Hi Wednesday Hodgepodge, I'm Back!

I decided to join in again! I've thought about it for several weeks, but it just hadn't worked out. Today that changes! Here am I, going forth with the questions.

1. What's your favorite time of day? Why?

I don't like early morning, but maybe around 10 or 11am, once I'm good and woke up. It's nice daylight outside, I'm not too sleepy yet (afternoons make me want to nap), and evening is when it's getting dark. I like the daylight! Plus it's close to lunch and I do like to eat. ;)

2. Waffle iron, toaster, coffee maker, mixer, blender...which small appliance would you say most needs replacing in your house?

The mixer because I don't have one and I want one!

3. It's National Grouch Day (October 15)...what's something that makes you feel grouchy?

Really early mornings. Ugh!

4. Ever been to Canada? Is that a country you'd like to visit? According to Trip Advisor, the top ten best destinations in Canada are-Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Victoria, Calgary, Niagara on the Lake, Niagara Falls, Whistler, and Halifax. Which city would you most like to see?

Victoria or Niagara Falls. I have friends who've been to those places and brought back amazing pictures. I don't know anything about any of the other cities. (Also! I have a few blogging friends who live in Canada. I wouldn't mind getting the chance to go visit them! :)

5. What was your favorite food (or one of your favorites) when you were a child? Is that still a favorite?

Peanut butter, mayo, and banana sandwiches. And absolutely NOT a favorite! *shudders* I have no idea what on earth I was thinking.

6. Do you cry easily?

Yes. Weddings, funerals, movies, when someone else starts crying, I'm a waterworks machine! And I really wish I weren't.

7. Have you started your (gasp!) Christmas shopping? If so when, and how much? If not, when will you even begin thinking about it?

I have thought about it. But actual shopping has not been involved. At this point, I have no idea when it'll begin. Hopefully soon!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hodgepodgers, it's good to be back,
I knew there was something I lacked.
I'll join in
Hopefully again,
Meanwhile, I'll go have a snack.

(Yeah, not my best work.)

Food-Filled Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's been a long while since I joined in on Wednesday's! But here I am. :)

1. My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend...what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?

Hmmm. I'm kind of stuck on this question. And of course it's the first one! So what does that mean for the rest of them?!

2. What song most reminds you of your childhood?

Jesus Loves Me

3. What do you think about single gender groups and/or events? Should every group/event be open to both genders? If not, what sort of exceptions do you think are appropriate?

I like them! So I don't think every event has to be open to both. I'd say it depends on what the event is. I mean, I don't see many men rushing to go to a bridal shower, do you? ;)

4. What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?

Cinnamon ~ Cinnamon Rolls!! Mmmmm.

5. I saw this question on Marla's facebook page and asked if I could steal borrow it for the Hodgepodge...thanks Marla!

Chevron patterns are everywhere! Do you like it or think its just a little too much? Do you own anything 'chevron'?

I like it! I don't actually have anything 'chevron' I don't think.

6. What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now?

Mashed potatoes!

7. What can irritate you very quickly?

Finding bacon in my food. Blech. *wrinkles nose in distaste* Guess I've got food on my brain. Although I shouldn't be hungry this time of night....

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm a very sleepy blogger,
I've no thoughts to add or say.
So I'll close this little Hodgepodge,
And hope you have an awesome day! :D

A Nostalgic Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When the children of today grow up, what do you think they'll say about this period in time? What do you most hope they remember?

I suspect what they'll remember is all the technology and how much it will probably have changed.

I hope they remember that no matter what comes, God is still in control.

2. National Teacher's Day is celebrated in the US of A on the first Tuesday in May, this year May 7th...share how a particular teacher positively impacted you.

Miss Ross. She was my Latin teacher in high school. Her enthusiasm always made me look forward to her class. She also helped me step out of my comfort zone and participate and talk in class (and be comfortable doing that! I was horribly afraid of speaking in front of my classmates.)

3. What's a dish your mama made, that if set in front of you today would whisk you right back to childhood?

Pon haus (or scrapple as some people call it). I personally can't stand it, but my parents loved it. Especially my dad!

This is what it looks like in it's
frozen, non-cooked form.

4. Mother May I was a game we played when I was growing up...no pieces, parts, or plugs required. What games from childhood do you remember loving that were also pieces, parts, and plug-free?

Kick The Can - I remember playing this with my cousins in my grandma's yard.

