Wednesday Hodgepodge

Once again, Joyce poses some interesting questions.


1. The Hodgepodge lands on June 14th this week, Flag Day in the US of A. Do you fly your country's flag at home? Sometimes, often, or every single day? Have you ever visited the city of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia)? Did you make a point of seeing The Betsy Ross House? Have you ever made a trip to Baltimore? If so, was Fort McHenry on your itinerary? (where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner)

I majored in history in college, and I love American History.  Drew is a teacher, and he taught Social Studies for  many years.  We love to visit historical sites. We live on Long Island, so it's easy to take short trips Philadelphia, Boston, etc., to see where America was born.

I have been to Philadelphia many times, both on business and as a tourist.  I've seen Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell many times, and yes, I did see the Betsy Ross House, many years ago.  

My most recent trip included Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, but while we were staying in the historic district, we didn't have time to see much else.  

I am not as familiar with Baltimore.  I was there once on business, and I've driven through the city several times on my way to somewhere else.  We did stop once, years ago, on our way to Washington, D. C., specifically to see the fort.  

I am passionate about my country, passionate about its history, and passionate about my politics.  


2. Red flag or white flag? Which have you encountered most recently? Explain.

Literally or figuratively?  

Just the other day I was at the beach, and now that it's summer, the lifeguards put up red flags on that portion of the beach where swimming is not allowed.

Yes, red flags are warnings.  White flags symbolize surrender.

There aren't any red flags in my life right now.  There's a white one looming in the distance, but I refuse to wave it.  Yes, I'm being cryptic.  But all of us have our battles to fight.
3. Are you a stay in the car listen to the end of a song kind of person? What kind of person is that?

Yes, I've stayed in my car to listen to the end of a song, even when that song is on my iPod and I can listen to it any time I want.  You need to take a few minutes to enjoy the little things in life.  Music gives such pleasure, expresses so many emotions, that I just have to let it play out.

4. What are some of the traits or qualities you think a good dad possesses? In other words, what makes a good dad? What's an expression you associate with your father?

"Among so many sheep, I am the only ram.  Is it any wonder I'm the wonder of Siam?"  My father loved to quote this line from "The King and I".  He was the youngest of five children, he had four older sisters.  My mother had two sisters and no brothers.  My parents have four daughters and two granddaughters, no sons or grandsons.  While he always joked about wanting a boy to carry on his name, he truly loved being surrounded by female companionship.  


5. What's one rule you always disagreed with while growing up? Is that rule somehow still part of your adult life? Is that a good or bad thing?

I can't remember a specific rule that I disagreed with, but throughout my teens years I had many, many arguments with my parents as I started to assert my independence.  As a parent, I found myself having those same arguments with my children.  You've heard  people say "I opened my mouth, and my mother came out"?  So true...

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Summertime...and the living is easy ...