American Memory Hodgepodge

Thank you, Joyce for coming up such thought provoking and interesting questions each week.

1.  What obligation do you believe you have to your country?

What an appropriate question as the following quotes, and others were in my husband's Wednesday morning reading from "Harvest of Gold."

Jesus answered that question with this response:  "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars and unto God the things that are God's."

William Tyler Page wrote the following in 1917, that I believe every American should have imprinted in their heart if not on their forehead:

THE AMERICAN'S CREED

"I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect Union one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.  I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."

Adopted by the House of Representatives April 3, 1918

I think at this point in our country we should add to the end, "both foreign and domestic!"

2.  October 12 is National Farmers Day?  Do you know any farmers?  What do they farm/grow/raise?  Are there any farm stands where you live?  Do you shop there?

I have a dear friend who lives in Morehouse Parish whose two sons are carrying on the legacy of their father and grandfather.  She no doubt also has a grandchild or two who are likely to be 4th generation Stutts Farmers.  They successfully grow cotton, corn, beans, beautiful children, and who knows what else.

One weekend a month this summer, there was a large Farmer's Market on the parking lot of a nearby Mall, but I didn't shop there.

Some of you may find it of interest that my adjoining neighbor edited the long ago "Progressive Farmer Magazine" for 27 years.  You can read about Del Detering and that magazine that was in every rural household, at the following link.

The Golden Age of Farm News

3.  What's a skill you think everyone should have?  Tell us why?

Knowing when to shut one's mouth and just listen.

No explanation required.

4.  Favorite thing you've purchased this year?

Since we made a major move this year and we found it necessary to purchase a few things, finding a favorite isn't coming easily.  It could be the most comfortable sofa and chair, or the toile throw pillow, or the pumpkin candle my granddaughter made.  I think though, that my favorite purchase is yet to be bought.  Our oldest granddaughter and husband will be blessing us with our first great-grandchild in April 2022.  So there will be at least one big purchase before then.

5.  What's your favorite place to visit in the fall?

It goes without saying my favorite place in the fall is wherever it is cool/cold and there are plenty of colorful fall leaves.  But, yesterday, although it was neither cool nor cold and not a tree in sight, this was my favorite place to be.

A local nursery was totally bedecked with the most beautiful pumpkins.

See random thought below.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

My Facebook memories for Oct. 12 were so much fun to re-live and they also reveal some of my most favorite places to be in the fall.  So go with me back in time.

2020:  Having our grandson's wedding in a cornfield on an Amish farm in Northern Indiana on Oct 10th.

Taking a road trip southward from there through Ohio, the Virginias', Kentucky, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and homeward.

2019:  The Fall outdoor wedding of a granddaughter in Fayetteville, AR on Oct 11th.

Spending the following week in Bentonville, AR and surrounding area.

2018:  Sharing Dick's 60th HS reunion at an old country homestead in Columbia, LA, with old friends.

2013:  On Oct 12, grandson Jackson began his D1 colligate football career as a starter at left guard #65 for the Western Michigan Broncos.

2012:  Being told that my daughter's good friend, Holly, who was in Uganda, had just received word of official guardianship of two little "chocolate-skinned" (her words) babies.  But there was still so much paper-work to go through before flying back to Dallas with them by herself.

P.S.  They have thrived!

2011:  Having retired in May, Oct 12 found me sitting in my favorite spot, my back porch, enjoying a cappuccino and watching it rain.  Isn't that was retirement looks like?

2010:  Sitting at an outdoor table at Starbucks with my Hubby, savoring my first cup of hot Caramel Spice of the fall.

A fallen leaf is nothing more
than a summer's wave good bye.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

We are joining Joyce on her blog,

From This Side of the Pond

for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When is the last time you experienced nostalgia?

In planning the Charleston, SC part of our upcoming trip, I pulled out an album of a trip we took there back in 1992 with our Senior Adults from a previous church.  There were so many memories with these precious people who with the exception of one, are now deceased.

