Crowning HodgePodge

1. How many students were in your high school graduating class? Did you know most, if not all of them?

 

There were 35 people in my graduating class. You could say we kind of knew each other. lol

2. What was the last thing you photographed? Though she is technically not a "thing" I photographed a precious four year old girl Saturday. Can't wait to get her pics edited.

3. Pickles-love 'em or loathe 'em? If its love what's something you eat that needs a pickle? I love a good pickle. Especially, the refrigerator pickles I make every year. They are scrumptious alone, as a side, or on a sandwich.

4. What's a stereotype you seem to perpetuate without meaning to? Harley riders. And I am one!

5. Ever been horse back riding? If so is it something you enjoy? If not, do you have any interest? Did you watch the Kentucky Derby? Will you be watching the last leg of the Triple Crown this weekend? I have owned several horses over my lifetime. I'm over that. They are too much work. I traded in my four-legged beast for a steel-wheeled machine. I'll be out on it this weekend, so there won't be much TV on my schedule.

6. What's your favorite 'wedding' movie? I'd have to say "27 Dresses."

7. What is one 'tourist attraction' in the USA that you'd like to see in person? New York City. I absolutely want to go. The hubs? Not so much.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I am absolutely retiring at the end of this month. I'm counting down the days on my calendar. Marking them off with a big black 'X'. I cannot wait!!!

 

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Be sure to visit our lovely host Joyce and the other HodgePodgers. 

Peace and Joy,

Susan

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Leapin' HodgePodge

1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day? This morning I am at work. I'm hoping the storms blow through, the streets dry up, and it's warm enough to get on my motorcycle. I should be out splittin' the wind by 2. 

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part? Retiring. Maybe. Probably. Scary.  

3. We're one week into the season of Lent...are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How's it going so far? Yes, I am doing both. It's going pretty well so far. You?

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire? Too long ago. I love sitting by a fire. I would build one in my back yard, but my husband doesn't think that would be prudent. We live in town. Our neighbors are close. There are city ordinances. Blah, blah, blah.

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option? Steak and lobster. Steak and shrimp. Steak and Mahi Mahi. Or just steak. I'm a carnivore. What can I say.

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose? Mork and Mindy. Robin Williams was hysterical in this show. At the time this program aired, I was actually living in the town portrayed in the show, Boulder, Colorado. Ah, those were good times. Here's a short clip:

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat? It depends. I know, you're surprised by that. lol. When it comes to numbers, I'm a whiz. If you asked me what I said two minutes ago, I probably wouldn't be able to tell you. Ugh!

8. Insert your own random thought here. This morning we had tornado warnings. Severe thunderstorms. It's February, right?

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 120:1 (NKJV) In my distress I cried to the Lord, And He heard me.

Hearty HodgePodge

1. It's that most wonderful time of the year...tax season! Do you complete your own returns or farm that job out to the professionals? I do not complete my own returns. I hire a professional. It's the only way to go for me. :)

2. This next question comes from Kansas Bob...he posed it in his response to something I asked in an earlier Wednesday post and I asked him if I could add it to the Hodgepodge some day. Today's the day....

Which do you think has changed you more-love or pain? My initial gut, knee jerk response was pain. I've had my share of it. Who hasn't? There are specific painful incidents in my life that I can say changed me. But really, it's the love that healed my pain that made the true change. God's love has endless healing power.

3. Tangerine Tango has been named color of the year for 2012. Your thoughts? Would I find this color anywhere in your house? How about in your closet? If not, will you be adding this color to your life in some way in 2012? If you're not sure what tangerine tango looks like click here. In my home? Probably not. In my closet? Probably yes. A blouse or scarf or accessory will show up in my wardrobe.

4. Are you a collector? What do you collect and does it get admired, used, and/or dusted regularly? We have collected a few things but not any one type of thing. They are admired by us, but most of it is just sentimental.

5. February is National Heart Month...besides a green salad what is one tasty heart healthy dish you like to prepare? I honestly didn't know how to answer this question. So I googled "heart healthy recipes." The Mayo Clinic website had a whole list of recipes under this category. I was surprised by the items on the list.

6. When was the last time you had car trouble? The last time I got in my truck after the hubs drove it but didn't fill the gas tank. There was some serious trouble....let me just tell you!

7. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less? Is that a good trend? I can honestly say I am much more demanding on myself. The vow I made with the grand-boy about watching less TV is definitely working for me. If you missed that post, you can read about it here. Almost every single minute of every single day of every single week is scheduled with something. Work. Exercise. Cook. Eat. Edit. Study. Homework. Photography. Blog.

