A Month-Long Roundup of Memories

This is a "catch-up" blog post since I have not been posting lately.  Now that my bed-ridden days are past and I was released by my Dr. following hip replacement surgery, life has gotten busy and regular again.  So, this will be a picture overload to recapture recent happenings.

I had posted several weeks ago that one of my goals for the month of April was to get a new vehicle.  That happened with the purchase of this beautiful Highlander Limited.  I never desired a red car, but this one is the prettiest color and definitely meets my need for a nice, comfortable SUV.

Great Grandsons:

Jax, in Indiana is thriving and talking up a storm.  look at those beautiful, expressive eyes.  He will be two in July.  We miss him so much.

Landon had his first haircut before celebrating his 2nd Birthday.  He is growing so fast and getting tall and very verbal.

Granddaughters:

Savannah is getting ready for her July 27 wedding and has just about all the i's dotted and t's crossed.  She is so organized and will definitely have the wedding of her dreams.  We can hardly wait to experience this special event with her.

Savannah's little sister, Mary-Elizabeth will be graduating from Xavier University in Cincinnati this week with a BSN degree.  We are so proud of this smart girl and she will be working at a local hospital there.  Best wishes for a very bright future in nursing, M-E.

Youngest Granddaughter, Ava Grace is a HS Junior and continues to excel.  A few weeks ago she performed in the school production of "White Christmas."  (Above middle)  She was recognized as an honor student and for excelling in the area of anatomy at the recent school Honors Night.  She was absolutely beautiful for the Junior/Senior Prom last weekend.  It is hard to believe she will be a senior in a few months.  How fast time flies.

Our son, John and Daughter-in-love, Michelle visited us a few weeks ago.  It was so good to have them with us for several days.  We managed to stay busy as well as just doing nothing but enjoying them.  They were also here to see Ava Grace's theater production.

This week I am visiting my sister in South Louisiana.  We always treasure these times together.  Yesterday we drove down near New Orleans to spend time with her youngest son and grandson at their house on Chinkapin Canal.  It is life right on the water which is exactly what Doug was seeking.

He has three levels of decks that are right on the water.  As we sat we saw gators glide by and birds hoping to catch something popping up out of the water.  After a delicious lunch, Doug wanted to show us all that lives in his backyard.

Deep in the Maurepas Swamp, the Chinkapin Canal opens into the Amite River and from there we went into the Diversion Canal.

In order to prevent future flooding, back in the 1950's the Army Corps of Engineers created the Amite River Diversion Canal.  It is a 10.6-mile long flood control channel that conveys the Amite River flow to the Blind River.

  This created a swamp island across from Doug's house.  We rode around that island in a slow, interesting 40 mile, three-hour drive on a small party boat.

Because this lovely waterway has direct access to the infamous Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans and provides thousands of acres of water access, it is prim property.  It is interesting to see the diversity of homes in this area.  Above are only three of the huge, gorgeous multi-million dollar homes.  There were boats and yachts at almost every home that costs millions as well.  There are several restaurants and bars that are accessible only by boat where Doug and Alex enjoy going to.  This is another lifestyle that I can only imagine.

After seeing how the other half live here, Gin and I thought we finally found something we could possibly afford.

This boat ride was so relaxing and enjoyable that I was afraid I may have trouble driving home.  We decided to skip the notoriously nightmare traffic of Baton Rouge and took a rural route through Antebellum country with old plantations such as Nottaway.

  To get there we first had to cross the famous Sunshine Bridge over the Mississippi River.   This woke us up for sure.

 This concludes my catch-up blog post and I hope you enjoyed reliving fun times with me.  I will try to get back to regular posting with Joyce for the Wednesday Hodgepodge if not other happenings.

An Excited Hodgepodge

Joyce posts the questions on her blog From This Side of the Pond and we answer them on our blog each Wednesday.  Thank you for joining me this week.

1. What's a talent you wish you had? 

I would love to play the piano like my friend, Sarabeth.  But since there is no one like her, that is only a dream.

2. In one word, what's your state of mind right now?

Excited !  (See #6)

3. What's the next major purchase you need to make? Will it happen this month? This year?

A new vehicle and hopefully it will happen this month. 

4. Tuesday (April 2nd) was National PB and J Day...did you celebrate? Is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich something you eat weekly or more? What's your favorite kind of jelly?

