Hodgepodge with a Side of Salsa

Hello, dear friends.  I hope that you are enjoying your week.  The weather is positively gorgeous.  We've had a lot of rain which has made everything green.  I would be so happy if it were like this all year round.

You know the drill.
If it's Wednesday, it's time for Hodgepodge.

1. April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes. Is there a flower you associate with a particular memory? Explain.

kidsingardens.com

When I was about six years old, I was allowed to walk to my friend's house four doors away.  It was my first brush with independence, and I was loved every minute of it.

One of the houses was owned by an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Keating.  Now that I think about it, they were probably about my age now.  They were childless and so sweet to me.

Mrs. Keating was an avid gardener.  Their home always had the most beautiful gardens.  On my way home one day, I decided that I would surprise my Mom with a bouquet.  I picked every blessed daffodil in the Keating's pristine yard.

Quia

When my Mom met me at the door, I had the biggest smile on my face.  I couldn't figure out why my Mom wasn't delighted with the flowers.  She lost all color in her face and looked horrified.  This was not the reception that I had expected.  Evidently, she was so wrapped up in warning me about stranger danger that she forgot to review the chapter about not picking other people's flowers in the training manual.

My Mom took my hand, and we went over to talk to the lovely couple.  They were so sweet and actually laughed when they heard the story.  Or maybe they were just laughing at my Mom's face.

Anyway, to this day I can't look at a daffodil without breaking into a cold sweat. 

2. Last time you helped someone? Tell us how.

Sincerely Princewill

Over the weekend, I helped a lady get into the hotel elevator with six pieces of luggage.  I asked her how long she was staying and she answered the weekend.

And the Mister thinks that I overpack.

3. It's National Salsa Month (the food, not the dance) so tell us, do you like salsa? Hot, medium, or mild? Homemade, store-bought, or from your favorite restaurant only?

I miss the salsa in Texas.  Last Summer, I made these two salsas for a neighborhood happy hour.  A few of the ladies even asked me for the recipes!!  That was a first.

4. When I was twelve years old...

AFP/My SA

When I was twelve-years-old, I was battling the ravages of puberty while fighting my daffodil demons.

5. It's the first of May so let's run with it-first things first, don't know the first thing about it, first dibs on something, first impression, first rate, first cousin, first string, first come first served, at first light-which phrase can best be applied to something in your life currently or even recently?

My first cousin, John and his lovely wife Debbie from California came to my Dad's birthday party.  I hadn't seen them since their wedding. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

This was me on Sunday night... 

after I watched my favorite show.
Did anyone see it?

No spoilers here!

Until next time...

Sadie the funny naughty dog