Memories & Blessings

Joining Joyce for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-'The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while." 

Time is crazy isn't it? So...what were you up to in the year 2002?

 

Our retirement celebration picture

We both retired in August of 2002, and moved from a small town where we had lived for over 33 years.  Where our children were born and grew up and many lifetime memories were made.  We moved to one of the largest cities in our state to be near our son and his family, and closer to our daughter and family in Dallas, TX.  There were a lot of adjustments to be made, but neither of us stayed retired long, and ended up retiring again in 2011 after we both had productive careers, before moving to Plano, TX in 2020.

2. "Me? I'm scared of everything..." What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway? 

The only thing that really scares me at this point is falling, and definitely do not want to try that again.  So my answer would be nothing.

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to...

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita

Watermelon is my favorite summertime fruit.  Of the items listed above, I would choose watermelon sorbet, but the best way to eat watermelon is by itself.

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate.

Oldest Child Birth Order

I am the first born of three girls and am quite typical of this birth order.  It is said that our traits exists mostly because our parents are new to the parenting role and expect a lot from themselves and thereby these expectations are exhibited to the child. By the time #2 child comes, the parents are more relaxed and therefore the child is as well, and with the 3rd, all rules go out the window.

“Firstborn children can be goal-oriented, outspoken, stubborn, independent, and perfectionistic,” 

I am all of these.

 

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain.

I am not a mingler, and don't really like large crowded parties, but when attending such, I much prefer to sit off to the side and watch.  Should someone care to join me, that is fine, but holding a significant conversation is not necessary.  Intimate dinners with special friends and family is my chosen social gathering.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

From my Bible devotion this morning:

Psalm 3

1 Samuel 13-18

When David is being threatened by his son, Absalom and forced to leave his city for his own safety, he first told the Lord what was going on - many enemies among his own leaders, many were attacking him, many were saying God could not help him.

Then David acknowledges who God is and what only He has done:

I love these few words - "But you, Lord!"

"But you, Lord, are a shield that protects me;

you are my glory and the one who restores me.

To the Lord I cried out, and He answered me from His holy hill."

Lesson?  Things are never as bad as they seem when our confidence is in the Holy Lord God Almighty!

All About Summer

Thank you for joining us for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge where Joyce gives questions to ponder and then share with fellow Hodgepodgers.

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer.

 Our handsome son, John will celebrate his 57th birthday on the 22nd.  He is our first-born and only son of whom we could not be more proud.  He is a faithful and devoted husband, father and grandfather, but most importantly a man-of-God and strong in his faith.  He and Michelle will celebrate 31 years of marriage on the 13th.  They are a blessing!

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls?

I do not eat oysters but do love my pearls.

 

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'. 

I personally have not felt like that in a very long time; however, I do feel that way about my grandchildren and greats.  My grown grands have nothing but bright futures ahead of them as they grow in their chosen professions, and as they face the daily challenges of marriage and parenthood.  Who knows what lies ahead for my soon-to-be eight great grands.  I pray God's direction, protection and blessings on each of them.

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why? 

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

We have driven around on Padre Island, Texas, but did not stay there.  The only island on the list that we have actually visited is Mackinac Island in Michigan.  We have been twice and loved both experiences.  At this point, I don't have a desire to see any of the others, free or otherwise.

Our favorite place to stay is Mission Point - 2017

A favorite memory was cycling the island and enjoying all the sights close-up - 2017

The Grand Hotel as seen from the ferry 2024

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- 

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month?

Disagree!  In the south, August can be the hottest summer month.  Here in Texas, there is rarely a day below 100 degrees and no rain.  We don't see "the best of summer gone" until October.

In other words, I dread August and try not to plan any outdoor activities.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

The first Wednesday Hodgepodge of August, 2014, I wrote the following:

"Ahhhh, the summers for us southern country kids of the 40's and 50's were wonderful lazy days spent playing and imagining; creating and pretending; getting into trouble and having to select your own personal switch; spending time with friends; picnics; fishing.  I loved not having homework, but instead doing creative projects that Mother and Daddy always seemed to provide.  Yes, life was good!"

Celebrating the End of July

In July, 2020, I did this painting for some of our dear friends who had lost their home in a flood.  We visited them after the restoration was completed and gave the painting to them as a reminder that God's mercies are new every morning.  This is still a reminder to me to be grateful for this great promise.

Joining with Joyce for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. What was the last thing you celebrated? 

The last celebration was our great-grandson's 4th birthday.  I featured some scenes of this in last week's Hodgepodge, so I'll share a few more today.

The party scene is always at the Day House and pool.  July is the perfect time for a pool party in Northern Indiana.

"Happy Birthday" before blowing out the cupcake candles

Little Sis supervising the opening of presents

2 July 29th is International Day of the Tiger. Besides the wild animal itself, when you hear the word tiger what's the first  person-place-thing-whatever that comes to mind?

For anyone remotely related to Louisiana, there is an immediate association the the LSU Tigers!  The first game is only 6 weeks away and every Tiger fan is counting down the Saturdays.

