GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT?

Unless you have been living in a remote cave off the grid you are aware of the controversies that are swirling around the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Before Judge Kavanaugh was nominated, the democrats in the U.S. Senate publicly stated that they would oppose anyone, no matter who they were, who President Trump nominated to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court. 

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford has accused Judge Kavanaugh of attempting to sexually assault her thirty six years ago when they were both in high school.

Judge Kavanaugh emphatically denies  that he committed the alleged assault. 

Yesterday, both Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh  testified under oath at length before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Both Dr. Ford and Judge 

Kavanaugh  provided compelling testimony. So the problem for the Committee and the U.S. Senate at large is to decide where the truth lies. 

Here is where I come down on this question.  I am convinced that Dr. Ford is the victim of an attempted sexual assault that occurred when she was fifteen years old. I found her testimony to be compelling. However, at the end of the day all we have is her word. There is NO corroborating evidence to support her version of events. 

I am NOT saying that Dr. Ford is lying. I am saying that what Dr. Ford said is simply not true. People often say things that they believe to be true but upon further examination prove to be untrue. That does not mean that these people were lying but that they were simply wrong. The people who Dr. Ford said were present during the incident have all stated, under penalty of perjury, that they were not present and have no recollection of the event in question.

Judge Kavanaugh has provided a virtual mountain of corroborating evidence that he was not involved in the incident. He emphatically stated that he did not do it. He had personal calendars/diary that demonstrated that he was elsewhere during the time that the incident is alleged to have happened.

Furthermore, anyone who has known Judge Kavanaugh, including men and women who have known the Judge for most of his life, have stated that he was a person of the highest integrity and moral character. There have not been any people, men or women, who have worked with or for Judge Kavanaugh, who say anything different. They all affirm Judge Kavanaugh’s character and assert that Judge Kavanaugh is incapable of the alleged conduct. Any examination of the Judge’s life will bear out the assertion of his friends.

I am convinced that Judge Kavanaugh has been shown to be a good and decent man. I am convinced that Judge Kavanaugh is eminently qualified to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. I do not believe that there is any competent evidence to contradict these beliefs. I believe that the conduct of the democrats and the political left in this matter have been reprehensible. 

Judge Kavanaugh should be immediately confirmed!

IT'S GONNA BE A HEAT WAVE

     Good morning fellow Hodgepodgers and non-Hodgepodgers alike. I cannot believe how quickly a week passes by but, boy, do they quickly pass by! 
     The latter part of this week is suppose to be a scorcher up here in the Granite State. Temperatures are forecast to be in the high 90's with an increase in humidity. My beloved SWMBO will be happy AND comfortable while the rest of us will be like the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz...M E L T I N G!
     Thanks go out to Joyce Daley at "From This Side of the Pond" for our weekly hodgepodge of questions. And now, without further ado...the Hodgepodge!

1. Security or freedom? Can you have both? Explain.
     Yes! I believe that you can have both, security and freedom. Our country was partially founded on that principle. Our founding fathers believed that both could exist simultaneously.  
     The U.S. Constitution was enacted to preserve the blessings of liberty for all Americans. The fourth amendment of the Bill of Rights specifically states that all Americans have the right to be secure in their possessions, papers, houses and effects from unreasonable search and seizure. It requires that a warrant issued by a judge based upon a showing of probable cause before any search can be lawfully conducted.
     Benjamin Franklin rightly observed that any people who surrenders their liberty for security will have neither. 

2. If you could visit any historical American site what would it be? Why?
     I choose Washington D.C. I choose our nation's capital because it is just chock full of American History. I love the plethora of historical buildings and monuments. I believe that you can spend months in that city and not run out of places to visit. Many places would require several visits. Yep! That is my choice!

3. Free as a bird, free reign, be free of, free enterprise, free trip, walk away scot free, free for all...which 'free' phrase can best be applied to your life in recent days or weeks? Explain.
     I will go with "...be free of! "  My beloved SWMBO and I recently refinanced our mortgage and were able to use some of our equity to off load some significant debt that we were forced to accrue due to having to do major repairs to some of our house systems, etc.

4. Something in your frig that's red? Something in your house that's white? Something in your view that's blue?
     Where does Joyce get these questions? Well, here goes...there are RED bell peppers in our refrigerator vegetable drawer. We have a sheer WHITE curtain in our living room's picture window.  I have a BLUE cell phone case on the table beside my easy chair where I am typing this answer. 

