August 14 Hodgepodge

 

Again this week, I'm joining in with Joyce and the gang for the Wednesday Hodgepodge at From This Side of the Pond.   Today's questions have a fun, late-summer vibe.  And here we go ...

 1.What was the best (or one of the best) summers of your life? Tell us why. 

Oh, my.  This is a difficult question.  I guess I might even say this summer we're currently in, because we have done some traveling, spent some precious time with family, met up with some of my cousins, visited friends, hosted a cottage prayer meeting at our camp, done some volunteer work, consumed lots of quality ice cream, attended a beautiful wedding ... 

Above is a view from one of the overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

2. When you have a trip coming up do you make a list and check it twice to ensure you don't forget anything? Or are you a 'throw whatever you can think of into the suitcase at the last minute' kind of packer? When returning from a trip do you unpack immediately or leave the suitcase right where it lands? 

It depends on what I am packing and how long of a trip.   If it requires packing food for meals, as it often does, then yes, I make detailed lists and check them twice.  

 
I used to always make lists for clothing to pack for a trip, and at one time I even used Flylady's Packing Control Journal ideas, but I've done it so much now that a mental list seems to suffice.  I think, though, that I need to get back into the habit, because I'm sure my memory isn't going to improve with time.

As far as unpacking, it really depends on what time of day or evening we arrive home.  I will usually start laundry right away no matter what time it is.  Sometimes I won't finish unpacking suitcases or tote bags until the next day.

3. What's your favorite food or beverage made with lemons? Is that a flavor you enjoy? 

Lemon is definitely a flavor I enjoy.   I would be hard pressed to say what my favorite food made with lemons is.  Probably pound cake with lemon curd and real whipped cream.  Or these lemon-filled shortbread cookies which are a favorite in our family.

As for a beverage, I have fond, fond memories of my mother's homemade iced tea which always began with slicing lemons and steeping them along with the tea bags.

4. When was the last time you had to make lemonade out of lemons, figuratively speaking I mean? 

Oh, let me think.   You know, I just can't think of when that might have been right now.

5. Did you like school growing up? Why or why not? 

I hated school for probably the first four years.   I was bullied a lot and felt very unconfident, though I did fine academically.

That began to turn around in 5th and 6th grade, when I had a teacher I really liked who inspired me.  I began to enjoy school and that continued right through high school.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Summer flowers are so gorgeous.  A friend brings bouquets to church services to beautify the sanctuary and then gives them away to random people afterwards.  I was the recipient of one this week and oh -- those zinnias and sunflowers just shouted "Summer!"

And so do the colors in the seed packet below.

And that's the Hodgepodge for this week!  Thankful I could participate!