Meeting Tim

 

Way back in 1983, I decided on a whim to join an introduction agency also called a dating agency. This is how I meet Tim; he rang on the 7th June he rang and asked me out, he picked me up at 7pm on the 9th June.

So, we meet in my parents’ lounge room, our first date saw us going to Pizza Hut, then into Newcastle to the night club “Fanny’s”. I don’t remember much about that night.

What I do remember is that when he took me home, he told me he was going away to see a mate for the weekend and asked me to go with him, but I said no, as we had only just meet. He said he would ring me when he got back, then he left without kissing me.

I was worried I wouldn’t see him again, but he rang me on the Tuesday, neither of can remember what we did on our second date.

By September that year Tim had was arranging our Engagement party, he told me one day that he had invited some people to our engagement party, and I said you haven’t even asked me, he smiled and said but you will.

Our engagement party was held in November and doubled as my 21^st birthday party.

First May Hodgepodge

 

Here I am doing another hodgepodge which is brought to you by Joyce over at http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/

Here are this week’s questions.

My very first edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge was published on November 10, 2010 (linked here if you're curious). Tell us something about your life from that era.

Back then I was helping take care of my young grandsons a few days a week and loving it

 What's a song you love that relates to time in some way? 

18 till I die by Bryan Adams

May is nearly upon us. When did you last need to yell 'MAY DAY-MAY DAY!!'? 

Can’t remember ever yelling it

How do you feel about food trucks? Is this a dining experience you enjoy?  Do you have a favourite What's something you've ordered from a food truck? 

Don’t see food trucks around here

We're bidding farewell to April...what are three adjectives you might use to describe the month you're leaving behind. 

Mournful, Heartbroken, Sorrowful

Insert your own random thought here. 

When faced with a sad event that happens every year, like the anniversary of the death of a loved one, allow yourself to feel the sadness for a brief period, then find something to do to lighten your mood and make you laugh.

Getting to know me

 

Here are this week’s getting to know me questions and my answers. These questions are set by Kymber over at https://booomcha.com/

If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be and why?

What is one thing you wish you knew more about?

How do you handle failure?

Here are my answers.

An orange, simply because I really like oranges

History of course

By accepting that I stuffed up and move on and not dwell on it

A Hodgepodge Picnic

 

The Hodgepodge lands on National Picnic Day...will you celebrate? Do you enjoy picnics? Dining out of doors picnic or otherwise? What are three or four things I'd find in your picnic basket? 

I do not remember the last time I went on a picnic; it was a really long time ago and I have never really enjoyed eating outside. Things you would find in my picnic basket, salt & pepper, tomato & BBQ sauce, plates & cutlery.

A time recently where you felt 'antsy'? 

I can’t remember

As the saying goes...'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.'  Do you like lemonade? When did you recently need to make lemonade out of lemons, speaking figuratively?

Never made lemonade not even figuratively, because when life gives me lemons, I figuratively pick them up and throw them at stuff.

Recently five 'celebrities' made a brief (ll minute) foray into space aboard Jeff Bezos Blue Origin rocket. Did you hear about this? Your thoughts? If money were no object is this something you'd like to do someday? 

Yes, I heard about this and thought what a waste of money, so no not something I would do.

Favorite thing about the 'space' you're sitting in right now? 

Sitting here I can see the tv, out the front door, photos on the walls and feel the cool breeze

Insert your own random thought here.

In order to have a happy life you need a positive outlook more then a negative one, when you always look for the negative it is harder to find joy in anything. I am a positive person, and I am happy far more then I am sad.

Tuesday's Four

 

Have you ever raised chickens for fresh eggs or is the grocer your go to for them? Also, would the sound of a neighbour having them bother you? 

Never had chickens, get my eggs from the supermarket also don’t think I would be bothered if a neighbour had them.

How does the change in seasons effect you personally? Are you happier in some seasons, do allergies get to you, do you perk up or down due to weather?  

The change in seasons doesn’t bother me in any way what bothers me at times is going from a hot day to a cold day then a warm day, mix it up and repeat.

This week our youngest family member is in France.  She will see Paris, Provence, the Riviera, all very exciting for a young teen. Most of us don't ever do anything that big...but even the smallest things can have a big effect on us.  What experience do you think stands out most for you in your memory?

From my teenage years bugga all to be honest

What do you look forward to in each of the year's seasons?

Really the only season that I look forward is Summer that’s because I love Christmas. 

 

Easter

 

The following is an extract from Melody's blog you can read the whole post here:  https://www.melodyjacob.com/2025/04/how-to-celebrate-good-friday.html 

So, the meaning of Easter is that no matter what we're going through, we can have hope and peace because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. It means we are deeply loved and never alone in our struggles. This promise of peace is constant and forever – it's up to us to choose to accept it.

