Good Bye July

We are in an extended heat wave, with daily temperatures expected to be over 100 degrees this week, which means a heat index of well over 115, so guess where I plan to spend my days.  If you guessed inside, you win the prize.

Thank you, Joyce, for providing a bit of indoor entertainment on this Wednesday.

1. On July 29th 1957 The Tonite Show premiered with Jack Parr as it's host. This marked the beginning of the modern day talk show. Do you watch any daytime or late night talk shows today? Do you have any thoughts on the hubbub surrounding the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, or are you more in the camp of 'who is Stephen Colbert? 

We occasionally watch daytime talk shows on Fox, but rarely late-night shows. I can honestly say I have only seen clips of a Stephen Colbert show, and have never found him to be entertaining or funny.  He will not be missed in this house.

2. What's the best part of your day?

The best part of my day is early morning, when Dick and I sit in our sunroom together, each doing our daily Bible reading while enjoying a cup of coffee/tea, and visiting.  These are the most well-spent two hours of our day.

3. What's something your generation does that you actually dislike?

Comparing ailments.  Although I dislike it, at this point in our lives, it is often the most shared interest and concern.  We have numerous friends who are undergoing grave physical issues, so naturally, we discuss them.  This is not what we had hoped our 80's to be all about.

4. When you cook do you clean as you go, or clean it all up once you're finished cooking? What's the last thing you cooked/baked in your own kitchen?

I dislike a messy kitchen, so I wash everything as I go.  When a meal is prepared, the kitchen is spick and span.  The last thing we baked in our oven was a homemade pizza.

5. Sum up your July in ten words or less.

Incapacitated, a lot of sitting with hot/cold compresses and a Tens Unit, a 3-year old's birthday, and most important, time with our family.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

 

Our son and daughter-in-love flew in from Northern Indiana last Thursday for a few days before using one of our vehicles to drive to Louisiana Monday morning for a family wedding this week.  On Saturday, we had our daughter and her family, as well as her oldest daughter, Chandler, and her family, to join us for lunch and a time of catching up with each other.

As I was unable to do much cooking, we ate out several times and enjoyed the local cuisine.  Sunday, the four of us enjoyed a Cajun lunch at Pappadeaux's before Dick and John went to Cosm for a Matrix experience.  They were not disappointed, as it must have been worth every cent it cost.

Here's a Great Grand picture catch-up.

Baby Bass is the happiest 6-month-old and enjoyed his great-grandmother's lap for a bit.

But he wasn't too excited about watermelon.

Without a doubt, big brother, 3-year-old Landon's favorite food is ice cream, and their recent trip to Greece offered a magnificent offering.

Their Greek cousin, Noah, is the most advanced 6-month-old we have ever seen.  Dad is giving him a head start on one of Greece's favorite sports, basketball.

Jax had his 3rd birthday in July and also attending a "Horse Camp." He said he needed his papa's western hat for that, which he got, and now the hat belongs to Jax.

Ten-month-old Navy Grace is sporting her own hat while being held in Papa's arms.

Enjoy your week!

A Thoughtful Hodgepodge

It's time again to visit with friends on the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  If you are interested in seeing how others answer Joyce's questions, Click Here!

1. What's a characteristic you admire in others? Elaborate.

Thoughtfulness!

This is just not my gift, but I do so admire others who give graciously and without effort.  I have friends who always think of the most thoughtful things to do for others, such as preparing a meal, giving a simple gift, or sending a card.  I have even been the recipient of such thoughtfulness, and wonder what made them think of that?  I marvel and wonder, "Why didn't I think of doing that?"  But it never crosses my mind.  I do try to do nice things, when I think about it, and am an encourager in other ways, but I really do admire those who have this natural gift without effort.

 

2. Do you have a favorite mug? Let's see it. Why is this one your favorite? 

I rarely drink out of a mug; instead, I have my morning hot drink from my Yeti.

3. July 15th is/was National Give Something Away Day...will you (or did you, depending on what day you answer these questions) give something away? If so what? Do you regularly give away or do you tend to  'accumulate'?

 I did not give anything away today, as I write this.  When we clean out our closets, we donate to our church's mission dumpster near our house.  We don't normally accumulate and try to clear out what we no longer use at least twice a year. 

4. You're planning a trip. Do you prefer exploring big cities or smaller, more off the grid towns? World Atlas lists these 12 'off the grid' towns to see in 2025. How many on the list have you seen? Of those listed which one would you most like to visit? Tell us why? 