8. Insert your own random thought here. My word has changed. Ever since I picked my word for 2012, it just hasn't felt right. I had an unsettled feeling about it. Couldn't find words to go with the theme. Yet, there has been another word that keeps popping up. It's at every turn. I see it all the time. Hear it mentioned over and over. I can relate it to so many things in my life right now. So I'm changing my word for 2012 to: (drum roll, please) Focus. 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 86:5 (NKJV) ⁵ For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

Are You Ready for Some HodgePodge?

1. The NFL playoffs were held this past weekend and this year's Superbowl lineup will feature The New York Giants versus The New England Patriots. How do you define 'patriot'? A person who loves and defends their country. AKA: My husband.

2. What's something in your life right now that feels like a 'giant'? Getting this photography business going and learning Photoshop. Learning at least enough of Photoshop to make editing a little faster.

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to being 18? How painfully thin I was. Some of that metabolism would be really nice right about now.

4. Coconut-mashed potatoes-vanilla ice cream-mayonnaise...which white food would be the hardest to give up? Mayonnaise. I love Hellman's.

5. Describe an incident or a day you remember as the coldest you've ever experienced? I remember walking home from high school in Northern Iowa in the dead of winter. It was so cold the snow crunched beneath my feet when I walked. It was a squeaky kind of crunch. Cold. Very, very cold.

6. You're hosting a brunch...what's your favorite dish to prepare and serve? An egg and sausage casserole.

7. How do you combat negative thinking? Praise God.

8. Insert your own random thought here. One class down. Two to go. Name finalized. Buying domain. Logo, branding, and colors next. Thought I had my colors picked out, but nope. It was just practice. Oi! 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

New Year HodgePodge

1. What are three words you would use to describe your 2011? Thankful it's over. ahaha. Not really. I enjoy every single day. 2011 was adventurous, full, and  blessed.

2. Do you like shrimp? What's your favorite way to have it prepared? I do like shrimp, but I don't eat it often. There are three ways I like it prepared: 1) Shrimp cocktail with a good horseradish sauce; 2) throw some Cajun seasoning on them, toss them in a skillet till they turn pink, devour; and, 3) grilled.

3. Is your house de-Christmased? If so when did you tackle that job? If not, when will the decorations come down? Yes, the decorations are down. The grand-boy and I packed everything away New Year's day.

4. Do you like to watch scary movies? Scary movies, yes. Bloody, gory movies that claim to be scary but are just bloody, gory, no. The hubs on the other hand, is the king of cut-your-arm-off-and-beat-yourself-with-it movies. 

5. ice skating~sledding~skiing~snowboarding~of the four listed which wintertime activity do you most enjoy? Skiing. Accelerating down the mountain with the wind rushing past is .....well.....exhilarating. You're surprised, yes?

6. Did you have a childhood hideout? Describe it. I can't say I had a specific hideout. There was a place not far from my home where I used to spend hours playing in and along a creek.

7. What's a place or space that motivates you? Not really sure on this one, Joyce.

8. Insert your own random thought here. God is doing some marvelous things, every single day. Are you watching? Are you listening? I am so excited to be on this journey. You can look to the sky to see His handiwork. Check it out! This was taken near Birmingham, Alabama on December 22, 2011. You can read about it here.

Photo: alabamawx.com

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Titus 2:11-12 (NKJV) ¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, ¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

Deck the Halls HodgePodge

1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate? I generally put a little something in each room. Not this year though. This year I'm cutting back because of time constraints. Most of my favorites are out and about just not everything.

2. If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why? Denmark. I have friends there. IRL and on-line friends. Friends from a photography workshop. I would love to meet these incredible ladies.

3. What does the word faith mean to you? The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose? This is a tough one, Joyce. I'll have to give it a little more thought.

5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe. I haven't had punch in.....ummmm....I honestly don't remember the last time. 

6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts? We absolutely fill stockings. They are the last item to be opened. There a lump of coal that gets passed around too. It's more of a novelty or joke really. The kids (all over the age of 21) laugh about it when they are the one who ends up with it.

