A Slice of the Hodgepodge

Hello friends. In case you can't tell, that's a nod to the better-late-than-never and oh so different just-completed Masters tournament. But everything in 2020 seems to be different, am I right?

I'm here for the Hodgepodge today, and thankful to Joyce for continuing to offer the opportunity to think and to blog as we are able. (Some days I'm more able than others!)

Here are her questions and my answers for your reading pleasure. Ha! Be sure to click over to her blog and see what everyone else has to say.

1. It's Mickey Mouse's birthday (November 18)...happy birthday Mickey! He reads here, right? Have you ever been to Disney, any of the parks at all? Are you a Disney superfan or something less than that? They're open right now so tell us, would you go if you had the time/money/a free trip?

I have been to Disney World in Florida a few times - a couple times as a child, once with our kids, and most recently this past January (which seems like about 10 years ago!) with 2 of my daughters-in-law and 2 grandkids.

This fuzzy photo is my parents, my 2 brothers, and me, circa 1970 or so.

Fast forward to 1993, with Jim and our 5. Matching shirts weren't as easy to come by back then, so I painted their sweatshirts. Matching was our thing. And it also allowed us to keep track of everyone more easily.

And finally, this past January, with Darci and Haleigh celebrating our January birthdays. Haleigh turned 10, and Darci and I a bit older. Ha!

Courtney and little S came along on the trip as well, even though it wasn't their birthday month. S was not so sure about an unexpected encounter with a Stormtrooper! If you look closely though, you can see that S is wearing the same sweatshirt that his daddy wore. Yes, I save everything.

I would not call me a superfan of the Disney parks, although I have kids and grandkids who definitely fall into that category, and seeing it with them is a treat. It is a magical place, full of fantasy, fun, and fatigued feet (at least for this granny)!

2. Your favorite place to go when you want to be quiet as a church mouse? Would those who know you well describe you as more churchmouse or perhaps more like mighty mouse? 

This is the place I go to be quiet. Of course, I also love it when it is filled with the laughter and shouts of grandchildren. I'm more of a churchmouse. Or maybe mighty mouse incognito?

3. The day before Mickey's birthday happens to be National Homemade Bread Day. Did/will you celebrate? Do you bake your own bread? Last time you had hot out-of-the-oven homemade bread? What's your favorite kind of bread? 

I love bread. All kinds. I do not make my own bread because, well, it would make it way too easy to eat bread all day every day. My mother-in-law had a bread machine and shared bread far and wide. One of our favorite stories is when she gave us a fresh loaf to take home, but said it was still too warm for her to slice (she had a slicer that she used for perfect slicing). A loaf of warm bread, 5 kids, 1 mom... let's just say the bread did not make it home with us that day, but was happily consumed in chunks in the car.

My favorite bread might have to be bread pudding souffle from Commander's Palace in New Orleans. That counts, right?

4. What's something you might say is 'the greatest thing since sliced bread'? 

Our local food pantry is called 'Bread of Life', and I have been volunteering there for a few years now. They have t-shirts with this on the back, so the first thing I thought of was the importance of seeing a need and taking care of our neighbors. 

Jeremiah 29:7 says:

"And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare."

And loving our neighbors is the greatest thing since sliced bread. For sure.

5. Let's keep the gratitude theme we started last week rolling on through November. Share with us five little things you're grateful for today. Small blessings. One catch-they all must start with the letter T. Gotta keep us thinking, right? 

Hot tea on a chilly morning 

Tires on my car 

Teachers

A Thanksgiving trivia game 

Beef tenderloin for Thanksgiving

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

These two are engaged! After a few years of dating, they made it official in August, and are planning a wedding for next fall. So happy for Jonathan and Abby, and we will love having her as an 'official' member of the family.

Happy Wednesday all!

Hugs for the Hodgepodge

Welcome to Wednesday and another edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. It has been a nice way for me to ease back into blogging, and I appreciate Joyce for faithfully providing questions to encourage us to think and to write. Be sure to click on her button below to visit her blog.

Now for her questions and my answers:

1. Ever played the game Farkle? Are you a risk taker? In games only or also in life?

I played Farkle for the first time on my first trip to Haiti in 2007. It wasn't my favorite game, as I don't really like math, and I'm not a risk taker. I volunteered to be the scorekeeper while watching the action. That year, on our last day in Haiti, there was a hurricane which caused flooding, mudslides, and delayed flights out of the country. After climbing up the mountain in the mud (because the road was impassable), washing our feet, finding a ride to the airport, and changing into dry clothes in the airport restroom, we passed the time in line for our flight by playing Farkle on our 'luggage table.' Well, the rest of the group played Farkle. It looks like I was keeping tabs on what flights would actually be leaving that day. Turns out, our flight was not leaving, and we spent an extra night in Port au Prince.

