Hodgepodge ~ February 19, 2025

 Happy Wednesday!  Thanks to all who said a prayer for me yesterday.  I am still in the midst of some legal battles, but one day at a time.  Maybe 2026 will be my fresh start year?  Meanwhile, onto Hodgepodge!

1. Many of our earliest presidents created words or expressions widely used today. Teddy Roosevelt is credited with mollycoddle, pack rat, frazzle, and loose cannon...which of those words/phrases currently relates to your life in some way? 

I would say pack rat since I am currently going through so many areas of my house to clean out things.  I am getting better at getting rid of things, but some days I feel like a pack rat.  It is hard for me to get rid of my kids childhood things.  That and pictures are probably the hardest things for me to sort.

2. Have you visited many (or any) of the US Presidents homes, monuments, libraries or related sites? If so what's been your favorite? Are there any you particularly want to see? Here's a link to presidential sites listed by state which is kind of fun to read-Presidential Places by State. And since several bloggers who participate in the HP each week live outside the US, here's a link to Presidential Places Outside the US. Have you seen any of those? 

The Hermitage - Nashville, TN

Mount Vernon & Monticello - Virginia

the memorials & monuments located in Washington, DC

3. February 20th is National Cherry Pie Day...will you celebrate? Given your choice of cherry pie, cherry cobbler, cheesecake with a cherry topping, or black forest cake which would you choose? 

I am not a huge cherry fan, so I would choose just a cheesecake.  If I were to choose a topping for cheesecake, it would be strawberry. I guess I won't be celebrating this week!

4. Last time you worked a puzzle of some kind? Something that had you puzzled recently? 

I worked a few Christmas puzzles and currently have one in progress, but haven't touched it in a few weeks.  Also, how are groceries seemingly getting more expensive? And housing, the prices of housing is so puzzling to me how expensive apartments and houses are these days. 

A few things that have have me puzzled...how I ended up at this stage of life, but I am accepting it and moving forward day by day.  

5. Of the early blooming flowers (January-early March depending on your zone) which one's your favorite? 

snowdrops, lenten roses, pansies, violets, snapdragons, reticulated iris, crocus, winter jasmine

All of these are so pretty.  I think the pansies seem to be the most hardy in this area.  I have a few daffodils that bloomed during some warmer weather last week, but now we have freezing temperatures this week.

Do you have any of these in your own yard/garden? 

I don't yet, but hope to plant some in a pot this spring.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My song for the week to share is called "Don't Lose Hope".  This is a song my daughter shared with me a few weeks ago and it is now on my favorite playlist.  

I wish that I could change the weather

Just to see your smiling face

You know I'm with you come whatever

We're gonna see the brighter days

Don't lose hope when the world is against you

Every high, every low, I am for you

Don't let go when you're at the end of your rope

I'll hold you, darlin', don't lose hope

I'll stay here with you 'til the morning breaks

Until the light moves past the dark

I'm gonna see you through this heartache

You're stronger than you think you are

Don't lose hope when the world is against you

Every high, every low, I am for you

Don't let go when you're at the end of your rope

I'll hold you, darlin', don't lose hope

We can make it out alive

Oh, you know that I believe it, 

Even after the darkest night

Oh, the sun will shine and you'll feel it

Oh, don't lose hope, no, don't lose hope

Don't lose hope when the world is against you

Every high and every low, I am for you

Don't let go when you're at the end of your rope

I'll hold you, darlin', don't lose hope