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.

Being Grateful on the Hodgepodge

Welcome to another week's edition of

Wednesday Hodgepodge, brought to us by

Joyce @ From this Side of the Pond.

1. What's something recent that had you 'tickled pink'? 

Can we have "somethings?"  Thank you for indulging me.

1.  Our son and daughter-in-love were able to escape the harsh Midwest ice and snow this week for an exclusive resort on a Caribbean island.  This makes these parents tickled pink because they deserve a nice break.

2.  This precious little Greek great-grandson celebrated his 1st birthday.  His American grandparents were there, which made it special for everyone.  Just looking at this picture makes me tickled pink.  He had a Texas Cowboy theme with his first pair of cowboy boots to boot.  All the food was prepared by his family's pastry shop, Melissa, in Athens.  Noah is the 5th generation to enjoy such delicacies.   

3.  These two little great-grandsons brought their mother to visit us last week.  They only live 20 minutes away, but we don't see them often enough.  Their time with us had both Daddea and me tickled pink.

4.  One more - our granddaughter, a freshman at the University of Arkansas, is being given so many opportunities to lead in worship on Cross Church's worship team. It tickles us pink to see how God is using her and us to be able to see the services on YouTube.

2. A bed of roses, everything's coming up roses, every rose has its thorn, stop and smell the roses, rose-colored glasses, a rose among thorns...which rosy expression might currently be applied to your life in some way?

Everything's coming up roses!

 

3. What makes you feel loved and appreciated?

The little things someone does, such as Dick grocery shopping and bringing me flowers every week, or holding my hand before we go to sleep, a granddaughter's visit, a text, or Facetime.  Words of affirmation are my love language, so that's all it takes to make me feel loved and appreciated.

4. A box of chocolates or a bouquet of fresh flowers-what's your pleasure? Any special plans for Valentine's Day?

Always flowers!

Our HOA is hosting a special event featuring one of our residents, who is an accomplished professional singer and pianist.  A night of music and food will be nice.

5. Share a favorite quote, scripture, or song lyric relating to love.

"For this is the way God loved the world:  He gave his one and only Son, Jesus, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16 NET

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I looked back to 2015 to see what I posted for a Valentine Hodgepodge and want to share the following excerpt.

For the whole post:

Link Here!

As I wrote earlier, Hubby and I met 50 years ago last Friday on a blind date in New Orleans.  We always remember this date and enjoy reliving our first day together.  I thought it would be interesting to go back and reread those first letters to each other.  I'll just share a line or two with you.  Needless to say, it was "love at first sight" for both of us.

Dick wrote his first letter on Sunday night after our meeting on Saturday:

"Are you a dream?  All I've done today is try to remember everything you said and how you look."

Mine was written on Tuesday after getting his letter.  I must have been much more reserved back then.  HA!

"We have more in common than I thought.  All Sunday, Monday, and yes, today, I have found myself with the biggest smile.  Sometimes I feel so full of happiness that I doubt being able to contain it all."

Now, how about that for romance!

 Happy Valentine's to you and your sweetheart. 

Dick and I celebrated our 61st meeting anniversary last week on February 6, 2026.

Melissa Pastry, Athens, Greece

A Sweet Sports Hodgepodge

Welcome to another week's post of the Wednesday Hodgepodge meme, which I enjoy taking part in.  Joyce asks the questions, and we answer.

Join us HERE to see how others answered these questions.

1. The Winter Olympics kick off on Friday, February 6th...on a scale of 1-10 how excited are you? (1= eh and 10=watching every event all day every day). What's your favorite Winter Olympic sporting event?

 

Watching the Olympic games is not nearly as exciting as seeing the new Ralph Lauren uniform designs.  This year is a huge hit as far as I'm concerned.  I love the coat and pants set as well as the sweater.  The puffy jacket is simple with all the necessary adornment, which is as it should be.  So, my answer would be a 4.

My favorite part is the opening ceremony and some of the ski jumps.  I will not be watching around the clock.

2. In other sporting news, the Superbowl (American football's championship game) will be played on Sunday, February 8th. So tell us... what's your superpower?

