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

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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 #670

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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

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #668

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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

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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. 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #666

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1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-'The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while." 

Time is crazy isn't it? So...what were you up to in the year 2002? 

I love that movie. 

This is a tough one for me to answer. I know we were living in our other house in Fontana, CA. Adam would have been 23 and Amber was 21. Mark was still working. I'm not sure what I was up to. I might have been working part time at the Hallmark store at that time. 

2. "Me? I'm scared of everything..." What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway? 

Gosh, this is a hard one to answer. I think I might want to go up in a hot air balloon, or maybe try a parachute. I never will, that much I know for sure. 

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to...

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

Yes I like watermelon and cantaloupe. I definitely like a watermelon Jolly Rancher but haven't had one in years. I wouldn't mind trying a watermelon margarita.

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate. 

No I am not a middle child. My brother was the first born, my sister was the second born and I was the last one born. It probably had an influence, I'm sure I was spoiled. 

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain. 

Interesting question. We seldom, if ever, go to parties so I'm really not sure how to answer this one. Maybe I would try to talk to everyone. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Mark, Adam and James drove up to Mammoth Lakes on Saturday. When you read this they will already be home. Short trip. They stayed in a hotel the first night and then 2 nights in a camper at a campground. 

We used to rent a cabin in Mammoth Lakes for about 18 years. Adam and Amber would come with us until they got older. We haven't been up in a long time because we are not sure if I can handle the elevation with my COPD. When I get more pictures I will share them. 

Saturday....left for Mammoth Lakes

James brought me this picture before they left on the trip. It's the lake with them fishing from a boat and up to the left is a cabin. 

    MORE PHOTOS TO COME IN ANOTHER POST

(I am having a procedure today at a surgery center for my sciatica so I may not be around to read posts)

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #665

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1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer. 

I'm excited for what you will read in my random thought. 

However, for me my calendar has about 3 doctors appointments each week. I am not looking forward to those. 

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls? 

No, I do not partake in that day. I do think pearls are very pretty. 

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'. 

I'm sure there are several times when I felt that. I'm going to say after we were married and we bought a townhouse. 

Then several years later we bought a beautiful home in the lovely community called Western Springs. These were both in Illinois. 

We were married in 1972 and didn't have Adam until 1979 and Amber in 1981. 

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why? 

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

We have been to Mackinac Island. We actually honeymooned there. I believe we have been to South Padre Island in Texas and also Catalina Island.

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- 

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month? 

I'm not sure if I agree with her. However, I think August is a nice month. Living in Southern California we can have a lot of wonderful months. Although I must say we have been having a lot of extreme heat this summer. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

So on Saturday, Mark, Adam and James are driving up to Mammoth Lakes, CA. It's about a six hour drive. They will spend the first night in a hotel and then two nights in a camper at a camp ground. James can't wait. They will fish and hike, along with going up to a special mountain in Mammoth at night where they will see thousands of stars. I can't wait for James to see those. 

We spent 18 years going up to Mammoth Lakes with Adam and Amber, along with going up on our own and we always stayed in a cabin for a week. Those were wonderful trips. We haven't gone ourselves in a long time because we are not sure that I can take the elevation with my lungs. 

So anyway, James has been so excited about campers and motor homes. So when he spent the night here on Saturday, Sunday morning Mark and James went to a few local places that sell motor homes and campers. He had so much fun doing that.  

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

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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

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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

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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.