PRE-AUTUMN HODGEPODGE !

     Welcome to another Wednesday Hodgepodge. A few more school districts in the Granite State began their school year this week. The rest should follow suit the day after Labor Day, on Tuesday next. We are still experiencing a drought. Fortunately our artesian well is still providing us with copious amounts of cold, clean water. 
     Thank you Joyce for another series of questions. 

1.  Are there any men or women in blue on your family tree?
     I think that I am the only member of my family to have donned a police uniform. My older brother joined the U.S. Air Force the same year that I did and Air Force uniforms are blue. Does that count?

2. Are you someone who suffers from the Sunday night blues? What helps you get over it?
     I am not! When I am blue from time to time and a number of things help get me through those times . In no particular order, I color in my coloring book, I watch tv, I read the Bible or other spiritual oriented book, I also read secular material as well. Sometimes I just sit quietly and pray silently. These things have been effective for me.

3. I read the color blue is an appetite suppressant since there are very few naturally blue foods out there. How do you feel about blue cheese? Love it or blech? If you're a fan, what's something you like that's made with blue cheese?
     Blue Cheese is not one of my favorite foods. I do enjoy blue cheese salad dressing. That would be about it.

4. We can't head in to the Labor Day weekend without a related question, can we? Complete this thought: I work best when____________________. 
     ...left alone to complete my tasks.

5. 'Everything yields to diligence.' Antiphanes Your thoughts? (on this particular quote or on diligence in general)
     I respectfully disagree. I have witnessed, and experienced, failure that occurred after being dilligent and meticulous. Sometimes, no matter what you do things will go bad. Granted those times may be rare but they do occur.

6. The National Park Service turned 100 years old on August 25th. Have you been to many of America's National Parks? If so share with us a favorite or two. Which National Park would you most like to visit before the next birthday rolls around?
     I have been to two National Parks, three if you count Niagara Falls. The two are White Mountain National Park here in the Granite State and Yosemite National Park in California. I would love to visit Yellowstone National Park sometime soon.

7.  Bid farewell to August in seven words or less.
     August, you went by too fast...again!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
     Colin Kaepernick is a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. He has created quite a kerfuffle when he refused to stand for the national anthem that is routinely played before football games. When asked why, he said that he refuses to show respect to the flag of a country that oppresses it's citizens of color. He said that he will continue to sit until things change. He went on to spout the Black Lives Matter diatribe and propaganda.
     Mr. Kaepernick has every right to sit during the national anthem and to criticize the country that makes it possible for a black man to attain great wealth as he has done. Mr. Kaepernick is a black man who was raised by caucasian parents. 
     Mr. Kaepernick is a JERK for doing so and his protest is born out of ignorance and false information. So, Mr. Kaepernick can join that long line of contemptible people who can kiss me where the good Lord split me!
     Other than that I have no strong opinions on the matter.

BACK TO SCHOOL ALREADY HODGEPODGE!

     There are a number of school districts in the Granite State that have begun their school year. Traditionally, the school year did not start until after Labor Day. Therefore, Summer has come all too soon to a screeching halt for some. 
     Today being Wednesday means that it is time for another hodgepodge of questions. Thank you Joyce for another series of questions. 

1. It's National Waffle Day (August 24th)...what decision are you currently 'waffling over'? (or share one you've recently 'waffled over')

     I generally don't waffle. I look at the available facts and decide on the best course of action given the information at my disposal. I will make adjustments as necessary if new information comes to light but I don't waffle.

2. It's the middle of August, but I'm already seeing lots of autumn-related posts. Do you think we rush the seasons? If so, does that bother you? I saw (here) an end of summer bucket list that included-

make s'mores, read a new (or favorite) book in the park, eat something delicious and bad for you at a state fair, be a tourist for the day, have a pot luck picnic, book a last minute summer getaway, relax by or in the pool, take a hike to watch the sunset, have a day on the lake, try a new summer recipe

Which activities on the list might you squeeze in before summer officially comes to a close? 

