American/Mexican Hodgepodge

Thank you for joining us on this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions, and we answer.

 

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston, SC, and the 'historic triangle' which includes Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown, Virginia. 

Of the cities listed, how many have you seen in person?

Does the LaGuardia Airport in NYC count?  Washington D.C., Charleston, SC, and Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown, VA

Of the cities listed, which would you most like to visit this year?  Any plans to do so?

I would never pass up another trip to Charleston, SC.  This is one of our favorite places to visit, but it won't likely happen this year.  

What's one place in America you think everyone should see? If you're not American, what's one place in the US you'd like to see?

Seeing Washington, D.C., even once has a way of turning history from words on a page into something living and tangible. Walking past the monuments, standing in the Capitol, or visiting Arlington gives you a deeper appreciation for the ideals, sacrifices, and responsibilities that come with being an American.

If a trip to D.C. isn’t possible, visiting your own state capital can be just as meaningful.

Whether national or state, capital cities help ground us in our shared history and remind us that citizenship is something to be understood, appreciated, and never taken for granted.

2. Three sounds you love to hear?

The early morning cooing of a dove, men's voices singing in harmony, the sound of one of our kids' voices on the other end of a phone call or FaceTime visit.

3. Three sounds you hate to hear?

The siren of an emergency vehicle, a high-pitched woman's voice, a child's scream 

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain, please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? 

 
We discovered these while visiting our family in Indiana during Christmas.  I am not a big chip eater, but I really do like these.  I have mostly eaten them just plain, but guacamole is great too. Yes, we do like Nachos, and these chips are great with melted cheese.  I couldn't tell you the last time we ordered Nachos when eating out, but we did make some for the Super Bowl.

Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips?

Chicken Mexican Casserole.  It is delicious, but I'm afraid it's been too long since making it.

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile?

Later in the month, we will be taking a scenic road trip down to the Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande near Mexico.  Since moving to Texas, this has been on our bucket list.  We will take a couple of days getting there in order to enjoy the scenic, rural views between here and there.  While near the park, we will stay on a ranch that is rather off the grid to take advantage of the night sky and convenience to the park.

After that, we will drive up into New Mexico and share Easter Sunday with worshipers in a small-town Baptist Church.  From there, it is yet to be determined, depending on how soon we want to return to civilization.  Can you see this smile on my face?

 6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I should also mention ChatGPT. After doing a bit of research on the most scenic highways in Texas between Big Bend and home, I asked ChatGPT to plan a detailed road trip for us using those specific highway numbers. By the way, she’s definitely a "she" to me.

Within seconds — no coffee break required — she produced a beautifully organized itinerary. I was so impressed that I kept asking for more: scenic routes, mileages, stops, and timing. Each request was met instantly, without a sigh, an eye roll, or even a hint of impatience.

Needless to say, we now have the most detailed and well-thought-out trip we’ve ever taken. At this point, all she cannot do is drive the car… and frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if that feature is coming soon.

I also let her plan my travel wardrobe and make packing suggestions, which was very helpful; however, she hasn't offered to help pay for anything.