Saturday, August 17, 2013

Friday Fragments - Week of Surprises



Since I often don't have time to write a long blog post, I've decided to participate in Friday Fragments (FF) each Friday. FF was started by Mrs4444 and her explanation is: "Friday Fragments are bits and pieces of your week that are usually brief; too short for a stand-alone post, but too good to discard." But if you string them all together, there's more than enough for a post. To learn how you can partipate, CLICK HERE to go to this weeks Friday Fragments post which has a link to the rules.



So, here are a few bits and pieces of what has happened in my world between last Friday and this Friday.

SATURDAY

Saturday is usually a work-around the house day. This week there was much work to be done in the garden. Trimming bushes, mowing grass, tending to the garden, picking blackerries and cucumbers and zucchini (and zucchini and zucchini). Afterwards we went to the Häckselplatz. If you don't live in Germany, you are probably asking, "What the heck is a Häckselplatz?" A Häckselplatz is the place where you may take your grass clipping and twig/branch trimmings free of charge. At certain times of the year you can get free compost or mulch for your garden.

So why am I telling you this? Well, after we dumped all of our garden material and I got in the car, Stefan say "Hey, come back out here. Look at this!" Hiding in back of our car (probably came from within the bush clipping) was a Pappelschwärmer (Poplar hawk moth). Look at the size of it! Isn't it a beauty.

 

SUNDAY

On Sunday we had the pleasure of meeting with old friends. Rick, who went to school with Stefan, and his friend Mark are taking a long cruise through Europe (three months long) and had a stop scheduled for Regensburg. It is a two and a half hour drive for us but how often does the opportunity to meet with old friends on this side of the ocean happen? We just had to go. What a nice time we had with them. We went to the Biergarten, had discussions on a million topics, and walked along the water. I wish we'd had more time with them.

Stefan, Rick, Mark, and Me (Katarina took the photo) 


Of course, I had to take a few pics while there.Here is one I took shortly before we left for home.



MONDAY

I often have work (poetry, flash fiction, or art/photos) in The Poetic Pinup Revue. I received my tearsheet for the August issue. Here it is. The photo is mine; the written work is by someone else. I won't have the person's full name until I receive my contributor's copy and will credit them at that time.




To order a copy of The Poetic Pinup Revue, CLICK HERE. If you order a copy (or two or three different issues...right now they are running a sale for their Facebook fans, so check that out if you are on FB) then please remember to fill out the "Who sent me" line of the order form. That way they'll know that I sent you their way.

FRIDAY

Yesterday we read in the newspaper about a free jazz concert nearby. It is part of the"culture program" in our area. Often there are book readings, concerts, events/activities that are free to the public. Oh, gosh, I love Germany. There is always something going on. So tonight we went there and listened to a bit of jazz. Be-bop-e-boo-bop!

That's all for this week's Friday Fragments. Be sure to stop back next week for my wrap-up of events.

Enjoy your weekend!





Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Begin Again

I am going to be posting here again. I think I may divide it into two different topics. One will be posts on my life. The other will be related to news in Germany. I think the personal posts will remain in the usual format. The news clips/responses will be done once a week, about 2 or 3 things of interest, possibly in conjuction with the Friday Fragments group.

Stay tune.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge - March 6, 2013

After my blogging break I started posting over at my Lind-guistics blog but not here. So today I am joining in on the Wednesday Hodgepodge which is organized by Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond. All one needs to do is answers the questions she provides on Tuesday. (Yep, that's right. She gives you the questions a day ahead of time, because she knows you all have busy lives and, well, she's just nice.)  So why not join in? You can find the "rules" HERE.



Now, here are my answers for this week's questions.


1. My real life friends came through with another question this week so thank you real life friends. When you've eaten in a restaurant do you complete their comment card? Do you take online surveys highlighted at the bottom of store receipts? 

