WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #664

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1. What was the last thing you celebrated? 

I'm thinking it was our anniversary in June but we really didn't do anything special. We celebrated Father's Day at Adam and Gabby's with a nice dinner. 

2 July 29th is International Day of the Tiger. Besides the wild animal itself, when you hear the word tiger what's the first  person-place-thing-whatever that comes to mind? 

Obviously I think of Tiger Woods because of his name. We are fans of golf on TV. 

3. The expression 'eye of the tiger' describes someone with intense focus, determination, and the drive to succeed. What area of your life are you currently bringing that kind of energy to?  

Absolutely nothing. I do have the determination to succeed. It's just not happening yet. I pray I get my health back so I can go on living a normal life. 

4. What was the last meal you cooked? 

Actually I haven't cooked in a while because of the issues I'm having with my legs and ankle. 

Mark's been doing all of the cooking which is greatly appreciated. He's been baking and cooking. He's enjoying making meals in the crock pot too. He grills a lot of meat also. He's been doing it all and I appreciate it so much. 

5. Describe your July using exactly five words. 

Fun having James stay overnight. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We have truly been enjoying James spending some time here with us. We just had him here last Thursday evening and then Mark drove him to his aunts house and him, along with his cousins were heading to Las Vegas for the weekend. I can't wait to hear about his trip.

The sweetest thing is when Mark and him left and James said "See you next weekend!"

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #663

Thank you Joyce.

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1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate. 

Right now with the continuation of health issues my goals and dreams exhaust me. I can't do them.

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons? 

Yes I am a fan of lemon. I can't think of a dish but lemonade is good. However I don't have it very often but a squeeze of lemon is good in water. 

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it. 

I'm trying to make lemonade but I'm not getting very far because of my issues. I do however work pretty hard at being joyful around Adam, Gabby and James. 

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color? 

We have a bedroom in the house that is lemon yellow in color. The furniture is yellow and one wall is painted yellow. 

5. How would you describe your attention to detail? 

Not as good as it use to be. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We did have James here on Thursday night and then he was picked up from his aunt who was heading over to Adam and Gabby's on Friday night. 

We had a fun time with him. Mark was exhausted playing with him. We went to see Toy Story 5 with him on Friday and then went to Trader Joe's for a few things because it was near the theater we went to. 

James and Papa played forever with some Nerf guns that shoot Nerf darts. They were knocking down cards in our long hallway. 

He always likes sitting on Papa's saddle and wearing his cowboy hat.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #662

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1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate. 

Being retired and having pretty much nice weather here in California throughout the year, I can't say that I do.

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset?

Lately I seem to cry when I'm upset, otherwise it would be slamming our bedroom door.😊

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? 

I have not used it at all. I am very concerned about the young children who are growing up with this. 

4. You're invited to a summer pot luck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? 

I usually bring an appetizer to Adam and Gabby's when they have a get together. They always want me to bring onion dip and chips. 

5. It wouldn't be summer without....

Our vegetable garden. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We are picking up James on Thursday evening and he will be spending the night with us. Then we will be going to see Toy Story 5 on Friday. Then Mark will take him to his cousins house so he can have some time playing with them. His aunt will take him home over the weekend. 

Sadly, I have to say that we are not making the trip to Montana to see Amber and Dylan. I'm still not feeling well and each day is a challenge for me. I'm so upset about this but I can't see myself driving in the car for 3 days driving there and then not feeling well hanging with them. 

Sorry I haven't been around much to read blog posts. 

The procedure to help my legs through pain management isn't until mid-August. I am extremely frustrated. I can definitely use your prayers. Thank you. 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #661

Thank you Joyce. 

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1. What's something you enjoy now that your younger self would never have appreciated? 

I'm going to go with a cup of coffee in the morning. I usually have decaf. I never drank coffee until a few years ago and I now look forward to it. 

2. What was peaceful about today? 

I'm typing this on Sunday and I communicated with Adam and they invited us over for dinner. So that was a blessing. 

3. It's National Blueberry Day (July 8). Will you celebrate?  You can have one of the following right now-a slice of blueberry pie, a warm blueberry muffin, or a stack of blueberry pancakes...which do you choose?

I like blueberries but I don't believe I will be celebrating. I think that the blueberry muffin sounds good. 

This or that-blueberries or raspberries? blueberries or strawberries? 

I would definitely pick raspberries and then I would pick strawberries. 

4. Do you need a break? From what? 

YES! I would like to have a break from all of my doctor's appointments and feel like myself again. I have 3 appointments this week. 

5. What has surprised you most about getting older? 

Over the years nothing had really surprised me. However, I am very surprised with my health because I never expected something like this to happen until I was maybe in my 80's or 90's. I have to admit I've been depressed and that makes me sad. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

So I told you that James was going to spend the night here on Tuesday last week. We had such a nice time. First of all Adam and Gabby brought Jersey Mikes for dinner and we hung out for awhile. Then we had the best of times with James. He was so happy to be here. I only took a few pictures. 

