A THANKSGIVING DAY GOBBLE! GOBBLE! HODGEPODGE!

     HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone! I sincerely hope that your holiday will be a blessed and memorable one. This is a special time of reflection and expressions of gratitude for the blessings all of us have received in life. I believe that everyone has been blessed to some extent so everyone has something for which to be thankful.
    Also, with the arrival of this holiday and the ensuing shopping orgy, the annual meeting of the Ebenezer Scrooge Admiration Society is called to order. BAH! HUMBUG! Come on, say it with me, BAH! HUMBUG! (See question #6 for more info on the Society)
     Thank you Joyce for another Wednesday Hodgepodge. So now, let us begin...
     
1. Tradition...how tightly do you cling to tradition when it comes to holiday gatherings and celebrations? For instance do you always do the cooking, never eat at home, always go to grandma's, never miss the parade, always watch football, never change the menu, always eat at 2 PM, etc.? Have you ever celebrated Christmas or Thanksgiving away from hearth, home, and family? How did that feel?
     It has been my experience that tradition, like life, is fraught with change. SWMBO and my holiday tradition(s) are different now that we are empty nesters than what they were when we had children growing up. Some things have not changed. We always have meat stuffing and turkey with all the trimmings. We watch the parades, football or binge watch a series of movies or a television show. We always find time for a nap, to name a few.
     We have celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas away from home at one time or another. It felt different, unusual and awkward. 

2. Help...is it easy for you to ask for help or are you a do-it-yourselfer? How is that a good/bad thing?
     It is not easy for me to ask for help. I have swallowed my pride from time to time and was forced to admit to myself that I was not capable to deal with the situation at hand and have asked for help. This usually involved a repair or other task where my skills were lacking. 
     I also tend to carry my own water on most personal issues. However, I have consulted with those more wise than me from time to time. 
    
3. Abundance...what is there an abundance of in your kitchen?
     The color red. SWMBO loves a dark shade of red and painted the kitchen counters and cabinets red a few years ago. 

4. Name...the smallest thing you're thankful for? the biggest?
     Here is the little thing that I am thankful for. A few years ago SWMBO gave me a flashlight on a lanyard. At the time I laughed and told her that I would never use it. I was wrong. This light has come in handy more times that I can mention. I am thankful for that little light. 
     The biggest thing that I am thankful for is my relationship with the God of the Bible and for my beloved SWMBO.

5. Key...What do you think is the key to living a more grateful life?
     The key to living a more grateful life is understanding that you have been the recipient of grace. There have been times when you did not receive what you deserved, but were given grace instead. 
     This is the essence of the Gospel. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death. While we were sinners God sent his Son to die for us and pay our penalty for our sins. He died, was buried and was raised. Now, because He lives, we likewise live.
     My gratitude for this grace from God, and the grace that I have received from others compels me to live a grateful life.

6. State your own random thought here.
     Several years ago I founded the Ebenezer Scrooge Admiration Society. It is born of the attitude Ebenezer Scrooge had about Christmas. He clearly articulated his views in the classic story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Scrooge said Christmas was a Humbug! He opined that it was a false and commercial holiday. A cursory look at the way Christmas is celebrated today would seem to confirm old Scrooge had a point.
     The so called Christmas shopping season seems to expand every year. All you see on from mid November to New Years Day are ads for all manner of material stuff. The true purpose of the holiday is often missed or ignored in all the commercial hubbub. 
     I urge all of us to return to and reflect on the real meaning of Christmas. Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards all. The gift of Immanuel, God with us and the salvation that He extends to whosoever will!
     Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!

OOPS! I ALMOST FORGOT TO HODGEPODGE, HODGEPODGE!

     Yesterday, my beloved SWMBO and I had our usual Tuesday visit with our granddaughters. As usually happens, by the time they are picked up by their dad everyone is tired. SWMBO, the two Littles and yours truly were spent but it was a good kind of tired. My point, you may be asking yourself, is that I forgot about the Wednesday Hodgepodge until late Wednesday morning. So better late than never, here's this weeks Hodgepodge.

1. Do your actions match your words? Elaborate.

     To be completely honest, not always. Sometimes I find myself going against my own advice. Sometimes situations arise where a different course of action is called for and so I adapt my response as the situation warrants. 

2. Sick as a dog, go to the dogs, dog days of summer, dog tired, it's a dog's life, every dog has it's day, can't teach an old dog new tricks...now doggone it which saying could most recently be applied to your life?

     I would say "dog tired" and "can't teach an old dog new tricks" apply to my life right now. I have been experiencing more fatigue these days and I'm not sure why. I recently went to the vet for a routine follow up and all systems are operating as designed. 

