A Shifting Hodgepodge

Thank you Joyce for this week's questions.

1. July 5th is National Hawaii Day...have you ever been to Hawaii? Any desire to visit or make a return trip? Pineapple, mango, or guava...what's your pleasure?

I have not, although my daughter and her family have been to Maui several times.  It's never been on our bucket list for some reason.

Definitely, Pineapple!

2. Last time you were 'thrown in at the deep end'? Explain. 

I feel that way about my new HOA Board responsibility.  I just keep reminding myself that I never went into a new job knowing everything about it, and I will learn this one as I go as well. 

3. Sun, sea, sand, salt...your favorite when it comes to summer? 

I always feel like its a copout to say, "None of the above!"  The only one of these options that I would be the least bit interested in would the sea as seen from a luxury cruise liner.

4. Bury your head in the sand, the sands of time, draw a line in the sand, pound sand, shifting sands...pick one and tell us how the phrase currently relates to your life in some way.

Shifting sands.  I received word today that my dearest cousin died this morning.  She is four years older than me, and we never lived close to each other, but we had become especially close in the past several years.  She let me borrow her wedding dress for my own wedding in 1965.  We kept thinking that now that I live in Texas, we would get together soon.  That never happened.  Her death has been another reminder that sands shift - things are ever changing and at our age, the death of loved ones is inevitable.

5. On a scale of 1-10 (1 = make your own rules and 10=like a warden), how strict were your parents? If you're a parent where on the scale do you land? 

At the time, I thought my parents were very strict, and at the age of 15 would have given them warden status.  However, I realized later that they loved greatly, forgave abundantly, and protected and guided us unconditionally.  I'm so sorry I never adequately thanked them for that.

As a parent, I tried to be the same, but I'm sure my children would also have considered me very strict.  I prefer the term "structured." I will let them assign a number. My greatest regret is that I didn't enjoy my children more.  My expectations were sometimes too high because of the "fish bowl" concept of minister's families; probably more self-imposed than reality.

6. Insert your own random thought here

This past weekend we had friends visiting from GA.  We were across-the-street neighbors in Shreveport for a while.  In fact, we moved into new houses one week apart.  Randy was our church's Minister of Music, before moving to the Dallas area, then three years ago to Northeast GA.  We have maintained a dear friendship through the years  and distance.  Sadly, we did not get one single picture while they were here, but memories will last regardless.

For Friday night dinner, I served a variety of salads along with pork loin.  Everything was delicious.  We topped it off with a Strawns Strawberry pie.

Cele is such a talented lady.  She is a wonderful cook and hostess.  She is a writer, with her first book in process of being published, and now she is a beginning watercolorist.  She left this beautiful card behind with the sweetest words of appreciation.

We are forever grateful for godly friends.

A Patriotic Hodgepodge

It's another Wednesday and thanks to the unfailing faithfulness of Joyce at

From This Side of the Pond,

we again have interesting questions to answer.

1. It's been said the best things in life are free...are they?

No, not all of the best things are free.  My salvation cost more than anyone else could pay.

What are some of those things? 

Sisters

Memories

Rare, not to be repeated or forgotten moments

Hugs

Friendships

This

2. Stars or stripes?   Stripes

Red, white, or blue?   Red

Apple pie or home made ice cream?   Apple pie topped with home made ice cream

Do you like hotdogs?  Not especially

If so, what do you like on yours?   Mostly just chili.  Not a big fan

3. One thing on your summer bucket list? Any plans to make it happen soon? 

To visit the Southwest Art Gallery in Dallas to see the

George Kovach Exhibit

And yes, I do plan to make it happen.

4. What's your summer anthem? Yes, you need to have one. 

One of my favorite soloists, Leontyne Price singing "Summertime" from Porgy & Bess

5. What's something you love about America? If you live outside of America, tell us something you love about the place you call home. 

That we have the freedom to pray this prayer for our country.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO YOU!