7. What takes your breath away? Besides the hubs? The joy and privilege of living every single day.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Today's photo challenge is Deck the Halls. My mind immediately goes to the next line in this song, "with boughs of holly." There are many holly bushes and trees around campus. One right outside my building, so I snapped this picture before I left work for the day.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own. Also, if you are here for the 25 Daily Christmas Photo Challenge, please link up below. If you'd like to join in, there is still time. You can read about the challenge here.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Matthew 2:4-6 (NKJV) ⁴ And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ⁶ ‘ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” 

Season's Greetings HodgePodge

1. Do you send Christmas cards? If so about how many will you send this year? How do you display the cards you receive? Or don't you? (gasp!)  There was a time when I would mail over 50 Christmas cards every year. Mailing out Christmas cards and the number of people on that list is directly proportionate to the cost of postage and the time available to sit down and write a note in each one. 

2. When do kids become adults? When they stop believing in Santa. I'm so glad not to be an adult. 

3. Does your 'beauty regimen' change with the seasons? My skin requires more moisture during the cold, dry winter months.

4. What's something you like to eat that might cause another person to turn up their nose? Brussels Sprouts. I can hear you saying.....ewwwww!

5. Gloves or mittens? I wear gloves for driving and every day stuff. Mittens if I'm going out to play in the snow and build a snow man.

6. What's the longest queue you've ever been in? Was it worth it? Queue=line but doesn't queue sound nicer? A line at the amusement park to ride the Batman roller coaster. It was so worth the wait. So much so that I got off and immediately got back in line to ride it again. You're surprised, yes? 

7. Besides Christmas, what is one thing you are looking forward to in the month of December? A trip to Vegas. In two days.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm hosting a photo challenge for the month of December. You can read all about it here if you are interested in playing along.


Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 119:18 (NKJV)  Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.

In The Spirit of Thanksgiving HodgePodge

1. Let's start with something controversial...dressing or stuffing? What's it called at your house and what's included in your recipe...cornbread? oysters? sausage? chestnuts? I call it dressing, because I don't stuff it in the turkey. I'm a sage sausage and bread kind of dressing maker. It's delicious. The hubs is not a fan of cornbread and neither of us favor oysters.

2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to? Wow, Joyce. That's a loaded question. I wrote about that very topic at great length last month. You can read all about it here at Comparison is the Thief of Joy.

3. When were you last inside an airport? In April of 2011. I flew from St. Louis, Missouri to Charlotte, North Carolina. Drove from Charlotte to Tampa, Florida. Then flew from Tampa back to St. Louis. It was a crazy week of traveling. I'll be in airports next Friday. Vegas, baby! The Pistol Annies (Miranda Lambert's new group), NFR (National Finals Rodeo), Delmonico (Emeril's restaurant), Mesa Grill (Bobby Flay's place), Spa at Caesar's Palace.....can't wait.

4. What is one side dish that absolutely must be included in a turkey dinner? Mashed potatoes and corn. I'm pretty sure there would be a revolt if these two items were not included on the menu.

5. What Christmas song do you dread hearing? The Barking Jingle Bells. It was kinda cute the first time I heard it, but I'm so over it.

6. If someone approaches you and asks for money do you give it to them? Do you drop money 'in a tin cup' that belongs to a person on the street? Do you have a specific charity you support during the holiday season and/or year round? I do not like being approached by strangers asking for money. To me, it's just an opportunity for them to take advantage of you and your kindness. I do drop cash in the red pail for the bell ringers. Otherwise, I prefer to give to the charity of my choice.

7. Share a favorite Thanksgiving memory. If you live in a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving share a favorite memory associated with food. The last Thanksgiving meal we shared at my grandparents home, when all my aunts, uncles, and cousins were there.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I saw this on my sweet friend Gigi's blog, Afterthoughts, and immediately loved it. The message applies to anyone, regardless of denomination.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. Blessings to you and your family as you celebrate Thanksgiving. 


Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Happy Belated Birthday HodgePodge

1. What song reminds you of a specific time in your life and what is it about that song that makes you remember? Hands of Time. I first heard this song on the movie Collateral starring Tom Cruise. I watched it during a time when I was struggling with some personal issues. The song is a reminder to live for today, This Day!

2. What's something you've given up on? I've given up on losing 15 pounds. I'll be happy with five. So my clothes won't be so snug. Just sayn.

3. What's something you'll never give up on? My faith in God.

4. If you had to cook something from scratch in the next hour what would it be? Since you said cook and not bake, I went with a meal I can put together quickly and easily with items I generally keep on hand. Some people call this a burrito, or soft shell taco, or fajita. Whatever you call it, it's super easy, delicious, and nutritious. Start by putting 1/3 cup brown Basmati rice in a small sauce pan with 2/3 cup chicken stock. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer while you prepare the rest of the meal. Then use whatever cooked meat is in the fridge, saute some onions with shredded carrots, drain and rinse a can of black beans...throw them in, toss in the cooked meat, season with salt, pepper, and taco/fajita seasoning, add some frozen corn, and some green chilies. I would have started some brown basmati rice before the first step. The rice would be done by now and I would add that to the meat dish. Serve with warmed tortillas, grated cheese, green peppers, jalapenos, avocados (if I have any), cilantro, whatever is on hand.

