American/Mexican Hodgepodge

Thank you for joining us on this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions, and we answer.

 

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston, SC, and the 'historic triangle' which includes Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown, Virginia. 

Of the cities listed, how many have you seen in person?

Does the LaGuardia Airport in NYC count?  Washington D.C., Charleston, SC, and Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown, VA

Of the cities listed, which would you most like to visit this year?  Any plans to do so?

I would never pass up another trip to Charleston, SC.  This is one of our favorite places to visit, but it won't likely happen this year.  

What's one place in America you think everyone should see? If you're not American, what's one place in the US you'd like to see?

Seeing Washington, D.C., even once has a way of turning history from words on a page into something living and tangible. Walking past the monuments, standing in the Capitol, or visiting Arlington gives you a deeper appreciation for the ideals, sacrifices, and responsibilities that come with being an American.

If a trip to D.C. isn’t possible, visiting your own state capital can be just as meaningful.

Whether national or state, capital cities help ground us in our shared history and remind us that citizenship is something to be understood, appreciated, and never taken for granted.

2. Three sounds you love to hear?

The early morning cooing of a dove, men's voices singing in harmony, the sound of one of our kids' voices on the other end of a phone call or FaceTime visit.

3. Three sounds you hate to hear?

The siren of an emergency vehicle, a high-pitched woman's voice, a child's scream 

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain, please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? 

 
We discovered these while visiting our family in Indiana during Christmas.  I am not a big chip eater, but I really do like these.  I have mostly eaten them just plain, but guacamole is great too. Yes, we do like Nachos, and these chips are great with melted cheese.  I couldn't tell you the last time we ordered Nachos when eating out, but we did make some for the Super Bowl.

Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips?

Chicken Mexican Casserole.  It is delicious, but I'm afraid it's been too long since making it.

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile?

Later in the month, we will be taking a scenic road trip down to the Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande near Mexico.  Since moving to Texas, this has been on our bucket list.  We will take a couple of days getting there in order to enjoy the scenic, rural views between here and there.  While near the park, we will stay on a ranch that is rather off the grid to take advantage of the night sky and convenience to the park.

After that, we will drive up into New Mexico and share Easter Sunday with worshipers in a small-town Baptist Church.  From there, it is yet to be determined, depending on how soon we want to return to civilization.  Can you see this smile on my face?

 6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I should also mention ChatGPT. After doing a bit of research on the most scenic highways in Texas between Big Bend and home, I asked ChatGPT to plan a detailed road trip for us using those specific highway numbers. By the way, she’s definitely a "she" to me.

Within seconds — no coffee break required — she produced a beautifully organized itinerary. I was so impressed that I kept asking for more: scenic routes, mileages, stops, and timing. Each request was met instantly, without a sigh, an eye roll, or even a hint of impatience.

Needless to say, we now have the most detailed and well-thought-out trip we’ve ever taken. At this point, all she cannot do is drive the car… and frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if that feature is coming soon.

I also let her plan my travel wardrobe and make packing suggestions, which was very helpful; however, she hasn't offered to help pay for anything.

Random on the Hodgepodge

It is Wednesday and time for the Hodgepodge.

To join Joyce and the other Hodgepodgers, go to From This Side of the Pond.

1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season? 

As I'm writing this on Fat Tuesday, the Mardi Gras scene above will be scattered all over cities, small towns, and villages across my home state, Louisiana.  Everything closes down to allow thousands of people to participate in these parades.  You will hear "throw me something, Mister" all across the state.

Mardi Gras is the final day of Carnival; it thus falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday."  

As my family is not Catholic, we look toward Easter and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but we do not observe the Lenten season per se. 

 

2. Pancakes...are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add-in? Are pancakes on your menu this week?

 

I love pancakes.  Am I a fan of syrup with my pancakes?  I prefer to explain that I love pancakes with my syrup.  And, make it warm maple syrup, please.  Who eats dry pancakes?  I don't mind bananas and nuts on my pancakes.  They will not be on my menu this week unless Hubby decides to take me out for brunch one morning.

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt 'spread too thin'. 

Thankfully, there hasn't been a time such as this recently.

4. What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe, would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors?

My favorite stone is topaz, as it is my birthstone.  My favorite piece of jewelry, besides my wedding ring, is a lovely topaz ring I designed and purchased in Haifa, Israel, in 1972.  In my closet, you will find predominantly black and browns as well as orange and orangey reds. 

 

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge?

Making sure everyone involved sees things the way I do.  LOL!

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Christmas '25, I purchased the most comfortable walking shoes I have ever worn.

I bought them while visiting our family in Indiana.  I had never heard of the brand and have not found them in the DFW metroplex.  Diadora is an Italian sportswear and footwear company.  While in Indiana this year, I purchased a second pair.  I highly recommend this brand if you are in the market for a comfortable and supportive pair of shoes.

Being Grateful on the Hodgepodge

Welcome to another week's edition of

Wednesday Hodgepodge, brought to us by

Joyce @ From this Side of the Pond.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everything's coming up roses!

 

3. What makes you feel loved and appreciated?

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

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

Always flowers!

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

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

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

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

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

For the whole post:

Link Here!

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

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

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

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

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

Now, how about that for romance!

 Happy Valentine's to you and your sweetheart. 

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

Melissa Pastry, Athens, Greece

A Sweet Sports Hodgepodge

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

Join us HERE to see how others answered these questions.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

3. Are you a romantic? 

No, not really, although I do appreciate romance.

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

Nay to blue cheese, yay to feta!

Berry Spinach Salad

 

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

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

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

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

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

It's Winter on the Hodgepodge

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

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

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

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

A winter walk

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Mishawaka, Indiana

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

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

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

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

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

6. Insert your own random thought here.

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

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

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

Ruby

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.