We don't eat out too often (both my husband and I love to cook) and I've never seen one of those cards in any of the restaurants we visit in Germany. So, I guess my answers is no. We do, however, let people know when we are happy. Whether it be a super flight attendent, an excellent chef, or helpful service personnel, you can always show your appreciation by writing a letter or email. Businesses are always happy to receive correspondence giving them a pat on the back for what they are doing well and not just complaints from unsatisfied customers.

2. The (US) ban on women in combat was lifted at the end of January. It will probably be next year before specifics are worked out, but its been reported over 200,000 front line positions will eventually open up to women.  Your thoughts?

I think there are women who will be capable of doing this. However, I also believe there might be less women enrolling in military service in the future. I know I couldn't do it.

3.  In looking back at all the blog posts you've written, what's your favorite post title? 

Well, that's a difficult one to answers. I must confess, I don't think I have any stellar titles on this blog, but there are quite a few I like from Lind-guistics. I can't decide on just one so I will let you decide. Here are a few of them. Tell me which one you like the best in the comments section, and if you want you can even read a few of the posts. Perhaps the titles will draw you in.

My First Experience with a Certain O Word 

i'm gonna' freak ya'll out with wizards, wacky weed, and jellybeans 

Is I better than you and should i freak you out? 

S is for eggs! Well, sort of.


4. What's worse--overly permissive parents or overly protective parents?  Did your own parents lean more to the permissive or the protective category?  If you're a parent where do you fall?

I think it is worse to be an overly protection parent. Children need to explore, push the limits and make mistakes in order to learn. This is not to say we should let children do whatever they want. If they are engaging in something which is a danger to themselves or others, we need to step in. Therefore, we let them explore but try to be aware of what they are doing at the same time.

My parents were a bit of both. They were more laid back with me, because I never gave them any reason to worry. They trusted me to make the right decisions. (Of course that doesn't mean I never did anything stupid. I did my fair share, just nothing extreme.) They were a bit more strict with one of my brothers at times, but overall they were middle-of-the-line, leaning toward the permissive end. I, myself, try to be the same way. However, I am not so sure my teenage daughter would agree.

5.  Candlelight-moonlight-firelight-bright lights in the big city...which one's your favorite?

It doesn't matter to me as long as my hubby is with me, but I guess I will go with firelight. Not only do you have the blazing visual but also a nice warmth to cuddle next to.

6. Dr. Seuss's birthday was celebrated on Saturday. What's a favorite book you remember (Seuss or otherwise) from your own childhood?  Did books play an important role in your growing up years? Explain.

I loved Dr. Seuss. I mean, what kid from my generation didn't? I liked Green Eggs and Ham and remember having them in school. I once made them for my daughter when she was younger. I also enjoyed The Cat in the Hat. As I got older though, one of my favorites (and perhaps lesser known books of his) was I Wish that I had Duck Feet. It is still my favorite today.

Of course, I was an avid reader as a child. I read Beverly Cleary and loved Judy Blume books. I also remember certain books, such as Where the Wild Things Are, How to Eat Fried Worms, Harriet the Spy, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, etc. When I was older and studying to be an elementary school teacher, I discovered a whole batch of new books that were awesome. Then later as a mother reading books to a kid, I discovered even more great ones. Even to this day I still love children's literature.

7.  To quote Dr. Seuss...



 "From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere." 

from One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Share something funny you've recently read, seen or heard.

Well, I can't share them, but I've been receiving some funny poems for my Birthday Bash Poetry Contest in honor of Dr. Seuss. If you want to enter, CLICK HERE for more information.

I did, however, read a silly pun list the other day. I'm not sure how funny you'll think these are, but they are all punny.

     I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words.

     I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. I can't put it down.

     What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary?  A thesaurus. 

     (Here's one that isn't word related.) When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

 Nick Wilford has put together an anthology with seventy stories of both fiction and non-fiction as well as poetry about overcoming adversity and is currently selling it as an eBook (It will also be available in print soon.)

