Hodgepodge ~ January 21, 2026

 Happy Wednesday and Hodgepodge day friends!

1. Ice skating, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, playing in the snow, or a snowy walk...which winter activity do you choose? Have you done any of these activities so far this winter? 

A snowy walk sounds nice, but I haven't done any of these items as we haven't had any snow yet.  Usually, we don't have snow until January through March.  I will admit, as much as I love to watch the snow fall, I sure hope we don't have much this year as I don't want to be snowed in at home.  

2. Everyone is posting pictures from ten years ago on their social media sites so let's jump on the bandwagon too. Share one photo and one thought to go with said photo from the year 2016. And maybe everyone isn't doing this, but many are and we're going to be part of the fun. 

I posted some highlights from my 2016 yesterday, but here is an additional picture from that year.  I shared yesterday that Brook and I went to NYC.  We went to a taping of Live with Kelly.  This was during the time when she was looking for a co-host (pre Ryan Seacrest).  I still watch Live with Kelly and Mark every day, so this was fun for us to be at a taping of the show.

3. What's a trend you hope disappears in this new year? 

Hmm...I wish it was easier to get concert/event tickets.  It seems like even if I click at the time something goes on sale, very few seats are left.  Although, I still remember lining up at a ticket window to buy tickets too, so I am also thankful for the convenience of online purchasing.

4. 'They' say there's a day for everything and January 21st proves it. National Granola Bar Day. Do you like granola bars? How about just regular granola? Do you like bars of other kinds? 

I am not a fan of granola or granola bars.  But, I do eat a protein bar every day!  My girls even laugh at me saying, "I will just eat a bar". I don't like nuts in bars, so that limits a lot of bars.  My favorites are Built, Quest or Barebell.

5.  A frozen lake, a trickling stream, a raging river, or a deep well...which one describes something about your life right now? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

This is such an interesting question!  The 2 that stand out to me are a trickling stream and a deep well.  So often I feel like I am in a deep well.  I think that comes from living along and feeling lonely so much.  Even though I am around people often, I still usually feel pretty lonely.  A deep well seems like a lonely place!  The good thing is that I am not stuck in a deep well.  I also relate to the trickling stream, because I feel like I am also slowly beginning to rebuild my life.  The stream usually leads into something bigger and sometimes you don't know what is right around the bend.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Last week, Harry Styles announced he will have a new album release in March and all signs point to a new tour in 2026/2027.  Harry Styles is a musician that began with the group One Direction.  I have taken my daughters to see him twice in concert previously in Nashville and I am a fan too.  I have loved watching so many reels about this album & tour announcement! I have sent my daughters no less than 20 reels probably about this.  I know they think I have too much time on my hands & they are not wrong.  

Enjoy your day!