And the significance of Easter celebrations is rooted in this incredible story. Even some of the traditions we enjoy today have connections to the biblical Easter story. Hot cross buns, often eaten on Good Friday, have the cross on top symbolizing the cross Jesus died on, and the spices inside are said to represent those used to prepare his body for burial.

Even Easter eggs have a meaning! The hollow chocolate egg can remind us of the empty tomb after Jesus rose, and the solid egg shape can be like the stone that was rolled away. And those cute chocolate bunnies? They often represent new life, because the resurrection of Jesus offers new and everlasting life to everyone who believes in him.

Whatever Easter customs and traditions you might enjoy this year, we hope they remind you of the real meaning of Easter — which is Jesus’ love for you.

A Late Hodgepodge

Do you complete your own taxes? Besides actual taxes, what's something you've found taxing lately?

I personal do not need to do a tax return, but Tim does and some years he does his own other years he gets a tax agent to come here and do it.

 What are three values you treasure most in a friendship?

Understanding

Trust

Support  

Do you, meal plan or do you mostly wing it? Share your dinner menus for this week. 

When my girls were young, I would plan some weeks, other weeks I would just wing it. Now days since it is just me and Tim, so we just wing it, in fact we both just get ourselves something when hungry.

Thomas Sowell is credited as saying, ''There are no solutions, only trade-offs.' Agree or disagree? Discuss.

I disagree, of course there are solutions.

What's the best perk you've enjoyed at a job?

I have only been a mum and nan and that in itself is a perk.

Insert your own random thought here.

This week’s random thought is this quote.

“Find the time to read, to smell the flowers, to paint your dreams, to have coffee with a friend, to learn a new craft, to write a letter, to bake a surprise cake, to go somewhere special, to really be with the person you love, or even do nothing for awhile.” 

 

Getting to know me

 

Here are this week’s getting to know me questions and my answers.

If you could live a day as any type of animal, what would you choose and why?

What word do you still have trouble remembering how to spell?

If you had to do karaoke, what song would you choose, and would you sing alone or as a duet?

Here are my answers.

A magpie so I could swoop on those I don’t like

Liquorice and yes, I had to ask Google how to spell it

I would not partake as I sound like I am being murdered

A letter to my parents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello Mum & Dad

You know how much you both are missed by all in the family, it’s been 3 years, but it feels so much longer. I still go to ring you at times before remembering I can’t.

Tim has recovered from his accident and is back driving buses, he now drives for Port Stephens Coaches, and he is much happier there. He recently traded the Outlander in, so we now have a Mazza.

Kathy, Micheal and their girls and doing well the girls are both in the over achievers’ classes.

Tasha and Blain are doing well, Blain has a girlfriend Ta’lia who is living with him and Tasha, Tasha is doing a Tafe course in beauty, make-up and message.

Jessica and Leo are doing good, Jess is working as a security guard at the Uni. Leo has changed his name to Sam and is now a transgender girl, this doesn’t sit well with Tim as he feels it is un-natural and goes against the teachings in the Bible. He doesn’t understand how I can be supportive, but I just want Sam to be happy. Sam has a boyfriend named Bailey and is very happy at this stage and that is what matters to me.

I really wish I could talk to you about it all and get your feedback. I miss you so much, words cannot express the sorrow I feel.

Sue and I have become close the last couple of years, she is the one I can now talk to in place of you. When Sue and I are together we laugh so much, when we were children, I remember you saying that we were like twins born 7yrs apart.

You thought we were so much alike, and you were right we are very much alike.

I do not know how I would cope without Sue; she is the one I now talk to and has become my rock; I rely on her so much and she is always there for me.

You would be so proud of how she has pulled her life together unfortunately the only one of her children who is in her life that being Kirsty. The others are missing out and can not see how far she has came in the last couple of years.

Sandra and her kids are now living in a four-bedroom house and you, and dad would be so proud of her, she is devoted to all four children it isn’t easy and there have been struggles but she doing the best she can.

Dawson has grown so much; he now has his licence and another car. He missis you and dad so much and the last three years haven’t been easy for him. Although he has adjusted to living on his own. I know you would be proud of how far he has matured.

As far as I know Dave, Leigh and their girls are doing well. Dave is happy with working at the hospital and Leigh has done so well with her nursing career.

Jeannie and Peter are also doing okay, Jeannie suffered a broken hand last month but is now back at work. Peter is on a disability pension since he had two aneurysms burst in his brain, he still has three brain aneurysms and has to have regular MRI’s to check on them. I often think you and dad would have loved to attend Tom’s wedding, as I know how fond of Tom were both were. Samantha now has three children her son is Xavier who is now a year old.

Well mum I didn’t expect to write so much when I started this but as I wrote it felt like I was talking to you.

I love and miss you both.

