Who Loves Orange?

There has actually been a bit of Fall wind in the mornings around here this week.  I was finally in the mood to plant some flowers in my entry pots that will last all winter.  Ornamental cabbage and a colorful mix of petunias did the trick.

Thank you, Joyce, for hosting the Hodgepodge as always.

1. What do you like most about your family?

What's not to like, I ask thee!!  My family has personality overload, especially the grandchildren.  We are a loving family with a sense of humor that is delightful.  Everyone is an individual with their own likes and dislikes, personalities, and gifts.  Some commonalities are family traits, yet we are all so different and unique.  I like that!

2. What's something nice that's happened to you recently?

I was recently told by a new friend that she thought I was in my 60s.  That was something pretty nice, since I will have my 81st birthday next week.

We had a gathering after church to celebrate our youngest granddaughter's 19th birthday.  Any time I'm with my kids is nice.  We also celebrated her boyfriend being selected as 2025 PCA Homecoming King.  That was a pretty big deal as well.

3. Do you like the color orange? Besides a pumpkin and an actual orange, what's something orange you love?

Orange is probably my favorite color besides an orangy red, so yes, I like that color.  I love orange clothing and have several items in my closet.    This is a picture taken a few years ago on the 1st day of Fall.  I do not, however, use orange in my home decor except in the fall.

4.  What's something you have now you couldn't have imagined having five years ago? How does that make you feel? What's possible now because of it?

 Five years ago, we could not imagine living in Plano, TX, near our daughter.  We were not ready to move, yet when the decision was made, we were more than ready for the change.  We could not have imagined being as happy and blessed as we are at this point in our lives.  God has been so faithful, and we will be forever grateful.

What is possible now because of this move?

We get to sit with our daughter, granddaughters, and family for worship on Sunday mornings. We are close enough for occasional family gatherings.  We have immediate access to all aspects of our healthcare.  We have made life-long friendships and have had opportunities to serve and grow spiritually that he didn't have before this move.  We are 2 minutes from our church and 30 minutes from the DFW airport.  We can easily pick up visiting family members and out-of-town guests.  As I said, we are so very grateful!

5. Let's wrap this one up with an October this or that...

• pumpkin bread or apple cider donut
• pumpkin bread w/apple cider
• cozy sweater or cozy hoodie
• cozy sweater but only after October
• apple picking or pumpkin picking
• pumpkin picking from a grocery store
• scary movie or Hallmark movie
• depends on how scary; otherwise a Hallmark movie
• hay ride or corn maze
• hay ride, if I were still a teenager, but neither is appealing at this point
• twinkle lights or candles
• candles but twinkle lights are also good
• autumn hike or autumn bonfire
• a slow autumn hike with few inclines.   Winter firepit fires are enjoyable when in Northern Indiana.  We just don't have bonfires in Plano, TX

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Our granddaughter and her husband who live in Greece, gave his father a surprise trip to NYC for his birthday.  He is a lifelong resident of Athens, Greece, and it has always been his dream to visit this city.  Below are a few pictures of their week.  He especially enjoyed spending this special time with his only grandchild, Noah.  I think Noah enjoyed it as well.

Later this week, Noah, along with his mom and dad, will arrive in Plano to meet his Texas family.  We can't wait.

Peaceful Hodgepodge

"I am the Lord.  I have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will hold you by your hand.  I will watch over you, and I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, in order to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those sitting in darkness from the prison house.  I am the Lord.  That is my name, and I will not give my glory to another..." Isaiah 42: 6-8a

What a week we have been blessed to experience.  May God be praised and no other.

Thank you, Joyce, for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you make an effort to see/hear live music? Last time you went somewhere for live music?

 I assume you aren't including the Sunday worship service.  In that case, we made an effort to attend our youth's annual Fall Follies last Sunday night.  It was an amazing production with unbelievable talent.  They give four performances and every one only gets better.

It seriously is Broadway-worthy.  No kidding!   Other than that, we do not make an effort to attend live music performances.  Before moving to Plano, we had season tickets to the Shreveport Symphony. 

2. According to HGTV, the colors of the year for 2026 are mostly decided. Top paint companies declare a color of the year, and decorators will incorporate that into their new year home and room designs. Here's what's on tap in terms of paint trends for 2026 (check out the link here to see photos)

• Sherwin-Williams universal khaki (inspired by heavy canvas and outdoor gear)
• Behr-hidden gem (a confident shade of teal)
• Valspar-warm eucalyptus (a warm silver-tinted green)
• Dutch Boy-melodious ivory (a honey-tinted beige)
• Glidden-warm mahogany (a classic brick red)
• Krylon-matte coffee bean
• Clark and Kensington -Hazelnut Crunch (warm reddish-brown)
• Graham and Brown-Divine Damson (cherry red with a subtle violet undertone)
• Dunn and Edwards-midnight garden (the green that works everywhere) 

First question: Did you know there were so many different paint manufacturers? Which color on the list most appeals to you in terms of your own decorating style? Do you have plans to do any painting in your home in the coming year, and if so, might you choose a color from this list?

