Just Breathe

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #677

2026-10-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce

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1. What most recently gave you goose bumps?

I'm not coming up with anything.

2. What does Halloween look like in your home and/or neighborhood these days? Do you participate?

I don't decorate anymore and we stopped a few years ago giving out candy. Not many young kids here anymore. So we just turn out our lights.

3. Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, poppy, chia...your favorite seed on the list? What's something you like to make/eat that calls for one of these seeds in the recipe?

I like poppy seeds but haven't baked anything in a long time where I would use poppy seeds. Mark likes to eat pumpkin seeds and Gabby recently bought him 2 bags at Trader Joe's.

4. What's the most (or one of the most) 'fall photos' you've ever taken? Share it here. Just one.

I forgot to check out the year this was taken. This was in front of a house that Amber and Dylan were living at in Montana several years ago. Since we have been living in Southern California for so many years we seldom see trees like this.

5. Somehow we're rolling in to November next week. If your October were a chapter in a book, what would the title of this chapter be?

A Great Month - It was my birthday, Amber and Dylan were here and we celebrated James turning 8.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

These are the Halloween costumes that Adam, Gabby and James are wearing this year. They are going over to Gabby's sisters house to go Treat-or-Treating and spending the night. So we won't see them this weekend.

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I want to apologize for not getting around and reading everyone's posts. I just haven't been feeling well and when there are about 100 to read I just can't get to all of them. Please know that I do try but if I haven't read your recent post I am truly sorry.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #676

2026-10-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

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1. This week's Hodgepodge lands on 'Back To The Future Day'. October 21, 2015 was the date the movie characters (Marty McFly, Doc, and Jennifer Parker) traveled to in the future in the 1989 film Back To The Future Part 2.

Did you see the movie? Tell us a something about what was happening in your life in the fall of 2015.

Yes, I enjoyed the Back To The Future movies. From what I can see we did a Wednesday Hodgepodge about Back To The Future on October 21, 2015. Also, Adam was coming to visit with us. I wonder where he was living at the time.

https://skyesofblue.blogspot.com/2015/10/wednesday-hodgepodge_21.html

2. Which -ber month is your favorite? (September, October, November, December). Explain why.

This is a hard one to answer living here in Southern California. My birthday is in October, November is Mark's birthday and I do of course love Christmas. Of course now we have James in October too! If you didn't see my post it is here:

https://skyesofblue.blogspot.com/2026/10/happy-8th-birthday-james.html

3. Red, yellow, orange, bronze...your favorite fall color to wear? To eat? To see in nature?

I can't say that yellow is my favorite color to wear but yellow is my favorite color. To eat, I guess it would be a banana. To see in nature maybe a bird, however, I do love sunflowers.

4. What do you miss most about being 20?

I'm going with my good health and not really stressing about anything in particular.

5. We're roughly three quarters of the way through the year. What's one goal, habit, or mindset you want to purposely carry into the final weeks of the year? Elaborate.

I want to make everyone happy at Christmas.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We celebrated James' birthday at Benihana. It's his favorite place to go on his birthday. However, each year they take a group picture and they didn't do one this year. So this is all I have.

They sang Happy Birthday to James.

He blew out his candle

He loved his dinner.

He loves shrimp.

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY JAMES

2026-10-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Newborn James

Baby James

A little older James

Cowboy James

Soccer James

Mammoth Lakes James

Loving motor homes

James with Mom, Dad, Auntie Amber and Uncle Dylan.

Finley too!

Baking cookies with Papa

Playing a card game with Papa

Loving his squishy from Amazon

Hawaii James

Christmas James

Papa, James and Grandma

Sleeping with his stuffed trout....

His favorite plush turtle

We love him with all our heart.....

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #675

2026-10-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

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1. Do you think you're driven more by curiosity or comfort? Explain.

From what I looked up, I believe I am looking for comfort because I am burned out with all of my medical issues.

2. What non-food item is in your refrigerator or freezer?

I'm not coming up with anything but when I was taking some shots last year, that I did at home, those were in the refrigerator.

3. Are you comfortable with silence? If you're home alone, do you like silence or do you need regular background noise? Do you seek out times and places to be silent? What's your favorite place to find silence/be silent?

I think I'm okay with some silence. I would prefer to have someone at home with me. I can't say that I seek out silence. I guess my office would be my place to find or be silent.

4. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, landscaping...which skill would you most like to possess and how would you put that skill to use today?

