Wednesday Hodgepodge

I am just going to start out by saying that I feel really exposed in answering these questions this week. My answers confirm just what a hermit I really am.

We celebrate Veteran's Day in the US of A on November 11th. When did you last interact with a member of the armed forces (either currently serving or retired)? Have you ever written a letter to a soldier, bought a meal or coffee for a soldier, said an unprompted thank you to a soldier you encountered out and about somewhere? If you are not in the US, comment on a similar holiday in your own country.

My last interaction would have been with the Blue Angels when we were getting autographs last Spring at the Naval Aviation Station in Pensacola. To my knowledge I have never discussed military service with anyone who has served. I interact with veterans all the time, my dad being one, but I don't know that we have ever discussed his time in the military. My mom and I have had more discussions about our years in the military, when I was very young, but that's about it. I, ashamedly, admit that I have never reached out to a soldier.

You can have fifty pounds of anything at all (except money) ... what would you choose?

Comfy clothes, comfy jammies, robes, and slippers. I love to be comfortable, especially when it gets as bitter cold as it is right now.

When did you last receive an invitation in the 'real' mail? What was it for and did you attend? When it comes to RSVP-ing, are you an 'early responder' or a 'last minute, barely-under-the-wire kind of guest?

I recently received a postcard invitation to a home interior type party. I did not RSVP at all. I completely forgot. Usually I send an RSVP immediately upon deciding whether or not we can attend the event.

What's something you really don't like to waste?

Water. When we have water left in a drinking glass, I pour it into the dog or cat bowls. I use my dehumidifier water to water my plants.

Cheers, Friends, M.A.S.H., Seinfeld ... of the ones listed, your favorite long-running sitcom?

I was never a big fan of M.A.S.H. I did love the later years of Cheers and even have the series finale on VHS somewhere. Seinfeld was something I watched hit or miss. But I really did love Friends. Every episode is hysterical. It would be my favorite of the four.

What decision are you glad you made?

I have never regretted quitting work almost 14 years ago to come home and take care of my family full time. I have cherished the time I have gotten to spend at home with my children. To always be here with them and for them is my greatest joy.

In this month of 'Thanksgiving' what is one thing that's different today than it was a year ago that you're grateful for?

Last November I was at the beginning stages of my child support case and all the stresses involved with it going into the holidays. Now we are at the end of it. I wish I could say it's completely over, but it's still not. My ex has filed a motion for a new hearing because he didn't like the results of the last one. The judge will rule on that tomorrow. I am hoping and praying that things will be finalized tomorrow because enough is really just enough. I am grateful that we are more near the end than back at the beginning. That is for sure. (At least I hope we are. I have certainly learned to not count on anything where my ex is concerned.)

Insert your own random thought here.

We decided to purchase a 62,000 BTU Direct Vent Furnace since we cannot afford to install a whole new furnace, ducting, etc., in our old house. It's been ordered and should be here in the next week or so. I am anxious to see how well it will work for us this winter. It has to be better than our little electric heater. The bitter temps are already here and I have a feeling it's going to be a long, miserable winter, just like last year.