Sunrise and Hodgepodge

Linking to Rurality

1. We celebrate Veteran's Day in the US of A on November 11th. When did you last interact with a member of the armed forces (either currently serving or retired)? Have you ever written a letter to a soldier, bought a meal or coffee for a solider, said an unprompted thank you to a soldier you encountered out and about somewhere? If you're not in the US, comment on a similar holiday in your own country.

I do write letters to soldiers during the Christmas season. I saw one of my relatives yesterday and thanked him for his service. I see my husband every day. My father's brother was killed in France the day after the Normandy invasion. We are a family filled with veterans.

2. You can have fifty pounds of anything at all (except money)...what would you choose?

A black or chocolate lab.

3. When did you last receive an invitation in the 'real' mail? What was it for and did you attend? When it comes to RSVP-ing, are you an 'early responder' or a 'last minute, barely-under-the-wire' kind of guest?

Last year. It was an invitation to graduation. I'm always early responding. I know what it's like waiting for those last minute people. 

4. What's something you really don't like to waste?

Toothpaste. Must squeeze that tube until the very last drop is used.

5. Cheers, Friends, MASH, Seinfeld...of the ones listed, your favorite long-running sitcom?

Friends. I didn't watch any of the others. I know. I know. Unamerican! 

6. What decision are you glad you made?

After Willie crossed the rainbow bridge, we decided not to get another dog. And then we changed our minds. Thus Fergus.

7. In this month of 'Thanksgiving' what is one thing that's different today than it was a year ago that you're grateful for?

There hasn't been much change in our lives since last year, so I'm going to say I'm grateful we are all still healthy.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Okay, so much about dogs in this post. But Saturday, that would be three days away, we are getting Findley. Findley and Fergus have the same mother, but different fathers. Fergus lost his dad before he was born. Findley's dad is of unknown origin. Seems Mom, a Border Collie, had a one night stand. They think the perpetrator was a wire haired terrior. I haven't seen Findley, but I hear he has a beard and mustache. I can't wait to meet him. Yes, I'm getting him sight unseen. We do know he is black and white like Fergus.

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge

It's time for Wednesday Hodgepodge. Below are my answers.

1. My hubs spent last weekend pheasant hunting. Are there hunters in your family? If so, what do they hunt? Which of the following have you tasted-pheasant, rabbit, venison, duck, goose? Which of those would you most like to taste, or be mostwilling to taste?

JD is a deer hunter. We have venison in the freezer. We use some of it in place of hamburger, like in chili. I've had pheasant and duck at restaurants. My brother and I used to go rabbit hunting. Well, he hunted, I followed behind. I don't remember how it tasted, but we ate it so it must have been good.

Vegetarians keep calm and Hodgepodge on.

2. What high spot have you visited that gave you a wonderful 'bird's eye view' of something below?

The Grand Canyon. Impressive but scary.

3.  Do you have any birds in your home? These could be either real live pets or decorative, as in bird prints, knickknacks, fabric or pottery.

Sadly, yes. Not real birds. Hubs has these carvings of ducks and an eagle. They do not go with my decor, but I put up with them.

4. Tell about a time you 'killed two birds with one stone'?

My mind is blank.

5. Your favorite song with a bird in it's title?

Rockin' Robin by Bobby Day 

6. What most recently gave you goose bumps?

JD was working the late shift and I was home alone. Fergus, who rarely barks, starting barking his mean bark and staring at the back door. I'm not sure what he heard, there wasn't anything out there, but scared me. 
7. Halloween is this Friday...any plans? Did you trick or treat as a child? Carve pumpkins? Share your most memorable costume.

I used to love staying home and handing out candy to the little ghosts and goblins, now they have trunk-or-treat around our town square. I think it is a great idea, much safer for the kids, but I miss the old fashioned way. My favorite costume? I once dressed up as Alice Cooper.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Fergus is a little over a year old now. Every time a dog walks by he gets in the window and cries. So, we have been thinking of getting him a friend. Then we heard Fergus' mother had a trist with some unknown manly dog. Seems the unidentified father was probably a wire haired terrior. We will be bringing Findley home in a couple of weeks. Can't wait. I hope the boys get along.

