Bathing Suit" has long sailed and is lost at sea. Also I'm not a "bath" person. I much prefer a hot shower.
A couple of things that I might suggest is (1) Walk through a mall, and (2) Go outside on a crisp, cold day and get some color in your cheeks.
It is good that February is a short month.
2. Tell us about something you've seen or done recently that you'd say was 'super'?
On Sunday evening our church small group met for a devotional. Afterwards we settled in to watch our beloved Patriots win their sixth Super Bowl. Of course, we were profoundly disappointed at the outcome of the game. However, there was plant of fellowship, good food and loud yelling. It was a super evening.
3. Best thing you ate in a 'bowl' last week?
My wife made a hamburger chili that was wonderful. Fortunately she made a lot and there was some leftover. That is what I had.
4. Something you're 'cheering' for right now?
I am cheering for the Red Sox Equipment Truck that departed from Fenway Park on Monday enroute to Florida. That means Winter's demise is at hand.
5. The Winter Olympics begin Friday, February 9th in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being all in and 1 being no interest whatsoever) how interested are you in the games? Which event do you most want to see (you'll find a list here).
My interest level in the Winter Olympics is around a 5 or 6. The event that I am most interested in is Ice Hockey. I will switch to the coverage from time to time while watching other things, but I will not be watching all the coverage.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I have two things I want to share with all who care to read them.
First, I congratulate the Philadelphia Eagles for their Super Bowl win. They played an superb game and earned the win. I further congratulate them for a most excellent season. Having a back up quarterback step up and perform as well as Nick Foles did after the number one guy went down to injury was exciting to watch. Therefore, I thank the Eagles for making this season a memorable one. I look forward to a rematch next year.
Second, there are a number of events that signal the coming death of Winter. The first such death knell is the Super Bowl. The next one is the equipment truck leaving Fenway Park and driving to Florida. The next after that is pitchers and catchers report for Major League Baseball Spring Training. Then, all the players report for Spring Training. DIE WINTER! DIE!
Have a blessed week everyone!
I hope that you are all well on this Wednesday morning. Are you looking forward to the upcoming Super Bowl? We citizens of Patriots Nation most certainly are. I am equally certain that the citizens of Eagles Nation are likewise looking forward to the game. I hope that it is a good game where the best of each team is put on display. I hope that no one gets injured. I hope that the officiating is fair and accurate and that it does not affect the outcome of the game. It bodes to be a great game.
Another Wednesday Hodgepodge is once again upon us. I thank our Hodgepodge Mistress for her constant efforts to come up with challenging questions each week. Thank you Joyce Daley.
Now onto the Hodgepodge....
1. Speaking of endings....at your wit's end, at loose ends, a dead end, burn the candle at both ends, all's well that end's well, or no end in sight...which 'end' phrase might best be applied to your life lately? Explain.
I would have to go with "no end in sight." My beloved SWMBO's health is a constant, never ending challenge. She is now contending with a sinus infection, swollen lymph nodes and possibly strep throat. So, she now has to take a course of medication to address the infections above and beyond what she is already taking for her cancer. She continues to fight valiantly with perseverance and an indomitable spirit.
By the way, thank you, and you know who you are, for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. They do help so much.
2. What was a must have accessory when you were growing up? Did you own one? If so tell us what you remember about it.
At the risk of dating myself, what comes to my mind is a clock radio. I did have one. I would listen to it while doing homework. They often broadcast the Red Sox games on the radio. I would also listen to a talk radio show out of Boston's WBZ, 1030 AM on your radio dial. The radio also had a sleep setting where it would turn off after an hour or two so I could fall asleep while listening to the radio.
3. Something that made you smile yesterday?
The thing that made me smile yesterday is the same thing that makes me smile everyday...my beloved SWMBO. Another thing that has been making me smile lately are GIF's that I have been watching on Pinterest. Some of them are just too funny.
4. January 30th is National Croissant Day. Do you like croissants? Sweet or savory? We're having chicken salad for lunch...would you rather have yours served on a croissant, a wrap, a bagel, bread, or a roll of some sort?
Who comes up with these National Days? Yes, I do like croissants. I like chicken salad on croissants. I'm okay with chicken salad on a wrap, a roll, or bread. Not too keen on the bagel idea, though.
5. Sum up your January in fifteen words or less.
Our January can be summed up in one word...Change. New medical insurance, etc.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I watched the State of the Union address last night. I think that President Trump did a respectable job. He is not a gifted public speaker, he never has been. However, a lot of what the president said resonated with me. I like to think that I am not alone.