   Regarding the Old Dog/New Tricks thing, I tend to be set and comfortable in my ways and no matter how hard I try I cannot change my bad habits. I still persist in trying but it seems hopeless. It is similar to the conflict the Apostle Paul describes in the 7th chapter of his letter to the Romans.

     Just for the record "It's a dog's life" is not a negative thing in our house. Our dogs have a lavish and full life style. I should be so spoiled!

3. Your favorite book featuring a dog in the storyline? What makes it a favorite?

     There are two books that come to mind. WHITE FANG by Jack London and THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY by Shirley Burnford. I read both books during my youth.

4. What's something you hope to one day have the confidence to do?

      This is really a great question. This is really a difficult question. I am sure that there are things that I lack the confidence to try but I can't think of what they are. Maybe directly confronting someone who is out of line? I will have to ponder this question. 

    

5. August 16th is National Tell a Joke Day. So tell us a joke.

     Little Johnny was sitting on a park bench and eating a bunch of candy. An old lady was walking by and saw Little Johnny eating all that candy. She stopped and said "You shouldn't be eating all that candy at once. You could get cavities, acne and a stomach ache." Little Johnny replied "My grandfather lived to the ripe old age of 105 years." The Old Lady asked "Did your grandfather eat five candy bars at one time?" Little Johnny answered "No, he minded his own freaking business."

6. Insert your own random thought here.

     WARNING...DOUBLE STANDARD RANT! 

     Recently there have been two glaring examples of a double standard reported in the so called news media. The recent tension with North Korea and the kerfuffle in Charlottesville, VA. I'll dress only one of these issues this week.

     THE FIRST ONE: The nut job with a bad haircut leading North Korea made fairly specific threats that he was going to launch ballistic missiles on the United States. President Trump warned him, in no uncertain terms, that the United States was prepared to meet such an attack and respond with sufficient force leading to the destruction of North Korea. 

     Then some in the news media chastised President Trump for speaking so provocatively. They urged the president to not say anything that would make the bad haircut guy angry. They had nothing to say about the bad haircut guy  repeatedly speaking provocatively and threatening the United States and our allies with a nuclear attack.

     It is my humble opinion that if someone threatens to kill you, you would be wise to believe them and take reasonable steps to protect yourself. This is wise at the personal level as well as at the national level. I stand with the president on this one.

     

IT'S ON TO CHRISTMAS HODGEPODGE!

     Today is the last Wednesday in November; Another hump day; A whole new Wednesday Hodgepodge. I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. SWMBO and I did as well. Thank you for asking. 
     Thank you Joyce for another series of questions. And now, the Hodgepodge... 

1. Give us three rhyming words that say something about your Thanksgiving holiday (or your most recent holiday gathering if you didn't celebrate Thanksgiving). 

      This is really a tough one. Meet - Treat - Repeat. Thanksgiving day we were invited to a friends house and we celebrated the day with them. We had gobs of food and sweets. It was a wonderful day. 
     On Friday we went to out daughters house and treated ourselves to some Chinese Food. We also treated ourselves with time spent with our granddaughters.
     On Saturday we were invited over to a different friend's house for supper. So we repeated a time of good food and wonderful conversation.
   

2. When did you last say, 'the more the merrier'? Did you mean it?

     I cannot remember the last time that I used that phrase. However, whenever I do use it, I do mean it.

3. What's one piece of advice you'd give someone who is your same age?

     All of us are terminal! We don't know when we will breath out last breath, but that time is surely coming. Think about what happens after you die. Are you prepared? If not, get prepared and let me tell you why it's so important that you do prepare and allow me to suggest a way for you to do so.

4. You're ordering a veggie plate, what four veggies are on it?

     There would be bell peppers, onions, cucumbers and tomatoes. (I know tomatoes are technically fruits, but it's my fruit plate SO BACK OFF!) I love all kinds of vegetables, especially with a dipping sauce of some kind.

5. Shop til you drop! Did you? Have you ever? Will you between now and Christmas?

     I have shopped til I dropped. I have not done so this year and I don't expect to. SWMBO and I are doing the lion's share of our Christmas shopping online this year. 

6. What's your favorite chair in your house, and why is it a favorite?

     I have an oversized rocker-recliner. It's my favorite chair in the house because when I sit in it I feel like I'm getting a nice warm hug. I have had some of my best naps in that chair. I have yet to watch a complete football or baseball game in that chair. I always fall asleep. The chair is that comfortable.

