A Cheering Grieving Hodgepodge

Welcome back to our Wednesday Hodgepodge sponsored by From This Side of the Pond

Life is full of cheering and grieving, isn't it. We cheer the living and grieve for the lost; for the Christian we do both.

1.  It's National Wine Day (May 25)...do you like wine?  Red or white?  Dry or sweet?  Do you have a favorite?  Have you ever been to California wine country?  Or any other wine region?  What's a dish you make that calls for wine?

I am not a wine drinker.  I have tried both red and white; dry and sweet and really do not care for any of them enough to repeat.  Hence, no favorite.  We drink no other alcoholic drinks, so I guess I should say we just aren't drinkers at all.

We have been to California but not to wine country.  Texas has some lovely wine regions that we have visited with friends, where we dined and tasted.

We like to use white cooking wine in several recipes and keep it in the pantry.

2.  What's something you've whined about lately?

Not being able to walk due to a hip flexor issue, and not being able to work out in the pool because it's still too cool. Soon though, I will be whining about the heat.

3.  Last time you were 'wined and dined'?  Tell us about it.

Several months ago we were 'wined and dined' by a couple friend whose wedding Dick had performed.  It was a lovely evening in one of North Plano's finest.

4.  Three cheers for _________________

Granddaughter Cassidy celebrated her 26th birthday on Tuesday and we had a family celebration with the most adorable little baby boy who was actually the center of attention.

5.  This will be the last Hodgepodge in the month of May.  Somehow next Wednesday the calendar rolls into June.  Before we go though, sum up your May in twelve words or less.

Wonderful family visit, travel fun, rocking Landon, cool temps, loss and grief.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

This week my husband lost a classmate to a long battle with cancer.  

Our son lost his "brother/friend" in a freakish boating accident last weekend.  John and Charles (center of picture above - Charles's brother is behind him and our Christy is far left) were born less than a year apart and grew up as brothers playing in the same play pin as babies, involved in the same church activities from birth to college, played baseball together from pee wee to college.  To our children, his parents were Daddy Ray and Aunt Sarah.  So many great memories.

Sarah and Ray Norris were our first and best friends when we moved to Bastrop, LA in 1969 and Sarah remains one of our dearest friends.  Our hearts are broken for her and Charles's family and long list of friends.

Charles was a co-founder of the wonderful organization in South Central Texas, Cowboys 4 Heros.  It has done amazing work in that part of our state in supporting first-responders, and especially helping assist combat veterans and their families during the challenging transition from active duty to civilian life. Charles will be greatly missed, but with Memorial Day just ahead, he will be especially thought about.

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