A Dollar Short and a Week Late

You know that I always go to the Hodge Podge if I need a jumpstart, kickstart, something. And the thing is, Joyce isn't even having a Hodge Podge this week so I am off the hook for linking and participating. I'm just using last week's for blog fodder. 

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?

I would swim in a lake I love in New Brunswick, Canada. I enjoy swimming in lakes over swimming in pools or the ocean. I have even swum in a Great Lake (Erie), which was as close to swimming in the ocean as I like to be...very brrrisk! 

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink? 

Lemonade

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simplify your life. They were-

clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

I like all of those ideas and follow many of them most of the time. There's going to be an entire summer of cleaning up and sorting ahead from barns to basements. I'd like to give up multi-tasking, but it just seems to be something I must do and probably because I have the attention span of a gnat.

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school? 

Since I would be off to college in the fall, I worked that summer cashiering at a grocery store. I also dated a lot that summer as I'd be saying goodbye to my boyfriend at the end of summer. He remained behind for a year and then joined the Army so there were many goodbyes through our dating years. Yes, I eventually married him and, though the marriage failed, I have two wonderful children and two wonderful grands so I'd not change my circumstances.

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? 

Have listened to some I have liked, but can't remember them and don't listen regularly.

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

Different and harder. Nothing is getting easier in this crazy society of ours.

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?

I have often been told that I am quite like my father in temperament. We seem to share a little issue called "directness." This is also known as not having a filter. Oh dear. My pastor once told me that I was very like my father in the nicest possible way. Ahem. =/

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

So many random thoughts swirling the brain. Let me keep it to one! 

I have been working on memory boards for John's service and so have been wading through this remarkable life of his with all the family, friends,  and experiences of a lifetime. Would you like to see some photos?

John on the cliffs of Grand Manan

John and sisters at their grandparents' 51st wedding anniversary party back in the day

Do all 12 year old boys look alike?

 One of 8 memory boards... This is looking a bit sparse to me so must add a few more photos, if I can find some.

my cluttered work corner

Thank you for the ongoing prayers. I truly need them and feel  sustained by them. Now I have a question for you: is it going to make you feel uncomfortable if I continue to chat about John? Needless to say, he is very much on my mind, but I don't want to cause you to worry about my mental health or when I'll get on with this life that is, after all, for the living.