Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 608

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (June 25th) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What does adventure mean to you? 

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? 

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? 

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

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. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Sum-Sum-Summertime Hodgepodge

Welcome to the mid-week random 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. Summer officially begins this week (in the northern hemisphere)...what was your favorite thing to do in the summer when you were a kid? What do you like most about summer now? 

My favorite thing? Oh my...lots of things....spending all afternoon at the neighborhood pool, going barefoot, a week at camp, big games of kick the can with dozens of kids from two and three streets over, sitting on the ice cream freezer to keep it from moving while my brother turned the crank...

...the freedom to be a kid and believe anything is possible. 

What do I love about summer now? 

dining al fresco, daylight that lasts until 9 PM,  fresh fruit, swimming, and sitting outside beneath a starry night sky

2.  Something you'll celebrate this summer? 

June is a big month for us and we've already marked a nephew's birthday, a nephew's high school graduation, a daughter's birthday, a grandson's birthday, our 41st anniversary, and Father's Day. Whew! Lots of fun family events and milestones.  

My oldest grandson has a birthday in July, as does my momma who will turn 95 years old. And we love celebrating our nation's birthday on the 4th, one of my favorite days of the year. 

3. Summer tastes like? Smells like? Sounds like? 

Tastes like...red, ripe, watermelon, ice cold sweet tea, hamburgers on the grill, peach cobbler

Smells like...charcoal burning, coconut oil, freshly mown grass, and chlorine

Sounds like...crickets chirping, kids laughing, water splashing, childhood 

4. June 18th is National Splurge Day...what's the last thing you splurged on? What might you splurge on today? 

I splurged (only a little) on some jewelry to wear to a wedding we're attending. In my defense, I had purchased several dresses and narrowed it down to just two. One was pretty pricey but I preferred the slightly less expensive one, so adding the jewelry made it all come out even. Something like that. I might have even saved money-ha! Hi hubs! 

I don't think I'll be splurging on anything today, but never say never. 

5. Share a favorite summer quote, saying, song lyric, or meme. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

In these very troubling times I remind myself every day He's got the whole world in His hands. 

'You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.' Isaiah 26:3 

Recapping The Weekend Trifecta

And happy anniversary to us! Hubs is in one state and I'm in another, but we'll still mark 41 years of married life today. 

This particular weekend in June is what I call the trifecta here. Not only is it our anniversary, it's also Grandson #3's birthday and Father's Day too. Whew! Lots to celebrate. 

Let's back up and take it one occasion at a time, k? 

We had plans to travel to Daughter2's house in Tennessee for the big birthday bash happening there on Saturday afternoon. Hubs and I were going to head that direction Friday afternoon and then Daughter1 and her kiddos would join us there Saturday morning. 

Before leaving town we had a small birthday brunch here for a friend celebrating a milestone year. I mean why not? We had three couples in addition to the two of us. We intended to make bacon and eggs on the griddle, but the weather didn't cooperate for outdoor cooking. We still were able to dine outside, but hubs made the bacon and eggs on the stove. I made my overnight French toast, one friend brought a delicious hash brown casserole, and another friend brought a beautiful fruit tray.  

I think birthdays should be celebrated and this was a fun gathering. 

Once everyone left to get on with their weekend we finished cleaning up and hit the road to hub's brother and sister-in-law's house. My mother-in-law lives nearby and we were going to spend the night at my brother-in-law's then collect hubs mom Saturday morning to go the additional hour and a half to the party. 

This was our first trip to the Knoxville area driving our pre-Helene route. The highway between Asheville and Knoxville has been mostly closed or single lane since the hurricane hit and it's still a huge mess. You can at least get through now, and the traffic wasn't too terrible. I know most of the country has moved on from the disaster of Helene to any number of other crises our country has experienced since, but it's really hard to see and think about all that's been lost or rearranged in the western Carolinas and East Tennessee. 

We arrived at my brother-in-law's home in time for dinner. They grilled delicious filets and it's always great to see them and catch up in person. They were also keeping the little brown dog for us overnight so we didn't have to bring him to the party and he loves that. 

Saturday morning we picked up hub's mama and headed to Daughter2's. Her sister arrived with her crew and the world's biggest dinosaur balloon shortly after and we all had lunch. 

The party wasn't starting until 3:30 and the weather was questionable. They have a bounce house and we got that set up (by 'we' I mean my son-in-law of course) and then about an hour before the party the skies opened up, it rained buckets, then blew on out and the sun shone once more. 

Guests began arriving and the kids had a ball. My daughter and son-in-law have the nicest friends and they all have kids of a similar age which is fun. My daughter's in-laws were also there and we always enjoy time spent with them. 

The party had a dinosaur theme and everything was super cute. There was pizza and ice cream cake with a side of cupcakes too. 

The bounce house got a workout so a win for kids and parents alike. 

One of my favorite things about the day- 

Since Daughter2 had a full house with the in-laws in town plus her sister with her three children, hubs and I booked hotel rooms for us and for his mom for the night. The in-laws are staying over for several days and it didn't make sense for them to go to a hotel. 

