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1. Besides your very own house, describe a place where you feel most 'at home'?
Besides our house, I guess I'd have to say I feel most 'at home' here on our farm (creek, woods, hills) - or Harper's Ferry, WV. or Yorkshire, England or Duluth, MN. It's got to be the hills, trees, and water that attract me to all of these places. Harper's Ferry is at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers; Yorkshire has many rivers; Duluth, MN is at the edge of Lake Superior. Which reminds me, did you know that Duluth is an international port city 1100 miles inland (as the crow flies), ships having to travel 2,340 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to get there?? Nor did I. Until last night. That's farther than Minneapolis to Los Angeles or London to Gibraltar - but not as far as Montreal to Red Deer, Alberta, in case you were wondering.
Lake Superior at Duluth
Lift bridge in the distance
2. When did you last 'hit a home run' with something? Explain.
I think that would have been our family's Early Thanksgiving. Unless they were all lying, I think almost everyone had a good time. In case you missed that long, drawn-out post, you can view it, along with a ton of autumn photos, HERE.
Grandson, viewing the scenery from the back of the hay wagon
Just a couple of cute weirdos who crashed our Thanksgiving
3. Tell us about something you love in your house or kitchen that is 'homemade'.
That's easy. That would be natural, vegan soap. And right now I'm having a Fall/Christmas Giveaway. Ends Friday at 10 PM CDT, so hurry and enter on Monday's blog post.
The other homemade thing would be the lavender/blueberry scones I'm going to make this weekend. Find the recipe HERE.
I can't help putting mini semi-sweet chocolate chips in my scones
along with the blueberry and lavender.
I'm trying to think if there's anything else around here that's homemade. I guess Audrey's kittens would be the only thing that comes to mind. And we're hoping that she's only going to have 1 or two. An 'only kitten' would definitely be a blessing.
Audrey, dreaming of her former life as a stray
4. 'A man's home is his castle'...which of the world's ten most captivating castles (according to The Travel Channel) would you most like to visit and why-
Mont Saint-Michel (France), Edinburgh Castle (Scotland), Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany), Glamis Castle (Scotland), Windsor Castle (England), Chateau de Chambord (France), Hampton Court Palace (England), Prague Castle (Prague), St. Michael's Mount (England), Leeds Castle (England), and Swallow's Nest (Ukraine)
I tried Windsor Castle, and that turned out a disaster; I'd love to visit Edinburgh Castle if it weren't so far north from anyplace else I want to visit in the UK; I'd like to visit Prague Castle or just Prague in general, because that part of the world seems fascinating, especially after watching a documentary on what lies beneath Prague - if only I could teleport.
Windsor Castle. Getting off the train. It was all downhill from there.
5. What's a recent or upcoming plan or project that's required you do a little homework before getting started? Did the homework cause you to abandon your plan or adjust it in some way?
Homework? The first thing that comes to mind is the upcoming election. But since I'd like to have some friends after this Hodgepodge is over, I'll skip politics and go to something more pleasing - like travel. I did all the planning for Mr. C. and our son's trip to England. I LOVE the planning stage: Researching points of interest, accommodations, car rental, train travel, airlines, etc. etc. It's so much FUN!
Victoria Station
6. In your opinion, is homework an unnecessary evil or a valuable practice? Should schools be done with homework? Why or why not?
I think that homework is a necessary evil. If kids (high school) want to learn something, and have any aspirations for life beyond high school, they will have to work, and that work most likely will not be able to be accomplished within the school day. However, I don't think there should be homework assigned to little kids. Good grief, it's hard enough for them to sit still during the school day, and then go home to more of the same? No. Little kids, especially, should be playing.
Audrey, between a rock and a hard place
7. Share a favorite memory of your childhood hometown.
We all loved the Treat Shop, across the street from the old Junior High building, where we could go during recess to buy Mallo Cups and eat ourselves into an afternoon sugar coma, just in time for government class.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Tuppence, staking her claim.
Lying next to me on the sofa during breakfast coffee.
At least she's no longer hissing or clawing at Audrey.
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Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!
58 comments:
Hi Judy: I like these hodge-podge posts. They're fun. Cute photos today. I, too, hope Audrey only has a small family. (I must have missed something here) Annie only had 3 and that was considered a small family so I'll wish that (or less) for her. I'm so happy she is safe and in loving hands.
I think no matter where we roam, we are ready to head home after a few days. I had a nice day at home yesterday...just cleaning and piddling. I thought to myself how nice it is to be able to have a day at home.
