Mid-July Hodgepodge

I decided to participate in this week's Hodgepodge, so let's get started.  

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

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

Last January, I was still teaching and now I am retired, so my schedule is less rigid now. That being said, this has been a very busy summer, because we have been finishing up our move, getting settled into our new home and getting our old home on the market and ready to sell.  That is all more time consuming that it seems that it will be.  We also live much close to family in our new place, and we get to spend more time with the people we love.  My husband and I have a plan for each day and talk about what we want to accomplish so that we can stay productive and not be overtaken by "laziness."  

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

I'm not good at hiding my emotions, so when I'm upset my voice gets louder (something I'm working on).  If I'm really upset, I cry.

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? What do you see as a benefit? How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? 

I'm not a fan of AI.  I know that AI can do many good an beneficial things, but honestly, I find it very scary and troubling. There is a lot of potential for harm in AI.  I try to avoid using it, although if I Google something now, I usually end up with AI telling me about what I Googled.   I realize now that AI is imbedded into many things, so there is really no way to avoid it altogether.  

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

I am going to a summer potluck next week (our annual church barbeque and swim party).  I signed up to bring coleslaw, which I will purchase from the Winco Supermarket we have been going to since we moved here.  Winco has super good salads and deli items and their coleslaw is excellent, so that's what I'll be bringing. 

5.  It wouldn't be summer without __________.

Summer road trips and time with family.   So far this summer, we've been to Idaho and visited Yellowstone National Park, then went to Las Vegas.  We've also made some great memories with our children and grandchildren.  It's been a very good summer so far. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Our old house is now back on the market with a new realtor, and just a few hours after it went live, we had a showing request.  I appreciate all prayers that we can get this place sold soon.  I am hoping and praying that this house can make a great home for another family before long!

That's all for now!   Enjoy the rest of the week!

Until next time,

😊Deb💖

"Summer is a verb."

~Lisa Birnbach

Sunday Stealing on Monday and Hodgepodge

I haven't joined in on Sunday Stealing and Hodgepodge for quite a while, but I liked this week's questions, so here I go. 

 1) If you could attend a 4th of July fireworks display anywhere in the United States, where would you choose?

I love watching fireworks from my back porch, which I did in June when our town had it's "Orem Days" celebration and fireworks show.  I would also love to see the fireworks in Washington D.C., at the St. Louis Arch and in New York Harbor. All of those places look amazing, but alas, there's no place like home for the fireworks show.

2) What book are you currently reading?

Right now, I'm reading The Secret at Site Seventeen by Reva Davenport, which I should be finished with later today.  I also started, George Washington A Comprehensive Biography by C.W. Lewis.  

3) What have you been listening to? 

I've been listening to all three of these podcasts in the past couple of days.  John Papola and Dad Saves America, Greg Matson and Cwic Media, and The Matt Walsh Show.  My conservative Christian ideology and philosophy is reflected in my choice of podcasts.  The Dad Saves America podcast had a very interesting line-by-line explanation and analysis of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, which I would highly recommend.  

4) What shows or movies have you been watching?

Friday, we saw Young Washington at the theater.  It was excellent.  Highly recommended.  On Netflix, we watched Grant the miniseries, and Washington.  We've been keeping everything historical and patriotic for the 250th anniversary of our country. 

Now, on to some Hodgepodge questions.  

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

Quiet days with not much on the schedule. 

2. What was peaceful about today? 

Having a leisurely lunch with my cousin, then spending the afternoon home with my husband, watching a history show on Netflix. 

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 eat blue berries almost every morning with my breakfast. They are supposed to be very healthy "super food," and they are quite tasty. 

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

I like all three, but I eat blueberries most often. 

4. Do you need a break? From what? 

I often need a break from social media. 

5. What has surprised you most about getting older? 

How quickly it happened.  When I think about how old I will be on my next birthday, I find it hard to believe that I am that old.  I don't feel as old as I am. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

"And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

` Galatians 6:9

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a good week!

Until next time,

😊Deb💖

Wednesday Hodgepodge - Memories of my Grandparents and More

 

1. Next Sunday is Grandparent's Day. Share a favorite memory, photo, recipe, or something you learned from a grandparent. 

