Fathers and the Great Outdoors

It is good to be back with our Wednesday Hodgepodge routine after Joyce took a much needed one week break.  Hopefully, that is all she broke as she packed up and moved.  So click on the link above to see what other bloggers think about the questions this week.

1. June is National Great Outdoors Month. Have you spent any time appreciating the great outdoors this month? If so where, and if not do you have any plans to enjoy the great outdoors before the calendar turns?

Yes, I have and my last blog post covered one such outing and can be seen HERE and my random thought will show the other.  Since it is either raining or too hot to get outside, I have not spent as much time in my yard lately as I did earlier in the spring.  I don't like HOT!!!

2. What's a current hot button issue for you?

Just one?  It would be political and probably best not discussed on an open forum; however, I feel very strongly about these issues and since it's my blog, I'm going to mention them.

1.  I am very concerned about the same-sex marriage issue before the Supreme Court right now.  The decision should be made public the end of the month.  With the way our country and political leanings are right now, I feel pretty sure which side the court will come down on and I find this frightening.

2.  That our administration and legislature is turning their back on Israel is a great concern not only for what it means for the security of that country but also because of the affect it will have on our own country.  God's Word clearly explains the consequences of  not standing for and supporting the Jewish nation.

3. What's a food or treat that 'disappears like hotcakes' in your house?

Watermelon.  We both love this fruit so it doesn't last long around here.

4. How hot is too hot?

When I perspire.

5. Do you have an artistic outlook on life? What does that mean to you?

Yes, I think I do.  I find beauty in composition around me.  I find beauty in shapes and color combinations.  I appreciate the unusual or ugly if there is form and interest and I enjoy capturing these things with my camera.  I love and appreciate beautiful architecture.  My parents taught me to appreciate the finer things of life such as etiquette, music, nature, reading and art and I will forever be grateful.

6. What's one question you'd like to ask your father, or one you wish you could ask your father?

My dad was one of the wisest people I will ever know.  There have been so many times since his death in 1994 that I have needed his wisdom.  I can't think of any particular question right now that I would ask, but my greatest desire would just be to sit at his feet and listen.  Just listen.

7. Something you learned from your father?

Dad loved greatly.  He wasn't an outgoing person but he loved people.  He loved the Lord and devoted his life in His service.  Although I don't have the heart for people that he did, I learned to love Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and to trust Him with all my heart.  Dad was a scholar and I think I inherited my love for Bible study and research from him.  He would not be pleased with my neglect of that lately though.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Recently friends invited us to visit a nearby winery and vineyard, we thought it would be an interesting and fun trip.  And it was!

Enoch's Stomp Vineyard and Winery

is about an hour from us in East Texas.  It has only been in existence since 2004 when Altus Koegelenberg, a passionate fifth generation grape grower from South Africa, moved his family to America and happened to run in to Jon Kral, a creative chemist with a love of nature.  The result of that fateful meeting was Enoch's located on 89 acres of the most beautiful rolling hills in Harleton, Texas.  Twelve acres are planted with grapes of six different varieties.  They make all of their own wines with the exception of one which they import.

Whether one chooses to imbibe or not, it is worth the drive to eat their delicious cuisine.

Housed in a log home, the restaurant offers the finest dining experience in East Texas.

 The beauty surrounding this place is unsurpassed in this part of the country.

 The Winery houses the Event Center and Tasting Room.

They bottle a variety of wines and and serve several delicious deserts.  We were serenaded with some good old familiar songs and as you can see, the atmosphere in the Winery is very relaxed.

 On our way back home, the sky was ablaze with light.  It was such a fun and different evening for us and one we will definitely repeat.