5. Have you started Christmas shopping? Decorating? Listening to Christmas music? I have some shopping done. The decorations and music start this weekend. So excited!

6. What do you know about your parent's wedding? Not a stinking thing. Not even kidding. My parents divorced when I was six. My dad got custody of three children age 3-8. He doesn't talk about my mom much. My mom chose not to have a relationship with us. It's a sore spot.

7. I can't believe I used to smoke. I know. Disgusting habit. Can't even believe I smoked for so many years. Oh, the money and time wasted. Thank you, Lord for helping me kick that habit! Thirteen years ago.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK!!! How did that happen? I'm not even ready. Are you? What's on your menu? Do you have a "special" dish that is traditional to your family? I make my grandmother's orange salad. It's cooked vanilla pudding, orange jello, tapioca, and mandarin oranges. It's delicious and conjures up some precious memories for me.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 119:143 (NKJV) Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, Yet Your commandments are my delights.

The Art of the HodgePodge

1. Of all the tools and gadgets you own which do you most enjoy using? There are just so many "gadgets" to choose from. iPad, laptop, smartphone, DSLR, KitchenAid.....how do you choose? I'd have to pick my camera. I can be creative with it and it allows me to show the beauty of God's creation. Whether that beauty is in the heart of His people, His creation (flowers, landscape, creatures), or through the gifts He has given to man. The ability to create beauty in food, architecture, or art.

2. When (if ever) is impatience a virtue? Not sure I can think of an instance for this one.

3. What temperature do you keep your thermostat set to in winter? Do you have another way to heat your house besides a furnace of some type? My thermostat is set at 68 in the winter (75 in the summer). Which, at the moment, is very comfortable. Our furnace is our only heat source. Well, besides me. My hubby says I'm his little heater. He can barely lie next to me a couple minutes when.....poof....flame on. ahahaha. Those of you who are going thru the change know exactly what I'm talking about.

4. Do/did you have a close relationship with any of your grandparents? Yes, I was very close to my grandmother. I miss her every day.

5. When did you last have a family portrait taken? Ha! Just a couple weeks ago while we were on vacation. I set my camera on the tripod, set the timer, focused on the hubs, jumped in the picture, and voila. Instant family portrait. :)

6. What does the word patriotism mean to you? Loyalty. Self-worth. My husband.

7. Do you like to play cards and if so, what's your favorite card game? I love playing cards. My favorite is Pitch. With the grand-boy, it's go fish.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm taking an on-line workshop with a fabulously skilled photographer. I'm hoping to hone my photography skills and become bold, confident and creative through the process. I'm a little nervous and excited at the same time. There are extraordinary women from around the world with amazing talents taking this course with me. I'm excited to learn with them and from them. My first assignment is to make an inspiration board. Have you made one before?

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan 

Joshua 24:15 (NKJV) ¹⁵ And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Fall HodgePodge #46

1. It is officially fall here in North America...I realize not everyone who participates in the Hodgepodge lives in North America but if you do, what's your favorite memory of Summer 2011? If you're not in North America, what's your favorite memory of the season just ending on your side of the world? My annual motorcycle trip with my pal, Jessica. Here we are on the Natchez Trace.

2. Your favorite nut? You know I mean the edible kind, right? I love nuts. Cashews. Roasted Soy Lightly Salted. But my all time favorite, since I was a child is: Almonds. Around Christmas time, our family always had a nut bowl. You know. The kind you had to crack open. I always picked out the almonds and ate them first. I still love them today. I buy them buy the bag @ Sam's.

3. What activity puts your sense of balance to the test? Walking on a fallen log across moving water. Doesn't it make you dizzy?

4. How would you describe your sense of humor? Blonde. I don't really know how to answer this question. I have a good sense of humor. I enjoy hearing people laugh. It's good for the heart and soul.

5. September 28th is National Ask a Stupid Question Day...what's your stupid question? If Wile E Coyote had all that $$$$ to buy inventions from Acme, why didn't he just buy himself dinner?

6. Roller skates~hula hoop~jump rope...which activity would you most enjoy? Yes, you have to choose. Definitely roller skates. I just can't get that hula hoop to loop like I could when I was a child. I've tried. Ugh. It's annoying. Jumping rope? Naw.