Sunday morning we went back to the house for breakfast with the whole gang. I'd made two trays of french toast for the Friday brunch and brought one with me for the weekend which worked out well. My son-in-law made bacon and eggs on his Blackstone so everyone ate well. 

Oh, and happy Father's Day! I brought chocolates for all the dads and they had plans to go skeet shooting or clays or something similar that afternoon which they love. I rode back to the lake with my daughter1 and her kids as I had some things to take care of today, Monday. Hubs drove his mom back to her home Sunday afternoon, then spent the night at his brother's house. He had plans to meet a long time friend for lunch and will be home later today. 

Forty one years ago today we said I Do. We'll make plans for a celebratory dinner in the next couple of weeks, because while we're always living life all in, I still think it's important to set aside time to mark the year. To see where we are and where we've been and to say we're still here.

I always write a birthday letter to my grands on their special day, and if you'd like to read today's birthday letter, you'll find it linked here-Dino-mighty

Linking today with Holly and Sarah for their regular Monday morning weekend recap hop. 

Jump over to their blogs if you'd like to join the party. Have a great day everyone~

DINO-mighty

I always write letters here to my grands on their birthdays and today is one of those days...

Dear Sweet Baby J-

Today you are three. 

We had such a fun day celebrating you on Saturday, with a dinosaur themed backyard party filled with lots of friends and family. Your cousins finally live close enough to attend and you were so excited to see them walk through the door. You refer to the oldest two as 'my boys' which is too precious for words. You cry in the driveway when they pull away and I love the way you're growing up together. 

The little girls are right in there with you boys, and that's fun for everyone to see too.

When someone asks me what you're like I often say 'he's extra'. I don't know how else to say it. You're extra sweet, extra loving, extra joyful. Extra in all the very best ways. 

Some of my favorite things about you are the way you talk, the way you run, and the way you do a little happy dance when you're excited. You are precise in the way you put things together, and want to help Daddy in the garden, the garage, and with any wood working project he undertakes. 

You share well (most of the time) with sissy and love to bake with momma. Actually you love anything with momma because she's your girl. You also love swimming, swinging, all things that go, puzzles, and books. You love your people hard, and want them close by all the time. You have a sweet tender heart and move everyone at the table with your earnest prayers at mealtimes.  

Hey, guess what? Not only is today your birthday, it's also the day some forty one years ago that your Nana and Pawpaw got married. You were born on our anniversary, which only makes it all the more special. 

I believe these two milestones landing on the same day is no coincidence. Instead I see it as a gentle reminder love never stops growing. That day marked the beginning of a love story that would expand beyond just the two of us in ways we could not envision or be more grateful for. 

You little man, are living proof love multiplies, and every year as we celebrate our marriage we get to celebrate you too. You're a joy, a treasure, and a gracious reminder of God's love and faithfulness in our lives. Always know your Nana loves you deep and wide xo 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; 

do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." 

Joshua 1:9

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 607

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday ( June 18th) to add your link to the party. See you there-

1. Summer officially begins this week (in the northern hemisphere)...what was your favorite thing to do in the summer when you were a kid? What do you like most about summer now? 

2.  Something you'll celebrate this summer? 

3. Summer tastes like? Smells like? Sounds like? 

4. June 18th is National Splurge Day...what's the last thing you splurged on? What might you splurge on today? 

5. Share a favorite summer quote, saying, song lyric, or meme. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

You Say Variety I Say Hodgepodge

Welcome to another week in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for your neighbor there. Here we go...  

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What's a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?  

I use a lot of different spices on a regular basis so it would be hard to pick just one. My most used are probably parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and garlic powder. I can't think of a single spice I don't like. 

Something I made recently? Hubs and I made a delicious curry called Kuku Paka last week that called for turmeric, paprika, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala and garlic. 

It was really tasty, but with all those spices, how could it not be? 

2.  It's been said 'variety is the spice of life'...in what way is this true for you? Elaborate. 

Moving is the first thing that came to mind. We've lived north, south, midwest, and across the pond so lots of variety in terms of food, speech, climate, and custom. Lots of similarities too, but always new things to learn and experience. Living in so many different places, digging in to each new spot, making friends from around the globe...all of this has added a richness to my life I would not trade. 

3. What's something in your life that adds 'spice' (excitement, intensity) even if also comes with challenge or unpredictability? 

Hubs of course. 

If you know him in real life then no need for me to explain lol. If you don't, just know he brings the fun wherever he goes. 

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why? 

The piano. Why? No real reason other than that I always wanted to play. I'm not musically inclined and wish I had learned the piano as a child because I do think it helps you develop in that area. I don't need to be a concert pianist but would love to play as a hobby. My hubs is musical and thankfully our girls take after him in that department. 

5. We're halfway through the year...what's one book, movie, or activity you've loved this year that you'd recommend to others? 

Book-Pride and Prejudice...an oldie but still and ever a goodie. If you've only seen the film (which I also love) and you've never read the book I highly recommend. Books hit differently than movies, and by differently I mean better lol. 

