A Blessed Hodgepodge

Thank you, Joyce, for this week's questions.  They were food for thought.  Jump over to From This Side of the Pond to see how she and others answered these questions.  How would you answer them?

1. What gives you energy? What takes it away?

A regular early morning workout routine, and anticipation/completion of a plan.

Being around highly energetic and loud people depletes me of energy.  It literally wears me out and gives me the heebie-jeebies.

2. How often do you shop for clothes? What accessory do you always wear?

I do not enjoy shopping, so I rarely go into a store to just look and shop, unless I need something specific.  The most recent items have been purchased online.

I always wear a pair of earrings and a bracelet, and when it is not charging overnight, I wear an Apple watch.

3. What's something free that you feel grateful for?

Grace is free to me, but it cost my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, His life.  I will forever be grateful for the gift of salvation because I am so unworthy.

4. Breakfast, lunch, dinner...which meal of the day do you enjoy most? What's your go-to comfort food? 

Breakfast!  I do not normally eat breakfast unless we eat out.  It is our favorite eat-out meal, and we enjoy meeting friends mid-morning on Saturdays.

My go-to comfort food is scrambled eggs and bacon/sausage

5. This week, the world remembers the tragic events of 9/11. Do you mark the day in any way? How do historical events shape your perspective on your personal challenges? 

We do not mark the day in any way specifically, other than being grateful that our precious Ginger's life was spared on that day.

I don't know that historical events shape my perspective other than to allow these events to serve as a reminder that a sovereign God is in control. He knows my needs and has a plan.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

In 2 Chronicles 20, God gave King Jehoshaphat the following instructions for dealing with a huge challenge in his life, and this is how I seek to face personal challenges as well.

The battle is the Lord's!

Don't be afraid or discouraged

Face the battle or challenge - don't ignore it

Position yourself where God wants you - in His will

Stand still - don't try to solve it on your own

Watch what God will do!

Then worship and praise Him for what He has done or is continuing to do

Wait for the blessings!

Speaking of blessings, you are invited to hop over to my previous blog covering the past 60 years of our marriage.  Warning:  Picture overload.

WOW! 60 Years

A Greek Hodgepodge

This was such a fun Hodgepodge this week.  I hope you enjoy reading my answers as much as I enjoyed composing them.

Thank you, Joyce

1. When someone finds out what you do or where you're from, what's a question they always ask? 

When someone learns that I am from Louisiana, they want to know if I'm from New Orleans.  Unfortunately, that is about all some folks in other parts of the country know about my home state.  Actually, Louisiana could be one of the most culturally diverse states in the nation, and I've lived in every corner and in the middle of it, but never in NO.

2. Did you participate in 'Greek Life' when you were in college, or have children who did? If so, what was your experience like? Taking another tack...have you ever been to Greece? If not, is that a destination on your bucket list?

No, I was not in a sorority and neither did my two children participate.  Three of my granddaughters were/are into 'Greek Life.'  

Our gangster days at the Acropolis in Athens

Yes, we have been to Greece and loved it.  We only saw Athens; however, one of our 'Greek Life' granddaughters has now made Greece her home.  She met a "Greek god" while studying in Barcelona, and they now have a beautiful, fifth-generation Greek baby boy.  Angelos runs his family's boutique fine pastry shop, "Melissa", in Athens, and this year marks their 100th anniversary.  How exciting for them to add the 5th generation at the beginning of this special year.

When they aren't in Athens, they are enjoying their 2nd home on the island of Paros.  Sounds like an enchanted life to me.  We can't wait to meet this precious baby in October.

3. Do you like Greek food? If so what's your favorite dish?

Most anything from Melissa's would soon be a favorite for me.

  

4. What incredibly common thing have you never done?

Tasted beer

5. What is a telltale sign that you're upset?

I withdraw.  It's best to allow me to work through what has made me upset by myself.  Once that's done, I may then be cordial.

  

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Check out my previous post to read about our road trip last week.  We are looking forward to doing this every week for a while.  I think you will want to check in next week to find out what interesting place we found.  Anyone want to go to Paris?

