THANK YOU MR. JUSTICE ANTONIN SCALIA !

      Today, we in the northeast are recovering from a multi-precipitation weather event. It started as snow, then went to sleet, then to freezing rain and now to just rain.  I wish Mother Nature would pick just one! Preferably not snow, sleet or freezing rain. 
     Today being Wednesday, it is time for another essay question test from our friend at This Side of the Pond, Joyce Daley. I urge you all to join in. You will meet many fine people who are regular Hodgepodgers. Enjoy this week's offering.

1. February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It lands on the calendar one day after National Do Something for a Grouch Day (February 16) which somehow feels related. Perhaps the 16th inspired the 17th?

Tell about a time you performed a random act of kindness or were the recipient of one. Will you make an effort to perform a random act of kindness on the 17th? Share details if you're so inclined, and if you have something specific in mind.

     I always try to perform a random act of kindness every day.  It stems from my time as a boyscout, "Do a good turn daily." It is also part and parcel of the Christian life to show kindness daily. I open doors for women. I allow other drivers to merge into traffic in front of me. I say "Please, Thank You, and Excuse Me" when the situation calls for them. I look for opportunities to be helpful and kind. 

2.What's the most uplifting or encouraging thing you see happening in the world right now? You may have to dig deep for this one.

     SWMBO and I know a man who emigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria, leaving his four children behind in the care of his sister. He is trying to reunite his family by bringing his children over this summer. A Go-Fund-Me page was started in his name. His plight was further mentioned on a few Facebook pages. In less than a few weeks people stepped up and contributed over twice the amount that he said he needed.  It is encouraging to see people caring for their fellow man in a real and tangible way.

3. Black olives, black currants, black grapes, black beans, blackberries, Oreos...your favorite food the color of night? Your least favorite on the list?

     My favorite food on the list is Oreos followed by blackberries. My least favorite is black olives followed by black beans.

4. A while back I read (here) a list of twelve things you should do before you turn 50. They were-

travel when you have the chance, take care of your skin, learn a foreign language, make exercise a habit, leave a toxic situation, stop caring what others think about you, stop worrying, volunteer, spend time with your grandparents, pledge to work less, learn to cook an amazing dish, and seize an opportunity as it arises

What do you think of the list? What would you add or remove and why? If you're over 50, have you done all 12? If you're not yet 50, have you done any at all? What's on the list that you haven't done, but would like to do?

     I think all of the items on the list are worth doing regardless of age. I stopped caring about what others think about me a long time ago. I generally don't worry about much. I grew up with my maternal grandparents. I never knew my paternal grandparents. I have learned how to cook a few dishes from my grandmother. Depending on the circumstances, I do seize opportunities.  I have let some slip away. I don't fuss over my skin much. I could/should develop a more consistent habit of exercise.  I generally don't get involved in toxic situations.

5. Besides the classic Christmas flicks, what's your favorite film where winter plays a part in the setting?  

     One movie would be "Fargo."  On behalf of my granddaughters I submit "Frozen." Another film I like is "Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe." I really like the writings of C.S. Lewis.

6.When did you last feel helpless, and what did you do about it?

     When you have a loved one who is ill with a chronic serious disease you feel helpless alot. Often, the only thing that you can do is pray. That is what I do when I feel helpless.

7. Share a favorite proverb. 

     "The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin." (Proverbs 13:3-4)

8. Insert your own random thought here.

     Last Saturday our country lost a great man. Antonin Scalia, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, died unexpectedly of a heart attack in the State of Texas. Justice Scalia was one of the greatest legal scholars and had one of the greatest legal minds in out nation's history.
     Justice Scalia was a devout Roman Catholic and tried to live what he believed. He loved debating points of law with people who disagreed with his positions. One of his best friends is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Her views are mostly diametrically opposed to his and yet they enjoy a fondness and respect for each other.
     Justice Scalia believed that our Constitution was not a living document, but rather a legal document which means what it says. That belief drove many of his opinions.
     Justice Scalia will definitely be missed. I thank God for Justice Scalia's service to his country and to the law. May he rest in peace!

POST PRIMARY HODGEPODGE!

