Wednesday Hodgepodge

 Wednesday Hodgepodge - The Year of The Cabbage 

Me with Fred and Alberta, my two favorite Cabbage Patch dolls

1. I live in the south so we're pretty much only talking about the weather right now. Give us a weather report from where you live. Does the kind of weather you're having today affect your mood in some way? 

I live above the Mason-Dixon line in south-central Pennsylvania and it's been bitterly cold and snowy.  We had about 10 inches of snow on Sunday and school went virtual on Monday and Tuesday and then a two-hour delay this morning.  I try to keep a positive attitude about it and I love that extra time at home but I also enjoy routine and warmth.  I'm a summer girl, always have been, so it's difficult ... but ... I ... am ... trying to find the good in this season.  

2.  Avocados, kale, cauliflower and cottage cheese have all had their time to shine. 2026 brings us the year of the cabbage. Is this a vegetable you like? If so, what are some of your favorite dishes that call for cabbage?  

My mother always made corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day and there were times when she would make cabbage with other meals.  I also remember eating red cabbage.  I don't mind it at all.  My husband can't eat it but he doesn't like it, anyway.  I'm not sure my kids would like it.  Hence, why I do not cook cabbage.  

Oh, I do love coleslaw!

3. Was a Cabbage Patch Doll a part of your childhood? Or maybe your children's childhood? What's a toy trend from your childhood you remember wanting for your own? 

Oh, yes!  In fact, I think my dad was more obsessed with Cabbage Patch dolls than I was.  Every year for my birthday and Christmas he would buy me one or two.  During the year of the Cabbage Patch obsession when stores were sold out my dad took a ride to upstate New York at the factory, only to find out they did not sell directly there.  I loved my dolls.  I only have one now, and this one was my grandmother's.  Yes, my dad bought dolls for everyone including my grandma, although I can't remember what his name is.  I guess, before my grandmother passed away she gave it to my parents to hold for me.  During my pregnancy with my daughter, my mom handed it to me and I cried my eyes out.  My favorite was Fred (in my hand) and Alberta (the blonde haired one on the left) but my dad got rid of them all when we moved.  I would have loved to have kept them all for my own daughter.  

And here she is with five of her own (the one on the back right was my grandma's).  The one in the left and the one of the right in the yellow dress were given to her by my dad, of course.  

4. Something you've spent a lot of time doing lately? 

In the month of January when the weather is cold outside I spend most of my time inside.  I finished this awesome diamond art canvas my husband bought me, read a total of 4 books and working on the 5th, which kicks off my goal of 50 books for the year, walking/running at least 1 mile on the treadmill (though I've missed a day or two) and impatiently waiting for warm weather and bright sunshine.  

5. Somehow it's the last week of January...sum up your month in just three sentences. 

Surprisingly, January has moved very quickly and because of that I have not suffered through seasonal depression as in past years.  I have felt rested and determined to continuously find peace in my current season of life.  Finding enjoyment in the down time.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

It's no secret that when we watch the news or jump on social media there's a lot being said about the things going on in Minnesota right now.  There's a lot of other issues that just seem to be too much for my brain to handle or want to involve myself in.  I've found that an occasional fast from Facebook is the best way for my mental health and I'm starting that today.  My husband would rather me get off Facebook completely.  I joined as a way of easily keeping in touch with family and friends.  Most of my family lives in New York and it's the easiest way to keep in touch.  I also got connected with friends from high school and it's awesome to see how much their lives have grown and changed since then.  I love when someone posts a Biblical quote or an inspirational message.  I love seeing pictures my nieces post of their children.  So much good can come out of it.  But lately, there haven't been many updates.  There haven't been pictures of cute little smiling faces.  It's been mostly posts from sites I don't even follow, AI generated images, propaganda, news stories and, if it is coming from an actual friend or family member, it's usually political.  I have very strong views, yes, but I would much rather log onto Facebook to see something good.  A little break from the chaotic normalcy in our world.  It's just too much.  Too much hate!  I inspire to make my blog centered around good things, though I've occasionally given my opinion a time or two, I just want this to be a place where people can escape the real life drama.  

Thank you for setting this one up, Joyce.  I enjoyed walking down memory lane with my dolls.