MAY DAY PARADE HODGEPODGE!

    Good morning world! Yesterday having been "May Day" I remember that during the late 20th century the communist nations would have a parade with all their military might on display, showing all the world the great achievements of communism and putting the world on notice that they are not to be trifled with.
     Another May Day is in the history books for another year. That brings me to today, Wednesday, May 2nd, the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you Joyce Daley for another bunch of questions. So, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen...the Hodgepodge!
      
1. April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes. Is there a flower you associate with a particular memory? Explain.
     I am a flower person by marriage. Otherwise, I have no interest. My beloved SWMBO loves carnations so, I guess, I do too. I do not have any memories associated with flowers.

2. Last time you helped someone? Tell us how.
     The last time I helped someone was a couple of  Sundays ago. Our preacher had to go out of town and needed someone to teach his Bible class and fillthe pulpit. I covered both things for him so he could take care of his personal business without worrying about things here.

3. It's National Salsa Month (the food, not the dance) so tell us, do you like salsa? Hot, medium, or mild? Homemade, store bought, or from your favorite restaurant only?
     I do like salsa. My preference is for medium hot salsa. I prefer store bought salsa and my favorite brand is Newman's Own.

4. When I was twelve years old...
     ...I think that I was in the sixth grade. Lyndon Johnson was president of the United States.  The Vietnam War was in full swing. My best friend was Roger. I played first base and center field for my Little League baseball team. My affection for the Red Sox was in its infancy. They continued to get our hopes raised that this was the year that they break the curse of the Bambino only to dash them upon the rocks of reality. It was a more innocent time.

5. It's the first of May so let's run with it-first things first, don't know the first thing about it, first dibs on something, first impression, first rate, first cousin, first string, first come first served, at first light-which phrase can best be applied to something in your life currently or even recently?

     First thing first for us. SWMBO and I are in the process of refinancing our home. It is a step by step process and nothing is easy. We will hopefully get through the process soon and close on the new loan.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
     On Monday we had the water line from our artesian well to the house replaced. The old water line had become brittle with age and was cracked in a few places. You may recall we discovered a water leak in February which had to be dug up and spliced to get us through the rest of the Winter months.  
     This time they dug a fifty foot trench from the well to the house using a small excavator. The whole job took about four and a half hours.  The new water line should last forty to fifty years which is thirty to forty years past normal life expectancy.
     Now we have our water back on. The pump pressure is within design parameters. Hopefully nothing else breaks. 
     Water is like electricity in that you don't really appreciate its value until you lose it. 
     Have a great week everyone!

FAREWELL AND REST IN PEACE HODGEPODGE!

     A very good morning to one and all in Hodgepodge land. I wish you all the best that life has to offer. Here in the Granite State it is a beautiful day. My beloved SWMBO and I went out for a nice breakfast. It was a nice start to our day.
     We recently lost a very classy first lady. Barbara Bush was a woman who distinguished herself as a wife, as a mother and as a first lady. Her devotion to improving literacy for all people everywhere was, and still is, so much needed. Her exemplary efforts to combat AIDs in children was inspiring. Her personality was welcoming and her sense of humor was remarkable. Farewell dear lady and rest in peace. 
      Today being Wednesday, we have a new Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you Joyce Daley. Enjoy!

1. They say you learn something new every day. What did you learn yesterday?
     Yesterday while I was channel surfing I happened upon the Who performing their rock opera, Tommy, at the Royal Albert Hall. I learned that seeing Tommy performed live was much better than listening to the album(s).
 
2. Have you ever had a now or never moment? Elaborate.
     I am sure that I have had such moments but nothing comes to mind.

3.  April 25th is National Telephone Day. Do you still have a land line or have you gone mobile only? When you receive a text message do you respond immediately? Last time you turned your phone off?  In two or three sentences share with us a story/memory/incident from your childhood (or something current if that's too hard) where the telephone is featured.
     We do still have a land line. When I receive a text I try to respond in a timely fashion. Sometimes it is immediately, other times, for a variety of reasons, it is later.
     The last time that I turned my phone off was on a Sunday, at church.
     We had one phone in our house when I was a child. We were not allowed to answer the phone. Once, I answered the phone. The caller asked to speak to my dad. I hung up the phone to go look for him and tell him that he had a call. I failed to get the name of the caller so we never knew who it was I hung up on.
 
