Celebrating on the Hodgepodge

Today is my husband's birthday, and Friday will be our 62nd wedding anniversary, so this is an exciting week for us.  There are no big plans except to express gratitude to our Creator, the Lord of our life, for bringing us together and blessing us with long, healthy and prosperous lives.

Welcome to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge where Joyce  asks the questions and we give our answers.

Vol. 669

1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing? 

We had hoped to take some short road trips this summer, but the heat has been excessive and the air quality so bad that no one wants to get outside for anything extracurricular.  Maybe this fall we can explore.

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be?

I have never been a front row person for any reason.  I didn't necessarily hide in the back either.  I really cannot think of a class that was offered in my school that I would want to take.  I chose Home Economics over Typing, and never regretted that because I was able to take typing after H.S.  What I would change about high school is concentrating on my studies more seriously rather than sports and a boyfriend.  Neither offered long-range benefits.  

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)?

My son has written a book I trust will soon be published about Becoming.  I think I can best answer this question by taking a thought from his book.  Our main objective should be to love, encourage, help, and live in such a way that those around us one day can say, "Because of you...I became."

4.  September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so how do you like yours? Would people describe you as 'having grit'?

 Now, in the south, grits are a mainstay for any breakfast or brunch.  We never use sugar or syrup but only add a big dollop of butter.

Our other go-to is Shrimp & Grits.

One of our favorite side dishes is just plain Cheese & Grits.

So yes, grits is a definite southerner's favorite dish.

Now, am I known for having grit?  I would say that I probably am or at least used to be.

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy?

Music 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Prior to moving to our current location in Plano, TX in 2020, one of our favorite weekly TV series was Seal Team, an American military drama that began in 2017.  I recorded it and other favorite primetime shows, and we looked forward to watching as soon as we had time.

When we moved, we lost track of the show and never finished watching it.  That is until it showed up on Netflix a few weeks ago.  We binge watched all seven seasons as we had time, and saw the final episode on Sunday afternoon - "The Last Word."  Needless to say, we hated to see it end, even though it was time and it ended as best it could.  Now, to find another show to hold our interest.  Any suggestions?

Flying High on the Hodgepodge

In 2014 we took an extensive road trip from our home in Shreveport, LA to Maryland where we attended our niece's wedding, Niagara Falls, Canada, and drove along Lake Erie in Ontario to Dearborn, MI. This is the link to the 9-12-2014 blog post that tells about this last leg and relates to a portion of today's question #1.

Blog post of trip to Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village

Thank you, Joyce for asking the questions that we so enjoy giving answers to.

1. August 19th is National Aviation Day...do you like to fly? Last time you were on an airplane? The date is chosen in honor of the history and development of aviation, and celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina? The city of Dayton in Ohio (their birthplace)

I don't mind flying, but the takeoff is always a bit unnerving.

The last time I was on a plane was returning home from South Bend, IN to the DFW Airport in early February, 2023.  This is memorable because we flew home into the renowned Texas freeze that literally shut down the state.  We were the final plane to land for an extended period of time.

I have not been to either of the places mentioned in the question; however, we did visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI, which houses many of the artifacts related to the Wright Brothers.  My blog post above gives a pictorial account of that visit.

Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village

I highly recommend this extraordinary look at a world gone-by.  We actually spent two days going through it.  Once you are inside, you forget the 3rd world outside the fences.

You can surround yourself with the sights and sounds of a Wright brothers’ flight, or you can sit in the fuselage of several classic planes and helicopters.

This is an authentic reproduction of the Wright Brother's Flyer

The Wright Brother's Cycle Shop

This is the actual room behind the shop where the pieces for their flyer were made.

Wright Brother's Family Home

2. In what area of your life do you tend to 'wing it'? Is this an area you should be winging?

 About the only thing I wing is meal planning.  This has never been something I enjoyed even though it was necessary while rearing a family.  These days, we just kind of wing it and don't make meal plans too far in advance.  Should I be winging this?  It suits our life style, so sure, go with it

3. A favorite book, song, or movie that relates to flight in some way?

The old Southern Gospel Hymn, "I'll Fly Away" will always be a favorite.

and Frank Sinatra singing "Fly Me to the Moon" is also a favorite.

4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or good old fashioned ice cream...what's your pleasure? Your favorite flavor? How often do you indulge?

It is difficult to substitute for good old fashioned ice cream.  My favorite?  A mix of chocolate, caramel and lots of nuts.

