Hello Spring and it is the Hodgepodge

 

Spring in Wisconsin!

 

Hello Spring 

and

  it is the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun! 

 1. It's officially spring in the northern hemisphere. Does it feel like spring in your part of the world? If you're in the southern hemisphere it's officially autumn where you live. Does the weather say autumn? Which do you prefer-spring or autumn? Why? 

 It is feeling like spring in Wisconsin. The snow is melting. The ground is thawing. The robins, red winged blackbird and sandhill cranes have arrived for the spring/summer season. Maple syrup is being made. Buds are popping on the trees.

I prefer spring. The warm sun on my face and new growth makes my heart sing. 
 

2. What's your favorite thing about spring?  

 Spring is when you feel like whistling, even with a shoe full of slush.
— Doug Larson

I love getting back out into the garden.

  3. Spring into action, spring in your step, spring to life, spring to one's feet...which spring idiom currently applies to your life in some way? Explain.  

Spring in my step ... I am starting seeds and planning our 2026 garden.

4. Which spring food from this list is your favorite? What's a dish you like that includes your favorite spring ingredient? 

asparagus, strawberries, salad greens like mesclun, artichokes, spinach, eggs, peas, spring onions

 I love asparagus.

I am looking forward to making Asparagus Tart. 

 

  5. What's one task on your spring cleaning list? Do you actually have a list? 

Cleaning the yard and gardens. After all our winter storms we have tree branches, pine cones, twigs and more to clean up. I will start to clean my garden beds. We will clean the deck and set up the outdoor furniture. 

Yes, we have a checklist of the chores that need doing.

 6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Some of our outdoor furniture is cleaned and set up. And I brought out a few of my potted plants I winter over in the garage. They are happy to feel the sun.

 

  

We Left Off at Seven

 

 

Hello Friends,

For those of you following along with me on our 52 day datn', I left you at  Episode #7.

Now to continue... 

Episode #8

 I had a time consuming recipe I wanted to try. I thought this would be a fun day date. My husband and I both enjoy cooking.

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

We worked together to make our dinner. We listened to a favorite podcast while we cooked and cleaned up the kitchen.

We have a small kitchen so there was a lot of us doing the kitchen dance as well. 

 

 

That brings us to Episode #9

One of our friends helped with this event last year. We wanted to give support and attend.  It was a cold and windy night. When we opened the church doors a few of the decorations blew right on over. 

 

 Our Lady of the Lourdes

Station of the Cross ~ led by children

The children did an amazing job.  

 

 

Episode #10

 We decided to cook a new recipe together.

Garlic and Ginger Shrimp 

 

 We enjoyed cooking and cleaning up the kitchen together, and did a lot more kitchen dancing.

 Episode #11

 We enjoyed an evening of Lenten word and song.

We have friends and family who have loved ones currently in active duty in the war zone. This evening of prayer gave a feeling of love and peace.

After the program we received the following Lenten treat.

 

 I will leave you at Episode #11 ... to be continued.

Top of the Morning to You and it is the Hodgepodge

 

Sweet Peas

Sweet pea seeds are soaking to be started early in the windowsill.  

We are still thinking spring here in Wisconsin. 

It is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions. 

Click here to join the fun! 

 

1. St. Patrick's Day lands on March 17th. Do you believe in luck? Are there things you do thinking they'll  bring good luck or  things you avoid because they're considered bad luck? 

 I will say "we were lucky" as I watch my husband maneuver our car before the car next to us just about side swipes us. 

I think it is fun to read about lore of luck and playing along.

Horseshoes, rabbits feet, finding a penny, knocking on wood ... I have played along with all of these.

 2. Forest-lime-sage-mint-olive-emerald...what's your favorite shade of green? 

 Spring Green 

I love when the trees start to leaf out, the spring wildflowers are popping up along with the fresh green in the woods. 

3. In Ireland the meal on this day is often a hearty beef or lamb stew served with colcannon (mashed potato mixed with cabbage and leeks). In the US corned beef and cabbage is the more typical St. Patty's Day meal. Will you/did you mark the day with one of these dishes? Baked-fried-roasted-mashed...what's your favorite way to eat a potato?

We made our St. Patrick's Day meal on Sunday. A blizzard was roaring outside. Inside we had our corned beef, cabbage, mashed potatoes and carrots. 

I am a big fan of potatoes.  If I could only take one way of having a potato with me I would pick mashed potatoes. 

 4. What color of the rainbow best represents your personality/mood today? Tell us why.

 Yellow: Happiness, sunlight, and positivity.

I continue to do my best to spread happiness. If that is with a smile, a card in the mail, or a fresh bouquet. 

I love sunshine! I am known to shout and dance when it comes out after many dark days.

I try to stay positive, even though so much is spinning around me.

 

5. Which 'lucky' quote resonates with you. Elaborate. 

 'Luck is not something you can mention in the presence of self-made men.' E.B. White 

'Diligence is the mother of good luck." Benjamin Franklin 

'Luck is where opportunity meets preparation.' Seneca 

'Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.' 

Ralph Waldo Emerson 

 

I am going to pick the following.. 

 

 'Diligence is the mother of good luck' Benjamin Franklin

 

   When someone works with focus, care, and consistency, good results often follow. Diligent people prepare well, learn from mistakes, and do not give up easily. Because of this, they are ready when opportunities appear. What looks like 'luck' to others is often the reward of steady effort. This quote teaches an important life lesson: instead of waiting for luck, we should build it through dedication and discipline. By being diligent in our studies, work, or goals, we increase our chances of success and create our own good fortune.

I do not give up easily. I feel I have learned from my mistakes. As I continue to try, eventually a reward is there.

 

  6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I am starting to think about our 2026 Easter Cake, I am sharing a few photos from past Easter cakes.