     I think as a general observation we tend to rush through our lives. When we're kids we can't wait to grow up. When we grow up we can't wait to finish school. When we finish school we can't wait to start a family. When we start a family we can't wait until our kids are grown and beginning families of their own, etc. We often fail to stop and relish the seasons of our particular lives. We do the same thing about the meteorological seasons. Back in the 1960's the musical group The Grass Roots sang a song entitled "Let's Live for Today!" The Bible urges us to live today and to not worry about tomorrow. Good advice!
     As for the end of Summer bucket list, I don't have one.

3. Your favorite summertime 'art' found in nature?

     My favorite Summertime art are the panoramic views found in the Granite State. They are spectacular and shout out the magnificent variety that our Creator has made. God has mad skills!

4. Stephen R. Covey is quoted as saying 'We judge ourselves by our intentions, and others by their actions.' Agree or no? Do you define yourself based on your intentions, your actions, or something else? 

     I think there is some truth to this statement. I believe the reason we do that is because we often cannot and do not know "intentions." Weary to reverse engineer ones intentions from their actions. To come to know intentions we would have to possess the ability to read someone else's mind. However, we certainly know our own mind and therefore our own intentions. Therefore our actions are always in line with our intentions. The consequences of our actions may not be, but our actions always are.

5. Are you useful in a crisis? Elaborate. 

     I am useful in a crisis. I have spent the better part of my adult life bringing order to disorder as a police officer. I have been trained and have experience working in crisis environments. 

6. What's been your go-to dish this summer? Is it something you'll continue making as the seasons change?

     SWMBO and I love a nice garden salad. We will continue making this dish year round. Another favorite dish is Chinese Pie (AKA Shepherds Pie).

7. Adult coloring books are a thing now. Have you jumped on the bandwagon? If not is this something you think you might enjoy?

     SWMBO and I have both jumped onto the bandwagon. There are days when you just can't "adult" and so you climb into your tent fort and color.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

     Have you been watching the coverage of the floods in Louisiana? While watching  news report I wondered if most people are good decent people or are most people evil malicious people. 
     My theory is that most people are good decent people. Just look at the community affected by the floods. People are helping each other as they are able. Skin color or political affiliation have no relevance. People are stepping up to ease suffering and to begin the process of rebuilding. This reaction to massive suffering is not unique to Louisiana. You see it repeated worldwide.
     I suspect that the reason why we think that there are more evil malicious people than good decent people is that the evil malicious people get most of the press coverage. Evil sells papers, good does not. 
     Do your think that my theory is correct? Have a great Wednesday!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL HODGEPODGE!

     Welcome to another edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. I hope that you are having a good week. As of this writing my beloved Red Sox certainly are having a good week, but I digress. Thank you Joyce Daley for another challenging Hodgepodge of questions. I hope those of you who stop by enjoy reading my answers. Now, onto this week's questions...

1. I read here four creative activities to try this month. They were-calligraphy, make your own cookbook, dance or learn a new type of dance, and letter writing. Which activity on the list appeals to you most? Will you add it to your August? 

     I think letter writing will be my choice. I'm not much of a dancer. I don't have enough recipes for a cookbook so letter writing wins by default.

2. Bertrand Russell is quoted as saying, 'To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.' Agree or disagree? Explain.

     I believe that there is a lot truth in that statement. If we had everything that we wanted and wanted nothing else we would become miserable and bored. However, if we have something to strive for, something to try an achieve therein lies our happiness. An illustration of what I mean comes from my experience hunting deer. The enjoyment is in the thrill of the chase and not the actual capture. One of the best days of hunting I ever had was after a snowfall of a few inches. I found a set of tracks that were made by three deer. I suspected they were two does and a buck. I followed those tracks for the better part of the day over hill and dale, over streams and swamp. Finding the deer would have been anticlimatic. I lost the trail in the swamp. But, I had a great time!

3. August 17th is National Thriftshop Day...are you a 'thrifter'? If so, tell us about one of your best or favorite finds. 

    I am not a "thrifter." Nuff said!

4.  On a scale of 1-10 (with 1= almost none and 10=loads) how would you rate your sense of wanderlust? What kicks your wanderlust into high gear?

I would place it at around a 6 or 7. When I'm someplace where I am not familiar with the area, my wonderlust jumps to a 9 or 10. I love to explore! SWMBO and I will often drive back roads rather than interstate highways on occasion just to see what we can see. We can get a real flavor for an area that way.

