Heat, Humidity and the Hodgepodge

Well, I think summer is finally here, although maybe not yet officially by the calendar.

 Last week I was just saying how absolutely gorgeous the weather was here.

Even though it's not that bad, the heat and humidity have kicked in this week.

Now that it has arrived, it's likely to hang around until September.

Looks like it's time to get the pool ready!

No, this little pool was not for the grand kids...they were already in their teens when I bought it.

I actually got it for myself a few years back and yes, I actually got in it.

I was home by myself and there were no other witnesses nor were there any photos of me in it.

I was very careful not to have any "evidence" in case there was ever a threat of blackmail.

Images of a beached whale come to mind....it sure was refreshing though!

~

So welcome back to Joyce, hoping that all is well in your family...

...and welcome back to the Hodgepodge...

...where she asks the questions and we answer them on our blogs!

 

1. The Hodgepodge lands on June 14th this week, Flag Day in the US of A. Do you fly your country's flag at home? Sometimes, often, or every single day? 

 

Every single day, you will find Old Glory either waving with a gentle breeze or flapping profusely on a windy day, getting all wrapped around the pole. 

 

Have you ever visited the city of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia)? Did you make a point of seeing The Betsy Ross House? Have you ever made a trip to Baltimore? If so, was Fort McHenry on your itinerary? (where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner) 

No, I have never been to Philly (even the state of Pennsylvania) nor have I been to Baltimore, although the thought of visiting those historical sites sounds interesting. If I was heading in that direction, I would most likely be planning to visit the Lancaster area and Amish country.

 

2. Red flag or white flag? Which have you encountered most recently? Explain.

No real warnings or surrenders going on here currently. Boring, I know.

3. Are you a stay in the car listen to the end of a song kind of person?

I rarely (if ever) have the radio on in my car anymore. It may have something to do with the fact that both of my back speakers are blown and it sounds like two sheets of sandpaper rubbing against each other...not a pretty sound. My little Jeep is old and I have no intention on replacing the speakers...BUT...hoping to replace the vehicle, itself real soon! Now riding in Jim's car is a different matter entirely...his radio is usually blaring. 😒 I used to always have music playing in my car and I am sure there were even times when I have stayed in the car to hear the end of a certain song...it's been a while though. These days I like the peace and quiet when riding in any car...getting old and set in my ways? Maybe. What kind of person is that? I really don't know what that says about a person. I'm not so sure that you have to be a certain kind of person to either do that or not.

4. What are some of the traits or qualities you think a good dad possesses? In other words, what makes a good dad?

Someone who sacrificially loves the mother of his children and shows that by being a hands-on kind of guy...that would be a bonus. He is firm but soft and is a good provider. Back in the day, most men didn't get involved much in the day-to-day raising of the children...it's just the way it was. My dad was not what I would call that kind of dad either but I never doubted his love for me. I have described him as 'the softer side of sandpaper' here on my other blog.

What's an expression you associate with your father? "

"In back of who's barn?" My dad was always full of funny expressions and words and this was his way of asking, "What did you say?" There are many more where that came from but I bet you already guessed that.



5. What's one rule you always disagreed with while growing up?

My parents, especially my mom, was very strict and we were not allowed to do many of the things that our friends were able to do. I'm talking about things like going to school functions, including dances, basketball games, etc. and visiting friend's homes that Mom didn't know well. I really didn't understand why but just knew it was the way it was. Don't get me wrong...neither one of my parents, especially Mom, were mean at all, just very strict.

Is that rule somehow still part of your adult life?

I believe it contributed somewhat to how I raised my boys but to a much lesser degree...still erring on the side of caution, so to speak. We definitely made sure they had opportunities to be involved in school activities, sports, mission trips and other extracurricular activities. They had many friendships but we were careful to know as much as possible about the family.

Is that a good or bad thing?

I think being too strict is not always a good thing. I speak from personal experience when I tell you that I truly believe it caused rebellion...mostly in the last of us three girls. Praise God for His amazing grace. And that's all that needs to be said about that!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Is anyone else tired of hearing about Russia?

Have an awesome week!