Wednesday Hodgepodge - Volume 297

It's time to Hodgepodge - click on the photo above if you'd like to join in!

1.   What do/did you call your grandparents?  If it's something unusual, tell us the story behind the name.  If you're a grandparent, what do your grands call you?  Who chose your moniker?

I never knew my grandfathers.  My maternal grandmother was Ninny - no idea where that came from and it's on my list of things I should have asked my Mum before she died.  Ninny's name was Elizabeth so perhaps someone way back when couldn't pronounce Elizabeth and it became Ninny?  My paternal grandmother was Grandma Moler and then Grandma Beard when she remarried.  We just called her Grandma.  I don't have grands yet so I'm not sure what Vic and I will be called when the time comes.  My parents were Nana and Poppy to Sophia so no doubt it will be something along those lines.

2.  Ever taken a road trip along the California Coast?  If so, what was the highlight of your trek?  If not, any desire to do so?  If you were to take a trip along the California Coast, what's one attraction you'd have on your must-see list?

We hit a small piece of the California Coast on our trip from Washington to Virginia.  I love the northern California Coast, it's so rugged, it reminds me of something out of one of those movies that's based around a fishing village - The Perfect Storm or something like that.  I snapped this photo when we pulled over along the side of the road.

I haven't been much farther south along the California Coast than San Francisco but on our next trip out that way, I'd like to visit Hearst Castle.

3.  What are three things you don't know how to do?

Knit, crochet, sew...I focused on the cooking side in Home Economics class!

4.  Tom Peters is quoted as saying, "Celebrate what you want to see more of."  If that's true, what will you celebrate and more importantly, how will you celebrate?

I want to see more of the world.  If I can't physically travel to all the four corners, I'll travel virtually.  It's so much fun to travel along with friends through their Facebook photos and blog posts.  The Internet provides us with such a wealth of photos and information, it's almost like you're there.

5.  Thursday (February 16) is National Almond Day.  Do you like almonds?  Which would you prefer - an Almond Joy or a macaron?  What's something you make that calls for almonds?

I love almonds and my choice would be a macaron, preferably one from Ladurée!  I make a Bakewell Tart which is a delicious way to enjoy almonds.

6.  What does Saturday morning look like at your house?

Lazy and cozy - fleece robes, mugs of steaming coffee, something sweet for breakfast, usually This Old House On Demand.

7.  Share with us a favorite book you've read this winter.

While we were in Washington, I always picked up Debbie Macomber's latest Christmas novel.  She used to come to our local Navy Exchange to autograph her books so I picked up one in 2014, and again in 2015.  Unfortunately, we left before her scheduled visit in 2016 so this one is not signed.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I've really been enjoying Victoria on PBS.  I picked up the March/April 2017 issue of Tea Time magazine and was intrigued by this upcoming event:

Afternoon Tea with Queen Victoria

Spend an afternoon learning about Queen Victoria at Lady Bedford's Tea Parlour, named after one of the monarch's ladies-in-waiting.  Allis Rennie will speak about Queen Victoria's early life, her ascent to the throne, her marriage to Prince Albert, and the birth of her children.  Cost is $30 per person.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 910-255-0100.  For more information, visit ladybedfords.com.

I was so excited to see it was just over the state line in North Carolina but my excitement turned to disappointment when I realized it was 200 miles over the state line and on a weekday.  I would have considered making the trip on a weekend, maybe turn it into a little getaway, but a weekday makes it impossible.  If you're closer, I hope you can take advantage of what sounds like a really fun afternoon.