Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

Joyce writes the questions and we answer! Join us at From This Side of the Pond and link up! I apologize for two posts today but I couldn't figure out a way to combine them without it being a really long post! If you want to read my April A to Z post, please check out the previous post. The challenge was set to post at 1:00 a.m. this morning and the Hodgepodge was set to post at 5:00 a.m.

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately? 

I am married to a retired CPA who was the CFO of a local company. I haven't done my own taxes since 1983. Actually, we were dating in 1983 . . .so Mark probably did my taxes that year, too! What have I found taxing lately? The pollen! I would love to be outside in this amazing weather, but nope. I can't. Dealing with high pollen counts can be very taxing on the body!

2. When it comes to travel are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you. 

Normally, I plan what I am going to pack and make a packing list. I like to lay it out and pack a week in advance. Back in October, that did not happen before we went on the cruise and I was packing the night before. It worked. Yes! Yes! Yes! I struggle to pack light. As I'm packing, I think "I might need this!" A packing tip that has helped me is to purchase a set of packing cubes. I ordered a basic set from Amazon and have used them multiple times. I also roll lots of my items.

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level? 

I did not know that they had their own month! I love a grilled cheese sandwich. I use Lewis Keto bread and 2 slices of Kraft Deluxe 2% cheese slices (not the individually wrapped ones). I prefer to use a pat of real butter, but due to weight control, I usually use butter spray. Toast the sandwich in a small skillet. Cut off the crusts AND EAT THEM FIRST! I am a grilled cheese purist. I don't want a lot of additions. When we were kids, I do remember adding dill pickle slices to our grilled cheese. I'm not sure I would like that addition now. Mark wants mustard on his grilled cheese. We all think that is so weird. Does anyone else want mustard? If I add anything, it would be a tiny bit of Hellman's light mayo!

4. There's a well known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd  

Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? 

Constant growth is necessary. I've always heard that if you aren't growing, you are dying. I want to keep growing!! In my development class, we are studying older adults at this point. Continued learning is very important as we age. Don't stop learning!!

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

• daffodils or tulips - tulips, but I do like daffodils
• lemonade or iced tea - iced tea
• gardening or hiking - neither haha!
• ladybugs or butterflies - butterflies
• umbrella or raincoat - raincoat with a hood so my hands are free
• floral patterns or polka dots - Polka dots . . .though I do have lots of floral patterns. I am assuming we are talking clothing? I don't have any floral or polka dot furniture!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Our two year old granddaughter is saying so many words since she had tubes put in her ears. I think she hit a developmental leap at the exact same time. She is still calling us Bop Bop and Ghee because she can't say Pop or Pops or Gran. Her momma told her that we are all going to the beach together this summer and she is saying "beach" in the cutest little voice! We FaceTime with them a lot. This generation of babies is learning how to have relationships over a screen. I'm glad we get to see and hear her.