7. Share an early memory of faith, religion, or spirituality.

     I have been blessed to have some devoted men of God in my life who helped guide me in my Christian walk. About 40 years ago one such man set up a Bible study with me and SWMBO. I was immature and a bit of a jerk to him. I asked him a lot of impertinent questions to try and get a rise out of him. With each question his answer was always the same, "Let's see what the Bible says about that." We would then turn to a relevant passage. He would have me read enough of the passage to be able to grasp the context. Then he would ask me to explain what the passage said. He never got annoyed. He had the patience of Job! He is responsible, in large part, for me becoming a Christian. I will be eternally grateful for that godly man.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
     Up until this point I have been burning wood pellets left over from last year's supply. I am now two bags into this year's supply. Not bad considering tomorrow is December 1st. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I am confident that SWMBO and the Littles (the dogs) will be sufficiently warm this winter. Enjoy the rest of your week everyone!

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!

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! ! !

MILD DECEMBER AND LOVING IT HODGEPODGE!

     Today we are having unseasonably mild temperatures...AND LOVING IT! Last year at this time we had snow rectum deep to a bull moose and the bitter cold to go with it. If we could get just a "little" snow for the Christmas holiday, you know the Currier & Ives kind of snow, that would be good. 

     Another Wednesday is here and therefore another Hodgepodge ensues. So join the battle and express your thoughts and experience the fun. Thank you Joyce!

1.  Many families have a story they love to tell every year around a holiday. Does your family have one? Are you the star of that story, or does another family member take center stage? Share your story if you want.

     We don't have a specific story but we do reminisce about different events in our past. A couple of examples would be the account of our daughters birth in England or visiting my dad and watching him play chess with his grandkids. All of a sudden he'd disappear with the grandkids. He took them out for ice cream. Those are just two of several stories we revel in.

2. Are you afraid to speak your own opinion?

     HECK NO! I refuse to allow "political correctness" or anything else to deprive me of my 1st Amendment Right to free, unfettered expression. I do not deliberately seek to offend anyone but I am certain that there are those who find my views to be offensive. Too bad...for them!

3. Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2016, and for the first time have chosen two shades-rose quartz and serenity. Hmmm...did you know serenity was a color? You can read the thought behind their selection here, but essentially it's blending the warmth of rose quartz with the tranquility of a very soft shade of blue. So what do you think? Are these colors I'd find in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in these shades to either place in the new year?

     I have trouble being interested in "color." It's muck akin to my interest, that is my lack of interest, in flowers.

4. If you could be in a Christmas carol, which one would you choose? Why?

     It would have to be "The Little Drummer Boy" because I have a great sense of rhythm. 

5. December 9th is National Pastry Day. Will you celebrate? When did you last purchase something from a bakery? What's your favorite treat that falls under the heading of pastry? Do you make it yourself or buy from the professionals?

     SWMBO and I will probably partake of some type of pastry. Cream Horns are our favorite. The last time that we bought some pastry was today.

6. When it comes to holiday decorating_____________________________.

     I can take it or leave it! SWMBO loves it...therefore, we decorate!

7. When did you last laugh so much it hurt? Explain.

     I can't remember. We tend to laugh a lot because I'm silly. I love making people laugh by telling a joke or saying outrageous things. I envision that my funeral will be a laugh riot with lots of "Do you remember when he...." stories being told about me and my time on earth.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     My prayers go out to the San Bernadino community this week. I also feel a sense of pride in the way law enforcement, my former profession, ran towards the sound of the guns and thereby kept the body count down and resulted in the rapid capture of the two responsible murderers/terrorists. 

     Some of the people who were killed in the attack died using their own bodies to shield their co-workers from gunfire. Their sacrifice is not unusual of other Americans in similar circumstances. Americans are a noble people who willingly sacrifice themselve for others. God bless their families as they mourn the deaths of their loved ones.

     May God bless America and protect us from those who would seek our destruction.

MID MAY HODGEPODGE!

1. It's still May, right? When were you last in the middle of something that might be described as mayhem?

     SWMBO and I have two granddaughters who visit us on occasion. Today's visit would be correctly described as mayhem. We watched the movie FROZEN. Apparently my grandbabies have seen the movie once or twice as they were almost able to repeat the dialogue verbatim. Then they decided to use your's truly as a jungle gym. They climbed all over me, jumped upon me and generally had a great time playing with and on their Pepere. After they went home, SWMBO and both dogs fell fast asleep. 

2. When did you last feel dismayed?

     I don't remember!

3. What's a food combination you like, but other people may find strange?

     I sometimes eat french fries dipped in mayonaise, some people find that strange. I'm given to understand that it is quite common in Europe.

4. "It is never too late to be what you might have been." Do you think that's true? Why or why not?