 2. September 29th is National Coffee Day. Do we need this? Ha! So are you a coffee drinker? If so how many cups per day, and tell us how you like it. Is there a recipe you enjoy that calls for coffee as one of the ingredients?

Quick answer:  I am not a coffee drinker! 

 3. Do you find praise or criticism to be more motivating? Explain.

Definitely praise.  Words of affirmation is my love language 

 4.  What's a television series you keep coming back to and re-watching?

Re-watching?  We really do not re-watch anything.  If we've seen it once, we don't usually care about seeing it again. 

 5. As the month of September draws to a close give us three words to describe your mood.

YIPPEE FOR OCTOBER! 

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

We will be on the road today heading toward Little Rock, AR for the 1st leg of our almost month-long trip.  We will spend the night with our nephew before driving all the way to Northern Indiana on Thursday.  That will be about a 13+ hour drive, and we are hoping to be able to stand and walk when we arrive.

I will try to join in on the hodgepodge as I am able.

In the meantime,

Wellness Wednesdays #5: Friends & Fall

May I suggest that you click on this link and just listen while you're reading the rest of this post.  What memories do you have from Septembers past?

My best memory would be my wedding that took place on September 4, 1965.  What an amazing 53 years of blessings they have been.

On September 5, five years ago, I began a year-long series that is still one of my favorite things I've done since blogging.  I highlighted a different friend each month and shared what made her special to me.

My first one was of my dear friend, Jean Anne Williams.  I had a good visit with her yesterday and learned that she is doing radiation for breast cancer.  They caught it early and she is very encouraged, but it made me thankful all over for our deep respect for each other and connection we've maintained through the years.  You can read about what a special person she is HERE

Are you getting ready for Fall?

I know some of you are already putting out decorations in hopes they will also bring cooler temperatures.  We are still having upper 90 degree days here in the deep south, so will do anything to inspire an early Fall.

Maybe these photos will inspire you if not the weather.

Although not your traditional Fall decor colors, this table setting would welcome Fall and cooler weather beautifully.

As I was getting ready to close this post, I received an email from my husband that I think is so appropriate to share on this day, especially as I have already written about my good friend, above.  And, my best friend these 53 years of marriage.

"A newlywed young man was sitting on the porch on a humid day, sipping ice tea with his father.

 "As he talked about adult life, marriage, responsibilities, and obligations, the Father thoughtfully stirred the ice cubes in his glass and cast a clear, sober look on his son.

"'Never forget your friends,' he advised, 'they will become more important as you get older.  Regardless of how much you love your family and the children you happen to have, you will always need friends.  Remember to go out with them occasionally (if possible), but keep in contact with them some how.'

"What strange advice!' thought the young man.  'I just entered the married world, I am an adult and surely my wife and the family that we will start will be everything I need to make sense of my life.'

"Yet, he obeyed his Father; kept in touch with his friends and annually increased their number.

"Over the years, he became aware that his Father knew what he was talking about.  Inasmuch as time and nature carry out their designs and mysteries on a person, friends are the bulwarks of our life.

"After 70 years of life, here is what he, I, and you will have learned:

Time passes.

Life goes on.

Children grow up.

"Children cease to be children and become independent.  And to the parents, it breaks their heart but the children are often separated of the parents because they begin their own families.

Jobs/careers come and go.

Illusions, desires, attraction, sex....weakens.

People can't do what they did physically when they were young.

Parents die but you move on.

Colleagues forget the favors you did.

The race to achieve slows.

"But true friends are always there, no matter how long or how many miles away they are.  A friend is never more distant than the reach of a need, intervening in your favor, waiting for you with open arms, or in some way blessing your life.

"When we started this adventure called LIFE, we did not know of the incredible joys or sorrow that were ahead.

"We did not know how much we would need from each other.

"Love your parents, take care of your children, but keep a group of good friends.

"Stay in touch with them but do not impose your criteria.

"Love those friends in your life who help make sense of your life."

"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

John 15:13

Now, that is all about WELLNESS!

