A Patriotic Hodgepodge

I've been missing from the Hodgepodge in recent weeks but it's good to be back today.  Joyce always comes up with the questions and then we answer them.  

1. It's been said the best things in life are free...are they? What are some of those things? 

Indeed! If you mean they cost zero money.  The first ones to come to my mind are : salvation (the free gift of eternal life), love, hugs, friendship, 

2. Stars or stripes? Red, white, or blue? Apple pie or home made ice cream? Do you like hotdogs? If so, what do you like on yours? 

I'll take stars and red.  And, apple pie and ice cream will be fine once in a while but neither is a big favorite with me.  I love hotdogs but am VERY particular about them.  I'll take mustard, non-greasy chili, onions and shredded cheddar on mine.  Yummy!!!

3. One thing on your summer bucket list? Any plans to make it happen soon? 

I do not have a summer bucket list.  I haven't even thought about making a summer bucket list or really any other bucket list.  Perhaps I should consider making one.  Stay tuned.........

4. What's your summer anthem? Yes, you need to have one. 

Here Comes the Sun from the Beatles in 1969

We have had SOOOOO much rain here in our area and, while I know we need rain, I'd be just fine if we only got enough to survive the rest of the summer.  It's such a great pop-folk song!

5. What's something you love about America? If you live outside of America, tell us something you love about the place you call home. 

My freedom of choice, and freedom of worship, guess I should say all of our freedoms.  These have been "put to the test" in recent months and it's made me love and appreciate them even more.  Sometimes it takes things being threatened  for us to really know how much we love them.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This is a beautiful stretched canvas given to us by our children for our 50th anniversary.  They sneaked and got pictures from throughout our 50 years and had this canvas created by a vendor on Etsy.  It's such a neat idea and a real treasure.

Wishing each of you a wonderful 4th of July as we celebrate our great country

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I've been missing in the "blogging world" the past 2-3 weeks but am so glad to be back with Joyce and the Wednesday Hodgepodge today.  

1. Something you've seen recently that's 'cuter than a June bug'?

I mean, do you not agree!  This is Case perched on one of the many HUGE rocks in Dogwood Canyon.  We toured the canyons during our time in Branson last week.  Case thought he was a big as the rest of the kids and bless his little heart, wherever they trekked, he trekked right behind him.  His Momma had just bought him his first pair of Crocs a few days before the trip and that boy loved them.  Yes, he truly is as "cute as a June bug." 

2. Tell us something about where you were and what you were doing in June of 1988? If you weren't born yet, June of 1998. Or if that doesn't work, June of 2008. 

Heaven's to Betsy, the above photo was taken near that time and it appears we were likely dressed and ready for church.  Big hair surely must have been "the thing" at that time or at least Bridget and I must have thought it was. ~chuckle~ But, I'm pretty sure we looked about like all the other Moms and daughters of that time.

3. A place in your home or outdoor space where you feel 'snug as a bug in a rug'? 

In my recliner with my afghan over me.  It is without a doubt my favorite place to land in the evenings.  If we have no plans for the evening, you will find me there between 6:00 - 6:30 PM and I'll likely be there until I go to bed.  I rarely sit down any other time of the day but come evening, I'm all about sitting and reclining.

4. June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Month. Do you normally get your 4-5 servings each day? What's a favorite summer dish you make/serve/like to be served-ha! made with one of your favorite summer fruits. A favorite summer dish made with a favorite summer veg? How do you feel about cooking in the summer months? 

I definitely do NOT get 4-5 servings of fruits and veggies per day.

I'm not a huge fruit lover but I do enjoy blueberries a lot and I make a great Blueberry Nut Bread, delicious Blueberry Muffins, and a great Blueberry Pound Cake with fresh blueberries in the summer.  I enjoy all of them equally so it would hard to pick a favorite.

I am a veggie lover and corn rates right at the top of my list of an all time favorite, not just a summer favorite.  I'll take it creamy, in a casserole, plain but am not a fan of "on the cob."

I have to admit that I do not do much cooking for Tommy and me.  If I cook then we're likely having company and I do enjoy cooking for company.  We live off of grilled sandwiches, BLT's and the such in the summer.  I cook a whole lot more in the winter because we are big fans of soups, stews, chili and gumbo.

I love to bake and generally I bake cookies at least twice a week.  Thankfully I have a whole lot of will power and generally only eat one out of each batch then I package them in freezer containers and over time share them with friends.

5. Do you have a summer reading list? If so share a title or two we can add to our own. 

I just ordered these 3 because they were all recommended as GREAT reading by some of my friends.  And, Francine Rivers is one of my all time favorite authors.  I use to read all the time but haven't as much in recent years.  Maybe this summer I'll get back with it.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This is just a few of the many, many pictures snapped on our family trip to Branson, Mo.  Most of you know that the intent of the trip was to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.  And, celebrate we did!  We stayed at Eagle Ridge Bed and Breakfast (rented the entire house) and it suited our needs wonderfully.  The owner happens to be the son of Tommy's 1st cousin and he and his wife are exceptional cooks.  Breakfast comes with the stay and if you want them to cook any other meals they will gladly do so for an extra charge.  They fixed dinner each evening for us and hit it out of the ballpark each time.  It was the perfect place for our celebration and now we're working on our 51st year.