As for being a risk taker? Do you remember the show "Deal or No Deal?" I would say "Deal" every time. ;)

2. What's your favorite thing about your yard or whatever outdoor space you may have?

We got these chairs assembled last weekend, and set up this little spot at the lake. I think it will be an enjoyable place to relax, and I'm ready for some warmer weather!

3. Tell us about the most interesting building you've seen or been in.

The Greenbrier, located in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia is a National Historic Landmark and an amazing resort that has been welcoming guests from around the world since 1778. It has hosted 27 presidents, countless celebrities, and my Saints held their training camp there a few years ago.

But the interesting thing about the building is what you don't see. "Hidden in plain sight" is the now declassified U.S. government relocation facility for Congress. This once top secret facility, The Bunker, is carved into the mountain under the West Virginia Wing of the hotel. It is now open for tours, and provides a fascinating look at the Cold War fallout shelter which remained fully operational and a secret for more than 30 years. Construction began in 1958, and it is said that even the company building it had no idea what they were helping to create. To think that it was stocked and ready for immediate occupancy at a moment's notice - for 30 years - is almost incomprehensible.

From the Greenbrier website, a list of some of the features of The Bunker:

• Four entrances; three to The Greenbrier's grounds and one to the main building
• 25-ton blast door that opens with only 50 lbs. of pressure
• Decontamination chambers
• 18 dormitories, designed to accommodate over 1,100 people
• Power plant with purification equipment and three 25,000-gallon water storage tanks
• Three 14,000-gallon diesel fuel storage tanks
• Communications area, including television production area and audio recording booths
• Clinic with 12 hospital beds, medical and dental operating rooms
• Laboratory
• Pharmacy
• Intensive care unit
• Cafeteria
• Meeting rooms for the House and Senate, the Governor's Hall and Mountaineer room

It is a truly interesting and amazing tour, especially for those who enjoy history.

4. In this current season of social distancing, what's something you've come to realize you take for granted in more ordinary times? Do you think you'll make a conscious effort to appreciate whatever that 'it' is once normal life resumes?

I'm missing quite a few things that I have previously taken for granted... gathering with our family, worshiping together in our sanctuary, eating in a restaurant (there has been WAY more cooking going on here than usual). We also had a couple of trips canceled, and I missed March Madness and the Masters.

What I hope to appreciate more, and not take for granted are hugs - Hello hugs, goodbye hugs, birthday hugs, joyful hugs, hugs of comfort, hugs of friendship, and the exuberant hugs of our grandchildren when they run to me with open arms.

Group hug!

5. Share a favorite song with a springtime flower in the lyrics somewhere.

On a recent visit to my son and daughter-in-law and family (outdoors, with proper social distancing), I noticed lily of the valley growing near their porch. It always reminds me of the sweet song from Brownie, Girl Scout, and summer camp days:

White Coral Bells upon a slender stalk
Lily of the Valley deck my garden walk
Oh don't you wish that you could hear them ring?
That can only happen when the fairies sing

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Have you heard? Hamilton THE MOVIE is going to be released on Disney+ on July 3! Filmed over three performances in July 2016 at the Richard Rogers Theater in NYC, the movie features Lin Manuel Miranda and the original Broadway cast. The plan was for it to be released to movie theaters in October 2021, but we will now have the 'best seat in the house' even sooner! No need to 'wait for it'!

In case you can't tell, I'm a huge Hamilton fan, and have had the opportunity to see it and share it a few times now, including an unforgettable performance in Puerto Rico with Lin Manuel Miranda reprising his role of Alexander Hamilton. It. Was. Amazing.

With theaters dark until fall, you should not throw away your shot! It's an unforgettable show, and I can't wait to see it on the big screen. Or at least on my tv screen.

Cinco de Hodgepodge

Wednesday brings us to the Wednesday Hodgepodge. It's nice to have something to remind us what day it is! Thanks to Joyce for providing the questions. Be sure to click on the button below to pay her a visit, and say hello to the other Hodgepodgers as well.

Here are her questions and my answers:

1.  Question day this week lands on Cinco de Mayo. Are/were tacos on your Tuesday night menu? Hard shell, soft shell or just gimme all the tacos? Are you even a fan of Mexican food? Do you like your salsa mild, spicy, or somewhere in between? Margaritas-Frozen, on the rocks, or no thank you? Have you ever been to Mexico?