     I do not think it is true. There are some things that age becomes a barrier to accomplishing. For example, I am too old to become a fighter pilot or astronaut. I could not become a federal agent or a police officer at my age. Also sometimes people suffer disease or disabilities that preclude people becoming anything they might want. The word "never" makes this statement too absolute. If you change "never" to "sometimes not" then that statement becomes true.

5. US News and World Report listed the best historic destinations in the US as follows-Washington D.C, Philadelphia PA, Williamsburg VA, Charleston SC, Boston MA, Richmnd VA, Savannah, GA, Santa Fe NM, Yellowstone, San Antonio TX, San Francisco CA, New Orleans LA, and Charlottesville VA.

Of those listed how many have you seen in person? Which two sites on the list would you most like to see in person?

     I have visited, in person, Boston, MA; Washington D.C.; Santa Fe, NM,; San Antonio, TX.; and Charlottesville, VA. I would like to visit Yellowstone and San Francisco, CA.

6. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. If you had to participate in a single fitness activity for the next half hour, which activity would you choose?

     I would choose to take a bicycle ride.

7. What did you like best about the city, town, or neighborhood where you grew up?

     One thing I really liked is that the Merrimack River was about 100 yards from my front door. I spent a fair amount of my free time playing along it's banks with my friends.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     Last Sunday we honored those special ladies who we are blessed and privileged to have in our lives. It occured to me that, as Christian men, we do all year long what most men do sporadically, if at all. 
     Critics of Christianity make the claim that Christian women are treated as inferior to men, that they are not honored or respected. Nothing can be further from the truth. We are commanded to love our wives with such love that we would die for them. We are to treat them and love them as we treat and love ourselves. We are to think of them as being better than ourselves.
     Over 40 years ago I made a promise to God to love, honor and cherish my beloved SWMBO until death do us part. That is one promise that I have kept and plan on keeping for as long as I have breath in my body.
     I hope all you ladies had a tremendous Mother's Day! 

TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN!

      IT'S BEEN 50 YEARS since the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan variety show. The Ed Sullivan show was a staple of my family's Sunday evening television viewing regimen. My family was not unique in this regard. Many times I would hear my parents talking with relatives, neighbors or friends about what had been on a recent Ed Sullivan Show or what was going to be on the next Ed Sullivan Show.

If you were a professional singer, comedian, musical group or novelty act appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show often made your career. The Ed Sullivan Show was very popular among the television viewing and gave the aforementioned professional entertainers national, if not worldwide, exposure. An appearance on this popular show often made one's career.

In 1964 an upstart musical group from Great Britain took America by storm. Four men, John, Paul, George and Ringo, arrived with great fanfare. Their plane was met at the airports by screaming crowds of young men and women straining to catch just a glimpse of these British invaders. Their motorcades were often surrounded by screaming, adoring fans. Security had to be extremely tight because their followers would go to amazing lengths to breach security and try to get into their hotel rooms.

If you're a Beatles fan, this week's retrospective, of the initial assault of what came to be known as the British Invasion, was pleasantly nostalgic. I am a Beatles fan, especially of their early music up to and including "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show gave them worldwide acclaim. The influence of their music continues to influence popular music like few bands have done before, or since, their arrival on the scene.

GROUNDHOG DAY-SNOWBOUND HODGEPODGE

     Last Sunday was Groundhog Day and today, Wednesday, we in New Hampshire are being inundated with snow. YUCK! It is also time for another series of questions. I urge any male bloggers to join me in participating in the weekly Hodgepodge. I think I may be the only man to participate weekly. Come on in, the waters fine!

1. Are we always responsible for our actions? Are there any exceptions?
   We are always responsible for our actions. Our responsibility may be mitigated somewhat if we act upon information that was deliberately misrepresented to us. Even then, we are ultimately responsible for our actions but somewhat less so. Due diligence requires that we make every effort to insure that the information upon which we act is true and accurate.

2.  Has anyone from your home town become famous?
     I was born in Lowell, MA. Three famous names come to mind: Bette Davis, the great American actress; Jack Kerouac, author of "On the Road"; and Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson's longtime Tonight Show sidekick.

3. January was National Slow Cooker month. Do you own a slow cooker/crock pot? Did you use it last month? What's a favorite dish you make using a slow cooker or crock pot?
     SWMBO and I have three crock pots in three different sizes. Baby Pot, Mama Pot and Papa Pot. SWMBO recently blogged about them at "Life Through Bifocals." I have two favorite meals. SWMBO makes an incredible Beef Stew. She also makes a Pork Chop Chili that will clean out your innards like Drano cleans out a clogged pipe. By that I mean it burns going down, clearing out your sinuses in the process. It also burns coming out, if you know what I mean. It tastes really, really good though!

