The Most Wonderful Time of The Year and the Hodgepodge

I love this time of year. The time from Halloween through... oh, somewhere around March. The weather gets cold and I don't sweat walking out the front door. And a hundred, million other reasons. It's just my favorite time. I spend the rest of the year waiting for this time of year to roll around. Ha! 

Isn't it nice, though, that the Hodgepodge is great no matter what time of year it is? 

1. What is something in your life right now that feels a little 'hodgepodge'? A bit too many things to mention. I am trying to get it all straightened out. 

2. What does 'peace on earth, goodwill to men' mean to you? Just what it says--Peace on Earth = no war. And goodwill to men- wishing no ill will to anyone. 

3. Which edible treat you are most looking forward to sampling this December? Oh gosh, I'm so not there in my thought process yet. So. Not. There. 

4. It's that most wonderful time of the year...do you agree, and if so why is it so wonderful?  If not, what would you say is the most wonderful time of the year? Yes. Because my spirits are high and positive. It nearly soars some days. (I'm working on making it a habit to continue throughout the year this time around.) Also because the weather is not hot and it's even cold on some days. And because I love the color on the trees followed by the way their branches look all bare. And because people seem happier and more cooperative. And because I can play Christmas music without the strange looks. And because there's always the hope of a little snow. And....:)

5. What was the last word you looked up in a dictionary (actual or online) and why? Alchemy. Well, I have a friend (my oldest and dearest as in there's no one better than this person anywhere) who is, I think, brilliant. He teaches English on the college level and I'm always trying to catch him using a word incorrectly. It rarely happens. And it didn't on this occasion either. But there are times when we do get a good debate going about the appropriate use of words. 

6. Besides a Christmas tree, what is your favorite thing to decorate this time of year? This is a bad time to ask this question. I'm not in the decorative mood. I am taking the lovelies on a mountain vacation the day after Christmas and I just can't see the need to decorate. If the spirit moves me, however, I'll get to it. I guess, thinking of years past, that the mantel is one of my most favorite things to decorate. 

7. Share one thing you've learned (about yourself, people, or anything at all) in the Wednesday Hodgepodge, or through blogging in general. I've learned that there are way more truly nice people out there than I ever thought possible. I've learned that the friendships forged via blogging are just as valuable as those forged in person. I've learned that my blogging friends make my life richer. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here. Not to bring the happy mood of the Hodgepodge down, but because I'd like to ask for prayers, positive thoughts, etc., I will mention that my dad had his doctor's appointment Monday and the cancer is back on the move. The doctor said that our backs are not against the wall at this time but they do want to do some sort of bone test and a CAT scan in January. Dad said the doctor thought he should just enjoy the holidays. Of course I wondered if there was an unfinished part of that statement that goes something like, "because it might just be his last," but that's probably just me. I'm quite close with my dad so I'm a bit...unnerved. My dad is a total believer in the power of prayer, so I thought I'd put it out there.  There are three males on this earth whom I love and respect (there were a couple more but they passed away.) Dad is #1 on the list. I'd like to keep him on the living list. 

On a happier note, I am so excited to be taking the lovelies and a son-in-law and a boyfriend and a cute pup or two to the mountains for seven days right after Christmas! We had vacations all the time when I was growing up but never in my married life. So, I booked a cabin (thanks to my wonderful cousin giving me the family deal) and we're going! Dad and my step-mom will be coming up as well. They don't live that far from the place. There will even be a couple of friends stopping by to visit a bit. I'll savor every moment and take loads of pix to share!  

Have a great rest of the week, y'all!