School - I forget all the rules, but I remember we sat at the top of the stairs and somehow we would make our way down the stairs to the bottom (perhaps by answering questions or something?). The first one to the bottom won. My cousins' house had the best staircase for this game because you turned a curve in the middle! :D

5. Besides your own mother, tell us about a woman who influenced you as a child?

That would definitely be my cousin Deborah! She was a teenager when I was born and starting from when I was about 5 or 6, she always made time to spend with me. In fact, there are many, many moments (too numerous to name) when she invited me to go shopping, planned projects for us to do, or simply included me in her day. She just made a point to make me feel special and loved. Even after she got married and had a couple children of her own, she still made sure to invite me over and we'd chat as I helped her with whatever she was doing that day. When I think of my childhood, I always include her because she was so involved in my life. I could talk to her about anything! I've never asked her what made her decide to do that for me, but I'm incredibly thankful she did. Those memories are some of the best I have. :)

6. Mamma Mia! What's the best play or musical you've ever seen?

The Music Man - our high school put this production on and I loved it. And I love the movie versions too!

7. What are three smells that make you feel nostalgic?

My mother's perfume.

A campfire.

Rain.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

So I've been listening to The Duck Commander Family audiobook this week. It's certainly made my drives to and from work a lot more interesting! Willie and Korie Robertson narrate their own book, which is fun because I love hearing their southern accents. :D

But I do have to confess that I've never watched their show. Have any of you? Do you like it? Not like it? I'm just curious what the show itself is like. I've heard good things, which is what prompted me to try the book.

A Flowery And Romantic Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. April showers bring May flowers...what have you been showered with this month?

Friendships! Both online and off. In real life, I've had several friends call and invite me to this or that and it's been lovely. I've always had friends, mind you. And we often get together and do things, but I've just felt closer to them this month than previously. That probably sounds silly. Ah well. As for online friends, I've been having a blast getting to know some fabulous gals through blogging and goodreads! Friendships are such a wonderful part of our lives. :)

2. What is the nature of compassion? Is it learned or innate? Can compassion be learned? If you're a parent is this something you've purposely sought to instill in your children, and if so how?

I'd probably say a bit of both. Some people seem born with extra amounts and give it more freely. But I definitely think it can be and should be learned! This world needs compassionate people.

3. Do you prefer to watch romantic comedy or romantic drama...or are you rolling your eyes saying bring on the action flicks?

Definitely a romantic comedy kind of gal! I do enjoy romantic dramas and even some action flicks, but romantic comedies are the ones I'll rewatch countless times. :D

4. It's April which means baseball season is officially upon us here in the US of A. Humphrey Bogart is quoted as saying "A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz." Agree or Disagree?

Well, as I've never actually had roast beef at the Ritz, I can't really speak for that option. But hot dogs on the other hand? I love hot dogs! Regardless of how unhealthy they may be for you, they are a staple at my house. If there's absolutely nothing else to eat, I can fix a hot dog. (It's okay, you can think I'm crazy. I don't mind. :)

But you probably weren't looking for a literal answer, huh? So figuratively speaking, I'd still go for the hot dog option because I'm not a formal type of person. Oh, I wouldn't mind eating at the Ritz at least once (just for the experience), but at the end of the day I'd rather go somewhere I'm comfortable. And I'm a casual, comfy, relaxed type of person who doesn't really enjoy dressing to the nines. Actually, I don't think I've ever dressed to the nines in my life!

5. What's something in your community or city that needs fixing or improving?

I think the roads could use some re-paving.

6. Share a song you enjoy that mentions flowers or a specific flower in its title.

I had a hard time trying to remember one! But then I remembered this: A Rose Among the Thorns

7. April 22nd is Earth Day...do you believe there's life on other planets? That wasn't the question you were expecting was it?

Certainly wasn't the question I was expecting! And as for my answer? Well, not really sure I believe there is. Don't really think it matters one way or another for me though. I'm quite content to live my life here without worrying about it.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Thinking about romantic comedies made me try to decide what some of my favorites are. The list I came up with is:





There are others, of course. But these ten were the first to come to mind. What are some of your favorite movies?

April Showers Bring Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Share one fun thing you did last week, while the Hodgepodge was on 'spring break'.

A dear friend of mine had her 30th birthday last week, so Wednesday evening I surprised her with flowers. Then Friday evening, her sister had a table full of company to help celebrate. We had a lovely time chatting about anything and everything and eating good food! :)

2. April 10th is National Sibling Day...do you have siblings, and if so are you close? Share a favorite story featuring one or all of your siblings. If you don't have siblings, did you ever wish you did?

