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

A Winter Hodgepodge

Thank you, Joyce, for these fun questions.

1. What kind of winter person are you - snow lover, fireplace snuggler, winter adventurer, or indoor hibernator? Elaborate.

A view of our son's backyard covered in snow.

I am a southerner who is a snow lover, a fireplace snuggler, and, at one point, a winter adventurer.  I love our time in Northern Indiana for Christmas and New Years, and never tire of watching the beautiful lake effect snow as it swirls and blows.  I thrill as the snow mounds and covers the earth.  After my '25 fall and wrist surgery, I no longer feel safe in venturing out like I used to, but this doesn't mean I don't wish to.

2. The Pantone color of the year is Cloud Dancer, described as a gentle, billowy off-white shade. The color symbolizes 'peace, clarity, quiet reflection, renewal, and a soft reset'. Of the terms just listed, which do you need most in your life this winter? 

I will go with a "soft reset."  2025 was a rather difficult year health-wise.  Since I am feeling better, I hope to reset my brain and disposition toward getting out more and stretching myself in ways I didn't want to do last year.

3. Every cloud has a silver lining, on cloud nine, head in the clouds, storm clouds gathering, or cloud of suspicion...which 'cloud' idiom do you most relate to currently? Explain. 

Based on my previous answer, I will go with "every cloud has a silver lining."  I recently heard a speaker describe the difference between a cup half full and one half empty.  A cup half full means you are adding to that cup; a half empty means you are taking away.  So, this year, I choose to add things to my life, not deny myself of the joys that come from adding new things, thoughts, friends, inspiration, and love.  I pray that all my clouds will have a silver lining.

4. Coconut, cauliflower, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, onions, ranch dressing...of the white foods listed, which would be the hardest for you to give up? Do you like all or any of the foods on the list? 

Mayonnaise!  I am not a mustard lover, so I prefer mayonnaise.  I like all of the above except cottage cheese.  I also like my onions cooked, not raw.

5. Thomas Wentworth Higginson is credited with this quote-

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year." 

Agree or disagree? Tell us why. 

I very much agree.  There is something about winter that nourishes my spirit.  I find beauty and energy in the chill of cold mornings.  There is something that creates a renewed sense of "home" when sitting near a fireplace, and hot drinks just taste better.  What would life be without turtle necks, warm sweaters, and boots?  Even though I've always lived in the south, I have always looked forward to the winter months and dread the heat of summer.  Regarding lessons of faith, my daughter-in-love exercises this every winter in the hope that it won't last forever.  Yes, so many lessons of faith and beauty would be lost.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

 While I was enjoying the single digits in Indiana, my friends in Texas were enduring the Christmas record-breaking temps in the upper 70s and 80s.  I came home to find my irises blooming and my pansies dead. That is no way to spend Christmas!

I hope to do a belated trip recall post in the near future.  We did so many fun and interesting things, so stay tuned.

Let the video below bring you inspiration and encouragement.

Mr. Gene

Cheerful Christmas Greetings

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. Do you struggle with the commercialization of the holiday season? What helps you keep your focus when the season’s busyness and commercialism start to take over? 

No, this is not something I struggle with.  I do, however, resent having Christmas decorations out before November, but as I am not in the commercial world a lot, I can avoid the frustrations.  Our focus and activities are built around our church and Christian friends.  We control our outside influences.

2. What's one small thing you want to savor before the year ends? 

It's not small, but we will definitely spend time with family and friends.

3. December 9th is National Christmas Card Day. Do you still send Christmas cards? If so, does yours include a photo, or is it a more traditional card, or maybe homemade? How do you feel about the tradition of exchanging cards at the holidays? If Hanukkah is the holiday you celebrate in December, do you send cards to mark the occasion?

 

I haven't sent Christmas cards in several years, and we are actually receiving fewer every year.  Yes, there could be a correlation there, but I also think fewer people are sending cards these days.

4. What's your least favorite holiday-related task? What's your favorite?

 That would be cooking!  Thankfully, we eat out a lot during the season, and as we will be traveling and spending the holidays with family, I won't have to do much.