I did not celebrate and wasn't even aware it was PB and J Day.  I do love a good PB & J sandwich though and would  eat one on a weekly basis for sure, if it weren't so fattening.  The only jelly to eat with PB is grape.  Otherwise, my favorite is peach. 

5. Are you easily intimidated? Who or what intimidates you?

I am not easily intimidated, and there isn't anyone that I know who intimidates me.  However, I could be intimidated were I in a room with highly skilled mathematicians or scholars and expected to compete. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Why am I excited?  Our son and daughter-in-law fly in Wednesday morning for a several day visit with us.  We can hardly wait.  Also, this Saturday, our first great grandson will have his 2nd birthday and his mother will turn another year older on Monday and we get to celebrate them both on Sunday.  Those are all good things to look forward to and reasons to be excited.

Easter Hodgepodge

Thank you Joyce for asking thought provoking questions each week.  If you're interested in seeing how she answers her own questions, click HERE.

1.What do you love about your life right now? 

This is my fifth week of living like a princess.  Who can complain about that!

2. March 26th is National Spinach Day...are you a fan? If so, how do you like yours prepared/served?

 Even though I love fresh spinach in a salad, or cooked in a quiche or added to an omelet, I never turn down the opportunity to have creamed spinach.

3. In this current season would you say you need to spend more time looking inward or that you need to get out of your head? Tell us why.

I can't say I spend a lot of time looking inward and nor do I want to.  When I find that I'm "in my head", I realize it quickly becomes very selfish thinking and that's not where I want to spend my time. 

4. Are you following the 'March Madness' madness? (That's US college basketball in case you're out of the loop) What's something that feels like actual madness to you right now?

Yes, we are all in with the women's trek to the Sweet Sixteen.  

I have enjoyed following Caitlin Clark's road to stardom this year as she has helped take Iowa to the #1 spot.  Of course Bayou Barbie, Angel Reese with LSU is our favorite player on our favorite team.  As they won the national title last year, we are hoping for a repeat, but the pathway is tough.

What is actual madness is this crazy world and the blatant injustice all around us.  There seems to be very little that actually makes sense anymore.  I'm so glad "this world is not my home - I'm just a pass'n through."

5. How will you celebrate the Easter/Passover holiday this year?

I am hoping to be able to go to church for the first time in several months to worship our Risen Savior with my family. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Another March Wednesday Hodgepodge

Thank you for joining me for another week's Wednesday Hodgepodge where Joyce posts questions and we give our answers.

1. Spring is officially upon us, no matter what the weather may be in your neck of the woods. Is there any 'spring cleaning' on your to-do list? What's your most dreaded task? 

After being "laid up" for 5 weeks, house-keeping has gone rather unattended.  That being said, Hubs has done a great job of maintaining for which I am most appreciative.  The only big thing that I intend to do once I'm able is dust the plantation shutters that are throughout the house.  And that is without doubt my most dreaded task.

2. What's something many people seem to love, but to you feels like 'watching the grass grow'?

3. Mint grows in abundance during the spring season. Are you a fan? What's your favorite food with a 'minty' flavor? 

Yes, I love to grow mint IN A CONTAINER!  

My favorite minty food would be chocolate covered mint cookies

4. It's been said, 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.' Agree or disagree? Explain. 

I think perhaps a short absence from a loved one can help us appreciate the absent one even more; however, too much absence can create division and a sense of separation and independence that is hard to overcome.

5. Are there any festive spring events in your city or town? If so, will you take advantage of them?

The Solar Eclipse of 2024 will go right over our Village on April 8 and this will be the big spring event of the century.  People from all over the country are expected to invade the Dallas, TX area. There is a watch party planned outside our clubhouse for all residents who are interested.  We have our glasses and camera lens ready and can't wait to experience this exciting event.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Plano, TX is in the path of totality

This community is in totality from 1:41:26p to 1:44:56p. Partial eclipse begins at 12:23p.

Green Pi Hodgepodge

Click here for a song to help celebrate National Pi Day - "That's Amore"

Thank you, Joyce for giving us such a variety of questions to consider each week.

1.  Thursday is National Pi Day...are you good at math?  What was the last thing you had to calculate?  did you use your head or technology?  Last slice of pie you ate?

No, math was never my strong suit inspite of all my dad's efforts to turn that around.

The last things I calculated were totals for my tax forms.

I definitely used technology!

The last slice of pie I ate was the last slice of peach pie in the pan provided by a sweet friend.

