A SNOWY SPRING HODGEPODGE!

     Have you ever wondered if grocery stores are in cahoots with tv weathermen? It seems to me that weathermen over hype a weather event so that people panic and stock up on food provisions to get them through. Maybe I'm being cynically paranoid.
     Today is Wednesday Hodgepodge so here is this weeks offering of Joyce Daley's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. Has spring sprung in your little corner of the world? Other than the calendar how would I know? What's your favorite thing about spring?

     My favorite thing about Spring is that it isn't Winter! DIE! WINTER, DIE!

2. Besides the weather, what's put a spring in your step recently?

     My beautiful granddaughter turns 7 years old today. She and her younger sister were visiting us yesterday and played "Dolls" with their Granny, A.K.A. my beloved SWMBO. That puts a spring in my step!

3. How does Easter impact you?

     As a Christian, Easter is my independence day. Oh, it's not the bunnies and brightly colored eggs. It's the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The debt of sin has been taken away! The sting of death has been removed! The love of God was profoundly demonstrated to the entirety of humanity. Hallelujah! I say again, Hallelujah! That's how Easter impacts me.

4. I saw this somewhere on Facebook and thought it would make a fun Hodgepodge question. Which of the following would you find most disappointing...

a just stuffed taco shell breaking open and spilling out before you take the first bite? dropping a just-purchased Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts coffee? opening the peanut butter jar and finding it empty? upending onto the sidewalk a just-purchased ice cream cone? a burnt bagel popping up in your toaster when you're rushing breakfast? or cutting into an avocado and finding out it's rotten? 

     I'm going with the coffee thing. I remember a morning where I stopped by my local Dunkin Donuts and purchased a large regular hot coffee. I drove the short distance to my home. I placed the coffee down so I could remove my coat. As I removed my coat, my hand knocked the coffee down the stairs. I was profoundly disappointed! 

5. What's something held together with tape at your house? Or a paper clip? Or a wing and a prayer?

     We have a venetian blind in one of our windows. Some of the slats broke somehow and are now held together by scotch tape. As for me, I am held together on a wing and a prayer and sometimes, on rare occasions, by two fingers of scotch...neat!

6. Do you feel underappreciated? In what way?

     Not at all!

7. What's something you'd build if you knew how?

     I've got nothing!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

     Last week the weather prognosticators warned us of an impending nor'easter that was due to hit us in the Granite State sometime Sunday night into Monday. They said depending on the track of the storm we could see lots or snow or nothing at all. Well, we got about four inches of the white stuff. Not the snow-magedon that was implied.
     The nice thing about it is that by the time the Sun went down on Monday, most of the snow had melted and was gone. 
     So we survived another snow storm. Also, NH experienced a 2.9 magnitude earthquake centered northwest of our capitol city of Concord. We will rebuild! 

POST IDES OF MARCH HODGEPODGE!

     Yesterday, in 24 B.C., Julius Caesar, famous inventor of the Caesar Salad, went to the Roman Forum and was immediately stabbed to death by a cadre of carnivorous Roman Senators. Either that, or they killed him to prevent him from becoming what they believed would be a totalitarian emperor. I'm not sure which one. This occurred during the ides of March. So beware the ides of March.
     Today is Wednesday and of course time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you Joyce for another set of questions. I hope that you all enjoy this week's edition. 

1. What do you think about luck?

     I believe that preparation combined with opportunity is what we know as luck. I also believe that there are times when we are inexplicably fortunate. For example, you often hear of people who miss their flight only to find out later that that flight crashed. This happened to some people on 9/11/2001. That is luck. 

2. Not counting your own backyard, what's a favorite green space in your town, city, or state?

     There is a ridge in the lakes region of NH where there's a ledge that overlooks a beautiful valley. To the left of the valley is a gorgeous lake. Across the valley are a couple of mountains. The view is breath taking.

3. How do you make your life more complex than it needs to be?

     I have made my life more complex by getting married. I then made it more complex still by having children. Seriously, I make my life more complex than it needs to be by procrastinating. 

