The Handwriting's on the Hodgepodge

Welcome once again to the Wednesday Hodgepodge. It's hosted by Joyce, and she would love to have you click the button and take a look at her answers to the great questions she comes up with each week.

My week is off to a busy start, and I'm happy to be able to get a few minutes to share my answers with my readers. All 5 or 6 of you. :)

1. The popular saying, 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly.  Is he right? 
Well, I have never personally been in war, so I'm not sure I can speak to fairness in that arena. In love however, I think 'all is fair' as long as we treat others with respect, remembering to 'do unto others as you would have others do unto you.' It really is a good rule.

2. Are you a cereal eater?  What's your favorite kind?
I'm not a breakfast eater, but I do eat cereal every once in a while. My current favorite is Special K Red Berries.

3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles).  She did not have the gun with her at school.

A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record.  The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts?  (If you missed the story click here for details). 
I understand that schools must take threats seriously in these crazy times in which we live. But she's five. And it's a bubble gun. A toy. Made for shooting. Bubbles. In our effort to thwart danger we shouldn't leave our common sense at home. That being said, I wasn't there, and did not see nor hear the conversation between the two children, but I can't help but think that a suspension and psychological evaluation might have been just a little bit of an overreaction. And I can't think the incident was serious enough to include on a permanent record. She is five.

4. Whatever happened to_____________________________?
These days, when someone wonders 'what ever happened to_____?' it takes but a few seconds on the phone or computer to look it up and find out exactly what did happen to the person in question. When I read Joyce's questions, I often like to answer with the first thing that comes to my mind. In this case, for whatever reason, I thought of Captain Kangaroo. I loved that show. Bunny Rabbit, Dancing Bear, Grandfather Clock, and poor Mr. Moose, who always ended up with a shower of ping pong balls falling on him. 

5.  January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil.  Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive?  This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to? 
I do like my handwriting. I remember being so excited to learn to write in cursive, and I have enjoyed it ever since. I am left handed, and while I hear many folks use that as an excuse for poor handwriting, I'm not sure I can agree with that reasoning. I know at least a couple of lefties who manage the task rather well.  :) I also learned to print like a teacher by watching my mother. It comes in handy not only for teaching, but also for making posters, writing on the chalkboard, and labeling children's belongings. The last thing I signed my name to were the birthday cards for our grandchildren.

 6. Speaking of John Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love? 
My last trip to Philadelphia (besides a stop at the airport) was in 1991 to see my best friend's brand new baby. That baby is 21 now. How does that happen? That's Jennifer holding baby Megan, my goddaughter.

We did do a little sightseeing while we were, and made a stop at the Liberty Bell. I always enjoy learning about the history of our country on location. I would be glad to go back to Philly with a little more time to explore the city.

7.  Share something funny you've heard a child say.  
Well, as they say, "Kids say the darndest things." (Anyone remember that?) I have heard children say lots of funny things. Hang around with kids, and you're sure to get a chuckle. One I remember well was one of my mom's preschool children reciting the nursery rhyme: 
"Mistress Mary, quite contrary, how does you garden grow? With silver bells and taco shells..." 
And actually, I might prefer that version. I never was sure what cockle shells were anyway.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Our friend Ruthann (in the blue) will be starting chemotherapy soon. She had a great idea to have a 'Strong Women Party' to surround herself with the strength of her women friends as she begins this fight. We got together this week (sorry for not remembering to take a photo before Pam left) to plan, which included much laughter and the sharing of memories, as is always the case when we are together. We would be most grateful for your prayers. Friends don't let friends fight cancer alone.