1. January 29th is National Puzzle Day. Do you enjoy puzzles?  Yes. What kind (crossword, jigsaw, sudoku, etc)? I like them all -  How often do you work a puzzle? 

I enjoy puzzles and we used to do them regularly. During the holidays we used to set up a card table and everyone would work on it. I need to get one of the felt puzzle pads because my cat, Susie loves to sit where we "puzzle" and do what cats do, knock them off the table. I'd have to roll it up or she would totally undo all our efforts. 

When we play cards, she is right there in the middle...

2. Something you currently find 'puzzling'?

I'm finding it puzzling why I am unable to think of something puzzling...

3. What's your go-to dish for someone who needs a meal (new baby, bereavement, etc)? 

My go-to casserole to bring for moms who just had a baby was Hamburger Pie. My best friend Susie (who has since passed and whom I named my cat, Susie after)  gave me this simple recipe. It was especially good for those who had finicky little eaters. 

1 lb of ground beef

1 can of tomato soup

1 can of green beans

Mashed potatoes on top - put in the oven to melt the cheese on top.

Children would actually eat it or at least they did back then. Children nowadays have a more sophisticated palette than our kids so I don't believe it would be a hit. 

Throughout the years I have spiced it up for us - by adding garlic, onions, and green bell pepper - Italian seasonings, a few generous dashes of Worcestershire sauce after dumping in the tomato soup - and before the green beans. 

whipped mashed potatoes - and top with shredded cheese. Oven 350 for 15 minutes or so. 

4. Do you watch any HGTV and/or The Food Network? If so, what's your favorite program there? 

We haven't had cable or satellite in 10 years -  I remember enjoying House Hunters. 

5.  Wrap up your January in five words, with a five-word phrase, or with a five-word sentence. 

Obsessed with the DMV exam. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My husband sent me this video from his hike yesterday...

We've had such mild weather - my husband was able to get the lawns mowed before the Pineapple Express rolls through. 

A Pineapple Express is what we used to call a Hella BIG Rainstorm which produces a lot of rain. Duh! 

Now they call it an atmospheric river characterized by a strong and persistent large-scale flow of warm moist air, and the associated heavy precipitation both in the waters immediately northeast of the Hawaiian Islands and extending northeast to any location along the Pacific coast of North America.

Anyway, I like the old version better! 

Thanks for stopping by and giving my Hodgepodge a read. 

Debby