Yes, I have three older brothers and we are all pretty close now. We weren't always of course, but maturity helps with that. ;) As for a story?

Once upon a time.....my parents had a 40th Anniversary. As I live in a different state than they and so does one of my brothers (L), we decided to surprise them. My brothers and I planned an entire weekend, from Saturday morning to Sunday night, spending time together as a whole family. I flew in and L's family drove in, and my parents had no idea any of us were in town. So they show up to my brother J's home on Saturday morning and out walks L's family and then me. Their jaws about hit the ground and they both started crying and hugging and the kids were excited and yes, there was chaos! I don't think any of us stopped smiling once that whole weekend. Mom and dad were thrilled to bits and we had a wonderful time visiting a couple museums, enjoying a campfire Saturday evening, and simply spending time together. I loved that we had planned this whole thing without mom and dad knowing or instigating any part of it. My brothers and I work pretty well together! :D

3. Is it important to you to 'buy American'? Why or why not? How much of an effort do you make to 'buy American'? If you're not American, insert your own country in the blank.

Well, I do prefer to support our own people and economy. So if I know there's something I'm buying that I can buy American-made over somewhere else, I'll buy American. I definitely prefer to support local places and people around where I live if at all possible.

4. Besides The Bible, what book has impacted your spirituality in some way?

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

5. April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes. Do you find rainy days calming or depressing? When were you last caught in a rainstorm? What's blooming in your neck of the woods today?

I love rainy days! Not so much thunder and lightning days, but rainy days absolutely. I'm one of those weird people who like to take walks in the rain. Plus I have a yellow rain-jacket that's always cheerful on those gloomy-looking days! :)

As for being caught in a rainstorm, it rained just last week on my way to work.

Blooming? All the lovely almond blossoms are gone by now, but I pass by several clusters of poppies all around town. And I saw this beauty the other day in a bouquet. Don't know where it was grown, but I thought it was worth sharing anyway.

6. What's your favorite yellow food?

Corn on the cob, peaches, bananas, nectarines......

7. April is National Poetry Month...what's a poem that holds special meaning for you, and why is it special?

We walk in a world that is strange and unknown

And in the midst of the crowd we still feel alone

We question our purpose, our part and our place

In this vast land of mystery suspended in space.

We probe and explore and try hard to explain

The tumult of thoughts that our minds entertain…

But all of our probings and complex explanations

Of man’s inner feelings and fears and frustrations,

Still leave us engulfed in the “mystery of life”

With all of its struggles and suffering and strife,

Unable to fathom what tomorrow will bring –

But there is one Truth to which we can cling.

For while life’s a mystery we can’t understand,

The “great Giver of life” is holding our hand

And safe in His care there is no need for seeing

For “in Him we live and move and have our being.”

~Helen Steiner Rice

I love this poem because we are nothing without God and He cares so lovingly and mercifully for us every single moment of our lives. He can and will take care of everything we bring Him!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Thinking about poetry still, I'm also one of those that like poems to rhyme. I can enjoy one that doesn't, but I'll enjoy a poem much more if it does! I also like it when a poem has a rhythm to it. You know, when you kind of have a beat going as you're reading.

I can acknowledge that writing a poem with a beat and that rhymes is not so easy to do. I write poetry occasionally myself, and yes, I do hold myself to those standards. It makes writing them take a little longer sometimes. I'm sitting there counting syllables and using my rhyming dictionary and it's hard work let me tell you! :)

Speaking of, did you know that there are rhyming dictionaries out there? I found out just a few years ago and sure wish I'd known earlier! But if you're writing poetry, it really comes in handy. I absolutely recommend getting one if you're a poem writer yourself. :)

 Toodle-loo kangaroos!

Wednesday Hodgepodge With Chocolate and Buttercups

1. What are your plans for Easter? Are you cooking a big lunch or dinner? Dyeing eggs? Attending a sun rise service? Eating too much chocolate?

Our church has a morning worship service at 7 or 7:30, so I will be there. Don't know if I'll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed or not. But I will be there. :)

 And I'm already eating my chocolate!

See? The bags are already half gone. And yes. I'm eating them all myself. Favorite chocolates ever!

2. What is something you feel too young to do?

Complain over my sore knees when I go up stairs or when I kneel down to pick something up. I'm young! My bones aren't supposed to start creaking yet!!!

3. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud...it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs..."

Of the characteristics mentioned in the biblical definition of love which do you find most difficult to live out and why?