7. What's your most sentimental possession? A plant stand that my grandfather made for my grandmother when they were first married. It is one possession she carted with her every time she moved. It must have meant a lot to her. Cards from my hubby. Treasures my daughter made when she was in grade school.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Being on vacation is definitely a two-edged sword. I love to spend the time relaxing with my hubby. I love traveling. I love new experiences. We spend too much $$$. It takes days, even weeks to recover at work from being absent. Ugh....the mounds of paperwork.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) ¹⁴ But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Fall Head Over Heals HodgePodge

1. Do you like chili? Red or white? Beans or no beans? Spice or no spice? Toppings? Why, yes. Yes, I do like chili. Red chili. With some beans (I like more beef than beans, thank you). Not too spicy. I want to taste the goodness.

2. Red~Orange~Gold...your favorite fall color? I'm a Red kinda girl.You're surprised, yes?

3. Who did you idolize when you were growing up? Cowboys. There are a few different versions of "The Cowboy Code" but here are the main points:

1. I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.
2. That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
3. That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.
4. In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
5. That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.
6. That "this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people," shall live always.
7. That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
8. That sooner or later...somewhere...somehow...we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.
9. That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever.
10. I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

4. When was the last time you did something 'arts and craftsy'? Share please. I'm finishing up my latest 'artsy craftsy project. You'll have to wait tho. It's for a gift. She reads here sometimes. I don't want to spoil it.

5. What's a place that makes you really nervous? The dentist office.

6. Horse back riding...yay or nay (neigh?) Oh yes. I've owned horses. Sometimes, I miss it. Most days, I don't. They are a lot of work.

7. What is your favorite cliche? If you're not gonna use your head, you might as well be feet on both ends.

8. Insert your own random thought here. To go along with the "cowboy" theme.....head 'em up, and move 'em out. This is too funny

Do you have your fall gotta do list yet? For some ideas, be sure to check out my new fall gottado list here!

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Joel 2:23 (NIV) ²³ Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.

I'm Falling for HodgePodge Week 44

1. What do you do at the first sign of a cold? Will you get a flu shot this year? At the first sign of a cold, I take Zicam. It definitely helps. I will get a flu shot too.

2. What advice can you give about how to conquer fear? Face it. Head on. ".....all things are possible to him who believes." Mark 9:23

3. Share two good things about your life right now. I'm breathing. lol. Yes, really. And, I am loved.

4. A hot fall fashion trend in 2011 is a return to sixties style...tunics with pants, shift dresses, pencil skirts, cinched waists, bold prints, high necklines and short lengths to name a few. How does this fashion trend fit with your wardrobe and personal sense of style? I like to wear what works for me. If there is something trendy that fits into my current wardrobe, I might add it.

5. Were you involved in scouting as a kid? How about as an adult? I was a Campfire Girl. Does anyone know about this group?

6. Apple, pear, plum, pumpkin...your favorite fall flavor? Apple!

7. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher? Honest, modest, compassionate, creative, committed, prepared, caring, respectful, fair, conscientious, interested, dedicated, patriotic, and godly.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm headed to a photog workshop today that I'm super excited about attending. The instructor is Brett Jarnagin of Flashfire. His work is amazing. Check it out! The best part? I won the seat at this workshop. This is going to set my photog style apart. Well, at least that is my hope. We'll see how my fall sessions look. :)

What do you have planned for fall? Be sure to check out my new fall gottado list here!

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

 

Peace and Joy,

Susan

1 Peter 3:8 (NKJV) Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

Lordy, Lordy, The HodgePodge is 40!!!!

 

1. Using what's in your frig right now what sort of meal would you be able to make for guests who are knocking at the front door this very minute? Let's see. I have a family pack of 12 pre-made hamburger patties. I can just throw them on the grill along with corn on the cob and beans. Instant party!

2. What is something about yourself that you hope will change but that probably never will?  I procrastinate about things.....sometimes.

3. What's something about yourself that you hope will never change?  My sense of adventure.

4. Do you usually send serious or funny greeting cards? Why? That totally depends on the person and the occasion.

5. Bird watching, shell gathering, or star gazing- your choice for whiling away the hours? I'm so a bird nerd. Thank you, Grandma.

