WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #675

Thank you Joyce.

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1. Do you think you're driven more by curiosity or comfort? Explain. 

From what I looked up, I believe I am looking for comfort because I am burned out with all of my medical issues. 

2. What non-food item is in your refrigerator or freezer? 

I'm not coming up with anything but when I was taking some shots last year, that I did at home, those were in the refrigerator. 

3. Are you comfortable with silence? If you're home alone, do you like silence or do you need regular background noise? Do you seek out times and places to be silent? What's your favorite place to find silence/be silent? 

I think I'm okay with some silence. I would prefer to have someone at home with me. I can't say that I seek out silence. I guess my office would be my place to find or be silent. 

4. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, landscaping...which skill would you most like to possess and how would you put that skill to use today?

I think that landscaping would be my only choice. It might just be a matter of picking out things we can plant in the backyard. 

5. Do you lean more towards being too needy or too independent? Which do you find harder to deal with in others? 

Well I get accused by Mark of being too needy but at this place and time, with my ankle issues, and other health issues, I can't help but be needy. He never wants to drive me. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

We got to have James here on Saturday night. We had such a nice time. Mark and James went to an RV show at a casino about 45 minutes from our house and I went with and I got to play Keno in at the casino for about 2 hours. 

They made some cookies.

This was at the RV show

Then we drove him home and Adam made some turkey chili for dinner. It was delicious, along with some awesome cornbread. We got to take home leftovers. 

FAMILY TIME

Dylan and James are working on a Lego airplane.

Our sweet James sleeping. 

Dylan, James and Amber playing with Nerf guns.

Celebrating Amber and Dylan's Anniversary

Adam, Gabby, James, Amber, Dylan and Finely

We also celebrated my 75th Birthday

Mark, Debby, Amber, Dylan and Finley

Amber, Dylan and Finley

My cards, flowers and candy for my Birthday.

I miss Amber and Dylan so much. It was so wonderful having them here and we all had such a nice time hanging together. 

James really enjoyed his time with Auntie Amber and Uncle Dylan. Gabby said that on their way home on Sunday he was crying in the back seat. He knows he won't see them for a long time and nobody has played with him running through the house like they did with the Nerf guns.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #674

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1. Let's embrace it shall we? What's something you recently forgot to do? Is your memory these days more like a sieve or an elephant? 

Definitely a sieve. See, I can't even remember what I forgot to do. 

2. Share a trick/strategy you have to help you remember things you need to remember. 

I definitely have to leave myself notes.

3. What's your favorite fall vegetable to cook with? Do you prefer your fall veggies roasted, blended into a warm soup, or fresh in a crisp autumn salad? 

We do green beans often. Mark likes to put several things into his salads like olives, tamed jalapenos, red and yellow peppers. I sometimes just use the romaine lettuce or if it's going to be my dinner I add a can of chicken chunk chicken breast from Costco.

4. October 5th is/was National Do Something Nice Day. Did you? If so tell us about it. Or maybe someone did something nice for you, and if that's the case please share. 

I can't think of anything except that we put a working TV at the curb for someone to take. We took all of our apps off and someone did take it. Mark wanted me to have it but it was too big for the cabinet I keep my current TV on. 

Last year Amber and Dylan got remarried on October 6th. We gave them a card with a check in it. They also headed home yesterday morning. I really miss them. 

5.  Nathaniel Hawthorne is credited with the quote "I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house."  

Do you tend to spend more time outside this time of year? 

I would have to say yes but we haven't started that yet because we are still extremely warm outside. It's still going to be a little over 100 degrees this week. One of our hottest summers. 

Do you actively pause to soak in fleeting moments of beauty in your daily routine? Elaborate. 

Right now I think I have to say no to this question. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

It was wonderful having Amber, Dylan and their dog Finley here. I will be sharing some pictures in another post. It was the best of times. James had the best time with them. He spent two nights here. 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #673

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1. When you think of autumn what sounds come to mind? 

I can't think of a sound, however I do think of it getting darker out sooner because of the time change. 

2.  Is a trip to the mountains something you enjoy? What's your favorite mountain? 

Yes, definitely. We spent years going to Mammoth Lakes every summer and renting a cabin. We did that for like 18 years. 

3. What's something that once felt like a mountain, but is now just a molehill? 

Honestly I can't think of anything. Now if you reverse that I would say keeping this house clean. It is now a mountain for me. 

