Is this a brown Hodgepodge.

 

What was your favourite part about growing up in your hometown? 

Knowing most of the neighbours, being able to wander around on my own without fear.

Do you prefer 'material' gifts or 'experience' gifts? If you answered experience, tell us about one you've received and truly enjoyed. 

Material gifts as I am not into experiencing stuff

Is brown a colour featured prominently in your home decor? Your wardrobe? What's a favourite brown thing you own? Of the brown foods listed here which one is your favourite and/or most often consumed... brown sugar, brown rice, pretzels, coffee, dates, cloves, German chocolate cake, whole wheat bread?

Nope nothing brown here, except the jacket I am wear that is brownish. Out of that list it would be the chocolate cake.

Which 'Charlie Brown' character do you relate to most? If you're not sure, you can take a fun quick quiz by clicking here-Which Charlie Brown Character Are You?  or the one found here-Charlie Brown Quiz. I got the same answer on both. 

I did both quizzes the first said Charlie the other said Marcie

What's a favourite item you've purchased this year? 

No one favourite item but do like that all the clothes I have had to purchase are three sizes smaller than what I was wearing years ago.

Insert your own random thought here. 

Remember to thank the Lord for all the moments in your life that are filled with joy and pleasure, those wonderful golden days of love and happiness and the cherished memories you have made, life for the most part is good.

 

 

It was my birthday

Yesterday was my 62^nd birthday I was going to write this post then but just couldn’t find the motivation, so I am starting it at 1.20am this morning as I was having trouble setting. I was in bed at 9pm but after 3hrs of dosing on and off I got up and despite how tired I feel I decided to stay up for a bit. As today is Sunday, after I take my 5am meds if I feel tired, I can go back to bed.

Tim arrived home at 1.20am and was surprised to see me up but understands why I am up.

I received many birthday messages either on Facebook or via messenger or a message to my phone. Kathy and the girls came over to see me and wish me happy birthday, they sung happy birthday to me as soon as they arrived. After they left Jes and Sam came down to wish me happy birthday they also sung happy birthday to me as soon as they walked in. I saw Tasha around midday, and she wished me happy birthday then.

In the way of gifts well Tim gave me a $100 of which I have spent $50 on a pair of denim shorts, a pair of cotton long leg pj bottoms and a pair of black slip-on shoes. The shoes are too tight across the toes, but they only cost $12, and I hope by wearing them with socks for 5-10 minutes each morning they will stretch enough so I can wear them. No, I didn’t try them on before I bought them. I also got a watch from my sister Sue.

Kathy said she plans to get me a gift while on holiday to Queensland, they leave at 6am for a family holiday, they will be gone a week. Jessica has asked what I would like but I need to give it some thought.

After thinking about it I will see if Jess can take me to Best & Less and Kmart to get a new dress and some exercise stuff.

Is this hodgepodge under appreciated

What's something you think is under appreciated. Explain.  

The right to vote, so many do not appreciate how hard and how long others had to fight for the right to vote. If they did, they would vote without bitching about having to do so.

As winter summer approaches how do you stay productive? 

I am a believer that in order to be productive one must just do; don’t think about all you have to do or where to start just get started on the task.

What's a popular food you don't like?

Seafood, I do not like seafood at all. 

What do you think is more interesting-art or history? Elaborate. 

History I really like history, all history especially the history or crime and punishment and World War 2

What advice would you give to someone half your age? 

Live in the here and now, do not stress over things you cannot change, and think will something matter 1 or 5yrs time and what is being achieved when you are ranting and raving over something

Insert your own random thought here. 

Sometimes our thoughts go to a time in our lives, when things were not the best for us, when this happens, we need to remind ourselves that it is the past and thinking about it will not change anything so going over the event and reliving it in our heads will achieve nothing, so do your best to push these thoughts aside and be happy. Because we have only one life and should make the best of it.  

 

Not taking hodgepodge for granted

What is one good thing you often take for granted? 

My family

 What's the boldest piece of clothing in your wardrobe? 

Nothing my clothes are pretty run of the mill

 Do you think common interests or common values are the key to people getting along? Elaborate. 

Yes, it has a lot to do with it

November 6 is National Nacho Day...do you like nachos? How do you like yours? Do you make them at home or only order out? 

I don’t like nachos and why do they need a national day?

