The Wednesday Hodgepodge #67

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 who blogs at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer.

August is always a busy month in our house because it’s the start of birthday season. We have Stu’s birthday in the middle of the month, Ellie’s at the end of August and then Becky’s right at the start of September. We have a few fun things planned which I’m really looking forward to but I also know it’s going to fly by and feel a little bit hectic. It always seems like once the birthdays start, the next few weeks are just one thing after another. It’s lovely having things to celebrate though, even if my bank account might not agree!

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls?

Nope! I have never tried oysters and I don’t think I ever could. Every time I see one I just think they look like a slimy little blob and I can’t imagine actually putting one in my mouth. I’m usually quite good at trying new foods, but oysters have never tempted me. Pearls are a completely different story though. I think they are beautiful. They are classic, elegant and one of those things that never really go out of fashion. I don’t own any pearl jewellery and I don’t think I’ve ever actually worn pearls, but I do love how pretty they look. It’s quite funny really, that something so beautiful can come from something I have absolutely no interest in eating!

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'.

I think one of the times I really feel like the world is my oyster is actually now, with my girls being adults and starting to find their own way in life. For so many years, my life revolved around school runs, clubs, play dates, homework, appointments and making sure everyone else had what they needed and was where they needed to be. I loved that stage of life and wouldn’t change it for the world but when the girls started growing up, it felt like a whole new chapter was beginning. There is more time to think about what I want to do, places I would like to visit and things I want to try. It is exciting realising that life doesn’t stop changing just because your children get older. I think for a long time, so much of my focus was on creating memories for my family but now I’m also enjoying making memories for myself too. Life isn’t just about looking back, it’s also about looking ahead and being excited for what’s still to come!

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why?

Catalina Island California ~ Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts ~ Mackinac Island Michigan ~ Key West Florida ~ South Padre Island Texas ~ Kauai Hawaii

I haven’t visited any of these islands. Before I saw this list, I didn’t even realise that some of these were islands and some I hadn't even heard of! I always end up learning something new from the Hodgepodge. If I was lucky enough to win an all-expenses paid trip, I think I would choose Kauai in Hawaii. It looks absolutely gorgeous! The scenery and beaches look like something straight out of a film!

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following - "August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time." Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month?

I don’t really agree with this quote. For me, August still feels very much like summer. Maybe that’s because I always connect August with the school summer holidays. There are days out happening, everyone is trying to make the most of the warmer weather and there is still plenty of time to enjoy being outside. Of course, there are little signs that autumn is on its way. I’ve noticed the evenings are starting to get darker earlier but I don’t think August is the month to say goodbye to summer just yet. For me, September is when things start to change. Once the children go back to school and routines begin again, that’s when it feels like summer is really coming to an end.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Ugh! I feel like poop!! I am writing this on Sunday afternoon after catching the cold that Stu brought home from work and shared. I'm not properly ill, I just feel meh with a ton of snot and a rotten cough. Hopefully, by the time this post is published, I will be feeling much better and Becky too, she isn't feeling too great either.