4. Let's play this or that-fall foods edition. Yes you have to choose. 

• pumpkin spice latte or chai latte - pumpkin spice latte
• apple cider or hot chocolate  - apple cider
• stew or chili - chili
• sweet potato casserole or green bean casserole - green bean casserole
• butternut squash soup or creamy mushroom soup - creamy mushroom soup
• cranberry sauce or gravy - I will go with gravy

5. Sum up your September in a sentence or two. 

Oh my, I'm not sure but I'm going to go with a lot of house work because Amber and Dylan arrive today. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I believe I mentioned this before but since they arrive, I will be busy hanging with them and I won't be reading blog posts. 

Also, I mentioned James spending the night when they are here but he is actually going to spend 2 nights with us. 

Take care....

I CAN'T WAIT....

As you know, Amber and Dylan will be arriving next week Wednesday. I can't wait. I have been trying my hardest to clean the house and I'm getting there. There have been a few issues here and there but it's getting done. 

Like I said before in a post, we will be seeing Adam, Gabby and James 3 times and that James will be spending the night on Saturday when they are here. Should be fun. 

I am not sure that I will have any time to read posts and I hope you understand that. I will try to post my Wednesday Hodgepodge but that's about it. 

In some other news, we got a text message from Gabby on Wednesday and I have to share what James' teacher sent to Adam and Gabby. My heart is full.....

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #672

Thank you Joyce.

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1. Fall arrives this week in the northern hemisphere. Does it look/feel like fall where you live?What's something you love to do this time of year that makes you feel its officially fall? 

*If you're answering today from the southern hemisphere feel free to sub spring for the word fall. 

No, it doesn't feel like Fall at all yet. Honestly I can't think of anything we do unless we travel to Montana but as you know, Amber and Dylan will be traveling here soon. 

2. What's a small daily task or chore that always seems to fall through the cracks when your schedule gets busy?

I can't think of anything, but several things can fall through the cracks when my COPD is acting up.

3. What's something you're falling for lately? 

Mark picked up a large box of ice cream bars at Costco and I can't seem to stay away from them. 

4.  Pumpkin is a popular flavor this time of year.  Are you a fan? What's your favorite pumpkin flavored food or beverage?  

I wouldn't mind having something with pumpkin flavor but I haven't had anything yet. I'm going with pumpkin pie as my favorite food. 

5. What's something you wish would never change? Explain. 

Maybe daylight savings time. I think it should stay the same all year. 

I wish James could be like he is at his age right now but of course he has to grow up.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I've been working on cleaning the house for Amber and Dylan's visit. They arrive on Wednesday the 30th. They will be here for six nights. 

We will see Adam, Gabby and James on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. James will be spending Saturday evening here with us. I can't wait. 

We did see Adam, Gabby and James last Friday and had a nice evening. We even played bunko and Sorry. 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #671

Thank you Joyce.

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1. How do you define beauty? 

Found this online....I couldn't come up with anything. 

Too many other things on my mind these days.

Colors, shapes, and sounds that feel good to see or hear.

Sunsets, mountains, and paintings that make people feel calm and happy. 

Kindness, honesty, and confidence that shine from a person.

2. Have you ever taken a trip by train? If so where did you go and what did you think of the experience? If not do you have any desire to do so? Where would you like to go? (You might find inspiration here-The Best Train Trips in The World)

I did take a train trip when I was like 12 years old. I took the train from Chicago to California to spend time with my Aunt and Uncle who lived out here. 

Of course they watched me closely on the train. It's certainly not something you would do with your child in today's world. 

3. Shell shocked, bombshell, bandshell, shellacking, in a nutshell, walking on eggshells...choose one and tell us why you chose it, or how it relates to your life in some way currently.

These questions are tough for me today. I guess I am walking on eggshells because of all the health issues I am having. 

4. Tacos, pistachios, oysters, clams, eggs...your favorite food on the list that comes in/with a shell? 

I do like tacos. I prefer to eat shelled pistachios and I do like eggs. Just made some hard boiled eggs on Sunday. 

5. Are birthdays a big deal in your house? Is your own birthday a big deal in some way? Elaborate. 

We do like to celebrate birthdays but we normally go out to dinner. We often have a cake at the house. 

We are going out to dinner when Amber and Dylan are here, along with Adam, Gabby and James. We will be celebrating my birthday on October 3rd. 

We also plan on celebrating Amber and Dylan and the fact that they got remarried last year on October 6th.

James is coming home with us that night too. Adam and Gabby will be coming over on Sunday and Adam is making lasagna. Amber will be making garlic bread. Mark will be baking the bread from scratch. 

