Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

I last did a hodgepodge in July, here I go for a second time. Won't you join me?

 

1. Are the leaves turning color where you live? Have they begun to fall? Will you have to rake when it's all said and done? Is that a chore you love or loathe?

The leaves have started turning in the Carolinas and some have begun to fall. I love letting them gather on the pathway so I can hear that crunchy sound as I walk to the car.

 

Loathe? why no. One of the reasons we love the Carolinas is all the deciduous trees we seldom saw out West.

2. When did you last shake like a leaf?

As unfortunate as it sounds, I often have to get up, dust off my knees, and find ways to keep myself in a positive state of mind.  

3. After 20 seasons with the NY Yankees, Derek Jeter played his last official game Sunday afternoon. Jeter has been described even by opponents as a 'class act', both on and off the field. The NFL is back in action this month too, with several players in that sport also making headlines. What are your thoughts on athletes as role models? Should a professional athlete be expected to act as role model or is that going beyond their job description? What responsibility do the organizations these athletes work for have when it comes to dealing with off the field behavior? Discuss.

I believe anyone who is in the public spotlight, as well as everyone in general has a responsibility to be a good role model. Unfortunately, many role models these days are narcissistic and have little to no empathy as to how their behavior may affect others, especially to the impressionable ones who look up to them.

4. What season of the year is toughest for you in terms of your health? Why?

Luckily at twenty-eight I don't have any health issues. I suffered during a season in my life with chronic fatigue for almost four years, which was spurred on by four relatives passing in such a short amount of time.

 

5. The top six healthy food trends of 2014 according to Eating Well are-
clean eating (more veg, less meat, less sodium, limit alcohol and processed foods)
trash fish (you know those fish that get caught in fishermen nets and are thrown back? It seems chefs are finding creative ways to make them more appetizing)
cauliflower (this year's IT vegetable)
kaniwa (essentially baby quinoa, so like quinoa only smaller)
fermentation (think pickling except with twists on flavor we're not accustomed to)
community supported food (farms operating with community support/membership).

Okay-so how many of the hot healthy food trends for 2014 have you experienced, encountered, enjoyed? Any you've tried and said ewwww? Any on the list you'd like to try before year's end?

We rarely, if ever drink alcohol.

 

We try maintain a clean eating diet of fresh vegetables (including cauliflower), and lot's of fresh fish. We eat meat maybe once or twice a week, mostly at restaurants, as I have an aversion to touching raw meets.

 

Back when I lived in Portland, Oregon community horticulture and green living was a big thing. Them Portlanders also drank a lot of kombucha, some kind of fermented tea. I'd say ewwww to that!

 

6. In seven words or less, bid September adieu.

So long, farewell, see you next year!

 

7. What's something on your October calendar that makes you happy just thinking about it?

My hubby's thirty-third birthday trip to Charlottesville, Virginia. We're going to meander along the leafy paths to see Ash Lawn Highland, Mitchie Tavern, Monticello and Keswick Hall for the first time. Please pray we have a safe trip.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Bibi 'the original' was my first ever car picked out by my dad. She has given us 171,000 miles of memories, travelled to over 14 states, and withstood our rambunctious dogs. So after a month of making decisions, buying used and saving the difference, we'd like to welcome Bibi Belle 'the second' to our family.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely week!