Boothbay Harbor Maine, Middlebury Vermont, New Hope Pennsylvania, Rehoboth Beach Delaware, Brevard North Carolina, Saugatuck Michigan, Medora North Dakota, Ouray Colorado, Lamoille Nevada, Neah Bay Washington, Hood River Oregon, or Cambria California

*You can read more about each destination by clicking the link above. 

We are more off-the-grid travelers.  From the list, we have visited Saugatuck, MI, several times and always enjoy this delightful town.  There are other harbor towns along Lake Michigan that we also enjoy.  We have also been to Ouray, CO, and love its quaintness and especially the Million Dollar Highway we travel to get there.  We have driven through Brevard, NC, but did not spend time there.

As we have not traveled in the Northeast, any of those towns would be great to visit.

5. Have you ever...ridden a motorcycle?  Yes

been to a Disney park?  No

met a celebrity?  Yes

won a contest?  Yes

Tell us something about whatever you answered yes to on this list.

 

My husband owned a motorcycle, and I rode it daily for a year to the bus barn where my school bus was parked.  It was not my favorite mode of transportation, and I especially felt extremely vulnerable after driving a 60-passenger International Blue Bird bus.

I am not a celebrity hog, so do not seek them out.

I attended an event where Tim Tebow's mother was the featured speaker.  She was delightful, and though not really a celebrity, it was a pleasure to meet her.  

The most recent is Scott Turner (I don't think he would consider himself a celebrity), the current U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.  He was one of the pastors at our church before his appointment to the Trump cabinet.  

I was Homecoming Queen my senior year in high school; in college, I was voted "Miss LSUA" for this country freshman, which was an honor.  I then won the "Miss Rapides Parish" contest.  Several years later, I won a blue ribbon at our local parish fair for my cornbread.  How about that?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

These are pictures to prove it, except for the cornbread one.

High School Homecoming 1962

Miss LSUA 1963

Miss Rapides Parish 1964

In Times of Trouble

Last summer, we made a trip into the beautiful Hill Country of Central Texas.  One day, we took a drive through the Guadalupe River area.  It was the most interesting, winding road that followed the path of this pretty, flowing river.  There are camps, homes, and campgrounds all along the edge of the river, where people flock to on weekends and especially on holidays.  Having seen this area personally, it is easy to understand how a flash flood of such magnitude could absolutely overwhelm those who are there.  May God bless the people of Central Texas.

1. What's an adult problem nobody prepared you for? 

How to graciously deal with the limitations that come with being 80+, even though my mother was a great example.

2. How tuned in are you to all the recent food related health news? Have you gotten rid of your scratched cookware? Did you pay attention to food additives before they made the news? What's one healthy eating/cooking/food shopping habit you need to adopt?

Obviously, I am not tuned in at all.  What health news?  I thought that the more scratched and dented our pots and pans were, the more confident we became as cooks.  Neither have I been overly concerned with additives, and to the dismay of some, we use food past the "Best used by" date.  At this point, I am not planning to change any habits.  We eat and cook as healthy as both of us desire, and I am not about to change Dick's shopping habits.

3. What's getting worse and worse as you get older? How about better and better?

Patriotism!  I find it appalling that so many young adults no longer have any national pride or love for their country.  How can we expect things to improve when so many people are unwilling to make a positive difference?

There seems to be a spiritual revival among many young college students.  This week, over 300 youth and adults from our church will be going to the UK to minister through music and personal encounters.  I find this encouraging, and am so proud that our youngest granddaughter will be among them.

4. Are you more of an indoor person or an outdoor person? Elaborate. 

These days, I am more of an inside person, but that's simply because I'm old and can't stand the heat.

5. If you had an expert personal assistant today, what would you have them do?

Clean the bathrooms and change the sheets.  I'm sure with her extra time, she could cook and do the floors as well.

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

On July 4th, the Hill Country in Central Texas experienced the most devastating historical floods, taking the lives of more than 100 children and adults.  There have been both heartbreaking and inspirational stories to come from this horrible experience, such as finding the bodies of sisters aged 11 and 8 still clutching hands.  Or the family of six, whose bodies were still enveloped in the arms of the daddy.  There was the rescue of a young girl from a tree 13 miles from her camp.  And so many more who are still missing.

Through the most disastrous times of our lives, we have a choice: to believe in faith that there is still a loving God who will carry us through in His arms, or reject the idea of a loving God and seek answers and comfort elsewhere.  Thankfully, many of these families know the God of truth and loving kindness, even in times such as these. May we all be as strong.

A Blog Post 10 Years Ago

I thought it would be interesting to look back and see what I was doing 20 years ago today.  Not much has changed.

Women Over 50 or 60 or 70 or....