     Well, the NH Primary, the first in the Nation primary is over! Every four years New Hampshire residents are bombarded with "We have just a four question survey" or "Please support (insert name here) he is the best qualified" type calls. It is interesting to watch. It is also annoying being bombarded by so many phone calls.
     Today we move on to the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Given that Valentine's day is this Sunday, the theme of the questions is "LOVE." Thank you Joyce for this week's edition.

1. Create an acrostic using the word LOVE. If you're unsure what an acrostic is click here. 

    Love Only Validates Everything!

2. Does love really conquer all? Why or why not?

     Yes, I believe that it does. Insert 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13 here! Agape love, the highest form of love, the all encompassing kind of love is unconquerable in my humble opinion.

3. Tell us about a time recently, where you really put your heart into something.

     Nothing comes to mind!

4. What's your favorite fictional love story?

     Love Story? Really? I'd lose my "Man Card" for answering this question!

5. Do you generally wear your heart on your sleeve, or keep your cards close to the vest?

     I'm a keep your cards close to the vest kind of guy!

6. What food says love to you? Why?

     Peacan Pie or Boston Cream Pie! It means someone loves me when they give me a Peacan Pie or a small single serve Table Talk Boston Cream Pie.

7. When were you last 'tickled pink' over something? Explain.

     On Sunday our daughter and son in law celebrated our youngest granddaughter's birthday. When SWMBO arrived at their houseour oldest granddaughter yelled out "Pepere" and ran to me and gave me a big hug and a kiss on my cheek. I was tickled pink!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     The Super Bowl is the first deth knell of winter. I am glad that Peyton Manning was on the winning team. The equipment truck is leaving Fenway Park on Wednesday enroute to the Red Sox Spring training facility in Florida. The pitchers and catchers report for Spring training in a couple of weeks, the second death knell of winter. Take heart folks, winter is on the way out! COME ON SPRING! ! !

GROUND HOG DAY AFTERMATH HODGEPODGE!

     Yesterday the prognosticating rodent from Pennsylvania made his prediction with respect to the remaining length of the 2015/2016 winter season. He predicts that there is going to be an early Spring. I don't believe him because rodents are inherently unreliable. What is reliable is Wednesday bringing us another Hodgepodge. And so, enjoy the Hodgepodge!

1. Describe love using all five senses.

     This is really a tough question! My answer to this question flows from my beloved SWMBO. I feel her gentle touch as we sit together in church. I smell the sweet fragrance of her perfume. I see how her face lights up when she see's me approaching. I taste the flavored lip balm on her lips and I hear her sweet voice calling my name to find something that she misplaced.

2. February is Canned Food Month. What's your favorite food that comes straight from a can?

     I like some of the Chef Boyardee stuff. I like some of the Progresso soups. I like canned vegetables. 

3. A principal in a UK school recently sent home a letter to parents requesting they (the parents!) dress appropriately when escorting their children to/from school (basically saying please don't wear your pajamas) You can read the letter here. It's gotten a lot of publicity, both positive and negative. Your thoughts? And do/did you ever make the school run (or hit Starbucks, Walmart, etc) in your pjs?

     I don't really care what people are wearing in the confines of their cars while dropping kids off at school so long as they're covered. As for me, I would never leave the house without being properly dressed...unless it's in an ambulance and in that case I really wouldn't have a choice because I'd most likely be unconscious.

4. Crew neck, V-neck, turtleneck, scoop neck...which is most prevalent in your wardrobe?

     I'm a crew neck guy! 

5. I read here recently a list of four things to avoid so you wake up happier. They were late night snacks, hitting the snooze button, social media just before bed/upon waking, checking emails. 

Are you guilty of any of these behaviors? Which on that list do you need to work harder at avoiding?

      I am guilty of all of them at one time or another. Night snacks is my Kryptonite.

6. Share something you remember about a house you lived in as a child? Of all the homes you lived in as a child, which did you love best? 

     The house I grew up in was built in the late 1800's. My siblings and I were convinced that the place was haunted, especially the cellar. We experienced a number of events that could only be described as paranormal and in some cases frightening. Ironically of the places I lived, that house is my favorite. 

7.Your favorite movie based on a true story? 

     I love historical movies. "Apollo 13" is one of my favorites. I also like "42" the story of Jackie Robinson.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     Another answer to Question #1 is God. God is love! 1 Corinthians 13 describes pure love and that too is God. I am able to love others because God first showed me how to love. May you all experience the true love of God in your lives.

WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR HODGEPODGE!

     Here we are near the end of the first month of the new year. Today being Wednesday, it is time for another series of probing questions from our Hodgepodge mistress, Joyce Daley, from This Side of the Pond. Please join in on the fun. You'll meet many new and interesting people who are also Hodgepodgers. In any event I hope that you enjoy this weeks edition of the Hodgepodge.

1. Share a winter memory from your childhood. 

     When I was a young boy we had a typical northeaster snow storm. We constructed a ramp of snow from the back yard of the house accross the street from where I lived. The ramp went around the side of the house, over two walls and down the driveway. We took turns sliding down the ramp. Once the ramp got packed down and smooth we could slide from the back yard all the way to the street, about 200 feet. What a great ride!

2. What was on your blog this time last year? (Besides the Hodgepodge of course!) If you weren't blogging, what in the world were you doing with all that free time? 

    I have no idea what I was doing with all my free time. Other than the Hodgepodge I wasn't blogging much.

3. Ellen Goodman is quoted as saying, 'We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential.' 

Do you see more flaws or more potential in your life at the start of a new year? Have you done anything specific this month to address either one? Does the new year truly begin for you on January 1, or is there some other month of the year that feels like a fresh start and new beginning?

     I generally take a positive view and see more potential at the start of a new year. I also see my flaws and try to correct them throughout the year. Like the calendar, the new year begins on January 1st.

4. Who's an athlete you admire or respect and why?

     My favorite athlete as a young boy was Frank Malzone. Frank played third base for my beloved Boston Red Sox and wore number 11. He had the fastest throw from third base to first base in the Major Leagues at the time. He was everything a young boy could look up to and admire and emulate. 
     Sadly, Frank passed away recently. All his contemporaries and the current players who knew and spent time with Frank corroborated my opinion of the man. Today's athletes could learn a lot from Frank's example!

5. Do you like cream in your coffee? Whipped cream on your pumpkin pie? Cream cheese on a bagel? Sour cream on a baked potato? Cream of wheat for breakfast? Have you ever had a scone with clotted cream? Of all the creamy foods mentioned, which one sounds most appealing to you right this very minute?

    I'm going with cream in my coffee. I am not a fan of Cream of Wheat at all and I don't know what clotted cream is. Other than those two, I am a fan of the remaining cream references.

6. Where were you last kept waiting for 'hours on end'? Or for what felt like hours on end? How well did you cope?

     I don't recall a specific incident, but I do a fairly good job in anticipating when there's a potential for a long wait. I alway's have reading materials and a supply of music on my cellphone to keep me occupied. 

7. Believe it or not, when next week's Hodgepodge rolls around it will be February. Huh?!? Bid adieu here to January in seven words or less.

     See you next year, same time!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     My New England Patriots have fallen short of their goal of returning to the Super Bowl this year.   The Denver Bronco's were the better team on Sunday and deserved to win the game. It was a great game and my Patriots fell short by only two lousy points.  Oh well, life moves inexorably onward! Wait Til Next Year!

WINTER HAS ARRIVED HODGEPODGE

     We have enterred a period where our daily high temperature stays below 30 and our lows are in the single digit. In short, it is freakin' cold and winter is here in earnest. We also have had a couple of minor snow falls, three inches or less. I am happy with snow not being as prolific as it was last winter. Other less enlightened types, AKA Snow Bunnies, are not as happy as the rest of us. 
     Today is Wednesday which, as you all know, means it's time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge. I hope that you enjoy this week's edition!

1.  Speaking of skating...when did you last 'skate on thin ice', 'skate over the details', 'encounter a cheapskate', or just plain skate?

     I often skate on thin ice. Most people have something that prevents them from giving voice to some of the things that they are thinking. I don't have one of those so I often say things that causes my beloved SWMBO to roll her eyes and to receive looks of sympathy from other people. My being 6'4" tall and 300 lbs I don't get punched in the mouth a lot, despite the fact that it is sometimes well deserved.

2. What would you say is the biggest problem of people your age?

     By the time that we unserstand a little something about how to live life,. .  our bodies, and often our minds, are incapable of taking advantage of our knowledge. Perhaps, that is another indicator of the wisdom of God.