(I see that I mentioned these things in my last post. Sorry, I'm just really excited)

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

You are not going to believe this. I am besides myself with grief. I will take all the prayers you can give to me. It seems like my story is never ending. When will I ever be whole again. 

I got a phone call on Saturday from a new doctor's office. I don't know the doctor but he has been given information to see me and take care of an issue. It's extremely depressing and I am really scared. I guess when they do a procedure, things are still sent out for testing. 

Apparently the cancer on the inside of my right arm which I had the procedure done on in the doctor's office still has cancer. I have to have another surgery. I am so overwhelmed as well with everything else going on with my body. 

I would appreciate all of your prayers with the hope that at some point I will be clear and free to live my life with some good health. 

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #670

Thank you Joyce.

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1. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?  On a scale of 1-10 how much of a fan are you? (10 is never miss a game and 1 is I'm just here for the snacks). Who's your team? If you're playing along today, but live outside the US feel free to sub your feelings about futbol for the more American sport of football. 

I am not into football but I do watch sometimes with Mark. I'm maybe a 5. It would the Chicago Bears. 

2. What's something you currently have a game plan for managing? 

If I can, I plan on getting the house clean for Amber and Dylan's arrival on the 30th. All my issues, especially my legs, are making this very hard for me. 

3. Do you like chicken wings? Hot, mild, or some other flavor? What's a must have food for you on a tailgate menu? I know tailgating isn't as big of a thing outside the US of A as it is inside the US of A, but you can also answer the question this way-what's a must have food for you at a sporting event viewing party? 

No I am not a fan of chicken wings. If I had some it would be mild. If we are having someone over it would be potato chips and onion dip and probably some Queso with Rotel and Velvetta cheese and chips. 

4. Teams typically have strict playbooks they follow. What is one unwritten rule or piece of advice in your 'life playbook' you think everyone should know?

I'm not coming up with much. I think we should always appreciate our family and friends and send them birthday cards. 

5. This is the week we remember and mourn all that was lost and changed on September 11, 2001. I always include a spot for bloggers to share anything they'd like to share about 9/11. Share as much or as little as you like. 

That day was terrible. I had taken Mark to the airport early in the morning for a business flight and I got home, turned on the TV, and it was truly devastating and unbelievable. Obviously I had to go back to the airport to bring him home. 

I have a niece who is into so many unbelievable things about everything these days. You name it and our country is trying to kill us with all the chemicals in everything. She also says that 9/11 never happened along with pyramids and dinosaurs. How could she possibly think that? 

6.Insert your own random thought here. 

So an update on the surgery on my arm to remove a small spot of cancer. I had a follow up at urgent care on Sunday and they said it is looking great. The antibiotic is working. I'm thankful for that. 

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We went to Adam and Gabby's on Saturday evening and had a very nice time. James of course is adorable but he didn't want to play any games. Gabby's mom was over and it was nice spending time with her. Adam made a delicious dinner with steak, baked potatoes, green beans and garlic bread. 

Since we are going out to dinner at a steak house on Saturday October 3rd, which is my birthday, when Amber and Dylan are here, we had decided not to make a prime rib on Sunday when Adam and Gabby come here.

Adam is going to make lasagna which will be awesome. He is a great cook. James is coming home with us Saturday night which will be fun for Amber and Dylan. 

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Thought I would add this picture of James. Apparently he is now also into these things called Squishy. So I ordered one for him from Amazon. It's a block of cheese and they are squishy.  

DEBBY

YOU WONT BELIEVE THIS........

I've been going to a dermatologist off and on for a few years for some rough spots on my skin and a few other things. 

This year they have a new thing where they put a lotion on you and you go under a light for 15 minutes to prevent cancer. They do your arms, your chest, your back and your face. It was rather interesting but very time consuming. He always overbooks. You go back for each one, they are not all done on the same day. 

Anyway, what I am going to share with you has nothing to do with these new treatments, I've been to him before for something else. I've had a small spot on the inside of my right arm just below the elbow. He has frozen it in the past but it did eventually change and he tested it for cancer. It did show that it was cancer so he decided to remove it and I agreed with that. 

So I went in and he removed it. I had some several stitches and also staples put in to hold it together. I had to go back in to have the staples removed 10 days later. When the girl took out the stitches she noticed that the area was a little pink which meant it might be infected. She called me and told me that I should have it checked out at urgent care. 

I did that and it was definitely infected. Unbelievable. This should not have happened. I was taking very good care of it. I went to urgent care on Thursday and they gave me a prescription and wanted to see me back in a few days so I'm going back today.