Love from

 Jo-Anne

 

A Learning Hodgepodge

 

What's a lesson you've learned from a mistake? 

Not to wear thongs in wet weather unless I want to face plant the ground.

Do you salt food while you're cooking or let diners add their own?  What's a food you think must be salted? Do you like pepper? 

No, I don’t add salt while cooking, I can’t eat hot chips without salt, and I do not like pepper.

What was the last gathering you attended and what did you do there? 

That would be the siblings Christmas lunch at my brother’s place.

Your favourite shade of purple? What's your favorited purple flower? 

Mauve and either Lavender or Lilac

Share a favourite spring travel memory.

Can’t think of anything 

Insert your own random thought here. 

Grief isn’t something that one experiences then it goes away and depending on who one is grieving that may be the case but if your grief is over losing someone really close to you such as a parent, child, sibling or even a grandparent. The grief can last for the rest of your life, you learn to live with it but there are times when your grief will flare up and feel raw again. This is how it is for me during the month of April especially on the 12^th and the 21^st.

Getting to know me

 

Here are this week’s getting to know me questions and my answers.

What’s your favourite birthday dessert?

What is one thing you still have from when you were little?

What objects do you lose the most?

Here are my answers.

Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting

My red rocking horse who I have always called Red

My patience

My Dear Sister

 

                        

 

                           MY DEAR SISTER

My Life IS Beter Because You Part Of It

It is a rare gift to be able

to improve the lives of others

just by being yourself.

Time passes too quickly

and life can be hectic.

We often take things for granted

and fail to take the time

to appreciate the people around us

and what they bring to our lives.

I think we should let

the ones closet to us know

how much they mean

and how grateful we are for them,

so I want you to know.

I treasure you

and I am thankful I know

such a warm, kind-hearted soul.

You are considerate, selfless,

and generous in every way.

My life is better

Because you are part of it.

Lisa Rutherford

 

Am I a nerd

 

I recently did this nerd test and thought I would share the results.

Jock-Nerd/Prep-Goth Test

Jock-Nerd/Prep-Goth Test

Just remember that by clicking on the link, you are leaving the safety of my well-meaning site, and I can NOT guarantee that your computer won’t become hideously infected by a virtual virus OR your credit card details won’t be stolen in the night OR your soul will be crushed when you find out you’re not what you thought you would be.

You are tied between Goth and Prep, 41.8% Nerd, placing you in the True Nerd category.

True Nerds are highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about particular academic or technical subjects. Nerds are sometimes seen as being more interested in academics, technology, or other "nerdy" pursuits than in popular culture or mainstream social activities. Nerds often spend a lot of time and energy pursuing their interests, to the point where others can regard them as a bit obsessed with their hobbies.

 

A No Joking Hodgepodge

 

No foolin'! April is here. What's one fun thing on your April calendar? 

April is the month that my parents died in mum on the 12 and dad on the 21, so not a happy month for me.

It's often said, 'A fool and his money are soon parted'...what's the last thing you wasted money on? 

Had to give this some thought but I can’t think of a single thing as I am careful with money.

April 2nd is National DIY day. Are you a do-it yourself kind of person or maybe you're married to one? If so, what's the last thing you DIY-ed. If you're not a DIY-er what's the most recent job you had to hire someone to complete? 

Nope I don’t do any DIY, I leave that to Tim.

Do you eat lamb? If so do you have a favourite dish that calls for lamb? 

Of course I eat lamb, lamb is popular in Australia, I love a lamb roast.

Do you fit a stereotype in some way? Explain.

No, I don’t think I am 

Insert your own random thought here. 

I know many may disagree, but I do not understand the point of April Fools Day, maybe it is because often the so-called jokes and pranks are not funny in my opinion. Some are degrading and embarrassing to object of the joke.

 

Tuesday's 4

 

 Oh well... Let's talk about Moms and Wives and other unpaid domestic servants.

Have you ever found yourself in the same position as this lady?  How did you feel about it?

Of course I have most women have, I was frustrated and somewhat pissed off

 Women do the cooking, the cleaning up and the organizing while the rest of the family reap the rewards of that. is it fair?  

Nope not fair but many women feel that if they want tasks done right (i.e. their way) then they have to do it themselves.

 Vacations at air b&bs or rental homes often mean Mom does all the work.  What kind of holiday or vacation would be most restful for you?

A cruise so the is no cooking or cleaning

 In Proverbs 31, the wife is married to a very prominent man in town.  She runs the house, has a cottage industry, owns vineyards on her own and buys and sells real estate.   

What kind of woman are you? Do you hold a job. do you do the housework. do you find rewards in service to others or do you find it can be wearing on you or perhaps a little bit of both.

I have never had a job my job was being a wife and mother and later grandmother, and I have always loved looking after others

What earthly rewards do you get out of the life you are living?

The usually things, nice food, nice clothes and a nice house