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

A Wren and a Hodge Podge

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday


And now on to some Hodge Podge

1. Are the leaves turning color where you live? Have they begun to fall? Will you have to rake when it's all said and done? Is that a chore you love or loathe?

The leaves are starting to fall here, but I love the red leaves and we don't have very many of those around here. I have a tree in the back that is the last to get leaves in the spring, but first to lose them. It is half empty now. We don't rake leaves. Hubs bags them with the mower. Lots easier for us old folks.

2. When did you last shake like a leaf?

A few months ago when a drunk tried to shoulder his way into our house. My teeth were chattering and I was shaking like a leaf. He was fined and put on 12 months probation, plus he had to pay restitution for the damage to our doors. It doesn't feel like enough to make up for the scare, but I guess it isn't a hanging offense.

3. After 20 seasons with the NY Yankees, Derek Jeter played his last official game Sunday afternoon. Jeter has been described even by opponents as a 'class act', both on and off the field. The NFL is back in action this month too, with several players in that sport also making headlines. What are your thoughts on athletes as role models? Should a professional athlete be expected to act as role model or is that going beyond their job description? What responsibility do the organizations these athletes work for have when it comes to dealing with off the field behavior? Discuss.

I'm always hearing celebrities say they are not role models, but it is my opinion they are whether they like it or not. Especially in sports. Young people look up to athletes and want to be like them. They follow their every move and action. So, yes, they should act like a role model whether they like it or not. They should be held to a higher standard—famous not infamous.

4. What season of the year is toughest for you in terms of your health? Why?

Summer. I like to walk to work for the exercise, but in the summer I get too hot and sweaty. Right now is perfect walking weather.

5. The top six healthy food trends of 2014 according to Eating Well are-

clean eating (more veg, less meat, less sodium, limit alcohol and processed foods)
trash fish (you know those fish that get caught in fishermen nets and are thrown back? It seems chefs are finding creative ways to make them more appetizing)
cauliflower (this year's IT vegetable)
kaniwa (essentially baby quinoa, so like quinoa only smaller)
fermentation (think pickling except with twists on flavor we're not accustomed to)
community supported food (farms operating with community support/membership). 

Okay-so how many of the hot healthy food trends for 2014 have you experienced, encountered, enjoyed? Any you've tried and said ewwww? Any on the list you'd liketo try before year's end?

I'm not a seafood lover. I like shrimp, but that's about it so I'll pass on the trash fish. Love cauliflower and have been experimenting with making it in other ways other than steaming. Not sure what kaniwa is, but doubt our local small town USA grocer does either. We have lots of pickles JD has canned himself. Bread and butter is my favorite. We try to practice clean eating, but sometimes get sidetracked. 

6. In seven words or less, bid September adieu.

Goodbye. I will miss your great weather.

7. What's something on your October calendar that makes you happy just thinking about it?

Sonny Boy and Handsome Lad are coming for a visit during Handsome Lad's fall break, so you won't see me on here much that week! 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Last Friday night the oldest Punk had her first date for Homecoming. She didn't wait for him to ask her, she asked him with a piece of candy wrapped up in a note and tucked in his clarinet case. The note said something about how it would be sweet if he would be her homecoming date. He tucked an acceptance note in her clarinet case. I don't know what it said. I wish I could post their picture, but sadly Punky Doodle won't allow it, but I can post a picture of her wrist corsage.

Missy Punk is the one in the periwinkle dress. She looked beautiful. I can't believe she is a young lady already. I still think of her as this...

....little girl helping her grandma make cupcakes.

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Wild Hodge Podge

I'm not sure these ducks and chickens would be considered wild since they are domesticated critters. But in my opinion they are wild since they won't let you catch them.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday



1. I'm celebrating a birthday this week so a question relating to aging feels appropriate. Douglas MacArthur is quoted as saying, 'You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair." Would you agree? If not why not?

I agree. In order to stay young one must have a positive outlook. We all need something to look forward to. Without a dream, no matter how large or small, what is there? 

2. What remarkable feat, interesting piece of trivia, or historical event occurred on your birth day and month? Not necessarily in your birthyear, just the same date/same month.

May 6, 1961 - George Clooney was born. 'nough said! 

3. Describe a time or circumstance where you wanted to 'have your cake and eat it too.'

The mind is blank!