4. Close call, at someone's beck and call, call the shots, call a meeting, call it quits, call in sick, call on the carpet, wake up call...which call have you 'heard' recently? Explain.
     I am at someone's beck and call. I call her SWMBO! I know that that does not come as a surprise to anyone who knows me. 

5. What subject do you wish you'd paid more attention to in school?
     I wished that I had paid more attention in Algebra class. That failure to pay attention adversely affected my education, much to my regret. I had to retake Algebra which resulted in my not taking trigonometry which caused me to fail miserably when I took physics. I am here to tell you that choices and stupidity has consequences. 
  
6. Insert your own random thought here.
     Two police officers were seated in a restaurant eating breakfast. An armed man walks up to the window where the officers were seated and opened fire killing both officers. 
     Yesterday a man drove a van down a Toronto street deliberately running over pedestrians, killing ten people and injuring more.
     A man with a history of aberrant behavior opened fire on a Waffle House in Tennessee. He killed four people and injured four people.
     It seems to me that we have devalued human life. You cannot read a newspaper without reading about some horrific act of violence and mayhem. 
    The problem is not too many guns. The problem is not enough God. We once had a respect for the principles embodied in the ten commandments, the rule of law and in the golden rule, "...doing unto others what we would have done unto us." 
     I pray that God creates in us a new heart and renews a right spirit within all of us. Amen!

CUE THE BEATLE'S "WHEN I'M SIXTY FOUR" HODGEPODGE!

     Happy Hump Day to all who have made it this far. We are into the 2nd quarter of the year. How is your year going so far? As usual, our year has been fraught with some ups and some downs, but we endure by the grace of God.
     Yesterday, SWMBO and I celebrated the completion of my 64th trip around the ball of burning hot gas called the Sun, hence the title of this post.
     The baseball season is well underway as are the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I hope your team does well, that is unless they are playing my team.
     We have another Wednesday Hodgepodge today, so thank you Joyce Daley for another set of questions. So, without further ado...the Hodgepodge!

1. Three things on your spring bucket list? If you don't have an actual list that's fine, pretend you do.
    Three things on my Spring bucket list is watch and score Red Sox Baseball, with Bruins Playoff Ice Hockey and refinance our home mortgage.

2. Where do you find rest? What restores your soul? When was the last time you did whatever it was you answered here?
      I find rest in watching and scoring a baseball game. I find that sharing a meal and sharing good conversations with my beloved SWMBO or good friends restores my soul. The last time that I did that was last night when SWMBO took me out to dinner.

3. April is National Celery Month. Who knew? Do you like celery? What's your favorite dish made with celery? On a veggie and dip platter which would you reach for first-carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumbers or cherry tomatoes? 
      I do like celery. I do not think I have a favorite dish but I like celery in soups. I like celery filled with cream cheese or peanut butter. As regarding veggie and dip platters I usually do grab a few stalks of celery first. 

4. I read here eight things to do before 8 am to make your day less hectic-Start one load of laundry, drink water, empty the dishwasher, read your Bible, know what you're having for dinner, get dressed, brain dump (two lists-one what you're thankful for and one what's weighing on your mind), and after the brain dump make your to-list for the day

How many of these are you currently doing? Which one do you think would help the most if you added it to your early morning routine?
     The only thing that I do before 8 am is get dressed. I usually do by Bible study and quiet time in the evening after SWMBO and the "Littles" go to bed. I also do my brain dumping in the evening. I drink water throughout the day, along with a cup of coffee or two and/or maybe a cup of tea. 

5. Describe the view from your window.
     Looking out the window from where I am typing this I see our unpaved gravel driveway below me. To the right is our front lawn. To the left is our garden shed. At the end of our driveway on the left is a utility pole with a transformer. Also on the left is a smattering of trees. At the end of our driveway on the right is our mailbox and a lamp on a pole. There is also a smattering of trees. Across the street from the end of our driveway is a wetland and looking up I see gray overcast clouds. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.
       This past weekend our church held our annual youth rally. There were around forty teens from area congregations. Our speaker was a former member who now preaches full time. He travelled with his lovely bride from the Lone Star State to speak to us. The theme of the weekend was "Jesus, The Good Shepherd." The sermon text was the 23rd Psalm.    
       Several members of the congregation stepped up to take responsibility for various functions that are necessary to host such an event. Several members stepped up to help those members complete their functions that made the weekend a success. I am so proud of the church members and their heart for God and for young people. I pray God's blessings upon all who participated.

