A Look Back at Thanksgiving Past

This was a list of hard questions this week.  Join us on

Joyce's Blog

to see how the other bloggers answered these Hodgepodge questions.

How would you have answered them?

1.What's something you wish you knew how to do, but feel like it's too late to learn?

I would love to be able to do some of the yoga and Pilates positions that I see much younger and much more agile women being able to do.  However, it is not just a matter of FEELING like its too late, IT IS, if it ever was.

2. Your least favorite thing to shop for? Why?

Swimsuits.  I am really not a shopper at all, even for groceries, but trying on a swimsuit is torturous.

3. How has the celebration of Thanksgiving today changed from when you were growing up?

We would often get together with some of my mothers nine siblings and their families.  These were large gatherings that we cousins always looked forward to.  Below is a picture of some of the grandchildren with "Mama" in approximately 1950. I am in the front row between my little sister and favorite cousin.  My dad is standing on the left in the suit.  As you can tell, we dressed up for these casual often outdoor affairs.

By the way, Thanksgiving Day is my sister's birthday, so Happy Birthday my sweet Gin!

4. What's something that when other people see it, reminds them of you? Explain.

I have no idea how to answer this, so I asked Hubby.  His response after looking at me like I had three heads was, "short haired, good looking women."  So there!

5. If you could guest star in a TV show, what would it be and why?

Two tuffies in a row and again I have no answer.  I don't see myself in any particular show or in a particular role.  Sorry to not play along, but I'm stumped.

6. Have you ever farmed or spent any time on a farm? Are there farm stands in your little corner of the world and do you make it a point to shop there? If so, what item do you particularly like to buy from a roadside stand or farm shop?

No, I have never lived on a farm nor spent time on one.  We do not have actual farm stands unless you consider selling veggies from the back of ones truck, but we do have a large downtown farmer's market in the summer.  From the truck bed parked along a road side, we have purchased watermelon, strawberries and sweet potatoes.

7. What's something you've experienced recently that made you feel a sense of awe or wonder?

Our grandson attends the Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI and last Wednesday there was such an amazing phenomenon - a large double rainbow that spanned the entire horizon.  It appeared in the midst of international turmoil and uncertainty as an everlasting reminder that our good and faithful and sovereign God is still in control.

This photo was taken of the arch over Sprau Tower on the college campus.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

 Yesterday Hubby and I went to a matinee showing of the movie "My All American" on the recommendation of our daughter.  Her specific instructions were to "take a tissue."  It is such a great true story about Freddie Steinmark who played football for the University of Texas Longhorns.  I highly recommend it to you.

For those of you new to UT Football, Coach Darrell Royal is renowned and the stadium is named for him.  From all accounts he was truly a great coach and gentleman.

Here is a trailer to whet you interest.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Thanksgiving Post

The Hodgepodge almost got away from me this week.  Better late than never I guess.

I miss when I don't join all the Hodgepodgers on

Joyce's Blog.

1. What's surprised you most about your life, or about life in general?

That it could be even better than I had dreamed.

2. Among others, these ten words were added to the Oxford English Dictionary this year...awesomesauce, beer o'clock, brain fart, buttdial, cat cafe (apparently this is a real thing), fatberg (gross-read the definition here), fat shame, hangry, Mx (gender neutral), and skippable.

Your thoughts? In looking over the list, which word do you find most ridiculous? Which word would you never in a million years say out loud? Which word would you be most likely to use in conversation?

Honestly?  I think Mr. Webster would cringe to know these are actual words being used and accepted as part of any dictionary.  But that's just me.  He may celebrate the individuality that created such a diverse and questionable vocabulary.  The only word in this group that I have or would ever use is buttdial, but I much prefer pocketcall.  I might use skippable as I can already think of possibilities for its usage.  Such as these new words.

3. Do you like gravy? Is there a food you'd rather not eat unless it comes with gravy? Do you make your own or buy the canned or store-made variety? Turkey and gravy, sausage gravy, mashed potatoes and gravy, country ham and red eye gravy, biscuits and chocolate gravy, pot roast and gravy...which one on the list is your favorite?

