Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. How has your hometown changed since you were a kid? What has changed most about the neighborhood you grew up in?

My hometown in NJ where I spent my formative years as not changed much at all. Maybe the grocery store is bigger, my old middle school is remodeled etc....but all in all it feels the same. My old neighborhood the same. It's funny we lived down the street from the middle school and that walk seemed so long. Now when you drive it, it's a blink of an eye long. 

2. What song makes you laugh?

Lots of songs make me laugh, especially the ones I get the words wrong to. Katelyn is pretty good at correcting me but every time I hear the song again I laugh because how can two people hear same song and get such a difference. I'm not really the type of person that knows all the words to any song or who sung  the song....my mind just doesn't retain that info. 

3. Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Read the books? Seen any/all of the movies? Will you be standing in line somewhere close to midnight later this week? For those of you playing along today who live outside the US or UK is Harry Potter a phenomenon in your part of the world?

I have not read HP and have only seen the first movie . I really liked the movie but just never got on the band wagon. Maybe some day! 

4. If the truth hurts, will you tell a lie? Are we better off as a society in a world that allows no form of deception whatsoever?

If the truth hurts I hate to think of it as a lie more like sparing someone unnecessary pain. Seriously if I ask you if I look fat in this outfit ....I know I look fat in it or I would'nt ask....telling me isn't gonna change anything except, be like I can't believe Joyce thinks I look fat in this outfit!!  I certainly think in depends on the situation. I don't think society could exist without deception...it seems second nature to some. To think I could get my car worked on and not be deceived into more repairs than need is unreal!

5. What is your favorite 'sauteed in garlic and butter' food? Or garlic and olive oil if that makes you feel better.

Brown butter tortellini with spinach and pine nuts .....yum! Or for a healthy day veggies in garlic and oil!! Recipe from Joyce at A Perfect Beginning. 

Brown Butter Tortellini with Spinach and Pine Nuts

20 ounces pkg (Buitoni) 3 cheese tortellini or 16 oz. gnocchi

4 Tablespoons butter

4 Tablespoons pine nuts

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 (12 oz) packaged fresh spinach, torn

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Cook tortellini according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain.

Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat Add pine nuts to pan; cook 3 minutes or until butter and nuts are lightly golden brown, stirring constantly. Add garlic to pan; cook 1 minute. Add tortellini and spinach to pan; cook 1 minute or until spinach wilts, stirring constantly. Stir in salt and pepper. Sprinkle parmesan cheese. Serves 4

6. Attending any reunions this summer/year? High school? family? Other? Do these events stir up excitement or dread?

This weekend heading to the Jersey Shore for my family beach trip/reunion of sorts. My four sisters their spouses, my parents and fifteen grandkids...27 of us in two beach houses. I'm excited and nervous....excited to see everyone, hangout, catch up etc... nervous....27 of us!! Enough said!

7. Lilac, hydrangea, peony...pick one.

This is a tough on love them all....but Hydrangea last longer so I pick that one. We have probably ten bushes in our garden. Planted four new this spring and they are doing well. All the older ones when we moved in last year hadn't bloomed in years the people use to cut them down every fall which is a no no. We didn't and happy to say this summer we are having a few blooms! Yay! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have finally been bit by the reading bug again. In the last years since I started blogging I have only read a couple books. I was bound and determine to start reading again this summer. So far I'm half way through my second book and love reading again. Though my family is feeling neglected because once I start I'm there until it's over. Sorry I didn't hear the timer on the oven go off ....dinner was not that bad.....was it!! Oops my bad! 

It's been so humid here and almost to muggy to be outside....so Katelyn and I have a few really bad shows we have been sucked into watching. I try to walk away but get sucked back in....

Have you watched on TLC  My big fat gypsy wedding??? It's crazy but interesting and a whole lot of disturbing at the same time. Also we have been watching....Hoarders buried alive....omg! I don't know how someone can live like that....! Have you watched? 

Stop over to Joyce at From this side of the Pond and enjoy her answers and many others.....or better yet join the Hodgepodge!