GO BRUINS AND GO SOX HODGEPODGE!

     A pleasant good morning to one and all. Welcome back to our Hodgepodge Mistress and thank you for another wonderful set of questions. 
     My beloved Red Sox have begun their season in good style. As of this writing they are 8 and 1 on the young season. This is the first time in franchise history that they have begun a season so well. 
     My beloved Bruins ended their season in less than stellar fashion but they clinched a spot in the upcoming playoffs so life is good. 
     I encourage you to participate in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. It really is easy. Click on over to "From This Side of the Pond" and simply follow the directions. You will be glad that you did.
     And now....the Hodgepodge. 

1. April is National Jazz Appreciation Month. Are you a fan? If so what's a favorite you'd recommend to someone new to jazz listening?

      I am a fan of most types of Jazz. My taste runs more to the smoother side of the genre. I would recommend newcomers start there, listening to someone like Kenny G. and then explore other styles and artists until they find something or someone more to their taste.

2. Mandolin, ukulele, harp, accordion or banjo...which would you be most interested in learning to play? Or do you already play one of the instruments listed?
     I think that I would choose the mandolin. It seems to me to be more akin to the guitar with which I sometimes succeed in making music.

3. Do you judge a book by it's cover? Elaborate. You may answer in either/both the literal or figurative sense of the word.
     To be completely honest, yes I do. If I am looking to buy or borrow a book to read, the cover synopsis has to grab me, or I will not buy or borrow the book. 
      I sometimes judge people "...by their cover," in a manner of speaking. I have become quite cynical after my many years in law enforcement. A police officer's survival could very well depend upon their ability to evaluate people and distinguish between those who pose a danger and those who do not. I therefore tend to take a wait and see attitude before I'm willing to "buy the book."  If that makes me a bad person, well, so be it.

4. According to a recent study the ten most nutritious foods are-almonds, cherimoya (supposed to taste like a cross between a pineapple/banana), ocean perch, flatfish (such as flounder and halibut), chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, swiss chard, pork fat (shocking! but I don't think they mean bacon), beet greens, and red snapper. Are any of these foods a regular part of your diet? Any you've never ever tasted? Which would you be most inclined to add to your diet?
     I eat a fair amount of almonds. I do not eat fish due to allergies. I have never tried any of the other items mentions. I would be most likely to add cherimoya to my diet because I like both banana and pineapple.

5. Besides a major holiday what is the most recent thing you've celebrated with your people? Tell us how.
     That's easy! My beloved SWMBO and I celebrated the 35th anniversary of her 29th birthday in late March. The day began with her receiving a tasteful birthday card. She was then treated to a fine breakfast at one of our favorite breakfast restaurants. Then at dinner, we went to the Outback restaurant where we had a fine meal and some wonderful conversation. A fun time was had by all.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

     BREAKING NEWS: The Boston Red Sox just spanked the "Evil Empire," AKA the New York Yankees beating them by a score of 14 to 1. Happiness is a Red Sox win. Ecstasy is a Red Sox win against the Yankees. 
     People will sometimes ask me which baseball team is my favorite. My answer is that I have two favorite teams, the Boston Red Sox and whoever is playing the Yankees.
     The rivalry is real! However, and at the risk of my losing my citizenship in Red Sox nation, there are players who wear, or have worn, the Yankee pinstripes who have garnered my respect and admiration. In my estimation, the only flaw that I can see in these people is that they played for the Yankees. Otherwise they were exceptional human beings and outstanding baseball players.
     GO RED SOX!

SPRING HAS APPARENTLY SPRUNG HODGEPODGE!