James and Papa putting together a puzzle that we bought him a few years ago. He brought it over. 

This is the puzzle....

James loves taking a bath in our jet tub....

Papa and James at Bass Pro Shop

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week. 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #660

Thank you Joyce

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1. What do you love most about your country? 

The freedom we have. 

2. Your favorite patriotic song? 

I'm going to go with "God Bless America" but I also like "My Country, 'Tis of Thee

3. Red, white, or blue? Stars or stripes? Something you own besides a US flag with some combination of those colors or decorations as part of its design? 

Blue - Stripes - A Pillow 

4. What's one thing you want more of this summer: fun, rest, adventure, connection, quiet, or confidence? Elaborate. 

Fun with James but also the adventure of a trip to Montana to visit Amber and Dylan. 

5. What was your ultimate, go-to summer activity when you were a kid? Do you still do any version of that today? If you answered yes, does participating in this activity as an adult make you feel like a kid?  

I think riding bikes was a go-to summer activity for me. 

No, I do not ride a bike anymore. Well actually I have a recumbent bike.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We had the pleasure of having James spend the night with us last night. I will have to get back to you on how that went and what we did. 

Adam and Gabby picked up Jersey Mike's before arriving with James and we spent some time together. Today Mark is taking James to his cousins house and he will spend 2 nights with them. 

However, before that they will be going to Bass Pro Shop because James loves going there. It's on the way to their house. 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #659

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Happy Anniversary to Mark and I today!

June 24, 1972

1. Summer's here!  In the northern hemisphere anyway. If you're in the southern hemisphere substitute winter for the word summer. What do you love most about summer? What's your biggest summer pet peeve? 

We have some nice weather most of the year. I'm not sure I have a pet peeve. Most likely it would be when we get Santa Ana winds. 

2. What song always reminds you of summer? 

"Summertime" by DJ Jazzy and the Fresh Prince

3. What's something you remember about your childhood summers? Do you think kids today get to enjoy summer the way you did as a child? Elaborate. 

Playing outside was so much fun. We were out all day and our Mom didn't even know where we were. I enjoyed playing kick the can in the street. 

No, I don't believe the kids have the same freedom today to be gone all day and your parents don't know where you are. They need to stay close to home. 

However I know that James has a good time at home and they have the pool in the backyard. Also he has several kids at daycare that he plays with and it's a small group at the home of Jenny. She is amazing. When school is in session she picks him up from school also. 

4. We celebrate Fathers Day on June 21st. Do you favor your dad in looks or temperament? Tell us something about your dad. Or your husband as a dad. Or a son/son-in-law as a dad. Or your grandpa. 

My dad "Ray" had both looks and a very nice temperament. My dad worked hard but he also spent time playing with us. We would go to my grandparents cottage often in Michigan. Also as he got older he had a cottage that our kids were able to enjoy. He was a good man. He lived until 96 and passed away just before Covid started. 

Dad with Adam and Amber

I have to say that Adam is an amazing father. I am so proud of him. He takes so much time playing with him and hanging with him. It is lovely to watch. 

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

• flip flops or sandals - sandals
• beach or pool - beach
• watermelon or peaches - watermelon
• shorts or sundress - shorts 
• iced coffee or ice cold lemonade - lemonade
• amusement park or water park - amusement park 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A few more pictures of James in Hawaii......

His favorite pets right now. 

He took them with.

Here is the plush turtle he bought in Hawaii.

New picture from Sunday.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #658

Thank you Joyce.

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1. June 17th, 1994 was the day of the infamous O.J. Simpson car chase. What were you doing in 1994? I'm guessing somebody is going to tell me they weren't born yet but that's part of the fun of the Hodgepodge. Lots of generations are represented here. 

We were living here in California but we were in a different house in another town. Adam would have been 15 and Amber would have been 13. I know for sure that we were watching the case on TV. I believe he was guilty. 

2. What's your favorite summer salad that isn't the traditional tossed green lettuce kind of salad? Do you like fresh fruit in a salad (other than in a fruit salad of course)?

I don't have a favorite summer salad. We usually make our salads with romaine. No I don't like fresh fruit in my salad. I do like having canned chicken in my salad now. 

3. Is chivalry dead? Should it be? 

Online they say it is definitely dead but I'm sure that's not true in all cases.  They also say this: "Chivalry" has transitioned from men performing acts for women, to a broader, gender neutral expectation of respect, active listening and consideration. 

4. Would you rather spend a week of your summer vacation in Hawaii or Alaska? Have you ever been to either? Are they two places you really would like to see? How do you feel about 'Hawaiian pizza' aka pineapple on a pizza? Have you ever eaten Baked Alaska? 

I would say Hawaii. Adam, Gabby and James just got home yesterday from Hawaii. I have never been to Hawaii or Alaska. I am not into having a Hawaiian pizza and have never had baked Alaska. 

5. World Cup play is happening now...are you interested? Watching any matches? Did you or your children play soccer/futbol? There are eleven US cities hosting matches-

-Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York with the stadium in NJ, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle

along with  three cities in Mexico (Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey)

and two in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver)-

You get free tickets to one of these matches. Which city do you choose? Tell us why.