5. I never get tired of seeing pictures of my great grands. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I know I'm behind the hype of these two books, but I just read them both and hated to see them end.

Memories & Blessings

Joining Joyce for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-'The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while." 

Time is crazy isn't it? So...what were you up to in the year 2002?

 

Our retirement celebration picture

We both retired in August of 2002, and moved from a small town where we had lived for over 33 years.  Where our children were born and grew up and many lifetime memories were made.  We moved to one of the largest cities in our state to be near our son and his family, and closer to our daughter and family in Dallas, TX.  There were a lot of adjustments to be made, but neither of us stayed retired long, and ended up retiring again in 2011 after we both had productive careers, before moving to Plano, TX in 2020.

2. "Me? I'm scared of everything..." What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway? 

The only thing that really scares me at this point is falling, and definitely do not want to try that again.  So my answer would be nothing.

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to...

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita

Watermelon is my favorite summertime fruit.  Of the items listed above, I would choose watermelon sorbet, but the best way to eat watermelon is by itself.

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate.

Oldest Child Birth Order

I am the first born of three girls and am quite typical of this birth order.  It is said that our traits exists mostly because our parents are new to the parenting role and expect a lot from themselves and thereby these expectations are exhibited to the child. By the time #2 child comes, the parents are more relaxed and therefore the child is as well, and with the 3rd, all rules go out the window.

“Firstborn children can be goal-oriented, outspoken, stubborn, independent, and perfectionistic,” 

I am all of these.

 

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain.

I am not a mingler, and don't really like large crowded parties, but when attending such, I much prefer to sit off to the side and watch.  Should someone care to join me, that is fine, but holding a significant conversation is not necessary.  Intimate dinners with special friends and family is my chosen social gathering.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

From my Bible devotion this morning:

Psalm 3

1 Samuel 13-18

When David is being threatened by his son, Absalom and forced to leave his city for his own safety, he first told the Lord what was going on - many enemies among his own leaders, many were attacking him, many were saying God could not help him.

Then David acknowledges who God is and what only He has done:

I love these few words - "But you, Lord!"

"But you, Lord, are a shield that protects me;

you are my glory and the one who restores me.

To the Lord I cried out, and He answered me from His holy hill."

Lesson?  Things are never as bad as they seem when our confidence is in the Holy Lord God Almighty!

All About Summer

Thank you for joining us for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge where Joyce gives questions to ponder and then share with fellow Hodgepodgers.

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer.

 Our handsome son, John will celebrate his 57th birthday on the 22nd.  He is our first-born and only son of whom we could not be more proud.  He is a faithful and devoted husband, father and grandfather, but most importantly a man-of-God and strong in his faith.  He and Michelle will celebrate 31 years of marriage on the 13th.  They are a blessing!

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls?

I do not eat oysters but do love my pearls.

 

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'. 

I personally have not felt like that in a very long time; however, I do feel that way about my grandchildren and greats.  My grown grands have nothing but bright futures ahead of them as they grow in their chosen professions, and as they face the daily challenges of marriage and parenthood.  Who knows what lies ahead for my soon-to-be eight great grands.  I pray God's direction, protection and blessings on each of them.

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why? 

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

We have driven around on Padre Island, Texas, but did not stay there.  The only island on the list that we have actually visited is Mackinac Island in Michigan.  We have been twice and loved both experiences.  At this point, I don't have a desire to see any of the others, free or otherwise.

Our favorite place to stay is Mission Point - 2017

A favorite memory was cycling the island and enjoying all the sights close-up - 2017

The Grand Hotel as seen from the ferry 2024

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- 

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month?

Disagree!  In the south, August can be the hottest summer month.  Here in Texas, there is rarely a day below 100 degrees and no rain.  We don't see "the best of summer gone" until October.

In other words, I dread August and try not to plan any outdoor activities.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

The first Wednesday Hodgepodge of August, 2014, I wrote the following:

"Ahhhh, the summers for us southern country kids of the 40's and 50's were wonderful lazy days spent playing and imagining; creating and pretending; getting into trouble and having to select your own personal switch; spending time with friends; picnics; fishing.  I loved not having homework, but instead doing creative projects that Mother and Daddy always seemed to provide.  Yes, life was good!"

Celebrating the End of July

In July, 2020, I did this painting for some of our dear friends who had lost their home in a flood.  We visited them after the restoration was completed and gave the painting to them as a reminder that God's mercies are new every morning.  This is still a reminder to me to be grateful for this great promise.

Joining with Joyce for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. What was the last thing you celebrated? 