5. July 27th is National New Jersey Day. Have you ever visited The Garden State? If so where did you go? Are there diners where you live? Have you tried Taylor Pork Roll? Do you like to play Monopoly? Salt water taffy-yay or nay? How do you feel about shopping at the mall? Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi-you have to pick one.
     I briefly visited the Garden State in 1974. I was transferred to the United Kingdom for a new duty assignment for the U.S. Air Force. I flew out of McGuire Air Force Base in Burlington County, New Jersey. 
     I have never tried Taylor Pork Roll. Yes on Monopoly and yay on the salt water taffy question.
     We do have several diners in our area. One of the most popular diners is called the Red Arrow Diner. It is always crowded and is open 24 hours a day Friday-Sunday.
     I don't mind shopping at the mall if it is not too crowded. Musically, I'll go with Bon Jovi. However, I am a little surprised and disappointed that you neglected to also list the "Jersey Boys," A.K.A. The Four Seasons.

Raise your hand if you know why these add-on questions are appropriate on National NJ Day.
      Picture me with my hand raised.
    
6. Insert your own random thought here.
       Now for a brief trip down memory lane. When I was in High School I had a crush on a certain female classmate. Unfortunately for me, she was already engaged to be married. 
     She had a friend, however, to whom I came to be seriously attracted. This girl had high standards. I knew that because she could not stand me. She did eventually fall prey to my charm and did come to fall in love with me and after three marriage proposals from yours truly, she finally said yes.
     Forty six years and two children later we are more in love, more devoted to each other, than those two crazy kids back in High School. You know her as my beloved SWMBO. We celebrate our 46th Wedding Anniversay this Sunday, July 1st.
     A Godly marriage is one of God's greatest blessings. I have been lavishly blessed. Happy Anniversary, my immortal beloved!
     Have a great week and a safe 4th of July Holiday everyone!

SUMMER IS HERE HODGEPODGE!

     "When in the course of human events...." These words begin what I consider to be one of the greatest documents ever written, the Declaration of Independence. As we approach the 242nd birthday of our great Nation I have been thinking about our beginning and subsequent history. Despite our flaws, and there are many, we continue to be a noble people and a force for good upon the face of the earth.
     Another force for good upon the face of the earth is the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Thank you Joyce Daley, our Hodgepodge Mistress, for these weekly respites from the drudgeries of life. Enjoy!

1. Summer is upon us this week in the Northern hemisphere. Tell us three things on your summer bucket list.
     One thing on the list is the Laconia Motorcycle Rally, the oldest motorcycle rally in the country. It ran through father's day. My mission when I go is to purchase a rally pin, purchase an Italian sausage with onions and peppers, and a soft serve ice cream. This year...mission accomplished.
     Another thing on our bucket list is a trip to the beach with the Littles. We must find some Fried Dough. SWMBO & I love Fried Dough with powdered sugar.

2. Something fun you used to do as a kid in the summertime?
     One of my favorite things to do as a youngster, usually with my friends, was to play, fish and swim at the river which was located about 100 yards from my front door.

3. Rootop or backyard? Why?
      You will find me in the backyard. I love the smell of grass. I love the trees ans looking up at the sky. Also, it is hard to grill on the roof...just sayin'.

4. Do you read food labels? Place importance on them? Make an effort to find out/care about where your food comes from?
     I do read food labels sometimes. I place a reasonable amount of importance on them. I do care where my food comes from.  I am not as dilligent as I perhaps should be. 

5. A song you'll have on repeat this summer?
     The catalogs of Boston, Kansas and the Eagles.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
     I will not bore you with a lot of  commentary, but I have a few opinions to express.  
    (1)  My beloved Red Sox continue to play good ball. 
    (2)  The Department of Justice Inspector General's Report on the investigation into the Hillary Clinton emails is in. The IG did as good a job as possible given his limitations of authority. More about this in a future blog post.
     (3)   The hearings with the DOJ IG went as expected.  Both sides of the aisle interpreted the report in accordance with their own notions of what actually happened.
    (4)  I hope that all you Dads out there had a great Father's Day...I surely did. I was well spoiled by my beloved SWMBO.
     Have a great week!

IS HE REALLY THAT BAD? HODGEPODGE!

      Good morning to all my fellow Wednesday Hodgepodge peeps! Here we are with another Hodgepodge. Thank you Joyce Daley for another set of penetrating questions.
      Have your heard about the volcano that wreaking havoc in various places around the world? I cannot imagine how awful being in the vicinity of a volcanic eruption can be. My prayers and best wishes go out to our fellow citizens in Hawaii and those affected by the volcano in Central America.

1. What happens to the mail at your house?
     We generally trash the junk mail, which is most of it. The rest goes into a tray that sits on a chest freezer in our kitchen. We then go through the tray as the spirit moves us.

2. Something you always splurge on? Any guilt associated with the splurge?
      Dunkin Donuts has a watermelon coolatta which is my splurge. I do not feel guilty at all. Why should I, I'm an adult male over the age of majority and as far as I know it is perfectly legal to indulge in that beverage. Carpe Diem, baby!

