Falling for the Hodgepodge

 

Since several of Joyce's questions this week seem answerable, I fell for it and decided to jump into this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Here goes:

1. What obligation do you believe you have to your country? 

This first one is a doozy.  I'm not entirely sure how to answer it.  Let's start with this: with all of her faults and flaws, America is still the greatest country on earth.  As a believer, I have an obligation to pray for my country and its leaders.  As a citizen I have an obligation to vote, to have a voice in our government.  I believe I am also obliged to stand up and defend our country and its amazing constitution.  Of late, it's been very disheartening to see the constitution (and even the top court of the land!) just ignored and overlooked as if it didn't even exist.

2. October 12 is National Farmers Day? Do you know any farmers? What do they farm/grow/raise? Are there any farm stands where you live? Do you shop there? 

I don't know any farmers well.  There is a farm stand in our town and it is absolutely amazing.  Mostly we buy sweet corn and tomatoes there.  Today, my hubby and I went apple picking at a local orchard, and it was so much fun to not only purchase gorgeous fruit, but also support a local farm family.

3. What's a skill you think everyone should have? Tell us why? 

Cooking.  Everyone should be able to know simple techniques and how to prepare basic foods to feed themselves and others.  But it's more than just a matter of survival.  Knowing how to cook also gives us a wonderful tool for celebrating the events of daily life, and for ministering to others with hospitality and shared meals.

Celebrating the backyard grape harvest by making grape pies!

 

4. Favorite thing you've purchased this year?

Within the last couple months, we purchased a second set of travel mugs for coffee.  Not sure why it took us so long to realize they would be so helpful for morning quiet time at our little camp.  There's a Keurig but no microwave, thus no way to warm the coffee up.  Travel mugs to the rescue!  The coffee stays hot until we are finished.

What a quiet time without travel mugs could look like ...

5. What's your favorite place to visit in the fall? 

It's a toss-up as we have two favorite places: Pittsburg (farthest town north in New Hampshire) and also The Wilds of New England.  The latter is not only beautiful; it's the location for the couples' retreat we always attend.  We usually end up spending time in both places.
 

Hayride at The Wilds of New England

Taken from a kayak on Back Lake in Pittsburg

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 After years of neglect, a back road we often travel or walk has been closed for repairs.  We're looking forward to easier walking and less wear and tear on our vehicles.

This old cemetery is located on the road in question.

Wouldn't you like to join in on the Hodgepodge, too?  To get the questions and link up, head over to From This Side of the Pond.