Wednesday, June 14, 2017

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. ๐Ÿ˜’ 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!
 

27 comments:

  1. OMG...why can't people get off of Russia and worry about other things? Why can't congress get back to running the country instead of tearing it down? I don't even listen to the news any more...it makes my blood boil!
    I'm enjoying reading everyone's expressions! I bet when your dad said that, it made people stop and think!!

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  2. The photo of your pool took me back to when my teenage girls bought one to get in when they would lay out in the sun to cool off in. Yes, we felt so bad that we put a in ground pool. No I don't still have it we moved. Enjoy the day, Debby!

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  3. I grew up with a VERY strict mother, too, and was never allowed to go to most school functions or just hang out with friends. My dad got ill when I was quite young so I am sure that was part of it. xo Diana

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  4. Got a kick out of your dad. Love the photo. And yes, I'm sick of the great hunt for a Russia connection.

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  5. Debby, if you come to Lancaster County to see the Amish, we'll have to meet up! And I'll take you to visit my friends Katie and Emmanuel. :)

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  6. That is one way to beat the heat, Debby! But now that we live in a neighborhood, I think I'd better just hang around in my air conditioned house. Like you said . . . blackmail and all that.

    Love your dad's sense of humor! I'll guess that you're kind of like him.

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  7. That's a funny expression of your dad's! Much more creative than "What'd you say?" And the pool--looks so cool and refreshing--I'll be ready to hop in today after I mow the grass--if you bring it and set it up. Yes the humidity has certainly arrived. Enjoyed your answers!

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  8. You have cracked me up with the pool! Girl, we so much alike! We had two pools when our girls were growing up and we had the nice dock built around it and all that good stuff. Well, when children got grown and left home my man said he was tired of POOLS! My oldest daughter has a nice pool so if I really get a hankering for a pool day I just go to her house which is 12 minute away from me. But, I bought me a little pool, smaller than the one you have shown here and along with my new beach chair that my girls gave to me, I got out there in my back yard by my little veggie and herb garden where no one could see me and guess what I done? YEP....filled that little pool up with water and I got in my beach chair with my Nana bathing suit on and as soon as I got too hot..which was often...I took my big behind and sat right down in that little pool. Now getting in the pool wasn't the problem...GETTING out...a whole nuther story! So glad no one could see me! My girls are still laughing about it but hey, it worked for me! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  9. LOVE your flag pictures, and the story about your pool! Reminded me of when my boys were little and we always had the wadding pool in the backyard set up, and yep this gal was always in it too, lol. I'd love to see the Amish country too! Your dad's expression cracked me up, lol Enjoy the rest of your week!

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  10. I think your little pool is a great idea!!! : )

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  11. Ok,that small pool is the only one this girl would;d get in to. I am not a water person, can't swim and really do not have a desire to drown so water is only for a shower or bath. I'm sure you really needed to know all that Have great day.

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  12. The pool certainly made me smile, what fun.

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  13. I agree and mentioned, too, about how a father treats his children's mother. And, oh yes, I am tired of hearing about Russia. Just let it go and give the man a chance to see if he can do what he said he'd do!

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  14. Yes, I'm so tired of hearing about Russia! I have been to Lancaster, PA and it is such a lovely place and so, so interesting. It's like stepping wayyyy back in time. Thinking we could learn a whole lot from the Amish and likewise, they could learn a lot from us. Enjoyable answers!

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  15. Love the photo of your dad. My parents were much like yours and I've read several other blogs today where children were not allowed to dance. No great loss as I can't dance any way! lol
    I thought you were going to tell us that your doxies loved the pool. Mine never would get in one but other doxie owners told us that their dogs loved it!

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  16. Very sick to death of hearing about Russia. ๐Ÿ˜ Bunch of bozos.

    I would have loved being a fly on the wall to see your moment in the pool. What a fun thing to do!

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  17. Our flag is flying out front right now too! And we are praying for our country every day. Hope you have a good evening my friend. Hugs!

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  18. I love that you have your very own pool for cooling off, Debby! Your description of a good dad is an excellent one for sure...loved that! Yes, I'm in agreement with your thoughts on Russia!!!!

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  19. I need to get me a pool, too!!!! So I can cool off from the fake news about Russia!!!!! Really enjoyed your post!!!

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  20. I love Lancaster and visiting Amish Country. Haven't been there in a long time but hope to get back soon. Love your pool, what a great way to cool off :)

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  21. Pretty header, Debby. The pool does look inviting. The weather has gone from nice, to chilly, to overly nice again. I felt suffocated by the strictness when I was a teen, especially. My three older brothers apparently caused enough trouble, I wasn't allowed to do anything.

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  22. I wish I had a little fan that would follow me around on a cloud and create a nice breeze. Someone should hurry up and invent it, it is a great idea.
    Amalia
    xo

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  23. Your flag pictures are simply beautiful and I loved seeing the picture of your dad.

    And yes, completely tired of hearing about Russia!

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  24. What a cute pool. And lovely photos. Enjoyed reading your Hodgepodge answers. And, in reply to your reply to Question 6, YES!

    Wishing you a beautiful weekend, Debby.

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  25. I love the pool, and all your photos are fantastic! The photo of your father touched my heart. And your header is beautiful! In a recent post by Cindy, she shared the tea that you kindly sent her. They look fantastic! I think you have great taste...I am a tea lover myself. I hope you have a great weekend. You have a lovely blog.

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  26. I love that flag picture waving in the sun, Debby. It's an awesome picture. Your little pool is sweet. That's all we need to put our feet in during these hot summer months. It's getting pretty warm here too. This picture of your dad is such a treasure.

    Have a restful Sunday, Debby.

    ~Sheri

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Thank you for stopping by today! Your sweet comments are such an encouragement to me.