Remembering the MoonPie and RC Cola

Saturday night a week ago, while visiting a dear friend, we watched the splashdown of Artemis II's monumental return from the moon.  The only thing that would have made that visit more enjoyable would have been the ultimate celestial snack, the MoonPie, and a large RC Cola.  Do you remember this delight known as being "as big as the moon?"

I can't say I grew up on MoonPies and RC Colas back in the '50s, but they were definitely a delicacy when we were treated to them.  Our children loved them, and I would occasionally serve them for dessert.  Our family summer trips always included at least one box of Chocolate MoonPies, and they never melted in a hot car.  I now wonder why we allowed the health influencers to convince us that these icons, made with 'Real Sugar,' needed to be omitted from our diet.  Isn't it interesting that they still exist and, evidently, are still popular and offer several different varieties?  Have you had one lately?

So to belatedly celebrate Artemis II, let's look back on the MoonPie's beginning.

According to company lore, the story began in 1917 when Earl Mitchell, a traveling salesman, visited a general store frequented by Appalachian coal miners.  When Mitchell asked what they looked for in a snack, the miners responded that it needed to fill them up, be portable enough to fit in a lunch pail, and be a treat that would get them through a long shift.  One man then was said to point to the moon, saying he hoped the snack would be as big as the moon.

Mitchell headed back to Tennessee and reported to the folks at Chattanooga Bakery.  They came up with a new creation - a chocolate-dipped tasty treat featuring fluffy marshmallows sandwiched between two large graham crackers.  The legendary MoonPie was born, and soon folks all over the South were clamoring for one.

The Chattanooga Daily Times posted this ad for the Chattanooga Bakery on October 7, 1917.

By 1929, these factory workers in the Chattanooga Bakery were boxing up hundreds every day.

In its early days, the MoonPie was the ultimate budget-friendly snack.  For just a nickel, it offered a delicious boost.  It was often paired with an RC Cola, giving rise to the Depression lunch.  And that's another story:  In the '20s and '30s, the coldest place in the country was the drink box at the crossroads country store.  Farm workers would get an hour for lunch and would go to the drink box.

There was a 6-ounce Coca-Cola for a nickel, and there was a whopping big 10 ounce RC for a nickel.  The RC was the better buy, so they could buy a MoonPie for a nickel and here was lunch for a dime for these hard-working folks.  And that's how the MoonPie and RC Cola combo began.

From the Tennessean:  January 4, 1948

In the 1940s, the "Soldier's Comfort" MoonPies were shipped in comfort packages to boost morale for the Armed forces during WWII.

In the 1950s, MoonPies became the preferred "throw" during Mardi Gras parades.  They were soft enough to be tossed into a crowd without causing injury.  Before this, the "Cracker Jack" box was the favorite but tended to be rather dangerous.

The 1960s brought new flavors like vanilla, banana, and strawberry to the lineup.

In 1994, the Out of the World Festival celebrated the 75th anniversary of the MoonPie and the RC, and has become an annual festival in Tennessee.

1999 saw the debut of the Mini MoonPies.

From the Birmingham News:  July 27, 1981

So, whether you're planning to watch the skies for the next lunar mission or just looking for a taste of nostalgia, the MoonPie remains a delicious reminder of big dreams and even bigger snacks.  There is evidently a MoonPie recipe book with some pretty sinful ways to use this Southern snack.  Although I prefer mine plain, I do plan to look for a box on my next trip to the store.  How about you?

Travel on the Hodgepodge

Happy Humpday!

I haven't thought about Humpday in a long time, and not sure why it came to mind as I was typing this.  Nevertheless, it seems to apply this week.  Does Wednesday ever seem like a day you just need to get through so the rest of the week can unfold?  That may be why it came to mind.  This is indeed a busy week.

What a difference a couple of weeks can make!  Two weeks ago, on this Wed., we were laid-back and lazy, which is exactly how we wanted to be.  More on this in #6.

Now, let's get on with answering the Hodgepodge questions Joyce has given us.

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately?

No, but I do compile all the information our CPA needs and put it in our portal on her website.  We heard from her last week while traveling that everything was perfect, and we will be getting money and our tax forms back this week.

Something taxing?  Yes!  One of the places we stayed on our trip, double-charged us and denies it, although it is obvious he charged our CC twice, one minute apart.  Getting this resolved is a very taxing endeavor.  Why can't people just be honest!