2.  What makes a house a home?

The people who live there!

3.  Your current favorite green thing?

Green is not one of my favorite colors but I do love my green plants.  I brought this bamboo into my bedroom so I can keep it watered and enjoy it from my bed.  Dick gave this to me years ago and it continues to thrive.

4.  How do you define achievement?  How does your personal definition look similar to, or different than, society's definition?  What's something you think is worth achieving in life?

Definition:  a thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill

My personal definition isn't too different from the one above.  I have never achieved something without putting forth an effort to do so.  Those achievements also came with a lot of perseverance and determination as well as failure.  That being said, nothing I have ever achieved was done so by my own power.  I believe that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, according to His purpose, because I am among His called.

The thing I most wish to achieve is learning to love God above all else, and my neighbor as myself. 

5.  What song is a good soundtrack for your life right now?

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

Our granddaughter #2, Cassidy, spends most of her time traveling abroad.  Recently, she posted these pictures from Milan, Italy.  She could have stepped off the fashion runway.

Granddaughter #6, Ava Grace, spent last week on a mini-mester mission trip in the Amazon.  Above, they are swimming with a pink dolphin.  She is on the left and I'll let her facial expression tell you what she thought about it.

 Their older sister, granddaughter #1, Chandler has been doing some modeling of her own.  Check out @stylekalon on Instagram to see other fashions worn by this beautiful mom.

And that's just three of my amazing granddaughters.

Oh the Trials - Woe is Me!

Have you ever noticed that the thing(s) you can no longer do, are the very things you need to be able to do?

I have also noticed that I am a very clumsy person.  Who knew!

A few years ago when I had to have surgery on my right hand and underwent PT for three months to regain the use of the hand, I started dropping things.  All kinds of things.  My toothbrush, a dish towel, a clothing item, etc.  I forgave myself liberally for these little mishaps because I was able to lean over and retrieve whatever had fallen.  All was forgiven and I moved on.

Now that I have had my left hip replaced, I am denied the ability to bend over or lean too far, at least for another two weeks.  All of a sudden I am reminded that I really am a cluts.  On top of recuperating and having to have help for the simplest things such as putting on socks, to again be reminded that I really am a clumsy person might make one feel a bit sorry for oneself.  Just say'n.

For example, I dropped a dryer sheet and it had to lie there on the floor until Dick either slipped on it or noticed it.  I dropped crumbs from a brownie and there they lay, hoping Dick would notice them before they got ground into the tile.

Several times, I have dropped a vitamin or pill just as I thought I had it in my mouth.  Normally, I would have picked that bugger up off the floor and reinserted it where it belonged.  But not now.  This morning I dropped a Tylenol on the bathroom floor.  As I was using the bathroom I saw our visiting grand dog come looking for me and instead found the pill on the floor.  Since she is deaf, I clapped my hands real loud to stop her from tasting it.  It scared her to death because she thought it was a clap of thunder which is the only thing she can hear.  She thankfully ignored the pill, but kept looking for the lightening and shivered for an hour.

Who drops a pill out of their mouth?  Anyway, that seems to be the new challenge this week - make sure the pill(s) are properly inserted in mouth before removing the fingers from said pill.

On top of all that, I dropped my grabber.  That's right, I knocked over the grabber I keep by my bed in order to help retrieve items that I have dropped and are out of reach.  NOTE:  It doesn't work with pills or crumbs.  Now I find I need a backup grabber to pick up my grabber.

Oh the trials of post-surgery!

All this aside, I continue to make amazing progress and remain pain free.  I am so grateful for my sweet hubby who doesn't seem to mind being my human grabber and sock putter-oner.

A Purrrfic Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to another Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce asking the questions.

1.  Has March come in like a lion where you live?  If not a lion then what animal would you use to describe the weather in your area this first week of March?  Does the weather affect your emotions?  When did you last feel 'under the weather'?

March certainly did not come in like a lion in Plano, TX.  Instead it was more like a frisky kitten who loves to chase anything that moves when not lying out in the sunshine.  We have had plenty of sun and wind.  The only weather that affects my emotions is a storm.  Bad weather seems to feed my soul and I feel very content.  I don't remember when I last felt 'under the weather'.  Even two weeks post surgery, I have not felt bad at all.

2.  Do you know what your name means?  Does the meaning of your name fit with your personality?  Do you like your name?  If you have children did you consider the meaning of their names before choosing them?