5. Has life felt more like a marathon or sprint so far this month? How so?

     It's been a marathon with intermittent sprints. SWMBO had a bout with pneumonia which took weeks and strong antibiotics for her to combat.  She already has a compromised  immune system and stuff like pneumonia is very problematic. The water well issue(s) was another difficult time, not to mention expensive to get through. So, there it is.

6. What do you need to get a jump on before fall officially arrives? 

     Yard work! I have got gobs of it to get done before the snow flies and it's even money on whether I'll get it done.

7. What's the last thing you did with friends or family where you lost track of time?

     I can't think of anything.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

     This week we are having Vacation Bible School at the church. So many people helped behind the scenes to prepare the church building for this three day event. We have puppets, elaborate decorations consistent with this years theme, snacks, teachers, etc. Our church family did an outstanding job to provide a fun environment for the kids who attend the event. It is such a blessing to watch all the preparation pay off. There is an obvious love for God. There is an obvious love for children. There is an obvious love for lost souls. God has blessed His church with some pretty amazing people. I am privileged and blessed to be able to work with them.

A WATERLESS WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE!

     Welcome back ye olde Wednesday Hodgepodge, you were missed. We are back in the hot and muggies up here in the Granite State. It has been a great Summer weatherize so far. We are in drought conditions and could use some significant rainfall. Something a little more than the Oklahoma Dust Bowl and not quite as much as Noah and his Ark experienced. Now onto the Hodgepodge.

1. Are you watching the Olympics? Your favorite summer Olympic event? I read recently a list of the most iconic Olympic moments in history...what stands out in your mind as a great moment from some past summer Olympic games?
     I am not watching the Olympics this time around. I just don't have the time. One of my favorite Olympic moments is when the U.S. Hockey team spanked the Soviet Union hockey team in Lake Placid, NY. 

2. Have you ever been to Rio? How about the place that started it all-Greece? Have you ever been to any of the Olympic Games in person? Is that something you'd like to do? Have you ever met an Olympian in person?
     I have never been to Rio, Greece or been in attendance at any Olympic event. I would like to someday and no, I have never met an Olympic athlete.

3. The ball's in their court (tennis), cross the finish line (track and field), on target (archery), make a splash (diving), on a roll (gymnastics), out of one's depth (swimming)...which Olympic-related idiom best applies to your life right now? Explain.
     "Out of one's depth" applies to SWMBO and me at this point in our existence. Ironically it's not from having too much water, it's from not having any. Let me explain. We have a well and for some reason water is backing up into our laundry room. So we had to shut our well pump down and the earliest we can get someone here to fix the problem is Thursday. So we are without water until then. We've been filling two 5 gallon water cans to fill the toilet tank because some things don't wait, if you catch my drift. We've been relying on friends and family for shower privileges for the duration.

4. What have you earned a 'gold medal' in recently?
     Taking care of the logistics to meet SWMBO's water needs during this water crisis. (See #5)

5. What is it (or who is it) that motivates you to eat right, exercise, and do what you can to be healthy?
     SWMBO! I have to be reasonably healthy to be able to care for her. That said, I haven't been too successful in maintaining eating right and exercising. Eating is not the problem, eating right is! 

6. Are you young at heart or an old soul? Explain.
     I don't know!

7. It's National S'mores Day (August 10th)...are you a fan? Will you celebrate with a s'more today?
     I'm not a fan of amores so I think I'll pass.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
     I sometimes get the impression that secular people believe that Christians are sinless, holy people who never fall victim to the less seemly side of human existence. They seem to further believe that Christians don't experience difficulties as non Christians do.
     The fact is that whether they admit it or not, all Christians still fail and sin. "Christians are not perfect, just forgiven" is just a cliche but it happens to be true. Christians try hard every day to live right but often fail to do so. 
     As for facing difficulties, Christians experience them as everybody else does. Christians are not immune to getting cancer, losing everything in a tornado, wildfire or an earthquake or experiencing some other calamity. Where Christians differ is that we know, by faith, that the difficulties of this world will cease and we will have an eternity without any suffering. God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Yes, that is another cliche, but it too happens to be true! God bless all of you!

