Hodgepodge: Hot, Cold. Guilty, Free.

Jumping right in today...

1. What is the most useful book in your house?

Besides the Bible? (Joyce, I read your answer first, so I cheated on this question. Maybe I should revisit said Bible as a result of my sin.) Anyhoo, I'd say the book I use most often is the Alden Community Cookbook. It was a gift from my friend Barb and I use that book a lot, especially to make Nina Fair's peanut butter cookies.

2. What's worse-being too hot or too cold?

Too hot. I think I can always find more clothes and blankets, a fetal position, a warm hubby ,and a 70 pound Golden Retriever to warm me up when my ribs have frozen under my skin. But to be too hot means I have to shed clothing and let's just say that even if it was a modest proposal, it would not be a pretty image.

3. Share something that made you smile this past weekend.

My youngest boy confessed to me in a darling way something that touched my heart. He was convicted by the Holy Spirit last week during Summer Blast (like VBS) when they were highlighting honesty. As I was rubbing his back before he went to sleep, he said to me--voice cracking as he stifled tears in bed--"While we're talking about honesty, I need to confess something else. Remember that silver necklace with hearts that came in the mail a couple months ago? Remember you and Dad asked who ordered it and it wasn't Ben, Steve, or Sarah? Well, it was me. It was before Mother's Day. I was on the Amazon site after Steve ordered you a necklace, and I was looking around. I saw that one and clicked on it. I thought it was just going to take me to "More Info" cuz I know you like long chains, so I clicked on it. And it said, "Thank you for your order!" and I was like 'What the heck?!!!' I didn't mean to order it. I just wanted more info, Mom. I've felt sick to my stomach since then. But now I feel better. Will you forgive me?" I said, "Of course I forgive you, honey." And then we prayed. But the part that made me smile was how he held up his palms in the semi-darkness and said, "I was like, 'what the heck??"" and at the end, "It was a pretty necklace, wasn't it, Mom? Just not long enough for you?"

4. How do you like your hamburgers? Or don't you?
Medium-well, juicy but not mooey, from the grill, topped with mustard, mayo, a trace of ketchup, crisp Romaine lettuce, many raw onions, a few pickles, and served up on a fresh potato roll. With sharp cheddar, don't forget.

5. What's your summer beach read? If it's not summer in your part of the world then tell us what book you're reading in front of the fire while sipping hot cocoa.

I don't know yet. Vacation is slated for August. I think I'll try to get the novel by Andy Andrews called The Traveler's Gift. When I was recovering from surgery, my friend Kate brought over his novel called Island of Saints (renamed Heart something-or-other; I like the original title better). She knows I like history. Well, that book has history and mystery combined, and I was hooked! Gotta get me some more Andy Andrews. The man can weave a tale.

6. How was your birthday celebrated when you were a kid?

I don't remember too many birthday parties, but I'm sure there was always a boxed cake and ice cream. My parents always gave thoughtful gifts. I do remember two best birthdays; one I was 9 and got a brand new purple bike with a banana seat. I remember picking it out, feeling happy for myself, but sad because we had just come from the hospital where my preacher-dad had visited Mrs. Kilgore. Her daughter, Lindee, was a friend of mine, and Mrs. Kilgore was dying of cancer.

It didn't seem right that I should be having a happy birthday with a new bike when my friend was losing her mom, but I guess I didn't realize the severity of cancer. And my dad didn't make me feel guilty for having a nice gift at the same time. He couldn't afford much on small-town preacher's salary, but that bike was from a bike shop and not a hand-me-down. So I'm sure as a father he loved giving his children good gifts, even though others were suffering.

Many life lessons from one Hodgepodge question! Whew! The other best birthday was when I turned 12 and got a stereo. That was a really big deal, and I had friends over.

7. What's something that is totally uncool that you love anyway?

Embarrassing my kids by making all kinds of making-out noises when I kiss their dad in the kitchen while I'm cooking. Actually it embarrasses the man, too, but I can't help myself. I tell him if he wouldn't be so darn good at fixing stuff around the house I wouldn't be so hot for him.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I think I'm in the minority about the whole Casey Anthony verdict. Yes, I do think she probably is guilty of murder, but rather than feeling angry, I feel really sorry for her. If she did it, she'll have to live with the guilt the rest of her life; if she didn't, she has to live with the false accusations and public scorn the rest of her life. I also think, as I posted on Facebook, that I think it's hypocritical to rail against a woman who MIGHT have killed her born child, but there is no public outcry by many of the same folks against women who really HAVE killed their UNborn child. I say that with a heart of compassion, not judgment. Truly. My issue is not with her guilt or innocence, but with the reaction of stone-throwers who are okay with abortion as if there's a big difference between snuffing out life with saline solution before the baby cries, or with duct tape afterward.