Hodgepodge Is Back!

Good morning, dear friends.  You'll hear no complaints about the weather from me!  If it's Wednesday, it's time for my favorite series, Hodgepodge.  

1.  What's a phrase your mother often said to you?  If you're a parent, is this something you now say to your own children?

It wasn't until my late teens that I found out that my mother did not make this phrase up, herself.  Yes, I have used this phrase a few thousand times with my own girls.  I think my daughters really get it because they usually finish the phrase before I can, and then they roll their eyes.  In my house, the act of rolling the eyes signifies "thanks beautiful Mom, you are wise beyond your years."  Or at least that's what they tell me it means.

2.  What is a scent that you associate with your mother or your childhood home?

My parents would go out at least one night on the weekends when my Sista and I were young.  I remember the waft of Estee perfume, the clanging of her charm bracelet, and the clicking of my mother's high heels when she was leaving for the evening with my Dad.  It was on these nights that I couldn't wait to grow up and get all dolled up just like my Mom.

3.  What's an activity you remember always doing with your mother (or someone who was a mother figure in your life)?

My Mother was a devout Catholic.  We never missed a Sunday Mass or a service on holy days. 

4.  Flared jeans, maxi dresses, and jumpsuits are  70's fashion trends back this spring.  Are you on board?  Which trend would you be most inclined to try?  For the men... flared corduroys, wide-collared shirts, and floral prints... what say you?

Definitely the maxi dresses.  Although I hate to hide one of my best assets, long shapely legs.  So what if the men stop ogling me for one night!!

The Mister is the most conservative dresser.  The greatest stretch is his recent love affair with the bow tie.  

Although, the floral shirt gave me a great idea for Father's Day!  I'll take a picture of  his expression after he opens the box so you can see his expression.

5.  May 6th is Teacher Appreciation Day and also Nurse Appreciation Day.  Is there a nurse or teacher you have especially appreciated along the way?  Tell us why.

I have been blessed with many great teachers in my life.  But the person I want to talk about is my dear friend, Mary, who I had lunch with yesterday.  She is one of the many blessings that I have received through my blog.  You can read about our first meeting here  and here.

Mary is an ICU nurse at Children's Hospital in Boston.  You can imagine how difficult that job is dealing with sick children and heartbroken parents.  Just a few months ago, a friend of mine's son was a patient on that wing.  That's one place no parent wants to find themselves.  My friend said that Mary is the most caring and warm nurse, always giving the parent a pat on the shoulder and holding her patient's hand.  

Mary treats her friends with the same gentle heart.  She makes you feel like you are the most important person on the planet.  When I ask her how work is, she always smiles and says fine, but I know deep down, it is tough.  

Mary is a great friend and my unsung hero.    

6.  If I came by your house, what would I find on your frig door?

Notta, but you would find some suspicious-looking characters hanging around.

7.  Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana made her royal entrance on Saturday, May 2nd.  On a scale of 1-10, how much attention did you give to all the news coverage?  1= Who's Charlotte?  10=sat glued to the telly, cuppa in hand.

This pretty much sums up my interest in the royal family.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

One of my longtime readers and friend, Beansie, sent me this beautiful quote.   By the way, Beansie sent me the most delicous brownie recipe in the world last year.  You can find it here.  

"Every now and then, even in the most ordinary of lives, love hands you a fairy tale."

~Anonymous




Until next time...