HOT & STEAMY HODGEPODGE!

     Again this week it is Africa hot! The heat has consistently been in the 90's with the humidity in the mid to high 60's. SWMBO, at least, is happy. She really enjoys the heat of summer. I usually hunker down in either our bedroom or her office where the AC units are. 
     Being Wednesday it is also time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you Joyce Daley from From This Side of the Pond for another series of interesting questions. Now...the Hodgepodge!

1. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your summer so far? Why?
(1=eh and 10=best summer ever)
     I'll go with a "5" due to the excessive heat. SWMBO would rate it higher, I'm certain. 

2. July 26th is National Aunts and Uncles Day. Did you have many aunts and uncles growing up? Were you especially close to any one or maybe all of them? Are you an aunt? (or uncle for the men who join here on Wednesdays) Share a favorite memory relating to one of your own aunts or uncles or relating to a niece or nephew who call you Aunt (or Uncle).
     We had a bunch of aunts and uncles during my early youth. I was close to one of my mother's brother. He played a significant role in my adolescence. He provided a refuge and an understanding ear when I needed it. I really loved him and miss him.

3. What's your favorite food dipped in chocolate? What's your favorite food dipped in cheese?
     My favorite food to dip in chocolate is a fat, ripe strawberry. My favorite food to dip in cheese is some version of chip...corn, tortilla, etc.

4. When were you last astonished by something? Explain.
     I have not been astonished in recent memory.

5. Surf board, paddle board, ironing board, Pinterest board, score board, clip board, bulletin board...which board have you most recently encountered?
     Ironing board? Are you serious? Does anybody use those things anymore? I'll go with a scoreboard. I've been watching a fair amount of baseball this summer and not just the Red Sox. I catch a National League game from time to time also. I do visit Pinterest a fair amount too.

6. What's your favorite story from scripture? Why that story?
     I love the Gospel of John, Chapter 17. After they shared their last Passover Meal together, Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed. What makes this account so special to me is that Jesus prayed for me. The thought that the Creator of the Universe would pray for all of us, me in particular, is amazing! I cannot put my mind around that fact even though Scripture is clear on that point. (John 17:20, 21) I am one of those who has believed Jesus through their testimony.

7. If you were to travel from the east coast to the west coast in your own country, which five cities would you most want to see?
     I would definitely want to re-visit Washington D.C., Nashville, TN, Denver, CO, Las Vegas, NV, and San Francisco, CA. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.
     Last week I commented upon the Republican Convention. The Democrat Convention is playing out as I write this. It seems that the Democrats are no better organized than the Republicans are. 
     It occurs to me that modern day politics is more akin to the NFL. The primaries was the regular season and the national election in November is the Super Bowl. 
     It seems to me that both parties are more concerned with winning the Super Bowl than they are in solving the real problems facing our country. It seems to me that Republicans and Democrats are more devoted and loyal to their party than they are to their country. If there's a conflict between what's best for the country and what's best for their party, they will choose their party every time, even to the detriment of We the People. 
     I hate being such a cynic, but there it is! Enjoy your Wednesday!

REPUBLICAN CONVENTION HODGEPODGE!

     I have been watching bits and pieces of the Republican Convention. I am not filled with confidence in the competence of the Republican Party based upon what I saw unfolding before me. The convention seemed to be chaotic and disorderly. It improved somewhat the second night...but c'mon, this is supposed to by your showcase. Well, it's Wednesday and time for another Hodgepodge.

1. Pokemon Go...your thoughts? Are you playing? Do you even know what it is?
     I know what it is. I am not playing because I have a life with responsibilities and everything. I think games are a good thing but when it results in injury or death it has gone too far. I am intrigued by the number of dead bodies that have been found by those who are playing the game, though.

2. What was something you collected as a child? Do you still have that collection? If you're a parent what's something your own children collected? Have you ever camped out, stood in a crazy long queue, or paid a ridiculous sum for a 'collectible'?
     I collected baseball cards and coins in my youth. I do not have either collections anymore. I have never camped out or stood in a ridiculously long line or paid a ridiculous sum for any collectible.