An Alfredo Hodgepodge

We owe this fun post to the never-ending creativity of Joyce, who weekly gives us fun things to think about and share.

1. What's worth standing in line for?

Honestly, I couldn't tell you the last time I stood in line for anything.  My back doesn't allow much standing, and I can't think of a thing worth the consequences.

 

2. Tell us about a favorite food-related memory. 

In 1972, we took a trip to the Holy Land with friends.  When we returned to Rome for our flight home, we learned that a pilot strike would necessitate our remaining in Rome until it was resolved.  As you can well imagine, although we were eager to get home to our babies, we couldn't think of a better place to be, all expenses paid.

Best friends making memories in Rome, 1972

On the first night, we had reservations at "Alfredo's."  Remember, this was the early 70s, and Alfredo Fettuccine was the rave.  We were thrilled when Alfredo himself came and mixed his famous dish at our table, and actually let my best friend, Sarabeth eat with his renowned gold fork and spoon.  This will always be a special memory.

The Real Alfredo

The original “Fettuccine Alfredo” since 1908

The Real Alfredo, at Piazza Augusto Imperatore 30 – Rome, is the historical roman restaurant where you can eat the famous Alfredo’s fettuccine known all over the world since twenties, when the popular couple of american actors, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, after eating the majestic dish, gave as present to Alfredo a golden fork and spoon. From then the creative man let eat his gastronomic creation to his special and important guests with them.

3. What are some things you find particularly peaceful or calming?

Listening to good music.  Being on a mountain.  Sitting beside a quiet lake, listening to the sounds of birds and rustling branches.  Sitting in my sunroom every morning.

 

4. Is there something you do now that gets you just as excited as it did when you were a child?

Making plans for something to look forward to soon. 

5. To what degree are you in touch with friends from grade school? high school? college if you attended college?

I am only connected to a few friends from grade school and high school on Facebook, which is very limited.  I am not in touch with anyone from college.  Those relationships have passed.  I do however, stay in touch with the sweet girl I shared a room with while attending college.

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We learned this week that the granddaughter of my best friend has been accepted from a group of 1,100 applicants for one of 5 openings with the Radio City Rockettes.  This has been a lifelong dream of Audrey and one she has worked hard to achieve.  We are so proud of this beautiful and talented dancer.  So, when you see them perform, look for the tall, beautiful, brown-eyed girl from Louisiana.

By the way, this grandmother is the same best friend who was honored by Alfredo.

Spaced Out Hodgepodge

Thank you, Joyce, for this week's questions.

1. August is National Golf month...do you play? Do you enjoy following golf? Have you ever been to a professional tournament?

No, No, & No

 

2. Astronaut Jim Lovell of Apollo 13 fame passed away this past Thursday. Are you interested in outer space and what's happening today in terms of space exploration? If space travel became common in your lifetime, would you go? How do you personally relate to the idea of exploring something vast and mysterious...does the idea excite you, intimidate you, or something else?

 This was enough to turn me off if I had ever had such a dream.

I am not interested in space exploration, although I did witness the first moonwalk at an after-church, Sunday night party with friends in 1969, and followed the careers of these early astronauts.   The idea of personally doing space exploration, I think not.  It does not excite me, intimidate me, or anything else.  Just not interested.

 

3. Describe your communication style in three words.

Straight-forward & to the point

4. Do you have a favorite cookbook? A favorite celebrity chef? Do you watch any cooking shows on TV? 

I rarely use a cookbook, but when I do, I use my trusty old Cotton Country from the 1980's and published in North Louisiana.  When I use a recipe, I usually get it from Pinterest.

I do not watch cooking shows, therefore, do not have a favorite celebrity chef.

5. As a child did you have any back to school traditions? If so, did you carry on those same traditions with your own children? Do you have any back to school traditions you've started on your own?

We always had a new dress and a new pair of shoes.  We also would have all our supplies on hand such as a tablet, pencils and crayons.

My children would have selected their outfits for the first day of school, new back-packs, etc.  I don't think we started any new traditions specifically for our children.

 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We lived right next to our Elementary, Middle, and High School, so my sister and I walked every morning until we moved mid-8th grade for me.  Then, we had to be ready to ride the bus much earlier than we ever had before.  I think our dad ended up driving us most mornings.  It just takes longer to get ready when you're in high school.