The patient part. I impatiently wait on people to get in line or if already in line-then keep moving up when they're supposed to or give me an answer to my question right now or whatever I'm waiting for. One of my biggest faults is I interrupt a lot. I feel terrible as soon as I do it, but my mouth seems to think that what I have to say just can't wait. When actually it can! Patience is definitely something God is still perfecting in me.

4. What's a springtime flower you associate with your childhood?

Azalea's-my mom has several bushes near the front door, so I would notice them every spring

Oh! I also looked forward to Buttercups. And of course we had to hold them underneath our chins to see if we liked butter or not. ;)

5. Ever sung karaoke? If so, what's your go-to song? If not and you're given the opportunity, would you?

No I haven't. And.......maybe?? You'd have to convince me pretty well to attempt it. The last time I voluntarily sang a solo in front of other people was high school. One of my history teachers gave out extra credit to anyone willing to sing the National Anthem. Extra credit is a great incentive let me tell you! ;D

6. What is something you keep in a basket?

Well, I looked around my house and I couldn't find a single basket anywhere. :/

7. When was the last time you felt foolish?

Sometime in January I left my car headlights on. Needless to say, the battery went dead. This wouldn't sound too bad, except I had just done the same thing in December and told myself I would remember next time! Yeah, so much for that idea.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

One of the next books I plan to read reminded me of this 80s movie with David Bowie.

Have you seen it? Did you like it? I watched it for the first time a few years ago and loved it immediately! Yes, it's very dated. But so much fun! I've always enjoyed fantasy stories and this one is crazy and silly and awesome! At least that's my opinion of it. I know it wasn't all that popular when it first came out. But somehow it's endured and I'm so glad I have the chance to watch it anytime I want. Since my first viewing, I've watched it countless times. And I'm sure many more are in my future. :)

Toodle-loo kangaroos!

Wednesday Hodgepodge (With Limericks!!!)

1. Do you play games of luck/chance for money? Have you ever played bingo for money? Visited a casino?  Placed a bet on a horse? Bought a lottery ticket?

Nope to all of the above. The closest I've even gotten to a slot machine was the Las Vegas airport during a layover.

2. Will you be preparing and/or dining on the traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage meal this St. Patrick's Day? Mashed-baked-hash browned-french fried...your favorite way to have potatoes?

I'm not planning on it at this point in time, though I do like it! As for my favorite kind of potatoes? I like them all, but I eat the french fried kind most often.

3. What's the last thing you felt 'green with envy' over?

Hmmmm. I remember being envious of everyone last week who was healthy while I felt miserable!

4. What's at the end of your rainbow?

Heaven!

5.March 12th marks the anniversary of the death of Anne Frank (June 12, 1929-March, 1945). Anne's diary detailing her time spent hiding from the Nazi's during the war ranks as one of the best selling books of all time. Besides your blog, do you keep any sort of diary or journal? Was this a habit you developed as a child or is journaling something new for you?

I do keep a journal around, I don't write in it every day. I mainly write when I get the urge to. (Or if I get inspired to write some poetry, which doesn't happen often.) So that means, sometimes every day, sometimes only once a month. Just kind of depends. I didn't write a great deal when I was a child, I think I mostly started more when I was a teen.

6. What's an item in your home or closet that contains every color of the rainbow?

I bought this tea cup and saucer a few weeks ago. Not sure if it has all the colors of the rainbow, but it has a lot of them! :)

7. Write a limerick with you as the subject. You can do it!! Just remember this is a family friendly blog...don't make me get out my wooden spoon.

There once lived a gal who loved reading,
More time in her day she was needing.
But the books to be read,
Simply piled up instead,
Since the time change was not receding.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I've officially decided I'm crazy. The other day at work I noticed myself doing the silliest thing! I was taking all the paperclips off of a stack of papers and replacing them with new ones. Which doesn't seem crazy until you find out why.

Because I thought it was only fair that the other paperclips get their turn to be useful.

Yes, I was attributing feelings to inanimate objects. Who does that? Me apparently.

Does that seem sane to you? Or am I certifiable? ;P

There once was girl gone insane,
Paperclips had addled her brain.
Office supplies
Unstabilize.
Beware lest it's you they obtain!

(Yeah, not my best work.)

Toodle-loo kangaroos!

A Wandering Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When were you last facing an ocean? Using just ONE word, describe how you felt as you faced that ocean.

Last summer. August to be exact.

