Hodgepodge Volume 194

More good questions from Joyce. Here are my answers to the questions for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back over to Joyce at From This Side of the Pond to share answers and add your link to the party...see you there!

1. What's your favorite time of day? Why?

5:00 to 7:30 am. Waking up to a new day! That first cup of coffee! The morning is peaceful and undisturbed (well ... at least the majority of the time.) It has been my dedicated time for many years to devotions, Bible study, making plans for the day, and then on to breakfast time with my favorite husband!

2. Waffle iron, toaster, coffee maker, mixer, blender...which small appliance would you say most needs replacing in your house?

"Everything's up to date in Kansas City." :-) (You know I'm really not in Kansas City - I just always thought that was a fun song to sing!)

My Oster blender is old, but still works better than any of the new ones I tried to replace it with, only to return because they aren't as good.
The Belgian waffle maker makes the best waffles, the toaster is in good shape, Keurig is wonderful, BUT I guess maybe if somebody were to surprise me with a really nice mixer, I wouldn't turn it away. I'm just not ready to spring for a big mixer. My hand mixer is sufficient for what I do.

3. It's National Grouch Day (October 15)...what's something that makes you feel grouchy?

I'm not one to be grouchy, but when I have something in my eye, it seems to require my full attention and the longer it irritates, the grouchier I become. It was especially troublesome during the years I wore contact lenses.

4. Ever been to Canada? Is that a country you'd like to visit? According to Trip Advisor, the top ten best destinations in Canada are-Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Victoria, Calgary, Niagara on the Lake, Niagara Falls, Whistler, and Halifax. Which city would you most like to see?

We've been to Vancouver, Toronto, Victoria, Halifax and Niagara Falls. Victoria and Niagara Falls were my favorites ... both beautiful places to visit. I've heard good things about Quebec and the architecture there, so I might like to visit someday, but since Calgary is on the tour for the Royal Canadian Railroad and visiting Lake Louise, I think that would be my first choice. That trip is on our bucket list, for sure.

With my sister and DH in front of
(I'm guessing) the river from Niagara Falls.

5. What was your favorite food (or one of your favorites) when you were a child? Is that still a favorite?

Pinto beans and cornbread, covered with cottage cheese and ketchup and fried potatoes on the side. It is still one of my favorite comfort foods with the addition of fresh tomatoes. (I hope the description of this favorite for me didn't gross anybody out! I realize it sounds a little strange.)

6. Do you cry easily?

Not as much as I used to. I've hardened my heart to things I recognize are purposely designed to manipulate me to tears - some overly gushy, sentimental types of movies for instance. I cry easily when someone is sharing an especially moving story, or at someone else's hurt, and I've cried over mistakes I've made. I cry sometimes when I'm reading the Bible in front of a group or to my husband.

When I was 13 years old, my family was at the funeral services of a beloved friend. As the minister was telling us about the deceased's last moments, it wrenched my heart and I began sobbing over his vision of seeing and hearing angels waiting for him. Unfortunately, as I looked down at my handkerchief and the front of my lovely white blouse, I realized my nose was gushing with blood and had to leave. I decided then and there with strong resolve that I would avoid crying in public forever!

7. Have you started your (gasp!) Christmas shopping? If so when, and how much? If not, when will you even begin thinking about it?

No! No! No! I am thinking about it now, but the first action I take will be sometime around the middle of November. Panic will set in around the first of December, and then by mid-December, I will be frantic and in the process of spending way too much money, defending all of the spending with husband, and feeling regret that I didn't start shopping in August.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My random thought at this moment is to say thank you, Joyce, for the Hodgepodge questions. I enjoy reading everyone else's thoughts. I especially appreciate you Joyce for stimulating good conversation across the miles from different - yet similar - backgrounds and memories.