Sounds Like the Hodgepodge

 

Joyce asks the questions, and we provide the answers. See how others answered at From This Side of the Pond.

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston SC and the 'historic triangle' which includes Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown Virginia. 

Of the cities listed how many have you seen in person? Of the cities listed which would you most like to visit this year? Any plans to do so? What's one place in America you think everyone should see? If you're not American what's one place in the US you'd like to see? 

I've been to all of them. Well, Philly was only at the airport so I'm not sure if that really counts. I'd like to spend some time in Philadelphia; apparently, there's an awful lot (both historical and religious sites) to see. I have no plans, though. When we lived in SC, we went to Charleston a few times and CH & I camped just outside of the city. It is one of my favorite places in the South.

I think Boston & DC are a toss-up as to what every US Citizen should see. I wish I had visited Boston before I did (in 2024); definitely a place I want to return to.

2. Three sounds you love to hear? 

Baby belly laughs, the bells during Mass, Silence.

3. Three sounds you hate to hear? 

Tires squealing (followed by a crash), animals in pain, and a civil defense siren. 

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips? 

I enjoy some tortilla chips. With salsa and sour cream, please! I really like nachos with everything...chicken or ground beef (or steak), queso, beans, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile? 

Getting my taxes done. I know that's a weird thing to put a smile on my face, but just having the appointment is a load off of me!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

To continue #5: The lady who was my tax preparer retired; I put off trying to find someone else. 1 of my brothers recommended this new person to me, so I'm sure she'll do a good job. I'm praying I don't have to pay as much as I did last year. It was tough going through the transition of filing married to single. Live & learn! Hopefully, I adjusted things well enough to not have a huge surprise! 

Friday Fotos 2026: #3

 

Friday Fotos is a post where I can dump some photos from the previous week. The goal is to make me more aware of the beauty and fun in my everyday life. I missed last week because I didn't take any pictures worth mentioning.

It's been warm so the flowers are waking up in the park. This was the first bloom I saw in the woods.

The Lenten Roses are blooming right on cue!

Girl Dog enjoyed the sunshine on the porch

The altar just before Ash Wednesday Mass

Thanks for taking the time to see what I saw beauty in this week!

Pancakes & Ashes Hodgepodge

 

Joyce asks the questions, and we provide the answers. See how others answered at From This Side of the Pond.

1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season? 

Of course I do! I'll be going to Mass to receive my ashes. I'm over the age that the Church requires for fasting, but we're to do something extra on that day as a replacement. Last year, I gave up Amazon (and saved a lot of money), so I'm planning on doing that as well plus social media. I have a couple of different things I'm doing this Lent: a book study through the Abiding Together Podcast, journaling daily with Crux, and doing the Stations of the Cross at the outside Stations at my church on Fridays at 3:00. The parish does Stations but I find that I get more out of it if I do it by myself at the outside Stations. 

2. Pancakes...are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on your menu this week? 

I love pancakes with syrup! I'm good with just plain, but I'll usually spread some peanut butter and maybe some Nutella. Fat Tuesday=pancakes. I'm planning on making "Danish pancakes", which are crepes with bananas, peanut butter, and Nutella in the middle.

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt 'spread too thin'. 

Oh, gosh! I don't know that there's been a time recently. That's the nice thing about being retired...no pressure!

4. What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors? 

I'm not much into jewelry, so I don't have a favorite jewel or gemstone. I think more neutral colors are in my closet.

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge?

In charge of what? Right now, I'm finding it stinks to be responsible for my house. I've handed over the responsibility of my boys to them since they're grown men.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I think I have a problem:

But, I guess there could be worse problems to have!