A Delightful Hodgepodge

1. What's a task you do on a regular (or semi-regular basis) that feels like it should be an Olympic event? 

It would be painting. Whether it's interior or exterior, I find the act of painting enjoyable. I often feel tempted to skip the prep work altogether, but I know it's a necessary step for a good result, so I make sure not to take shortcuts. Whenever possible, I try to convince my husband to take on the prep work since I know he dislikes painting and it usually works.

Painting runs in the family - my dad used to be a painting contractor in San Francisco so you could say that painting is in my blood.

We were supposed to have painted our hallway after we painted the living room last year, and there's also the pending task of painting the exterior of our house. However, we're considering putting off the exterior painting job until the Fall or perhaps even the following year.

 2. What's in the trunk of your car right now? 

Yesterday, my husband took our car to the car wash and hasn't yet replaced the numerous shopping bags that seem to multiply in the trunk. 

 3. Summer foods vs. fall foods...which do you prefer? 

I prefer summer foods a bit more due to the availability of local produce and fruits.

 Would you rather-watermelon or caramel apple? 

Watermelon!

iced coffee or pumpkin spiced latte? 

Neither. I prefer drinking water.

potato salad or sweet potato casserole? 

I've never tried sweet potato casserole, and when I've seen it, I don't eat it. I prefer savory over sweet. so it's potato salad for me!

barbecued ribs or roast turkey?

I don't eat ribs often, but I enjoy them when someone else prepares them. I tolerate turkey.

 ice cream sandwich or apple pie? 

I adore apple pie; nothing compares to it. I do enjoy an ice cream sandwich, but it doesn't hold a candle to apple pie.

corn on the cob or candy corn? 

Corn on the cob. 

 4. August 7th is National Lighthouse Day. 

Have you visited any lighthouses? 

source: Pinterest

Pigeon Point Lighthouse is located on the San Mateo Coast, 

and I used to live just down from it. 

Sorry I didn't feel like digging out photos - 

Having grown up in San Francisco and Pacifica, I was accustomed to the presence of numerous lighthouses due to the proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the bay. As a child, I have vivid memories of lying in bed and cherishing the moments of foggy nights, listening intently to the hauntingly beautiful sound of the fog horns, especially during the summer months.

Even now, that distinct and melancholic sound is something that I really miss.

Source: Pinterest 

In Del Norte County - Crescent City. Ca

I do have several photos of the this - but too lazy to take the time to dig them up. 

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco

I also have a photo of this - Many lighthouses in and around the San Francisco Bay and up and down the coast. They all don't look like the picturesque lighthouses you find elsewhere.  

Do you have a favorite?

Here we go - one from my Blogger photos. I believe this is in Newport Oregon. 

I never thought of a favorite, but it is always nice to see one. I do believe the Oregon Coast is gorgeous. I prefer rugged terrain, whether it be a rugged coastline or rugged mountains and countryside. I like my lighthouses on a rugged coastline but that’s because it’s what I’ve always been used to. 

Oregon coast 

I can't remember which one this was or where...

We went up some steep stairs...I believe this one is in Oregon. 

 Is a lighthouse something you seek out if you're visiting an area known for theirs? 

If we know there is a lighthouse in the area, then yes. My husband enjoys lighthouses since the US Coast Guard used to maintain them.

Source: my husband

Either in Antarctica or the North Pole.  

After spending 10 years in the Navy, he served 10 years in the Coast Guard, but not on lighthouses—more like a Polar Class Ice cutter!  The USGC Polar Sea. He was on both Arctic and Antarctica scientific research vessels. 

He would have much more preferred a lighthouse! Antarctica is cold! 

 They all serve a purpose. 

 5. Light at the end of the tunnel, out like a light, give the green light, a lightbulb moment, in a new light, in the limelight...of the 'light' idioms listed which applies in some way to your life lately?

 Explain. 

These days, "Out like a light" perfectly describes my sleeping habits. As soon as I lay my head on the pillow, I'm out like a light! I enter a deep slumber and don't wake up until I feel the gentle brush of my cat's whiskers against my face. Slowly, I open one eye to see Susie gazing at me. I've always been known as a heavy sleeper, and I consider it a true blessing because I'm aware that many people, like my husband, struggle to get a good night's sleep.

If I don't sleep, something is wrong. 

6. Insert your own random thought here

The beginning of Light...

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

And God saw the light, and it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.

Happy Birthday to my firstborn son 

-Michael Jason

8/7/77 - 5/8/2003

Forever in my heart!