Pondering with a Purpose--Leash

 Today's prompt is: Leash

First thought, of course, is the tether thats used for leading something such as a dog.  Or perhaps a child.  I know that many look askance at a parent with a child on a leash, but let me tell you that if you have ever had a young one whose middle name is bullet you know the peace of mind that even though they have some freedom to roam, you still know where they are.  Even as they get older it is hard to release the leash that binds them to you, but it necessary.

In hunting country leash sometimes refers to a set of three, like three foxes or deer.

Leach also infers control, such as having a leach on your temper.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. May is National Blood Pressure Month...what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively? What calms you down? When did you last have your bp checked?
I had my bp checked last month by my PCP.  Conflict is sure to raise my blood pressure, I hate listening to or be involved in squabbles.  Music, reading or prayer will calm me down.

2. You just found $1-what do you spend it on? How about 10$ 100?
With a dollar I would buy a bag of ice--it was 107 at my house today.  10$ would get some treats for the grandkids, $100-I would pinch myself to wake me from my dream.

3. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not enacted in the US. How much attention do you give food labels before you buy? Are you in favor of labeling if it means an increase in food prices? Is this an issue you've been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you've heard of the controversy?
I have to pay close attention to food costs, so anything that would increase prices I would oppose.  I really don't think that GE foods will affect me.

4. May 15th marks the birthdate of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. At this point in time, are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.
I'd take a trip back home--I love revisiting my past, a time of innocence and freedom.

5. "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?
When I returned home Saturday night.  I love the peace and quiet of my house.

6. Steak...yes please or no thank you? What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked? Sauce or no sauce? Besides your own kitchen, where's a place you like to go to get a great steak?
I can live without steak, I prefer seafood.  I hate fat on a steak, or one that I have to chew for half an hour.  If I do order a steak it is usually a rib-eye, and I eat it medium rare with no sauces.  I have had good steak at Durants in downtown Phoenix.

7. When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry?
I hardly am ever in a hurry, as I hate to be late, so I always tend to be early.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Saturday my youngest daughter graduated from college with honors (for the second time--first with a degree in legal studies, now with a degree in computer science)  all this while working full time and raising a family.  She is a special person.

Congratulations

Saturday was another milestone for this sweet little girl--my youngest daughter.  She always loved to go to school and learn and was an outstanding student, member of the high school band, and jazz ensemble.  She plays a mean saxophone.  She graduated from Phoenix College a few years back with a degree in legal science.  At the time she had one small child, and was working full time.  A couple of years ago, she went back to college and Saturday graduated with honors from Yavapai College with a degree in computer science--doing this while working full time, newly remarried, now with three step-children and guardian of three nieces and nephews, for a family with children between four and 21.

Getting her diploma from the college president

Congratulations!

Monday Quiz About Me

1. What did you do for Mother's Day?

I went to church and them came home and read

2. What was the best advice your mother (or a mother figure) gave you?

Be honorable.

3. Are you gardening this year?  What have you/will you plant

I just do a bit of container gardening.  Since the 100+ temperatures have arrived, I mostly will just water things until fall

4. What is the first song that comes to mind today?

Oh What a Beautiful Morning

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!
5.  What is your favorite musical?
Mine--Oklahoma or most anything Hammerstein.

Friday Favorite Things

Here are a couple of shots that inspired me this week

Old Glory salutes sunrise

Sunrise gold

This week’s statements:
1. If _the weather is good today__ then_I will work in my yard___
2. __Spring__ is my __favorite_ of the __seasons__
3. Once, I was surprised to find myself __enjoying exercise_______________.
4. To keep from going crazy, I _read and pray a lot________.