June 27 Hodgepodge

Where, oh where does the time go?  Incredibly, it's Wednesday again, which means it's time for the Hodgepodge with Joyce and friends at From This Side of the Pond.  I like to play along because it means I'll write at least one post in a week, though I like to aim for more. 

Why don't you join in this week? Just head on over, copy the questions, then paste and answer them on your own blog.  Go back over to Joyce's to link up, and you're done!   Here are this week's questions: 

1. Security or freedom? Can you have both? Explain.

Pretty sure this isn't the answer you're looking for, but yes.  Security in knowing that I am in God's hands, secure for all eternity, and that my times are in His hands.  And freedom -- freedom from the bondage of sin, freedom from myself, freedom from worry -- I could probably go on for quite awhile about the security and freedom that are to be found in Christ.

This delightful Scripture graphic is by Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

2. If you could visit any historical American site what would it be? Why?

Not a historic site in the traditional sense but ... I have always been fascinated with St. Joseph, Missouri, the jumping-off place for so many wagon trains headed West.  In our visits to Elko, Nevada we have enjoyed the California Trail Center, where they have an area set up to look like a street in St. Joe, where the pioneers would purchase the items they needed for the arduous trip.  That has only increased my interest.

3. Free as a bird, free rein, be free of, free enterprise, free trip, walk away scot free, free for all...which 'free' phrase can best be applied to your life in recent days or weeks? Explain.

First of all, as a bona fide English/grammar geek, I must point out that the phrase "free reign" should be "free rein" as I have corrected it above.  The dictionary says:

I can't see how any of the above phrases can be applied to my life in recent days or weeks.  I will say, however, that on that future day when my trust responsibilities are finally completed and I can finally  be free of them.  I will undoubtedly feel as free as a bird!

4. Something in your fridge that's red? 

Strawberries!  Not as many as you see below, however.  We picked those in 2015 when our daughter and family visited. 

Something in your house that's white?

The kitchen appliances.  

 Something in your view that's blue?

The sky!  It's a gorgeous shade of blue as I write this early Tuesday afternoon.   The picture below is from a previous summer, but the sky is just as blue.

5. July 27th is National New Jersey Day. Have you ever visited The Garden State?

Yes, I have.

 If so where did you go? 

We took the ferry from Lewes, Delaware to Cape May, NJ, one stormy night in 2001.  We then had supper, spent the night and part of the next day visiting friends in Rio Grande, NJ before driving home to NH.

Are there diners where you live? 

Yes, indeed!  We love our local diners!  And even our not-so-local diners (the one below is in Maine).

 Have you tried Taylor Pork Roll? 

I had to look it up!  No, I've never had it, but it sounds actually quite good.  (Or maybe it's just that it's time for lunch.)  My mother used to cut slits in the edge of bologna slices when she fried it, that looked just like that. 

Do you like to play Monopoly? 

 Yes!

Salt water taffy-yay or nay? 

Yay!  I don't love salt water taffy, but it's good, especially when freshly made.  But chocolate dipped  almond brittle is better.

How do you feel about shopping at the mall? 

I'd rather not.

10,000 times better than shopping at a mall

Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi - you have to pick one.

Sinatra, hands down.

Raise your hand if you know why these add-on questions are appropriate on National NJ Day.

This is not actually my hand -- the image is from Pixabay, but if possible, I would raise my hand with an ice cream cone in it!   At the beach.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Exciting mail in my mailbox today from Gooseberry Patch!  They are publishing two more of my recipes!  I can't even count the number of free cookbooks I have received in this way!

So ends another Hodgepodge!  Happy Wednesday, all!