4. How do you feel about private companies collecting data about you?
     I have become convinced that the days of having personal privacy is over. The most intimate details of our lives that are stored on any computer is vulnerable. That said, I don't mind if a company stores the kind of things I buy from them or how often I shop and stuff like that. I do object to them collecting data which invades my privacy, stuff I would prefer to keep confidential or that is not intended for public consumption.

5. The Games of the 2014 Winter Olympics kick off with their opening ceremony this coming Friday....will you be watching? Which Winter Olympic event would you most like to see in person? Have you ever been to Russia? Any desire to go, Olympics or otherwise?
     I love the Hockey competition. I prefer the earlier Olympic games when only amateurs were allowed to compete. Now the NHL takes a two week hiatus so that some of their players can compete for their respective nations. SWMBO loves the figure skating.

6. Share a good or bad sports related memory from your childhood or teen years.
     I played little league baseball as a young boy. I was a pretty good first baseman. My team was in the league playoffs. It was the bottom of the last inning and I caught a game ending foul ball that secured our victory. Unfortunately, my team lost the rubber game of the playoff, but that catch was an exciting moment in my young life.

7. What's a must have song for you on a work out play list? If you don't work out, run, swim, bike, walk, or anything else that could be construed as 'exercise', then what's a song that motivates you to at least get up off the couch?
     There's a lot of songs that get my blood moving. Foreigner's "Dirty White Boy" and "Hot Blooded"; Deep Purple's "Highway Star" and "Space Truckin"; Roy Orbison's "Only the Lonely" and "Pretty Woman"; Styx "Too Much Time On My Hands" and "Blue Collar Man" and "Renegade"; The Eagles "Life in the Fast Lane" and "Already Gone" just to name a few!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
     I have been thinking about Divorce recently. No…SWMBO and I are doing fine. In fact we're closer now and more in love than we have ever been. I have been thinking about some of the self deluding things that people say when they choose to divorce.
     "We have just grown apart." In my humble opinion this just means that you have stopped trying to please each other like you did when you were dating. Also, when you are dating someone you tend to overlook a bunch of stuff that for some strange reason becomes intolerable after you are married.  Don't kid yourself, you have stopped trying because you chose to stop trying.
     "We have become different people!" You were different people when you started dating. You were different people when you got married. You are both different people now. The one constant in the universe is change. You are both going to change. Your interests, your abilities, your bodies, etc. will change over the years. Change can be properly managed if you choose to do so.
     "We don't love each other anymore."  You have chosen not to love each other anymore. Love is a verb! Love is a choice! Nuff said! 
     "It is better for the kids" This is the worst of all the self deluding statements! The one unalterable fact about divorce is that no matter how amicable the divorce may be, the kids are ALWAYS adversely affected. I have seen this first hand in my career as a police officer and have dealt with the very real consequences of the fallout from "amicable" divorce.

     I understand that there are times when Divorce is unavoidable for a variety of reasons. I am not trying to be judgmental or even self righteous. I just know what a blessing marriage is or can be. In my humble opinion Divorce is bad and nobody wins, especially the kids! 

JANUARY THAW HODGEPODGE!

     We are experiencing a warming trend called the January thaw. The temperature climbs into the balmy 40's or the sweltering 50's. It never ceases to amaze me how warm the 40's feel after a few days with highs in the teens or low 20's with windchill temperatures well below zero. 

   Well, it is Wednesday and it is time for another set of probing questions from our friend Joyce from "From This Side of the Pond." Enjoy!

1.  Are you a force to be reckoned with? In what way?

     Generally, not so much, but in a few specific situations, absolutely. What I mean is I don't have to get my way in most of the things that crop up in my life. I don't dig in and fight many battles because at the end of the day most things are really not worth fighting about. However, were my beloved SWMBO or our children or grandchildren be threatened, I am definitely a force to be reckoned with. 

     

2. What are two things you love about the wintertime? Or, if love feels like too strong a word, what are two things you 'like' about winter? 

     One of my favorite things to do on a clear, dry, cold winter night is to stargaze. The sky looks so spectacular on such a night. It is awe inspiring. A second thing I like is just after a snowfall, the ground looks so pristine and beautiful. Also, all is quiet as if the snow muffled all sound.

3. Pomegranate, kumquat, persimmon, kiwi, and guava are all fruits said to have health benefits, particularly during the winter months. Do you have a favorite on the list? Are there any on the list you haven't tried? 

     I don't have a favorite from the given list of fruits. I have tried Pomegranate and Kiwi. I can take them or leave them. 

4. I passed a local church yesterday and noticed they had this on their outdoor sign- 'When all else fails, do the right thing.' Your thoughts?