Have you spent any time in Washington D.C.?  If so what did you think? If not, is that a place you'd like to visit? What do you think about politics as a career choice? 

Never been there. Not a profession I would want because you are screwed no matter what you do

 Insert your own random thought here.

Since yesterday America got a new president and this will cause many upset because  it isn’t who they voted for, I thought I would say that even though the road ahead isn’t the one they wanted it is the one they will need  to find a way to  travel, and hope that the rocky surface and twist and turns and the branches leading off into no where are few and far between.  I hope the next four years are not as rough as many feel it will be, I hope that no hard to repair damage is done and all will find themselves at the end of the road in one piece and doing ok.

 

Life the hodgepodge way

 

What are your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate as much or as little as you like.             

To stay as fit and active as possible, to enjoy being able to do stuff for myself and not letting Parkinson’s get the better of me

 What's one thing you wish you had more of? 

Independence, it the way of being able to go out by myself shopping, since I lost my licence and can no longer drive myself anywhere, whoever drives me feel they have to stay with me.

Do you celebrate Halloween? If so, what are your Halloween traditions? Any special plans for Halloween this year? 

No, I don’t here in Australia when I was growing up it wasn’t heard off, it is only in the last 25yrs that we have Halloween stuff in the stores, so to me it is just a money grab by retailers.

Last thing you ate that contained chocolate? Last thing you made that called for chocolate? 

A lamington it had chocolate cream and icing

Do you prefer laid back weekends or do you like to have a lot of plans? Thinking back to this past weekend... which was it? 

Laid pack, although last Saturday there was a family lunch for my sister’s birthday.

Insert your own random thought here.                       

People shouldn’t need a lot of friends to feel complete or happy, I have never had a lot of friends around me and neither did my parents, they did have friends but only a couple and they were happy. As I am happy with my life, like my mum I enjoy my own company, my sisters are the same but not sure about my brother. \

Happy Birthday Sue

 

On this day back in 1969 my amazing sister Sue was born, I have said for many years that she is the strongest person I know; she is a survivor, and I am so lucky that this year we have become so close.

Yes, she has made some bad decisions in her life, but she also made some good ones that is normal, life hasn’t always been easier for her, but she has learnt and grown with all the ups and downs of her life.

She is estranged from some of her children, their decision not hers and this is upsetting for her but there is nothing she can do. If they choose to not have this amazing and strong woman in their lives, then it is them who are losing out.  She may not have always been the best mother in their eyes, but she did the best she knew how to do at that time in her life.

I love you Sue and I am proud of how strong and resilient you are; I hope you never forget that.

Happy Birthday

Having an apple the hodgepodge way

 

Monday was National Apple Day...did you eat an apple or enjoy something made with apples on Monday? Do you like apples? Do you prefer your apples raw, baked, or in cider? Do you have a favourite variety of apple? 

I do like apples not all apples, but I don’t like cider

Do you think there's any truth to the saying 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. Of the following healthy habits which do you find easiest to incorporate into your life and which is the most difficult for you to adopt-

adequate sleep, a balanced diet, plenty of water, eat breakfast, don't smoke, exercise, limit alcohol, include fruits and vegetables in your diet, manage stress, limit screen time

Nope no truth in the saying, most nights I get a decent night’s sleep, do I have a balanced diet nope I don’t, exercise I do daily and rarely drink alcohol.

Who taught you how to drive? Do you enjoy driving? Would you rather be the driver or the passenger?  Do you have a favourite scenic drive near you? 

Both Tim and a professional driving school, I use to enjoy driving but I no longer have a licence to drive so have become use to being a passenger.

What small habit has had a big impact on your life? 

I would have to say blogging and researching stuff for blog post

Tell us about something nice that happened to you recently.

Something nice????

I can’t think of a damn thing

Insert your own random thought here. 

We often take our daily life for granted, with pretty much the same thing happening day in and day out, I am lucky to be able to say that I am content with my life. I have a good family who I am close to and know many can’t say the same.

Remember the purpose of life is happiness

Week 42 of 2024

 

e

I had a pretty good night, slept pretty much all night, although I had to use the powerfit before going to bed due to how restless I felt.

I felt cold and had to turn the heater on for a little bit.

The temp this morning is 13 degrees and my BGL was 4.9

The day has warmed up, Tim did more work in the back yard.