Good Bye July

We are in an extended heat wave, with daily temperatures expected to be over 100 degrees this week, which means a heat index of well over 115, so guess where I plan to spend my days.  If you guessed inside, you win the prize.

Thank you, Joyce, for providing a bit of indoor entertainment on this Wednesday.

1. On July 29th 1957 The Tonite Show premiered with Jack Parr as it's host. This marked the beginning of the modern day talk show. Do you watch any daytime or late night talk shows today? Do you have any thoughts on the hubbub surrounding the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, or are you more in the camp of 'who is Stephen Colbert? 

We occasionally watch daytime talk shows on Fox, but rarely late-night shows. I can honestly say I have only seen clips of a Stephen Colbert show, and have never found him to be entertaining or funny.  He will not be missed in this house.

2. What's the best part of your day?

The best part of my day is early morning, when Dick and I sit in our sunroom together, each doing our daily Bible reading while enjoying a cup of coffee/tea, and visiting.  These are the most well-spent two hours of our day.

3. What's something your generation does that you actually dislike?

Comparing ailments.  Although I dislike it, at this point in our lives, it is often the most shared interest and concern.  We have numerous friends who are undergoing grave physical issues, so naturally, we discuss them.  This is not what we had hoped our 80's to be all about.

4. When you cook do you clean as you go, or clean it all up once you're finished cooking? What's the last thing you cooked/baked in your own kitchen?

I dislike a messy kitchen, so I wash everything as I go.  When a meal is prepared, the kitchen is spick and span.  The last thing we baked in our oven was a homemade pizza.

5. Sum up your July in ten words or less.

Incapacitated, a lot of sitting with hot/cold compresses and a Tens Unit, a 3-year old's birthday, and most important, time with our family.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

 

Our son and daughter-in-love flew in from Northern Indiana last Thursday for a few days before using one of our vehicles to drive to Louisiana Monday morning for a family wedding this week.  On Saturday, we had our daughter and her family, as well as her oldest daughter, Chandler, and her family, to join us for lunch and a time of catching up with each other.

As I was unable to do much cooking, we ate out several times and enjoyed the local cuisine.  Sunday, the four of us enjoyed a Cajun lunch at Pappadeaux's before Dick and John went to Cosm for a Matrix experience.  They were not disappointed, as it must have been worth every cent it cost.

Here's a Great Grand picture catch-up.

Baby Bass is the happiest 6-month-old and enjoyed his great-grandmother's lap for a bit.

But he wasn't too excited about watermelon.

Without a doubt, big brother, 3-year-old Landon's favorite food is ice cream, and their recent trip to Greece offered a magnificent offering.

Their Greek cousin, Noah, is the most advanced 6-month-old we have ever seen.  Dad is giving him a head start on one of Greece's favorite sports, basketball.

Jax had his 3rd birthday in July and also attending a "Horse Camp." He said he needed his papa's western hat for that, which he got, and now the hat belongs to Jax.

Ten-month-old Navy Grace is sporting her own hat while being held in Papa's arms.

Enjoy your week!

A Thoughtful Hodgepodge

It's time again to visit with friends on the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  If you are interested in seeing how others answer Joyce's questions, Click Here!

1. What's a characteristic you admire in others? Elaborate.

Thoughtfulness!

This is just not my gift, but I do so admire others who give graciously and without effort.  I have friends who always think of the most thoughtful things to do for others, such as preparing a meal, giving a simple gift, or sending a card.  I have even been the recipient of such thoughtfulness, and wonder what made them think of that?  I marvel and wonder, "Why didn't I think of doing that?"  But it never crosses my mind.  I do try to do nice things, when I think about it, and am an encourager in other ways, but I really do admire those who have this natural gift without effort.

 

2. Do you have a favorite mug? Let's see it. Why is this one your favorite? 

I rarely drink out of a mug; instead, I have my morning hot drink from my Yeti.

3. July 15th is/was National Give Something Away Day...will you (or did you, depending on what day you answer these questions) give something away? If so what? Do you regularly give away or do you tend to  'accumulate'?

