A Spicy Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and time for a Hodgepodge with our hostess, Joyce.  

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper, what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What's a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?

  

These are the spices I most often reach for.  We have used  Tony's - a product of South Louisiana - for years, but recently found the Kinder's at Costco.  I am using it more often now than Tony's.  I also frequently use spices from The Gourmet Collection found at Marshalls.  The Roasted Garlic, Rosemary & Sea Salt is definitely a go-to.

I truly dislike sage!

I haven't used a recipe lately, but the above spices are my most often used for any recipe.

2.  It's been said, 'variety is the spice of life'...in what way is this true for you? Elaborate. 

This may not be true for me at this stage of my life.   At one time, I'm sure I desired variety and probably got easily bored with "same-oh."  At 80, I am not easily bored whatsoever, while at the same time, most every day is much like the day(s) before.  We seem to like it that way.  Don't get me wrong, our lives are full with good friends and activities, books to read, music to listen to, and new pictures of great-grandchildren to discover daily on Instagram.  I just don't crave or desire anything more than that these days.

3. What's something in your life that adds 'spice' (excitement, intensity) even if it also comes with challenge or unpredictability? 

Doctor's visits?  We have surely had our share of those lately, and some have not provided the kind of excitement I anticipated.

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why? 

If I could go back several years, it would be learning to play the piano.  With Dick having been a minister of music for 50 years, it would have been nice to have been the answer to that specific prayer of his.  I must say, though, for most of those years, God provided outstanding accompanists.  

5. We're halfway through the year...what's one book, movie, or activity you've loved this year that you'd recommend to others? 

We recently found a book in our HOA library titled "Hope Sees" by Gail McWilliams.  Gail was the daughter of a dear couple who lived in our Village, whom I had the honor to know.  Gail, who lost her eyesight, was an outstanding international speaker and an ambassador of hope.  This book is so inspirational and encouraging, and I now own my own copy.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I had my PRP shoulder injection today, so I'm waiting to see if it works. I do have hope!