Steps: 5,196

SANDY’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS 47 TODAY

I had a really good night slept straight through only waking when the alarm went off.

It is a cold morning with a temp of 12 degrees, my BGL is 5.0

It has turned out being a warm day with a temp of 22 degrees.

I was waiting for Sam this afternoon and she didn’t turn up; I rang Jess who rang Sam, and it turned out someone told the driver she had already gone home. Thankfully a friend’s mother drove her home.

Steps:5,765

I had a really good night slept straight through only waking when the alarm went off.

It is a pleasant 15 degrees and my BGL is 6.8, a bit high for some reason.

It was starting to rain when I was going up the front with Sam and had to come back and swap from my scooter to the walker. The temp is still only 16 degrees.

Tim home at 9.30am to have something to eat before going to have his scans done. Then he will be going back to work.

Steps: 6,157

DAD’S BIRTHDAY HE WOULD BE 82

I had another good night slept straight through waking at 4.20am to pee then straight back to sleep till the alarm went off.

It is a cold 13 degrees my BGL was 5.0

I am having a lot of trouble walking this morning my right knee doesn’t feel stable and I am worried about falling.

Tim arrived home at 11am he has phone appointment at 2pm.

The day warmed up a bit.

The clothes I ordered from Millers arrived and both lot of pants fit well but the skirt is a bit too big. I have emailed to see if it can be exchanged for a smaller size, but I don’t it can be as I think it was off the clearance rack.

Steps:8,204

Went to bed at 9pm last night as per usual around 11.15pm I woke feeling restless, so I got up and used the powerfit no issue there, however, when I bent over to unplug it, I lost my balance and fell banging my head hard against the lounge and yes it hurt I sat for about 20 minutes before going back to bed. For the next few hours, I dozed on and off before settling down at around 2pm. I got up at 5am a usual.

It is only 7 degrees my BGL was 3.6

It has warmed up to 21 degrees.

Both Sandy and Sue said I shouldn’t use the powerfit during the night.

I rang the Eastern Tiger and booked a table for 4 on the 26 then Jeannie said she would come, then Dawson said he would come so I rang back and changed the booking to 6. I then realised I hadn’t asked Dave, so I have texted him about coming and hope to hear back sometime tomorrow.

Steps:5,410

Went to bed at 9pm last night as per usual around 11.15pm I woke feeling restless, so I got up and used the powerfit went back to bed and straight off to sleep.

It is 15 degrees and my BGL is 3.4

Took Sam up the front and managed to just get home before it started raining heavy.

I have had another productive morning vacuuming and changing the sheets, washing the sheets and tossing them in the dryer to dry.

Steps: 10,445

Had a good night although when the alarm went off, I didn’t want to get up, but I did and after a shower I felt ok. It is 19 degrees and my BGL is 5.2, we are supposed to be in for a nice day.

I have felt fidgety as mum would put it this morning.

Tim and I went over to Lake Fair so he could cash in bottles while I went to see if I could exchange my skirt, but they didn’t have anything in my size.

Tasha bought me another matching top and pants set.

Steps: 9,410

 

 

 

 

              

 

 

Nuts Hodgepodge

 

How did you meet your significant other? If you don't have a significant other, tell us how you met your best friend. 

We met through an introduction agency

 It's Department Store Day (October 16)...do you still shop in department stores? If not do you miss that kind of shopping experience? Do you have a favourite department store? Any fun memories of department store shopping when you were a child? 

I like going to Kmart or Big W both department stores here, I just don’t get to go very often. As a child we would often shop at David Jones department store but no memories as such about those days.

Something you're currently nuts about.

Being able to do stuff for myself, and being able to dance around the house and play fight with Sam of a morning  

 What's your favourite nut and is there a favourite recipe where this nut is used? 

Almonds but don’t have a recipe which contains it

On Wednesday we officially reach the '70 days until Christmas' mark. Have you purchased any gifts? If you don't celebrate Christmas, then how about Hanukkah presents? 

Yes, I have started my Christmas shopping but still have a long way to go

Insert your own random thought here.

With moments filled with joy and pleasure and golden days of love and cheer, memories are made to cherish and treasure, memories that hopefully will stay with one till they are very old and hopefully to the grave.  As memories help make life more enjoyable.

