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.

A Spicy Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and time for a Hodgepodge with our hostess, Joyce.  

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper, what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What's a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?

  

These are the spices I most often reach for.  We have used  Tony's - a product of South Louisiana - for years, but recently found the Kinder's at Costco.  I am using it more often now than Tony's.  I also frequently use spices from The Gourmet Collection found at Marshalls.  The Roasted Garlic, Rosemary & Sea Salt is definitely a go-to.

I truly dislike sage!

I haven't used a recipe lately, but the above spices are my most often used for any recipe.

2.  It's been said, 'variety is the spice of life'...in what way is this true for you? Elaborate. 

This may not be true for me at this stage of my life.   At one time, I'm sure I desired variety and probably got easily bored with "same-oh."  At 80, I am not easily bored whatsoever, while at the same time, most every day is much like the day(s) before.  We seem to like it that way.  Don't get me wrong, our lives are full with good friends and activities, books to read, music to listen to, and new pictures of great-grandchildren to discover daily on Instagram.  I just don't crave or desire anything more than that these days.

3. What's something in your life that adds 'spice' (excitement, intensity) even if it also comes with challenge or unpredictability? 

Doctor's visits?  We have surely had our share of those lately, and some have not provided the kind of excitement I anticipated.

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why? 

If I could go back several years, it would be learning to play the piano.  With Dick having been a minister of music for 50 years, it would have been nice to have been the answer to that specific prayer of his.  I must say, though, for most of those years, God provided outstanding accompanists.  

5. We're halfway through the year...what's one book, movie, or activity you've loved this year that you'd recommend to others? 

We recently found a book in our HOA library titled "Hope Sees" by Gail McWilliams.  Gail was the daughter of a dear couple who lived in our Village, whom I had the honor to know.  Gail, who lost her eyesight, was an outstanding international speaker and an ambassador of hope.  This book is so inspirational and encouraging, and I now own my own copy.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I had my PRP shoulder injection today, so I'm waiting to see if it works. I do have hope!

Birthdays & June

Happy Wednesday!  I am excited to be able to join the Hodgepodgers again this week.  Thank you, Joyce.  If you haven't met her yet, CLICK HERE and get to know this beautiful lady.

1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up?

One thing is for sure, they are coming all to quickly these days.  We recognize birthdays, but there aren't usually big celebrations.   There are occasional cake and family gatherings for a grandchild, but other than that, there really isn't a celebration.   I saw a young friend's Facebook post this week, announcing the first special outing for her "Birthday month."  For this individual, this is an annual event because it is always about her and a party.  I'm glad we don't have anyone like that in our family.

Neither my sister nor I can recall ever having a big birthday party.  We had a cake, or in my sister's case, a chocolate pie to celebrate with, but they were mostly spent with family.  Below is a picture of my 4th birthday, 1948 spent with my mother, sister, and a friend.

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses...what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate. 

I would never turn down red roses, and have never been accused of seeing the world through rose-colored glasses.   I do not see the world negatively; however, I am a bit of a skeptic and question most worldly things before believing or accepting.  Perhaps, I can best be described as a realist with hope and faith in an almighty God who sees and knows all things. 

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day...will you celebrate? What's something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese?

 

About the only thing I cook with cheese regularly is an omelet.  As for celebrating National Cheese Day, it is not currently on my schedule.

4. 'tis the season...any weddings on your June calendar? What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage? 

No weddings on our calendar for June or anytime in the near future.  The first word to come to mind is "happiness."

5. What are you most looking forward to this June?

June will be a very busy month, but mostly due to appointments.  The thing I am most looking forward to is having a PRP injection in my shoulder.  Surgery is out because it is too far gone, and this injection of plasma mixed with my blood is the only hope for relief.  I just pray it works.   Also, my daughter-in-love will have her 52nd birthday on the 16th.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Now that I have completed my project for my youngest granddaughter's HS graduation, and am no longer serving on the HOA Board of Directors, I am hoping to get back to doing more with my blog.  I enjoy writing, so I am waiting for God to give me more direction on how He wants to use my time and efforts.  I need a new focus without physical demands.  We shall see.  