 Elizabeth "Libby" Day  7/06/2015

As a general rule, I believe women over-60 are more comfortable in their skin than younger women. Why do you think that may be?  Well, I've given it some thought, and have come to a very simple conclusion.

Wisdom, maturity and fulfillment are huge boosts to one's sense of well-being.

Usually, by the time a woman turns that big age corner, she has achieved a degree of wisdom in at least one subject.  If she has been married for a while, then she is wise regarding the male species; if she mothered at least one child, then she is wise enough to not have any more at the age of 60.

Maturity is not necessarily the same as wisdom.  Maturity means one does not have to wear the latest fashion trend any longer; she can wear red lipstick to the grocery store if she wants to; and she can embrace every wrinkle or ounce of cellulite because she knows shes earned them.

Fulfillment comes with having done just about all the hard stuff life requires before getting old.

We have time to enjoy being alone or with carefully selected friends.

By now, we have a pretty good idea of what is important in life and can let go of what isn't.

 We still care about staying healthy and living long enough to enjoy our great-grand children.

We no longer have to fit into an expected mold but can be free to express ourselves as we feel comfortable and appropriate for us.

We 60 and above aged women are a very blessed age group, I think.  And, I love it!

There are a few things though that I think are worth thinking about regarding clothing for us wise, mature and fulfilled women.

The challenge, I think is simply finding wearable, modern clothes to fit my lifestyle, budget and figure.

Keeping up with trends can be even more difficult because many fashion magazines ignore women over a certain age.

 

As a matter of fact, practically any fashion trend can be adapted if you know some general guidelines.

Some Real Quick Tips:

•  To keep current, dressing sexy doesn't mean you have to bare every body part.
• Show your sensuality with luxe fabrics (silk, leather, cashmere, fur) and rich colors (wine, chocolate, plum, champagne and midnight).
• Watch your handbag: it is usually a dead giveaway to your age - proportion to your size.
• Know that today you don't have to trade style for comfort and ease. Shop for wearable, updated shoes. Wear stretch fabrics whenever possible.
• Use accessories to create maximum impact.

• 
  Getting older and looking great while you're getting there can be a challenge but an exciting one.

Here are some Don'ts:

Be healthy but Don't get too skinny and don't gain too much weight!

Don't wear baggy, shapeless clothes, but tunics are a great item for all shapes.

Don't wear ditsy and fussy prints like tiny florals.

Don't wear overdone, fussy styles or details (gold buttons, gold trim, etc.). They are terribly aging.

Don't think you have to wear skirt suits.  Pants are generally much more youthful.

Don't shy away from all black.

Don't expose your upper arms and neck: these are both tricky areas for most women over a certain age.

Don't wear fussy, frilly evening attire. Go for tailored instead!

Now some Do's:

• Do think young. Be unpredictable.
• Do effect a natural look in beauty.
• And finally, Do follow the old adage: Aging is a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!

Every day is a gift so wrap it up and make it special!

What I Love Wednesday

I am deviating from the usual Wednesday Hodgepodge today and thought I would reclaim a post I did in 2012 entitled "What I Love Wednesday."  In that post, I wrote about "Beauty is God's Handwriting" and featured some of the beauty around me that I loved seeing.  It was interesting to go back and read that, and should you want to go back in time, this is the link:

What I Love Wednesday 20122

So, what can I share today, 13 years later and older.

1.  My sis and I shared reading-the-Bible-through with a chronological plan last year.  We enjoyed doing that together, so I bought us the "Day to Day Chronological Bible" for this year.  Unfortunately, during her recent move, her copy disappeared.  I miss being able to share this study with her, but have found it a most enjoyable way to read the Bible every morning in context.  I highly recommend this as a Daily Reading with study guides and plenty of room for notes.

2.  Another book that I read along with my daily reading is "The Spirit Code" by O. S Hawkins.  He shares 40 truths about the Holy Spirit that every believer should know.  Reading a chapter every morning has been a most beneficial addition.  By the way, O. S. Hawkins oversaw Guidestone and "Mission Dignity", which provides funds to spouses of deceased ministers who served in the Southern Baptist Convention.  Our mother benefited from this ministry and it is one our church, and Dick and I support.

3.  Summer salads are something else I'm loving right now.  I think my favorite is combining cucumbers, avocados, tomatoes, and shrimp, tossed with a citrus dressing.  It is so refreshing.

4.  Since 2012, we have moved to Plano, TX.  Although I don't love the hot summers here, we do love living here.  We love our little 55+ gated village that consists of 29 buildings.  These buildings are made up of units, of which there are 128.  Our streets are safe walking paths, and the location is unbeatable. 