     I believe that we should always try to do the right thing in the first instance. Doing the right thing is not a fall back position. To do otherwise is like "You're not trying if you're not cheating." or "It's only wrong if you get caught!" As a Bible believing Christian I believe we are called to do the right thing always.

5. Do you ski? According to one list I've seen, the top 5 ski destinations for 2014 are-St. Anton Austria, Whistler Canada, Cortina Italy, Tahoe USA, and Zermatt Switzerland.  Of the five listed, which would you most like to visit? We can make skiing optional if that helps the non-skiers with their answer. 

     I am not a skier. I have never been tempted to try. That said, I wouldn't mind visiting Switzerland or Austria. I wouldn't mind watching other people ski from the cozy warmth of a chalet while sipping a hot chocolate.

6.  What's the last thing you looked for online? (Besides my blog!)

     The last thing I looked for online are pet friendly hotels in the Lebanon, NH, area. SWMBO and I and the fur babies will be spending a few nights in a hotel when they try to harvest her stem cells for a possible stem cell transplant in the future.

7. What saying, slogan, quote, or motto have you seen lately that inspires you for the new year?

     "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 4:6,7)

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

     The NFL Super Bowl is once again upon us. I love the Super Bowl because it is the first death knell of Winter. It is a reminder that Spring is just around the corner. The next death knell of winter is when the Red Sox pitchers and catchers report for spring training in Florida. The final death knell is St. Patricks Day. We can still be whacked with a snow storm but the odds are increasingly in our favor that we will not.

     Winter is the price we must pay for the privilege of enjoying the other three seasons here in New England. It is a price worth paying. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR HODGEPODGE!

1. Times Square is the setting for the infamous ball drop signaling a brand new year....when did you last 'drop the ball' on something?

     Hardly a week goes by when I don't drop the ball on something or other. Nothing specific comes to mind. SWMBO is very forgiving however, otherwise my ghost would be typing this right now. No jury in the entire nation would ever convict her if she was not so forgiving!

2. What is one thing you resolved to do in 2013 that you actually did?

     I resolved to be more active in the church. I think that I have achieved this goal.

3. Jack London is quoted as saying, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." Agree or disagree? Why? 

     I guess I would have to disagree. I would assert that Inspiration hunts us down and comes after us with a club. Inspiration is something that is spontaneous. Inspiration is something that jumps up and smacks you dead in the face without warning. You hear a song with a powerful message and a beautiful melody, you are inspired.

     You read about some of the great figures of history and all that they overcame to become the influential people that they became and you become inspired.

     Sooner or later Inspiration gets us all!

4. What was the best thing you ate in 2013?

     I give up...what was the best thing that I ate in 2013? I don't know. If you were to meet me in person you would soon realize that there is a veritable cornucopia of things that I have consumed over the pst year. To narrow it down to one specific "best thing" is daunting to put it mildly.

5.  Share an anti-resolution...that is, something you plan to keep on doing in the new year.

     I plan to keep on loving, serving and enriching SWMBO's life in any way I can. Beside that I intend to keep blogging, reading, and studying the Bible.

6. The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is radiant orchid.  Like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?

     I have way too much testosterone to be able to respond to this question and maintain possession of my "Man Card!"

7. In three words or less sum up your 2013.

     Cancer Really Blows!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     At this time of year people often look back over the past twelve months and reflect upon the condition of their lives. They assess the progress that they made on the changes that they resolved to make during the year. The more common resolutions such as to lose weight, exercise more, improve their personal relationships and yada, yada, yada often don't survive past the first quarter of the year. We start out with zeal and positive expectations as well as good intentions to succeed. Despite our best intentions we fail. I number myself among those good intentioned souls who have added bricks on the road to perdition, that particular road being paved with good intentions.

     It can be discouraging to make the same resolutions year after year to just see them fall by the wayside year after year. How can we stop this vicious cycle? I haven't got a clue!

     One thing that I do know is that perseverance is unbeatable. I take a lesson from Thomas a. Edison. He used something like a thousand different metals for the filament on his light bulb until he happened upon tungsten, the metal that finally worked. 

     Well, if you have failed at keeping your resolutions, persevere! If you stumble and fall during the year, get up and begin anew! Persevere! Never retreat! Persevere! Never surrender! Persevere!

     I readily acknowledge that this is easier said than done. Remember...PERSEVERANCE WINS THE DAY!

     Happy New Year to one and all!

      

     

BACK TO SCHOOL HODGEPODGE!

     It's the first week of school up in these parts. It's also Wednesday! That means it is time for another Hodgepodge of questions. Thank you Joyce for another fine set of posers!

1. What's something you're never too young or too old to enjoy?

     You are never too old or too young to share a smile or to enjoy a hearty laugh.

