Just Breathe

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #649

2026-04-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce,

To join in click HERE

Before I start, you need to know that I went to read blog posts yesterday and deleted them by mistake. Sorry I didn't get around to reading your posts.

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately?

Yes, Mark does them through H&R Block.

Organizing my ankle surgery has been very taxing. I will write about it in my random thought.

2. When it comes to travel are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you.

I try to set things out in advance. Yes, I do struggle to pack light. We mainly pack for our trips to Montana. If I forget something I'm sure I could use something of Amber's.

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level?

I do love a grilled cheese sandwich although I don't make them often. I would maybe add a tomato if we have one.

4. There's a well known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd

Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life?

I think growth can be good but I want stability and peace in my life.

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

daffodils or tulips - Tulips
lemonade or iced tea - Lemonade
gardening or hiking - Neither
ladybugs or butterflies - Ladybugs are my favorite but I like butterflies too
floral patterns or polka dots - I'm thinking floral patterns

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I had a pretty long random thought here but as it turns out my ankle procedure was cancelled until the 29th. It was going to happen today.

However, in the mean time, I'm having an issue with my left leg. I was thinking it was some neuropathy that I experienced last year. The pain has been extreme, bringing me to tears. Medication hasn't helped.

I went to Urgent Care on Monday and they did not think it was neuropathy and sent me for an x-ray. I just can't win. I don't need anymore issues like this. I am beyond frustrated.

You guys need to understand that I am not a person looking for attention. I'm not making this stuff up.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #648

2026-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

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1. Egg on your face, putting all your eggs in one basket, a good egg, walk on eggshells, nest egg, or a tough egg to crack...which eggy idiom currently applies to your life in some way? Explain

I am walking on eggshells or possibly a tough egg to crack with my health. I do believe you have to be tired of hearing this from me.

I ended up going to the ER on Friday because of my lungs. Something is not right and we are not finding any answers.

2. April 7th is National Beer Day...are you a beer drinker? If so do you have a favorite? Beer battered fish, beer bread, beer can chicken, beer brats...which one sounds good to you? Have you made any of these?

I don't mind having a beer but it really doesn't happen often at all. I'm not sure that I would want any of them. No I have not made any of them.

3. Do you have siblings? What's the best thing about being your sibling? If you don't have siblings, what would you say are the pros and cons of being an only child?

I have a brother and a sister but my brother passed away a few years ago. My brother Raymond lived in Milwaukee and my sister Darcy is in Florida. I love them both. My sister is a lot like me and my brother was into acting and he was gay.

Raymond and Darcy in front, me in the back.

4. How do you feel about floral scents in products? Do you have a favorite?

Because of my COPD I try to stay away from floral scents. I do however like a pine candle at Christmas.

5. What's one thing in your home that begins with the letter G that you would say is a keeper, something you'll hold on to? Tell us why.

I will go with giraffes. I have a collection of figurines of them because they are my favorite animal.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We went to Adam and Gabby's on Easter Sunday and had a lovely day. It felt good to get out of the house. We had a nice dinner. It was not a traditional dinner this year. We had Carne Asada tacos and other sides to go along with that.

I got one picture of James where he was being silly.

EASTER SUNDAY

2026-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER

HAVE A BLESSED DAY

Love, Debby

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #647

2026-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. March is rolling on out of here. Sum up your March in ten words or less.

March was kinda quite. Not a lot of doctor's appointments. However, for the past 8 days I have been dealing with lung issues. It's been extremely hard on me.

I didn't want to go to the ER because they do nothing different than I do at home, except for a chest x-ray.

2. Are you afraid of heights? When was the last time you found yourself dealing with a height, and did it make you nervous?

I can't say that I am but I imagine I could be. I can't remember anything dealing with height recently.

3. What's a word you struggle to spell on a regular basis, and sometimes need to double check before writing it down? Use the word in a sentence that tells us something about your April calendar.

Nothing is coming to mind but I believe there are several. I'm always looking up the spelling of something.

Sorry, not a lot of answers from me today.

4. Love 'em or hate 'em, with Easter comes the sweet treat known as Peeps. So... do you love 'em or hate 'em? Speaking of peeps, what's your favorite way to have chicken?

I have enjoyed them in the past. Now they have a lot of flavors that also sound pretty good to me.

I like chicken on the grill. We also like chicken from Costco from time to time.

5. This week's Hodgepodge lands on the first day of April, which happens to be National Poetry Month. Do you like poetry? Share a favorite line or two from one of your favorite poems. What makes this one a favorite?

Poetry is okay but I can't say that I read it often at all. I will just have to go with.....

