Wednesday HodgePodge

a place where I go to pray and meditate
trail at Fox Preserve 

I liked today's "hodgepodge" questions so decided to participate before I head over to the bike path to do my daily power walking. It's grey and dreary but walking outdoors is preferable to yet another indoor work out video. 

Head to this blog, the host of the Wednesday HodgePodge meme to join in. 

1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season? 

I was raised in a Free Methodist church where we didn't celebrate Lent like the Catholics do, but it was a time to reflect on Jesus and the Good News which led to knowing the Redemption Story.  As an adult, I've gone on mini-fasts during this time...usually from things that sap me mentally and emotionally/spiritually such as social media, the national news, etc. I tend to really dig into a Scripture study based either in the Gospels or one of the minor prophets leading up to Good Friday. This year I'm doing a different Psalm each day of Lent to meditate on or journal about. 

2. Pancakes...are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on your menu this week? 

Pancakes once in awhile are ok. Not something I eat daily or weekly. We did go get the pancake combo at International House of Pancakes for Valentine's Day.  I love real maple syrup either ours here in NYS or Vermont. I prefer either raspberry or blueberry pancakes.  My father in law used to make the best blueberry pancakes for us adults and chocolate chip pancakes for the grandchildren. My girls loved going to the beach house as that's where they'd get the chocolate chip pancakes. 

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt 'spread too thin'. 

I haven't felt that way since December. Almost every December (yes even with now being retired from teaching), I feel "spread too thin", although this year was better than last year as we said no to a couple of events.  

4. What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors? 

I love jade. I also love my diamond engagement ring. 

I'm a NYer so we have a lot of black and white and classic colors. (navy, hunter green, cream). I don't often do pastels......if I do, it's usually a shade of blue or green. Most of my clothing that isn't the bohemian patterns in rich gem tone colors are black, white, cream, grey. I tend to dress either bohemian style or preppy. 

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge? 

Trying to please everyone. (you can't). Also getting people to actually follow the guidelines (I'm thinking of my hiking group I lead) and finding someone to back you up in major decisions. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm so over Winter. I'm very ready for Spring and getting back to this: 

on the summit of Mt VanHoevenberg
This mountain is located in the town where
the bobsleds used in the Olympics are made!
High Peaks, Adirondack Mountains
l-r: me, Celine, Evelyn, Joan....
 some of my hiking tribe

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!