2. Share one happy memory from your high school years.

     On Thanksgiving during my Junior year there was a huge blizzard. Also, there was the annual "Turkey Bowl" football game with our hated rival high school. After the game, the friend of a girl who I had a crush on called me to tell me how the game went. In a bizarre twist of irony, she who is always cold, AKA SWMBO, went to the game and got chilled to the bone. He who is always warm, AKA me, stayed home, warm, and dry.

     We talked on the phone for over three hours. It was during that phone call that I knew that I was going to marry that girl...and as it turns out...I did!

3. A nationwide strike of fast food employees took place in the U. S. last week...they're calling for higher wages and the right to unionize? Your thoughts?

     A simple fact of economics is that businesses do not pay wages! As silly as it sounds, customers pay wages. What a business pays for labor is a cost of doing business and if that cost goes up, the price of the product(s) that that business sells must, of necessity, go up too. I doubt many people will be willing to pay $15.00 for a hamburger meal. I most certainly will not! 

     Lower tier jobs such as one finds in a fast food restaurant were never designed to provide a working wage, but rather provide a rung on the ladder that leads to success. It provides young people with an opportunity to develop working skills, responsibility, punctuality and similar habits that will stand them well in their future endeavors, whatever they may be.

     It does not make any economic sense.

4. September is National Honey Month...what's a favorite dish you make or eat that calls for  honey?

     I enjoy a nice hot cup of tea with a teaspoon of honey. Other than that, I don't know that I eat anything with honey in it.

     

5.  If you notice someone with a tag sticking out, a button unbuttoned, a shirt on inside-out, or some leftover lunch stuck between their teeth do you say something or do you keep quiet? 

     If I have a prior relationship with that person, or am on more intimate terms with them, I would "discretely" say something to help them avoid embarrassment.  If the person is a stranger, or someone with whom I have no prior relationship, I probably would leave it to those who do to tell them about it.

6. What movie always makes you cry?  Or at least makes you feel like crying?

     I DO NOT CRY AT MOVIES...PERIOD! I will hand tissues to SWMBO though, because that's the kind of guy I am!

7.   'Mary Had a Little Lamb' was written in May of 1830, and published in Juvenile Miscellany in September of that same year.  Now for the fun part...create your own four line rhyme using that same tune.

     SWMBO hasn't shot me yet!

     Shot me yet! Shot me Yet!

     SWMBO hasn't shot me yet!

     She likes that I'm around!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     Last year by this time my beloved Boston Red Sox crashed and burned, horribly. They did not make the play offs, not even a wild card slot. This year they are in first place in their division and have been in first place most of the season. I think they are in third place in all of baseball. 

     The "Evil Empire," AKA, the dreaded New York Yankees, are a half game out of last place in the same division.  WOOHOO! I mean..."I hate that for ya!" (Not really! I'm Loving it!)

     Professional football and my beloved New England Patriots are gearing up to begin their season next Sunday. Professional Hockey and my esteemed Boston Bruins are about to begin their pre-season training camps and try again to win Lord Stanley's Cup! 

     It is good to focus on something besides doctor appointments, test results and on what's next,...at least for a few days!

LABORIOUS DAY'S HODGEPODGE!

    Can you believe it, that Labor Day is upon us already? Where does the time go? Won't you pull over for a spell and enjoy a pause in your travels? Please join us! Well, thank you Joyce for these brief rest stops along the highway that is our life. 

1. Labor Day weekend (in the US of A) is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year?
     I have labored over learning the craft of expository preaching. I have taught on an adjuct basis at the college level. I have taught adult bible classes. Expository preaching is much more involved than simply teaching a class.

2. What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?
     Retired! When I did work, however, the word that described what I did was "servant." I approached my job as a police officer as being more of "Service" then of "Enforcement."

3. What was your worst or least favorite job ever? Why?
     Bus boy/dishwasher at a department store restaurant. I developed a serious allergy to the caustic soap used in the dishwasher. It was miserable!

4. How do you measure contentment?
     Sharing a meal with the kids, their respective spouses and of course the grand babies. It's family, short and simple, that is real contentment.

5. Pickles-like or dislike? What is something you eat that requires a pickle? Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins...what's your favorite kind of pickle?
     I like pickles. I like pickles on some sandwiches like subs and grilled cheese. I like pickles alongside other sandwiches like hot dogs and cheeseburgers. I prefer bread & butter pickles but I like them all.
    
6. In your current house-town-state, what is it you like living close to?
     One of the wonderful things about living in New Hampshire is that anything you can think of doing is not much more than an hour's drive away. We have moutains and wilderness to the north and west. We have the ocean to the east. We have big city life to the south. We also have many beautiful lakes all over the state. I love living close to everything.