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Adam, Gabby and James are on a cruise with Gabby's sister, husband and their two kids. They went to Cabo San Lucas. They should be home today.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #646

2026-03-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. It's officially spring in the northern hemisphere. Does it feel like spring in your part of the world? If you're in the southern hemisphere it's officially autumn where you live. Does the weather say autumn? Which do you prefer-spring or autumn? Why?

No it is feeling like summer right now. Actually it is feeling even hotter than our summers. However we are supposed to cool down and feel like Spring in a few days. It has been around 100 degrees. Thankfully we don't get humidity.

2. What's your favorite thing about spring?

I'm not sure I have a favorite thing about Spring. I guess I could say the flowers that bloom. We generally have some pretty nice weather year-round in Southern California.

3. Spring into action, spring in your step, spring to life, spring to one's feet...which spring idiom currently applies to your life in some way? Explain.

Actually I would like to do all of those right now but it's not happening with my ankle issue. Things have gotten really depressing on my end but I will push forward and try to be happy.

4. Which spring food from this list is your favorite? What's a dish you like that includes your favorite spring ingredient?

asparagus, strawberries, salad greens like mesclun, artichokes, spinach, eggs, peas, spring onions

I like spinach a lot. I saute it and add eggs, scrambling it together. I eat salad greens and I like asparagus too.

5. What's one task on your spring cleaning list? Do you actually have a list?

I do not have a Spring cleaning list but everything needs to be cleaned. I'm am pushing myself daily to accomplish something that needs to be cleaned.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We saw Adam, Gabby and James on Friday night last week. It was a great evening. We played some Bunko, had pizza. Also Papa and James had a lot of fun playing with some small nerf guns.

It will be awhile before we see them, they are going on a cruise. We will be going to their house for Easter Sunday.

HEALTH UPDATE

2026-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

If this post showed up today, I had to delete it because I wanted to add something at the end of the page.

So a lot has been going on. I am truly overwhelmed with things right now. I do have a few appointments set up. I have one set up to get an ankle boot made on April 8th. I doubt it will be fun wearing it but it is supposed to help with the pain.

I have an appointment set up on April 9th to see the podiatrist. That's to talk over the procedure I will have done at this time which is an arthroscopic debridement to clean out debris. That procedure will be done at the hospital possibly on April 15. Still a lot of things to work out. (I will explain later in this post)

They had me see my primary doctor to get a surgery clearance. That involved an EKG, blood work and a chest x-ray. What a day I had. I was out for six hours. They did the EKG and then I got the paperwork for the other items.

So I went to the Centerlake Imaging that I always go to for x-rays, MRI, etc. Well guess what? Their x-ray machine was down. So they directed me to one that was about 15 minutes away.

So I went and the woman behind the desk was having issues with my insurance cards. We have had a crazy year with our new cards and I mean extremely crazy. I won't go into all the details. Anyway, I did get the x-ray done.

Then I headed to a Walgreens where I always go for my blood work. No issues there and my blood work appears to be okay.

Then I get home and get a call that my colonoscopy was cancelled again. This is the second time. The woman said it wasn't going through insurance.

So I spent hours on the phone last Friday morning trying to get things figured out. What a hassle that was. Anyway, there was a woman who helped me out and she said to call her back on Monday and things should be fixed by then.

This year insurance changed our card numbers. They have been the same for years. Then we ended up getting a few other cards that were totally wrong with the primary doctor we see and the medical group was wrong.

So we had finally gotten that straightened out. Mark made some calls and we got new cards again with the correct information. However, when I called and talked to this woman she said apparently the medical group wasn't changed on their end.

So at this point I'm not sure if my ankle procedure will be approved for April 15th or not. I have literally been going nuts here. My colonoscopy was supposed to be done because it appeared swollen in an MRI I had on my pelvis area a few months ago. In all honestly, I have no issues that I know of when it comes to my colon.

So with the appointments and procedure I have schedule for in April now, I'm not sure when we can schedule the colonoscopy.

In some good news, I had a mammogram done at the end of December last year and when I went for the ankle x-ray a few weeks ago I asked them to check on it. I was supposed to get a letter in the mail. So that was good news, all is well with my breasts.

I will keep you posted when I can. I am still having some issues here and there with my lungs and it's been very frustrating. Like I've said before, I just want Debby back the way she was.

I do appreciate all of your prayers. You have all been so wonderful praying for me.

UPDATE: My lungs are terrible today. It started last night. I had to start steroids and antibiotics.

Love,

Debby

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #645

2026-03-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. St. Patrick's Day lands on March 17th. Do you believe in luck? Are there things you do thinking they'll bring good luck or things you avoid because they're considered bad luck?

I guess I believe in luck but more so in faith. No, there is nothing I do thinking it will bring me good luck. I do however pray. Obviously there are risks that I would probably not take.

2. Forest-lime-sage-mint-olive-emerald...what's your favorite shade of green?

Sage looks pretty nice to me.