 I did not give anything away today, as I write this.  When we clean out our closets, we donate to our church's mission dumpster near our house.  We don't normally accumulate and try to clear out what we no longer use at least twice a year. 

4. You're planning a trip. Do you prefer exploring big cities or smaller, more off the grid towns? World Atlas lists these 12 'off the grid' towns to see in 2025. How many on the list have you seen? Of those listed which one would you most like to visit? Tell us why? 

Boothbay Harbor Maine, Middlebury Vermont, New Hope Pennsylvania, Rehoboth Beach Delaware, Brevard North Carolina, Saugatuck Michigan, Medora North Dakota, Ouray Colorado, Lamoille Nevada, Neah Bay Washington, Hood River Oregon, or Cambria California

*You can read more about each destination by clicking the link above. 

We are more off-the-grid travelers.  From the list, we have visited Saugatuck, MI, several times and always enjoy this delightful town.  There are other harbor towns along Lake Michigan that we also enjoy.  We have also been to Ouray, CO, and love its quaintness and especially the Million Dollar Highway we travel to get there.  We have driven through Brevard, NC, but did not spend time there.

As we have not traveled in the Northeast, any of those towns would be great to visit.

5. Have you ever...ridden a motorcycle?  Yes

been to a Disney park?  No

met a celebrity?  Yes

won a contest?  Yes

Tell us something about whatever you answered yes to on this list.

 

My husband owned a motorcycle, and I rode it daily for a year to the bus barn where my school bus was parked.  It was not my favorite mode of transportation, and I especially felt extremely vulnerable after driving a 60-passenger International Blue Bird bus.

I am not a celebrity hog, so do not seek them out.

I attended an event where Tim Tebow's mother was the featured speaker.  She was delightful, and though not really a celebrity, it was a pleasure to meet her.  

The most recent is Scott Turner (I don't think he would consider himself a celebrity), the current U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.  He was one of the pastors at our church before his appointment to the Trump cabinet.  

I was Homecoming Queen my senior year in high school; in college, I was voted "Miss LSUA" for this country freshman, which was an honor.  I then won the "Miss Rapides Parish" contest.  Several years later, I won a blue ribbon at our local parish fair for my cornbread.  How about that?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

These are pictures to prove it, except for the cornbread one.

High School Homecoming 1962

Miss LSUA 1963

Miss Rapides Parish 1964

In Times of Trouble

Last summer, we made a trip into the beautiful Hill Country of Central Texas.  One day, we took a drive through the Guadalupe River area.  It was the most interesting, winding road that followed the path of this pretty, flowing river.  There are camps, homes, and campgrounds all along the edge of the river, where people flock to on weekends and especially on holidays.  Having seen this area personally, it is easy to understand how a flash flood of such magnitude could absolutely overwhelm those who are there.  May God bless the people of Central Texas.

1. What's an adult problem nobody prepared you for? 

How to graciously deal with the limitations that come with being 80+, even though my mother was a great example.

2. How tuned in are you to all the recent food related health news? Have you gotten rid of your scratched cookware? Did you pay attention to food additives before they made the news? What's one healthy eating/cooking/food shopping habit you need to adopt?

Obviously, I am not tuned in at all.  What health news?  I thought that the more scratched and dented our pots and pans were, the more confident we became as cooks.  Neither have I been overly concerned with additives, and to the dismay of some, we use food past the "Best used by" date.  At this point, I am not planning to change any habits.  We eat and cook as healthy as both of us desire, and I am not about to change Dick's shopping habits.

3. What's getting worse and worse as you get older? How about better and better?

Patriotism!  I find it appalling that so many young adults no longer have any national pride or love for their country.  How can we expect things to improve when so many people are unwilling to make a positive difference?

There seems to be a spiritual revival among many young college students.  This week, over 300 youth and adults from our church will be going to the UK to minister through music and personal encounters.  I find this encouraging, and am so proud that our youngest granddaughter will be among them.

4. Are you more of an indoor person or an outdoor person? Elaborate. 

These days, I am more of an inside person, but that's simply because I'm old and can't stand the heat.