3. There are many, but what are two important questions you think every bride and groom should ask/answer before they plan their walk down the aisle?
      The questions that I would advise engaged couples to resolve are (1) Do you want children? How many? How are you going to raise them(Child care, Education, Morally?)? Religion or no religion, which religion?   (2) What is you current financial status? How are you going to mange your finances? Jointly? Separately ? Conservatively? Aggressively? 
      There are other questions, of course, but I'll go with these two.

4. What's the best advice your father ever gave you?
      Make sure that you serve your country. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, took part in the D-Day Invasion and served in the National Guard in the late 1950's to early 1960's. He encouraged my siblings and I to likewise serve in the military for at least two, four or six years. My brother and I chose to serve in the Air Force. We are both honorably discharged veterans. I am sure that dad was proud of his two boys.

5. Your favorite movie where a father features heavily in the storyline?
      Some of my favorite "Father" movies are, in no particular order: "Trouble with the Curve" with Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams; "The Judge" with Robert Duvall and Robert Downey Jr; "The Godfather" with Marlon Brando; "Legends of the Fall" Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins; and "It's a Wonderful Life" the Frank Capra Christmas classic.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
       Remember a few months ago when our president was engaged in a war of words with the leader of North Korea. The talking heads criticized the president saying that he was going to get us into a nuclear war with North Korea. They urged our president to engage in diplomacy.
      Now that our president has in fact engaged in diplomacy with the leader of North Korea, those same people are complaining that the president has engaged the leader of North Korea in Diplomacy. They say that he is a brutal dictator who cannot be trusted to keep his word.
     Our president, despite his flaws, is not as bad as his critics would have us believe.  Could it be that his critics are petrified that this president will succeed where his predecessors have failed so miserably? 
     Have a great week!

GOOD VERSUS EVIL HODGEPODGE!

     A pleasant good morning, world! I hope all is well in your little piece of the planet today. The forces of good and virtue (Red Sox) are making a foray into the home environs of the Evil Empire (Yankees) for three games beginning tonight, well last night, since you're reading this on Wednesday. GO SOX!
     As I type this it is a beautiful day in the Granite State. The sky is cobalt blue and the temps are just right, that is, not too cold and not too warm. 
     If you are reading this, then it must be Wednesday and you already know there is a new Hodgepodge. I hope that you enjoy your day and I hope that you enjoy the Hodgepodge. Thank you, Joyce, for another edition.

1. What are your ingredients for a perfect Saturday?

      A perfect Saturday consists of: (1) Sleep in late; (2) Go out for breakfast or brunch; (3) Read the newspaper; (4) Watch and score a Red Sox game; (5) Go to a nearby lake with SWMBO and the Littles to fish a little, walk around a little and have a picnic lunch. 

2. What skill do you wish more people took the time to learn?
     The one skill I would like for people to learn is how to communicate effectively! Learn to read and comprehend what they read. Learn to write coherent sentences that are grammatically correct. Learn to speak in whole and coherent sentences.
     Should the forgoing be too unrealistic then LEARN TO DRIVE, PEOPLE! That is all!

3. What's something you ate as a child you can't stand now as an adult?
     That is easy...Liver & Onions. You cannot force me at gunpoint to eat Liver & Onions today! They pretty much had to force me to eat it at gunpoint when I was a child.

4. Something parenting has taught you? If you're not a parent tell us one important lesson you learned from your own parents.
     Patience and perseverance are two things being a parent has taught me. I am not saying that I learned, only that I was taught.

5. Share a favorite quote or saying about mothers or motherhood.
     "Mother's love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible."—Marion C. Garretty. Full disclosure, I searched the internet and found this quote but that doesn't make it less true.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 
     I am troubled by the rising tide of assaults on our right of free speech. Our colleges and universities were at one time places where there was unfettered expression of ideas, no matter how inane, obnoxious or offensive they may be.
    However, today colleges and universities have safe spaces, trigger warnings, speech codes, violent and destructive protests against certain types of speech.
     What happened? When did we as a nation go from "I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it" to "You can't say that because it is offensive, racist, sexist, xenophobic, etc." We must return to the former and soundly reject the latter. 
     Remember Patrick Henry and the clarion call of his rousing speech in support of the secesstion from Great Britain "I know not what course others may take but as for me GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH!" 
     Where do you stand on this issue?
     

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!

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!

A GENERIC WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

      Good morning to all my fellow Hodgepodgers and to all who read our scribblings every week. Thanks again to Joyce Daley from "This Side of the Pond" for these weekly writing prompts. 
     Spring is rapidly approaching and cannot come soon enough. We have been blessed with milder temperatures here in the Granite State and by milder I mean with highs in the 40's and 50's. 
     Another rite of Spring is navigating around the frost heaves and potholes in the roadways. Some of them can be quite impressive. 
     Well enough about the joys of Spring, here's the Hodgepodge.