Movie-We haven't watched a lot of great movies, or at least none are coming to mind. I very much enjoyed the documentary I mentioned last week ('The Quilters'). I also recently re-watched the film 'Unsung Hero' which is the story of the Smallbone family (two of the brothers make up King and Country and their sister is Rebecca St. James). I saw it with friends in the theatre, but hubs and I watched it at home recently and he liked it too. It's uplifting which is not something you can say about many movies today. 

Activity-Hubs and I are reading through the Bible together this year,  following The Bible Recap plan which is chronological. After each day's scripture is read (we're listening to it aloud since we're doing it together), we then listen to The Bible Recap podcast hosted by Tara Leigh Cobble. It's only 5-10 minutes and is really helpful. We've enjoyed this little pause in our day where we sit down together and focus on who God is. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My mom lives with my younger sister several states away, but she's here in the Palmetto State this week staying with my older sister, about an hour and a half from me. I'm trekking over there while she's in town so I can spend time with her. 

We used to split her visits with half at my house and half at my sister's but all the back and forth felt like too much for just a week, so she'll stay put and I'll go to her. My brother flew down with her and it was nice to have a day to catch up with him too. 

I spent the whole day Monday with my mom and am back there today too. I do not take this time for granted, or the fact that I'm the age I am and still have my mother in my life. It's a gift and I know this. 

"An aging parent is a blessing from God—a living testament to His faithfulness through the generations" Author Unknown 

Oh Hey Monday

Good Monday morning everyone. How was your weekend? Ours was good, low key, and felt summery thanks to the weather.  

Friday evening we had friends coming over for a 'dinner cruise', which was going to be mainly hors d'oeuvres and snack-y type foods that could easily be eaten on the boat. Then we shifted gears and decided not to bother lugging all the food onto the boat, and instead relaxed on the patio which was really nice. 

We had cold shrimp, cheese and crackers, fruit skewers, pasta salad served in cups, and then hubs grilled two ribeyes because he can't help himself. They were delicious! He cut them into cubed sized pieces for easy dining. 

Did I snap a picture? Nope. 

But I baked peanut butter cookies earlier that day, and those did come along for the ride. 

The weather was lovely and we putzed around the lake, looking at houses and all the new things people have done over the winter months. Mostly we just enjoyed the perfect evening air. 

Saturday morning we decided to kayak. Sounds simple, right? And it would be if we left the little brown dog at home, but where hubs goes he goes, especially if the lake is involved. 

Here's how kayaking looks with a dog, or rather how preparing to kayak looks...

The kayaks hang on the side of our bridge so it takes hubs a minute to move them onto the dock. I watch because I'm not helpful in this endeavor. Nor is the little brown dog, who whimpers and paces and goes right to the edge of the dock and considers jumping in. Then he whimpers some more because there is nothing more exciting than the thought of getting on and in the lake. 

Hubs gets the first kayak on to the dock and the pup hops in to that kayak like he's the captain. But at least he's momentarily not in the way. I put the steps down and the pup hops out of the kayak and into the water, which honestly is better because this takes his adrenaline down from a hundred to maybe eighty. 

He is soon back on the dock because he's not missing this. Hubs gets the second kayak down while I hold the dog, then he gets my kayak in the water. This is almost too much for the pup to take, but so far so (mostly) good. Hubs holds the dog while I get myself into the boat which is now in the water. 

Then hubs has to release the dog in order to get himself into his boat, and because the little brown dog is afraid he'll be left behind he launches himself off the dock, and starts swimming for my boat. Hubs yells for me to paddle fast and get away from the dock. It's quite something. 

Hubs gets himself launched and chases us until he reaches the dog. We have our pup in a life jacket made with a handle on the back for this very reason. Hubs helps him up into his kayak and we're off. The little brown dog sits right on top of hubs until he's sure he's actually coming with us and then he at long last relaxes. 

We kayak across the water over to an island with a little beach, and as soon as we're reasonably close to the island hubs lets him jump in and swim the rest of the way because this is what he lives for. 

And y'all. It is like this every.single.time we take the kayaks out. There's much less drama with the paddle board, but we wanted to kayak. It's more of a workout than it needs to be, but also a lot of fun and the dog is just so funny to watch. His excitement puts you in a good mood. 

Saturday was such a pretty morning on the water, and when we got back to the dock I actually got in the lake for a minute. The water is still a little cooler than I like, but the air was really warm so it felt good. 

We're in our outdoor shower era. The view from the shower is on point-

We had some lunch, then I chatted on the phone for a while, and we watched some baseball. We're all in on the College Baseball World Series, and our favorite team was still in it although they lost on Saturday. Sunday too, but I'm still talking about Saturday. Hubs grilled brats for dinner and there were crazy thunderstorms later,  so I was happy to be home with no where we had to be. 

Sunday was church followed by brunch right after, then more baseball. I worked on my blog and read and we watched the Vols lose another game to Arkansas, so they're out of the series which is disappointing.  

We have a busy couple of weeks coming up, so a low key couple of days felt just right. What were you up to this weekend? 

Linking with Holly and Sarah for their regularly scheduled Hello Monday blog hop. Feel free to add yours to the party too. Have a great week everyone~