Apples & Nuts on the Hodgepodge

It appears that we will not experience Fall in North Central Texas any time soon.  It will remain in the upper 80s and 90s until late October at the earliest.  By then we will be more than ready for the slightest drop in temperature.  In the meantime, I will stay inside as much as possible and hope for a road trip out of town to see some sign of Fall somewhere.

Thank you, Joyce for this week's questions and Hodgepodge connections.

1. 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.' How does this saying ring true in your own family, either the one you grew up in or the one you made?

I inherited my mother's brown eyes and passed them on to my son.

My personality is similar to my dad's, and I have also passed those same traits on to my son and a bit to my daughter.

My dad's eyes were a beautiful blue, and my daughter inherited those.

I inherited my parents' love of reading and Bible study, as well as my dad's love of history.

My parents passed on their legacy of faith, and thankfully, we have passed that on to our children.  In this respect, we are so grateful the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

2. Something you're nuts about these days? How about something that's driving you nuts?

I really can't think of anything that I am nuts about other than nuts themselves.  I read that if you have thyroid issues, you should have nuts at every meal.  I have no idea if that is true, but it sure sounds reasonable to me and something I can do happily.

Something that drives me nuts!  I know this sounds very persnickety, but I can't stand for my dining room chairs to be out of place.  And by that, the legs must be perfectly placed against the table legs.  I have a round table with four chairs, if that helps you envision my issue.  There are other OCD concerns, but let's leave it here with the chairs.

3. What does abundance mean to you?

Over and above what is necessary or common, a rich supply.

 Jesus said that He came that we might live life abundantly.  The Old Testament gave this example of abundance:

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast   anointed my head with oil;
My cup runneth over
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." (Psalms 23:5-6)

4. Caramel apple-caramel cake-caramel corn-caramel sundae-caramel macchiatto...what's your caramel treat of choice? 

Caramel Cake

5. What's a childhood memory that always comes to mind as the leaves start to fall?

I remember vividly playing in the woods with my younger sister.  We loved making "houses" by doing the outline of the house and rooms out of pine straw.  We loved being outside all year long, and could do that in the south, but the fall was a particularly fun time of the year.  We also enjoyed squirrel hunting with our dad.

 

6. Insert. your own random thought here.

I have learned how to keep avocados!  Once they have reached the desired stage of ripeness, put them in a large container, covered with water, and put them into the frig.  I keep mine whole.  They will last about two weeks like this and peel quite easily.  Make sure they are ripe, because the ripening process is stopped once you put them in the frig.  You can thank me later.

 

All About Cone'try

Thank you, Joyce, for these fun questions this week.  Goodbye to September and Hello October.

  

1. What's your favorite fall scent? Would we find this in or around your home right now? 

It used to be the smell of a roaring fire in our fireplace.  Now, we simply enjoy the ambiance of a gas-run fireplace and a lot less work.

Cinnamon and apple candles burning in the kitchen

A pot of soup cooking on the stove

None of these can be found in my kitchen tonight.

2. October is Country Music Month...are you a fan of country music? Do you have a favorite country artist? Ever been to Nashville? In terms of lifestyle are you more country mouse or city mouse?

I am not and have never been a fan of country music, therefore no favorite artist.  I have been to Nashville a few times and enjoyed it.  I think I would be a "councity" mouse.  I grew up in the country, but have adapted amazingly well and quickly to city life. 

3. How about 'country cooking'? (loosely defined as rich flavors, familiar foods, large portions, often fried, and often associated with the southern region of the US of A)?

chicken and dumplings, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, biscuits, and gravy, mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, collard or turnip greens, deviled eggs, 'barbecue', gumbo, banana pudding

Which of the foods listed is your favorite? Any on the list you haven't tried or would say a firm no thank you to if offered?

Yes, all of the above.  They were all favorites once.  Again, I grew up eating this way - what other way was there in the south?  These days, we don't eat southern soul foods so much; however, we do still miss that way of eating at times.  We don't eat big portions, fried foods, rice and gravy, potatoes and meat dishes like we grew up on.  However, we still love to make a big pot of gumbo, as well as cheese grits, biscuits, sausage gravy at Christmas, and cornbread with soups.  No good southerner will ever turn down a bowl of banana pudd'n.

