Wednesday Hodgepodge - 11/6/25

It's Wednesday so time for the Hodgepodge - Joyce provides the questions and we post our answers and link up here.

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?  

Well Hubby does most of the cooking in this house and he gets through a lot of salt and pepper - I have to restrain him on the salt because I have high blood pressure - well I don't because it's controlled but too much salt is a big no for me.

He will also use tarragon often as well as garlic and ginger.  My most used spices would be cinnamon and ginger - they're in the banana bread recipe I use.  And of course we use oregano a lot in pasta dishes.

One thing we avoid more now is paprika - we have a family member with an allergy.

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

Being retired no two weeks are usually the same - yes there is routine but being able to change plans at the drop of a hat is great after years of the day to day sameness of work.

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

The only thing I can think of that fits  is visiting (or at the moment preparing to host) my son and his family in the US - definitely exciting.

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

That's a hard one!  Probably being able to play an instrument - I have no musical skills whatsoever.

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? 

Well I can't stick to one - these are the books I've given 5 stars to so far this year:

Drive your plow over the bones of the dead by Olga Tolgardczuk

Heartstone by C J Sansom

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena &

Take my Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

You can find my Goodreads page here with review details etc.

The activity I'd recommend is volunteering if you can - I love volunteering at our local Food Bank and feeling part of the community.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Well I should have been busy preparing lunch for my brother and his wife today but unfortunately she is unwell so we've had to postpone.  I'm sure my daughter who is working from "Mum's Home" today will appreciate the extra food and yummy dessert I made - well at least I hope it's yummy - chocolate trifle with raspberries.

And there's banana bread!  The grandkids will enjoy that later I'm sure.