 No, I wasn't familiar with some of these.

Sherwin-Williams universal khaki is the only one I would consider, but I would prefer a lighter shade of this color.  It is similar to the wall color in our previous house.  The Behr Hidden Gem

would be a color you might find in my closet but never on my walls.

I do not plan to do any wall painting any time soon.

Now, forget painting walls, which color name appeals to you most?

Midnight Garden

3. What's something in your life you have to do - watch - or participate in that's about as exciting as 'watching paint dry'?

Housework?  Did I mention previously that we have a housekeeper who comes monthly?  She asked me last time if I cleaned between her visits.  I did sort of lie and insist that, of course, I do.  That was partly true because I do run a swiffer over the furniture and vacuum a couple of times.  May I just say that I did not appreciate that remark and wanted to say, "Why do you think I pay you to come?"  But I was nice because I do like her, and she does a great job.  You can be sure that I will have cleaned before she comes next time.  Does anyone else clean before the housekeeper comes?

4 . Tuesday, October 14th is/was National Dessert Day...did you/will you celebrate? Tell us how? What's your absolute favorite dessert? Yes, just one. I know!! 

Brownies are my favorite dessert, and as I am writing this on the 14th, I think a celebration is in order.

5. Perhaps today is the day I will start a new book to complete the series I started a few weeks ago while eating a plate full of brownies.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This past Saturday morning, we picked up friends to visit the Coppell Farmer's Market.  Our friends frequent it often and were familiar with many of the vendors and their products; however, this was our first time.

It was a lovely morning and such a nice location.  It was not as busy as it obviously is because they were having a "Dressed Dog Show" in the pavilion, which left the shopping wide open.  We did not attend the show.

This lovely lady at the beSpiced station sold me on a jar of Turmeric Churna.  I have made a couple of cups of tea and can't wait to be inflammation-free.

These cute ones sold Dick on pita bread, homemade chips, and humus.

These folks at the Jersey Dairy tent sold us on their Peach Yogurt.  Delicious, but the bottle was too small for my liking.  We would have loved to bring home a gallon of fresh Jersey milk, but at $9 we decided to leave it there.

After doing all the walking and looking that we cared to do, we found a delightful brunch spot nearby.  Let me just say that the Pumpkin pancake topped with toasted pecans and a delicious sweet cream was the pièce de résistance.

I think Dick and I may return, perhaps when it gets cooler.

Apples & Nuts on the Hodgepodge

It appears that we will not experience Fall in North Central Texas any time soon.  It will remain in the upper 80s and 90s until late October at the earliest.  By then we will be more than ready for the slightest drop in temperature.  In the meantime, I will stay inside as much as possible and hope for a road trip out of town to see some sign of Fall somewhere.

Thank you, Joyce for this week's questions and Hodgepodge connections.

1. 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.' How does this saying ring true in your own family, either the one you grew up in or the one you made?

I inherited my mother's brown eyes and passed them on to my son.

My personality is similar to my dad's, and I have also passed those same traits on to my son and a bit to my daughter.

My dad's eyes were a beautiful blue, and my daughter inherited those.

I inherited my parents' love of reading and Bible study, as well as my dad's love of history.

My parents passed on their legacy of faith, and thankfully, we have passed that on to our children.  In this respect, we are so grateful the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

2. Something you're nuts about these days? How about something that's driving you nuts?

I really can't think of anything that I am nuts about other than nuts themselves.  I read that if you have thyroid issues, you should have nuts at every meal.  I have no idea if that is true, but it sure sounds reasonable to me and something I can do happily.

Something that drives me nuts!  I know this sounds very persnickety, but I can't stand for my dining room chairs to be out of place.  And by that, the legs must be perfectly placed against the table legs.  I have a round table with four chairs, if that helps you envision my issue.  There are other OCD concerns, but let's leave it here with the chairs.

3. What does abundance mean to you?

Over and above what is necessary or common, a rich supply.

 Jesus said that He came that we might live life abundantly.  The Old Testament gave this example of abundance:

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast   anointed my head with oil;
My cup runneth over
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." (Psalms 23:5-6)

4. Caramel apple-caramel cake-caramel corn-caramel sundae-caramel macchiatto...what's your caramel treat of choice? 

Caramel Cake

5. What's a childhood memory that always comes to mind as the leaves start to fall?

I remember vividly playing in the woods with my younger sister.  We loved making "houses" by doing the outline of the house and rooms out of pine straw.  We loved being outside all year long, and could do that in the south, but the fall was a particularly fun time of the year.  We also enjoyed squirrel hunting with our dad.

 

6. Insert. your own random thought here.

I have learned how to keep avocados!  Once they have reached the desired stage of ripeness, put them in a large container, covered with water, and put them into the frig.  I keep mine whole.  They will last about two weeks like this and peel quite easily.  Make sure they are ripe, because the ripening process is stopped once you put them in the frig.  You can thank me later.

