April Brings the Hodgepodge!

After a spring break last week Joyce and the Wednesday Hodgepodge are back!

1. Share one fun thing you did last week, while the Hodgepodge was on 'spring break'.

Spent time with some dear friends. And read a book or several!

2. April 10th is National Sibling Day...do you have siblings, and if so are you close? Share a favorite story featuring one or all of your siblings. If you don't have siblings, did you ever wish you did?

I'm the youngest of four, and the sibling count is diminishing rapidly, since my brother died in February and one sister has Alzheimer's. Here's a bit of memories from one of my old Flashback Friday posts:

Most of my growing up years were spent trying to be big like just like they were. I generally really liked my siblings, although sometimes I felt like I had two additional mothers when my sisters bossed me! That was a real pain! We didn't have quite the same type of squabbles that siblings who are closer together do, but we could definitely push each other's buttons! I used to drive one sister crazy by mimicking her; even as she was talking, I could figure out what she was going to say and say it at the exact same time. But she deserved it; she made me fall off my bike and still refuses to admit it to this very day!

My brother and I have always had a special relationship. In spite of the fact that he cried when I was born and he found out I wasn't a brother! But he got over that fairly quickly. Which was a good thing, considering my crib was in his room! One of my sweetest memories with him occurred the first summer he was married, when I was almost 11. He took a week of vacation and I went to see him and my then-SIL. She was working and he and I swam in the apartment pool, played endless games of dominoes, and other miscellaneous activities. Looking back as an adult, I realize even more what a special thing that was for a guy who was 22 years old to want to be with his sister!

3. Is it important to you to 'buy American'? Why or why not? How much of an effort do you make to 'buy American'? If you're not American, insert your own country in the blank.

It depends on the item. I try to avoid the whole "made in China" deal as much as possible. But other things, such as vehicles, are not an issue. Quality matters to me more than country of origin.

4. Besides The Bible, what book has impacted your spirituality in some way?

When Heaven is Silent by Ron Dunn. So glad to see this is back in print. Best book EVER on suffering and trials.

5. April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes. Do you find rainy days calming or depressing? When were you last caught in a rainstorm? What's blooming in your neck of the woods today?

One rainy day is fine. More than that is totally depressing to me. I need the sunshine! And the bluebonnets are gorgeous in Texas right now!

6. What's your favorite yellow food?

Butter.

7. April is National Poetry Month...what's a poem that holds special meaning for you, and why is it special?

The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert W. Service. My mom used to recite it and I eventually learned it. It's a great story and a fun memory.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Be sure to check out the Sanctus Real CD giveaway at the top of the sidebar!

UPDATED TO ADD: Just realized this was my 2000th post! Wow! Can't believe I've hit such a milestone!