4. What's something you do that makes you feel young? Something that makes you feel old?

Young - dancing. Old - taking a nap.

5. When did you last do something that was 'a piece of cake'?

Hooked up my new printer. It was surprisingly easy.

6.  Beef, wine, and cheese all improve with age. What's something else you'd add to that list? (not necessarily food or beverage) 

Knowledge. I always say if I could be 16 again I would, but only if I could remember what I know now.

7. If I were to have a giveaway when we hit Volume 200, what should I give away? By my calculations we'll hit Volume 200 on November 26th, the day before Thanksgiving, which means whoever wins would have whatever it is in time for Christmas.  

One of your pictures—framed.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I'm glad to see Wednesday. Should be a catch up day for me at work. Plus Camera Club is tonight. If anyone wants to join a camera club, but doesn't have one close to you, we have contests on our Facebook page. CumberlandCounty CameraClub the next assignment is 'shadows'. There are no prizes, so you won't get rich, but it is fun.


Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Wednesday Hodge Podge

1. On Thursday we pause to remember a dark day in history-9/11. Will you mark it in some special way?

I will remember with a heavy heart, say a prayer for the deceased and their families and a prayer of thanks for the life of my good friend who worked in one of the towers but is alive and well today. It will also be a day of celebration. It is Punky Doodle's birthday. 

2. Do you ever/still...listen to an actual radio? Watch a videotape (VCR)? Look up a number in a phonebook? Refer to a paper map while traveling? Set an alarm on an alarm clock as opposed to your phone?

I often go to work early, before anyone else is there. There are often unexplainable noises, so I put in my earbuds and listen to the radio. Occasionally I still record shows on the old VCR. I didn't realize how poor the quality was until we got one of those new fangled tvs. I looked up a phone number in the phone book yesterday, although it has probably been over a year since I looked inside one. I always take a paper map with me when traveling, just in case Gertie (our GPS) gets lost as she has done a couple of times. I also set an alarm clock every night. Of course I don't trust it, so also set the alarm on my phone.

3.  Is it ever a good idea to discuss religion or politics with people you don't know?

My opinion, NEVER! I don't even like to discuss religion and politics with people I do know. It can cause bad feelings.

4. What's a dish you haven't eaten all summer, but come September find yourself craving? Have you made it yet this month?

Chili. Haven't made it yet, but it's supposed to be chilly Saturday, which would probably be a good day to make Chili.

5. What's something you know nothing about?

Gosh, can't think of a thing. Which doesn't mean I know something about everything. It merely means my mind has gone blank. 

6. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like classical music? If so, what's your favorite piece?

I used to go to the symphony occasionally when I lived in the city.  Love classical music specifically played on the piano. I can't decide on one piece, but I like the up tempo Rondo alla Turca by Mozart and Hungarian Dance by Brahms. Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven is high among my favorites. But my all time favorite is Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke,played on the trumpet, of course. I'll always think of Punky Doodle walking down the aisle when I hear it.

7. What's the oldest thing you own?

My house. It was built in 1925. No, wait. I have a pocket watch my paternal grandfather gave to my grandmother as a wedding gift in 1906. It doesn't work, but it is beautiful. Reminds me of black hills gold. I'll post a picture for Rubbish Tuesday one of these weeks.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

It's Wednesday, my second favorite day of the week. My favorite is Saturday. Wednesday because I have lots of work on Monday and Tuesday and this is a catch up day. Saturday because I don't have to go to work and I don't have to go to work the next day either. However, after taking these pics of the golfinch out back I see one of my Saturdays needs to be spent power washing the fence!

Our sunflowers were all looking at the ground, so hubs cut them off and placed them on the fence for the birds to have easy access.  They seem to like them there, but my only option is to take pics through the door glass. If I open the door, they are gone!



Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

and Wild Bird Wednesday

It's Wednesday!

Mr. Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday



1. As August draws to a close, share what's been your favorite weekend of the entire summer?

It would have to be one of the weekends I spent with Punky Doodle and the Punks. The dance recital one weekend and on another a trip out to the sunflower fields. Fun! 

2. Labor Day is marked in the US of A on Monday, September 1st.  What paying job have you held that you've loved the most? Liked the least? 