It's a Pinky Wednesday Hodgepodge

It is so good to be back with my fellow Hodgepodgers this week.

Thank you Joyce @ From This Side of the Pond for giving us some interesting questions to ponder.

1. What's something that reminds you of your grandmother? Tell us why. 

This was my precious "Mama."  Anything gentle and good is a reminder of her, because that is what she always represented.

I have numerous items that belonged to her but this little box is dear and I keep it out where I can see it.  It also holds some of my own childhood jewelry items.

2. Is your life currently more 'moonlight and roses' or a little more 'every rose has it's thorn'? Elaborate. 

I'm thinking 'every rose has it's thorn' because I may have bitten off more than I want to chew.  I was asked to finish out the term of Secretary on our HOA Board.  Along with being responsible for the dues assessment and minutes, I have the quarterly newsletter.  And guess what, July begins a new quarter.  So, the 'rose' would be wanting to make a contribution to our Village, and the 'thorn' is spending the time required to do it well.

3. June 23rd is National Pink Day...favorite thing you own in any shade of pink? Favorite thing found in nature in any shade of pink? Your favorite pink food or beverage? Your favorite shade of pink? 

I think I've mentioned this before, but I am not a pink gal.  My skin tone is yellow and my temperament is not pinky sweet.

My favorite pink thing that I own would is the pink box pictured above.

Favorite pink thing found in nature would be the nose of a kitty cat.

Favorite pink food is shrimp and/or salmon cooked to perfection.

Favorite shade of pink would be in the coral family.

4. Last thing that had you 'tickled pink'?

Getting HOA Architectural Committee approval to have a patio poured in our little yard.

 

5. What are two or three words that describe your style. 

My style is Classic.  I dress conservatively but fashionable.

Personality wise, I would be considered Dominant or Choleric which tends to go along with being a Classic.

My temperament dictates a "Let’s Get It Done Now" or as I often am heard to say, "Just do it!"

We Choleric are big-picture people who are quick to act. Much to some people's displeasure I tend to be controlling, independent, and strong-willed.  Less typically, I am not outgoing, but have a take-charge style whose primary concern is results.

That being said, the Holy Spirit is always faithful to remind me that I am not actually in control and that I should leave the results to the One who is.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Ava Grace, our youngest granddaughter performed in the North Dallas Performing Arts production of Peter Pan this past weekend.  She played multiple roles, but we saw her play the role of 'Slightly', one of the Lost Boys.  She did a great job as did all the kids.  There is such tremendous talent among these young people.

Her solo was excellent!

She also played Adult Wendy in alternating performances.

And that is one reason why we live here!

A Memorial Day Hodgepodge

We have Memorial Day questions on the Hodgepodge today.  Thank you Joyce for keeping us inspired to blog.

DID YOU KNOW THIS: ? Memorial Day was started by former slaves on May, 1, 1865 in Charleston, SC to honor 257 dead Union Soldiers who had been buried in a mass grave in a Confederate prison camp. They dug up the bodies and worked for 2 weeks to give them a proper burial as gratitude for fighting for their freedom. They then held a parade of 10,000 people led by 2,800 Black children where they marched, sang and celebrated.

Source: The Blue Street Journal

No, this wasn't taught in any of my history classes. We were taught that the first Memorial Day was May 28 or 30, 1868 when flags were draped over the graves of Union and Confederate soldier's graves in Arlington Cemetery.

1. We're approaching Memorial Day Weekend in the US of A...will you mark this in some way? If so tell us how. According to a list found here some things you might do in honor of Memorial Day would be-shop in a Veteran owned business, learn to play a patriotic song, watch the Memorial Day concert, take a virtual tour of the White House, write a letter to a soldier or a soldier's family, fly a flag, attend a Memorial Day parade, donate flowers for a soldier's grave, put together a care package for a soldier, and take a moment of silence at 3 PM (the National Moment of Remembrance)....of the ideas mentioned are there any you will try? 