7. What is one thing on your 'want-to-do' list before summer draws to an official close?
    I've got nothing!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
     Milestones! As we go through life we reach a lot of milestones. When we're babies our parents anxiously wait for us to speak our first coherent word. Likewise, a baby's first step is a big moment for our parents.
     Other milestones might be our first birthday, or our first day at school. These milestone, as well as many others, just happen without any effort on our part.
      Still other milestones mark our achievements in life. Graduations come to mind. Graduation from elementary school, graduation from High School, and for some, graduation from college. 
     We mark milestones in our jobs. We mark our five, ten and twenty year anniversaries, and sometimes longer, with the same employer if we are fortunate to stay that long.
     In like manner, we mark milestones in our marriages. The 25th Anniversary and the 50th Anniversary are huge milestones, although being more rare these days.
     SWMBO and I just achieved another milestone. Yesterday we completed sixteen weeks of chemo treatment for SWMBO'S cancer. We did not set out to achieve this milestone voluntarily. This journey was forced upon us by the vicissitudes of life. This achievement is a finish line of sorts for most people. However, for us it is not! For us it is the end of one battle in a series of battles yet to come. 
     This war called cancer incessantly wears on body, soul and spirit...and not only upon the person who has the disease. We are thankful that we have endured thus far and we are determined to see this through. However, our doctors tell us that at this time there is no ultimate cure, only treatment. We are hopeful that research will eventually discover a cure, but that is not case as I write this post.
     We are thankful to God, to our family, to our church family, and to our friends who have taken this journey with us and have held us up with their prayers, with funny cards, and with other demonstrations of love. It is more helpful and appreciated than I am able to express.
      And so, we have reached this milestone and begin to prepare to reach the next one...whatever that one may be.     

PRE-AUGUST HODGEPODGE

1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?

     In one word, technology. The level and sophistication of technology that is available to the average citizen is most remarkable. For example, the level of computer power that powered the Apollo Space Program is available in a simple Mac Book Pro laptop computer. Not to mention smart phones, international video chatting, photoshop, and on and on and on.

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?

     In a word...technology! With all out gadgets and gizmo's that were designed to improve our ability to communicate with one another has, ironically, done the exact opposite. Many modern folk are incapable of conversing with another human being unless there's a keyboard involved. The art of conversation is dying. So sad...

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?

     There is nothing better than looking into a cloudless night sky on a crisp, cold winter night. The billions of stars, the constellations, and the far way galaxies are breathtaking. So, Starlight...definitely!

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway.

     Earworms...those songs that you hear and just cannot get them out of your head. No matter what you do you are consigned to hear them bouncing around inside your head for the duration of the day. One such song for me that I do like is Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger."

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?

     It has been years. I think we were at a church ice cream social and several members brought their ice cream makers and we had a party. My favorite ice cream is watermelon sherbert.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?

     Al Capone is alleged to have said "More is accomplished with a kind word AND a gun than with just a kind word!" People are motivated and inspired when you lead by example. When people see you live out in your own life what you profess to others what you believe, that can inspire and motivate others to do likewise. The most notable example is Jesus Christ. 

7. When was the last time you were without power?

     I've been without power since July 1, 1972. I married SWMBO and apparently lost all power to her at that time. If you mean electric power, we lost power for a few days last winter. Thank God we have an auxilliary generator!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

     "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32) These words were spoken by Jesus Christ to His disciples more than 2000 years ago. While He was praying in the Garden before His crucifixion He prayed to His Father "Sanctify them in your Word. Your Word is truth." (John 17:17)

     Our Lord tells us that there is such a thing as "truth." He further asserts that God's Word is "truth." 

     I believe that there is such a thing as objective truth. I further believe that our national leaders have failed miserably to tell us, their constituents, the truth on a host of issues. I am becoming more disenchanted with our elected representatives.

     I further believe that if "WE THE PEOPLE" don't begin to hold them accountable then the further existence of this grand experiment, our constitutional republic, is in dire trouble.

     When the president refers to scandals as being "Phony" rather than honestly addressing the problems that gave rise to these scandals and holding the people responsible accountable, then we are in serious trouble as a society. I am becoming more disenchanted with my president.

     There is a Christian Hymn that keeps going through my mind these days. "This world is not my home, I'm just passing through." The song speaks of an eternal home that is our promised destiny. The implication is that we ought not concern ourselves too much with the affairs of this world. We ought to focus on our eternal home in Heaven.

     My prayer today is that God will raise up God-fearing, ethical, men and women who love and respect truth to take up places of leadership at all levels of our society. I pray that respect for the truth would once again become important across this great Nation. God Bless America!