I think that landscaping would be my only choice. It might just be a matter of picking out things we can plant in the backyard.

5. Do you lean more towards being too needy or too independent? Which do you find harder to deal with in others?

Well I get accused by Mark of being too needy but at this place and time, with my ankle issues, and other health issues, I can't help but be needy. He never wants to drive me.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We got to have James here on Saturday night. We had such a nice time. Mark and James went to an RV show at a casino about 45 minutes from our house and I went with and I got to play Keno in at the casino for about 2 hours.

They made some cookies.

This was at the RV show

Then we drove him home and Adam made some turkey chili for dinner. It was delicious, along with some awesome cornbread. We got to take home leftovers.

FAMILY TIME

2026-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Dylan and James are working on a Lego airplane.

Our sweet James sleeping.

Dylan, James and Amber playing with Nerf guns.

Celebrating Amber and Dylan's Anniversary

Adam, Gabby, James, Amber, Dylan and Finely

We also celebrated my 75th Birthday

Mark, Debby, Amber, Dylan and Finley

Amber, Dylan and Finley

My cards, flowers and candy for my Birthday.

I miss Amber and Dylan so much. It was so wonderful having them here and we all had such a nice time hanging together.

James really enjoyed his time with Auntie Amber and Uncle Dylan. Gabby said that on their way home on Sunday he was crying in the back seat. He knows he won't see them for a long time and nobody has played with him running through the house like they did with the Nerf guns.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #674

2026-10-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

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1. Let's embrace it shall we? What's something you recently forgot to do? Is your memory these days more like a sieve or an elephant?

Definitely a sieve. See, I can't even remember what I forgot to do.

2. Share a trick/strategy you have to help you remember things you need to remember.

I definitely have to leave myself notes.

3. What's your favorite fall vegetable to cook with? Do you prefer your fall veggies roasted, blended into a warm soup, or fresh in a crisp autumn salad?

We do green beans often. Mark likes to put several things into his salads like olives, tamed jalapenos, red and yellow peppers. I sometimes just use the romaine lettuce or if it's going to be my dinner I add a can of chicken chunk chicken breast from Costco.

4. October 5th is/was National Do Something Nice Day. Did you? If so tell us about it. Or maybe someone did something nice for you, and if that's the case please share.

I can't think of anything except that we put a working TV at the curb for someone to take. We took all of our apps off and someone did take it. Mark wanted me to have it but it was too big for the cabinet I keep my current TV on.

Last year Amber and Dylan got remarried on October 6th. We gave them a card with a check in it. They also headed home yesterday morning. I really miss them.

5. Nathaniel Hawthorne is credited with the quote "I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house."

Do you tend to spend more time outside this time of year?

I would have to say yes but we haven't started that yet because we are still extremely warm outside. It's still going to be a little over 100 degrees this week. One of our hottest summers.

Do you actively pause to soak in fleeting moments of beauty in your daily routine? Elaborate.

Right now I think I have to say no to this question.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It was wonderful having Amber, Dylan and their dog Finley here. I will be sharing some pictures in another post. It was the best of times. James had the best time with them. He spent two nights here.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #673

2026-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

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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....

2026-09-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

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

2026-09-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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 #671

2026-09-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. How do you define beauty?

Found this online....I couldn't come up with anything.

Too many other things on my mind these days.

Colors, shapes, and sounds that feel good to see or hear.

Sunsets, mountains, and paintings that make people feel calm and happy.

Kindness, honesty, and confidence that shine from a person.

2. Have you ever taken a trip by train? If so where did you go and what did you think of the experience? If not do you have any desire to do so? Where would you like to go? (You might find inspiration here-The Best Train Trips in The World)

I did take a train trip when I was like 12 years old. I took the train from Chicago to California to spend time with my Aunt and Uncle who lived out here.

Of course they watched me closely on the train. It's certainly not something you would do with your child in today's world.

3. Shell shocked, bombshell, bandshell, shellacking, in a nutshell, walking on eggshells...choose one and tell us why you chose it, or how it relates to your life in some way currently.

These questions are tough for me today. I guess I am walking on eggshells because of all the health issues I am having.

4. Tacos, pistachios, oysters, clams, eggs...your favorite food on the list that comes in/with a shell?

I do like tacos. I prefer to eat shelled pistachios and I do like eggs. Just made some hard boiled eggs on Sunday.

5. Are birthdays a big deal in your house? Is your own birthday a big deal in some way? Elaborate.

We do like to celebrate birthdays but we normally go out to dinner. We often have a cake at the house.