All exterior upkeep is provided by the HOA, which is a huge blessing.  Of course, the HOA dues pay for it, but we are relieved from those responsibilities, which is enormous.  Although I no longer serve on the HOA Board of Directors, we are still very much involved in the day-to-day activities.  Moving here was definitely one of God's blessings to us.

Village at Prestonwood

5.  I love that my two oldest sister granddaughters are enjoying family time together in Athens, Greece, where Cassidy now lives.  This is such a treasured time for them and their babies.

This is a good wrap-up of what I love this Wednesday, while I focus on the beauty of God's handiwork around me.  What are you loving today?

Summer Time & Greats

It's all about summer on the Hodgepodge today.  I don't know about where you live but, I'm not ready for the North Central Texas heat at all.  I'm yet to find anything pleasant about weeks on end of such intense temperatures.  So let me suggest you get a popsicle, sit inside where it's cool, and join in on the questions Joyce shared with us this week HERE.

1. Summer officially begins this week (in the northern hemisphere)...what was your favorite thing to do in the summer when you were a kid? What do you like most about summer now?

 

We grew up in rural Central Louisiana, and summers were spectacular.  That is, to a kid with little to no responsibilities other than staying out of the house and behaving commiserate as a preacher's kid.  My sister and I spent our time in the woods, climbing trees, riding bicycles, and pretending to the height of our imaginations.  We didn't recognize the extreme southern temperatures and humidity because it was all we had known, and there was no air conditioning until much later.

Now?  I can't think of much to like about summer as an adult here in North Central Texas, where temperatures have already topped 100 degrees.  Simply walking to get the mail is an experience when you think your face has melted.  I am, however, very grateful that I don't have to be out in the heat very much.  Needless to say, I am a fall and winter girl!

2.  Something you'll celebrate this summer?

First, I hope to begin the summer with an NCAA Baseball National Title for our LSU boys.  We should know Wednesday night if our Tigers get to play this weekend for the National Championship.

 We don't have any big celebrations this summer, except that our great-grandson #2 in Indiana will be 3 in July.  Also, long-time friends from Georgia will visit in early July, and our son and DIL will be here at the end of the month.  We look forward to both these visits.

3. Summer tastes like?     Watermelon and lemonade

    Smells like?     Heat rising from concrete

    Sounds like?    The interior sounds of a recycling air conditioner

 

4. June 18th is National Splurge Day...what's the last thing you splurged on? What might you splurge on today? 

I'm not normally a splurger, so I don't really have any plans to change that.  We had single pizzas for dinner on Tuesday night.  That counts, I think.

5. Share a favorite summer quote, saying, song lyric, or meme.

Summer Time 

This is what always comes to mind when I think of "summertime" - Leontyne Price singing from "Porgy & Bess" - "Summertime, and the livin' is easy."

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

It has been quite a while since I updated you on all our great-grandchildren.  By the way, they number seven now.

Our Cunningham family added a big boy, Sebastian "Bass," in January, and  Landon turned 3 in April.

Our Indiana Day family added Navy Grace to join her big brother, Jax, last September.  She was our first great-granddaughter and as you can see, is a beautiful blue-eyed doll.

In Arkansas, we have Jasper and Juniper "Junie," who are two and 4 months.  They could be twins, they look so much alike.

Living in Greece is our Noah or No'a, the Greek spelling.  Cassidy & Angelos make their home in Athens, where Angelos runs his family's exclusive pastry shop.  They are celebrating the 100th anniversary this year and welcome the 5th generation.  We haven't met the sweet baby yet, but Cassidy shares lots of pictures.  They do not wish to publish his face, but trust me, he is a Greek beauty.  He is also a big boy - meeting all the standards of a 7 1/2 month old at 4 months.

The Cunningham family is currently in Greece getting acquainted with each other's newest boys, born three weeks apart across the world from each other.  Spending a few weeks on the Riviera will be nice as well.

What A Man!

I first posted this in memory of our dad, William Porter Lazenby, on the 25th anniversary of his death 25 years prior. Today, I'm posting it again as we remember and pay tribute to him for Father's Day, 31 years after his death, and marking his 106th birthday on May 15, 2025.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy.  We love and miss you!

WHAT A MAN!

 Elizabeth "Libby" Day  1/18/2019

Twenty-five years ago today, we lost our dad due to complications following surgery.

It was a sudden, unexpected, and earth-shattering event for our family.

Who was this man whose death would leave such a chasm for family and friends?