Elizabeth:  My God is abundance

Claire:  Clear, bright or light-colored

Yes, I think both my given names fit my personality.  My God is all I ever need.  As for the meaning of Claire, it is true I am probably more clear and bright some days more than others, but always light-colored.

Yes, we considered the meaning of our children's names.

John:  "Yahweh has been gracious"

Christina:   "Follower of Christ". 

3.  It's National Sauce Month...what's your favorite sauce?  Last thing you ate that used a sauce?

I found the most delicious tomato basil sauce at Home Goods a while back that we have used as a soup more than a sauce.  I bought all they had and wish there had been more.  I don't remember the last time I used just a sauce.

4.  Something you've seen, tasted, done lately that you'd describe as 'awesome sauce'?

I discovered Cauliflower Gnocchi a while back that I used in making a Chicken Gnocchi Soup.  It has quickly become a favorite dish for us and for sharing.

5.  What kinds of things do you love to collect?

I no longer collect anything.  Space is too limited for collecting.  In the past I collected white pottery pitchers and still have some of my favorites.  I also, for a period of time collected vintage and antique gravy boats.  When we moved three years ago, I gave all of my collection to a friend.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

Saturday 9 With Eydie

It has been forever since I participated in the Saturday 9 meme and since this weeks song harks back to my teen years, I thought it would be a fun Saturday to join in.

I do not have any special memories associated with this song although I did think Eydie Gorme and Steve Lawrence made the sweetest couple.

Saturday 9:

Blame It on the Bossa Nova (1963)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song tells the story of a girl who found love at a dance. Share a happy memory from a party, prom or dance you attended.

As a sweet little Baptist girl and a preacher's daughter, I did not dance, nor did we have proms back in the early 60's; therefore I do not a specific dance memory to share.  This did not keep me from enjoying American Bandstand and other teen bopper dance programs on TV.

2) This record was a big hit for Eydie Gorme, which surprised her. When she first heard the song, she disliked it and had to be convinced to her record it. Tell us about a pleasant surprise you had recently.

A friend sent me a huge gorgeous bouquet of roses as a get-well-soon gift.  An hour later I received another one exactly like the first.  Come to find out, the first was supposed to be delivered the day before, and when it wasn't they delivered a second one.  Needless to say we loved having twice the beauty and the house smelled divine.

3) "Blame It on the Bossa Nova" is about love at first sight on the dance floor. Eydie's husband Steve Lawrence maintained he fell in love with her the first time he heard her sing. Have you ever felt a sudden, powerful attraction to someone? If yes, did you act on it?

Yes, in fact, my husband and I met on a blind date and had an immediate attraction to each other.  We met on Feb 6, 1965 and were married on Sept. 4 of that same year.  We acted on it pretty quickly.

4) While this was a solo success for Eydie, she was also known for recording and performing with Steve Lawrence. He was just 22 and she was 29 when they married. Eydie admitted she was self-conscious about the difference in their ages. Do you think age matters in a romantic relationship?

There is no blanket answer for this question.  I have known couples who were several years apart in age whose marriage lasted until death parted them.  One couple I know, the woman is considerably older than her husband and they are a perfect match.  For a couple months each year my husband is five years older than me and I think its great.

5) Eydie was fluent in Spanish, which enabled her to pay for her classes at City College by working as an interpreter. Tell us about one of your early jobs.

My first job was gift wrapping during the Christmas holidays at a large department store.  I actually did this for three Christmas seasons and enjoyed it.

6) In 1963, when this song was popular, The Rambler was Motor Trend's car of the year. It was a 9-passenger station wagon, perfect for families. What do you remember about your childhood family car?

We had a Studebaker that my sister and I loved to sit in and take many a pretend trip.  What adventures that car had.

7) Also in 1963, President Kennedy made a state trip to Ireland. Have you visited the land of your ancestors?

Most of my ancestors hark from England and Scotland, but no I have not visited these countries.

8) The pilot for Gilligan's Island was filmed in 1963. Were you a fan of the show?

Oh yes, I suppose most households watched that show during its run.  I eventually got tired of it but in 1963, it would have been a must see each week.

9) Random question: Crunchy, smooth or organic peanut butter?

It depends on how I'm using it.  For a PBJ sandwich, I prefer smooth.  For a favorite PB snack, I prefer crunchy and being organic is not important to me.