Celebrating My Return

It has been months since I have participated in the Hodgepodge, so I am so glad to be able to rejoin today.  Thank you, Joyce, for asking such interesting questions.

1. What's something you're curious about right now?

 Why appointed judges can second-guess and override decisions made by the Commander in Chief.

2. If you could plan the perfect girl's weekend getaway, where would you go and what would be on the agenda? Do you have anything like this on your calendar in the next few months?

The only girls' weekend I would ever consider would be with all MY girls, and they all love the beach.  Since Granddaughter #2 lives in Athens, Greece, I think a Riviera vacation would be ideal for all of us.  Unfortunately, I don't have that on my agenda, but her big sister and husband will be taking their two boys (ages 3 years and 3 months) to meet their new Greek cousin next month.  I was not invited.

3. What's the most unique item in your refrigerator right now?

Perhaps a bowl of saved bacon grease.

 

4. In this season of your life, what do you find most challenging?

Health!  I learned late last year that I have a torn rotator cuff and labrum, tendinitis, and a lot of unneeded things floating around in my right shoulder.  While doing therapy to strengthen the shoulder in preparation for surgery, I fell (tripped up by a couple of dogs whose leashes were not being maintained by their owner against all rules), badly breaking my right wrist, requiring surgery.  Now, I'm in therapy for that, while the shoulder is only getting worse.  At 80, health is always an issue, but I surely didn't need all this.  That being said, thankfully, I am healing rapidly and well.

5. Do you collect anything? If so why that?

 No, my collecting days are past, unless you count pictures of our 7 adorable great-grandchildren.  No explanation required.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Since I have not been on the Hodgepodge for several months, you might not be aware that we added three new Greats in early 2025.  Our daughter went from two Grandchildren to five in two months.   Needless to say, it has been exciting around their house.  On top of the new additions, they have a graduating senior this month.  Yes, our youngest grandchild, Ava Grace will be graduating from high school next week, and heading to the University of Arkansas in the fall.  Life is changing, but it is so good.

A Red, White & Blue Hodgepodge

VOTE EARLY!

These are indeed perilous times and like Elon Musk boldly declared, this could be the last national democratic election if we elect the wrong party that supports Marxist policies.  Don't sit back and let others decide your future and that of your country and family for you.

Ok, that's my sermon for the day.  Now, go to Joyce's blog HERE, and see how she answered her own questions. 

1. Monday was National Apple Day...did you eat an apple or enjoy something made with apples on Monday? Do you like apples? Do you prefer your apples raw, baked, or in cider? Do you have a favorite variety of apple?

I am not a big apple eater and prefer my apples in a cider or cut up small in a Waldorf Salad.

2. Do you think there's any truth to the saying 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. Of the following healthy habits which do you find easiest to incorporate into your life and which is the most difficult for you to adopt-

adequate sleep, a balanced diet, plenty of water, eat breakfast, don't smoke, exercise, limit alcohol,  include fruits and vegetables in your diet, manage stress, limit screen time

I don't think the saying has particular relevance; however, I do try to incorporate all the above healthy habits in leu of eating an apple every day.  Getting adequate sleep is always a challenge for me as I deal with insomnia, and eating a balanced diet is getting harder for us because our desire for food is ever changing as we get older and older.

We try to include some fruits and veggies during the week; I don't have a lot of stress in my life but seem to manage what little might rear its ugly head, with prayer and a monthly massage.  Now, limiting screen time is still a challenge.  We were without WIFI for a couple days and I realized how much our life revolves around that essential connection to the world.

3. Who taught you how to drive? Do you enjoy driving? Would you rather be the driver or the passenger?  Do you have a favorite scenic drive near you? 