5. Let's do a little holiday this or that? 

• shopping or wrapping - Neither?  But let's say wrapping in gift bags
• baking or decorating - It's definitely not baking (see previous answer), and as we aren't home during the majority of December, I don't do any decorating.
• eggnog or wassail
• real tree or artificial
• turkey or ham
• white lights or colored lights 
• ugly sweaters or matching pjs
• peppermint or cinnamon 
• presents Christmas Eve or presents Christmas Day - Both for different reasons.  We share personal gifts on Christmas Eve and enjoy the Santa gifts on Christmas morning.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We will be hitting the road early Thursday morning for varying environments along the way to our eventual destination in Northern Indiana, which is currently buried under layers of snow.  Being southerners, packing for all the possibilities and activities in such conditions can be daunting.  That being said, I think I will just take everything that weighs more than an ounce and has sleeves.  Merry Christmas to all!

Welcome to December

As I sit here at my computer on this Tuesday morning, listening to Christmas music, thinking about the things I need to do before our upcoming trip, and answering questions Joyce has given us, my heart is filled with gratitude for all the blessings God has so generously bestowed upon our family in 2025.  Thank you, Father, for your faithfulness.

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. What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'? On a scale of 1-10, how is yours this year? (10=off the charts, 1=still looking for it)

Norman Vincent Peale expressed it well:  "Christmas is the season of joy, of holiday greetings exchanged, of gift-giving, and of families united."

To me, it means a magical time of joy in the air, a sense of togetherness, time with our family and friends, worship, and music celebrations.  But especially it is a time of rejoicing because God loved us so much that He sent his only Son to be born that we might know God the Father in a personal way.  So let our hearts be filled with gratitude during this season of joy.

"The spirit of Christmas is in every shared joy and in every act of kindness during this wondrous time of year."

 

2. What's your favorite character from a (December) holiday-themed movie, book, or TV special? Tell us why.

I don't have a favorite character and couldn't tell you the name of a single actor/actress in any Christmas movie or show.  We always watched Polar Express and Elf during the holidays with our son and his family. This year, I'm sure those traditions will carry on to the next generation. Once is enough for me, but I love being part of this family tradition.

We do, however, enjoy traditional and classic musical performances.  

Our church does the "Gift of Christmas," which is the most amazing live performance you could want to see.  People come from all over to see it.  Our granddaughter has performed in it since middle school. Above is the Nativity portion from last year's performance.  It involves over a thousand volunteers for fourteen performances.

3. Do you like gingerbread? Are gingerbread houses part of your holiday tradition?

I do like gingerbread, but gingerbread houses are not part of our tradition. 

4. Much of our vocabulary is determined by where we live or where we grew up. What say you-

sprinkles or jimmies? 

lightning bugs or fireflies?

soda or pop?  Coke

sneakers, trainers, or tennis shoes?

sub, hoagie, grinder, or hero?

freeway, highway, or motorway?

frosting or icing?

sauce or gravy?

5. Share a favorite holiday memory from your childhood.

Our baby sister, Sarah, was 7 years younger than me and 5 years younger than Gin.  She was our baby doll.  Her first Christmas Eve in 1951, our dad climbed on the roof of our house and pretended to be Santa with all the required sounds of reindeer, and "Ho, ho, hos."  Gin and I were convinced that Santa had actually visited us that night, and we told this story to Sarah every year.  This memory is especially poignant since Sarah's sudden death was two years ago this week.  Memories will always hold special places in our hearts.

 6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Being that I am in a reflective state of mind, let me share with you some pictures of time past and special memories.

Sisters

Until our dad died in 1994, our family always met at their house for Christmas.  It was looked forward to all year long by all our families. These are some of the most precious memories we share, and I love that we have the privilege of making memories with our grandchildren that will bring them joy for years to come.

Our last picture together.  Little did we know.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Birthday, Gin

Today is my sister, Gin's birthday.  Love her so much.

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. Do you feel like you have a 'full plate' at the moment? In what way?

My 'full plate' consists of appointments, events, and packing for a hopefully snowy Christmas trip beginning in mid-December.  We will be visiting friends and family from Atlanta, Georgia, to Indy before reaching our son's home in the far reaches of Indiana.  This requires a lot of different attire, but we have room to hang whatever we need.  So, that's that.