Fun Questions and a Happy Birthday to AG

These were some fun questions today, Joyce.  Thanks for always making

Wednesday Hodgepodge

something to look forward to.

1. What was your biggest worry five years ago?  Is it still a worry?
Five years ago my position as Regional Facilities Manager for the NWLTC was done away with due to system changes and severe state budget cuts.  It was a scary time because I wasn't yet at the point where I could retire.  I was offered the opportunity to move back into Student Services as Financial Aid Officer, which was where I had started twenty years before.  Is it still a worry?  NO!  I retired two years later.  YIPPEE!!! and Thank You God!

2. Yesterday (October 15th) was National Grouch Day...what makes you grouchy?  What cheers you up when you're feeling grouchy?
 I try not to be or stay grouchy very long over anything.  So, I asked my Hubby to help me answer this question.  Without hesitation he said, "Having to repeat for the fourth time what your husband didn't hear!"  Bless his heart, he is probably right.  And shame on me!  What cheers me up?  Realizing how blessed I am to have him here to repeat things to.

3. In one word, how does it feel to be photographed?
 Self-conscious.

4. Besides your parents, who would you say had the greatest influence on you in choosing your life path?  Explain.
My Hubby!  Other than my parents, he has always been my greatest supporter and adviser.

5. The crisp days of autumn are here...what's something you like to eat, but only if it's crisp?
Oh, crisp is not my favorite food texture, but I guess it would have to be lettuce.

6. What's the most useless object you own?
The VHS and Audio Control Center perched on our desk.  It is connected to the large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall of our office.  We don't watch that many movies and can't ever remember how to push the right buttons to get it to project on the screen.  USELESS!

7. Share a favorite fall memory. 
I just love everything about Fall, but I guess to narrow it down would be going to LSU games in Tiger Stadium.  There is nothing like being in Death Valley and especially during the days of the Chinese Bandits.  Now, that ages me, doesn't it.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Tomorrow, Thursday, is Ava Grace's 7th birthday.  She is the youngest of four sisters and the youngest of our seven grandchildren.  Needless to say, she is a mighty special little girl.  So,

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl.

We love you and can't wait to see you this weekend for Grandparent's Day!

  

Also, come back tomorrow for

"Getting Ready for Fall in the South - Part 4"

 

Getting Ready for Fall in the South, Part 2

I am so excited to take you shopping in a new favorite store.

Mrs. McGregor's Garden

is a locally owned business that offers a unique blend of home and garden, accessories, clothing, gifts, jewelry and antiques.

These lovely, friendly ladies will greet you at the door and assist you in finding treasures displayed all over this quaint little store.

Upon entering, your senses are assaulted by burning candles, texture and color.

Where to look first may be the biggest decision you will have to make.

To your left is a table of some of the cutest Halloween items - bright, orange and fun.

To your right, a vine arch invites one into a world of beauty.

Now, come and enjoy some of the beautiful vignettes throughout Mrs. McGregor's Garden.

It may be picture-overload, but I couldn't decide what to leave out.  But, this will give you an idea of the sensory overload you will receive upon entering.

 

 

 

 

 

 Is this Southern or not?

 

 I love these napkin rings.

 

White linen gowns and PJ sets for women and little girls

  A few things for the Thanksgiving Table

Beautiful jewelry items

How about shopping for Fall Outfits for you and the little girly girls in your life.

I just couldn't help myself!  I was completely overcome and didn't think I could possibly leave without adding to my Fall Wardrobe.

 This light-weight Niche top is my perfect color and covers all that needs covering.  And I must tell you that I found my favorite jeans.  They are Jag and have a wide stretch waistband that doesn't gap like so many jeans do.

This outfit is a Stella Garakasi top over brown stretch knit pants that will be my Fall Uniform.

 I have a variety of scarves and necklaces that will give this uniform outfit many great looks.

 Hubby even suggested adding a hat.  Now is this a glamor shot or what!!!

As you can tell, we "Get Ready for Fall in the South" by going all out.

And,

Mrs. McGregor's Garden is a wonderful place to start.