My dad taught me to drive and was an excellent and patient teacher.  I love to drive and am the primary driver.  I much prefer to be the driver at all times.  We don't have a favorite scenic drive near us, because all scenic drives can only be accessed by miles and miles of horrific city traffic.  Once out of the DFW Metroplex, there are beautiful drives in all directions if you don't mind wide-open Texas spaces.

4. What small habit has had a big impact on your life?

I'm not sure how big an impact it has had on my life except to alleviate stress, but I do not allow clutter.  There is a place for everything and nothing is left laying around.

5. Tell us about something nice that happened to you recently.

We had our Ladies Bible Study yesterday then went to lunch together.  These are the most godly women and such a blessing to me.  They are fun, encouraging, inspirational and simply a group of beautiful ladies.  It just doesn't get much nicer than that.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

WE VOTED EARLY!

There are already issues with voting machines in GA, TN and TX, so ask for a paper ballot and make sure it is registered before leaving.  And, be sure to thank the senior adult volunteers who are giving their valuable time to insure we have a safe and secure place to carry out our patriotic duty.

A Walk in the Fall Park

It is back to the Hodgepodge this week.  Check out how Joyce answers her own questions HERE

1. Thursday is National Walk To A Park Day. I know these celebratory days are mostly made up, but some are fun to think about. Do you live close enough to a park to walk to one on Thursday? Will you? The most famous park in the world is Central Park located in NYC. Have you ever been to Central Park? What did you think? If you haven't been is this a place you'd like to see?

 Yes, I am close enough to walk to the Arbor Hill Nature Preserve, but I choose to do my walking inside the beautiful natural trails and not on the streets to get there.  I will not be going there on Thursday, although a 6 a.m. walk would be wonderful.

I have never been to Central Park in NYC.

2. Something you've done recently that turned out to be a 'walk in the park'?

I haven't done anything lately out of the ordinary that was a challenge.

 

3. Can you parallel park? Do you have to do this often where you live? 

Yes, I can.  No, I don't have to do it often; however, there were several little Lake Michigan towns that we visited earlier in the year that required parallel parking.  I managed to get my big SUV in the space quite well.

4. The colors of fall...red, brown, russet, golden bronze, golden yellow, purplish red, light tan, crimson, orange red, and scarlet. Are these colors you like to wear? Is this your season in terms of color? What about your home? Would we see these tones in your home decorating?

Oh yes, these are my comfort colors and very evident in my closet.  They are also in my fall decorations right now.  I showed some of my favorite home decor on a blog this week that can be found HERE

5. What part of history do you find most interesting? Elaborate.

I love studying Biblical history.  The study of how God's plan for His people never changed even when they were a rebellious, sinful people and they experienced His wrath.  I especially enjoy studying about the Kings during that time and how they relate to the prophets and Jewish people.  After a period of silence, God through His Son, Jesus entered history to bring the redemption and the completion of all the Old Testament teachings.  Such a beautiful story.  It is also very relevant to what is going on in this day and time.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

These are a couple favorite items in my house that reflect my comfort colors year round and are repeated in other rooms.

HAPPY FALL, YA'LL

Reasons to Celebrate on the Hodgepodge

Today marks our 59th year of marriage.  On Monday night we celebrated with some sweet friends who were married exactly one day earlier than us in 1965.  Monday was also Dick's 84th birthday, so we all celebrated with delicious Key Lime Pie, compliments of Pappadeaux's.  Before going out for dinner, we saw the movie, "Reagan" which I highly recommend if you haven't already seen it.  Oh for the days of articulation, courage, determination and common sense.

Now, let's see what questions Joyce has given us to ponder this week on the Hodgepodge.

1. Something you're working on currently?

I am still working my way through a chronological reading of the Bible.  I have gotten bogged down due to travels so am a bit behind on my schedule.  Hubby keeps reminding me that it won't change or go away, so don't fret.  I'm trying.

