1. Our November Hodgepodges always include a question related to gratitude. What is one small thing you’re grateful for today?

How about yesterday? The freedom to cast my vote for who I wish. I took my son with me in the morning – his first time voting! – and while he is already jaded and think our votes won’t get counted, I know it’s the right thing to do and I do hope mine counts!

2. Chrysanthemums-pansies-burning bush-ornamental cabbage-camellias…your favorite in an autumn garden? Would we find any of these in your yard/garden this year?

I like the burning bush though I do not have any sort of garden going on. There’s a house we pass on our walk that has such a cool little ornamental garden area and someone keeps it up so nicely. I love it.

3. If you could clear out or organize one physical space or mental habit before the year ends, what would it be?

For sure, either my closet or our storage area on the second floor. They both need to have everything pulled out, culled through, and then put back in an organized way.

4. Brussel sprouts…love ’em or no thank you? If you said love ’em how do you like them prepared?

I DO love them but for some reason, haven’t had them lately. I like to toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and then air fry them. I know most people like them oven roasted but that takes too long. I often see fall veggie sheet pan recipes that include them and one day, I plan to cook that!

5. It’s reassuring to know that____________________.

I have a pretty solid life. Even when things get rough, I have people around me to make sure I don’t fall too far.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I feel bad that all my answer this week were short but I had concise and succinct ways of answering!

This week is wonky; maybe it’s just breaking into the new month or the weather (been on and off rainy but not cool). Fair to say, Tuesday night was nice. Ash had a major breakthrough on his program at work so we had a celebratory drink. We had planned to run and then grill brats but it was absolutely pouring outside. So instead, I ate leftover chili, he had leftover pizza, then we watched Eating Raoul, which was funny and absurd. But it made for a nice night, when we were unable to really go outside. Supposed to stay rainy today but maybe it’ll get nice going forward. The Southeastern part of our state is fixing to float away, they’ve had so much rain! Like, record-breaking rainfall. Look up Melbourne, Florida – SO MUCH WATER!

In election news, my city voted in a socialist piece of crap but at least Florida remains a red state, as I assumed they would. Most of the candidates are “not good” but we vote for the lesser of the two evils, I guess. Plus, we all had to accept an incoming blue wave; the pendulum always swings back.