1. Are you currently operating at 100% capacity? If not, what % are you? What's keeping you there?
     I have seldom operated at 100% capacity. Depending upon the day and the circumstances I generally operate from about 80% to 95% on a good day. I have no idea what is keeping me there.
  
2.  Have you done your taxes? Planned/booked a summer holiday? Thought about or started your 'spring cleaning'? Besides what's listed here, tell us one task that needs doing before spring rolls around.
     No, I have not done our taxes, yet. I traditionally procrastinate on this particular chore. I have not planned or booked any summer holidays. I have "thought" about starting my Spring cleaning. One thing that needs to get done before Spring rolls around is I need to renew the car registration and get a safety inspection. 

3. What's a favorite food from your part of the country?
     I have several favorite foods from my part of the country. I love sliced sharp cheddar cheese and sliced cortland apples. I love Boston Baked Beans and sometimes brown bread. This is the season when the sugar houses are gathering maple sap to boil down into maple syrup. I love maple syrup, maple butter, maple candy, etc. Finally, who could resist a slice of Boston Cream Pie.

4. This isn't a leap year, but let's run with it anyway...look before you leap, a leap of faith, grow by leaps and bounds, leap to conclusions, leap at the opportunity...which phrase might best be applied to your life currently (or recently)? Explain.
     I am looking before I leap. With recent life changes this year I must tread carefully before I exercise my options. 

5. As the month draws to a close list five fun and/or fabulous things (large or small) you noticed or experienced in February.
      (1) SWMBO's health continues to improve; (2) My daughter got over her fear and played her guitar on stage, in public, with some bandmates; (3) MLB Spring Training has begun; (4)  The USA Womens Ice Hockey Team took the gold medal in the Winter Olympics in South Korea; (5)  A man asks for 10 volunteers to shovel snow for seniors and over 100 people showed up.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
       There is a lot of discouraging news everywhere. It would seem that nothing good is happening. That is most certainly not true. There are many good deeds being done. For an uplift in your spirit, Google "Good News 2018" and you will be pleasantly surprised.            The fact of the matter is that most people are decent, kind, and compassionate. With all the bad news, it is easy to forget that fact. I urge you to look for the positive news, that news which portrays the better angels of our fellow travelers on this planet.
     May God bless you this week.

A NATION MOURNS ONCE AGAIN HODGEPODGE!

     How is your week going so far? We are rapidly approaching the end of February. March Madness will soon be once again upon us and yet another death knell of Winter sounds. YAY!
     As usual, today being Wednesday, another Wednesday Hodgepodge is in the offing. I thank our Hodgepodge Mistress, Joyce Daley, for another set of thoughtful questions. 
     Here is this week's Hodgepodge.

1. Where do you go when you need some inspiration?
     The first place I go is to God. The second place I go to is to God's Word, the Bible. The next place I go to is to God's creation...nature. I believe that anyone who draws breath cannot go out into a forest or upon a mountain or to a crystal clear lake without being inspired. 
     Another place I go to for inspiration are to those fellow human beings who overcome tremendous barriers and achieve amazing things that most people would say are impossible.
     Inspiration can be found almost anywhere if you look hard enough.

2. What's under your bed?
     The floor! All kidding aside, we have a couple of bed quilts encased in plastic containers. We also have a few board games and a LOT of dust.
     We are taught that we are made from dust and that we will return to dust. Well, if you look under our bed, someone is either coming or going.

3. Thursday, February 22nd is National Chili Day, National Margarita Day, and National Cook a Sweet Potato Day. Of the three which would you most like to celebrate? Is that likely?
     I will opt for Chilli please. I also like the sweet potato idea. I am not a Margarita fan, with all due respect to Jimmy Buffet.

4. What are you 'snowed under' with right now?
     Interestingly enough, not much. Our snow has pretty much disappeared after a couple of days of unseasonably warm weather. It is quite amazing considering that we received about six inches of snow this past Sunday. 
     Other aspects of life are going fairly well. So we're okay, bearing in mind that that is subject to change without notice.

5. Tell us three to five things that make you feel balanced?
     Things that make me feel balanced is my relationship with God, reading God's Word, my beloved SWMBO, my church family, and music.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
     The State of Florida and many people across the country are still reeling from the shooting spree in the High School in Parkland, Florida. Of course, the usual suspects wasted no time in taking to the media and to the streets calling for more gun control. They are using/manipulating High School kids in their attempt to enact their agenda.
     Experience shows clearly that restrictive gun laws DO NOT WORK! Chicago, Los Angeles, Baltimore have some of the most stringent gun laws in the country. They also have some of the highest level of gun related crime in the country. 
     Also, murder is against the law. Theft is against the law. Selling illegal drugs is against the law. What effect has those laws had on reducing the incidents of those crimes? What makes anyone believe that gun laws will be more effective? That's all I have for now. More to follow in future postings later.