I hope that they think it is better too because they talked about sending me to the hospital. I can't imagine what they would do. 

So again, I would appreciate your prayers.    

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #669

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1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing? 

Travel to see Amber and Dylan in Montana. My health issues kept us home. We usually go three times a year. 

However, they will be here in a few weeks. I can't wait to see them. 

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be? 

Honestly I don't remember where I sat. 

I think it would be Home Economics. 

Does anyone remember that class?

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)?

Listening to the questions that students have when they raise their hand. Everyone should be treated equal. 

4.  September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so how do you like yours? Would people describe you as 'having grit'? 

I'm not sure if I have ever had them. 

Looking up what "having grit'' means, I may have had that years ago but I don't seem to have it now. 

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy? 

I'm really not sure how to answer this one. One thing I can think of are dogs. I do enjoy them. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Happy 45th Birthday to our son in law Dylan.

His Birthday was yesterday. 

We love you so much.

Look at the Watermelon from our garden.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #668

Thank you Joyce.

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1. How do you feel about the transition from lazy summer days to a busier fall routine? 

It's all the same to me. Actually my summer has been busy with appointments each week. So far in September I just have 2 things scheduled right now. 

2. Your favorite cookie? 

David's Butter Pecan Meltaways from Costco. They only sell them at Christmas. 

3. What's something you've learned from a culture different than your own? 

Eating some different foods like taco's and enchiladas. I grew up with Bohemian food like pork, dumplings and sauerkraut.

4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic...which hat would you most like to wear? Tell us why. 

That's a tough one. Maybe a film critic because I do enjoy watching movies. I grew up watching movies because my dad managed a movie theater back in Chicago. Although I must say that a lot of movies today don't thrill me that much. 

5. What's a small, random thing from your childhood that you still remember clearly? 

I'm going to go with Christmas Eve. We would go to church and when we came home from church Santa had come with our presents. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

We spent Friday night with James at their house while Adam and Gabby went out to dinner with some friends. We had a nice time and got his favorite pizza for dinner. We played some Bunko too! 

One Tuesday Adam sent a text message that he got from James' teacher. All his teachers have loved him and I agree, he is incredibly kind.  I'm so proud of him. 

This week is filled with appointments for me. Praying I get some answers to several of my issues. Sadly my breathing test at the pulmonary doctor Thursday was cancelled until next week. I really needed this done

Hope you all have a great week. Love, Debby

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #667

Thank you Joyce.

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1. August 19th is National Aviation Day...do you like to fly? Last time you were on an airplane? The date is chosen in honor of the history and development of aviation, and celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina? The city of Dayton in Ohio (their birthplace)

I believe the last time I flew was in April of 2025 for a wedding in Georgia. I don't mind flying, however the time spent at the airport can be frustrating. No, I haven't been to Kitty Hawk. 

2. In what area of your life do you tend to 'wing it'? Is this an area you should be winging? 

I'm not sure how to answer this one. I don't seem to know. 

3. A favorite book, song, or movie that relates to flight in some way? 

I'm going to say the movie Sully and Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver.

4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, fro zen yogurt, or good old fashioned ice cream...what's your pleasure? Your favorite flavor? How often do you indulge? 

Soft serve is good at a Dairy Queen. We stop sometimes when we travel.  However I do like a good old fashioned ice cream cone although I haven't had one in a long time. We also buy some chocolate covered ice cream bars from time to time. I don't indulge very often. I like vanilla. 

5. I never get tired of, seeing James, Adam, Gabby, Amber and Dylan. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

So the shot I had at the surgery center seemed to help but then I had some pain again.  I still need my ankle to be fixed. I see my doctor next week and also another foot doctor to see if I can have an ankle replacement. My doctor only does the ankle fusion. Either one has a recovery of 5 weeks. I'm really getting tired of these things. 

My lungs have been giving me a lot of issues too. I just had some x-rays done on Friday of my lungs for the pulmonary doctor. I went for blood work on Monday and saw my dermatologist yesterday. I go for a breathing test next week. 

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We had seen James over the weekend and he loves to look for things for me to buy on Amazon for him. So of course I can't help myself. So he received a package on Sunday and was so happy. 

MAMMOTH LAKES

These are the photos that were taken on the trip to Mammoth Lakes, CA when Mark, Adam and James went for 3 night starting on August 8th. They had a wonderful time and I'm so happy for them. 

They didn't catch any fish.

James can't wait to go back.