3. In Ireland the meal on this day is often a hearty beef or lamb stew served with colcannon (mashed potato mixed with cabbage and leeks). In the US corned beef and cabbage is the more typical St. Patty's Day meal. Will you/did you mark the day with one of these dishes? Baked-fried-roasted-mashed...what's your favorite way to eat a potato?

No, we won't mark the day with this meal. However, corned beef and cabbage is okay with me. We eat a lot of baked potatoes, although mashed can be very good too.

4. What color of the rainbow best represents your personality/mood today? Tell us why.

Well yellow is my favorite color and they say it represents growth. I could use some positive growth with my health issues.

5. Which 'lucky' quote resonates with you. Elaborate.

'Luck is not something you can mention in the presence of self-made men.' E.B. White

'Diligence is the mother of good luck." Benjamin Franklin

'Luck is where opportunity meets preparation.' Seneca

'Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.' Ralph Waldo Emerson

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I kinda like "Luck is where opportunity meets preparation"

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We are expecting some hot weather. We haven't turned on our air conditioners yet. We always wait until the last minute because they are both 18 years old and know that one of these days they won't work. We have been very fortunate so far.

We saw James on Thursday night but I didn't get any pictures of him. He wanted Red Lobster for dinner. With my ankle I really didn't want to go out so we door dashed it. James loves shrimp.

Speaking of my ankle I will post something as soon as I have more information about what is happening.

I hope your week is going well.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #644

2026-03-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. Are you a naturally trusting person? Is trust built on logic or 'gut instinct'? Does everyone deserve a second chance? Elaborate.

I believe that I am in most cases. I think it would be a gut instinct for me. No, I don't believe that everyone deserves a second chance. It obviously depends on what they did.

2. 'Beware the Ides of March'...March 15th on the ancient Roman calendar, these words were made famous by William Shakespeare in his play Julius Caesar. Caesar was assassinated on March 15th 44 B.C. Have you read any Shakespeare? If so, do you have a favorite? Have you ever been to Rome?

I really haven't read William Shakespeare unless I had to in school. I have not been to Rome.

3. Do you like a Caesar salad? If given the choice between a garden/house salad or Caesar which do you order? Anchovies or no? What's your favorite salad dressing?

Yes, I enjoy a Caesar salad. I'm not sure which I would order but maybe I would pick a Caesar. No anchovies.

I like ranch dressing and we usually have Caesar dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette along with Thousand Island in the house which I like on a burger.

4. Where do you typically work (or blog if that's easier) at home? Do you have a dedicated home office space? Are you happy with that space?

For some reason I like my Chromebook on the kitchen table but I do have a desk in my office. Right now I have an old Toshiba computer sitting there. It still works but hasn't had any updates in years. I like sitting at the table and I have a nice view outside from there.

5. Snow drops, daffodils, lenten roses, crocus, hyacinth, or early tulips...what's your favorite early Spring flower?

I will go with tulips but we don't have any growing in our yard. I would also like daffodils. We have several bushes planted that get little flowers on them which are nice. My favorites are our Bird of Paradise.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

So on Friday night, Mark, Adam, Gabby and James went to a hockey game. Gabby was given 4 tickets and because of my ankle, it would have been difficult for me to go anyway with all of the walking. However, I stayed at their house with the dogs. I didn't feel like sitting at home and at least I could see all of them. They had a great time.

Then on Saturday James had soccer and he ended up getting the first goal and his team won 5 to 0. We were not there to see the game.

On top of that, James got an award Friday at school for math. We are so proud of him.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #643

2026-03-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. As the saying goes, 'March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.' Did your March come in roaring or like some other animal? Every month carries with it certain feelings, which is why some people love and anticipate December and others dread it. How do you feel about the month of March?

March has come in fine. I don't have any particular feelings about March.

However, I have a colonoscopy that I'm not looking forward to.

We just have 2 birthdays this month but they are out of town.

2. Where in your life are you a lion? Where are you a lamb?

I might be a lion with all of these medical issues going on.

I guess you could say that I am a lamb around James.

3. The Hodgepodge lands on National Pound Cake day. Do you like pound cake? If so do you have a favorite flavor? Let's play this or that-

pound cake or layer cake? - Pound cake
pound cake or cheesecake? Cheesecake
pound cake or angel food cake? Angel food cake
pound cake or brownie? Pound cake
pound cake or pie? Maybe some pie

4. What makes you feel childlike wonder right now?

I'm just going to go with hanging out with James over the weekend.

5. What's one thing you need to add to your wardrobe to get ready for spring? If you're in the southern hemisphere, then answer for fall?