I was profoundly disappointed in the democrats reaction to much of what the president said. They just sat there, dour faced, as the president reported the reduction in unemployment, the growth of the stock market and other positive trends that are good for the country. It seemed as if the democrats were mourning the success of the president's policies.
Our government is deeply divided. I do not think that there is much chance of that changing given what I witnessed last night. May God have mercy on these United States.
A very pleasant good morning to one and all. How about dem Patriots, eh? They are in the habit of pulling their chestnuts out of the fire and winning during the last few minutes of the game. Whether you are a Patriot fan or a Patriot hater, it is equally nerve wracking until the end of the game. Then there is either joy and celebration or weeping and gnashing of teeth. My condolences to the weepers and gnashers.
Today being Wednesday we get to enjoy another edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you Joyce Daley for another series of writing prompts. Enjoy!
1. January 24th is National Compliment Day. Is it easy or not so easy for you to accept a compliment? Share a recent compliment you've given or received.
We have a young man at church who recently immigrated from Nigeria with his three siblings to be reunited with their parents. He was just inducted into the National Honor Society. He is in oh so many ways a remarkable young man! I complemented him on his character and on this achievement.
2. Ten little things you are loving right now.
The littles things that I am loving right now, in no particular order, are (1) that first cup of coffee in the morning, (2) music, (3) our two Chinese Crested dogs, (4) my iPhone, (5) cold, clean water, (6) my Mitchell acoustic guitar, (7) Electricity, (8) my Apple Watch, (9) banana nut muffin, (10) my computer.
There are a few things absent from my list simply because they are not "little." Among these are the God of the Bible, my beloved SWMBO, my children and grandchildren. There are more because I am lavishly blessed.
3. Would people describe you as a positive person? Do you see yourself that way? I read here a list/description of eight things positive people do differently-
Positive people find something to look forward to every day, they celebrate the small stuff, they're kind, they stay busy, accept responsibility for their actions, forgive themselves, know when to move on, and resist comparisons
Which action on the list would you say you do regularly? Which action could you add to your life to give you a more positive outlook? If you're a positive person, what's something you do regularly that's not on the list?
I am a positive person, depending on the context. I do some of the things on the list. I tend to be kind. I do take responsibility for my actions. I do move on. I do forgive myself, but that is not easy for me. I tend to be my harshest critic.
One thing I often do that is not on the list is I try to be encouraging to others. I believe that things can always get better.
4. Homemade chicken soup, beef stew, or a bowl of chili...what's your pleasure on a cold winter's day?
I'll take the bowl of chili with corn chips or corn bread. Although,a nice homemade beef stew is good as well.
5. The best part of my day is....
...waking up. Any day on this side of the grass is a good day.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I have a room in my house that has two desks in it, or so I'm told. I have begun an archaeological dig to uncover and rediscover them. You know how it is, you come home from a meeting late at night and you throw your stuff on top of your desk with the intention of putting it away later. You do this time and time again until the next thing you know your desk(s) disappear. I hope that this brief explanation gives you an idea about the title of this blog post.
The government recently shut down for three days. Some are calling it the "Shumer Shut Down." Others are calling it the "Trump Shut Down." Once again the Kabuki Theater that is our government continues.
The distinguished Senate Minority Leader forgot that recorded video never forgets. Senator Shumer was recorded back in 2013 saying the exact opposite of what he was saying in 2018 regarding the use of a government shut down to advance a political agenda. He shows himself to be a hypocrite...once again.
The really sad part is that there are many other hypocrites in government on both sides of the aisle. May God help us!
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.
Good morning everyone. How's your new year going so far. I hope that everything is going well for you and yours. We are finally getting some respite from the bitter cold. However, the bitter cold is sure to return. I thank God for our wood pellet stove and the wood pellets fuel to keep it cranking out those BTU's.
Thank you Joyce for another interesting Wednesday Hodgepodge. I urge you to join in on the fun. I hope that you enjoy this weeks post.
1. January is National Mentoring Month. Have you ever had a mentor? Been a mentor? How would you rate the experience?
When a new police officer is hired, they are required to attend a sixteen week Police Academy. After graduation they are assigned a Field Training Officer (FTO) for another few months. This FTO tailors the training received at the police academy to the specific policies and procedures of their police department.
This is a classic mentoring relationship. This mentoring continues well after the new police officer completes their field training. I have been mentored and I have been a mentor.
2. What current trend makes no sense to you?
One trend that I find troubling is the current practice of bringing up events that occurred decades ago and using those events for the sole purpose of destroying a person's life. I find this to be grossly unfair. People change over time and most people are not the same people today that they were thirty or more years ago.
In criminal law there is a statute of limitation. This law prevents bringing a prosecution after a specified period of time. There are exceptions, however. For example, there is no time limitation on bringing a murderer to justice.