3. The expression 'eye of the tiger' describes someone with intense focus, determination, and the drive to succeed. What area of your life are you currently bringing that kind of energy to?

Thankfully, there is nothing going on in my life at this time that demands an "intense focus, determination or drive to succeed."  These truly are the "Golden Years" when spending the morning sitting with a book, or the afternoon finishing a movie we started the night before, is OK.  

  

4. What was the last meal you cooked?

As I am writing this on Tuesday, Monday night's dinner (supper) was warmed left-overs from Sunday's lunch with friends at Olive Garden.  Second day Shrimp Scampi is always better.

5. Describe your July using exactly five words.

Travel, Hot, Family, Hot, Memories

6. Insert your own random thought here.

One afternoon during our recent visit, DIL, Michelle and I took the greats to Mishawaka's Japanese Garden.  It has been a favorite spot of mine since discovering it shortly after the family moved to Indiana in 2008.

Navy Grace visiting with the "Children"

It was a fun time for me to share such a beautiful oasis right in their back yard.

It's a Hot Yellow Hodgepodge

Welcome to the sporadic wanderings of my blog posting.  There really hasn't been much time for posting this month; however, I did manage to get out one post on our recent travels.  If you care to see one of the most fun adventures of our trip go Here.

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate.

Let's just say that my goals are not very long-range these days.  The most important dream (prayer) is to see my great-grandchildren come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Usually, the goals that I wish to achieve energize me; however, I did get a bit tired of the planning that went into our recent road trip.  In the end though, it was all worth while and we had a wonderful time.  

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons?

Yes, I like the lemon flavor.  One of my favorite dishes with lemon is of course a good southern Lemon Icebox Pie with meringue.  I also like Lemon Loves.  These were always a staple at every tea or coffee that ladies used to plan and attend.

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it. 

Yes, I think I am pretty good at doing this.  Thankfully, I haven't had to make lemonade recently.  Well, maybe once.  Here's the story.  In planning our trip, I decided while in Gettysburg, VA, rather than staying in a modern hotel like the rest we were staying in along the way, I wanted us to stay in a historic Inn in the historic section of the city.  I did find a lovely old place and in a perfect location.  I failed to realize that when you stay in a building on the National Historic Registry that there will not likely be an elevator.  Sure enough, we got there to find out our room was on the 3rd floor and two flights of 32 narrow steps to get there.  That was not ideal for two folks in their 80's with luggage.

We made the most of it and enjoyed our stay very much.  If you don't mind stairs, then let me recommend the Brickhouse Inn.

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color?

I added a yellow linen outfit to my summer wardrobe and have enjoyed it very much.  I am more of an orange person, but I think this yellow is a good shade for my coloring.  I especially enjoyed wearing it with matching yellow sandals for our great-grandson, Jax's 4th birthday in Northern Indiana a couple weeks ago.

5. How would you describe your attention to detail?

Excessive??  I am very aware of details and doing things with order and sequence.  Would you care to see the folder of our travel plans?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

How about some pictures of our trip?

The first stop was in Lancaster, SC with these our longest couple friends, Bill & Velta.  Dick proposed to me in their apartment in 1965.  Love these precious people and she is Miss Hospitality personified!

Blue Ridge Pky, Boone, NC

                                            Natural Bridge, VA

Shenandoah National Park was so socked in with cloud cover that we missed much of the natural beauty and it definitely challenged my driving skills.

                                                Our Indiana family

We endured the Summer Heat Bowl of 2026 in the upper Mid-West only to return home to Texas for the Extensive Heat Wave.  As I write this at 3 PM it is 103 degrees with a heat index of 109, and it is expected to be several degrees higher by 5 PM.  Plus, we are now under an Air Quality Alert with tomorrow being declared an Ozone Action Day.  The north has smoke but we have fumes while the Gulf of America is bracing for a Tropical Storm.

Welcome to Texas!

A Red, White & Blue Hodgepodge

I have been away from the Hodgepodge for several weeks and decided this is the week to try to make a comeback.  It is not likely to last long since we have a month-long trip planned for mid-June to July, but let's enjoy it while I can.

Thank you, Joyce, for being ever faithful to bring us together.

1. Do you like your name? Are you named after someone (grandparent, etc)? If you have children, how did you choose their names?

Yes, I love my name, Elizabeth Claire.  Elizabeth is a family name passed down through many generations on both sides, and most recently, a maternal great aunt after whom my mother was named - Laura Elizabeth.

Our son, John Marcus, was not named after any family member, although I regret not giving him my father's middle name, Porter, even though he loves his middle name and it has now been passed down three generations. Also, the initials, JMD have remained for 3 generations.

 I wanted to continue the Elizabeth tradition, so we named our daughter Christina Elizabeth.  She is simply called Christy.  Her first daughter also carries Elizabeth as a middle name.  Now that Chandler Elizabeth is expecting a girl, I asked if she would carry on the tradition, and I think her facial expression indicated the name will likely end where it currently is.

