A Happy New Year Hodgepodge...

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 203

From our hostess, Joyce:  Happy New Year Hodgepodgers! Welcome to the final edition of 2014. Next time we do this a new year will have rolled around, and speaking of...there will not be any Hodgepodge next week (Jan 6/7) because I will be in full on wedding mode.  The Hodgepodge will be back to it's regular weekly posting the week after-on January 13/14.  

Okay, here we go-

1. Share a favorite moment from your Christmas holiday celebration.  Spending the weekend before Christmas, with family down in Naples, FL, was wonderful.  I really enjoyed the early Christmas Vigil Mass, at our church, with all the children dressed up for the holiday. I think I smiled through the entire service and am not sure the Priest had my undivided attention, since I was watching all the little ones.  I miss having that excitement and joy and innocence around the tree on Christmas morning.

2. What would you say has been the biggest news event during your life so far?  Wow - that covers 63 years of big news events, including assassinations, attempted assassinations, wars, POWs returning home, terrorist attacks in our country - Oklahoma and 9/11 especially, grandchildren being born, 30 years with my dear husband, cancer struggles, deaths, survivors..... I can't name just one "big" thing.

3. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2015 is Marsala. What say you-like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?  Yes, I do like it, and this text color is as close as I could get to it, here.  I have always called it 'burgundy' (which is also a lovely red wine).  It is warm, yet bright, and blends with lots of other colors, making it almost a neutral shade.  I am actually wearing it right now (close, anyway)!  (Terrible at selfies!)  It is also an accent color in our living room.

4. Would you rather meet your ancestors or your great grandchildren? Explain why.  Well, that is an interesting question!  Since I am so interested in genealogy, I would want to meet my ancestors and then leave lots of information for those great-grands that I may not get to know as adults.

5. Share one life lesson learned in 2014?  Life and love are more precious as each year goes by. Don't take anyone for granted!

6. What was your best or favorite purchase made in 2014?  Probably paying ahead for our anniversary trip to New Orleans, coming up in May 2015.  The hotel is booked and paid for.  We just have to get there, and then enjoy the history - and the food!

7. What is one thing you're looking forward to in the new year?  Well, #6 played right into this question!  Our 30th anniversary trip to New Orleans, in May!  Sure wish we could afford Italy again, but we both love New Orleans.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. I want a kinder and more gentle 2015. I'm tired of terrible news stories. I'm exhausted by violence and that people can be so violent. I'm sad that peace is always unachievable across the world. Hate just eats away at life. If we could all just be kinder, our existence would be so much better.

Another great Hodgepodge, Joyce! Thank you!  And thank each of you for stopping by to read my answers this week!  I am so blessed by our friendships here and look forward to a wonderful new year.

Wishing everyone a bright, happy
and healthy 2015!!

Be safe if you are partying tonight!
Happy New Year!