6. Do you double or triple check things? If so, what? Turning off the stove, locking the door, locating my phone.

7. What's your favorite place for people watching? The zoo! ahahaha.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Summer is almost over....huge sigh! I can't believe how fast it went by. School either started or will start in the next day or two. I did not make it to a water park again this summer. I did finally make it pool side. Last week. My summer gotta do list is slowly being whittled away. There will be a fall list that will take me into the holiday season. What about you? Do you make lists? How are you doing on yours?

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV)  ¹ Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Philosophical HodgePodge

 

1. July is National Ice Cream month...your favorite flavor? Soft served, hand dipped, or frozen yogurt...which do you prefer? And technically yogurt is not ice cream but its hot outside so I'll let that slide for today. Old Fashion Peppermint. But at this time of year, Mint Chocolate Chip is a good alternative.

2. When you travel do you tend to pack too much or too little? My philosophy on packing used to be: throw in everything you think you might need then start taking out just enough to get the suitcase closed. My new philosophy is: pack just enough to get by to save plenty of room to buy things while traveling. This new philosophy worked fabulously while I was on my bike trip. 

I was able to buy five new shirts, a killer black dress that was on super sale, a skinny belt, and a souvenir bottle from the Jack Daniel's Distillery.  

It's a souvenir people!! I don't drink whiskey!!!

3. What's your favorite cleaning product? My hubby! ahaha! No really. He's a super anal clean freak. If he's in the kitchen while I'm doing food prep, cooking, or baking.....he's cleaning up after me as I step away to get an ingredient. Tho this can be annoying at times, I love him for it. He saves me so much time and work. Plus, (yes, there's more) he keeps the house clean. Oh I help with dusting and vacuuming...but he does the majority of the cleaning. And....NO! You may not borrow him. I've been asked that question several times. I won't loan him out. I'm afraid someone will break him.  

4. Which is the greater tragedy-an innocent person imprisoned or a guilty person set free? Explain. The person who is guilty and set free. This person will commit another crime.

5. What's the longest trip you've taken by car? Which is farther.....Iowa to Florida or Illinois to Arizona? Hmmm. Let's "google" that. The answer is......Iowa to Florida: 1,743 miles. Illinois to Arizona: 1,606. The Iowa trip probably took longer too. There were two adults and five children traveling together. I was 12. Longest trip ever!!! 

6. tennis-golf-canoeing-biking...pick one. Exactly what are you asking here, Joyce? What I want to try? What I like doing best? What I'm not interested in trying? I choose biking. It's something I'm able to do and I enjoy it.

7. What sound drives you crazy? Someone who crunches food with their mouth open. Ugh. Please eat quietly.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I need to evaluate my schedule. My days are flying by yet I don't feel like I'm getting anything accomplished. Anybody else encountering this?

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan 

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) ¹ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The Eagle Has Landed HodgePodge

1. July 20th marks the anniversary of the first time man stood on the moon. Flash forward 42 years to July 8, 2011 which marked the start of the final Space Shuttle mission. Should we continue to explore space? Should nations devote more or fewer of their resources to exploring space? Would you want to go into space if the opportunity arose? Many of today's innovations are a direct result of our space program. At this point in time, I think our resources could be better spent reducing our current deficit.

On the other hand, a quick trip to the moon would be exciting, just ask Alice:

2. What are three things in your freezer? Meat, Veggies, Fruit. Yep. That about covers it. ahaha

3. If you could see any band/artist perform live tonite who would it be? It has to be someone living...no Beatles, Elvis, etc. Josh Turner. Oh my...have you heard his voice? FYI, the gal in the video is his wife.

4. Ice-cubed or crushed? Or are you one of those people who don't like ice? Ice cube. Even Chummly likes cubes.

5. The owner of a small restaurant outside of Pittsburgh recently announced he was banning children under six, saying they regularly disrupted other customer's meals. You can read the story in more detail here but isn't this a perfect topic to discuss in our Wednesday Hodgepodge? Have at it friends...what are your thoughts? 

 

Recently, while dining with a friend, a 6-8 year old boy walked up to our table, grabbed some peanuts from our bucket and snickered as he walked away. His parents watched the whole incident. They did nothing to deter his behavior. In fact, they laughed at his shenanigans. When did it become acceptable behavior to allow your child to eat food from another person's table at a restaurant? 

6. What was your first car? How did it come to be yours? A 1971 Ford Torino. It was the first car owned by me and the bank. Not the prettiest, but it ran.

7. If I had a nickle for every time I _________________ I'd be rich.......saw something I wanted to take a picture of and didn't have my camera with me

8. Insert your own random thought here. My creative juices met a beaver. They are backed up in his dam. Anyone have some dynamite?

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan  

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’