The anthology is part of a fundraising effort to send Nick's stepson, Andrew, to a specialist college in England. Andrew has cerebral palsy, and is a remarkable young man with a promising future. However, the free further education options offered in his own country (Scotland) no longer challenge him nor and allow him to progress. In order to access the education he deserves, Andrew will have to pay exorbitant fees.  You can help by purchasing a copy of the book and by sharing this post with other. I know I will.

 If you are in the U.S., the price for the Kindle Edition is only $3.54. Just CLICK HERE to go to the page on Amazon.

To order on Amazon in the United Kingdom, CLICK HERE. The cost is
£2.03.

It is also available on SMASHWORDS and GOODREADS.

Oh, and did I mention that it features work by great writers such as E.J. Wesley, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and Kyra Lennon. There's even a short piece by me. So why not buy a copy? It's a win-win situation. You get great reading material and Andrew gets one step closer to his educational needs.


Thursday, November 22, 2012

Gobble gobble

It's that time of year again! That glorious day when one can stuff themselves silly. THANSKGIVING! I came across a cute Thanksgiving cartoon earlier today. To see it, CLICK HERE. (Okay, that says something about my sense of humor, doesn't it.)

Whether eating turkey or tofurkey or something entirely differently, I wish all my friends and family in the United States a wonderful Thanksgiving feast and a great day of togetherness.. We celebrated last year but this year we celebrated St. Martinstag at the beginning of the month. It only seems fair to alternate traditions. I did, however, bake some sweet potatoes last week. They were tasty.

I also took part in a Gratitude Quilt created by Laura over at Shine the Divine: Creativity is a Spiritual Practice. She asked people to tell her what they are thankful for, right there at that moment, and she strung them all together for Thanksgiving. Over 222 people (from every continent except Antarctica) have taken place. To see it, CLICK HERE.

If you are reading this, I am thankful that you stopped by. I'll be double thankful if you leave a comment. Tell me what your menu is today or what you are doing today or what you love or hate Thanksgiving or a special memory of Thanksgiving or your favorite food on this day or what you are thankful for or...well, you get the idea. Tell me whatever you want related to Thanksgiving and then go have a good gobble gobble time.

Friday, October 19, 2012

100/100 - Finished

This is my last post for the 100 Days of Summer Project. I hope you've enjoyed my photos.

I've finished.

© Linda Hofke, 2012

Some of the other participants are continuing the project with 100 Days of Fall/Winter, but I've already committed to other things in November and December is always a crazy month. Perhaps I will join in again in the Spring.


Thursday, October 18, 2012

99/100 - Wolfach

In my last post I showed you a few night shots of Wolfach. Here is what it looks like during the day.


© Linda Hofke, 2012 

On Saturday we were blessed with beautiful weather, perfect for motorcycle riding and hiking.

© Linda Hofke, 2012


Unfortunately, we spent Sunday riding home in the rain. My motorcycle jacket and pants are waterproof. Whereas some complained their hands were wet and stained from their gloves, mine were fine. But my feet! My boot sucks! I hadn't thought to bring boot covers. My socks and feet were soaking wet.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

95-98/100 - Motorcycle Trip

Two weekends ago we went on our annual motorcycle trip. It was a small group this year-- just 5 couples and no children. Originally we started these trips in order to visit all the Michelaus in Germany (and one in Luxembourg). Now that we've accomplished that goal we just pick any town or festival. This year we were in Wolfach. On Friday night after dinner we all took a walk around town. Of course, I had my camera along. This is the view from the bridge at night. Doesn't it look beautiful?

© Linda Hofke, 2012


Next to the bridge were lamposts. This one caught everyone's eye, because it was decorated with threads of spider web all around it.

© Linda Hofke, 2012


If you look closer you can see that there were several large spiders in there. 

© Linda Hofke, 2012 



Here is a close-up of one of them. It seems this town doesn't need to decorate for Halloween. The spiders have done the work for them.


© Linda Hofke, 2012 


Like I said in an earlier post (click here to read it), those spiders seem to be everywhere.