The job I have now is my favorite. Not the best paying, but the best as far as being interesting and enjoying the people I work with. My least favorite job was the summer after I graduated high school. I worked 2 1/2 days at the bra factory. I had to spend all day long sewing halves of bra cups together. I couldn't make myself go back after lunch on that third day!

3. Does the new school year start before or after Labor Day where you live? When do you think it should begin? There is much discussion now about older students having later start times to their school day...your thoughts?

I don't pay much attention to when school starts around here since I don't have a horse in the race. I do know I have been seeing school buses the last week or so, so I'm saying before Labor Day. I don't really have an opinion re the start times. My first thought would be no to the later start. I think it would only encourage teens to stay up even later.

4. What's something you've worked at recently that could be deemed a 'labor of love'?

JD wrote a short story about our meeting before we were married. Last year I had it bound and gave it to him as an anniversary present. But that wasn't labor intensive. Each year I put together a picture book containing pictures of family, friends, and stuff. It's my Christmas present to my kids. It is time consuming. I don't think the two words, labor and love, work well together, the things we do for love shouldn't be work. 

5.Which of the following work idioms can you most relate to right now...'A woman's work is never done.', 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' 'Many hands make light work.'

I pick 'a woman's work is never done'. Seems like that's all I do these days. Work at work and work at home. Too much to do, too little time.

6. Crab or lobster or thanks, but no thanks? Favorite way to have your choice prepared?

I like lobster, but it's hard to find here in middle-of-nowhere Illinois. So, I pick crab. My favorite way to eat crab would be Crab Rangoon. I'm not a fan of oriental food after living for a few years behind a Taiwanese restaurant, but love those!

7. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, 'Three rules of work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.' Which of the three do you consider to be the most important? Share one of your own 'rules of work'.

"Out of clutter find simplicity" Disorder on my desk causes stress. I like to have all my work finished by days end. Yeah, right. That's impossible. So, I try to organize and prioritize. I do the things I dread most—first.

My rule: When you pick up a file or start a project, do everything you can possibly do before you send it back to file or call it done. Saves time in the longrun. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Saturday evening, our air conditioning unit decided to take a break. It was the hottest weekend of the year. Bob got to work on Sunday. Fergus and I sat in front of the fan sipping ice water and panting together. The repairman was out first thing Monday morning and it is now working fine. 

Saturday, before the a/c went out, I canned tomatoes. It's the first time I've used a pressure canner. 

  

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

A Bird and More Podge

Another female red-winged blackbird.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday


And now on to Wednesday Hodgepodge...

1. The best part of waking up is Folger's in your cup! Black silk that is! And speaking of coffee. I ran Mr. Coffee's cleaning cycle twice last evening and it worked fine this morning. I think we need to invest in a water softener. 

2.  Given a choice, which animal interaction would you most like to experience (or for those non-adventurers...which would you dislike the least?)- Swim with the dolphins at one of several locations in the Florida Keys, a lion encounter ten minutes from Victoria Falls (Africa), or a day at a remote base camp high in the Big Sur wilderness via the Ventana Wildlife Society helping track California condors?

I'm not a good swimmer and the thought of being eaten by a lion isn't my cup of tea either, but tracking condors would be right up my alley!

3. What is something you fear about 'old age'? What is something you look forward to?

I fear the possibility of dimentia, not being unable to care for myself, and becoming a burden to my family. I look forward to retirement.

4. Hot sauce...are you a fan? If you answered yes, what's something you make/eat that must have hot sauce? On a scale of 1-10 how hot is too hot?

I'm a fan! I like hot sauce on a lot of things, but especially scrambled eggs. I'm good at around 8. Any hotter and I'm ready for a glass of milk.

5. It's been said that children learn what they live. What do you think children learn at your house?

That you can have fun without computer games. 

6. What's your favorite movie with a number in it's title?

The Sixth Sense. It scared me and I don't scare easily in movies.

7. Saturday (August 16th) is National Tell a Joke Day...share one here.


Q: "What's the difference between a guitar and a fish?" 
A: "You can't tuna fish." 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Bro O has always tried new varieties of plants in his garden. This year he has grown what is called a 'peach tomato'.

