HODGEPODGE 19

1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season? 

When I lived in Bonn in Germany, Ash Wednesday was the end of the Carnival, very important in this region. The Catholics ran to church and got a cross on their front with ash. I am protestant and didn't have a cross. Here in Belgium some cities start Carnival others ends. Each region does things differently. Belgium is Catholic, everything else is either nonexistent or barely present

There is no other mark for a Lenten season. 

2. Pancakes...are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on your menu this week?  

Non, because of the Marble Syrup, I can't find it anymore Maybe it's due to the fact that a lot of Americans left Belgium because their companies returned to the States. . When I was in the USA for the first time in 1971 my aunt made us pancakes with marble syrup. I liked them so much that I ate nothing else but pancakes for breakfast for two weeks during our road trip! Rick gained 10 kg, (which suited him very well) and not just because of the pancakes!!

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt 'spread too thin'.

I tend to do everything at once anyway, or at least try to. The last time was when Rick died and I had to juggle tons of paperwork, and the funerals. Normally I'm a well-organized woman, but there I probably did what had to be done, but I have a complete blackout when I try to remember.

4. What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors?  

 

I have been so often in Egypt where they have wonderful jewelry made from semi-precious stones, which I brought back each time I was there because they were so cheap. Especially turquoise, but also all other semi-precious stones. I don't have much of what is called "real jewelry." I prefer the semi-precious stones because I can find the perfect stones to match every outfit.

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge? 

From experience, I believe that the most important thing in a leadership position is that the staff is satisfied and gets along well. A company with good teamwork can only benefit.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Every time I turn on the TV, it's the Winter Olympics!! I can watch them in every country, it's all the same, so I watch what I like on YouTube. I actually enjoyed the Olympics once. I wanted to go to London with the Eurostar train, which is so convenient; I'm there in just over two hours. When I arrived at St. Pancras station, it was beautifully decorated with flags from European countries, and an orchestra was playing—I don't remember what. 

I was surprised that I received such a welcome when a lady next to me said, "Isn't it wonderful? We traveled on the same train as all the athletes who participate in the Games!" I hadn't even noticed, but now that she'd mentioned it... A young girl wanted to show me the bus that was supposed to take us to the Olympic Village and was surprised by my horrified expression. I told her, "No, I want to go to Victoria Station, I want to visit a friend!" 

2012