     Good morning fellow bloggers and blog followers. I hope that you are all well on this Spring day. Thank you, Joyce Daley,  for another set of probing questions. 
     The Major League Baseball Season begins in earnest tomorrow. My beloved Red Sox had a very good Spring training and are ready to go. Traditionally, Red Sox fan are optimistic but history has shown us that optimism, AKA hope, often gets dashed on the rocks of reality. All the same....GO SOX!
     Since Joyce has gone to the trouble of posing a few questions, I might as well answer them. Here is this weeks Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. What's a word that describes your life? A word you wish described your life?
     Anxious is a word that is a pretty close description. I wish the word that described my life was "Relaxed." Perhaps, Lord willing, things will begin trading towards becoming relaxed.

2. Back in my day we___________________________________?
     ...actually had to get up to change the television channel and we only had three channels to choose from AND all three channels signed off the air at midnight and came back on the air at six in the morning.

3. When it comes to takeout are you more likely to opt for Italian, Mexican, or Chinese food? Does a typical week at your house include takeout?
     Our takeout usually consists of either pizza or Chinese food.

4. Think about the people you most respect. What is it about them that earned your respect?
     The things that earn my respect are people who treat people, regardless of their station in life, with respect and dignity. My life has been blessed with people who are prodigiously talented and accomplished and yet remain humble and respectful. 

5. What's something your friends might see and say is 'so you'?
     SWMBO and I sitting together at the back of the church auditorium and my arm is around her shoulders. My beloved wife and I still love cuddling and holding hands. She so seldom has to open a door for herself that she may have forgotten how. What can I say? I am still so madly in love with her.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.
     Yesterday we celebrated the 35th anniversary of SWMBO's 29th birthday. The day started with a tasteful card in her favorite color, purple. We then went out to breakfast after we dropped the dogs off at daycare. This evening we went out to dinner at the Outback Restaurant. It is one of her favorite places to dine out. All in all it was a pretty fine day. Oh, she also received a small birthday cake, also in her favorite color. 
     It has been my distinct honor and pleasure to have been by her side for the vast majority of her life. Just in case you missed it in the previous question, I am so madly in love with my beloved SWMBO, even after all these years together. 

A MAD MARCH MADNESS HODGEPODGE!

     Apparently New England is taking a pass on the first day of Spring. Another northeaster is bearing down on this region of the good ole US of A. AAAARRGGHHH!  
     In our Nation's capital the kabuki theater of government rages on. If this wasn't so serious I would think that these events are taking on the appearance of a soap opera. God help us.
     March Madness college basketball has stumped many avid fans of the sport and busted pretty much everyone's bracket.
    Thankfully, today is Wednesday and we have our usual break from the cares of this world that is the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you Joyce for this little respite from the world.  And now, ladies and gentlemen....the Hodgepodge!

1. On this first official day of spring tell us something (besides the weather) you're looking forward to in this season of the year.
      I am looking forward to getting out more.  God willing, spending more time with my grandchildren. Nothing is better than that. Perhaps SWMBO and I can do a little hiking.

2. When it comes to spring cleaning would you rather wash windows or wash baseboards? Clean out closets or clean out the garage? Dust ceiling fans or dust bookcases? Wipe down the patio furniture outside or wipe down the light fixtures inside? Any of these tasks recently completed?
     When it comes to Spring Cleaning , I'd rather not. I'd really rather not do any of the tasks that are listed, BUT, because SWMBO still lets me live with her for some unknown reason, I would do, and have done, most of the listed items. We have not begun our spring cleaning because we are still butt deep in snow with more to come.

3. Your favorite thing to make/eat that calls for cream cheese? Sour cream? Whipped cream?
     My favorites are cream cheese on an onion bagel, sour cream on a baked potato and whipped cream on a pecan pie.

4. I read here a list of commonly mispronounced words. What is a word that gives you trouble when it comes to pronunciation?
      I was surprised to learn that I have been mispronouncing about half of the words listed. I often have trouble pronouncing some of the names listed in the Old Testament of the Bible. I also find a lot of medical terms difficult to pronounce. 
 
5. What's a song you love with the word 'rain' in the title or lyrics?
       The problem with these type questions is that there is never just "a _____" there are always several. "Rhythm of the Rain" the Cascades; "Who'll Stop the Rain" and "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" Creedence Clearwater Revival; I Wish it Would Rain" the Temptations; "Let it Rain" Eric Clapton and "Fire and Rain" James Taylor. See what I mean?