Garden Peach Tomatoes are native South American fruit. It is a small, bright yellow fruit with the globe shape of a tomato. In addition to the yellow color, it has a slight pink mottling when very ripe. It also has fuzzy skin. If you enlarge the photo you can see the fuzz. It does actually resemble a peach. 

Plus it's good for you as it is rich in iron and vitamin B5. Apparently it also helps lower cholesteral.

I can't quite end my random thoughts without saying how sad it is to lose Robin Williams. I don't understand depression of that magnitude and hopefully never will. His struggle is over now. He is at peace and I'm sure in a happier place. R.I.P.

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Owl Podge

This isn't a new picture. It is from a little over a year ago and I have posted it before. But, I'm running out of bad bird pics so dragged this pic out of the archives. Mr. Barred Owl. My pride and joy.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday

1. What would you say is the key to success?


Hard work and determination. 

2. Have you ever been to the Florida Keys? Any desire to visit that part of the US of A?


 I have never been to the keys. The farthest south I've been was Miami Beach. I would like to go, but I don't like bridges.

3. When and where did you last see a real live donkey? Monkey? Turkey?


 I haven't seen a monkey since I last visited my Grands. Oh, you mean a REAL monkey. That was about 2 years ago at the zoo. I saw wild turkeys this past spring and I see a donkey at least once a week when I drive one of the back roads.

4. An old Portuguese proverb says, 'Beware of the door with too many keys.' What do you think this means? Share an example of how this has proven true or false in your own life. 
 
I think this proverb refers to secrets. If you tell one person, that person might tell another, and so on and so on.  Sadly, I work with someone who comes into the office and appears to be your best buddy. Anything and everything you might say, is repeated and spread all around the county. So, if you don't want the door open, don't give out the keys.
 
5. Besides your home, vehicle, and special jewelry, what is something you keep under lock and key?


I can't think of anything other than the things mentioned. When I was young, I kept a diary which was always locked to try to prevent Bro O from reading my private thoughts. Of course, he could unlock it with a hairpin, so my private thoughts were no longer private. Lesson learned—never write anything down you don't want someone else to read.

6. When did you last get keyed up about something?



I read the definition of 'keyed-up' in the slang dictionary.  I wasn't sure if it was a good thing as in excited or a bad thing as in stressed. Seems more like a bad thing since the definition is anxious, nervous, queasy, uneasy, unquiet. The last time I was so nervous I was queasy was when JD and I got married. Coming up on 7 years ago. I had been single for 27 years. Big change!

7. Who thinks we need an easy one right about now?  Key lime pie...yes please or no thank you?


Yes please.

8. Insert your own random thought here.  

I think I have some sort of malware or virus that is messing with google chrome. It won't load and when it does it is very slow. so, I switched to firefox and it is basically doing the same thing. I have internet explorer 11, which is not compatible with blogger. Ugh! I hate computer problems. I've run scans but it never finds anything. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm up for listening.


Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Hodge Podge and a Bird or Two

1. "Summer is like childhood. It's full of warm memories and gone too soon."~Kellie Elmore  Agree or disagree? Share something you loved about the summers of your childhood.

Summer always seems to slip away too soon. I love summer, despite the heat. I would rather be hot than cold any day. Cold hurts. Before air conditioning, a glass of lemonade and a shade tree made the heat tolerable. My brother and I also went wading in a creek near our house, oftentimes having water fights to cool off. But my all time favorite thing to do in the summer was ride my bike to the library. I would bring my book home, find a nice grassy spot under a tree, and read the afternoon away.

2. Are you a fan of auto racing-NASCAR, Indy, Stock, Grand Prix, etc? Ever been to a race in person? Any desire to do this?  Do you know a lot about cars? Do you notice particular makes and models when you're out and about?

I grew up with an older brother. He liked cars and racing. I remember listening to the Indianpolis 500 on the radio every year. When my brother was in high school, he was on a pit crew for a friend of his at the local stock car track. We also had a drag strip where some of our friends would race their cars. Other than a movie theatre to go to on Saturday night, going to the races was the thing to do on the weekends. Now I follow Nascar. JD is a Jimmie Johnson fan. I root for Rowdy Bush. JD doesn't like Rowdy so we have some fun banter during races. I have never been to a Nascar race, but we talk about going to our favorite track in Bristol, TN. One day maybe we will go.

