Hodgepodge for November 7, 2023

flowers on my kitchen table in 2015

Hodgepodge is a pleasant blogging meme that's been around since 2009, sponsored by Joyce Daly and published most Wednesdays throughout the year. 

It is said a good writer can compose something about just any subject given to them, so I try to stick with that challenge most of the time. But every once in a while, it's fun to respond to Joyce's writing prompts on her Hodgepodge. 

1. Are you too hard on yourself or not hard enough? Elaborate.

.Yes, sometimes I am, and no, sometimes I am not. I am learning in this season of my life that people are more hard on each other than even God. He knows we will mess up. He forgives, and helps us make the best of the consequences. People -- not so much. 

2. What's the role of gratitude in your life?

. Pastor Rick Warren has been talking about gratitude for the past few weeks on his daily radio broadcasts and email devotions. He says gratitude is the healthiest human emotion and those who exercise it are the happiest. I take that seriously and when I'm sincere about it, this is true.

3. Where do you get your news these days? How much attention are you giving it currently?

.We watch the FOX network and catch local news on any of several TV stations in both Orlando and Gainesville.

4. Do you like potatoes? How was the last time you prepared potatoes in some way? Which of the following is your favorite ... baked potato, mashed potato, french fried potato, sweet potato, hash brown potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potato salad?

.My husband grew up in Idaho. He has helped to harvest them and they are definitely a favorite with him. I, too, enjoy spuds in just about any form they are served. I can't narrow down the list to my favorite. Of course French Fries (due to their convenience) are the form in which I enjoy them most often, cooked in the air fryer. 

5. Are you a veteran? Are there any veterans in your family? Will you do anything special to honor them on Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day this year?

.No, I'm not a veteran, but both my late husband and my Gary are veterans. Beloved is even buried in a veteran's cemetery. To take it a step further, Gary and I met on Veteran's Day at a flag-raising ceremony here in our retirement community. I also have a son and a nephew who are veterans, and my father served briefly in the Navy just before WWII ended and he was sent back home.

6. Insert  your own random thought here:

a honey pot for Winnie the Pooh

.Earlier this year the ladies in my neighborhood had a get-acquainted luncheon at an Italian restaurant. We each stood up briefly to introduce ourselves and it came out that my husband and I, who were both widowed, had been introduced by a mutual friend. Some of the ladies at the luncheon remembered Gary's first wife and as a result of meeting me, they realized what a sweet story we have. As everybody was leaving, one especially thoughtful neighbor approached me with tears in her eyes to tell me she was touched by our story and so happy for both of us. 

Since that time, I have come to realize that I pass by this neighbor's home on my walks. She has hung this yellow honey pot on one of her trees. I love it! She clearly has a whimsical way about her but I think of her sweetness as she approached me at that luncheon. 

Until next time, grace and peace.