Unlike the Olympics, I do get excited about the Superbowl and all the games leading up to it.  And just so you know, I'm pulling for the Patriots.  A bit of trivia:  Robert Spillane, #14 and linebacker for the Patriots, was a college football teammate of our grandson's.  It is so exciting to see how he has developed and is making a Superbowl name for himself.   He is the grandson of 1953 Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny Lattner.

Now, my superpower?  I'm not sure I have one in the context of the question.  Jesus Christ living in me is my superpower, and without Him, I am nothing.  He, however, enables me to be an encourager to others, a prayer warrior, and a student of the Bible - ever learning, a good housekeeper, wife, and grandmother.  He has given me the desire and ability to write, decorate, and a creative bent.

3. Are you a romantic? 

No, not really, although I do appreciate romance.

4. Blue cheese-yay or nay? How about feta? If you said yes to one or both, what's a dish you like that calls for one of these?

Nay to blue cheese, yay to feta!

Berry Spinach Salad

 

5. What's more important - doing what you love or loving what you do?

I fail to see the difference.  If one is doing what they love, then they love doing it.

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We finally got the ice cleared from the left side of our driveway yesterday, ten days after the Texas ice and snow storm of 2026.  Now, Hubby can use his own vehicle.  This week's high will be near 80 degrees.  That is an 80-degree jump from a few days ago.  Only in Texas!

While we couldn't leave our garage or open our front door, we decided to binge the new Netflix 2005 series, "The Closer."  Needless to say, we are still working our way through the 7 seasons by allowing ourselves only a few episodes each day.  That's hard to do because we are really enjoying the plots and characters.  I understand this series led into the more recent "Major Crimes."

It's Winter on the Hodgepodge

We are expecting a winter storm this weekend with possible ice and snow between 3 and 5 inches.  Do you have any idea what this does to life in Texas?  It becomes a standstill!  Frankly, we don't mind as we have everything we need on hand, as long as the power doesn't go out.

It is Wednesday, and that means it is time for the Hodgepodge. 

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. Ice skating, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, playing in the snow, or a snowy walk...which winter activity do you choose? Have you done any of these activities so far this winter?

A winter walk

Yes, we did several winter walking excursions during our winter trip to Indiana.  You can read about them on my blog.

2. Everyone is posting pictures from ten years ago on their social media sites, so let's jump on the bandwagon, too. Share one photo and one thought to go with said photo from the year 2016. And maybe everyone isn't doing this, but many are, and we're going to be part of the fun.

 

Our grandson, the tallest one in the backrow, played left guard for Western Michigan University, and in 2016, they and Alabama were the only undefeated college teams in the nation.  As a result, they were invited to play in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX.  After such a great year, this game was the capping achievement.  All of our family was there to share in this great memory.  His parents are on the left.

My sister, Sarah (center), and her family also made the trip, and this was one of her favorite memories.  Mine too!

3. What's a trend you hope disappears in this new year? 

I'm hoping this is only a trend and not becoming a cultural norm -   public protesting of whatever you disagree with, with or without being paid to do so.

4. 'They' say there's a day for everything, and January 21st proves it. National Granola Bar Day. Do you like granola bars? How about just regular granola? Do you like bars of other kinds?

No, I am not a granola eater.  It is too crunchy for my taste.

 

5.  A frozen lake, a trickling stream, a raging river, or a deep well...which one describes something about your life right now? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

Mishawaka, Indiana

This is an interesting question, and one I am having to think about.  That being said, let's go with a trickling stream by eliminating all the other choices.

Frozen Lake - I am not at a standstill in my life, which this denotes to me.

Raging River - This denotes anger, rushing, discontent to me and none of these apply.

Deep Well - To me, this means in a situation or lifestyle that is difficult to surmount.  Or, it could possibly mean being a deep thinker.  Neither of these descriptions applies to me at this point in my life.

So, a trickling stream is what it is.  Our lifestyle is the speed we wish it to be, and nothing is upsetting or disconcerting that we aren't handling.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I have finally published the blogs about our winter trip, which you can read in my previous post.   There are links there to the first two.

I saw the following video and found it so encouraging.  It doesn't take a college education or being a seminary graduate to make a difference in someone's life.

You may need to adjust the volume in the upper left corner of the video to hear it.

Ruby