The Wednesday Hodgepodge! #17

I hope you are all having a good week? It's Wednesday which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up?

I love celebrating my families birthdays and they of course do too. During the summer my fella, eldest and youngest daughter all have their birthdays in the space of 25 days. Last year for their birthdays we didn't do much as we had a lot going on in our real lives. There was still the usual meals out and too many presents (I do go overboard). Most years we have a special day out. In 2023 we went to an arcade place for Ellie's birthday and had a night in a hotel for Becky's. When the girls were younger we didn't really bother with big birthday parties for them, it was more of a family celebration. Ellie's birthday is right at the end of the summer and Becky's usually fell around the first day of school when us and everyone else had lots going on! 

When I was growing up birthdays were not a big thing, I think my parents thought it was just another year. I think that's why I go over the top now with birthday banners, too many presents, days out and making the birthday boy or girl feel extra special. Giving my family the birthdays that I never had growing up. 

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses...what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate.

I'd be hoping for Rainbow roses, I want all of the colours. They look so pretty. A few years ago Stu bought me a bunch for Valentine's Day and I did love them!

I’m more the type to be accused of seeing the world through foggy, slightly cracked glasses I found in the bargain bin at the back of a charity shop. If someone did accuse me of looking at the world too positively, I’d probably look behind me to see who they were actually talking to. I’m a realist, I expect things to go wrong not because I want them to but because I like to be mentally prepared for when the proverbial hits the fan!

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day...will you celebrate? What's something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese?

I am not a big lover of cheese. From the age of about 9 until about 25 I didn't eat it as it caused me to have the worst migraines. It was only when I was a lot older I realised it was cheddar or darker coloured cheese which caused my migraines, I am fine with Mozzarella, Feta, Brie and Mascarpone. The only time I really eat cheese is on pizza. My family on the other hand are cheese lovers and will have it on everything given the chance! 

4. 'tis the season...any weddings on your June calendar? What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage?

Nope, there is no one we know tying the knot this year. The last wedding we went to was a couple of years ago when my fellas niece got married. Everyone we know is either married or just not bothering with marriage.

When I think of marriage, the first word that pops into my head isn’t romance or forever it’s teamwork! That’s what real, day to day marriage is built on. It’s not just candlelit dinners and anniversaries, it’s helping each other find missing socks and tackling life together whether it be good or bad. 

5. What are you most looking forward to this June?

The start of summer, my youngest finishing college until September, Glastonbury Festival (watching on the TV, not going) and having a quiet month because after June things get busy for myself and my family! We have plans for July, August, September and October! 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am writing this on Sunday afternoon. Usually on a Sunday everyone is home but it's just me and Stu. The girls are out doing their own thing. We had planned to go for a pub lunch, making the most of it just being the two of us but that would mean having to make an effort and get ready to leave the house so we're having crisp sandwiches and a cup of tea in our pj's. Sundays are meant to be a day of rest and that is just what we're doing.