I can't say that I really need to add anything to my wardrobe. Maybe some tennis shoes. I have been a fan of LuLaRoe tops for many years now. Since I am on a blood thinner and I bruise like crazy now, I tend to wear long sleeves now all year long. It's not what I want to do but I don't feel I have a choice.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We watched James on Saturday and Sunday. Adam and Gabby had some wonderful plans with some friends. James had a soccer game so we met them at the soccer game and from there we took him back home and watched him Saturday and part of Sunday, along with the dogs at their house.

We took him to a small local zoo and also took the train ride they have. We had a really nice time with him. We also played some Bunko with him and the game Sorry a few times. It was the best of times. Mark also took him Sunday morning to go by donuts.

Train ride

He likes Jaguars

Feeding the goats

James

Also, James lost a tooth while eating a strawberry....

WHAT I KNOW SO FAR

2026-02-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you all are getting tired of my health issues. I know I am tired of having them. Here's what I know from what I posted on Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Saw my lung doctor on Monday the 23rd of February. I have had issues since the Dupixent, which I stopped and then I started to feel better. Then I started going downhill again. I did the 5 day steroids and only felt better the first 2 days.

I was seeing her because of some blood work which was better than a few months ago. It was for my Immunoglobulin levels. So that was good. Will go again in April for the blood work again.

I ended up getting a steroid shot which is taking a while to kick in. So along with my other issue which I will share next, it's been hard for me to do much of anything. I am so tired of watching TV and not being able to accomplish my housework.

Also, we are watching James Saturday and part of Sunday. I just want to feel good for that.

I saw my podiatrist doctor on Tuesday February 24th. I've been getting a steroid shot every few months and so far my last one didn't do anything. My right ankle is in pain when I walk. So I am going for an x-ray next week to see if he can see a lot of debris at the ankle.

There is one thing we can try before doing an ankle fusion. They go in and clean out the debris and some people have a good experience and others don't. It is a fairly simple procedure and you can walk out of the hospital that day.

The ankle fusion is pretty serious and you can't bend your ankle anymore. Also, you cannot walk for six weeks following the surgery. So even if the other procedure works for me, it is just a matter of time before having the ankle fusion.

He does not like the ankle replacement surgery so he doesn't do it but could recommend someone to me. So at some point something will be done and I am not looking forward to that.

I have also appreciated all of your prayers for me that you mention in your comments on my posts. Thank you so much.

Love,

Debby

P.S. I had something very unusual happen to me on Thursday. I woke up and both of the ankles hurt. It was painful to walk. I couldn't figure out what it was about. I did a lot of research and it has to do with a low potassium level. One of my medications can do that, along with the steroids. So I am doing all the things they recommend for that and praying that by the time you read this that my ankles are doing better.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #642

2026-02-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston SC and the 'historic triangle' which includes Jamestown-Willimasburg-Yorktown Virginia.

Of the cities listed how many have you seen in person? Of the cities listed which would you most like to visit this year? Any plans to do so? What's one place in America you think everyone should see? If you're not American what's one place in the US you'd like to see?

I have only seen New York in person. I really loved seeing New York but I think Washington D.C. would be nice to visit.

2. Three sounds you love to hear?

The voices of my family members, I like hearing an owl in the middle of the night and a crackling fireplace. Also Mark suggested hearing the car start on a cold morning.

3. Three sounds you hate to hear?

Ambulance, Police car and Crying. I would say HELP also.

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips?

Sure, I like tortilla chips. Definitely like Queso and Guacamole. Yes I like nachos. Mainly cheese and salsa. I can't think of anything else that I make that I use tortilla chips for.

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile?

Nothing on my list yet that will make me smile. I have a colonoscopy in March and who would smile about that?

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We finally celebrated Gabby's 42nd Birthday on Friday night which was a nice celebration and a delicious meal. We also picked up a coconut cream pie but we were all too full to eat it when we got back to their house so we took some home.

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I have been having a lot of issues with my lungs lately. I saw my doctor on Monday but wrote this post on Sunday before that appointment.

I also saw my podiatrist on Tuesday this week. I'm having way too much pain now in my ankle and have to see what we do next. Ankle surgery vs ankle debridement. I will keep you posted.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #641

2026-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season?

No I don't and I won't be giving up or adding something to my life. I wasn't raised with Lent. I do however talk to God everyday.

2. Pancakes...are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on your menu this week?

Yes, but we seldom make them. Yes I like syrup. They would be plain and no they are not on the menu this week.

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt 'spread too thin'.

Actually that is going on right now. I have about 5 doctor's appointments to schedule and just don't feel like making the calls.

4. What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors?

I like sterling silver jewelry. Back in the day my wedding ring was in gold. Diamonds are wonderful but I've liked opals too.

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge?