He was a strong man, a tall man with large hands; he loved the outdoors and seeing things grow;  he loved building things with his own hands; he had the most amazing deep-set blue eyes; he was a friend, counselor, encourager, and pastor to many.

He was forever a student who read ferociously and retained most of what he read. 

He was serious and somewhat of an introverted man who preferred being alone rather than in large groups although he never met a stranger.

He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh.

To me and my sisters, he was Daddy.

To our mother he was Porter.

He was Poppa to his seven grandchildren.

To his brother he was Dick and to his children, Uncle Dick.

To many, he was Preacher.

He was Bro. Lazenby to those who either didn't know him very well or used it out of respect.

But who was this beloved man really?

"He was a complex man and highly intelligent who thought deeply about life.  The world he left behind is a much better place for his having been there."

After his death, my youngest sister, Sarah, compiled a book of collected memories about what Daddy meant to people who had known him from all walks of life.

These are bits and pieces from that book.

Three of his grandsons wrote the following:

"William Porter Lazenby, my Poppa, was the greatest, smartest, and most generous man I I have ever known.  He was everything good rolled up into one great man.  I have many fond memories of him."  (Doug) 

"Poppa was one of my best friends.  When we spent time together, the world stopped

for a moment to see the joy this wonderful man brought into my life.  I love him with all my heart.  He was 100% love."  (Chris)

"Poppa was a great man.  He was always kind to animals and nature.  He never disliked anybody.  He loved to build things.  Poppa was a perfect role model for anybody.  I miss him and love him very much."  (Ben)

My son called him "the wise, gentle giant!" 

One of his best friends titled his "memory" this way:

"A Gingerly Generous Giant"

He went on to explain it like this:

"Gingerly?  Yes, he was gentle, cautious, careful, and delicate in his dealings with others.  Generous?  Yes, in spiritual things, in material blessings, and in spirit.  A Giant?  Certainly, he was that in his undying devotion to God, to his family, to his friends and to all mankind.  He was a kind, loving, and compassionate person, and we're glad that we were counted among his circle of friends."

The following are just words that people used to describe him.

"My Pastor"

"My Counselor"

"My Friend"

"The wisest and kindest man I know!"

"He always had words of comfort and encouragement when I needed them."

"Quiet dignity"

"Porter was an encourager.  He saw life in beauty and felt other people should too, so he encouraged us to so live."

"He would always tell me how I had a pretty smile, but to me, it was his smile that was pretty.  His eyes would light up when he smiled.  I can still hear him say, "Come sit, girl, and let's visit."

My own memories of Daddy were summarized in a "Thank You, Daddy" letter that I had given him for Father's Day back in 1986.

The final line went like this:

"...for giving to us all the greatest gift one person can give another - an example of God's love."

To us girls, he was the best Daddy anyone could have had.  He was the model of a Daddy to our friends.  He was the model for the man we hoped to marry one day.  He passed on his great love for people to us.  His love of nature and animals to my sisters, and the love of history and writing to me.  He exhibited unconditional love and acceptance not only to us but to everyone with whom he came in contact.  He showed us Jesus every day of our lives.

Perhaps the most comprehensive and sincere, and inciteful look at who Daddy truly was, was from our Mother.  They had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary a month before his death.

Theirs is the most beautiful love story that lasted until Mother died in 2005.  Yet, it lives on in each of us who knew and loved them and were touched by them.

"Porter, a man!  Gentle, loving, kind, patient, unselfish, and yet so strong, uncompromising in his convictions, always hopeful. Committed first to God, then to us.  How else could it have been the supreme life?"

"Porter, a teacher!  Not only was he my pastor for 50 years and a teacher in spiritual matters but he taught me many things:  to see beauty and appreciate it in everything around us....very few days passed in those 50 years that he did not bring me a flower or maybe a pretty leaf and would say, 'this says I love you!''

"Porter, ever hopeful!  Hope was a vital quality in Porter's life.  There was always that assurance that God was in control and would supply all we needed.

"Porter, the romantic!  Yes, the lover, the poet, the dreamer.  What a three-month courtship that was!  I have kept and will pass on the love letters from that time and it is only as you read them that you will know that part of this man.

"Porter, the father and grandfather!  Oh, how proud he was of his three girls.  He was interested in every phase of their lives.  He was never too busy to listen or counsel, or to encourage.  He saw each son-in-law as the special 'chosen ones'.

"The crowning glory for him was his grandchildren.  Oh, how he loved and cherished his 'grands' and sought to develop the character traits he saw in each one.

"WHAT A MAN!"

Yes, what a man, what a Daddy, Grandfather, and friend he was.  I want to believe that he continues to live on through those he left behind.