4. I read here the three places you should visit with friends. They are-New York City, Hawaii, and Amsterdam (rent a bike, walk along the canal, visit one of their world class museums). I felt the need to expound on that one. Moving on...Of the three places listed which would you most like to visit with friends? What's one place not on the list you think should be visited with friends?

     Of course, I'd love to visit Hawaii. I am also intrigued with the idea of riding bicycles around Amsterdam.

5. What's the last live performance you saw? On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being best) how would you rate it?

     I think the last live performance I saw was a folk group called "Atlantic Crossing." On a scale of 1-10 I'd give them an 8 or 9. They were really good, but it was several years ago.

6. March 14th is National Potato Chip Day. Are you a fan? Your favorite flavor? Besides potato, what's your favorite chip type of snack?

     I am definitely a fan of potato chips. Rippled chips are my favorite. SWMBO and I also like goldfish crackers.

7.What rule is most important in your home?

     We have two rules...(1) Mom is always right! (2) If Mom is wrong, see rule #1. Another rule is If Mom ain't happy, nobody is happy. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     There is a hole in our lives that can never be refilled. Becke, the Wonder Dog, crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Monday after a period of declining health. Becke was a remarkable dog in oh so many ways. She was a yellow Labrador Retriever who lived over 16 years giving unconditional love and service to all with whom she came in contact. 
     Becke had a unique way of knowing how frisky she could be with people. She was able to sense if someone was afraid of dogs and she would adjust her behavior accordingly. She was able to help our grandson to get over his fear of dogs.
     She was a certified pet therapy dog, visiting our local Veteran's Administration Hospital. She was also a R.E.A.D. service dog. She would patiently listen as children would read out loud to her. This allowed children to improve their reading skills in a non-threatening environment. 
     Becke became a member of our family 12 years ago. She has been a constant blessing to our lives ever since. We thank God for bringing her into our family and for how she uplifted and enriched our lives. 

PRE IDES OF MARCH HODGEPODGE!

     "Beware the Ides of March!" so the three witches advised Julius Caesar. He failed to take their warning to heart. Well, history tells us that Caesar got the point which was the last lesson that he learned. The Ides of March will soon be upon us. The Wednesday Hodgepodge is now upon us. Thank you Joyce for another series of questions that challenge our minds. 

1. March is National Women's History Month. In that vein, who are three women who've been influential in your life? How so? 

     The three women who most influenced my life are (1) My beloved SWMBO. She has extended to me the privilege of being her husband for almost 44 years. She is most responsible for any success that I may have achieved and for the man that I became. (2) My maternal grandmother. She taught me how to cook. She taught me manners and how to get along with adults. I was her favorite because I made her laugh. (3) My stepmother. She was one of the first people to treat me as an adult. She kept my course straight and true.

2. In what ways do you think women have it easier than men? 

     I don't know that women have it easier than men in contemporary times. They are held to the same standards and often have to work harder to meet them and they, more often than not, do meet them.

3. What do you need most right now: faith, love, hope, or peace? 

     I can use a little peace please.

4. Do you have a collection? If so, what do you collect and why? 

     I don't currently collect anything, however, in my youth I was a numismatist...a coin collector. I have long sold my collection. 

5. Plaids, checks, polka dots, stripes...your favorite?

     I prefer plaids.

6. In what ways are you the same as your childhood self? 

     I am still very silly at times and tend to be a bit of an imp much to the chagrin of my beloved SWMBO.

7. You're a contestant on the TV game show Jeopardy. What category will you ace?  

     I would ace "History." I love history! I believe the axiom that those who fail to learn history are condemned to relive it. So, I enjoy reading ancient history, modern history and 19th century history. My favorite period of history is World War II era, 1933 - 1945.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

     I mentioned in the previous question how I enjoy history, particularly the World War II era. Once the Nazi regime consolidated their power they were able to use the power of the state to perpetrate the atrocities that occurred. Most of what they did to the Jews and other people was legal under German law. 
     The point is that the same thing could happen here in the good ole U.S of A. That is why fidelity to the U.S. Constitution is so critically important. If the time ever comes when the government can run roughshod over it's citizens, the horrors that was Nazi Germany can be repeated. I pray God that it never happens...but I am convinced that it could. Think about it!