Probably giving people my advice/opinion on what they are doing.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I was disappointed recently but I totally understand it had to happen. Adam and Gabby had to change the plans we had for dinner on Sunday to celebrate Gabby's birthday which was on Valentine's Day. She had a facial that she had a reaction to and had to take antihistamines. She didn't want to go out in public and James ended up going to his cousin's house. (Update, we are going out on Friday to celebrate Gabby's birthday.)

However, we did get a cute picture from Adam. Mark got him started on a lottery scratcher. So when they go to get the money, if he wins, he wants more. So apparently Adam let him buy more. As it turns out he won $115 on a $5 scratcher.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #640

2026-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce

To play along click HERE

1. What's something recent that had you 'tickled pink'?

I'm going to go with my appointment on Monday with my cardiologist. I don't need to see her for six months. With everything else going on with my health, this was definitely good news.

2. A bed of roses, everything's coming up roses, every rose has it's thorn, stop and smell the roses, rose-colored glasses, a rose among thorns...which rosy expression might currently be applied to your life in some way?

"Every rose has it's thorn" but I'm hoping to get to "Stop and smell the roses" this year and get my health back in order.

3. What makes you feel loved and appreciated?

I enjoy getting cards in the mail. I love texting with Amber everyday and also talking with her on the phone. I love when Adam and Gabby have us over. We saw them on Sunday for the Super Bowl.

We will see them on Sunday to celebrate Gabby's birthday which falls on the 14th, Valentines Day, so we don't want to go out to eat on Valentine's day.

4. A box of chocolates or a bouquet of fresh flowers-what's your pleasure? Any special plans for Valentine's Day?

Definitely a box of chocolates. Dark chocolate hearts with peanut butter inside from See's candy. No we don't have any plans for Valentine's Day.

5. Share a favorite quote, scripture, or song lyric relating to love.

This is a famous love quote:

“Take my hand, take my whole life too. For I can’t help falling in love with you.” —Elvis Presley

My dad had met Elvis in person and he did sign a photo for him. This was back in the days when my father managed a movie theater.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #639

2026-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. The Winter Olympics kick off on Friday, February 6th...on a scale of 1-10 how excited are you? (1= eh and 10=watching every event all day every day). What's your favorite Winter Olympic sporting event?

Maybe 6 or 7. I already have a few things set to record. I think I like the Figure Skating the best.

2. In other sporting news, the Superbowl (American football's championship game) will be played on Sunday, February 8th. So tell us...what's your superpower?

I will be watching the game. I actually watched more football this year than I have in the past. Because I haven't been too active I got really tired of watching my taped Hallmark movies.

I don't have a superpower that I can think of. However, I do mail out a lot of cards each year so that might be my superpower.

3. Are you a romantic?

I would say yes to that, however Mark is not at all so I am often very sad about that fact.

4. Blue cheese-yay or nay? How about feta? If you said yes to one or both, what's a dish you like that calls for one of these?

I'm going to say no to both of those. I might eat some at someone's house but I don't buy them.

5. What's more important-doing what you love or loving what you do?

I'm going to go with doing what you love but I haven't been doing much of either of those lately.

6. Insert your own random thoughts here.

We were blessed over the weekend to watch James for several hours. We played Bunko, Candyland and a match the pieces game.

He wasn't having any luck at Bunko which upset him. I had showed you the ring that he had bought for me at school for Christmas and I wear it when we go there and it has brought me good luck playing Bunko.

So I took it off because he was mad. It was so funny, he was rubbing the ring on the dice before he rolled them but it wasn't working for him. However he did very well at the other games.

I also brought him over a new pair of pj's. He is really into the soccer player Messi so that made him happy. This picture shows him holding a magic wand. He was showing us some magic tricks.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #638

2026-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. I live in the south so we're pretty much only talking about the weather right now. Give us a weather report from where you live. Does the kind of weather you're having today affect your mood in some way?

We live in Southern California and our weather has been pretty nice. We have had some rain and cooler temperatures.

It can get to about 40 at night this time of year and during the day we have been close to 70 degrees. No the weather really doesn't affect my mood unless it rains for several days.

2. Avocados, kale, cauliflower and cottage cheese have all had their time to shine. 2026 brings us the year of the cabbage. Is this a vegetable you like? If so, what are some of your favorite dishes that call for cabbage?

I do like cabbage but haven't had any in a long time. We used to cook it often. We would saute it in a pan and have soy sauce with it.

3. Was a Cabbage Patch Doll a part of your childhood? Or maybe your children's childhood? What's a toy trend from your childhood you remember wanting for your own?

No, it was not, but it was part of our daughter Amber's life.

I would say for me it was probably a Barbie doll, a hula hoop and Silly Putty in the 50's.

4. Something you've spent a lot of time doing lately?

I posted this on Facebook last week. I finally felt well enough to pack up the couple of hundred ornaments on the tree. So the Christmas tree is finally down. Family room is back in order.