2. When it comes to travel, are you a last-minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you. 

I am a combination of the two.  I start packing early by putting in things I will need on the trip.  Then, the last-minute things go in the day before we leave.  I am pretty good at planning my wardrobe and what I can mix & match.  However, this time I overpacked the jeans I would need.  My favorite packing tip is to tightly roll all my clothes.  They fit so much better and don't tend to wrinkle as easily.  Sure takes up much less space.

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level?

There are people I would like to see get their own month - me, for example, but I don't necessarily think a sandwich needs a whole month.

Yes, we love grilled cheese sandwiches, but don't eat them very often.  We love them with Tomato Bisque.  My secret ingredient is to add a bit of fig jelly to one side of the bread before toasting.  The light, sweet flavor adds a delightful taste and complements the cheese.

 

4. There's a well-known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd  

Is constant growth necessary, or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? 

As a Christian, I think we are encouraged to always be growing in Christ's likeness.  That is my desire.  That being said, stability and a sense of peace are also to be desired, and I believe can only truly be found in achieving the prior.  

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

• daffodils or tulips  -  Daffodils
• lemonade or iced tea   -  Iced sweet tea
• gardening or hiking   -  Neither!  Can't do either one anymore
• ladybugs or butterflies   -  Butterflies  
• umbrella or raincoat   -  Umbrella
• floral patterns or polka dots   -  Neither, but I'll go with polka dots

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We traveled down via the scenic routes through Southwest Texas to the Big Bend NP area a couple of weeks ago, arriving back home this past Monday.  It had been on our bucket list since moving to Texas five years ago.  It was a gloriously long and at times very tiring drive to the park, which we managed in two days.  Texas has one of the most diverse topographies, and of course is enormous.  There is no getting anywhere in a hurry.

After leaving the Tin Bit Ranch, where we stayed for three nights, we drove north to the Guadalupe Mountains, then northeast to the little New Mexico town of Alamogordo.  We loved driving through the White Sands National Park there and seeing other sights in the area.

Easter Sunday morning, we attended a very small First Baptist Church before driving north to our final destination.

These are a few of our favorite sights along the way.

Three Twisted Sisters Scenic Drive

Three Twisted Sisters Scenic Drive

Big Bend NP

White Sands NP

After church on Sunday, we drove up to Cloudcroft, NM, to overnight at the Cloudcroft Lodge.  It was such a great way to end our trip.

Lion or Lamb?

Welcome to our Wednesday Hodgepodge, where Joyce asks the questions and we answer.  Join us on her blog here.

1.  As the saying goes, 'March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.' Did your March come in roaring or like some other animal?

March 1 in Plano, TX, came in as a tiny kitten - all sunshine and happiness, with hardly a breeze.

Every month carries with it certain feelings, which is why some people love and anticipate December and others dread it. How do you feel about the month of March?

March is usually a transition month in the South.  It means winter is past, summer is probably coming before you're ready for it; the winds are picking up, and a cool front could come at any time.  March also means a time to begin transitioning your closet because you will definitely not need sweaters anymore, but neither will you go sleeveless except on occasion.  It's also a time to transition mentally, from predominantly indoor activities to being outdoors and traveling.

2. Where in your life are you a lion? Where are you a lamb?

 I can be a lion when I feel strongly about something, and an opportunity to express my opinion presents itself.  I am a lamb when the Holy Spirit nudges me and says, "That's enough, Libby."

3. The Hodgepodge lands on National Pound Cake day. Do you like pound cake? If so do you have a favorite flavor? Let's play this or that-

Pound cake is my husband's favorite cake, but have I made one in the past 40 years?  Nope!

• pound cake or layer cake?   Layer cake - preferably German Chocolate
• pound cake or cheesecake?   Pound cake
• pound cake or angel food cake?   Angel Food cake
• pound cake or brownie?   BROWNIE!  I can seek out a brownie on a large table full of every imaginable dessert.
• pound cake or pie?   Pound cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream or ice cream.

4. What makes you feel childlike wonder right now?

 Watching two of our great-grandchildren explore new things that their grandmother shares with us on Snapchat.

5. What's one thing you need to add to your wardrobe to get ready for spring? If you're in the southern hemisphere, then answer for fall?

I need more pants selections.  A neighbor bought the prettiest top for my birthday last year, and I liked it so much that I ordered several more in different colors and designs.  I need to swap in my winter leggings for something more appropriate for a Texas summer to go with my new tops.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It is in the most amazing moments of sparkles and light that there will always be shadows.  So when all you see are shadows, turn and look for the light.  One cannot exist without the other.