This is the only picture I could find of my adopted maternal grandmother, Matilda Tovey Hart, who is the grandparent I remember best and loved most. She is about 20 years old or so in this picture, and obviously I didn't know her then, but when I knew and her, she was smart and kind and I loved visiting her.  She had a great Christian faith, and she read the scriptures and knew and loved all of the Bible stories, which she told to her grandchildren, including me.  

This picture is my adopted paternal grandmother, Margaret Thomas Hunt, who died when I was six or seven.  I don't remember much of her because I didn't spend much time with her.  The one thing I do remember is that she had a picture of President John F. Kennedy hanging in the kitchen of her small apartment.  I think this grandmother had a fairly tough life. She raised six children by herself.

This is Clifford Earl House, my biological maternal grandfather.  I knew him when he was older, after being reunited with my biological family.  He was a Christian Pentecostal minister and a really great guy.  I remember he had a sense of humor and he kept everyone laughing.  He was also very kind and caring.  I'm very grateful that I got to know him for a few years before he died.

2. What's a quote from a book (besides The Bible) that has stayed with you? 

I love this quote by Atticus Finch, a main character in one of my favorite classic books, To Kill a Mockingbird. 

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it."

3. What's your number one food pet peeve? 

I don't enjoy menu planning and coming up with something new and delicious that my family will love every night. 

4. What's one thing about you that is still the same as it was when you were young? 

Except for a few years when I was having babies and my hair darkened a bit, my hair has always been light blonde since I was a child and it remains so to this day. No, I don't color my hair.  Blonde is my natural color. 

5. September is National Preparedness Month...does your family have an emergency plan? Do you have some sort of preparedness kit you keep on hand? If so, tell us one thing that's kept there. 

We have three backpacks in the basement with emergency preparedness items.  I admit that I do not go through and update them on a regular basis and I need to.  We also have a storage room in our basement with extra food that would get us through a short emergency period.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Until next time,

🍂Deb🍂

"September is the threshold

between summer and winter."

~Meeta Ahluwalia

Another Summer Hodgepodge - Adulting!

1. What's an adult problem nobody prepared you for? 

Deciding what to fix for dinner, and then fixing it!  I am not great at planning meals because sometimes I don't feel like preparing and eating what I have planned.  

2. How tuned in are you to all the recent food-related health news? Have you gotten rid of your scratched cookware? Did you pay attention to food additives before they made the news? What's one healthy eating/cooking/food shopping habit you need to adopt? 

We got rid of the vast majority of our Teflon cookware years ago.  We got IKEA Stainless cookware, which, we hope, is healthier to cook in. At least there is no coating to flake off.  I do pay attention to what we eat, and we try to eat healthy, but I admit that we could do better.  We don't eat a lot of junk food and really try to avoid sugary snacks.  I try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, and we take a number of recommended vitamins and supplements.  We have also been cutting back on red meat, although since Josh moved back in, I admit that we have been eating more red meat again. I have been paying attention to the news about food additives, and I agree that the fewer food additives in our food the better.   A healthy habit I would like to adopt is eating more from the "Mediterranean Diet."

3. What's getting worse and worse as you get older? How about better and better? 

The arthritis I have in my knees and back is getting worse as I get older.  My solution is to just keep moving!  I see a physical therapist when the back pain gets too much, and sometimes a little Advil helps too.  

I'm probably getting more able to deal with disappointments and other negative things life throws at us a little better as I get older.  I am, at least marginally, better able to put things in perspective.  I'm also better at dealing with depression and anxiety. At least I think I am. 

4. Are you more of an indoor person or an outdoor person? Elaborate. 

I am definitely an outdoor person.  Even on an ordinary day at home, like today, I have to get up and go for a little walk around my neighborhood or even yard every now and then.  My preferred recreation is walking outdoors - hiking in a wilderness area is even better.  

5. If you had an expert personal assistant today, what would you have them do? 

Figure out something good to have for dinner, and then prepare it and clean up afterwards. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I can only imagine

What it will be like

When I walk by Your side

I can only imagine

What my eyes would see

When Your face is before me

I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for You Jesus

Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence

Or to my knees, will I fall?