2.  A piece of red velvet cake, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of blueberry pie? You can only have one...which will you choose? If you could pick any red, white, or blue dessert other than those listed here, what would you choose?

A piece of red velvet cake.  However, I can easily picture a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a few scattered blueberries completing the plate.  My next pick would be a combination of red, white, and blue trifle cake.

3.  What's a job you'd like to try for just one day?

I have been happily retired too long to even pretend to answer this question.

 

4. Any patriotic decor in your home currently or coming up this summer?

There is not a single patriotic thing inside or outside my house.  It is not that we aren't patriotic, it's just that I don't redecorate for any occasion or season other than Fall.  My neighbor felt sorry for me yesterday, Memorial Day, and brought me a couple of small flags to put outside.  I'll save them for closer to July.

5. It's the end of May, so let's exercise our brains. Sum up your month with an acrostic using the word MAY. We can do it!!

May showers, thunderstorms, and lots of sunshine

A trip to South Texas, Big Bend, and a delightful night in Cloud Croft, NM

Yellow squash, zucchini, and onions stewed down and served with a steak for Sunday dinner

  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

After being misled by the blue sticky note on the gender reveal card and having a blue confetti reveal, our granddaughter discovered they are actually having a girl.  Everyone was thrilled with the repeat reveal with pink confetti, except Bass.  He had had enough!  This is from a video, hence the blur.  She will be our great-grandchild #8!

Speaking of great-grandchildren, how about this beautiful, happy Greek baby boy?  He will be two in mid-January, and we can't wait to see him and his parents when they visit Texas this fall.

And this is his gorgeous mother, who had her 30th birthday last week, ready for a special Greek birthday dinner with her handsome husband.

Travel on the Hodgepodge

Happy Humpday!

I haven't thought about Humpday in a long time, and not sure why it came to mind as I was typing this.  Nevertheless, it seems to apply this week.  Does Wednesday ever seem like a day you just need to get through so the rest of the week can unfold?  That may be why it came to mind.  This is indeed a busy week.

What a difference a couple of weeks can make!  Two weeks ago, on this Wed., we were laid-back and lazy, which is exactly how we wanted to be.  More on this in #6.

Now, let's get on with answering the Hodgepodge questions Joyce has given us.

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately?

No, but I do compile all the information our CPA needs and put it in our portal on her website.  We heard from her last week while traveling that everything was perfect, and we will be getting money and our tax forms back this week.

Something taxing?  Yes!  One of the places we stayed on our trip, double-charged us and denies it, although it is obvious he charged our CC twice, one minute apart.  Getting this resolved is a very taxing endeavor.  Why can't people just be honest!

2. When it comes to travel, are you a last-minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you. 

I am a combination of the two.  I start packing early by putting in things I will need on the trip.  Then, the last-minute things go in the day before we leave.  I am pretty good at planning my wardrobe and what I can mix & match.  However, this time I overpacked the jeans I would need.  My favorite packing tip is to tightly roll all my clothes.  They fit so much better and don't tend to wrinkle as easily.  Sure takes up much less space.

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level?

There are people I would like to see get their own month - me, for example, but I don't necessarily think a sandwich needs a whole month.

Yes, we love grilled cheese sandwiches, but don't eat them very often.  We love them with Tomato Bisque.  My secret ingredient is to add a bit of fig jelly to one side of the bread before toasting.  The light, sweet flavor adds a delightful taste and complements the cheese.

 

4. There's a well-known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd  

Is constant growth necessary, or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? 

As a Christian, I think we are encouraged to always be growing in Christ's likeness.  That is my desire.  That being said, stability and a sense of peace are also to be desired, and I believe can only truly be found in achieving the prior.  

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

• daffodils or tulips  -  Daffodils
• lemonade or iced tea   -  Iced sweet tea
• gardening or hiking   -  Neither!  Can't do either one anymore
• ladybugs or butterflies   -  Butterflies  
• umbrella or raincoat   -  Umbrella
• floral patterns or polka dots   -  Neither, but I'll go with polka dots

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We traveled down via the scenic routes through Southwest Texas to the Big Bend NP area a couple of weeks ago, arriving back home this past Monday.  It had been on our bucket list since moving to Texas five years ago.  It was a gloriously long and at times very tiring drive to the park, which we managed in two days.  Texas has one of the most diverse topographies, and of course is enormous.  There is no getting anywhere in a hurry.

After leaving the Tin Bit Ranch, where we stayed for three nights, we drove north to the Guadalupe Mountains, then northeast to the little New Mexico town of Alamogordo.  We loved driving through the White Sands National Park there and seeing other sights in the area.

Easter Sunday morning, we attended a very small First Baptist Church before driving north to our final destination.

These are a few of our favorite sights along the way.

Three Twisted Sisters Scenic Drive

Three Twisted Sisters Scenic Drive

Big Bend NP

White Sands NP

After church on Sunday, we drove up to Cloudcroft, NM, to overnight at the Cloudcroft Lodge.  It was such a great way to end our trip.