Creativity & Destruction

I recently heard someone say that in this crazy world, we have two choices - to be creative or destructive.  I understand what she was saying, and I'd much rather be creative than destructive, wouldn't you?  To love and be kind instead of tearing another down and being hurtful.  To encourage and to love is a much greater way to live than to deconstruct.

But let's look at the comparison another way.  I have found that both of these often co-exist, or rather, one can lead to the other.  Out of destruction, we often find greater things than we would not have otherwise.  Let me share with you a personal experience.

In 1964, the man I planned to marry was killed in an automobile accident.  I experienced a great loss and pain.  Out of that experience, God revealed His plan by bringing together two people who would have never met otherwise.  Dick and I met in February 1965 and were married a few months later.  Out of that tragedy and loss came the greatest blessing that has now lasted 61 years.

Let's look at it another way.  There are moments of great creativity, and while being creative, it sometimes results in destruction.  An exercise that we have put our whole being into producing may not go as planned.  It could have been in the most amazing moment of creativity that you had planned for and looked forward to, that something went wrong, or someone disapproved, or something broke, or no one showed up.  Did you feel a momentary letdown, or did you never try again?

It is in the midst of sparkles and light that there will always be shadows.  So, how do we reconcile these diversions in our lives?  Love one and hate the other, or learn to live with both?

To me, that is what the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ mean.  In destruction, we find life!  In beauty, we find the Creator and life eternal.  In pain, we can find love and peace and joy.  They co-exist and can lead to an abundant life in Christ.

So when you see shadows, turn and look for the light.  There cannot be one without the other.

American/Mexican Hodgepodge

Thank you for joining us on this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions, and we answer.

 

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston, SC, and the 'historic triangle' which includes Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown, Virginia. 

Of the cities listed, how many have you seen in person?

Does the LaGuardia Airport in NYC count?  Washington D.C., Charleston, SC, and Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown, VA

Of the cities listed, which would you most like to visit this year?  Any plans to do so?

I would never pass up another trip to Charleston, SC.  This is one of our favorite places to visit, but it won't likely happen this year.  

What's one place in America you think everyone should see? If you're not American, what's one place in the US you'd like to see?

Seeing Washington, D.C., even once has a way of turning history from words on a page into something living and tangible. Walking past the monuments, standing in the Capitol, or visiting Arlington gives you a deeper appreciation for the ideals, sacrifices, and responsibilities that come with being an American.

If a trip to D.C. isn’t possible, visiting your own state capital can be just as meaningful.

Whether national or state, capital cities help ground us in our shared history and remind us that citizenship is something to be understood, appreciated, and never taken for granted.

2. Three sounds you love to hear?

The early morning cooing of a dove, men's voices singing in harmony, the sound of one of our kids' voices on the other end of a phone call or FaceTime visit.

3. Three sounds you hate to hear?

The siren of an emergency vehicle, a high-pitched woman's voice, a child's scream 

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain, please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? 

 
We discovered these while visiting our family in Indiana during Christmas.  I am not a big chip eater, but I really do like these.  I have mostly eaten them just plain, but guacamole is great too. Yes, we do like Nachos, and these chips are great with melted cheese.  I couldn't tell you the last time we ordered Nachos when eating out, but we did make some for the Super Bowl.

Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips?

Chicken Mexican Casserole.  It is delicious, but I'm afraid it's been too long since making it.

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile?

Later in the month, we will be taking a scenic road trip down to the Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande near Mexico.  Since moving to Texas, this has been on our bucket list.  We will take a couple of days getting there in order to enjoy the scenic, rural views between here and there.  While near the park, we will stay on a ranch that is rather off the grid to take advantage of the night sky and convenience to the park.

After that, we will drive up into New Mexico and share Easter Sunday with worshipers in a small-town Baptist Church.  From there, it is yet to be determined, depending on how soon we want to return to civilization.  Can you see this smile on my face?

 6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I should also mention ChatGPT. After doing a bit of research on the most scenic highways in Texas between Big Bend and home, I asked ChatGPT to plan a detailed road trip for us using those specific highway numbers. By the way, she’s definitely a "she" to me.

Within seconds — no coffee break required — she produced a beautifully organized itinerary. I was so impressed that I kept asking for more: scenic routes, mileages, stops, and timing. Each request was met instantly, without a sigh, an eye roll, or even a hint of impatience.

Needless to say, we now have the most detailed and well-thought-out trip we’ve ever taken. At this point, all she cannot do is drive the car… and frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if that feature is coming soon.