 

The name David

 

Other than my sister I also have a brother David, so this week we will look at the meaning of that name. The name is often shortened to Dave or Davy.

The name David has taken the world by storm and heard in several languages, like Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and Croatian. With countless famous historical figures and celebrities named David, baby will have many honourable footsteps to follow throughout life.

The name David has deep Biblical roots and means "beloved." It is derived from the Hebrew name Dawid, which evolved from the Hebrew word dod which means beloved.

David is a name that has been associated with strength, leadership, and artistic talent. People with the name David are often seen as natural leaders, not because they seek out leadership roles, but because they possess an innate ability to guide others with wisdom and empathy.

David's remarkable feat was marked by four qualities, ones which we desperately need today: He was competent, he was courageous, he was committed, and he was confrontational. Focus on those four qualities.

                                            MY BROTHER DAVID AND  HIS WIFE LEIGH

The Name Sandra & My Babygirl

 

I have another sister named Sandra, so this week we are looking at the meaning of the name Sandra. 

Sandra is a feminine name of Greek origin, both formidable and valiant. A variation of Alexandra, Sandra means "protector of humanity." Both versions derive from Alexandros, the by-name of the revered Goddess Hera, who was indeed a great defender of many ancient Greek heroes and warriors. It is also the short form of the name Cassandra.

Those with first name of Sandra are usually very kind, thoughtful, and sociable person. Because of their friendly and diplomatic qualities, they make friends easily. They also shine as a hostess as you instinctively know how to make everyone feel relaxed and friendly.

Between 1930 and 2022 saw in Australia 25 boys and 19,433 given the name Sandra, as you can see in AAustralia the name is generally a female one.

I refer to our Sandra as my “babygirl” she will be 47 on Monday but in my head and heart she will forever be my babygirl.

She is often called Sandy she is the mother of two daughters and foster mother to two others, and she often has a fifth child at her place her eldest daughter’s boyfriend.

I think she is amazing, and our parents would be so proud of her for taking in Landon and Skylar who are our nephew Dawson’s half brother & sister.

 

A Walk In The Park, What Hodgpodge

 

Thursday is National Walk To A Park Day. I know these celebratory days are mostly made up, but some are fun to think about. Do you live close enough to a park to walk to one on Thursday? Will you? The most famous park in the world is Central Park located in NYC. Have you ever been to Central Park? What did you think? If you haven't been is this a place you'd like to see? 

I could walk to a park, well I used to be able to walk to a park, now days it is hard enough to walk to the top of the driveway. Nope I haven’t been to Central Park I am in a different country so not so easy. Do I want to see it nope.

Something you've done recently that turned out to be a 'walk in the park'? 

I have given this a bit of thought, and I can’t think of anything, everything is pretty much a struggle every day.

Can you parallel park? Do you have to do this often where you live? 

Yes, I could parallel park but didn’t do it very often

The colours of fall...red, brown, russet, golden bronze, golden yellow, purplish red, light tan, crimson, orange red, and scarlet. Are these colours you like to wear? Is this your season in terms of colour? What about your home? Would we see these tones in your home decorating? 

Well, I like shades of red and purple as well as shades of blue both to wear and wouldn’t mind such colours in my home.

What part of history do you find most interesting? Elaborate. 

I like all history but if I had to pick one part it would be World War two, why I don’t really know I am just interested in that time.

Insert your own random thought here.

Remember living is a privilege granted to us from God along with the privilege of the world being full of many beautiful things. We have a mind to learn, a voice to speak and a heart to love others with.  

 

A poetic hodgepodge or not

 

Hey, it's October...what's one fun thing on your October calendar? 

This year my husband and I are taking my sister Sue out for lunch so that.

Thursday is National Poetry Day (first Thursday in October) ...do you like to read poetry? If so, what's a favourite poem or whose poetry do you especially enjoy? 

Never been interested in poetry but there have been some I liked, can’t say what they were though.

Tell us about something you've seen recently that could be described as 'poetry in motion'. 

Sorry, nothing comes to mind

What's one song on your autumn playlist? Do you have an autumn playlist? If not, pretend you do. If yes, then feel free to share more than one. 

A couple of songs popped into my head when I read this, they are June as cold as December by the Everly Bros and Cold day in July by the Dixie Chicks.

Share a quote that inspires you this time of year especially. 