Peaceful

2. What are three sounds you hate to hear?

My alarm clock!!!
Sirens
Car alarms

3. This question comes to you courtesy of some real life friends. Hi real life friends! When you shop for yourself, do you try everything on in the store before buying or do you buy, try on at home, and then return what you don't like or what doesn't fit?

I try it on at the store. I'd rather not make a second trip just to return something if I can help it. But sometimes I try it on, like it, buy it, get home, decide I don't want it anymore, and return it.

4. February 26th is National Pistachio Day...are you a fan of the little green nut? Do you use them in cooking and baking or prefer to eat them right out of the shell?

I'm not really a fan of nuts in general. So no pistachios for me. You can have my share! :)

5. When did you last have to compromise with someone? Were you happy to reach the compromise or slightly irritated it was necessary?

I actually can't remember a specific moment. Most likely there's something that happened at work. But compromises seem to happen all the time in life. It just comes with human beings because we all want our own way, but ultimately (most of us) realize that our way may not be the best always. Sometimes it's harder to do than others, but I don't think you can live life without giving this or that in order to obtain the bigger goal.

6. Have you ever written a letter to an elected official? Did you get a response?

No, I've never written to an elected official.

7. We 'March' into a new month at the end of this week...what's something on your March calendar guaranteed to make you smile?

My dad's birthday! I'm positive I'll smile when I call to wish him happy birthday. I'm smiling right now just thinking about him. :)

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This was how my week got started. Here's hoping that it ends without any further mishaps! :D

Okay, so Sunday morning I was all prepared to head to church at the usual time. At least I was prepared Saturday night when I set my alarm clock. But I must have been more tired than I thought because I ended up sleeping through my alarm and unable to make it to church.

Well.......I suppose technically I could have still went to church, but I had no desire to show up 30 minutes late. Because even if the back bench is empty, everyone still turns and looks at the latecomer. And I dislike being the center of attention, especially during church when it's all quiet and you can hear every creak of the door and shuffle of the feet.

Anyway, we have the ability to call in and listen to the sermon over the phone if we want. Which is what I did. So I call the number and start listening and guess what the topic was?

Slothfulness and being lazy! :-/

Yes, you read that right. Of all days to oversleep, huh? I had a good laugh and when I went to my cousin's house for lunch, they got a kick out of it too. I suppose that's what I get for too many late nights. (It was an excellent sermon, just so you know. One I enjoyed once my embarrassment faded. ;P)

I trust your week had a lovelier start than mine did! :D

Toodle-loo kangaroos!

Wednesday Hodgepodge With A Cherry On Top

1. When were you last 'on a mountaintop'?  You may answer in the literal or figurative sense.

Last week actually. A couple of friends from out of state were visiting and I had no idea they were here. I got an invite for supper one evening and it was so fun to see them! There were only five of us and we chatted and giggled and laughed the whole evening. It was so good to renew our friendships again. Friends, whether far or near, are a fabulous blessing in our lives! :D

2.  Do you establish and maintain a strict budget in your household?  What is one piece of financial advice you would offer someone just starting out on their own?

Unfortunately not as strict as I wish I were. It's something I'm still working on actually. My advice? Try to save as often as you can. Even if only a few dollars every week or every month, it will soon add up.

3.  Cherries-yay or nay?  Cherry pie, cherry cola, black forest cake, or a scoop of Ben and Jerry's Cherries Garcia...pick one.

Fresh cherries are certainly a yay! It helps to have a cherry pitter that will take the seed out and leave the rest of the cherry intact for eating. :) Not a big fan of cherry pie though or ice cream, so I'll choose the black forest cake.

4.  Should you ever discuss religion or politics with people you don't know?

I suppose you can, but very carefully. If you have a strong conviction on something, you should feel free to say it, yet in a way that is respectful of them and their convictions or opinions and won't offend or push the other person away (at least not on purpose).

5.  When you take a road trip do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger?  Where were you headed on your last road trip?

The passenger unless we're driving on a really crooked or curvy road (in which case I may get a little car sick so prefer to drive or at least sit up front to watch where we're going. For some reason that helps.) My last road trip was over to the ocean for the weekend last summer.