Will I sing hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

When that day comes

And I find myself

Standing in the Son

I can only imagine

When all I will do

Is forever, forever worship You

I can only imagine, yeah

I can only imagine

~Song by Mercy Me

Until next time,

💗Deb🙏

Hodgepodge - Independence Day Edition

 1. What does freedom mean to you? 

For me, freedom is the opportunity to believe, say, and do what I want.  Of course, having freedom means that we have corresponding responsibilities, so we must always abide by the law and take into consideration the impact of our words and actions on others. 

2. How will you celebrate Independence Day this year? If you live outside the USA answer this question as it relates to your own country's patriotic holiday, wherever that may land on the calendar. 

We are planning a little July 4th road trip to see friends in another state.  We also plan some outdoor time, hopefully doing a little hiking and enjoying some of God's beautiful creations! 

3. This or that...red, white, or blue? Stars or stripes? Watermelon, homemade ice cream, or blueberry pie? How do you feel about fireworks?  

I'll answer the last question first and work backward.

I enjoy a good fireworks show - professionally done.  I don't like random neighbors shooting off fireworks for weeks after July 4th.  I live in the West where fire danger in the summer is always high, so fireworks need to be closely monitored and regulated as far as time and place. 

I enjoy watermelon and blueberry pie.  Homemade ice cream is a favorite that I used to enjoy making when our kids were little, but I haven't had any for a long time.

I know that each of the colors in our flag is symbolic of something.  Here is the "official" (from USA.gov) information about the flag and what each part symbolizes:

The flag's 13 red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies. Its 50 white stars on a blue background represent the 50 states.

Each of the colors on the flag has a meaning:

• Red: valor and bravery
• White: purity and innocence
• Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice

A star is added to the flag when a new state joins the United States. The flag was last modified on July 4, 1960, when Hawaii was incorporated as a state.

4. What have you purchased recently that made you excited? 

I just ordered some new glasses with a new prescription from my eye doctor.  I have had some issues with my old glasses, so I am hoping that I do better with new, larger frames and an updated prescription. 

5. I'm thankful to live in America (or fill in whatever country you call home) because____________.

I know that I am biased, but to me, the United States of America is the best country in the world!  I know we have many problems and controversies, but I believe that God had a hand in the founding of this great nation and that He watches over it still.  The U.S. is the land that some of my ancestors came to many years ago (some came just after the time of the Mayflower). At least one ancestor fought in the Revolutionary War and another fought with the Union during the Civil War. Other family members served proudly and fought in other conflicts, giving their all for our freedom.  I am grateful for the many, many blessings of living in this awesome land.  God bless the U.S.A.!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Independence Day is a day to celebrate the good this nation has to offer, despite differences in political opinions. I hope we can have a day of joining with others for fun celebrations and memory-making!  Let's leave the protests and politics aside and just be grateful for all we have in the U.S. that is good, and right, and true. 

Thanks for stopping by.  Happy Independence Day!!

Until next time,

🎆😊Deb💖🎆

Summer Hodgepodge

I haven't participated in a Wednesday Hodgepodge post for a while. I had a few minutes this Tuesday night and liked the questions, so I decided to play along.   I am linking up over at From This Side of the Pond.

1. What does "adventure" mean to you? 

For me, an adventure is doing something fun and out of the ordinary.  

I like road trip adventures that have an outdoor element.  The last adventure of this kind I went on was an anniversary trip to Arizona with my husband earlier this summer.  We have a few more road trips and fun adventures coming up this summer and fall.  Stay tuned!

2.  What are your thoughts on tipping? What businesses or service providers do you regularly tip? Do you resent being asked if you'd like to add a tip? What about when a suggested amount is presented? 

I believe that a tip should be given to show appreciation for exceptional, personalized service or for going the extra mile.  I don't believe that restaurants and other service-providing businesses should count tips as part of an employee's pay.   I don't like being asked to tip as a matter of course, when no extra service has been provided.  If I do tip, I like to figure the amount I am comfortable with tipping - not be presented with an "acceptable" or "suggested" amount to tip.  I would rather have food (or other things) priced higher so that the staff and could be paid a living wage, than be guilted into giving "acceptable" tips. 