I can't choose one. It would be fun to go to some of those cities that I've never been to. Obviously we could go to Los Angeles. If I have to pick then I pick Houston so we can visit family. I would love to visit New York again. 

We haven't watched it yet but I would like to see a game. Adam and Amber did not play soccer but James is a big fan and loves to play. He's really pretty good at it. 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm going to share a few photos from Adam, Gabby and James' beautiful trip to Hawaii....

A FAVORITE OF OURS......

So we watched James over the weekend and it was really fun.  He is such a pleasure to be with. Papa and him played Jenga. We also played Sorry and Bunko of course.

On Saturday James had a birthday party to attend. Mark took him and James had a nice time. It was one of those bouncy trampoline places. 

However, he was the only boy who showed up. Him and this girl have been friends for several years now because they have been at the same house for daycare since they were little, before school started. 

Then Papa took him to play miniature golf. They had a fun time together. 

Then on Sunday morning they went to the Bass Pro Shop. Mark, Adam and James are going to Mammoth Lakes for 4 days in August. They will be staying in a camper at the campground. 

We spent 18 years going up to Mammoth Lakes. I'm so excited for them. I can't go anymore because of the altitude with my COPD. I'm really excited for them. 

They went to Bass to get James a fishing pole. Of course he found a cute stuffed fish that he wanted. 

When Adam and Gabby got home we ordered some food and then we headed home. Gabby said that after we left James went and laid in their bed and fell asleep immediately. 

It was a good time with him. Even though I couldn't join them because of my ankle, knee cut and sciatica, James and I had a great time playing games. I treasure every moment I have with him. 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #652

Thank you Joyce.

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1. What's something you may do this month?

I'm not sure. I know we are going out to eat with Adam, Gabby and James on Saturday to celebrate Mother's Day. 

Mark will be going out of town on his yearly fishing trip to Canada with his brother. 

I'm not really sure about the dates for that yet. I believe he is going to stop and visit with his mom in Texas also. (I'm not ready to be alone right now with all that I've had going on.)

2. Hola! Hodgepodge Day lands just after Cinco de Mayo... how do you feel about Mexican food? What's your favorite dish? Do you make it at home or is it a strictly dine out option? 

I like Mexican food. We don't get it very often. We don't seem to go out to eat like we used to all the time before the pandemic started. We do end up getting some Taco Bell. No, we really don't make it at home. 

I like their Chicken Cantina Bowl. It's my favorite. 

However, Mark made a delicious meal in the crock pot on Tuesday called Chicken Enchilada.

3. When the children of today grow up what do you think they'll say about this time period? What do you most hope they remember? 

Seriously I can't even begin to think how they are going to feel about this time period. I don't like that AI is around. I hope James remembers Mark and I with great love as his grandparents. 

4. What advice would you give a new mother? 

Love your baby with all your heart. It's okay to let them cry themselves to sleep. It's okay if the house gets a little messy. Time flies by quickly and they grow up too fast. 

5. What's a phrase your mother often said to you? If you're a mom do you say it to your own children? 

I don't recall my mom saying a phrase to me. 

I just tell my children how much I love them all the time. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Adam, Gabby and James went out of town this past weekend. Gabby's sister's kids has some water polo finales. They went along to watch and they brought the dogs too. I believe they had cabins that they rented. They were in the San Diego area. Adam sent me a few photos. 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #647

Thank you Joyce.

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1. March is rolling on out of here. Sum up your March in ten words or less. 

March was kinda quite. Not a lot of doctor's appointments. However, for the past 8 days I have been dealing with lung issues. It's been extremely hard on me. 

I didn't want to go to the ER because they do nothing different than I do at home, except for a chest x-ray. 

2. Are you afraid of heights? When was the last time you found yourself dealing with a height, and did it make you nervous?

I can't say that I am but I imagine I could be. I can't remember anything dealing with height recently.

3. What's a word you struggle to spell on a regular basis, and sometimes need to double check before writing it down? Use the word in a sentence that tells us something about your April calendar. 

Nothing is coming to mind but I believe there are several. I'm always looking up the spelling of something.

Sorry, not a lot of answers from me today.  

4. Love 'em or hate 'em, with Easter comes the sweet treat known as Peeps. So... do you love 'em or hate 'em? Speaking of peeps, what's your favorite way to have chicken? 

I have enjoyed them in the past. Now they have a lot of flavors that also sound pretty good to me. 

I like chicken on the grill. We also like chicken from Costco from time to time. 

5. This week's Hodgepodge lands on the first day of April, which happens to be National Poetry Month. Do you like poetry?  Share a favorite line or two from one of your favorite poems. What makes this one a favorite? 

Poetry is okay but I can't say that I read it often at all. I will just have to go with.....

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Adam, Gabby and James are on a cruise with Gabby's sister, husband and their two kids. They went to Cabo San Lucas. They should be home today. 

T