We do not at this point have any plans for Memorial Day Weekend that will relate to that specific holiday and are not likely to do any of the suggested activities.  We will go to church on Sunday, and I feel sure there will be some kind of patriotic emphasis.

2. What's something recently that made you 'come to attention'?

On my early Monday morning walk, I rounded a curve to see water pouring down the street from the direction of my house.  The source was our neighbor's yard where evidently a water valve had burst in two places and water was gushing from both.  I quickly called the HOA president who is our neighbor and it took a village to get the water main cut off.  Thinking it might be coming from our house definitely made me 'come to attention.'

3. In what area of your life do you need to 'soldier on'? 

Giving myself permission to do nothing if doing nothing seems to suit me at the time.  I am still having to adjust to not having a lot to keep my mind and body occupied.  Never one to watch TV during the day, I am finding that an episode of "Heartland" is alright to watch once or twice a day if I so choose.  It helps break up the monotony some days.  I have never allowed myself to say I'm bored.  Until now!

4. As a long weekend approaches and summer draws near, what's a favorite food from your childhood you think about adding to the menu?

 Who still has one of these?  We sure don't but wouldn't a big bucket of homemade ice cream be a wonderful idea?

5. Your favorite patriotic movie?

I do not have a favorite, but there are some great oldies such "Bridge Over the River Kwai."  I did like more recent ones such as "Lincoln" and "Independence Day."  

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Granddaughter #2 celebrated her 25th birthday this past Sunday.  She and her older sister Chandler, indulged their grandmother and let me buy brunch for them.  We went to No 1 Rise in Dallas, and ate our weight in soufflés.  Rise is such an appropriate name for a soufflé restaurant, isn't it. 

We actually had five different kinds, but the Spinach was my favorite.

Cassidy even had her own special birthday napkin and the near by old Inwood Theater actually had "Happy Birthday You" on its billboard.  Is she not the cutest 25 year old?

Any time you are in the Highland Park area of Dallas, I recommend stopping by Rise.

A Random Hodgepodge

This is the day we get to answer questions posed by Joyce

1. Realist, idealist, optimist, pessimist...which one are you?  Elaborate.

A realist probably best describes me; however, because I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior and know how all this reality ends, I can be very optimistic about what lies ahead.

2. What's something currently on your wish list? 

For our proposal to add a little patio to the side of our house to be approved.  All outdoor things like this have to be approved by the Architectural Committee of our village.  I happen to be one of the three members, but will not be voting on this one unfortunately.

3. Three things on this week's shopping list? 

Almond milk, fresh flowers and fresh veggies

4. According to Trip Advisor here's a list of the top ten things to do in the US this summer-

Chicago Architecture River Cruise, Skip the Line Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour, New York In A Day  guided sightseeing tour, Charleston's Old South Historic Horse and Carriage tour, Grand Canyon helicopter tour, Full day iconic sights of LA, Beverly Hills, Beaches and more, D.C. at Dusk guided night tour, Beneath the Streets Underground History tour (Seattle), New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat tour, Gangsters and Ghosts tour in Chicago...read more about each excursion in the link here. 

Of the ten attractions listed which do you find most appealing? Have you already experienced anything on this list? 

I have done the following:  Charleston's Old South Historic Horse and Carriage tour and the Grand Canyon helicopter tour.  Both were wonderful and I highly recommend them.  They are obviously extremely different - one is relaxing, the other thrilling.

The other adventure listed that I have not taken literally is the New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat tour.  However, I grew up in the Bayou and Swamp country in Louisiana.  There were bayous all around us, and my dad and I fished in some.  We have driven through many of the south Louisiana swamp lands and spent a year in the deep swamp lands of Houma, La, near New Orleans.  So, I'm thinking this may qualify as a yes.