Yes, we are gravy people although I rarely make it any more.  When we do, we usually use Tony Chachere's mix.  You can't beat the flavor and taste of this.  The Instant Roux is also excellent for making gumbos and flavoring pork ribs.

 

Mashed potatoes and meatloaf need some kind of gravy for me.  Sausage gravy would have to be my favorite because Hubby makes the best and it is always part of our Christmas Breakfast with son and family. 

4. Do you have a plan? Do you need a plan? Have you ever had a plan fall into a trillion pieces? Explain.

I am a planner and yes, need a plan.  I have had many, many plans fall into pieces.  I envision something happening and take steps to bring it about, but rarely does it unfold exactly the way I had planned.  I am learning to live with fewer expectations.

5. November 19 is National Play Monopoly Day. Do you own the original or some version of the game? Do you enjoy playing Monopoly? How likely is it you'll play a game of Monopoly on November 19th? Ever been to Atlantic City? Ever taken a ride on a railroad? Is parking in your town free? Last thing you took a chance on?

Do not have the game.
Do not like to play the game.
I will not play the game on November 19.
But I do like green eggs and ham.
I have never been to Atlantic City.
I have never taken a real trip on a railroad other than sightseeing.
We have parking meters in downtown.
The last thing I took a chance on was trying a totally different type painting for me.  See below.

6. A song you like that has the word (or some form of the word) thanks in the title, lyrics, or meaning?

There isn't just one, so I'll list some of my favorite hymns that have the word THANKS.
"Because I Have Been Given Much"
"Come Ye Thankful People Come"
"Count Your Blessings"
"Doxology:
"For the Beauty of the Earth"
"My Tribute"
"We Gather Together"

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude....what is something you're taking for granted that when you stop and think about it, you're grateful for?

I think I am guilty of taking many things for granted although I know all things come from a Sovereign God.  Because I know this about myself, I constantly try to have a grateful heart and express my thanks for both large and small.  But, I probably take my ability to think and faith for granted.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

As I mentioned above, I tried something different for me.  I have never drawn or painted a face since I started sketching as a child.  But, I saw a painting that I wanted to try to adapt.  This is my rendering.

 The verse is from Psalm 123, "Unto You I lift my eyes, You who dwells in heaven."

A Seasonal Personal Post

After being out last week, I look forward to rejoining the Hodgepodge bloggers for

Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Thank you Joyce!

1. In two or three sentences tell us what Veteran's Day means to you?

Will Rogers is well known for this saying:  "We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."  Veteran's Day is that special day when we can do just that - appreciate the heroes who have fought for the freedom to sit on the curb and clap.

2. What's your favorite film with a patriotic theme woven into the storyline?

"American Sniper" but also I liked the old movie, "Patton."

3. Flu shot-yes or no? If you answered no, do you plan to get a flu shot? If not, why not? Have you ever had the flu?

I do not plan to get a flu shot this year for several reasons.  First, I don't like putting the virus in my body in order to prevent getting the virus.  Second, I have never had the flu and third, I am not around children or a large gathering of people on a regular basis in order to be exposed to the virus.

4. I've seen lots of people posting pictures of their Christmas trees up and decorated. Many stores have had Christmas on display since well before Halloween. Red cups are back at Starbucks, sans the holiday decor, and that has some people up in arms. What are your thoughts on all the holiday ruckus this second week of November?

I haven't even decorated for fall yet!  So what does that tell you?  After our little anniversary party that can be seen HERE, I just haven't been in the decorating mood.  I never do a lot of Christmas decorating anyway because for the last several years we have not been at home for Christmas.  Now, what do I think of all the early ruckus?  I think it unnecessarily gets earlier every year.  There is admittedly a very short commercial Christmas season if they wait until after Thanksgiving, but many stores are putting decorations out in mid October.  Much too early!

5. What 'critter' are you most afraid of encountering unexpectedly? Why that one?

Either a mouse or a roach.  Can't tolerate either one!

6. Do you like building things? What's the last thing you 'built'?

I don't think I'm a builder unless you want to consider the two books I "compiled" or built for our anniversary celebration.