I can’t think of anything

Insert your own random thought here.  

My life is an open book, a wonderful book filled with memories of a pretty damn good life and each day something new happens that is stored in the book of my life.

 

A Warm or Cool Hodgepodge

 

It's officially fall y'all...in the northern hemisphere anyway. What are three of your favourite things about this particular season of the year?

What I like about autumn is that it isn’t hot nor is it too cold 

Your favourite fall fabric-denim, flannel, tweed, corduroy, tartan, polar fleece, leather? Do you own something made with your favourite fall fabric? 

I have always liked corduroy but don’t own anything made of it

According to Everyday Health here are ten healthy fall foods- apples (flavonoids may improve brain health), pears (for heart friendly fibre), cranberries (helps your body fight oxidative stress) winter squash (for eye health), pumpkin (another great source of Vitamin A), leeks (an anti-inflammatory food), brussel sprouts (full of fibre and anti-oxidants), sweet potatoes (loaded with Vit A and C), parsnips (keep your bones healthy with Vit K), and broccoli (may help prevent cancer). 

How many on the list do you eat on a regular basis? Which one is your favourite? Which one gets a big no thanks from you? 

At this stage of my life, I don’t eat any of them

Tell us about the last time (or a recent time) you experienced a wave of nostalgia?                                           

I think the closest time that I can recall would be Father’s Day just pass, while at the cemetery visiting my dad and the memories me and my siblings talked about

Sept. 22nd was National Daughter's Day. Like mother, like daughter...does this idiom ring true for you? You may answer in terms of your own role as a daughter or, if you have daughters, then your role as a mother of daughters.

Most definitely I am very much like my mother and eldest and youngest daughters a very much like me, mostly my youngest, my middle daughter is a female version of her dad.

Insert your own random thought here. 

A kind deed is like water for a flower, it can lift one’s heart and make others feel better

 

 

A bit about the name Jeannie

 

 MY SISTER JEANNIE WITH TWO OF HER GRANDCHILDREN HALLEY & LILLY 

Ok I have wrote about the name Susan as I have a sister with that name, well I also have a sister named Jeannie which means “God is gracious”.

It is also considered to be the feminine form of John or the French name Jean.

The name is also connected to the TV show I dream of Jeannie; in fact, my mum told me that I thought if the new baby was named Jeannie, she would have magical powers. I was also upset when she didn’t.

People named Jeannie resist being forced into change and can dig their heels in if they feel they are being forced to accept changes they are not prepared for.  

They like peaceful and settled conditions in a secure home where they are expected to make all the major decisions. They may find it difficult to stand their ground because of lack of confidence and not liking tense situations.

Their outward attitude may hide how they are really feeling. Girls name Jeannie has a deep inner strength that is often kept hidden from others. 

 

A bit of this and that hodgepodge

 

1. Something that's had you 'chuffed to bits' recently? 

Feeling like myself after years wandering around in a fog, shaking so much doing stuff was next to impossible.

2. Tell us about an instance recently where you were tempted to 'throw a wobbly' (expression used to describe tantrums thrown, usually by adults or people who should know better) 

When Tim was being an unreasonable, judgemental sod.

3. Something everyone seems to love but is not your 'cuppa tea'?

Most new TV shows, pick one any one and I bet I wouldn’t have seen it 

4. Fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding...which entree would you choose? Yes, you have to choose. 

Bangers and mash although we would call it snags and mash, call it what you will it is a good dish

5. Something you want for your birthday this year? 

A small train tattoo been wanting one since 2019

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Respect is a two-way street, that far too many mistake for a one-way street, my husband at times says our grandchildren don’t respect him but he has a habit of speaking in a disrespect tone himself, saying that one will go to hell, granted he only did that once while drunk, but it is something that the child cannot get over and doesn’t understand that. Saying he supports them but in the same sentence saying they are wrong and going against God. I am sorry but such behaviour doesn’t scream respect. Yes we should our elders but if they are not showing us respect, why should they receive it.

 

Scary or superstitious hodgepodge

 

When the Hodgepodge lands on September 11th I want to acknowledge that. Will you purposely pause to remember, pray, or attend any sort of ceremony on 9/11? Share any thoughts or memories you'd like to share about this day. 