We have a favorite local Mexican restaurant in our little town that we have missed so much during the weeks of staying home. Because of high numbers of COVID-19 in our town, restaurants were closed completely for a time. They are open again, for carry out only, and we were pleased to enjoy our favorite meal once again last night for Cinco de Mayo. It took about an hour for me to get through on the phone to place our order, and the car line was lengthy as I approached the pick-up window, but it moved quickly and efficiently. We even got take out margaritas! Yum! On the rocks, with salt is our preference.

(photo from my archives, not from last night)

Along with our entrees, we got some tacos (since it was Tuesday), and the meal included chips and our favorite hot salsa. I have been to Mexico, but only for a brief visit across the border while visiting Arizona. We also stopped at Cozumel on a cruise, but we chose to stay on board the ship that day.

Yesterday would have been my father-in-law's 101st birthday. I love this picture of him celebrating with 3 of his great granddaughters at our Mexican restaurant for his 95th. We miss him!

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

I may finish up some of the closet cleaning projects I started. Why does it seem that one project leads to another, and then there is more of a mess than when you started? Hopefully I can get everything donated, disposed of, and/or put away sometime soon!

3. Tell us what's happening in your state or town as far as restaurants/salons/parks/beaches/businesses opening up. How do you feel about it? Are you out and about or hunkered down? Do you wear a mask?

In my state of Indiana, the governor has laid out a detailed plan for opening up. I think it seems cautious and reasonable, and it is also subject to change if necessary. I have an appointment for our little dog with the groomer next week, and an appointment for a haircut of my own the following week. At the salon, we will wear masks, gloves, and disposable capes as precautions. A haircut would be nice, but if things change between now and then, and I'm not comfortable going, it won't be the end of the world. We have had a few outdoor socially distanced visits with our kids and grandkids, including taking some walks 'together apart.'

4. Mother nature, everybody and their mother, mom jeans, like mother like daughter, soccer mom, mother hen, mother lode, necessity is the mother of invention, stay-at-home mom...pick one and tell us how it applies to your life right now.

In anticipation of Mother's Day this Sunday, here is a photo of my mom and me in 1960 (yes, I'm that old). It was probably taken on Easter Sunday. I am blessed to have my mom (and my dad) living just across town. I want to wish my mom a happy Mother's Day, and a gentle reminder to stay at home, Mom! (see what I did there?)

5. April showers bring May flowers...what's blooming in your yard or garden today?

Do dandelions count? I do have lilacs that are just beginning to bloom (ahh, the smell), 

and peonies (Indiana state flower, and one of my favorites) that were planted here by Jim's grandma,

and when I delivered groceries to my mom and dad, this dogwood tree is blooming at the end of their driveway. It's another favorite of mine, and I like the legend that goes with it.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Granddaughter Ella Kate celebrated her ninth birthday on Monday, Star Wars Day. May the 4th be with you! Love you (and your #9 jersey)!

A Super-Dee-Duper Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday, so I thought I would see if I could put together some answers for Joyce's famous Wednesday Hodgepodge questions. She asks the questions, and we do our best to answer them, linking back to her blog to share the fun. Click on the button below to visit Joyce, and the other WH participants.

And now, her thought provoking questions, and my answers. 

1. Expect the unexpected on From This Side of the Pond. Here's my x-ray question...when was the last time you felt like Superman? What's your superpower? Explain.

Unexpected indeed. I thought an x-ray question would have to do with broken bones, and raising five kids definitely provided multiple opportunities for broken bone stories!

But back to the actual question. The last time I felt like Superman? At the Superdome, of course. It's always SUPER at the Superdome! Who Dat!

Not sure I have a superpower, but I am an enthusiastic superfan, ever grateful, ever true to my Boilermakers (Boiler Up!), and to my Saints (Who Dat!).

2. Are you a fan of the 'superhero' type movies? If so what's your favorite? 

I am not a huge fan of 'superhero' movies, and I can't think of many I have even watched.

I have watched this one though, so it is my favorite.

You just gotta love a superhero family. And gems like this:

3. Have you postponed or cancelled a trip to the dentist in recent weeks, and if so when do you think you'll feel comfortable going back? How about other routine medical procedures?

No dentist appointments scheduled, so none cancelled. And I'm never comfortable going to the dentist. Or the doctor for that matter. I pretty much avoid it if at all possible. 

4. What's something that makes you feel youthful? Something that makes you feel 'not so youthful'? Tell us why.

What makes me feel youthful? My grandchildren? A Zoom call with my high school friends? We haven't changed a bit! Lol. 

Not so youthful? I don't know? My grandchildren? Getting up in the morning? Lol.

5. I feel compelled to include some sort of corona related question in the HP these days. What's the strangest thing you've seen in relation to the virus? Something that really struck you as odd, made you stop and think, 'Dorothy we're not in Kansas anymore?'