I also let her plan my travel wardrobe and make packing suggestions, which was very helpful; however, she hasn't offered to help pay for anything.

irrelevancy

noun

ir·​rel·​e·​van·​cy i-ˈre-lə-vən(t)-sē 

The word irrelevancy has come up in several conversations with friends lately. Irrelevant simply means disconnected or not pertinent to the subject at hand.

In our case, the subject was our current season of life — retirees, parents, grandparents, and, for some of us, great-grandparents.

Let me say up front that these thoughts are not meant to be derogatory or critical. They are reflective, honest, and realistic.  But most of all, written with great love.

Several months ago, Dick and I were talking about this stage of our lives and certain situations beyond our control.  I casually remarked that we are in our “phase of irrelevancy.”  We both laughed — but we also knew there was truth in it.

Our two children are middle-aged adults with demanding careers and responsibilities.  Their children are all adults.  Four of our seven grandchildren are parents themselves, most living far away.  Those without children are busy navigating careers, marriages, and schooling.   Life is full — as it should be.

We understand this.  We remember those years well, when we could not imagine fitting one more thing into our days.  Many of those days hold some of our dearest memories.  And we wouldn’t want it any other way for them. 

Our lives in our 80s are good.  We are as involved as we choose to be.  We live in contentment and satisfaction, needing nothing more to bring us joy.  Our true joy comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ.  In Him is our completeness.

This “phase of irrelevancy” is one many of our friends share as well.  We all get it.  It is simply part of this season of life.

And yet…

We miss the interactions with our children.  Hearing the everyday stories.  Watching our grandchildren interact with their children and great-grandchildren grow and develop.

And yet…

We understand.  We rejoice in their successes and excitement in seeing their own children and grandchildren flourish.  We thank God for every blessing they experience.  We pray for them daily.

And yet…

This morning, a thought stopped me in my tracks:

If we feel irrelevant at times, how must God feel when we only think about Him on Sundays?

How must He feel when we fail to engage Him in our daily lives — when we don’t consult Him in our plans, share our joys or concerns, or seek His?  When we choose our phones, social media, or a good book over His Good Book?

Do we ever just sit and quietly enjoy simply being in His presence because we love Him?  Are we too busy and preoccupied with life to just be still and know? 

Do we make God irrelevant in our lives?

I’m afraid the answer is often yes.  It is for me.

But this does not have to be our reality.  He has promised, “I am with you always."  He invites us to seek Him, to talk with Him, to share our thoughts, ideas, concerns, joys, excitements, plans, frustrations, and yes, to ask for forgiveness for disappointing Him.  To think of Him without ceasing.  He reminds us that if He cares for the sparrow, how much more does He care for us.  As His children, we need to let Him know we need Him, not just in the crisis times of our lives.

As we approach Easter and reflect on the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, let us commit to living in close, relevant fellowship with Him every day.

He deserves nothing less.

What is a Woman

I read the most disturbing report this morning.  In a stunning 340-to-141 vote, with 68 members abstaining, the parliament of the European Union last Thursday approved a resolution affirming “the full recognition of trans women as women.” Yes, you read that right. Men are now women according to the EU, and if you can believe it, female members of the parliament happily celebrated their own erasure.

Women, we are in a battle for our own identity.  Trans ideology is a wholesale assault upon the feminine.  There was no vote on whether a gender-confused woman is a man, and there won't be.  When trans ideology metastasizes in policy and practice, women pay the price.

Kara Dansky wrote in her book, "The Abolition of Sex," 'Transgender' is simply a made-up concept...used to justify all kinds of atrocities against women.  It is in effect a men's rights movement intended to objectify women's bodies and erase us as a class."  She adds, "It is left-wing misogyny on steroids."

It gets even worse.  The EU parliament also rejected an amendment "that only biological women can become pregnant."  Can you believe that 233 members of this 'elite' group agreed that men can get pregnant, while 107 members abstained?  How can this be confusing?  Out of the group, only 200 affirmed that only women get pregnant.  This is a madhouse! 

So how does this affect us women here in America, not to mention around the world?  It means that "woman" now means anything you want it to mean.  It is erasing the meaning of women and human fertility across the 27 member countries and the United Nations.

Women and girls throughout the world should be furious, and so should the men as well.  If we don't stand up now for the feminine dignity and meaning of "WOMAN", there will soon be none at all.  And let us not miss that if a man can be a woman, manhood ceases to exist as well.

Trans ideology is a poison deliberately attacking that which is most true and beautiful in humanity. It leads only to death, confusion, and sterilization.  God created male and female; however, this new ruling is leading to transhumanism, in total contradiction to God's creation.

