How Can It Be Hodgepodge!

 

Hello Hodgepodgers. Here are the questions to this week's link up. Join us at From This Side of the Pond, or in the comments, to share your answers. 

Please note: Joyce will take a MUCH DESERVED vacation from the Hodgepodge next week! The Hodgepodge will be on Christmas break next week, so no link up on December 24th. We'll return to our normal Wednesday hop on December 31st. In the meantime, here's what we're answering this week...

How can we be so close to the end of the year? Seriously! How?

1. What's one thing on your to-do list that you want to get done, need to get done, or that must get done before the year ends? 

I need to buy stocking stuffers before the 27th. I need to straighten up some closets and I want to work on our attic.

2.  December 17th is National Maple Syrup Day...are you a fan? Do you like maple flavor in other food items such as candy, cookies, donuts, oatmeal, hot toddies, coffee? 

I'm "take it or leave it" on the Maple Syrup. I buy Mrs. Butterworth's no sugar added syrup for me. I do like a packet of 100 calorie oatmeal that has maple syrup flavor. 

3. Time magazine names a person of the year every year.  The tradition started back in 1927 with a 'man of the year' but has since changed to recognize not only an individual, but also to consider the impact of a group, movement, or idea that most influenced the year. The selection is not always someone or something good (think Hitler in 1938 and Stalin twice). 

This year they've named The AI Architects as their 'person of the year'. What say you? Is this a good choice, an obvious choice, a logical choice? Who do you think should have been named person of the year? 

I use AI often (chatGPT) and I must admit AI is pretty amazing. The architects behind it are pretty smart. I'm not sure I would have named them as "person of the year," but they are probably a better choice than some others!

4. What's a city, state, or country you've visited that you never care to visit again? Tell us why. 

I want to say Egypt . . .but I would probably go back just to see the things I missed! The new museum was not open and I would like to see it.

5. Next Sunday (December 21st) marks the first day of winter (or the opposite if you're living down under). What's one thing you love about this new season? 

I love the fact that on the very next day after December 21 . . . is December 22, when we begin to get more light. It is just a little each day, but eventually . . .we get back to more sunshine. I know that was not exactly what you were asking, but that is how I feel! I do love using our fireplace (gas logs) throughout the winter months.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Our home is almost fully decorated . . .or as decorated as it is going to be. I want to bake cheese straws and I need to take some goodies to one more neighbor. I've ordered Christmas stockings for a friend and for our youngest granddaughter. As I mentioned in my #1 answer, I need to buy stocking stuffers. I need to plan our Christmas (December 27 celebration) family menu. Christmas cards are in the mail. Seriously - I have a few extra. If you want a Christmas card, please email your address to me at lelliott@trinitybirmingham.com.