3. What's something you think is too serious to be joked about? Or do you think anything and everything is fair game?

I think health issues. Ones health should be taken seriously.

4. July 29th is National Lasagna Day. Are you a fan? Do you have a great recipe, and if so where did it come from? If given a choice would you choose a plate of lasagna or a plate of spaghetti?

JD cooks most of our meals. He likes to cook. I think instead of a teacher he should have been a chef. He is full on German, born and raised in Pennsylvania, but lived most of his adult life in Upstate New York in a city filled with Italians. He loves Italian food, so spaghetti is served a lot in this house. I'm not a big fan of spaghetti. As a matter of fact I can hardly face it any more. But being the nice person I am, I don't complain. So, my pick would be lasagna. I would much prefer a plate of chicken alfredo, though.

5. What's a simple pleasure you'd miss if it were not a regular part of your life?

Hanging out on our screened in porch with a good book and a bottle of wine.

6. If you could be the CEO of any company, which would you choose?

I would choose not to be. I prefer a job where I don't dread going to work. So, I would forgo the heavy duty paycheck.

7. August is just around the bend...bid farewell to July in exactly seven words.

Too much sadness, glad it is over.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I share a love of reading with a couple of attorneys who come in the office frequently. We seem to like the same type of books and share our favorites. Ms. KB came in yesterday raving about The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel, which is  a true story about the wives of the Mercury Seven astronauts. A new TV Series on ABC to air this fall is based on this book. I grew up during a time when the TV was on in the gym at school so we could all watch the Apollo missions take off from Cape Canaveral. I'm looking forward to reading the book and watching the series. Has anyone read anything good recently?

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Another shot of SIL's sunflowers. I can't get enough of seeing these guys!

While standing in SIL's yard talking, I heard Mr. Oriole singing, so turned around and zoomed in as much as possible. Wish I could get closer!

After Anni's comment, I dug out my bird book and agree with her that it is a Scarlet Tanager. Now I'm even happier with my really bad shot. :)

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday

Birds and Blabber

Hey there beautiful. You have the most gorgeous eyes. How about a dance?

That's a tired line. If that's all you got, No thanks!

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday


1. The month of July was named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. He's quoted as saying, 'Experience is the teacher of all things." So what has experience taught you lately? 

I hope this post doesn't turn maudlin. Lately, I'm remembering to appreciate my friends and loved ones more. You never know when you say goodbye whether or not that will be the last time you see them or not. The last time our boss walked out the door, we didn't say anything more than see you tomorrow. But we didn't.

2. Where did you last 'roam'?

Roam, ramble - Down The River Road looking for birds and old things to photograph.

3. Speaking of 'Rome'...pizza, pasta, gelato...you can only pick one, which would you choose?

One of my grandsons is a very picky eater. His favorite food is pizza. I'm burned out. Hubs cooks way too much spaghetti. I'm burned out. So, would have to go for gelato! We had a gelato store near where we lived in Dallas. Yum! Love the taste and the smooth texture.

4. 'Rome wasn't built in a day', 'All roads lead to Rome', 'When in Rome...' which 'Roman' idiom have you most recently encountered? Explain.

'Rome wasn't built in a day' is my life right now. There was no cross training with the Circuit Clerk's duties. I'm struggling to figure out how to do the things she did with ease on a daily basis. I'm trying to be patient with myself and remember it will take me time to become familiar with all my new duties.

5. What's a movie you've seen or a book you've read, that makes you want to book a trip to Italy?

The only movie I can think of is Under the Tuscan Sun. I didn't like the movie, but the scenery was beautiful.

6.  Walt's original Disneyland opened almost sixty years ago, on July 17, 1955  Have you ever been to the California park? How about any of the other Disney parks around the world? What's your favorite amusement park ride or attraction?

I've never been to any of the Disney theme parks, but my favorite rides are roller coasters. Love them!

7. It's that time of year...when were you last bitten or stung?

Sunday evening at the garden. The next day I discovered a very itchy chigger bite behind my right knee.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

My friend is on my mind today, tonight is her memorial service. But I'm also thinking ahead to the weekend. I will be hanging out with the grands while their mom and dad go to a concert. There is no better cure for the blues than a few kid hugs!

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge