Happy Wednesday and, around much of blogland, Happy Hodge Podge Day! It has been exciting to see how many have been joining the Hodge Podge link lately! I really enjoy reading others’ answers and seeing who has answers similar to mine. Most of you who stop by this spot of mine are already familiar with the Joyce’s Hodge Podge...so, I will just get started.
1. How do you feel about the transition from lazy summer days to a busier fall routine? Interestingly, I just mentioned this in my post on Monday. I think I am feeling ready for the transition, which is unusual for me. I don’t know exactly how “busy” I am in fall but there are lots of opportunities for fun that are unique to fall. I’m looking forward to quite a few of those. I think the fall routine (and the fall decor!) are the things that make the change of season most exciting.
I also learned (or learned to be comfortable) with taking off my shoes in the house. I was raised wearing shoes in the house and we did the same when my family was young. I actually thought it was rude to ask a guest to remove their shoes. When in Thailand, I had to put those opinions aside and, honestly, it did not take long before kicking off my shoes (and walking barefoot around the house) felt completely natural. These days, I even prefer it.4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic…which hat would you most like to wear? Tell us why. This one is impossible for me. I watch very few films and feel certain I would not enjoy watching too many more. I do not appreciate (or enjoy) art. So much art is just odd to me and, no doubt, that is what I would be expected to critique. I am a poor reader and again way too selective with what I choose to read and/or enjoy reading. That leaves food critic. Did I mention that I’m pretty picky? That probably would not make for much of a critic. I guess I will not be wearing one of these hats any time soon.
5. What’s a small, random thing from your childhood that you still remember clearly? Steak platters. (Very similar to the ones in this internet picture.) My dad grilled steaks every Saturday night. Every week. Mom made french fries. She fried them in oil. Vegetable oil, no doubt. While the potatoes were frying, the steak platters were warmed in the oven. Dad’s perfectly grilled steaks, with a side of shoestring fries, were served on those incredibly hot platters. Not only was it a family “tradition” but it was a family favorite.
6. Insert your own random thought here. I have really been enjoying my morning walks. Very much so….especially since the break in the weather. So have a lot of other folks. I pass plenty of people on the sidewalks when I walk. Some of them are running and others are also walking. Either way, I make it a point to try and verbally greet each person I pass. This is often humerous. Some folks go to great lengths to avoid eye contact. A few catch my eye but ignore me. Most respond…which is nice. I do chuckle at those who are determined to avoid acknowledgment because I am just as determined to say hello.
Actually, I do not often say, or have said to me, hello. Or even “good morning.” The standard greeting seems to be “morning” which I think is interesting. When did we drop the good from our morning greeting? Good is still included with afternoon, evening and with night. Well, I guess saying, “Night” is completely unheard of but, still. Hmm. These are the random things that run through my mind as I log my steps each day. Silly me.
Are you a greeter or do you avoid all eye contact?? Just wondering. Neither are wrong. Simply my random thought for today. I hope everyone has a good Wednesday! Be sure to check out the rest of the Hodge Podge. Find out all the best cookies!:)
Yum, cookies! I am a dunker, but in coffee as I don’t drink milk except in my coffee. Not even for a cookie! I am a greeter and will even respond to the rhetorical question “how are you?” with something beyond a fine which causes some to pause instead of continuing to move. I don’t want to be a critic at all. As a former teacher, we were taught for every negative we said/wrote, we needed to include something positive. I still try to be that way. And, I am ready for the crisp fall days. Happy Wednesday, Jennifer!
Robin, a positive attitude really is helpful. I’m much better than I used to be but can still improve!! I cannot imagine not drinking milk…I love my morning glass of milk!! Thanks for stopping by today and for your always encouraging comments!!
I am starting to feel more ready for the end of summer now. I want the cosy evenings and pumpkin spice everything.
All cookies are delicious but I do like the softer ones too. I love to dunk them in milk too.
I loved reading your answer for #3. I can’t imagine ordering rice in McDonalds but would like to try it. We are a shoes off at the door house. I can’t imagine wearing shoes inside.
I live in a town where almost everyone says hello to everyone when out walking or at least give a nod of the head. I found it so strange when I first moved here but now I am a greeter.
Kim, I think it would be wonderful to live in town where folks are friendly and engaging!! Hooray for being a greeter:) Hope you have a good Wednesday!
Hello,
I am coming over to dunk. 🙂 My dad is a big dunker. And he LOVES cookies.
I enjoyed your #3.
I also say “Hello” to those I meet on my daily walk. Kids usually ignore me, they are busy walking and looking down at their phones. Some adults are doing the same. And some will say “Hi” back. Every once in awhile I will get a person that wants to stop and chat.
Ah, no one has wanted to stop and chat yet…but, maybe one day. That would be interesting. In this neck of the woods, being invisble is paramount! Sigh. Hooray for dunkers!!:)
I wrote about my favorite store bought cookies. I can’t replicate the Oreo or fig newtons. Enjoyed your Hodgepodge!
Oh, fig newtons. Another huge store-bought win!!:)
So much to respond to your delightful post, so little time, lol. I’m on break at work :). You and I answered in a similar way regarding liking a variety of cookies. I almost mentioned not wearing shoes in the house as a cultural thing that I’ve learned. Your steak dinners growing up sound really good! I don’t greet people when I’m running but if I’m out walking, I do.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, friend! Hope your day goes quickly. Happy Hodge Podge Day!!
Hello , Jennifer. I want to be honest I did not read this post. I came here to read your testimony again. I needed the reminder of trusting the Lord. There was no place to comment on that so I just want you to know that I appreciate you have your testimony on your blog. 🙂
We’re greeters for sure when we hike. I don’t always make eye contact but I smile and say hello. We were a shoeless house when the boys were little and it’s taken me years to go back to wearing shoes inside (though I did grow up wearing shoes inside). I much preferred when we didn’t allow shoes in the house as it did seem to keep it much cleaner for far longer.
Cookies are such a good treat. Now I’m wondering how many Christmas cookies are on your list to make each year. That is so interesting about the steak platters that your parents used when you were growing up. I think I’ve seen similar ones used in restaurants in the past. I’m a greeter. I say hello or good morning or whatever when we are out walking, etc. Good afternoon to you and have a great evening! 🙂
Steak platters, yessss! Suddenly, it’s 1970-something all over again.
Until I went to work in hospitality (Phoenix golf resort), I didn’t realize the importance of greeting strangers. We were ‘schooled’ in the 10/5 rule where, within 10 feet of a guest one was to make eye contact and smile. Then, at 5 feet say, “Good morning/afternoon.” This part was difficult for our less outgoing back-of-house staff, but most people seemed to appreciate it. Now, it’s a habit. Momma always said, “A smile doesn’t cost a thing.”
I am a dunker, too!! I couldn’t be a critic for any subject listed because I am too set in my ways to be fair! Steak platters!! I’ve only seen them in restaurants! How posh!! That’s a great memory, Jennifer! I love being a greeter at church and do make eye contact and offer “good morning” or “welcome”. I also offer hugs to those I know are also huggers!! Have a good night and a great day ahead!
I enjoyed my visit this evening. All this cookie talk makes me want to eat one. Nothing better than a warm cookie from the oven. That won’t happen until the weather is cooler. I haven’t had fig Newton in a long time. I remember going out to eat as a child and seeing my dad get a wooden platter so maybe he got a steak too. I will say hi when I a walking outside, but I normally go to the gym when I walk. We have always worn our shoes inside, but we usually change to slippers or flip flops. I like posting memories and I have a picture on my blog of me at 10. That was 61 years ago!!!
I have been making chocolate chip cookies with dark chocolate ships on repeat since the holidays. I probably should branch out! Its so hard to turn the oven on lately. We are under severe heat warnings every day. Ice cream it is!
Since I’m usually huffing and puffing my way through a run. I think I way overthink the greeting and it usually comes out exactly how I don’t want it to come out! I try to make eye contact and give a nod, but since I also usually have headphones in, I don’t say much.
Nice choices of cookies!! It was hard to pick one for that answer.
I enjoy reading the memories from childhood. What a special one you have.
Thanks for the smiles and to answer your question, it’s all depending on the situation whether or not I greet or stay quiet. LOL—wishing you a lovely weekend.
I enjoyed your answers. I need to get out and walk more. I just haven’t done much of it since I’m nursing an achilles tendon and even though walking isn’t bad for it it’s not always comfortable.
I don’t think I have an absolute favourite cookie but soft ones suit my teeth better. Snickerdoodles are amazing and now I think I will be making some this week.
The first thing that came into my head about my childhood was my beautiful swing that I could fly almost up into the sky. I was sad to leave it when we moved house to a smaller garden. I still have the memories though.
Today I was stood at the entrance of our church to welcome and greet people as they came in. It is a real priilege to do this job.