5. If you had an expert personal assistant today, what would you have them do?

Clean the bathrooms and change the sheets.  I'm sure with her extra time, she could cook and do the floors as well.

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

On July 4th, the Hill Country in Central Texas experienced the most devastating historical floods, taking the lives of more than 100 children and adults.  There have been both heartbreaking and inspirational stories to come from this horrible experience, such as finding the bodies of sisters aged 11 and 8 still clutching hands.  Or the family of six, whose bodies were still enveloped in the arms of the daddy.  There was the rescue of a young girl from a tree 13 miles from her camp.  And so many more who are still missing.

Through the most disastrous times of our lives, we have a choice: to believe in faith that there is still a loving God who will carry us through in His arms, or reject the idea of a loving God and seek answers and comfort elsewhere.  Thankfully, many of these families know the God of truth and loving kindness, even in times such as these. May we all be as strong.

Summer Time & Greats

It's all about summer on the Hodgepodge today.  I don't know about where you live but, I'm not ready for the North Central Texas heat at all.  I'm yet to find anything pleasant about weeks on end of such intense temperatures.  So let me suggest you get a popsicle, sit inside where it's cool, and join in on the questions Joyce shared with us this week HERE.

1. Summer officially begins this week (in the northern hemisphere)...what was your favorite thing to do in the summer when you were a kid? What do you like most about summer now?

 

We grew up in rural Central Louisiana, and summers were spectacular.  That is, to a kid with little to no responsibilities other than staying out of the house and behaving commiserate as a preacher's kid.  My sister and I spent our time in the woods, climbing trees, riding bicycles, and pretending to the height of our imaginations.  We didn't recognize the extreme southern temperatures and humidity because it was all we had known, and there was no air conditioning until much later.

Now?  I can't think of much to like about summer as an adult here in North Central Texas, where temperatures have already topped 100 degrees.  Simply walking to get the mail is an experience when you think your face has melted.  I am, however, very grateful that I don't have to be out in the heat very much.  Needless to say, I am a fall and winter girl!

2.  Something you'll celebrate this summer?

First, I hope to begin the summer with an NCAA Baseball National Title for our LSU boys.  We should know Wednesday night if our Tigers get to play this weekend for the National Championship.

 We don't have any big celebrations this summer, except that our great-grandson #2 in Indiana will be 3 in July.  Also, long-time friends from Georgia will visit in early July, and our son and DIL will be here at the end of the month.  We look forward to both these visits.

3. Summer tastes like?     Watermelon and lemonade

    Smells like?     Heat rising from concrete

    Sounds like?    The interior sounds of a recycling air conditioner

 

4. June 18th is National Splurge Day...what's the last thing you splurged on? What might you splurge on today? 

I'm not normally a splurger, so I don't really have any plans to change that.  We had single pizzas for dinner on Tuesday night.  That counts, I think.

5. Share a favorite summer quote, saying, song lyric, or meme.

Summer Time 

This is what always comes to mind when I think of "summertime" - Leontyne Price singing from "Porgy & Bess" - "Summertime, and the livin' is easy."

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

It has been quite a while since I updated you on all our great-grandchildren.  By the way, they number seven now.

Our Cunningham family added a big boy, Sebastian "Bass," in January, and  Landon turned 3 in April.

Our Indiana Day family added Navy Grace to join her big brother, Jax, last September.  She was our first great-granddaughter and as you can see, is a beautiful blue-eyed doll.

In Arkansas, we have Jasper and Juniper "Junie," who are two and 4 months.  They could be twins, they look so much alike.

Living in Greece is our Noah or No'a, the Greek spelling.  Cassidy & Angelos make their home in Athens, where Angelos runs his family's exclusive pastry shop.  They are celebrating the 100th anniversary this year and welcome the 5th generation.  We haven't met the sweet baby yet, but Cassidy shares lots of pictures.  They do not wish to publish his face, but trust me, he is a Greek beauty.  He is also a big boy - meeting all the standards of a 7 1/2 month old at 4 months.

The Cunningham family is currently in Greece getting acquainted with each other's newest boys, born three weeks apart across the world from each other.  Spending a few weeks on the Riviera will be nice as well.