Just because this ruling was made by the EU, don't think for one minute it won't affect us here.  It will radiate beyond their Strasbourg auditorium, throughout the United Nations, and countless illiberal European nations, into our communities as well.  It already resides among our Chief Justices.  Satan is alive and well in our world!

Trans-deception is real, and the only way to stop it is to stand against it, unmask its deception, and denounce it at every turn.  Know what the candidates running for election in your area stand for.  Insist that laws be established that protect women, thereby also protecting men and children.

May God bless America!

Random on the Hodgepodge

It is Wednesday and time for the Hodgepodge.

To join Joyce and the other Hodgepodgers, go to From This Side of the Pond.

1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season? 

As I'm writing this on Fat Tuesday, the Mardi Gras scene above will be scattered all over cities, small towns, and villages across my home state, Louisiana.  Everything closes down to allow thousands of people to participate in these parades.  You will hear "throw me something, Mister" all across the state.

Mardi Gras is the final day of Carnival; it thus falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday."  

As my family is not Catholic, we look toward Easter and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but we do not observe the Lenten season per se. 

 

2. Pancakes...are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add-in? Are pancakes on your menu this week?

 

I love pancakes.  Am I a fan of syrup with my pancakes?  I prefer to explain that I love pancakes with my syrup.  And, make it warm maple syrup, please.  Who eats dry pancakes?  I don't mind bananas and nuts on my pancakes.  They will not be on my menu this week unless Hubby decides to take me out for brunch one morning.

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt 'spread too thin'. 

Thankfully, there hasn't been a time such as this recently.

4. What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe, would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors?

My favorite stone is topaz, as it is my birthstone.  My favorite piece of jewelry, besides my wedding ring, is a lovely topaz ring I designed and purchased in Haifa, Israel, in 1972.  In my closet, you will find predominantly black and browns as well as orange and orangey reds. 

 

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge?

Making sure everyone involved sees things the way I do.  LOL!

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Christmas '25, I purchased the most comfortable walking shoes I have ever worn.

I bought them while visiting our family in Indiana.  I had never heard of the brand and have not found them in the DFW metroplex.  Diadora is an Italian sportswear and footwear company.  While in Indiana this year, I purchased a second pair.  I highly recommend this brand if you are in the market for a comfortable and supportive pair of shoes.

Happy Valentine's Day

This week, our Life Group ladies met at the lovely home of one of our members, Sharon, for our traditional Valentine Lunch.  She makes the entree, and we provide the salads and desserts.  Oh, my what a meal!  Each of these ladies is so very dear and contributes to my life in different ways.  I am so blessed by their friendships.

As I looked at each of these women that day, I marveled at how every one of them made my heart sing. Later, I was reminded of a seminar I once gave on the power of first impressions—and how quickly they are formed.

Have you heard the term “thin-slicing”? It has nothing to do with vegetables. It refers to the brain’s ability to form an instant judgment about someone’s confidence, competence, and likability — often in less than a second. Researchers believe this instinct developed as a survival tool, helping us quickly decide whether someone is friend or foe.

Studies show it takes just one-tenth of a second to form an initial impression, and less than two seconds to make one that lasts. Our minds gather a collection of subtle cues and turn them into an overall feeling—one that often lingers long after the details fade.

As image consultant Emily Cho put it,

“People make vital decisions about a stranger in less time than it takes to blink an eyelash. If you squander that moment, you’ll have to work awfully hard for the next one.”

First impressions matter—and these women remind me just how beautifully a lasting first impression can be made.

Notice how each lady expressed red in her own unique way. For some, it appeared in stripes; for others, it was a single piece of jewelry. Debbie, who usually reflects her sweet personality through soft colors, chose a deep pink that suited her beautifully. Mary’s only red item in her closet, was a Christmas sweater, which she paired with black - making a statement only she could pull off.

Carol and Brenda wore rich, jewel-toned reds that perfectly enhanced their dramatic presence. Lois chose a red with warm orange undertones, ideal for her coloring. Dot topped off her look with a cap that matched her outgoing, friendly, always-smiling personality. Our lovely hostess, shown in the lower right, looked chic in her stylish black-rimmed glasses—something only she can truly get away with.

As for me, I chose a bold gold necklace between the red and my yellow-toned skin, completing my own version of the look.

Someone said, “It is impossible to make a 2nd 1st impression.”

So, what really determines a good first impression? I think you’ll agree that each of these beautiful ladies made a lasting one, not just by how they looked, but because each radiates confidence, kindness, and above all, the love of God.