6.  Insert your own random thought here.
      I began thinking about Spring since Spring is upon us. Here are a few thoughts. In Winter everything is barren, frozen cold, and lifeless. In the Spring what was dead comes back to life. What was frozen warms up. What was barren becomes lush.

     The soul of humans is not so different. We all have a sin problem. In a manner of speaking we are all cold, dead and barren. The Bible tells us that "...the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).
   There is only one person in all of history who has lived a perfectly sinless life, and they nailed Him to a cross and because they did and because He rose from the dead three days later we all have hope. "...but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
     The only cure for our sin problem is the precious blood of He who was nailed to a cross. His blood cleanses us of all sin, not just some, but all. It makes us who were dead in sin alive in Him. We become renewed like the world in the Spring with the added feature of having eternal life. 
     Sadly, some choose to remain dead in their sins. I urge you with every fiber of my being, please take care of your sin problem before it's too late.  The cure is free for whosoever will. God bless you!

WINTER'S DEATH SPIRAL HODGEPODGE

     Erin Go Bragh! Saturday is St. Patrick's Day so a shout out to all who are of Irish ancestry. May the wind be always at your back and may you be in Heaven a half hour before the Devil knows you're dead. 
     Another Wednesday Hodgepodge is upon us once again. May the Lord bless you in a tangible way today. Thank you Joyce for your return and for another fine set of questions. 

1. Best place you've been lately?
     SWMBO and I had occasion to go to a fine restaurant with some close friends and enjoy a wonderful meal and great conversation. The restaurant is called the "Copper Door." It is a somewhat upscale restaurant with great ambience and food. We had a great time.

2. What's something you should say yes to today? Or this week? Or even this year?
     I should say yes to snow shoveling. As I write this we are in the throes of another northeaster. Old Man Winter is just refusing to realize that his time is up and that he needs to move on. This is his second snow tantrum in as many weeks. Ten to eighteen inches of snow is expected. YUCK!

3. Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in any way, shape, or form? If so tell us how. In Western cultures the color green is typically associated with jealousy, nature, good luck, and growth. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word 'green'?
     We don't usually celebrate St. Patrick's Day. We might go to McDonald's for a Shamrock Shake but that would be about it.
     The thing that comes to mind when I hear the word green is the grass at Fenway Park. When you first walk into the stands the grass is so green that it almost seems like a special effect. It is really striking. I imagine other major league ball parks are similarly beautiful and striking.

4. What's a product or service you love so much you'd happily be their spokesperson? Tell us what makes you such a fan.
     Anyone who has read my blog posts knows how committed I am to my faith in God. I am a kind of a spokesperson for God and His Gospel. All who have obeyed the Gospel are also spokespersons, #GreatCommission. Neither God nor His Gospel are products or services to be sold but I could see myself being a spokesperson for the Gospel. It is free to whosoever will.
     From a more earthly perspective, I do love Skippy's Chunky Peanut Butter. I think I could serve as a spokesman.
  
5. March 14th is Pi Day. How are your math skills? What's the last thing you did that required math of any kind? And most importantly do you like pie? What's your favorite kind? With ice cream, whipped cream, or please hold the cream?
     My math skills are fair. The last time I used math was to figure out our finances. 
     I most certainly do love pie. I love those small Table Talk Pies you can get in the grocery store. My favorite pie is Pecan Pie with a dollop of whipped cream.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.
     On Monday, news broke that someone was delivering bombs in the form of packages in Austin, Texas. To date three bombs have been delivered and detonated. 
    A task force of State, Local and Federal law enforcement has been formed to bring the serial bomber to justice. This will not be easy. You may recall that it took eighteen years to bring Ted Kascinski, the Unabomber, to justice. I pray God that this case doesn't take nearly that long.
     There is an undeniable fact. There are evil people running loose in the world today and these evil people do not obey laws that the rest of us do. It is not the implements that they use that is evil, it is they who are evil. May God protect us all from such people.
     Have a wonderful week and c'mon Spring!