Better Late than Never Hodgepodge

 

From this Side of the Pond


JOIN~ Answer on your own blog then hop back here to add your link to the party. 



1. Monday was National Apple Day...did you eat an apple or enjoy something made with apples on Monday? Do you like apples? Do you prefer your apples raw, baked, or in cider? Do you have a favorite variety of apple? 

No, and No
Yes
I like them raw, baked, and in cider.
Gravenstein apples - 

2. Do you think there's any truth to the saying 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'

No, but it's a healthy snack choice.



Of the following healthy habits which do you find easiest to incorporate into your life and which is the most difficult for you to adopt-

Easyadequate sleep, a balanced diet, plenty of water, eat breakfast, don't smoke, exercise, limit alcohol, vegetables in your diet, manage stress, limit screen time

I've never smoked - never been much of a drinker -

 For many years, I was a runner, starting in my freshman year of high school with the 100-mile club. I ran through three pregnancies until an unexpected fall 15 years ago injured my knee. 

Now, my daily routine revolves around walking. which, can't match the exhilaration of running. In my dreams, I’m back on a path, feeling invincible. 

Occasionally, as I walk down a hill, an electrifying surge ignites my longing to "lift-off." I can almost feel the ground yielding to my desire for flight, but my knees protest, reminding me of the freedom I once took for granted.

Bummer! 


Difficult or challenging including fruit in my diet

Fruit doesn't taste like it used to, so I find it harder to incorporate fruit into my diet. 


I love visiting this charming local farm to pick up freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. There’s homemade bread, along with a variety of delicious homemade jams and jellies. The farmers wife, even makes unique soaps! The freshness and quality of everything far surpass what I used to buy at the grocery store. I also appreciate the beautiful surroundings and inviting ambiance, making each visit a special experience. 

Now, that has to be healthy!




3. Who taught you how to drive? Do you enjoy driving? Would you rather be the driver or the passenger?  

My Dad, Mom, a boyfriend, and Mr. George, my high-school driving instructor/business teacher.

I love to drive and do at least half the driving when we go anywhere. I've always been prone to car sickness, so sometimes I have to drive.







Do you have a favorite scenic drive near you? 

I reside in a part of far Northern California that even Californians never come to - where the landscape is a stunning collage of mountains, ancient volcanoes, lava tubes, and shimmering glaciers. Towering redwood trees stand proudly amidst lush forests, while the rugged coastline meets the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. The rural countryside is a visual delight of cattle ranches and farms - dotted with serene lakes, meandering rivers, and streams. Just a few minutes drive from my home, it doesn’t take long to immerse myself in some of the most picturesque and captivating scenery nature offers - 

No traffic, no crowds no tourists, and no big cities! 








The drive up to Mt Shasta (Elev.14,179 Ft. ) is a favorite, and we do it several times a year. This summer, after a early snowfall.





4. What small habit has had a big impact on your life? 

Prayer



5. Tell us about something nice that happened to you recently. 


Each day brings delightful moments of smiles and friendly conversations. Recently, while waiting behind a man while he was picking out a carton of eggs,  he surprised me by turning around and offering me the eggs he had just chosen. Kindness is contagious!

I think I am "at that age." 


6. Insert your own random thought here. 

It's funny. I have random thoughts every day, but when the Hodgepodge asks me to insert my thoughts, I can't think of a thing. 

I wasn't going to do the Hodgepodge anymore because I am always late getting it out and posting it on linky - I guess better late than never!



Thanks for dropping by my Hodgepodge for this week. 

Take Care


Debby


Comments

  1. I love these posts as I learn so much more about you, your faith and your life.

    God bless.

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  2. I've never heard of Gravenstein apples. I'm going to have to look for them. I like Honey Crisp variety.
    Good for you for being a runner. I always hated running!
    Your views of the mountains are always so pretty.

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    Replies
    1. They use to grow in Sonoma but we’re edged out for grapes - now they’re rare.

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  3. The scenery around you is breathtaking! It sounds like you don't take it for granted which is great! The picture and description of the farmer's market sounds really nice- we have one near us that is similar and I love to support it. I, too, was a runner and not that long ago. I had Achilles heal surgery in early April and am still not able to run (and even walk) like I used to. It's kind of depressing but I am thankful to be walking period after being in a thick cast for three weeks.

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    Replies
    1. Ouch! I had a partial knee replacement- and I walk fine but running is still too much pounding.

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  4. You have some sweet answers to the hodgpodge....I am not a big apple eater, but if I don eat them, I like them baked with cinnamon and sugar. Your area is absolutely gorgeous...love all the mountains and the big trees. That was a very kind gesture form the man...there really are some good people in this world...Kindness is so important and our world needs lots of it right now..