6. If we peeked inside your closet, what color would we say is most prevalent?

Orange. But I have lots of bright colors in general: yellow, orange, blue. I'm a cheerful color kind of person. :)

7. Who's your favorite senior citizen and why are they special?

Well, I would say my grandmother, but she's passed on now and I assume you'd prefer the answer be someone still living. So, I'll go with a dear friend. (I don't know if she is technically a "senior citizen" but she is old enough to be my mother. In fact she shares her birthday with my mom.) She is special to me because she is always cheerful and has the most giving spirit of anyone I know. I can't count the times her and her husband have helped me out and given me advice and just been there with a listening ear. And I know she does the same for countless others. Her home is always open for baby-sitting or food-giving or prayer time for whoever is in need at the moment. I can also guarantee that she'd deny that she does anything spectacular, but as a recipient of her love and care, I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is a very remarkable woman who allows Jesus to shine through her in whatever she does. She's absolutely one of my favorite people ever! And I feel very blessed to count her as a dear friend of mine. :)

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Some friends and I got together last night and watched the finale of season 3 of Downton Abbey. I had read some spoilers, so I knew what was coming. But this picture below fully explains my feelings after watching it! Sniff sniff. ;)

Source: ebethe.tumblr.com via Kara on Pinterest

We had a fun little party though. A couple of the girls had made some scones and we had little cucumber sandwiches and chicken sandwiches. And of course we had tea in pretty little tea cups. :D After watching the episode, we then spent a considerable amount of time rehashing our feelings. (You know how women are.) So now, I'm still a little sad but, as they are fictional, I'm not too horribly broken up about it. It is a soap opera after all, and drama goes along with those sorts of things. All in all it was a fun season at Downton as always and our party was a success! So we came out great in the end. :D

Source: herblog.com via Kara on Pinterest

Did you watch it? What did you think? 

Toodle-loo kangaroos!

A "Love"-ly Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year?

Nope. Not planning on it at this point in time.

2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you?

I love pancakes! And my favorite kind is cinnamon. Mmmmmm. But back in VA on a certain weekend in October every year, a firehouse has a pancake breakfast that my family usually went to. (They still have it I believe, but I haven't been in years. That's what I get for moving out of state!) There were huge crowds of people there, meaning we stood in line a long while, but the pancakes were always worth it! It's probably the sentimentalist in me, but I don't think any pancakes taste as good as those. I have such great memories of those Sunday's in October. :)

3.  I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love?

Yes, there are several. But I do really like "Save the Last Dance For Me" by Michael Buble



4.  What are some things you do to let others know you love them?

I tell them. Often. (For example: since I live so far from my parents, I end every conversation with "I love you".) I talk with them and spend time with them. Just being there for them, whenever I am able. Sending a note or card just because. Lots of things! :)

5.  Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers? Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies?

For roses I'd probably prefer red. Given my choice, I'd open the door to see a dozen gerber daisies! They're my absolute favorite flower. I'd prefer them in yellow or orange, but any color is beautiful. The last time I received flowers was a couple years ago on my birthday. I had the day off work, so I didn't hurry out the door first thing. But when I headed to lunch with friends, I opened my front door to see a huge bouquet of flowers sitting on our front sidewalk! My dear friend had dropped them off the night before and there they sat so bright and cheery. It was a wonderful surprise. :)

Aren't they beautiful? She knows me well! They were the best birthday present. :)

6.  President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you?  Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring?  Why?

History of any sort interests me! :) I've been to Monticello several times. (It helps to grow up in VA and thereby be a popular field trip spot.) Also toured The White House once, although it was years ago, so I wouldn't mind going back there again. Surprisingly, I've never been to any of the others. I wouldn't mind going to all of them someday. Do I have to pick just one? Can't. Sorry.

7.  Are you good at keeping secrets?

I like to think so.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

So I don't know if you've ever played Bunco before? It's a dice game that women play (not trying to leave the men out, but it doesn't seem like a guy game to me ;), and I'm actually in a group that meets every month. It's all close friends of mine and a lovely excuse to leave men and children at home for one evening and catch up with each other again. Life gets so busy that friends can tend to take a backseat if we're not careful. :) Anyway, Monday evening I was a substitute for another group. One of the ladies couldn't make it, and it's nice to have 12 people to play. I went and had a grand time! Even though I was the young squirt there, as all the rest of the ladies were at least 15 to 20 years older than I.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Kara on Pinterest

I have this much to say about those lovely, lovely ladies. They like to play bunco! Oh my stars! I knew I'd have fun, but I wasn't expecting the oldest ladies there to be the loudest at cheering when they got a great roll. Believe me, there was nary a quiet moment the entire evening. I think I spent the whole time laughing. These ladies know how to have a good time! And I love it! :D I hope I'm half as awesome and cool as they are when I grow up. :)

Toodle-loo kangaroos! I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. :)