Travel on the Hodgepodge

Happy Humpday!

I haven't thought about Humpday in a long time, and not sure why it came to mind as I was typing this.  Nevertheless, it seems to apply this week.  Does Wednesday ever seem like a day you just need to get through so the rest of the week can unfold?  That may be why it came to mind.  This is indeed a busy week.

What a difference a couple of weeks can make!  Two weeks ago, on this Wed., we were laid-back and lazy, which is exactly how we wanted to be.  More on this in #6.

Now, let's get on with answering the Hodgepodge questions Joyce has given us.

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately?

No, but I do compile all the information our CPA needs and put it in our portal on her website.  We heard from her last week while traveling that everything was perfect, and we will be getting money and our tax forms back this week.

Something taxing?  Yes!  One of the places we stayed on our trip, double-charged us and denies it, although it is obvious he charged our CC twice, one minute apart.  Getting this resolved is a very taxing endeavor.  Why can't people just be honest!

2. When it comes to travel, are you a last-minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you. 

I am a combination of the two.  I start packing early by putting in things I will need on the trip.  Then, the last-minute things go in the day before we leave.  I am pretty good at planning my wardrobe and what I can mix & match.  However, this time I overpacked the jeans I would need.  My favorite packing tip is to tightly roll all my clothes.  They fit so much better and don't tend to wrinkle as easily.  Sure takes up much less space.

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level?

There are people I would like to see get their own month - me, for example, but I don't necessarily think a sandwich needs a whole month.

Yes, we love grilled cheese sandwiches, but don't eat them very often.  We love them with Tomato Bisque.  My secret ingredient is to add a bit of fig jelly to one side of the bread before toasting.  The light, sweet flavor adds a delightful taste and complements the cheese.

 

4. There's a well-known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd  

Is constant growth necessary, or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? 

As a Christian, I think we are encouraged to always be growing in Christ's likeness.  That is my desire.  That being said, stability and a sense of peace are also to be desired, and I believe can only truly be found in achieving the prior.  

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

• daffodils or tulips  -  Daffodils
• lemonade or iced tea   -  Iced sweet tea
• gardening or hiking   -  Neither!  Can't do either one anymore
• ladybugs or butterflies   -  Butterflies  
• umbrella or raincoat   -  Umbrella
• floral patterns or polka dots   -  Neither, but I'll go with polka dots

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We traveled down via the scenic routes through Southwest Texas to the Big Bend NP area a couple of weeks ago, arriving back home this past Monday.  It had been on our bucket list since moving to Texas five years ago.  It was a gloriously long and at times very tiring drive to the park, which we managed in two days.  Texas has one of the most diverse topographies, and of course is enormous.  There is no getting anywhere in a hurry.

After leaving the Tin Bit Ranch, where we stayed for three nights, we drove north to the Guadalupe Mountains, then northeast to the little New Mexico town of Alamogordo.  We loved driving through the White Sands National Park there and seeing other sights in the area.

Easter Sunday morning, we attended a very small First Baptist Church before driving north to our final destination.

These are a few of our favorite sights along the way.

Three Twisted Sisters Scenic Drive

Three Twisted Sisters Scenic Drive

Big Bend NP

White Sands NP

After church on Sunday, we drove up to Cloudcroft, NM, to overnight at the Cloudcroft Lodge.  It was such a great way to end our trip.