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  5. I'm often very late linking up my Hodgepodge too, and especially late in commenting on the other hodgepodge participants! Better late than never! I love the photo of your local farm shop and your beautiful scenic drives. What views! Have a great week!

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    Replies
    1. Same here - always late to the party. Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. We've driven through parts of Northern California but I haven't been to Mt. Shasta. What a beauty! It's funny how something so small as a gesture of handing you the eggs sticks with you and lifts your spirits. Unexpected kindness is especially sweet.

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    1. Wow I’m surprised. Seems most tourists stop at SF and Sacramento and never go far north! Actually our area is fine with it - it is what keeps it pristine.
      It was so sweet of that young man. His mama raised him right! Thanks for visiting Janice. I appreciate it.

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  7. There are so many areas we've driven by over the years that would have been nice to explore a little more like, Shasta. But woe is me, we were always in such a hurry with a car load and always having to get to Southern California for a family visit, wedding or funeral! You have some beautiful landscapes to enjoy. I really like your little farm store, too. Prayer is so underestimated. Have a beautiful day.

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    Replies
    1. I remember those times traveling with the kids - time restraints had us picking and choosing. Now, we have the time. I find it fun to revisit camping places I went to as a child. Brings back fond memories

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  8. You do live in such a scenic area, Debby. Thanks for sharing your photos and your thoughts here. Blessings!

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  9. Well, I so glad you did! Join in, that is. Due to undiagnosed pleurisy I was never a runner; even a jogger. My BF and I were always the last geeky girls when, in PE, we were made to run laps. I enjoyed hearing about your own feelings while running, however. Great memories!

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    Replies
    1. In elementary school, I was faster than the boys when it came to running. However, as I grew older, I preferred cross-country running on trails instead of on a track. Every May, I participated in a famous race in San Francisco called Bay to Breakers. It was a 12K event and I always liked getting my participation t-shirt!

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  10. Don't quit doing the hodgepodge. Its a wonderful way to get to know each other. Better late than never is my mantra too.
    Love your photos of Mt. Shasta and the surrounding area. If that cute little farm place was closer I would do my shopping there too. Its quaint and things look so fresh and welcoming.
    Sue

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    Replies
    1. With my bible study on Wednesdays, I can't get it out till the afternoon so it will have to be one of the latecomers.

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  11. I'm like you - when someone asks for a random thought (of which I have plenty), then I cannot think of them! But yes kindess is contagious!! We were talking about it the other day at Bible study and someone mentioned how folks used to pay for the person behind them in a drive through. That has never happened to me...ha!! I am wondering what a Gravenstein apple is?? That is a new one to me:)

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    Replies
    1. Gravenstein apples were once commonly found in California's wine country. However, as many vintners acquired land to expand grape production, the cultivation of Gravensteins declined, leading them to become quite rare. These apples are not typically available in supermarkets due to their poor shipping quality. During my childhood, Gravenstein apples were the variety we consumed most frequently.

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  12. I haven't heard of that type of apple. Wow, your running was impressive. Sorry about your knee injury. We are planning on driving to one of the apple orchards about an hour away from us. I'm glad the driving can help you with the car sickness. How wonderful that you can drive to those beautiful areas in California. That was so sweet of that man to hand you the eggs. Yes, better late then never, so keep it up.

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    1. It's not that impressive—it's not like I won races or anything. I just enjoyed it and it is quite addicting. Running is hard the joints, though—that constant pounding. Like many things in life, it was fun while it lasted

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  13. Good answers, I miss being able to drive

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  14. Never heard of a Gravenstein Apple, but I do like all varieties that we have here like Fuji, MacIntosh, and Delicious to name a few. I ran hurdles in high school. Lettered in track. My dad taught me how to drive and our scenic drive around here is driving along our river. We have many parks and a state campground right up the road from us. Mt Shasta would be a great drive! So beautiful from your pics. Janice

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    Replies
    1. They used to be grown in the California wine country but were phased out in order for more wineries. There are a few orchards but one has to go there to get an apple. No longer the quantity as in the past. I think the 80’s was the last time I had one.

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  15. Your reflections on apples and healthy habits are really relatable! It’s interesting how our preferences change over time, especially when it comes to food. It sounds like your running days were incredible, and it's understandable to miss that feeling of exhilaration. Walking can be a great alternative, though! Hopefully, you find ways to enjoy fruit again soon.

    Read my new blog post: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/10/the-social-media-trap-of-judging-relationships-by-one-sided-narratives.html

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  16. I have never heard of that apple!!! And I wonder why regular Californians never visit your area? smiles

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    Replies
    1. It’s political and majority of California’s population live in metro areas and this part of California is rural. No coastal elites here! It’s very conservative.

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  17. Debby,
    Thanks so much for visiting!!! Cute post...I enjoyed it!!! I hope you are having a great week!!
    Hugs,
    Deb
    Debbie-Dabble Blog

    ReplyDelete

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