5. Somehow it's the last week of January...sum up your month in just three sentences.

NOT MY MONTH (I don't have three sentences)

I've had extreme anxiety.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I won't go into detail about January but I did have some wonderful times with Adam, Gabby and James and also some nice phone calls with Amber daily. She usually calls us when Dylan is sleeping for his night shift at the hospital.

LOVE, DEBBY

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #637

2026-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. Ice skating, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, playing in the snow, or a snowy walk...which winter activity do you choose? Have you done any of these activities so far this winter?

I haven't done any of those in years. I used to like ice skating, sledding and playing in the snow. I did go skiing a few times but it wasn't a favorite of mine. However, for me, I would love to play in the snow with James.

2. Everyone is posting pictures from ten years ago on their social media sites so let's jump on the bandwagon too. Share one photo and one thought to go with said photo from the year 2016. And maybe everyone isn't doing this, but many are and we're going to be part of the fun.

I'm sharing this photo from 2016 of Adam, Gabby, Amber and Dylan. The reason I'm sharing this one is that Adam and Gabby were a new couple and got married in 2017. Amber and Dylan were married and moved to Montana in 2016.

Happy Birthday to Adam who turned 47 yesterday!

3. What's a trend you hope disappears in this new year?

For me it is AI. I don't like it at all. I am very concerned for the young children like James having to grow up with this. It disturbs me greatly.

4. 'They' say there's a day for everything and January 21st proves it. National Granola Bar Day. Do you like granola bars? How about just regular granola? Do you like bars of other kinds?

I like granola bars but haven't had any in years. I used to make granola years ago. I do eat a Kirkland protein bar from Costco.

5. A frozen lake, a trickling stream, a raging, or a deep well...which one describes something about your life right now? Elaborate as much or as little as you like.

I'm going to go with a deep well because of the health issues I've had. However, I have made a decision to push myself to get out of that well this year.

I need to exercise and get stronger. I haven't been able to do much for a whole year and I'm frustrated with myself. I pray that my body will give me the opportunity to go along with me on this journey. I am not ready to give up on life. Your prayers are welcomed.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #636

2026-01-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. What kind of winter person are you-snow lover, fireplace snuggler, winter adventurer, or indoor hibernator? Elaborate.

I do love snow but we mainly see it on the mountain tops. We don't use our fireplace. I'm not really a snuggler, or at least Mark isn't at all. I wouldn't mind a winter adventure but I'm more likely an indoor hibernator.

2. The Pantone color of the year is cloud dancer, described as a gentle, billowy off white shade. The color symbolizes 'peace, clarity, quiet reflection, renewal, and a soft reset'. Of the terms just listed which do you need most in your life this winter?

I'm going with renewal. One discription of renewal is "The act or procedure of extending or restoring validity or vigor to something" which is what I want to happen to my body this year. I want me back.

Actually as I am typing this I am having a better day and pray that it continues into this new year. My lungs are feeling clear and my legs are not hurting. Pray that this continues for me.

3. Every cloud has a silver lining, on cloud nine, head in the clouds, storm clouds gathering, or cloud of suspicion...which 'cloud' idiom do you most relate to currently? Explain.

I'm going to go with "silver lining" which I'm hopeful is coming into my body from my answer to the last question.

4. coconut, cauliflower, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, onions, ranch dressing...of the white foods listed, which would be the hardest for you to give up? Do you like all or any of the foods on the list?

Cottage Cheese and ranch dressing. Yes, I do like all of the foods listed

5. Thomas Wentworth Higginson is credited with this quote-

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year."

Agree or disagree? Tell us why.

I'm not sure how to answer this one. However, I do like the season changes.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

This year, because I've been rather board with not being able to do too much, I've been watching football with Mark.

I have been enjoying it and I especially loved the Bears game on Saturday. We are originally from Chicago, born and raised. What a game that was!!!

This coming weekend we will be celebrating Adam's 47th birthday which is on Tuesday the 20th. Also on Monday the 19th is Mark's mother's birthday, my mother in law, who turns 98! We celebrated with her last year in Texas.

As I am typing this I just remembered that my Mother's birthday would have been today. She passed away at 56 years old.

Mom and Dad in their younger days.

Mom, Dad, Debby, Darcy, Raymond

Here she is with Amber at maybe 10 months old.
She died shortly after that. Adam would have
been around 2 1/2 years old.

FYI: I have been working on getting Christmas down. Finally!!! Most of the boxes are packed up and then I just have the tree to accomplish. Actually it's been nice having the tree up and Mark is enjoying it too. It brings a real charm into our family room. It seems like during the holidays you are so busy that you don't get the time to admire it.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #635

2026-01-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. What are three words you would use to describe your 2025?

