The Features of February

Internet photo

I say nothing you don't already know (if you're in the USA) when reporting it's been colder (and more dangerous) than usual this winter. Here in Florida has been no exception with uncommon weather for our sub-tropical climate. There have been predictions of snow flurries even as far south as Disney World and the several other theme parks, although brief and barely visible.

We have covered a lot of our bushes with a breathable fabric secured with clothes pins to the lower branches and just to be extra cautious, covered pipes in the garage with towels. Just before dawn on Sunday morning we lost power for exactly 2 hours due to the surge of people waking up and jacking up their electricity to stay warm. 

Although we both have lived in Florida for more than several years, we are seasoned when it comes to dealing with ice, snow, and power outages. We don't miss any of that but our bodies have acclimated and thus we join in whining with the natives that it's COLD!

❄️   ❄️   ❄️   ❄️   ❄️

This week's Hodgepodge questions focus on February themes. To link up with your blog, click here.

 1. The Winter Olympics kick off on Friday, February 6th...on a scale of 1-10 how excited are you? (1= eh and 10=watching every event all day every day). What's your favorite Winter Olympic sporting event? 

My interest in the Olympics is a 2 (maybe a 3). The winter version holds my attention more than the summer events. (Ice skating, especially pairs, in the winter and gymnastics in the summer) The bobsled competitions are interesting.

getty images
from the Internet

And the skiing from high mountain slopes is good, too.

I am mildly interested in the opening ceremony, although the last Olympics that included the irreverent portrayal of the Last Supper was an obscenity. 

Internet photos

The 2012 Olympics opening ceremony in London where Agent 007 met up with Queen Elizabeth -- that was clever and certainly entertaining.

Mostly we are bummed that some of our favorite TV shows will have to move over for Olympic coverage.

2. In other sporting news, the Superbowl (American football's championship game) will be played on Sunday, February 8th. So tell us...what's your superpower?

First of all, I'm sorry my Denver Broncos did not win the AFC playoff game against the Patriots.

my new hearing aids in their 
charging station

As for my superpower: I'm a pretty good listener. With age and hurtful experiences, I've come to appreciate the value of keeping my mouth shut more so I can focus on what others are saying. People want/need/crave to be heard. People need to know they are being heard, which validates them, gives them needed respect, and in turn, encourages them. 

Sadly, there is not enough listening in most conversations. Too many are so busy trying to be heard that they forget to listen.

3. Are you a romantic? 

❤️ Us ❤️

Yes. (how can I not with the wonderful man to whom I'm married?!!!)

4. Blue cheese-yay or nay? How about feta? If you said yes to one or both, what's a dish you like that calls for one of these? 

Feta is my preference over Blue cheese. (as former Cheers actor, Ted Danson, would say in his cell phone commercials, Blue cheese "is an acquired taste.") 🤮 

I like Feta cheese in a salad of mixed greens with dried cranberries, pecans or walnuts, and a sweet-sour vinaigrette dressing.

5. What's more important-doing what you love or loving what you do? 

Mary Englebreit

Being more practical than a 'heart on my sleeve' type of personality, I think it's more important to love what you need to do. 

If we all did nothing but what we love, the practicalities of life would be neglected and all of us would suffer. If we focus on appreciating the necessary activities and giving them our best efforts, we can eventually genuinely enjoy them and "love" the satisfaction of a job well-done.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

An instructive scripture verse that can be applied to sports, competition, and our work ethic:

Therefore, since we are surrounded 

by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders 

and the sin that so easily entangles.

And let us run with perseverance

the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Until next time, grace and peace.

Barbara

P.S. Join me in reading the articles at The Christian Lounge. This is a non-denominational Christian website where we learn about each other in our faith with written articles, art, and music (no politics). 

If you have an article to submit, visit the website for instructions. 

https://thechristianlounge4u.blogspot.com/