 

4. What's something that always has a positive impact on your mood?

Being with my family always has a positive impact on my mood.  Spending time with good friends, and worship on Sunday

5. As we say so long to September, share a noun, a verb, and an adjective that tells us something about how that month looked for you. 

Celebration - Fellowshipping - Summery

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am so hoping October brings fall weather.  We are out of the 90s, but the upper 80s are still too warm for me this time of year.  I did finally put out a few fall touches in my house and am enjoying them.  I'm seriously thinking about leaving my pretty glass pumpkins up till after the first of the year.  As I don't decorate for Christmas and will be gone most of December, I don't think it will matter.

Hodgepodge of Remembering

Without love, there would be no grief, and grief is the result of having loved.

Thank you, Joyce for the questions this week.

To see more answers go HERE

1.  Are you more life of the party or more party pooper? If your answer is somewhere in the middle, which side of the middle do you lean towards more?

I am in the middle, but I lean more towards the party pooper side.  I don't enjoy being in large groups and don't really enjoy chit-chatting.  I would much prefer sitting on the sideline, watching and judging.

Birthday party, beach party, cocktail party, dinner party, charity fundraiser, surprise party, costume party, garden party, Christmas party, reunion...what's your favorite kind of party?

 

I do enjoy an intimate dinner party with friends, either in someone's home or a nice restaurant, when we can sit around the table and share meaningful conversation.

2. Cheese, wine, and balsamic vinegar all improve with age. What would you personally add to the list? 

Contentment!  I think as we get older, or at least this has been my experience, we learn to be content in whatever happens to us or around us.  This doesn't mean we necessarily like what's happening, but we have learned to accept it and either do what we can to fix it or simply move on.

The Apostle Paul set the example in Philippians 4:11-13.  Through many adversities, and rooted in his learned ability to find peace and satisfaction in any circumstance, not due to external factors, but through his strength found in Christ, he found contentment.  I think this state of contentment can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. How do you feel about your birthday? How do you want to be celebrated? Or don't you?

Birthdays in our family don't get a lot of recognition unless it's a big one, and I do enjoy celebrating my husband.  I really can't think of ever having a birthday party since I was a small child; however, I was a little let down when my 80th went by without acknowledgment, especially when friends all around me were being given big parties or at least a special time with their family.  Dick took me out for a nice dinner, and that was enough.  This goes back to the previous answer - being content in whatever circumstances one finds herself.  I was just jealous and feeling sorry for myself, which is not a good look on me.

4. What remarkable feat, interesting piece of trivia, or historical event occurred on your birth day and month? Not necessarily your same birth year, just the same date/month.

    November 1

• 835 Pope Gregory IV decrees All Saints Day a holy day of obligation for the Catholic religion
• 1611 Shakespeare's romantic comedy play "The Tempest" is performed at court in front of James I at Whitehall Palace - its first recorded performance
• 1896 First bare-breasted women (Zulu) to appear in National Geographic Magazine
• 1941 Attack on Pearl Harbor.  Japanese naval staff officers Suzuki & Maejima arrive at Pearl Harbor
• 1966 NFL awarded a franchise to New Orleans; the name "Saints" alludes to November 1, All Saints Day in the Catholic faith

5. Share two good things about your life right now. 

1:  A comfortable state of financial security for our future

2:  A loving relationship with my Lord Jesus, my husband, family, and friends

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This has been a very traumatic week on numerous levels - remembering 9/11 and the tragic death of Charlie Kirk.  I won't go into all that because most of you have also experienced the same emotions - unbelief that this could happen, why?, sadness, anger, disgust with so many negative and hurtful responses, etc., as I have.  And yet to see what God is doing among His people despite what the evil one intended.

On Thursday, we also lost a great saint, Virginia Revels, who has been a mentor to many in the First Baptist Church of Bastrop, LA.  She celebrated her 99th.

I will do a separate post on this extraordinary woman tomorrow.

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