It’s time for Wednesday Hodgepodge. Jo From This Side of the Pond publishes the questions on Tuesdays for us to answer and then we post our answers on Wednesdays to share with other Hodgepodgers.
1. When is the last time you experienced nostalgia?
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I was putting together all the photos of my little Babushka for a post and it got me thinking of her life and all she endured and her perseverance. She died in March of 1980. So many conversations that I couldn’t have with her because of our language barrier. When we were young and she would come over to stay with us I’d hope to be the one who would be able to sleep with her on the fold down couch in the living room. Her left arm was amputated at her elbow in her youth but she learned to do more than a lot of people with two hands can do. She taught me to embroider or I should say she persevered with me as I tried to embroider. One thing she told me as a teenager that I still quote from time to time is something like this, “Nothing good happens in the dark”. She was cautioning us as young adults not to be out at night. She prayed for the salvation of all her grandchildren and their spouses. It would have been fun for our children to know her…
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2. September 29th is National Coffee Day.
Do we need this? Ha!
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Seems like everyday is a National day of something. Reminds me of handing out trophies to everyone regardless of their talent.
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So are you a coffee drinker?
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I am a coffee drinker. The mug on the left is my current every morning choice of coffee vessel. I bought that mug at TDMaxx (not TJ) in Windsor, England.
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If so how many cups per day, and tell us how you like it.
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One large cup in the morning, strong and black.
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Is there a recipe you enjoy that calls for coffee as one of the ingredients?
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I have had some things that have coffee as an ingredient but nothing that is in my recipe wheelhouse.
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3. Do you find praise or criticism to be more motivating? Explain.
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My pride gets in the way of accepting criticism. I find it easier to accept when the Holy Spirit convicts me of something that needs correcting. I’m definitely spurred on by genuine praise but not flattery.
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4. What’s a television series you keep coming back to and re-watching?
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Vera, Midsomer Murders, Detective Lewis, Endeavor…there’s a theme going here. British murder mysteries.
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5. As the month of September draws to a close give us three words to describe your mood.
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Smiling With Anticipation…
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6. Insert your own random thought here.
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The reason I’m smiling with anticipation is because the month of October will be family filled. We are meeting up with my youngest brother’s family this Thursday in Idaho and then they will be parking their 5th wheel at our place for a bit. My oldest sister’s family is traveling to Washington state next week and we will gather together on the west side of the Cascades for a few days together. Four of our eight siblings will be together along with their families and our “Coast” kids. Then more family time in Colville with all of our kids together for our annual hunting weekend. All the rooms will be full at all the Family Inns for many days in October.
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We are traveling for a few days and I will be late in visiting everyone this week. Cheers!
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
…nostalgia should be my middle name!
Tom the nostalgic traveler!
Hello Ellen,
It is nice your family will be gathering at your place in October, sounds like fun times. I am a coffee drinker, at least two mugs a day. Take care, enjoy your day!
Thank you, Eileen!
Loved learning more about your Babushka. She sounds like an amazing woman.
It does seem like there are a lot of National Days of Something, but I suppose National Coffee Day is as good as any. Of course, I celebrate that every day . . .
Your October sounds delightful!!
Cheryl, that morning cuppa is a enjoyable addition to my day.
October sounds wonderful for you and your family. 🍂🍁🍂 I really like your grandmother’s, “Nothing good happens in the dark.”
We love October! Thanks for stopping by, Vee!
Stopping by from the Hodgepodge!
It sounds like you are going to have a magnificent October! What fun! My grandma used to say the same thing about nothing good happening after dark. But, she also added “because all the good boys and girls are at home in bed.” I miss my grandma so much… I too, which she could have met my kids.
Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate it.
It is so interesting the we both thought of Babushka and her embroidering. Sure wish I could have joined you all in October.
You, me and then Steve posted a photo of her apartment building this week, too. 🙂
Sounds like October will be a lovely month for you. I enjoyed reading about your sweet Babushka, and such a sweet lady. Thank you for sharing Ellen 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Denise!
With each of these posts I get to know you a little better.
Thanks for coming by, Lulu!
How fun to have so much family time! I’m looking forward to seeing mine at Christmastime. It’s been ages. Grandmothers are special and I know I loved mine and they loved me right back. It’s something I think about a lot now that I’m a Nana. Enjoy your company and your fall!
Thank you, Jo!
Lots to look forward to in October for you! Enjoy your family time!
Thank you Bethany. It will be good!
Oh my – your October sounds wonderful! Your Babushka sounds like an amazing woman! How wonderful to have such great memories of her. I never got to know my grandmothers very well and so wish I could have. Happy coffee day. We love ours in the mornings but prefer tea (herbal) tea in the evening.
now that we are seniors and can’t tolerate the caffeine – sigh! Have fun and be blessed by your family gatherings!
Thank you, Rosella!
You dear Babushka sound so amazing, the quote of nothing good happening after dark is one I would hear from my grandmother many times.
Enjoy your time off as you anticipate celebrating with family.
blessings,
Sue
I enjoyed learning about your dear Babushka, Ellen. She sounds amazing.
October sounds like a great month for you! Enjoy every moment.
Thank you Martha Ellen!
Hi Ellen,
I enjoyed reading about your little Babushka (grandmother?) Grandparents can make such a lifelong impression on us. I know mine did. I love your pretty flowered mug from England. Wishing you joy and lots of fun when you gather with your siblings in Washington. Have a great week, Ellen!!
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
Thank you Denise!
A fascinating read especially about Baboushka. Enjoy your family time. B x
I can see why you are so excited for October! Enjoy the family time!
I remember some of your stories of your baboushka. An amazing woman!
I love #6! It’s taken me about 6 months to feel a bit stir crazy. Can’t imagine how it’s been for those of you who do a lot of traveling on a regular basis. Hope all your family get togethers are rich and memorable.
I have to smile at what you learned from your Babushka, despite the language barrier, and that you felt loved.