3. "Collect moments, not things"...tell us about a moment you've added to your collection this summer.
     My beloved SWMBO had a really good time on our anniversary. We really enjoy going to a restaurant and sharing a great meal and conversation.

4.  What's something collecting dust in your home right now? Any plans to do something about it?
     The DVD player that sits under the TV in our living room. I may get around to dusting it...someday!

5. A favorite song relating to time?
     "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce

6. What's been your most frightening or your most interesting encounter with wildlife?
     I was deer hunting several years ago. I heard what I thought was by hunting partner kicking up leaves while walking approaching me from behind. I stood up and turned to find a HUGE bull moose standing there staring at me. That was an impressive animal. We parted company as friends. I wonder if he ever told his moose buddies about the HUGE orange man he ran into in the forest?

7.  On July 20, 1969 Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong set his foot down on the moon. If you could travel to the moon would you go? Why or why not?
     Yeah, I think I would. It would have to be the adventure of a lifetime. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.
     I must apologize to those of you who visited by blog page last Wednesday and left a comment. I usually return the favor by stopping in and visiting your blog page and leaving a comment in return. Last week I did not, for reasons I won't go into. Anyways I will try to do better henceforth. 
    That said...Black Lives Matter can kiss my _ _ _ ! The whole movement is founded upon a lie. As a result of their Bovine Excreta and the tacit encouragement of the president of the United States police officers are being shot down in the street. Like I said, Black Lives Matter can kiss my _ _ _ !

AFRICA HOT HODGEPODGE...THE SEQUEL!

     Here we are at another Wednesday Hodgepodge and here we are at another hot, hazy and humid day. Another "Africa Hot" and humid day. I like the summer but I don't love it. My beloved SWMBO loves it. Me, I sweat by just breathing. Well, the cooler temperatures of Fall and Winter will be here soon enough. Now onto this week's questions...

1. Do you find yourself influencing your world, or is it more the other way around?
     It depends upon the day. Some days I influence my world. Other days I am influenced by my world.

2. July 14th is National Tape Measure Day...the device was patented on this date in 1868. When did you last use a tape measure? Do you always know where to find one in your house? Tell us one way in which you feel blessed 'beyond measure'. 
     I last used a tape measure to measure some hardwood flooring a couple of weeks ago. I always know where I can find a tape measure in my house. I am blessed beyond measure with my beloved SWMBO...but I'm sure most of you knew that I was going to say that. I say it because it is true!

3.The Plaza Hotel (Eloise), The Land of Oz (The Wizard of Oz), Narnia (The Chronicles of Narnia), The Hundred Acre Wood (Winnie the Pooh), Wonderland (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland), or Never Never Land (Peter Pan)...which storybook land (on this list!) would you most like to visit and why? 
     I select Narnia! I love the Chronicles of Narnia as well as the other writings of Clive Staples (C.S.) Lewis. It sounds like it is a magical place.

4. Where and when do you get your best ideas? 
      I usually am at my best during the early evening to late evening. That's when my thinking is most productive.

5.  So what have you been watching on TV this summer? Anything good?
     SWMBO and I have been watching "Royal Pains." We also watched "San Andreas" with Dwayne Johnson. SWMBO particularly likes disaster movies where there is widespread destruction and mayhem. We also watched "The Walk." It's a movie about a frenchman who walked between the towers of the World Trade Center on a wire in 1974.

6. 'Don't swim for an hour after you eat', 'Dog days of summer', 'Knee high by the Fourth of July'...choose a summer saying from the list or share one of your own, then tell us what image or memory comes to mind when you hear it spoken.
     "Don't swim for an hour after you eat" It evokes memories of my friends and me at a municipal pool eating a picnic lunch together and then playing wiffle ball or some other game until the hour was up and we could return to the pool.

7. In a single sentence, sum up one life lesson you've learned. 
     "And this too shall pass." No matter what you may be going through, you will get through it. It will inevitably pass no matter how long it takes.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
     "Sitting on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon. Going to the candidate's debate. Laugh about it, talk about it when you've got to choose. Any way you look at it you lose."  Mrs Robinson by Simon and Garfunkel.
      This kind of sums up my attitude about this election cycle.