Sadly, I honestly don’t give it much of a thought

                                                                My Nan & Pop

Growing up, did you spend a lot of time with your grandparents? What's something you learned from a grandparent? 

Yes, I did, well my maternal grandparents and my Nan taught me about caring for my skin so I wouldn’t end up with lots of wrinkles looking older than my age

What's your go-to breakfast? 

Toast with vegemite or honey

Tell us the story behind one of your favourite photos.     

                                                                      Me and Sam
                                                           

It was either my birthday or Christmas Day and my grandchild Sam who doesn’t like their photo taken agreed to have one taken with me and I love tat photo

This week Friday lands on the 13th. Are you superstitious in any way? Do you like scary movies, and if so what's your favourite? 

Nope I am not superstitious in any way shape or form and I do not like scary movies

Insert your own random thought here.

When you are feeling worn out and exhausted rest, if you need to  go to bed early do it, don’t stress over it, just do it 

 

Susan

 

Good morning world and good morning anyone named Susan this is the given name of one of my sisters it means Lily of the Valley.

People named Susan are practical and have an admirable work ethic but may not be very practical in daily life only at work.

To be called a Susan means you are a great person, you just may not realise how great, you may sell yourself short.

Susan’s who like to be called Sue are more hot headed and short tempered.

Working Hodgepodge or maybe not

 

Something you're working on currently?                    

Getting over feeling sick and being oh so tired

Tell us something about your first job? Was it a positive or negative experience for you? Did your parents insist you work while in school (either high school or college) or did you work because you wanted to? 

I was 18 and worked for 17 weeks as a typist in an office, I liked the job and I was good at I, it was a government program designed to give someone work experience.

Have you ever had a job that required overnight travel? How did you feel about that? Have you ever had a job that required you to wear a uniform? Do you work better in the morning or at night? 

The above-mentioned job is the only job I have ever had, although I have always considered being a mother and grandmother my job. I have always worked better in the morning

What's something you bake or cook that is labour intensive? Is it worth it?                                

I can’t think of a damn thing

One thing you're looking forward to in the month of September?            

My wedding anniversary been married 40yrs on the 22 September

Insert your own random thought here.

Live in the here and now and not the past, if something has happened and now is done with stop dragging it out and going over it again, it won’t change anything so leave it alone and move on. Stop saying things were better in the good old days, you are most likely to be looking at things through rose coloured glasses and things were not as good as you now think they were.

 

Is the hodgepodge a cliche

 

 What is one cliche you think is nonsense? What's one you think holds truth? 

I think so many cliches are nonsense and make no sense, been trying to think of one that holds water, but I can’t.

What's the last thing you broke and how did it happen? 

I haven’t broken anything in a very long time, in fact it’s been so long I can’t remember when the last was

 Are you a fan of s'mores? Have you had a s'more this summer? Last thing you ate that you wanted to ask for 's'more of'? 

I have never heard tried a s’more, they are not any Aussie thing

 A mode of transportation you've never tried. Will you someday? 

I have never ridden a motorbike and I never will

Believe it or not, next week's Hodgepodge lands in a brand-new month. What's your happiest memory from the month we're bidding adieu? 

August’s happiest memory would have to be one that hasn’t happened yet, as I am drawing a blank trying to think of one.

Insert your own random thought here.

Remember when life is full of struggles and everything seems so hard, that you are not alone, so many people struggle day after day, on the rollercoaster of life hanging on and hoping they will not go flying through the air landing in a broken heap.

 

It's Hodgepodge Day

 

What's the last thing you completely overreacted to? 

Overreact me? Well yeah, I do that, but I don’t remember when the last time was.

Your top five snacks? 

Chocolate, plain or chicken flavoured chips (crisps to some), caramel popcorn

 What smell always brings back some type of memory? Elaborate. 

I can’t think of a single smell, although many do bring up memories of my nan and mum, but I can’t think of what the smell is.

What's something you learned from the last book you read? 

I was going to say I haven’t read a book in ages but then realised that yesterday I was reading about the Battle of Milne Bay, so I learnt about that

 What's the next thing on your to-buy list? Will you make that purchase before the end of the year?                                 

A new steam mop and I hope to get one soon, the kitchen floor needs mopping.

Insert your own random thought here. 

Remember is someone in your family or someone you are close to cuts you off and no longer speaks to you and you don’t know why,  it is their loss more than yours.