We are going out to dinner when Amber and Dylan are here, along with Adam, Gabby and James. We will be celebrating my birthday on October 3rd.

We also plan on celebrating Amber and Dylan and the fact that they got remarried last year on October 6th.

James is coming home with us that night too. Adam and Gabby will be coming over on Sunday and Adam is making lasagna. Amber will be making garlic bread. Mark will be baking the bread from scratch.

(I see that I mentioned these things in my last post. Sorry, I'm just really excited)

6. Insert your own random thought here.

You are not going to believe this. I am besides myself with grief. I will take all the prayers you can give to me. It seems like my story is never ending. When will I ever be whole again.

I got a phone call on Saturday from a new doctor's office. I don't know the doctor but he has been given information to see me and take care of an issue. It's extremely depressing and I am really scared. I guess when they do a procedure, things are still sent out for testing.

Apparently the cancer on the inside of my right arm which I had the procedure done on in the doctor's office still has cancer. I have to have another surgery. I am so overwhelmed as well with everything else going on with my body.

I would appreciate all of your prayers with the hope that at some point I will be clear and free to live my life with some good health.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

2026-09-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #670

2026-09-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

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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

YOU WONT BELIEVE THIS........

2026-09-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've been going to a dermatologist off and on for a few years for some rough spots on my skin and a few other things.

This year they have a new thing where they put a lotion on you and you go under a light for 15 minutes to prevent cancer. They do your arms, your chest, your back and your face. It was rather interesting but very time consuming. He always overbooks. You go back for each one, they are not all done on the same day.

Anyway, what I am going to share with you has nothing to do with these new treatments, I've been to him before for something else. I've had a small spot on the inside of my right arm just below the elbow. He has frozen it in the past but it did eventually change and he tested it for cancer. It did show that it was cancer so he decided to remove it and I agreed with that.

So I went in and he removed it. I had some several stitches and also staples put in to hold it together. I had to go back in to have the staples removed 10 days later. When the girl took out the stitches she noticed that the area was a little pink which meant it might be infected. She called me and told me that I should have it checked out at urgent care.

I did that and it was definitely infected. Unbelievable. This should not have happened. I was taking very good care of it. I went to urgent care on Thursday and they gave me a prescription and wanted to see me back in a few days so I'm going back today.

I hope that they think it is better too because they talked about sending me to the hospital. I can't imagine what they would do.

So again, I would appreciate your prayers.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #669

2026-09-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing?

Travel to see Amber and Dylan in Montana. My health issues kept us home. We usually go three times a year.

However, they will be here in a few weeks. I can't wait to see them.

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be?

Honestly I don't remember where I sat.

I think it would be Home Economics.

Does anyone remember that class?

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)?

Listening to the questions that students have when they raise their hand. Everyone should be treated equal.

4. September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so how do you like yours? Would people describe you as 'having grit'?

I'm not sure if I have ever had them.

Looking up what "having grit'' means, I may have had that years ago but I don't seem to have it now.

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy?

I'm really not sure how to answer this one. One thing I can think of are dogs. I do enjoy them.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Happy 45th Birthday to our son in law Dylan.

His Birthday was yesterday.

We love you so much.

Look at the Watermelon from our garden.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #668

2026-08-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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

2026-08-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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.

MAMMOTH LAKES

2026-08-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

These are the photos that were taken on the trip to Mammoth Lakes, CA when Mark, Adam and James went for 3 night starting on August 8th. They had a wonderful time and I'm so happy for them.

They didn't catch any fish.

James can't wait to go back.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #666

2026-08-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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

2026-08-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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.

I WANT TO APOLOGIZE

2026-07-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that I haven't been able to stop over and read everyone's blog posts. I am definitely going through a bit of depression with my health issues. Things haven't improved much at all.

I have at least 10 appointments coming up in the next few weeks and I'm just overwhelmed. One is a procedure at a surgery center for the extreme sciatica I am having in my left leg. On top of that I have had COPD issues.

I'm also still sad that we had to miss our visit with Amber and Dylan in Montana.

I will try to do my Wednesday Hodgepodge posts but it's okay if you don't read them. I got on the other day to read posts and I had over 150 blog posts to read.

Thank you for listening. Your prayers are appreciated.

Love,

Debby

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #664

2026-07-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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

2026-07-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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

2026-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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

2026-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY

2026-07-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a lovely day.

"God Bless America"