IT'S BEEN A SAD WEEK HODGEPODGE!

     
     Something happened this week which hasn't happened for four years. February has an extra day. Why do they call this a "Leap" year anyway? Are people jumping up and down more than they did last year?  Inquiring minds want to know. 
     Well, it is of course Wednesday which means that it is time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge. Welcome back Joyce. Thanks for another series of questions.

1. February ended with an extra 24 hours in 2016. What did you do with your bonus day?
     We did what we normally do every Monday. It is just another day.

2. What's something in your life that's grown by leaps and bounds in recent days, weeks, months, or years? I'm giving you lots of room to come up with an answer here, so no fair passing on this one.
      What has grown in leaps and bounds over the course of my adult life is my appreciation for God. As I look back over my life I see episodes where doing things His way would have saved me a lot of grief.  Doing things His way has made me a better father, a better husband and a better man.

3. Do you read reviews about a film before deciding if you'll see it? Did you watch The Oscars this year, and if so your thoughts on the program? How many of the Best Picture nominees had you seen prior to the broadcast? (Spotlight, The Martian, The Big Short, The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, Room, and Brooklyn) If you watched The Oscars who gets your award for 'best dressed'?
     I do read movie reviews but I seldom base my decision to see a movie exclusively on them. I watched some of the Oscars. I flipped channels back and forth. I thought Chris Rock's comment about the In Memoriam segment showing black men who were shot by cops going to a movie was gratuitous and not funny at all. I also do not like the political posturing of some of the winners. I think that they should thank whoever they want to thank but they should leave their opinions on the issues of the day for a more appropriate venue such as a talk show or news program. I have not seen any of the Best Picture nominated movies.

4. When did you last have overnight houseguests? Give us your top three tips on being a good houseguest.
     It has been quite a while since we've had overnight guests. The top three tips on being a good house guest (1) Clean up after yourself (2) Be considerate of your hosts, don't make excessive noise  (3) Leave a thank you note.

5. March 2nd is Peanut Butter Lover's Day. Will you be celebrating? If so, would you prefer a home made peanut butter cookie, a Reese's peanut butter cup, an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or shall I just hand you a jar and a tablespoon?
     I'll take a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup please. I also like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and I'm okay with just a jar of peanut butter and a spoon.

6. Why is failure important? Or isn't it?
     Failure is very important because we almost always learn more from our failures than from our successes.  Good examples of this would be Thomas Edison invention of the light bulb, NASA's Space Program and many scientific advances.

7. Share with us one fun thing on your March calendar.
     There are two things on the calendar. Our granddaughter turns seven years old in March. SWMBO turns ???? years old in March! I get to live a bit longer for not revealing that number!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     It has been a sad week last week. New Hampshire State Police Lt. James Geraghty lost his valiant fight against cancer last week. Lt. Geraghty was the type of police officer who was exemplary. His character was above reproach and he rose through the ranks to command the State Police Major Crime Unit. He served the State of New Hampshire for 24 years. He leaves a wife and four children.
     Officer Ashley Guindon, PrinceWilliam County, VA, Police Department, was killed in the line of duty during her first shift after graduating from the police academy. Officer Guindon grew up in Merrimack, NH. She dedicated her all too short life to service. Before being sworn in as a Prince William County Police Officer she was a Marine Corps Reservist, and she served as an intern with the Prince William County Police Department before being hired and going to the Police Academy.
    To date, there have been 13 police officers killed in the line of duty in 2016. The sacrifices of these fine men and women increases the utter contempt that I have for the aforementioned comments (Question #3) that Chris Rock made during his Oscar's monologue. 

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.