 

My First Hodgepodge

 

1.What was the best (or one of the best) summers of your life? Tell us why. 

I can’t think of one summer being better then another

2. When you have a trip coming up do you make a list and check it twice to ensure you don't forget anything? Or are you a 'throw whatever you can think of into the suitcase at the last minute' kind of packer? When returning from a trip do you unpack immediately or leave the suitcase right where it lands? 

I am one to make a list and check things off as I pack and when I get home, I like to unpack within the first 24 hours.

3. What's your favourite food or beverage made with lemons? Is that a flavour you enjoy? 

Lemone meringue pie

4. When was the last time you had to make lemonade out of lemons, figuratively speaking I mean? 

Nope my brain is in neutral and not coming up with anything

5. Did you like school growing up? Why or why not? 

Nope didn’t like it just dragged myself their every day because I had to

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

May you always find positive things in life even if they are hiding, just keep looking and you should find.

 

Staying Warm

 

How do you stay warm on bloody cold days?

Do you like fleecy type clothes such as track pants, or maybe you like to wear thermal underwear, or maybe you just like to wear layers of clothes.

The last few years I didn’t feel the cold at all during winter, but this winter is different, I really feel it. In fact, I have days when it feels like I can’t get warm. However, I cannot wear fleecy track pants as I will overheat, so I wear a pair of pantyhose under my long pants. I also bought some winter socks which in past years I couldn’t stand such socks as they made my feet sweat.

I also cannot sleep in long clothes due to overheating, in fact I can’t remember ever wearing long clothes to bed during winter.

During the day I will wear a long sleeve singlet on really cold days under my top. I do have a pair of track pants that I wear out on cold days since most of my other pants and not nice enough to wear out in public.

Yes, we have a couple of heaters, small fan heaters, one in the bathroom, one in Tim’s office and one in the loungeroom. I just try not to use a heater if I don’t need to. Although I do turn the one in the bathroom on when I first get up to warm the room and if it is really cold, I turn the heater on in the loungeroom as well.

Cauliflower Trauma

 

Have you ever experienced a traumatic incident involving food that has left such a lasting impact that 46 years after the event you are still unable to eat anything involving said food?

I have, which would be obvious by this post, the food being cauliflower, I was 15 at the time and at the meal I tried a little bit of cauliflower and didn’t like it. So, I didn’t eat it but for whatever reason Dad went off his head, saying I had to eat it all. I was stubborn and wouldn’t eat what I didn’t like, Dad got madder and hit the table and in a raised voice told me I would sit there until it was finished.

Mum stayed out of it, but she would have spoken to Dad when he was a bit calmer. I sat at the table for around 30 minutes before Dad snapped at me to just go to my room.

After about an hour Dad came and knocked at my door, I was most likely reading, anyway he came and asked if we were still friends. This was something Dad always did after getting mad with any of his children. I said yes and we hugged, and he said I would not be expected to eat it ever, unless I wanted to.e

I have not eaten it to this day and I will not eat it, even thinking about it and writing this was distressing for me.

Boredom

 

Do you get bored?

Do you think the younger generation get bored too easily?

Most people find it odd that I don’t get bored, and I have no memory of ever getting bored, nor do I get lonely, and I like my own company.

Now I am not saying I have never been bored, I am sure I have at times, but it isn’t the norm for me and even as a child I never complained of being bored.

Liking one’s own company runs in my family as I know my sisters also like their own company as did my mother. Mum thought with her it had to do with the fact that as a child she spent a lot of her time alone as she lived with her grandmother for around 10yrs and it was just the two of them. She did have friends, but she did spend a lot of time alone reading.

As a teenager I didn’t have any out-of-school friends, I had friends I hung around with at school but not at home and spent most of my time reading or listening to music. Which may be why I am comfortable on my own.

I can always find something to do but I also enjoy doing nothing, just sitting and watching the traffic go by or sitting and people watching.

The youth of today seem to have a habit of expecting to be entertained and will complain they are bored, expecting someone else to fix their boredom. To me it doesn’t work that way if you feel bored find something to do, don’t expect me to fix your boredom.

Both Blain and Sam spent a lot of time in my care when little and yes, I played with them but not all the time or for hours on end. I left them to amuse themselves which they did, they never complained about being bored.