 

Weekend Wrap-up

The happenings during the week were nothing especially noteworthy unless you want to hear me brag on myself for cleaning out all the winter clothes I can no longer wear.  The back of my Highlander is loaded with pants, tops, sweaters, suits, jackets, to be taken to a consignment store on Monday.  Oh, the difference unwanted pounds can make.  And it's not good.

My morning chronological Bible readings are currently in the Minor Prophets, Kings, and Isaiah.  The judgments against the very kingdoms God himself loved and saved meant destruction.  Their repeated unfaithfulness and rebellion against the Almighty God resulted in captivity and death.  Yet, He promised a remnant would be saved and a Savior would come into the world to redeem all who would believe. There is hope and life found in a personal relationship with a righteous God, Jesus Christ.  That is the story of the Old Testament.

Several spare moments (hours) were spent reading a book from a series I have so enjoyed.  I actually started with the last book because it was suggested.  After enjoying it so much and falling in love with the author and basis for the series, I ordered books 1 and 2.

The Belmont Mansion novels by Tamera Alexander are bestselling Southern romance and intrigue stories set against the real history of Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion in the 1860-70s.  This mansion is on the Belmont University campus and is open for tours.  I would love to include this on one of our trips north.  The lady of the mansion, Mrs Adelicia Acklen, was actually one of the wealthiest women in the country in the 1890s.  The author is careful to include actual historical facts about her in the stories.

Belmont Mansion

A couple of ladies in our HOA have started a Walking Club.  We will meet at a local park or walking path every other Friday to walk and visit.  

Jackie, Linda, Katie, Nancy, Barbara, Libby - Mindy is taking the picture

This week we met at the Windhaven Park, not far from our Village, where I had never been.  It is a lovely park with wonderful facilities for children, a dog park, and several paths of varying distances.

We deliberately chose the shaded path as it was already 90 degrees at 10 a.m.  We also have bird watchers in our group who delight in stopping to look for any recognizable bird sound among the trees.  Others stop to take pictures of scampering squirrels.  Therefore, I'm thinking we should be called a "Nature-Walking-Stopping Club."

Because Katie and I walk faster and stop less than the others, I had time to discover this pretty little creek running alongside the path.  Once the others joined us, everyone enjoyed this lovely spot and seeing the egrets frolic in the water.

Further down the path, we first heard the water flowing over this little dam before actually seeing it.  It was such a refreshing sound.

I managed to walk 2 miles in about 46 minutes, which, for me at this point, with my ongoing back issues, was quite an accomplishment.  I look forward to the next trek, but in the meantime, I hope to continue walking and be ready for more challenging paths.

Now, to spend some of this Saturday delving into book 2 of the Belmont Mansion series.  I already know I will wish there was a fourth.  I encourage you to seek these out if you enjoy light, Christian historical romance novels.

Hopefully, you are experiencing some fall temps where you live.

All About Cone'try

Thank you, Joyce, for these fun questions this week.  Goodbye to September and Hello October.

  

1. What's your favorite fall scent? Would we find this in or around your home right now? 

It used to be the smell of a roaring fire in our fireplace.  Now, we simply enjoy the ambiance of a gas-run fireplace and a lot less work.

Cinnamon and apple candles burning in the kitchen

A pot of soup cooking on the stove

None of these can be found in my kitchen tonight.

2. October is Country Music Month...are you a fan of country music? Do you have a favorite country artist? Ever been to Nashville? In terms of lifestyle are you more country mouse or city mouse?

I am not and have never been a fan of country music, therefore no favorite artist.  I have been to Nashville a few times and enjoyed it.  I think I would be a "councity" mouse.  I grew up in the country, but have adapted amazingly well and quickly to city life. 

3. How about 'country cooking'? (loosely defined as rich flavors, familiar foods, large portions, often fried, and often associated with the southern region of the US of A)?

chicken and dumplings, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, biscuits, and gravy, mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, collard or turnip greens, deviled eggs, 'barbecue', gumbo, banana pudding

Which of the foods listed is your favorite? Any on the list you haven't tried or would say a firm no thank you to if offered?

Yes, all of the above.  They were all favorites once.  Again, I grew up eating this way - what other way was there in the south?  These days, we don't eat southern soul foods so much; however, we do still miss that way of eating at times.  We don't eat big portions, fried foods, rice and gravy, potatoes and meat dishes like we grew up on.  However, we still love to make a big pot of gumbo, as well as cheese grits, biscuits, sausage gravy at Christmas, and cornbread with soups.  No good southerner will ever turn down a bowl of banana pudd'n.

 

4. What's something that always has a positive impact on your mood?

Being with my family always has a positive impact on my mood.  Spending time with good friends, and worship on Sunday

5. As we say so long to September, share a noun, a verb, and an adjective that tells us something about how that month looked for you. 

Celebration - Fellowshipping - Summery

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am so hoping October brings fall weather.  We are out of the 90s, but the upper 80s are still too warm for me this time of year.  I did finally put out a few fall touches in my house and am enjoying them.  I'm seriously thinking about leaving my pretty glass pumpkins up till after the first of the year.  As I don't decorate for Christmas and will be gone most of December, I don't think it will matter.