  

2. How did you learn to cook? If you have children, did you teach or encourage them to cook? Do you like to follow a recipe, or is your cooking style more 'let's wing it'.

I learned to cook by doing it, much to my husband's chagrin.  My mother was a good cook, but she measured by pinches and dabs.  I am a recipe follower and to this day, use them for dishes other than omelets for the most part.  I did not teach my children to cook, as neither of them showed any interest.  That being said, both of them are good cooks.

  

3. Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate. 

I can’t really relate to this question, as I don’t tend to respond that way. However, when I served as Chief Facilities Officer for five campuses in the Louisiana Technical College System, twenty-five years ago, there were times when I wondered if I had taken on more than I could handle. Even so, God carried me through, and He blessed every one of my efforts with success.

  

4. When did you last say 'the more the merrier' and mean it?

Never!  That is not in my vocabulary.  I am a planner and not necessarily a 'more is better' kind of person. 

5. Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S. 

T – Thoughtfulness shared and received

H – Health

A – Answered prayer

N – Nurturing kindness in every interaction

K – Keeping a grateful heart

S – Sharing joy with others

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I had the strangest thing happen to me in the wee hours of last Thursday morning.  I woke up around 1:50 and could not put weight on my left foot.  It was a deep stabbing pain from a spot inside and above my left heel.  Crazy!  It wasn't any better during the day, and even worse on Friday.  By Saturday morning, I knew I needed to see about it, so off to Urgent Care.  They were as baffled as I was, and the X-ray showed no fractures.  They did a coin toss and decided it could be inflammation.  I stayed on the sofa all the remaining day and Sunday while wearing my supportive walking shoes.  By mid-afternoon, I got relief and our fill of college and NFL football.  By Monday, I was back to normal, despite a bit of tenderness.  I had asked Jesus to take it away as quickly as it appeared, and He heard my plea.  So grateful for His goodness.

Hodgepodge of Squashy

I am again joining Joyce at From This Side of the Pond for this week's,

Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Click over and either join us or read others' answers to the questions.

1. Let's do our gratitude question first this week...what's the best thing about your home, and have you taken time to enjoy it lately?

There are several things I like about my home - its location, safety, convenience to everything we need access to, (our church is 5 min.) size, etc.  However, my favorite thing is the sunroom.  This is where Dick and I spend our mornings together and where I sit to read or do computer work, during the day.  It is where visitors gravitate to because it is so bright and comfortable.  Besides, God gave it to me.

2. Do you like squash? Of the varieties listed, which one's your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Is squash of some sort on your Thanksgiving menu?? 

acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti, zucchini, crookneck (yellow squash), patty pan

Yellow squash and zucchini are my favorites.  We prefer it simply stewed down with onions.  For many years, our family favorite was squash casserole, but I haven't done that in quite a while.  Another family favorite when the kids were small was "Squash Boats."  Yellow squash sliced lengthwise, covered with cheddar cheese, and baked.
  No, it will not be on the Thanksgiving menu.

 

3. Last time you were 'squashed in' somewhere, or felt squashed? 

That would be returning from South Louisiana a couple of weeks ago on I-20.  The traffic was horrible, and 18-wheelers were dominating the highway.  I won't mention how fast I had to go to get out of their way a time or two.

4. Have you ever played squash? What about other 'racquet sports' such as racquetball, tennis, pickleball, badminton, table tennis (ping pong)? Are these sports something you enjoy?

I attempted to play tennis in high school, but no one wanted to play with me.  I hit the tennis ball like I was batting a softball, which I played with much greater success.  My sister, though, was quite the tennis player.  I also played a bit in college, a tiny bit better in order to pass PE.  We often played badminton with the kids and attempted table tennis.  My eye-hand coordination just wasn't what it needed to be to prevent embarrassment.  Definitely no squash!  I could, however, run, speed-walk, do palates, and lift weights.  Does that count?

   

5. Something in today's society or culture that feels like a 'racket' to you? If you don't like that one, tell us about a place you've been recently where there was a lot of 'racket'.