I am always working on the HOA monthly newsletter.  That is an on-going project for sure.

2. Tell us something about your first job? Was it a positive or negative experience for you? Did your parents insist you work while in school (either high school or college) or did you work because you wanted to?

My first job was gift wrapping during the Christmas holiday at the finest department store in the nearest town - Wellans Department Store in Alexandria, La.  The first day was totally negative because the lady in charge was a slave driver and wanted every corner crisp, a minimum of tape used, and every bow perfect  I finally met all her requirements and enjoyed the job thereafter.  My parents never insisted I work while in school, but did encourage me to help a widow lady with her yard work one hot summer.

3. Have you ever had a job that required overnight travel? How did you feel about that? Have you ever had a job that required you to wear a uniform? Do you work better in the morning or at night?

Yes, as an Administrative Assistant and later as Chief Facilities Officer in the La. Technical College system, I was required to travel quite a bit to attend overnight meetings and conferences.  At times it was frustrating because those in the southern part of the state seemed to think the distance from south to north was much further than from north to south; therefore scheduling all the required meetings in the south.  I never had to wear a uniform.  I work better at night.

4. What's something you bake or cook that is labor intensive? Is it worth it?

NOTHING!  If a recipe calls for more than 2-3 steps, forget it.

5. One thing you're looking forward to in the month of September? 

We have already taken a 3-day road trip to Central Texas Hill Country to celebrate Dick's 84th birthday and our 59th wedding anniversary.  It was a great trip.

Dick will be performing the wedding for a special couple in a couple weeks.  She is the granddaughter of one of our best friends, and the fifth wedding in this family for him to do.

Hopefully, the beginning of Fall in North Central Texas.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We had the wedding of our granddaughter, Savannah the end of July that you may remember me mentioning.  Below are a few of my favorite pictures.

A Fun Way to Spend the Hodgepodge

After driving 5 1/2 hours this morning, taking a much needed nap, catching up on some much needed computer work, I still was able to find enough time to visit with Joyce for the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Thank you Joyce for asking some fun questions this week that didn't require too much brain power that happens to be in short supply for me right now.

1.  What's the last thing you completely overreacted to?

I don't normally overreact to anything as I am pretty temperate and controlled.  Now, this does not mean I don't get mad, frustrated or experience the desire to hit, strangle or back over an individual(s) at times.  Having just spent 13 hours in the car on major interstate highways and listened to news reports some of that time, I experienced all of the above at one time or another.

Another activity that causes a degree of stress is completing the E-check-in for an upcoming doctor's visit.  Am I the only one who wants to say, "most of these questions are none of you #$%^& business"?  I just finished answering 5 out of 5 online questionnaires that could easily have been answered with that one response.

2.  Your top five snacks?

Before yesterday I would have said Costco's Trail Mix is my #1.  That was before a bad overlooked cavity in a molar responsible for chewing, was found and filled.  That one will now be marked off the list.

#2.  Grapes & cheddar cheese squares

#3.  A bite of chocolate

#4.  Banana w/Peanut Butter

#5.  Glass of chocolate milk 

3.  What smell always brings back some type of memory?  Elaborate.

A woodburning fire brings back memories of when our children were home and our family enjoyed evenings together.  It also stirs those memories of helping Hubby cut and stack wood for burning.  Yes, those were good days.

4.  What's something you learned from the last book you read?

The last book I read was Jeremiah in the Bible where he wrote in Chapter 4:3-4 that the unplowed ground where thorns and thistles grow (our hardened heart and disobedience) are to be broken up and planted with good seeds (faithful living in obedience).  He also followed that with this verse.  "Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, remove the foreskin of your hearts."  This simply means, purify, get clean, get rid of anything that comes before your relationship with a Holy God.  In other words we are being told to ready, prepare ourselves for what it takes for spiritual renewal and a life of obedience to all that Almighty God has called us to be and do.

