One, two, three Hodgepodge

 

Finding a a few minutes today to spring into the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce and the gang at From This Side of the Pond.   And again this week I'm not attempting all of the questions.  Three of them looked fairly simple.

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately? 

We're retired and seldom have to pay anything for income tax, but we find it more reassuring to have our accountant prepare them just in case.  We did our own taxes for years, though.  

Something I've found "taxing" lately?  Oh, I don't know.  Planning, I guess.  I am doing a lot of planning these days for our ministry at a Christian camp, especially for the weeks that I cook for volunteers.  It takes a lot of planning, not only for the meals themselves but for when to do what.

Daffodils that grew at my childhood home

2. When it comes to travel are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you. 

I tend to be a last minute packer, my hubby even more so.  I might start packing the day before.  I work very hard at packing light; we try to manage with just a carryon and a duffel bag for short trips and only one suitcase for longer trips.

Packing tips:  I don't have anything really great, but one is to always store suitcases with a bar of soap inside.  It keeps them smelling fresh and there is always a bar of soap at hand if a soap dish needs replenishing at any point during a trip.  I also like to keep a half dozen clip-type clothespins in a suitcase or carryon.  They are handy in many ways; hanging laundry or swimwear to dry; clipping motel curtains together; holding a chip bag closed.

Silk daffodils in a syrup can on the kitchen island

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level? 

I did not know grilled cheese got its own month!  I was thinking maybe a day!  I do love a grilled cheese sandwich, though it's been awhile since I've had one (other than a tuna melt at a favorite diner).  I think the ingredient that takes any grilled cheese sandwich to the next level is real butter spread on the outside.  

Bloodroot is the first spring wildflower we see in our area.

And there's the Hodgepodge for this week!