The Mother of All Hodgepodges

It's that time of the week - The Wednesday Hodgepodge put on by Joyce over at 

http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/

Anyone can join in - I did about 4 weeks or so ago. I find I look forward to the questions when they come out. 

You can join by clicking on her website. 

1. Did you watch the coronation of King Charles III? 

I kinda wanted to until I heard it was 3am here on the west coast. By the time I got up, it was over - I've only seen bits and pieces of it. 

Share some of your thoughts about that or about the royal family in general. 

I'm an American - and so really, what right do I have to say anything about the traditions of another country?  Or even to comment on their family...I think the history of the monarchy is fascinating.

2. What are you the uncrowned queen of? 

I'm blank - I can't think of a thing.  I guess that makes me the uncrowned Queen of Absolutely Nothing. 

3. In a box of chocolates which one do you usually go for? 

I like the nuts and chews; especially Sees Candy - another California treat that originated here. YUM! (although the Sees Family came here from Canada) 

https://www.sees.com/about-us/sees-family/

4. Something learned at your mother's knee? 

She taught and instilled in my sister and me, manners; how to set a table, and other girly girl-type things that are not politically correct these days. Housekeeping tips and sewing, and crocheting - she passed on her appreciation of history, love of country, and appreciation of other cultures.  

I wanted to be a "homemaker" like my mom.  She wasn't miserable like you hear some are - She was in bowling leagues and went to baseball games - took college courses at night - helped in political campaigns - she helped out at the school. She wasn't sitting on the sofa eating bonbons. After Michael was born I was happy to leave my dental assisting job - and with his orthopedic needs at that time, I was home with my baby.  I was not about to allow another person to raise my children.  So I found a way to stay home and have a home business. (Thanks to my dad who owned his own business.) She always encouraged me that my greatest achievement would be, raising strong healthy children and never allow anyone to tell me otherwise. 

Baseball. My mom was a huge San Francisco Giants fan and every Tuesday was Ladies' Day at the ballpark. I knew that when I got off from school that day, I was to go to the corner laundromat and wait there till the bus dropped her off where she would pick me up and we'd walk home.  When the Giants won the pennant in 1962, we were in the parade - I soon became a Giants fan and my sons are now 3rd generation San Francisco Giant fans. 

Finally, keep hydrated, and don't forget the moisturizer. 

Both my parents were very political - so I learned at a very early age, by listening to them and seeing them get involved. They both worked on the JFK's presidential campaign in San Francisco. I remember having our front windows blacked out for months with JFK posters. 

My mom never backed down or weenied out of any political discussion - she was right there with the men, discussing politics. I too, am very political - but there is a time and a place, especially during these times. Balancing that is key. I do not respect political complacency. 

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” 

5. 'Like mother, like daughter'...in what way is this saying true for you? 

 

The older I get, the more I remind myself of my mother. I look in the mirror and she's looking back at me. We had some hard times, her and I. Similar to the problems she had with her own mother. 

All In all, I am my mother's daughter, whether I like it or not. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm not a big "Mother's Day" person. It's always bothered me. Usually, I skip church because they have all the mothers stand so everyone claps for them. I think that is so corny. I don't need that affirmation. It makes me uncomfortable and downright embarrassed. 

I think of those who never become mothers - and wanted so much to have a child. It's like throwing salt in a wound for childless women who wanted children. They are no less of a woman, just because they didn't give birth or raised a child. 

During the later years when my Mom changed,  Mother's Day was a day of manipulation. I knew I would never guilt my kids into it. My sons know how I feel. If we all get together, fine - if we don't, I'm good with that as well. I know they love me and I don't need flowers, candy, a Hallmark card, or a dinner out to know that. 

And there you have it -