Tis the Hodgepodge

 

1. St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on Monday, March 17th. 

Did you mark the day in some way? Yes

Wear green? I wore a bit o’ the green.

Make a special meal? I made corned beef and cabbage, potatoes and carrots, and soda bread, and enjoyed Mint chocolate chip ice cream for a refreshing dessert. The corned beef was lean, tender, and delicious. There were not many leftovers, though. 

Watch or participate in a parade? Unfortunately, we don't have an Irish-American community in this area.

Did you mark the day in some way? 

 We watched a documentary/video called I am Patrick on YouTube. 

 2. Do you think luck plays a part in your life? Explain. 

 No. I don't believe in luck. 

As a Christian, I believe in and trust in God's sovereignty and divine plan for my life. Rather than relying on chance, (or luck) I embrace God's guidance and provision, knowing He orchestrates all things for the ultimate good of those who love Him. Whether seen as good or bad, each circumstance is under God's control and always serves His greater purpose.

Everything that occurs in this world is part of a divine plan, meticulously orchestrated by God Almighty - the Alpha and the Omega.

 3. Of the 15 green foods listed, which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared? 

I love avocados and prepared as a guacamole. 

But I like everything on the list except for...

Any on the list that are a hard no for you? 

Kale is a hard no. I tried it, and I wanted to like it, but it makes me gag.

I only like the smaller skinner Asparagus - they are more tender. 

canned peas

Canned spinach

 In general do you like fruits and veggies? Yes.

As a kid did you eat them willingly or did you hide peas in your napkin hoping your momma wouldn't see? 

As a child, I really enjoyed fruit, but my vegetable preferences were limited to corn, green beans, and carrots. It wasn't until I got a little older that I started to appreciate salads and more varied vegetables. However, I never liked peas because my mom always cooked the canned ones, which I found unappetizing. I would sneakily push them off my plate and onto my lap when I could. Or chew them and then spit them out onto my napkin or make an excuse to leave the table to use the bathroom, so I could spit them out in the toilet. 

Nowadays, I've come to like peas, especially the small frozen ones or the ones with onions. NO more canned peas for me. 

 

4. What's something that makes you 'turn green'? (with envy or with illness... whichever way you want to run with it) 

 Ha ha - the taste and texture of kale 🤢 or canned peas and canned spinach. 

 5. Did you spend a lot of time outdoors as a child?

My dad loved spending time outdoors, whether it was hunting or fishing. He had a passion for his gear, like boats and old jeeps. So, it was natural for us to enjoy those activities together during our family vacations. I've been wild boar hunting and deer hunting with my dad. 

 Doing what? Besides the outdoor adventures with my Dad, I enjoyed exploring outside as a kid. The playground was right out my front door. In my coastal town, the old artichoke farms were still in the back of the valley. Way before my time, the area had once had 500 acres of artichoke farms. It was nicknamed Artichoke Gulch.

Back then in the 60's, our neighborhood of stay-at-home moms (in the summer months) would let us go - no supervision.  Oh, there were the mischievous things youngsters did back then - trespassing! The farmer would get so mad but never caught any of us. There was also a trout farm back there, too where we would all just hang out. We would follow the creek from the back of the valley to the ocean, about 2 miles - catching frogs, tadpoles, and garter snakes along the way. And, of course, there was the beach - climbing on the rocks and exploring the tide pools. 

Do you spend a lot of time outdoors now? Not like when I was a kid. I enjoy the comfort of my home and the AC in the summer! I get outside in the morning; it's time to come inside by noon. 

 Doing what? I enjoy early morning gardening and hiking in the mountains, taking walks. I still enjoy exploring. 

 6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I thought it was interesting that the origin of the saying, In like a lion, out like a lamb is not entirely clear, but some theories suggest a connection to biblical symbolism (Jesus as the lamb and the Lion of Judah).  

This was on an Easter Vacation - 1968

My parents owned the above duplex in Tahoe, near Heavenly Valley. While all my friends were having fun, enjoying warm temperatures, and getting a suntan at Clear Lake or the Russian River - I was in the snow. 

In the West Coast of the US: The reverse saying ("March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion") may be more applicable where heavier snowfalls can occur at the end of March and into April due to the movement of the polar jet stream. That's why ski resorts are open during Easter and Spring break and is considered one of the best times to ski. 

Mt Shasta Ski Park - Closes April 13

North Star - April 13

Heavenly Valley - April 20. 

So sorry, Northern California, we could still be in this till April. 

That's it for this Hodgepodge. Lord willing I will see you next week. 

Debby