The one other thing I would like to do is the Chicago Architecture River Cruise

5. Besides home and work where do you spend the most time? 

Lately its been the plant nursery.  But home is where my time is spent and where I most want to be.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I received an email advertisement from a town where I used to live and a boutique I actually shopped in a few times.  In the past, they have catered to mostly adult professional women who could afford to shop there.  I really couldn't afford to buy much to be truthful but did like their clothes at the time.

But, I couldn't believe the clothing line they are now advertising and wondered if you as an adult woman/lady would purchase any from this selection.

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Note rips and holes!  Is this really a fashion statement?  In this particular garment, I'm wondering if the holes actually represent musket fire - as in Revolutionary War.

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Last but not least, you can have these pants for a mere $475.

The line is Magnolia Pearl and based in Fredericksburg, Texas, if you are interested.  I do really like the building and find the decor perfectly suited for that part of the country.  I just wonder how many cowgirl locals are buying the clothes though.

Go Here for views inside.

Springing in the Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's Hodgepodge questions from Joyce and my answers.

1. It's like my mama always said, "______________________________________________." 

I can't remember my mother having a saying as such, but Daddy always said "Remember who you are!" every time we left the house.

2. May 11th is National Eat What You Want Day. What will you be having by way of celebration?

I indulged in a mini Snickers bar left over from last Halloween.  And yes, I did remove all the Snickers from the bag before putting candy out for the kiddies, and yes, I did make sure that jar of Snickers made it into the moving van.  Priorities!

3. Describe your idea of a perfect spring day.

I know, most of you will think I'm crazy, but I love rainy days.  That would make today just about perfect.  There is rumbling thunder and occasional lightening strikes, and lots of rain.  Days like this are perfectly spent reading in the sunroom, watching a good movie, or doing a blog post.

When it's not storming, then a close second would be a cool, sunny day when we can walk around outside, plant and/or enjoy the flowers, and have a meal on the patio.  That could still be a day perfectly spent with reading in the sunroom, watching a good movie, or doing a blog post.

4. Success, fulfillment, growth, achievement...pick one and tell us how it relates to your life in some way, either currently or in days gone by. 

To tell my story, involves all four of these words.  When I worked for the Technical College system, I held positions for which I had no training or experience.  Through each position I grew because I chose to learn something new; I achieved because I worked hard and devoted myself to my job; I experienced success with each new accomplishment; and found fulfillment because I learned through failures and successes and accomplished my goals in the end.  On top of all that, my husband continues to be proud of what I was able to accomplish and lets me know.

 

5. I saw this going around on various social media sites and thought it would be fun to answer here. The last thing you bought on Amazon is your weapon in battle. How will you wield it?  (if you're not an Amazon shopper, then the last thing you bought online anywhere)

I am not a big Amazon shopper but I did purchase something that Katie from Preppy Empty Nester recommended.  Actually, it was her daughter who was filling for her one week who showed this item.  I weld it on my upper lip and chin fuzz and it works so well I have shared some with my girls. So thanks Daughter1.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We have doubly celebrated our granddaughter #4, Savannah this week.

Last Saturday, we were able to watch her walk across the stage on live stream as she was awarded both her BS and MS degrees in Business Administration and graduated Cum Laude from Trine University.  During her four years there she played soccer, held offices in both Student Government and in her sorority, as well as working part-time.  Yes, this qualifies as a high-achiever in our book.

 

Today, the 11th, she is celebrating her 22nd birthday.  Where else would Savannah want to celebrate big time before starting a new job than in Savannah, Georgia.

Mary-Elizabeth is also enjoying her break from Nursing School at Xavier University in Cincinnati to help big sis celebrate.

Their dad has left nothing undone in the week's activities which also includes several days in Hilton Head and the boy friend being flown in for some of the fun.

Of course, the family pup who thinks Savannah is the most wonderful thing since doggie treats is also along for the trip.

We could not be more proud of all our grandchildren who continue to achieve and succeed.