The last celebration was our great-grandson's 4th birthday.  I featured some scenes of this in last week's Hodgepodge, so I'll share a few more today.

The party scene is always at the Day House and pool.  July is the perfect time for a pool party in Northern Indiana.

"Happy Birthday" before blowing out the cupcake candles

Little Sis supervising the opening of presents

2 July 29th is International Day of the Tiger. Besides the wild animal itself, when you hear the word tiger what's the first  person-place-thing-whatever that comes to mind?

For anyone remotely related to Louisiana, there is an immediate association the the LSU Tigers!  The first game is only 6 weeks away and every Tiger fan is counting down the Saturdays.

3. The expression 'eye of the tiger' describes someone with intense focus, determination, and the drive to succeed. What area of your life are you currently bringing that kind of energy to?

Thankfully, there is nothing going on in my life at this time that demands an "intense focus, determination or drive to succeed."  These truly are the "Golden Years" when spending the morning sitting with a book, or the afternoon finishing a movie we started the night before, is OK.  

  

4. What was the last meal you cooked?

As I am writing this on Tuesday, Monday night's dinner (supper) was warmed left-overs from Sunday's lunch with friends at Olive Garden.  Second day Shrimp Scampi is always better.

5. Describe your July using exactly five words.

Travel, Hot, Family, Hot, Memories

6. Insert your own random thought here.

One afternoon during our recent visit, DIL, Michelle and I took the greats to Mishawaka's Japanese Garden.  It has been a favorite spot of mine since discovering it shortly after the family moved to Indiana in 2008.

Navy Grace visiting with the "Children"

It was a fun time for me to share such a beautiful oasis right in their back yard.

It's a Hot Yellow Hodgepodge

Welcome to the sporadic wanderings of my blog posting.  There really hasn't been much time for posting this month; however, I did manage to get out one post on our recent travels.  If you care to see one of the most fun adventures of our trip go Here.

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate.

Let's just say that my goals are not very long-range these days.  The most important dream (prayer) is to see my great-grandchildren come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Usually, the goals that I wish to achieve energize me; however, I did get a bit tired of the planning that went into our recent road trip.  In the end though, it was all worth while and we had a wonderful time.  

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons?

Yes, I like the lemon flavor.  One of my favorite dishes with lemon is of course a good southern Lemon Icebox Pie with meringue.  I also like Lemon Loves.  These were always a staple at every tea or coffee that ladies used to plan and attend.

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it. 

Yes, I think I am pretty good at doing this.  Thankfully, I haven't had to make lemonade recently.  Well, maybe once.  Here's the story.  In planning our trip, I decided while in Gettysburg, VA, rather than staying in a modern hotel like the rest we were staying in along the way, I wanted us to stay in a historic Inn in the historic section of the city.  I did find a lovely old place and in a perfect location.  I failed to realize that when you stay in a building on the National Historic Registry that there will not likely be an elevator.  Sure enough, we got there to find out our room was on the 3rd floor and two flights of 32 narrow steps to get there.  That was not ideal for two folks in their 80's with luggage.

We made the most of it and enjoyed our stay very much.  If you don't mind stairs, then let me recommend the Brickhouse Inn.

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color?

I added a yellow linen outfit to my summer wardrobe and have enjoyed it very much.  I am more of an orange person, but I think this yellow is a good shade for my coloring.  I especially enjoyed wearing it with matching yellow sandals for our great-grandson, Jax's 4th birthday in Northern Indiana a couple weeks ago.

5. How would you describe your attention to detail?

Excessive??  I am very aware of details and doing things with order and sequence.  Would you care to see the folder of our travel plans?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

How about some pictures of our trip?

The first stop was in Lancaster, SC with these our longest couple friends, Bill & Velta.  Dick proposed to me in their apartment in 1965.  Love these precious people and she is Miss Hospitality personified!

Blue Ridge Pky, Boone, NC

                                            Natural Bridge, VA

Shenandoah National Park was so socked in with cloud cover that we missed much of the natural beauty and it definitely challenged my driving skills.

                                                Our Indiana family

We endured the Summer Heat Bowl of 2026 in the upper Mid-West only to return home to Texas for the Extensive Heat Wave.  As I write this at 3 PM it is 103 degrees with a heat index of 109, and it is expected to be several degrees higher by 5 PM.  Plus, we are now under an Air Quality Alert with tomorrow being declared an Ozone Action Day.  The north has smoke but we have fumes while the Gulf of America is bracing for a Tropical Storm.

Welcome to Texas!