3. What's your favorite accessory? Is it something you wear every day, often, or only on special occasions?

     I sometimes carry a Smith & Wesson revolver concealed upon my person from time to time.  I don't carry it every day, just when the spirit moves me. I am a firm believer that I am primarily responsible for defense of my family and myself.

4. January 20th is National Cheese Lover's Day. Are you a lover of cheese? What's your favorite dish made with cheese? Last thing you ate that contained some kind of cheese? 

     I am a cheese lover. I enjoy extra sharp cheddar cheese. My favorite dish with cheese in it is Lasagna.

5. What's something guaranteed to make you roll your eyes? 

     Listening to anything that comes out of the mouth of our President and/or his former Secretary of State.

6. Your favorite book series? 

     My favorite book series is anything by Tom Clancy. Since Tom has gone on to his eternal reward, I like Vince Flynn. Also, Vince has shaken off his mortal coil. My next choice is Brad Thor.

7. Why did you choose your profession? 

     I developed a profound appreciation for the U.S. Constitution and the freedoms that it guarantee's for us and our progeny. Spending my life defending that document, that idea, from all enemies foreign and domestic, seemed like a noble way to serve my community and support my family in the process. I did not get wealthy but I am very rich.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

     I have been seeing a lot of stories in the news media where a child has been beaten to the point of death, or serious bodily injury. The children were younger than five years old in many instances and the offense for which they were beaten?  They had the temerity to act like children...they cried! 
     I cannot fathom what is wrong with these people who would injure a child in this way or to that extent. There is a special place in hell for such people! I am certain that God's heart is broken at the suffering of these innocents. I wish I knew an answer as to how to stop it. My inclination is to visit a similar beating upon the abusers but I fear someone has already beaten me to it while they were young.
     May God have mercy on these children!

STATE OF THE UNION WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE!

     When in the course of human events another Wednesday comes around, a people is endowed by the Hodgepodge creator with more insightful posers. We hold these truths to be self evident that once asked these posers must be adequately answered. And so, once again into the breech! Thanks to our Hodgepodge Mistress, Joyce Daley, for another Wednesday Hodgepodge!

1. Share one thing that really makes your day.

     On Tuesdays, SWMBO and I get to watch our granddaughters! Having a grandchild climb on your lap and sharing absolutely anything makes my day.  This Tuesday SWMBO printed out some "I Spy With My Little Eye" sheets which we then played with the girls. I just does not get any better than that!

2. Lots of these kinds of lists out there, but one found here says the fifteen most colorful places on earth are:

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy~Burano, Italy~Havana, Cuba~Rio de Janiero, Brazil~Chefchaouen, Morocco~Balat, Istanbul, Turkey~Menton, France~Jodhpur, India~La Baca, Buenos Aires, Argentina~Guanajuato, Mexico~Capetown, South Africa~Valparaiso, Chile~Wroclaw, Poland~San Francisco, California~and Pelourhino, Salvador, Brazil.  

Of those listed which would you most like to see up close and in person? Of all the places you've seen or traveled in your own life, what would you say was one of the most colorful?

     When it comes to colorful places there aren't any places that rival New England in the fall. The foliage is just that spectacular! My next choice would be Yosemite National park in California. The places listed above do not attract me at all.

3."Everything you want is on the other side of fear." Jack Canfield  In general, would you agree or disagree with that statement? Why?

     Ironically "fear" is one of those things that strongly motivates one person to change that which they are afraid. "Fear" will also as strongly motivate another person into maintaining the status quo lest they make the situation worse. I personally believe that Mr. Canfield has a fair point.

4. Imagine you're stranded on a desert island and dessert appears...what do you hope it is? Do you ever struggle to remember which spelling is desert and which is dessert?

     My three favorite desserts are, in no particular order, Ambrosia, Pecan Pie, and Pineapple Pie. I do struggle with the correct spelling of dessert. I have a dictionary app on my cellphone that is a tremendous help.

5. What song almost always makes you cry?

     Any song played on bagpipes...the sound is atrociously painful. Josh Groban's rendition of "You Raise Me Up" often gets a lump in my throat going!

6. January is National Soup Month.  Everything from soup to nuts, in the soup, thick as pea soup, souped up...which saying most recently applies to your life in some way? Explain.