5.  What's the next thing on your to-buy list?  Will you make that purchase before the end of the year?

Our old Keurig machine has gone on the blink and since Hubby is the coffee drinker in the family, we need to get him a coffee maker soon.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

This past Sunday afternoon we spent the most delightful time with a special young lady from a previous city and church.  Dick and I adopted Bonnie as another granddaughter several years ago.  After life changes to all of us, we have gone four years without seeing her until this week.  What a delightful time of catching up and sharing what God has done and is still doing in her beautiful life.  We love you, Bonnie.

On Monday, Dick and I drove to Little Rock, AR to see our nephew and the best dentist in the country, Lee Wyant and his wife Jacqueline.  We also got to visit with his son, Clay.  Jacqueline loves to cook and prepared a most delicious meal that didn't challenge the new filling in my mouth.  Thank you for your warm hospitality and for a good night's sleep.  We loved our time with you.  Nothing like family.

And, this handsome young man will be celebrating his 55th birthday tomorrow, the 22nd.  John has always and continues to bring such joy to our lives.  We cannot love you more or be more proud of the godly man you are, and the husband, father and grandfather you have become, John.  You are loved big!

A Summer Lighthouse Hodgepodge

Joining Joyce for another Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1.  What's a task you do on a regular (or semi-regular basis) that feels like it should be an Olympic event?

I know this sounds silly, but I recently tore my right rotor cuff, so using the vacuum cleaner is a challenge.  I wouldn't seriously classify it as an Olympic event but it is a challenge. 

2.  What's in the trunk of your car right now?

We have an SUV so the 3rd row of seats are usually folded so there is a lot of space.  Right now, there is nothing but a hidden pair of jumper cables.  As we are visiting our Indiana family, right now the trunk is empty until we reload it on Thursday.

3.  Summer foods vs. fall foods...which do you prefer?

There really isn't a difference in how we eat, except we do eat more soups in the fall.

    Would you rather - watermelon or caramel apple?  iced coffee or pumpkin spiced latte?  potato salad or sweet potato casserole?  barbecued ribs or roast turkey?  ice cream sandwich or apple pie?  corn on the cob or candy corn?

4.  August 7th is National Lighthouse Day.  Have you visited any lighthouses?

Yes, we love to visit lighthouses and visited two along Lake Michigan last week.

This was found in Charlevoix, MI, a delightful town that we want to visit again.

This may have become our favorite.  We found this one at the end of a very rural road in Silver Lake, MI.  It was built of red bricks in the late 1800's.  I did a blog post this week on this trip HERE.

  Do you have a favorite?

See above.  We do have another favorite that we have visited several times in South Harbor, MI.

It is spectacular during the winter when it is covered in ice.

Not my photo

  Is a lighthouse something you seek out if you're visiting an area known for theirs?

Yes, we delight in seeking out lighthouses when we know there is one near where we're visiting.  And then, we love finding one by surprise such as last week.

5.  Light at the end of the tunnel, out like a light, give the green light, a lightbulb moment, in a new light, in the limelight...of the 'light' idioms listed which applies in some way to your life lately?  Explain.

"In the limelight" probably best fits our past couple of weeks.  Our granddaughter #3 was married in a beautiful ceremony on July 27 in Three Oaks, MI.  She definitely has been in the limelight and rightly so.  She was the most elegant, stunning, graceful, and beautiful, happy bride.  These two pictures speak for themselves.

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

Last night we took our son and daughter-in-law out for dinner to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary (Aug 13) and John's 55th birthday (Aug 22).  Where have the years gone?  How is this possible?

We have also enjoyed spending time with our great grandson #2, Jax this week.  On Tuesday, we went to the library which he loves to do.  He calls it "books & babies."  Isn't that the cutest!  He loves to be read to and his Mimzy checked out 18 books today.  He will have a lot of reading ahead for sure.  I'm so glad he loves being read to.