I'm not going out, so I haven't really seen anything strange in person, but seeing the empty streets of New York and New Orleans is definitely eerie and strange. Will we get back to busy crowded streets again?

Angels Weiss/AFP-Getty Images

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My friend Katie Peslis is a wonderful singer who has recorded a Karen Carpenter tribute album that is just fabulous. If you are a fan of the Carpenters, you will definitely want to check it out. She can also sing like any Disney princess you've ever heard. Katie has been doing 'Quarantunes' each day during this COVID-19 pandemic, and posting them on Facebook and Instagram. I love them all, but a recent favorite is here, on the 'Top of the World'. She has the voice of an angel, and besides that, she is adorable. 

Have a great Wednesday!

So Ya Gotta Hodgepodge 'Til Tomorrow

Back in my old blogging days, I regularly participated in Joyce's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Joyce took a break from the Hodgepodge for a bit, and recently brought it back for both her old and some new participants. It's always fun to answer the questions, and share our posts. While I'm very rusty at this blogging thing these days, I thought I would give it a go today. Thanks Joyce for bringing us together!

Here are her questions and my answers:

1. In Monday’s post I mentioned I would incorporate the word I was given for letter K into this week’s questions. That word was karaoke. On a scale of 1-10 how excited would you be to find out there was karaoke happening at your next gathering/outing with friends? 10=gimme that microphone!, and 1=I suddenly remembered there’s somewhere else I need to be. Have you ever actually done karaoke? If you had to perform karaoke what would be your ‘go-to’song?

I'm not sure I would do it in a public forum, but possibly with family and friends, so my number would probably be a 5. My friends and I did a lot of singing in our rooms back in our college days, which sometimes included standing on a chair with a curling iron microphone, but I don't think that officially counts as karaoke. (I don't think there was even such a thing as karaoke back then. I know, I'm old.)
One of my 'go-to' songs back then was Tomorrow, from the musical Annie. I think it's a good song for today since we are all hoping the sun will come out. Tomorrow.

2. How do you listen to music these days? Favorite app or do you listen the old fashioned way? Do you have music playing often in your home? Is there still a CD player in your car?

I use my phone for music, and sometimes Alexa. I do still have a CD player in my car, and I do still use it occasionally. I know, I'm old.

3. The HP lands on US tax day this year. Or what used to be tax day before everything including filing your taxes was cancelled, delayed, postponed or extended. FYI- filing your taxes has not been cancelled, only delayed for a bit.

Besides staying away from anyone and everyone, what have you found taxing lately?

Too much news. Too little sports.

4. You’re without power so no oven, and you can’t open your frig or freezer in order to keep what’s in there from spoiling. And you don’t have access to take out. What will you make us for dinner?

Peanut butter and banana sandwich? Chips?

5.  I’ve seen this exercise going around Facebook and thought it would be a good one to include in the HP...what are five things everybody seems to love and go crazy for that you personally don’t care for?

To each his own, but here are mine:

sushi
Netflix binge watching
Starbucks
Hallmark movies
It's a Wonderful Life

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

I know that grocery shopping in the time of COVID-19 might be taxing for some. I, however, have discovered the miracle of grocery pick-up, and I may never go inside a grocery store again. We only have a few grocery options in our little town, and the one nearest to my home is Wal Mart. I have been so pleased with the ease of ordering, the check-in, and the pick-up process. I have been getting groceries for both my parents and myself, and it has made things so easy. I check in on my phone when I leave home, and the associate is literally waiting for me when I pull into the pick up spot. I open the back of the vehicle, the groceries are loaded, I thank them profusely, and I'm on my way. Safe and efficient.

Have a safe day, friends.

The COVID That Didn't Steal Easter

Holy Week. 2020.

I'm dusting off the old blog to do a little documentation of the historic events (actually no events) our world is experiencing right now.

In the midst of a global pandemic, our lives look very different from the way we have lived prior to this serious health crisis. Social distancing, quarantine, no gathering of people, no church services, no school, no public funerals, no theater, no concerts, no sporting events.

Everything is canceled.

We won't be gathering in churches for Easter, with legions of lilies, choirs and cantatas, or singing songs in our Sunday best. Instead, we will worship online, in our homes, with those in our own households. 

But this COVID-19 virus can't stop Easter from coming. 

It will come, as it does, with the promise of of eternal life 

for those who serve a living Savior. 

He lives!

I put together a little poem to remind us that even in these dark, uncertain days, Jesus is alive and God is still with us.