  "In the Soup" seems more apropos at this time. It just seems things are busier than usual or than needs to be. 
   

7. Write a two word note to your younger self. What does it say?

     "Trust God!"

8. Insert your own random thought here.

       Did you watch the President's State of the Union speech? What did you think about it? I think that his perception of what's happening is far different than mine. My friends, we are a Nation in deep trouble. Our people at their core are a noble people. I know, I know I have said this before. I believe that it is true! However, the men and women who we send to Washington, D.C, are far less noble than the vast and mostly silent majority. May God have mercy on us!
         

HAPPY FRICKIN' NEW YEAR HODGEPODGE!

     How's the New Year going for you so far? Five days into it, for me it's "so far so good." I didn't make any resolutions this year, however, I am thinking about goals or changes I want/need to make to improve my life and myself. Thanks again to Joyce Daley for this edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. One has to wonder where she gets all these questions every week. Her questions are often akin to a conversation with a neighbor standing at the fence sharing a cup of coffee. So grab a cup of your favorite beverage, make yourself comfortable and enjoy!

1. Are you ready for new? Is 2016 likely to be very different than 2015? Do you want it to be?

     Not really. I have a large RC (Resistance to Change) factor. So I am more comfortable with the status quo. 

2. January 6th is National Technology Day. Currently, what is your single biggest struggle or frustration when it comes to technology?

     I struggle to master all the features of my new iPhone 6s. SWMBO and I upgraded our cellphones last November. She is much more gadget savvy than I am. It is amazing what modern smart phones are capable of. 

3. It's that time 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, and general uselessness) in 2016. You can read more about the decision making process here, but this year's top vote getters are-

So (at the start of every single sentence), conversation (as in hotly debated topics where we're invited to 'join the conversation'), problematic, stakeholder, price point, secret sauce, break the Internet, walk it back, presser, manspreading (common in larger cities where some men take up the entire bus or train seat by sitting wide), vape, giving me life (refers to anything that may excite a person or make them laugh), and physicality

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?

     The thing about language is that it tends to change over time. A couple of examples that come to mind is Classical Greek morphing into koine (common) Greek of the first century. Classic Parisian French morphing into Canadian French, etc.  The word "gay" being co-opted from meaning light, joyful or happy to meaning homosexual or lesbian. So I don't wish to see any words banished from use for any reason. I am unalterably opposed to political correctness or any abridgement of our right to free speech. I don't have any words that I would like to add to the list.

4. Share one of your current health related goals.

     I have two, lowering my blood sugar and reducing my weight.

5. Let's talk fifty shades of gray. As in the color. Gray is currently a popular color in home decor, paint, wardrobes, hair, wedding party attire, and more. Are you a fan? Do you have the color in some variation in your home or wardrobe?  Gray hair, the old gray mare, gray matter, gray area...which gray idiom can you most relate to right now?

     I'm okay with gray. My gray right now is Gray Hair. 

6. Certain foods are considered 'lucky' if eaten on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Cooked greens to bring economic fortune, black-eyed peas or lentils also symbolize money, pork which symbolizes progress, fish for good luck, and if you're in Spain 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. Did you eat any lucky foods on the first day of the year? Is that a tradition in your home? Of the foods listed, which most appeals to you?

     SWMBO and I don't have a lucky food. Over the Christmas and New Year holidays we do traditionally enjoy my meat stuffing, egg nog and various pastry items.

7. What's the single biggest time waster in your life and what, if anything, will you do about it this year?

     I guess zoning out in front of the television is my biggest time waster. To deal with this waste of time I hope to watch less television and do something else, that is, replace watching TV with some other more productive activity.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
     SWMBO's cancer continues to be in remission, thank God. We are going for our four month follow up with the transplant director on Thursday. SWMBO's stem cells were harvested a couple of years ago and frozen. Our wish is that they remain frozen and it doesn't ever become necessary for the doctor to give them back to her. We thank everyone for your continued support and prayers.  
     Becke the Wonder Dog had a thorough check up by her Vet after her last siezure episode. According to the Vet none of the tests showed anything remarkable. Her blood work is fine. Her urine test is normal and her heart is beating strong. The Vet is unable to determine the cause of the siezure. So we continue to spoil her as she deserves to be.
     Happy New Year everyone!