It is a Wood Violet Hodgepodge

Happy Wednesday

 It is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun! 

 1. It's October so let's get this out there first thing...have you jumped on the all-things-pumpkin bandwagon? How so?

 I made pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting.

After church on Sunday we visited a fun Pumpkin Patch just outside of Rice Lake.

The boys still enjoy picking out a big pumpkin to carve.

 2.  "We have more power than will; and it is often by way of excuse to ourselves that we fancy things are impossible." Francois Duc De la Rochefoucauld  

What's something you once thought impossible, but in hindsight see as more a matter of lack of will?

Some of you are going to laugh at this. I just have to be real about this, so here it goes.

We have a very narrow driveway, that goes right along our house and then a one car garage. I hated backing out of the garage and driving into the garage. I would not do it, I was so nervous about hitting the house or not being able to see to drive into the garage.

One day I decided, this is silly, I can do this!

I did it.

My husband was so proud of me. He never complained about my struggles. He was just a sweet heart and would always have our truck ready for me on a day he knew I needed to be on the road.

 I am happy to say, I can do it on my own.

I have not hit the house or anything.

 3. The rose is America's National Flower, but every state also has its own (click here to see the list). Are you happy with yours? If you were in charge what would you declare your state's flower? If you're outside the U.S. what bloom would you like to see labeled as your country's national flower?

Wisconsin's State flower is the Wood Violet.

It blooms in the spring. After a long Wisconsin winter, the wood violet is a welcomed sight.

 

This information is from the Wisconsin DNR.

State flowers were first nominated in 1908. When the official tally was taken on Arbor Day 1909, school children selected the wood violet (Viola papilionacea) over the wild rose, trailing arbutus, and the white water lily. It was a close vote.

The wood violet is a small flower commonly seen in wet woodland and meadow areas, and along roadsides. This purple violet is very popular in the eastern United States and blooms between March and June. Not only is it the state flower for Wisconsin, but it also holds this title in Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Believe it or not, the leaves are very tasty and can be used in salads, candies, and jellies.

 

 4. What have you lost interest in recently?

Keeping up with American politics.

5. In your opinion, who's the best living musician?

 John Williams

6. S'mores-love 'em or no? Ever make them indoors? Last time you sat around an outdoor fire? Are making s'mores and sitting round a fire pit on your autumn bucket list? Do you have an autumn bucket list?

Yes, our family loves S'mores!! No we have not made them indoors. We enjoyed a fire in September and had S'mores. We love to use Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and York Peppermint Patties to make S'mores.

We will be making S'mores this weekend. 

7. Your favorite small town? Why?

Cameron, Wisconsin  

Cameron has been my hometown for 18 years now. It is a small town. We have a Mom and Pop grocery store, we enjoy doing business at Brion's Grocery. Gen and Gregg know us by name. We have the best small library, again, I can pop into the library and everyone know my name.

The same with Village Hall. When we go to vote, many times we spend a good hour chatting after with neighbors. We have enjoyed Cameron. 

My dad named one of his farm cats Cameron, in honor of us living in Cameron, Wisconsin. 

 
8. Insert your own random thought here.