Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What does freedom mean to you? 

Freedom allows me to make my own choices, pursue my goals/dreams, and live my life based on my own beliefs and morals.

Freedom of speech: isn't what it use to be.  Now, if an individual exercises their freedom of speech, I think consequences occur.  Today, we live in a scary world, where if a person speaks their mind political, economical, etc. then that person is fearful of retaliation; I think our world has gotten to this point.  My wish is: I wish we could all agree to disagree and let it go at that.

I am glad I live in the USA in my little town where I can go to church and not worry about being hunted down because of my religious beliefs.

2. How will you celebrate Independence Day this year? If you live outside the USA answer this question as it relates to your own country's patriotic holiday, wherever that may land on the calendar. 

I have been invited to attend a Fourth of July party in Tennessee.  I haven't made up my mind yet about going. Sometimes it is hard being a 'third wheel'.

3. This or that...red, white, or blue? Stars or stripes? Watermelon, home made ice cream, or blueberry pie? How do you feel about fireworks?  

Red, stripes, watermelon.

I love watching fireworks, especially when the fireworks are over the water. I know fireworks bother some dogs, but not mine, and I feel sorry for the precious animals.

4. What have you purchased recently that made you excited? 

Nothing!!!   But I did help my daughter and SIL purchase a swimming pool!

5. I'm thankful to live in America (or fill in whatever country you call home) because____________.

compared to other countries, America has ample resources.  We have clean drinking water, options on food choices, reliable electricity, and modern infrastructure.  During times of hardships, Americans are willing to help those in need.  When Helene hit my little community, so many people from different areas came to help.  

America has many beautiful places to visit.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Time is a thief!  These two cuties start Kindergarten in August!  They were born March 9, 2020 and Virginia's Governor shut the state down on March 13, 2020.  They are ready for school, but this Mamaw's heart isn't!  They went school shopping yesterday and were so excited!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

BTW---tomorrow is my birthday!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What does adventure mean to you? 

Adventure is something that is exciting!  I have always wanted to go skydiving, not happened yet.  But I would consider this an adventure.

On the other hand, life is sometimes an adventure...everyday!!

2.  What are your thoughts on tipping? What businesses or service providers do you regularly tip? Do you resent being asked if you'd like to add a tip? What about when a suggested amount is presented? 

Tipping is an appreciation on the service one received.  I do not mind tipping, if the service was adequate or the service went beyond what was expected.  I regularly tip in restaurants.  Tipping can motivate service workers to provide you with better service, but I do kinda resent being asked if I want to add a tip.  It doesn't bother me if a suggested amount of tipping is presented on my bill.  In a way, it is kinda helpful to me so I don't have to calculate the math in my head. 

3. I scream you scream we all scream for ice cream...do we? Is ice cream a favorite treat at your house? What's your favorite flavor? Regular, soft serve, gelato, sherbet, or some sort of non-dairy version of ice cream...what's your pleasure? 

Ice cream is not a favorite treat at my house unless the grandsons are here!  Mint chocolate chip is my favorite flavor and it must be in a waffle cone.  My pleasure is just plain ole regular ice cream.

4. What's your 'back in my day, we____________________ ' story or saying? 

' Back in my day, we never stayed inside the house'  All the kids would quickly finish our chores and head outside to play, ride our bikes, etc. 

5. Somehow this is our last Hodgepodge in the month of June. Next week's Hodgepodge lands in July. Wow. Sum up your June using three adjectives. 

Cruising, blooming, and long (Solstital)  It is hard to believe June is winding up!!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I am enjoying my break.  

I had to do some major work in my garden last week after returning home from my cruise.  So far, the garden is really coming on.  I just pray we don't have a drought like we did last year.

Please continue to remember my dear friend, who is battling brain cancer, in your prayers.  I returned home yesterday from Atlanta after visiting with her.  She is a fighter and is continuing to fight this disease.  She has 8 more treatments left.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Summer officially begins this week (in the northern hemisphere)...what was your favorite thing to do in the summer when you were a kid? What do you like most about summer now? 

When I was a kid, I loved playing outside!  I would finish my chores and then head outside.  I love riding my bike everywhere!!!  When it got dark, we would all play in the street!

I love sitting outside on my porch, on my deck in the back, or underneath the shade tree in my swing.

2.  Something you'll celebrate this summer? 

My birthday in July.  I was almost a firecracker!!!

