Wednesday, September 30, 2020

End of September Hodgepodge

 

 Yes, it's Wednesday again and we're rolling toward the end of the month.   It's time for the Wednesday Hodgepodge, where Joyce asks the questions and bloggers provide the answers.  It's always a lot of fun -- though sometimes a challenge -- and a great way to come up with an interesting blog post.  If you'd like to join in,  just head over to From This Side of the Pond and get the questions from Joyce, then answer them on your own blog. Here are the questions for this week:

1. When is the last time you experienced nostalgia? 

Probably this morning.   I was outdoors taking a few fall photos and noticed my old blue bike (I got it when I was 12 and spent countless happy hours riding it) propped against a tree.  My hubby found it in our garage clean-out and we thought it would make good outdoor decor, although we've done nothing decorative with it yet.  If  he replaces the tires as he promised to do, I might even ride it occasionally.

 2. September 29th is National Coffee Day. Do we need this? Ha! So are you a coffee drinker? If so how many cups per day, and tell us how you like it. Is there a recipe you enjoy that calls for coffee as one of the ingredients? 

 
I am a coffee drinker.  I didn't start drinking coffee until I was in my 40s, but now I really enjoy it. I probably drink 2 cups a day, some days 3.  I like it with just cream, no sugar.  I remember a recipe for a sort of spicy frosted bar cookie containing coffee.  If I can find it, I'll add it to the post.
 3. Do you find praise or criticism to be more motivating? Explain. 
 
I would say that I find praise, or, more accurately, encouragement, to be more motivating. Criticism, far from making me say "I'll show them!" and try even harder, makes me feel like not trying at all.  When someone gives me a bit of encouragement, though, I am much more apt to work harder at whatever I'm doing, or seek to make it more better or more effective, or whatever the situation happens to be.
 
4.  What's a television series you keep coming back to and re-watching? 
 
The Andy Griffith Show.  Mayberry is a good time and place to revisit when life in the real world is tough. It reminds us of what America used to be and could still get back to.

(If you like the 5x7 print being displayed below, you can buy it here: Raising up Rubies.  Jaime has loads of other gorgeous items for sale in her shop, too, so you may want to check it out.)

 
5. As the month of September draws to a close give us three words to describe your mood. 
 
Hmmm ...  how about Trusting in God?  That's really the only answer for me right now.  
And, not an answer as such, but don't you love the way God puts unexpected colors together and they look so beautiful? 
 
 
6. Insert your own random thought here. 
 
In our clean-out of the homestead,  not to mention our own garage, we found many items that qualify as hazardous waste.  Usually in our area, household hazardous waste collection days are held in May.  This year, the dreaded pestilence caused those to be cancelled.  We were pleased when we learned that such a collection would take place in September.  My hubby set aside that morning to deal with it (such collections are typically well attended and wait times can be lengthy).  Until, that is, we read this:
"Okay, that does it.  We'll wait until next year."  Hubby wasn't jumping through all of those hoops, and I didn't blame him one bit.  A mask inside a closed vehicle that you are in all by yourself and cannot get out of, in a situation in which you personally interact with no one other than by "visual signals"?  Small-town government overreach at its finest.  I have a feeling that if other people looked at those rules in advance (those who failed to comply with these and other regulations would be turned away), the line may have been quite a bit shorter than usual.

And there's the Hodgepodge for the last day of September.  Happy Wednesday, everyone!

9 comments:

  1. Goodness! What ridiculousness on display by the local government. 😁 Nope, I would not have jumped those hoops either. And this is how local governments encourage people to do bad things. They really should get a clue.

    I had a bike very much like yours, which I also received when I was 12. Last I knew, it was in my parents' basement. Perhaps it still is.

    This windy rainstorm is sure taking the leaves fast. 🍂

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  2. Being a first born child, I learned early to crave praise and I do have a hard time with criticism. I tend to have the same reaction to it as you Mrs T.lol Love all the photos you shared. I need to get back to walking more....I have let a few pounds creep on that I need to get rid of. IT is so hard the older we get. And winter is no help to getting exercise. I just want to hibernate and I live where the temperatures are moderate. I need to have a stern talk with myself.:)

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  3. Lovely fall foliage pictures interspersed with your post today. Making me want to be there!! Love your blue bike. It looks decorative just being there! Silly overreach on the disposal day...how were they supposed to get the stuff out of your car? What if you don't have an inside trunk latch to open the trunk without getting outside? I wonder if they would have arrested you if you dared to step out of your car? Such absolute ridiculousness. Oh well, it is what it is. Praying for those who have to deal with such over regulations. I am not convinced it is making anyone any safer. Well, that's that. I loved your post and the pictures. I really wanted to be there this fall for our grandson's 21st birthday, but with the restrictions it just isn't going to happen. The nice thing is we are having a beautiful fall day here in Florida today. It was 58 when we woke up. Very crisp and sunny and perfect! So I will focus on that. Have a blessed day.

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  4. I love the bike! I don't know if you even need to do anything to it. Looks like childhood propped against that tree and I love it. The Andy Griffith show was full of wisdom but never in your face. You understood the 'lesson' without anyone beating you over the head with it. I don't feel like TV does that anymore.

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  5. What cute cards, the "I'd rather be in Mayberry." And yes, the mask thing can be difficult. I've seen people alone in their vehicle, wearing a mask. It does get ridiculous. In the other hand, I'd rather wear a mask and go to church than not go to church. BTW I think that Dunkin'and Caribou are the best decafs I've found so far. In the other hand, they don't carry them at Sam's Club, and they're pretty pricey. Enjoyed your post!

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  6. Overreach indeed, it seems things are getting more and more out of hand!
    It must be such a relief to have accomplished this task, I can only imagine the nostalgia you both experienced, your blue bike looks exactly as my red one, like yours the tires need replacing.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Sue

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  7. Mrs. T,

    I would love to have an old bicycle as lawn decoration. Put a basket on the handle bar and set flowers in it. That would be pretty. Constructive criticism dealt out in a loving way is usually better received than hot, angry words. We all can stand room for improvement and I'm happy when someone tells me what I'm doing wrong if it's done the right way. I like Andy Griffith show. It's wholesome, funny, and full of good lessons. Our son used to love watching it when he was home. A few years back we attend Mayberry Days in Mt. Airy, NC. That was a lot of fun. We meant several of the old stars from the show. Have a blessed day!

    Cathy

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  8. I love your blue bike. :) Yes, I agree that encouragement is a greater motivator than criticism. I should remember that the next time I'm inclined to criticize hubs. sigh...

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  9. That looks just like my bike which I received for my 12th birthday! I loved it.
    Yes, encouragement is a much stronger motivator than criticism.

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