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude...what are you most grateful for that brings beauty to your daily life?

I am most grateful for and humbled by the unconditional election of my Sovereign, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am also grateful for and humbled by the unconditional love and acceptance of my Hubby.  For instance, this morning he sent me this video and then walked in with a beautiful plant.  Just because!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

We have been so thrilled to be able to watch our grandson play football on national television the past few weeks.  He plays for Western Michigan, who I might add is undefeated in the Mid-America Conference.  They play Bowling Green tonight on ESPNU or ESPN2 at 6:30.  Look for the handsome guy wearing #65 and DAY on the back of the jersey.

 This past week, I spent some time with one of my sisters - the middle one.  We cleaned out and organized closets, took road trips, and just enjoyed each other.  On Friday, we met our youngest sister to watch her grandson play his last regular season football game as a senior.  He did a great job.  I had forgotten how fun and different high school games can be.

Nothing like sister time!

 It was Parent's Weekend on the University of Texas Campus and granddaughter #2's sorority, Alpha Phi, participated in the Red Dress Gala fundraiser for the American Heart Association.  Is this not a great-looking family?

 I am very blessed and so very grateful for all the good things He bestows.

50th Wedding Anniversary Recap

I have not had time to give you a recap of our 50th Wedding Anniversary Open House,

so since I now have the pictures ready, today seemed like a good time.

Hubby and I were married on September 5, 1965 and on September 5, 2015 we hosted an 

Open House for close friends and family.

It was a gorgeous day and even our house was happy.

I designed our guest book with pictures from the 50 years and asked guests to select a page to sign.

 I also compiled a book that encompassed special events during the past 50 years as a keepsake for us and our children.  Guests really enjoyed looking at it.

 The food and flowers were perfect and set the stage for a very festive and welcoming party.

 My long-time friend, Jean Ann took on the task of doing the food and she could not have done a better job.

I was so glad to have my sisters there as they were my bridesmaids 50 years ago and such an important part of our lives.

On the right is my daughter and two of her daughters enjoying the book.

 Cousins!  On the left are our Lazenby cousins; center is son (center) and two of his cousins; right is granddaughter and a new cousin she had never met.

 We missed our Daughter-in-Love, Michelle and three Indiana grandchildren due to previous activities, but were so grateful to have our son, John and daughter Christy and her family.

 So many sweet friends representing different times of our life together came to help us celebrate.

Our little garden home was filled with laughter and lots of hugs.

 There is nothing like treasured friendships!

 Yes, it was a memorable event for a memorable milestone.

We are so grateful for the 50 years God has given us together and for the many blessings He has poured out in our lives.

How I Wear My Gray

Today I am participating with Adrienne

for

How I Wear My Gray.

Gray may be the season's hottest hue, but that doesn't necessarily make it easy to carry off.  And, it is not my best color.  So, here's how I wear gray and some pointers that may help you wear it as well.

  Add shine to gray.

Either choose gray pieces with hints of metallic thread or sequins, or layer with a sequin or satin piece.  My suit has a sheen that adds interest and keeps it from being a boring old gray suit.

I like to wear a black shell with suits because I can accessorize it anyway I want to.  But, for the most sophisticated and professional look, pair gray with black or white.  Or wear various shades of gray, layering dove gray and charcoal together.  The lighter the gray, the darker the complementary color should be, and vice versa.

Match gray with colors that work.

If you are like me and gray is not your best color, then add interest to gray with color.  Jewel tones -- ruby, purple, cobalt, and violet -- all look rich with gray.

Many women find the best way to wear gray is as a jacket or bottom, using color (in the form of a blouse or shell) up close to the face for flattery.  Scarves and jewelry add a great option too.  These kinds of color combinations give the impression of a balanced outfit, with just enough contrast to keep it interesting.

Have fun with gray!

There are so many possibilities for changing up what otherwise could be a very boring and bleaching color.  For ideas, find a piece of art that you really like.  This will give you color combination suggestions.

Do any of the following paintings speak to you and inspire you to shop in your closet for new combinations and outfits?

 

So how do you wear your gray?