Oh good girl, Tuppence. Perhaps she is realizing how difficult things are for Audrey these days. Just one or two kittens sounds good. Pardon me, Judy, but I am smiling at !the thought of your home becoming one for little mothers. Ha!
Now I want to know what in the world happened at Windsor Castle. Just too crowded with tourists?
Hope that those weirdos don't take offense!
As for the giveaway, I must contact you about an order soon.
Lovely photos of your "home(s) away from home"! And I am oh-so-glad that Audrey has found a home with you! She hit the jackpot! :)
Hmmm. I must have neglected to mention in previous posts that Audrey is in family way. The vet also said that she's very healthy, no ear mites, no fleas, and now the spaying must wait until after kitten(s) are born and weaned. Hopefully they'll be ready in time for great Christmas presents!😃
I agree, Arlene! I spent most of yesterday sorting through books. It was pleasant, but I've a lot more to do.
Actually, it was at Windsor that I realized my first hip replacement was going very wrong. As for the cute weirdos, they know I love them.
Thank you Cheryl. Audrey does have it nice here, that's for sure. The two cats now meet at the wire gates, by which they are separated, but don't yet touch noses. We are seeing progress.
Ohhhhh how I love Mallo Cups!! Audrey looks like she is enjoying her snooze and thinking how lucky she is to have a nice warm home. Hope you have a fabulous week, dear Judy!
All those places you listed look beautiful. I love being near the water too. I don't know what Mallo Cups are but I'm guessing ice cream? I'd love them then :)
I enjoyed your answers, none more than, Edinburgh Castle - I was there last week!! I've just returned from a trip to Scotland and Ireland. I'm doing several blog posts about it.
Thanks Katie. I try to stay away from Mallo Cups, but sometimes Mr. C. brings them into the house. It's that outside edge that I like!
I'm not sure what Mallo Cups are exactly, but poor quality chocolate, marshmallow, and some sort of irresistible crunchiness.
Oh wonderful!!! We'll all have to visit your blog and see your pictures. How exciting!
Oh my, just look at Audrey's sweet kitty feet :)
Your posts are always delightful, dear Judy. Have a glorious day. Hugs!
You should visit Windsor with me. I can give the tour : ) Do you have ties to Harper's Ferry? It's a long way from WI! One kitten would be a blessing, but is also unlikely : ) Have a great day!
I am happy to hear Tuppence is getting along with Audrey. I did not realize she is pregnant. don't cats usually have at least 4 kittens? I know nothing. but I do love all the kitty pics and Audrey looks happy with her new home. the only place I feel at home is home.. and home is where ever I am living at the time. I am a homebody and prefer to sleep in my own bed. 2 or 3 nights in a strange bed and I am longing for home.
Thanks Stephanie. Audrey is a cute tabby. Hope she gets on with her family project pretty soon.
Joyce, we've just visited Harper's Ferry several times and love it there.
I agree, there's no place like home, and although I love to travel, it's always good to get home. I'm sure hoping that the size of Audrey's litter is the exception to the rule, like maybe 1 kitten.
Oh how I loved Mallo Cups! Still do! We used to go to the gas station on the corner and hit the penny candy case in the afternoons. It was glorious! Sweet Audrey! How's Tuppence doing with her? I entered the soap giveaway. Feel free to enter me at least 100 times. LOL
There was a gas station across the street from our church. When there was VBS, we'd always go there to get penny candy. Usually the owner would give us kids free stuff too. Nowadays everyone's afraid of everything, and it's sad we've lost the good simpler times. I'll see what I can do about the Giveaway. Just kidding!!! 😀😀
MMMM...mallow cups...haven't thought about them in years! Okay, what happened in Windsor Castle; you have my full attention. Love your photos of the kitties! Kittens at christmas should be eventful, with all the ornaments, ribbons, and other fun things that somehow become favorite cat toys. Have a great week!
Cheers!
Lori in Blue Ridge, GA
Nice photos! Audrey looks so cozy and cute ♥
I think those kittens might be gated in the kitchen at Christmastime. :-) Vee had the same question about Windsor. Thanks for stopping in, Lori.
Oh I think Audrey's a pretty happy cat right now. Thanks.
Audrey's going to be a mommy? She really did hit the jackpot at your home, Judy. She has a mommy that is taking her into a nice warm place. And take her to the vet. Lucky Audrey!
You know you have me when you post photos of lovely England!
The weirdos in the kitchen look like a lot of fun. Enjoy a lovely afternoon. ♥
Thanks, Martha Ellen. Yes, Audrey is evidently pregnant. The idea of a batch of kittens isn't the most thrilling news, but she's a very sweet cat. One of these days I hope to get back to my Anglophile Friday posts - when I can sit longer at the computer. The 'weirdos' sure are fun, yes. 😃
I'll bet a lot of homework is going on across the country for your upcoming election. ;-)
Audrey is a lucky girl to have a caring home and hopefully she will have a very small litter.