How the COVID Didn’t Steal Easter

(With apology and respect to the great Dr. Seuss)

All the people of Christ, we loved Easter a lot,

But a bad COVID virus, it seems, sure did not.

The virus infected our folks far and near,

And required social distance when Easter was here.

Some thought that Easter would be canceled too,

But the people of Christ, we knew just what to do.

We made some new plans, and we thought and we thought.

Easter would not be canceled, it would not!

But what could we do to keep COVID at bay,

And still praise our Savior on this Easter Day?

Because one of the things that we love is our people

Who worship together there under our steeple.

And some of us couldn’t get out to the store

To buy all the things that we’ve come to adore

For Easter traditions with families and treats.

Would Easter without these things seem incomplete?

But COVID cannot stop the Easter sunrise,

And despite what they say, Jesus Christ, He will rise!

COVID can’t stop it, no matter the claim

Because Easter will come, it will come just the same.

And COVID, with germ cells just itching to grow

Left some people thinking, how could it be so?

It comes without bunnies! It comes without jellies!

It comes without chocolate to put in our bellies!

It comes without egg hunts! It comes without ham!

It comes without gathering with the whole fam!

And even when we’re not together to sing

In our church building, we still remember one thing.

That Easter, we know, doesn’t come from a store,

That Easter, of course, means a little bit more.

And what happened then? Well, the people, they say,

Found new ways to celebrate on Easter Day.

They gathered on laptops, on cell phones, and such,

They heard the old story that blessed them so much.

Of Jesus who died on that cross in that place

To wash us from sin and to gift us with grace.

So we sing Alleluia from near and from far,

Knowing Jesus is with us wherever we are.

And because of His gift we have all that we need.

Christ is risen today, He is risen indeed!

________________

(A couple of vintage Easter photos for your enjoyment.)

He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!

You asked me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

Peace on Earth

'Twas a few days after Christmas,

The celebrating done.

Time to look back on days

Filled with family and fun.

There were onesies, and babies,

And selfies, and food,

And presents, and laughter,

And much gratitude.

For the young and the old,

The big and the small,

And for little Lord Jesus,

The best gift of all.

After our Christmas Eve service, we went to Nana and Boomie's for soup and birthday cake for Jesus, and then headed home for our long winter's nap in anticipation of Santa's arrival. Santa wasn't actually coming to our house until the day after Christmas, when all the kids arrived, but Adam and Courtney got into the Christmas Eve spirit by posing in their reindeer onesies again this year.

We had brunch on Christmas Day for those who woke up here, and those who came later, including Jim's dad, my parents, Adam and Courtney, Jon, Jennifer, Bryan, Noah, and Piper, and Andrew, Darci, Haleigh, and Ella. We had lots of good food, including Darci's homemade cinnamon rolls, peanut butter bark, and other goodies. I didn't take one picture, but someone took this selfie and shared it, thank goodness.

We had burgers and homemade mac and cheese for supper, with Becky's 'just add ice cream' treat for dessert. Yum!

Saturday was our day to have everyone together to open gifts and share our Christmas dinner. Before presents, Jim read the story of the birth of Jesus from the second chapter of Luke.

The kids opened a few things before dinner, and Haleigh was anxious to see what was in her box.

It was Julie, an American Girl doll.

Ella got an American Girl doll too, Grace.

Haleigh showed her doll to her mommy.

Piper got a stuffed dog named Piper, and the book that goes with it, called Piper Was Afraid.

Cayden opened (with some help) a little wooden dachshund, just like Mackey.

Noah, who loves cows, received a Hereford show steer he calls Cooper, after Matthew's 4-H steer.

As is often the case with Noah, he was a little unsure at first.

He let Uncle Andrew do a little taming before he got too close.

Granny helped, too, and soon he was leading Cooper around like a champ.

Matthew got some Star Wars gifts, including a robot he controls with his phone. This is the droid you're looking for. :)

 Jennifer took some pictures of Noah and Matthew.

 And some of all the little boys.

 Noah, Matthew, and Cayden.

We tried to get one of all six grandkids,

 which can be tricky. At least no one is crying!

 Granny even got in the picture! (Thanks to Jennifer, for the photos)

All that gift-opening and posing wears a guy out. Cayden took a little snooze in the chair, and Gumbo curled up beside him.

I tried to get a photo of everyone around the table, and it took several shots to get everyone in.

 Of course, pausing from their beef tenderloin was the real challenge.

The kids got new shades, in anticipation of our trip to the beach in March. Cayden was happy to model his for us.

As we ring in a new year, 

I pray that we are able to spend more time with the ones we love,

be grateful for what we have,

share kindness with others,

and be a reflection of God's love 

to a world in need of peace. Amen.