3. Summer tastes like? Smells like? Sounds like? l

Summer tastes like watermelon...sweet and mango...sticky.  Summer smells like sunscreen.  Summer sounds noisy...children playing, teenagers driving with their music blaring, and cicades  with their loud buzzing clicking sound.

4. June 18th is National Splurge Day...what's the last thing you splurged on? What might you splurge on today? 

I purchased two purses!!!!  I am not splurging on anything else...well, maybe if the grandsons want something!

5. Share a favorite summer quote, saying, song lyric, or meme. 

"Seas the day"

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my cruise.  The water is so peaceful.

Say a prayer for my dear friend, Donna.  I am heading to Georgia in a few days to spend some time with her.  The cancer treatment is really taken a toll on her body.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up? 

Hum.....I am just thankful to celebrate another trip around the sun!!  My birthday is the day before July 4th, so I use the think the town was decorated for me.  My small town would put up flags and decorations a day or two before the fourth.  Imagine how I felt when I realized the decorations weren't for me!

My oldest daughter was born December 30th.  Six days after Christmas and this was hard.  I remember telling hub no more December birthdays.  But we didn't learn.  My youngest daughter's birthday is December 26th. GEEZ!!  We still celebrate her birthday on December 26 and not the day before.  This past Christmas, I was a daughter's house for Christmas brunch.  Her in-laws were also there.  After exchanging gifts, her mother-in-law gave her birthday gift to her wrapped in Christmas paper.  I saw the look of disappointment on daughter's face.  I mean it is hard having a birthday after Christmas.

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses...what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate. 

Yellow roses!!  Now that I am older, I am accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses.  Yes, they are correct because I truly try to focus on the positive.  Even when our country seemed to be spiraling out of control, I was thankful I lived in the USA where I could go to church and worship God without being fearful of being killed.

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day...will you celebrate? What's something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese? 

No, I will not celebrate National Cheese Day.  

I usually make a sausage and cheese dip in the summer.  It goes great with any type of chips, crackers, or veggies.

4. 'tis the season...any weddings on your June calendar? What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage?

Commitment

Marriage is a mutual commitment and willing to share responsibilities.  It is for better or worse and in sickness and health.  

5. What are you most looking forward to this June? 

I am leaving Friday on a cruise.  I have never been on a cruise before; a little scared of the unknown on what to expect and also excited to visit places I have never had the chance to visit.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My Women's Bible Study Group met Sunday.  Now, I must admit, we didn't study a particular topic that day.  There is a lady in our group who is going through some rough times.  We let her vent to our group by letting her know what is said here stays here.  You know, sometimes, we all need to let people vent. And as women we need a safe place with Christian women to be able to let our hair down.  

Yesterday, daughter was cleaning out the garage. and Liam (5yr old) was beating a hammer against the concrete floor of the garage.  She asked him what he was doing and he replied trying to kill something.  About that time, their dog, Duke, was barking like crazy.  Liam was trying to kill a snake!!!  It was a corn snake.  Daughter grabbed Liam, ran in the house, and called the Sheriff Department.  Why she called the Sheriff, is because in the county they live in the Sheriff has taken over Animal Control.  

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's your favorite room in your house and why? 

It would have to be my sunroom.  I love to sit and read in the sunroom on cool days.  In the winter, I usually sit in the sunroom, and watch it snow.  The sunroom gets hot in the summer, but that is when I spend my time sitting on my porch. 

2. What's something that will instantly annoy you? 

Rude customers in a store yelling at their child or spouse. 

Here lately, it is drivers riding my tail on the interstate.  I have my cruise on 75 and they are still riding my tail.  So many times I have to fight the urge to not step on the brakes.

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...will you celebrate? How do you like yours? If you're not cooking at home is there a favorite place you like to go for a burger? Did you ever work in a fast food  restaurant? 

No, I will not celebrate.  This is my last teacher workday before summer break.  I like my hamburger well-done.  My favorite place to grab a burger would be the Dip Dog Stand.  This is famous for dip dogs, but I prefer their hamburgers.

I have never worked in a fast food restaurant.

4. What are three scents you like? 

Citrus especially lemon, Cinnamon, and Pumpkin spice.

5. What do you miss most about being a kid? 

Not having a care in the world!!  AND enjoying the simple things.

I kept all three grandkids Saturday evening and night.  The boys were digging for worms and hearing the shriek of joy everytime they found one was magical.  They even build a house for the worms!! 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Thursday was their last T-Ball game.  They played under the lights because the game didn't start till 8pm and boy was it COLD!!

This little guy played his last game Monday.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!