Mallow cups are new to me but then we've missed out on a lot of goodies you can get in the US.
Enjoy the rest of your week Judy.
Tuppence is a pretty cat and she looks very happy and comfortable. I like these hodgepodge posts. They're fun and I like to get to know you. nice photos today.
It will be so interesting to see how Tuppence deals with the new kittens. Please be sure to tell us about the birthing and whether Tuppence steps up to be a good auntie!! I always enjoy your photos that you post along with your Hodgepodge answers!
Both of your kitties look very content. New kittens will liven things up a bit for you (and the other cats) :)
As always, I enjoyed your photographs.
Kathy (Reflections)
What a lovely post to read and your photo's were all so lovely too.
You may have your hands full with the new kittens!
Enjoy the remainder of your week
All the best Jan
so glad audrey is being 'accepted' in the household! :) adorable. loved your thanksgiving crashers, too. goofballs. love your pretty views, too.
Well I certainlg hope people are doing their homework before voting. It would be nice to think that people have thought through the issues. Sorry you missed out on Mallo Cups, but they're not nearly as good as Mounds bars anyway. Can you get those there?
Thanks Sandie. Tuppence is not thrilled with the idea of another cat joining the household.
A couple times today we let Tuppence into the gated kitchen where Audrey is. Tuppence hissed, but then ran past Audrey, so I think she's actually intimidated by the new car. I think we might keep them separated until the kittens are weaned and Audrey has healed from her surgery (spaying). Thanks for your kind words about my post and photos Terri.
Thanks Kathy. I'm hoping the new kittens will liven things up no more than exactly six weeks, or however long it is before they are weaned. I don't want 'Hundreds of cats, Thousands of cats, Millions and Billions and Trillions of cats.'
Thank you so much, Jan. I'm hoping the whole thing with kittens will be as uneventful as possible. Our son's cat ate two of her newborn kittens.
Thanks Tex. Goofballs make the world a happier place. :-))
You know how I love cats and your photos melt my heart of Audrey and Tuppence. Always a joy to see the photos of the places you've visited. The Thanksgiving goofy photos made me laugh - we have them in our family, too! lol
Glad the early Thanksgiving was a big hit! Great answer on your soap. I think a good plan for travel is very important. I agree, homework was a big battle in our house. You know I would walk to a candy store at lunch time....great memories.
I always love all your answers, Judy. It is just fun to read them and see what is going on in your life.
I have some bad news- I don't know of a single cat that has only ever had ONE kitten though. lol
Have a wonderful night - I am late getting around today. xo Diana
Well, I've obviously missed a lot in my scarce visits here. So glad Audrey has a home now. And that she's settling in inside. It is a dangerous world out there for cats. You are good people.
They are sweet cats, Mildred. I think Tuppence is a little worried, though, about the young whippersnapper.
Debby, I hadn't thought of The Treat Shop for ages, but the question dredged up a fun memory - one of the side benefits of the Hodgepodge.
I'm not worried about the kittens, Diana. I know where you live. 😀
Thanks for stopping in, Elaine. I couldn't let that poor young cat try to survive our harsh winters outside. Way too cold here.
Great fences
Judy, this was great. But I have a question? What was disastrous about your visit to Windsor Castle? You said, "If only I could teleport," which is something I say frequently. If I'm ever to see England again, I may need to be "beamed up!"
Lovely scenes! The scones look delicious.
All, beautiful, warm, and sweet photos...the river shots are pretty too. But, I have to say my favorite is of your grandson deep in thought looking through the slats of the hay wagon...y'wonder what is on his mind.
Some great images here today. I enjoyed your fences and of course the kitties. I was not aware that Audrey is expecting. How fun!
I always enjoy your scenic photos. Love those pretty kitties!
Oh, goodness, Audrey is going to be a mama! So glad that she found you! Love seeing the watery photos and thinking about homework. I did so much of it with my kids over the years...... I was surprised that I even remembered algebra. I haven't had a Mallo cup in years. Now I am craving one! xx Karen
I enjoy your Hodgepodge . . .
I agree . . . let the children play . . .
Kitten/Kittens birth sounds exciting . . .
I used a small piece of your soap yesterday when I washed my hands often at the kitchen sink.
Made Soup#1 for our family gathering on Monday.
Now on to # 2 and 3 . . .
Great soap . . .
Late coming by to read this but it's always worth "making the trip!"
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