Family - Health - Depression

I did have a lot of wonderful times with Amber, Dylan, Adam, Gabby and James which made me very happy.

2. I ask this question every January, and I always get comments about how we shouldn't be banning words. This is fun and games so just play along : )

Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse, or just general uselessness (go here to read about how the words are chosen). Here's the list for 2026-

67 • demure • cooked • massive • incentivize • full stop • perfect • gift/gifted • my bad • reach out

Which one (if any) do you use most often? Which one of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word you think should have made the list?

I believe the only one I use is cooked. Like you said, I see no point in banishing any words.

3. What are your nightly rituals? Is that different from your 'ideal' nightly ritual? If so what's your ideal?

After we eat dinner we take showers. Marks works in the yard a lot and gets sweaty. It's nice going to bed clean. We will often watch a series on TV.

Then I go to my office and watch some of the movies I taped and then it's off to bed. I go to bed around 9 pm and Mark stays up until about 10:30. We have never had a TV in our bedroom which is really nice.

This is pretty normal but ideal is when we shower in the afternoon, even though we showered the night before, and we head over to Adam, Gabby and James house for the evening. We just did that last Friday night.

4. January 6th is/was National Bean Day. Do you like beans? Which one is your favorite? Last thing you ate made with beans?

I like black beans. I can't think of anything I ate recently with beans.

5. Are you easily embarrassed? Elaborate.

I believe I am when it comes to someone helping me up Adam's front steps. I can do the steps but he doesn't have a railing so I take his arm or Mark's and walk up the 3 brick stairs. I fell there once so I want to be careful.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm really struggling with my health and sometimes I just can't get over to read your posts. I do try.

Right now I am trying to take Christmas down and I've made good progress but still have the tree to do. I also need to go through my bins and see what I can get rid of. I already filled a few bags for the Salvation Army.

Thank you for understanding because right now I have some extreme pain going on. I hope to see my doctor soon. I do however have an ankle shot on Tuesday and I really need it.

Love you guys,

Debby

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026

2026-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!

My God Bless you, your family and friends.

Love, Debby

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #634

2025-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. Did you make resolutions or set goals for the year we're waving goodbye? How did that work out for you? Will you set any goals for this new year, new season, or new month? Share one or two if you'd like to share.

No, I don't remember making any goals last year.

I just want the New Year to bring me the blessings of good health. This year has been extremely hard. I want Debby back.

The other goal would be to declutter the house. However, I have made this goal for a few years and haven't done it. But I can say that I am definitely ready now.

2. When did you have the most fun this year?

Visiting Amber and Dylan was fun this year. We went there 2 times.

Obviously every time we see James is the very best of times.

3. What's a song or song lyric you'll associate with 2025? Tell us why.

I don't have one. Sorry.

4. Best (or a favorite) bite of something delicious you tasted this year?

I'm sure that there are several things but I have to say it was a steak we had several weeks ago when we went out to dinner with Adam, Gabby and James. It was an awesome restaurant.

5. What do you want to do more of in the new year? Less of?

I'm going to start with less doctor's appointments.

See Amber and Dylan more often and of course spend more time with Adam, Gabby and James. I do want to get a dog but with my health at this point it isn't a good idea.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

AMEN

LOVE,

DEBBY❤

OUR CHRISTMAS PHOTOS

2025-12-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS 2025

We had a lovely day over at Adam and Gabby's house. Nothing like spending the day with James and we even played some Bunko and he had so much fun.

James had an opportunity to buy gifts at school. He bought me a ring. So I had it on while we played bunko and I had some really lucky rolls and he thought my ring was bringing me luck. It was so cute. Believe I will bring it over every time we visit with them.

Debby, Mark, Adam, Gabby & James

I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A MERRY CHRISTMAS

This is Finley, Amber and Dylan's dog. We definitely missed celebrating Christmas with them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2025-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.

Prayers for everyone going through a hard time.

I just want to share some of my photos. I did decorate but I didn't do as much as I used to. I definitely need to get rid of a lot of things. However, I might wait until next year to see how I'm feeling.

Adam, Gabby and James came over on Saturday the 20th for dinner. Mark made a prime rib, baked potatoes, salad and asparagus. I had some ornaments for James to put on the tree and he enjoyed the things I have that make music and sing.

Before dinner James and I did our tradition of decorating a Gingerbread House. It's really fun to do this with him. We gave him one present that Aunt Amber & Uncle Dylan sent for him. He will be getting more from them today.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #633

2025-12-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. What's one thing on your to-do list that you want to get done, need to get done, or that must get done before the year ends?

Well it has been hard for me this year but I did get the Christmas tree done. I'm not putting out a lot but trying my best. I do need to wrap presents too!

2. December 17th is National Maple Syrup Day...are you a fan? Do you like maple flavor in other food items such as candy, cookies, donuts, oatmeal, hot toddies, coffee?