3. I scream you scream we all scream for ice cream...do we? Is ice cream a favorite treat at your house? What's your favorite flavor? Regular, soft serve, gelato, sherbet, or some sort of non-dairy version of ice cream...what's your pleasure? 

Honestly, I am not much of an ice cream fan.  I like it, but it doesn't like me.  I think I have become more and more lactose intolerant as I get older and I have not tried non-dairy ice cream.  If I was going to eat some ice cream, I would go with chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, which would taste yummy but probably make my tummy not feel great later. 

4. What's your 'back in my day, we____________________ ' story or saying? 

This may sound controversial, but back in my day, we knew that marriage was between one man and one woman and there were only two genders - male and female. We knew which one we were from the time we were very young, AND we knew we would always be that gender because gender is God-given and cannot be changed through hormones and surgery.  Common sense. 

5. Somehow this is our last Hodgepodge in the month of June. Next week's Hodgepodge lands in July. Wow. Sum up your June using three adjectives. 

Three adjectives that would describe our June are busy, blessed, and beautiful. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I am completely in love with these bright and beautiful lilies in my front yard garden. Every day, they look even better than the day before.  Last year when I planted them, I didn't think they were going to make it, and now they are the highlight of my entire yard. 

That's all for this Hodgepodge post.  See you again soon!

Until next time,

😊Deb💖

"June is the pearl of the summer

shining with warmth and joy."

L.M. Montgomery

Buzzing into a Late Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to the weekly Q and A, also known as The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go.

1. May 20th is World Bee Day...what's something that's kept you 'busy as a bee' lately? 

I have been busy cleaning a lot of things out of the cabinets in my classroom.  I made a trip to donate some games to the local thrift store last night, and I have some more things that I purchased for my classroom and no longer need, so I will be going to the thrift store again.  I plan to continue going through things at my own home this summer to get rid of as much as I can in preparation for retiring and moving to a new home.

2. Do you like honey? What's something you make or enjoy that calls for honey? 

I like honey on wheat toast, and hot, homemade biscuits. Last summer, I tasted honey candy for the first time, and trust me, it is a delicious treat!  I need to figure out how to make it.

3. "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24 What's a proverb you love, or one that speaks to you or has helped you in some way? 

I really like Proverbs 18:21 which says:

Words can hurt or heal.  I want my words to heal. 

4. Tell us about a 'sweet' moment in your life recently that filled you with joy, gratitude, or peace. 

Whenever my sweet husband tells me how blessed he feels to have me as his wife, I feel joy, gratitude, and peace. Quality time with my children and grandchildren also brings sweet moments and memories.

5. When you were a child, what did you want to 'be' when you grew up? How close did you come to that?

I know that I wanted to be a wife and mom for as long as I can remember.  Other careers sounded interesting for a while.  In junior high, I wanted to be a veterinarian.  In high school, I wanted to be an investigative journalist like Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein - the journalists who investigated Watergate and brought down a president. I even majored in journalism in college. It wasn’t until after I had children of my own that I seriously considered going back to school to become a teacher.  I began teaching in 2001 and am now less than a year from retirement with 24-25 years in the field. 

6. Insert your own random thoughts here. 

Next week, I will end my 24th year as a teacher.  This summer break will be my final summer break as a teacher because if and when I return to school in the fall, it will be for the final time.  I may have mentioned it before, but I am REALLY looking forward to retiring!!  

We also rearranged our summer travel a bit and I am also looking forward to a nice trip to a couple of our favorite places early in the summer to celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary. A little later in the summer, we have a weekend trip to the last of Utah’s Big Five national parks that we haven’t visited.  Capitol Reef National Park is literally out in the middle of nowhere (which is why we’ve never visited it) but I have heard that it is stunningly beautiful, so I am excited to see it. 

That’s it for now. Thanks for visiting. See you again soon!

Until next time,

😊Deb💖