Politics!  We watched the Netflix movie series, "Death by Lightning", the story of President Garfield, this past weekend.  Dick and I commented on the fact that corrupt politics have always been a reality.  For so many politicians, their careers have been one long racket to advance only themselves.  We also reminded ourselves that this corruption is as old as the Old Testament.

   

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

We may actually see some fall weather later this week and next week for sure.  To us, temps in the 50's and 60's are enough to at least make us think it's fall.  As I write this on Tuesday, we are breaking records for high temperatures this time of year, with a high of 89.  I look around at my few Fall decor items and think I should have beachy stuff instead, and can't imagine putting up Christmas decor.  And yet, they are everywhere.

  I don't decorate for Christmas at all since we leave mid-December for Northern Indiana and don't return until after the New Year.

 Knowing that, a sweet friend sent us this Fresh Cut Pop-up paper tree this week, so it will be my only decoration, and easy to fold up and put away when we get back home.  So, I'm not altogether a Scrooge!

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Patriotic Hodgepodge

Thank you, Joyce for this week's questions.

1. What does patriotism mean to you?

Patriotism means loving our country and honoring all that the Founding Fathers intended it to be. It is embracing the history, culture, traditions, and customs that have long shaped our nation. It is feeling a swell of pride when the National Anthem is played or sung, and being grateful for the many men and women who have sacrificed everything to defend the freedoms granted to us by our forefathers and enshrined in our founding documents. Patriotism means standing firm for the rights and liberties that define our nation so that future generations may also know what it means to be a proud American patriot.

I saw the video below on Facebook and found it to be so stirring.  There is nothing more powerful than children's voices in praise and gratitude. 

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17EL7hpgNg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere, use these months but sub spring for the word fall. 

The answer most definitely is November, the month of my birth and the first signs of Fall in Texas.

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word)  in the title or lyrics?

"Give Thanks" by Don Moen

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and _bananas____________________ . 

Oh, and you can't say jelly. 

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for?

Seeing our granddaughter, Cassidy, and her husband, Angelos, and meeting our great-grandson, Noah.  He is everything and more than we expected.  He is seriously the most advanced 9-month-old that I have ever seen.  He is already pulling up, taking steps, repeating sounds, and making everyone around him happy.  They fly back to Greece on Thursday, so it may be a while before we see them again.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

 

Our Northern Indiana family got their first snow on Sunday and Monday of this week.  It was a beautiful snow and I only wish I was there to enjoy it.  Hopefully, there will be plenty for Christmas.

Fair Well October

Yes, I will be one year older on Saturday, Nov. 1.  Thank you, Mother, for holding off one more day to bring me into the world.  Who wants to be a Halloween baby!

And, thank you, Joyce, for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. Are you a risk taker? To what degree? 

No, I am not much of a risk taker.  For one who likes to be in control and able to predict to some degree what is coming, taking a risk is not something I desire.  However, I do enjoy planned spontaneity.

2. What's your favorite candy? Would you say you have a sweet tooth?

Most anything chocolate is good for me.  I could eat my weight (and that is getting higher every year) in my friend's Millionaire bars.  Thank you, Judy!

I wrote last week about our Greek grandson-in-law, who runs his family's patisserie, which is one of the best in Athens.  He brought our granddaughter and our adorable great-grandson to Dallas last week, and they were so thoughtful to bring gifts.  One is a little jar of the most wonderful chocolate-covered hazelnut balls.  This is my new favorite.  We are allowing ourselves only one a day.

I do have a sweet tooth that is being controlled these days.

3. Somewhere you've been recently that had you feeling 'like a kid in a candy store'?

I hate to bail out on this one, but I haven't been anywhere that meets this description lately.

 

4. What do you think is the most effective way to make a positive change in the world?

Live and love as Christ did.

 

5. Do you like surprises?

Only if I can choose the surprise. Refer to the answer to #1.

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We got to meet our little Greek great-grandson last Friday, and we totally agree that he is the most adorable little blessing.  He is such a happy, healthy, beautiful, big nine-month-old.

Now, how about the cutest little 3-year-old boy's school picture and his sassy little 1-year-old sister?

Have I told you lately how wonderful our great-grandchildren are?