I like maple syrup but don't use it very often. I can't say that I remember that flavor in any of those other things.

3. Time magazine names a person of the year every year. The tradition started back in 1927 with a 'man of the year' but has since changed to recognize not only an individual, but also to consider the impact of a group, movement, or idea that most influenced the year. The selection is not always someone or something good (think Hitler in 1938 and Stalin twice).

This year they've named The AI Architects as their 'person of the year'. What say you? Is this a good choice, an obvious choice, a logical choice? Who do you think should have been named person of the year?

I say no to that. I don't like AI, I don't use it and I'm very concerned about James' life with that in it. I can't really think of anyone or can't say who I would like it to be.

4. What's a city, state, or country you've visited that you never care to visit again? Tell us why.

We certainly don't like going into Los Angeles. Right now I would say because of all the homeless people.

5. Next Sunday (December 21st) marks the first day of winter (or the opposite if you're living down under). What's one thing you love about this new season?

For us our weather gets a little cooler but we have some good weather year-round.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Mark brought me home this poinsettia.

Adam, Gabby, James and Gabby's mom Isa were in San Francisco over the weekend. Gabby had business there during the week and Adam, James and Isa joined her there on Friday.

James loves their chocolate.

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU

I want to apologize for not getting around to visit everyone.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #632

2025-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To play along click HERE

1. Do you struggle with the commercialization of the holiday season? What helps you keep your focus when the season’s busyness and commercialism start to take over?

I don't think I struggle with commercialism. So many things are ordered online these days that I'm not really out there shopping. Especially this year with my lung issues. I did however go to Target on Friday. It wasn't easy but I did it.

2. What's one small thing you want to savor before the year ends?

Not that we get real cold weather but right now the weather has been really nice.

3. December 9th is National Christmas Card Day. Do you still send Christmas cards? If so does yours include a photo or is it a more traditional card, or maybe homemade? How do you feel about the tradition of exchanging cards at the holidays? If Hanukkah is the holiday you celebrate in December do you send cards to mark the occasion?

Yes, I do send out Christmas cards. I have included a photo a few times but usually it's a traditional card. I like sending and getting cards.

4. What's your least favorite holiday related task? What's your favorite?

I can't say I have a least favorite but this year it has been very difficult to decorate because of my lung issues and now some leg issues again.

However, I am trying my best to do more than last year. I would like to do some baking but not sure if I'll be able to.

5. Let's do a little holiday this or that?

shopping or wrapping - I like wrapping presents
baking or decorating - I have always enjoyed doing both
eggnog or wassail - Eggnog
real tree or artificial - Real is nice but we have an artificial tree now
turkey or ham - Turkey, however we have been blessed to go to Adam's on Thanksgiving. We will be having Adam, Gabby and James over for some prime rib the weekend before Christmas. I'm not that into ham but I will eat it
white lights or colored lights - I like both, however our tree has white lights
ugly sweaters or matching PJ's - I like PJ's
peppermint or cinnamon - I like both but probably cinnamon more
presents Christmas Eve or presents Christmas Day - We will open presents at Adam and Gabby's on Christmas Day

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We saw Adam, Gabby and James on Saturday evening. Their house is decorated so nice. I should have taken a picture. We played some Bunko too.

Several years ago Mark gave me a Lego Gingerbread house which I never did put together. Lego is now James' favorite thing to do. So we brought it there a week ago and they finished it so I took it home on Saturday.

Also they were watching their friends two dogs for the evening. All 4 dogs are Chesapeake Bay Retriever just that Adam and Gabby's are dark and the other two are lighter in color. I think someone was delivering a package and look at the great shot Gabby got of them.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #631

2025-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'? On a scale of 1-10 how is yours this year? (10=off the charts, 1=still looking for it)

Right now mine is not very high because of my health. It is extremely frustrating for me.

2. What's your favorite character from a (December) holiday-themed movie, book, or TV special? Tell us why.

There are so many I like. I love Christmas movies. I'm going to go with Buddy from Elf.

3. Do you like gingerbread? Are gingerbread houses part of your holiday tradition?

Yes I like gingerbread cookies.

So far James and I have done four so far. I like to buy one that is already put together and then we decorate it about a week before Christmas. I still have to buy one for this year.

2021

2022

2023

2024

5. Share a favorite holiday memory from your childhood.

My favorite from childhood is what we did every Christmas Eve. We would go to a Christmas Eve service at church and my dad's parents would stay at the house. When we came home from church there would be presents from Santa.

Then some relatives would come over and it would be a very nice evening. Then Santa left a few gifts on Christmas Day.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving day at Adam and Gabby's. This was my plate.

Mark set the tree up on Sunday and hopefully I can put ornaments on it this year.