In short, with few exceptions, no one should be held responsible for conduct that was committed decades earlier.
3. I saw a cartoon on facebook highlighting a few 'weird' things that make you happy as an adult. The list included-writing with a nice pen, having plans cancelled, freshly cleaned sheets, eating the corner brownie, cleaning the dryer lint screen, and sipping coffee in that brief time before anyone else wakes up. (Credit for the cartoon goes here) Of the 'weird' things listed which one makes you happiest? What is one more 'weird' thing you'd add to the list?
I would have to say, of the things listed, I go with the sipping that first cup of coffee in the morning. Having the corner brownie is a close second.
4. What's the last good thing you ate?
Chines Pie! I made some Chinese Pie, A.K.A. Shepherds Pie, for my beloved SWMBO and me. We also had salad yesterday (Monday).
5. Describe life in your 20's in one sentence.
SWMBO and I were young adults with very young children.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
In January 2017 I had to have my furnace replaced at great cost. This January that brand new furnace was not running right. It sounded like a clothes dryer with a couple of balls tumbling within it. Our oil company came and repaired the furnace. The technician diagnosed the problem as a partially clogged fuel filter. He replaced it. I hope that this takes care of the problem.
Thank God for our wood pellet stove.
Enjoy the rest of your week everybody.
Today is January 3rd already. This year is just zipping by. I know that for me, 2017 went by way too fast. I expect that 2018 will probably go by a bit faster.
I hope that you all had a magical and wonderful Christmas. My beloved SWMBO and I further wish that you all have a healthy and prosperous New Year. We pray that you all experience the best that God and life have to offer.
Thank you Joyce for starting us off with another year of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Your efforts and dedication to these weekly essay questions is very much appreciated.
Now, here is the first Wednesday Hodgepodge of the New Year.
1. It's that time of year again...time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words (or phrases) they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, or genera uselessness) in 2018. You can read more about the decision making process and word meaning here, but this year's top vote getters are-
unpack, dish (as in dish out the latest rumor), pre-owned, onboarding/offboarding, nothingburger, let that sink in, let me ask you this, impactful, Cofefe, drill down, fake news, hot water heater (hot water doesn't need to be heated), and gig economy
Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?
It seems to me that language is always evolving and that words are chosen and created to convey ideas. It is up to those trying to convey their ideas to choose or to make up the best words that most accurately conveys the idea that they are trying to express.
I do not have a problem with the words people use. I do, however, take exception to some of the notions that people use those words to convey.
Here is a rhetorical question that occurs to me. Is it not the height of hubris for Lake Superior College to proclaim itself the gatekeeper of the English language by suggesting some words should not be used anymore, that they should be banished from the language?
2. What's something you need to get rid of in the new year?
There are two things that come to mind that I should get rid of. The first is procrastination. I am enshrined in the Procrastinators Hall of Fame. I wish that it was not so.
A second thing I need to get rid of is my lack of movement. I need to move more in this new year. I need to keep my body physically moving to stave off the law of entropy that effects us all.
I'll try to keep you all posted on how I am doing throughout the year.
3. Where do you feel stuck?
I feel stuck in my writing. I still have the desire to write but I seem to choose other pursuits instead. I hope to change that in this new year also.
4. January is National Soup Month. When did you last have a bowl of soup? Was it made from scratch or from a can? Your favorite canned soup? Your favorite soup to make from scratch on a cold winter's day?
I love a nice hot soup on a cold winter's day. So far we have been experiencing a winter cold that we have not experienced in New Hampshire in many years. We have not had temperatures above freezing since the beginning of December. My wood pellet stove has been running 23 hours per day. (I need an hour to turn off the stove and let it cool so I can remove the ash.)
My favorite canned soup is a vegetable soup. My favorite homemade soup is some kind of meat with a hodgepodge of vegetables. A nice corn chowder goes down nice too at this time of year.
5. Tell us one thing you're looking forward to in 2018.
I am looking forward to SWMBO and I making it to the New Year of 2019.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
"Life is what happens when you're making other plans." or "Man plans and God laughs." These two quotes talk about the uncertainty of life. There are always unforeseen things that crop up and force you to make changes that you never anticipated that you would have to make. I suspect that the year 2018 will be no different. "Change" is the immutable constant of life.
Fortunately for the Christian, change is nothing to be feared. God says 365 times in the Bible "Do not fear." When God repeats Himself that many times we ought to listen.
Therefore, as you navigate the inevitable changes that will surely come your way in the coming year, I commend you to the God of the Bible. He really cares for you. Happy New Year to all of you!
