Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What do you love most about your country? 

I love the freedoms we have.  I don't want to take those for granted.

2. Your favorite patriotic song? 

There are many patriotic songs I like.  I've always loved Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA."  

3. Red, white, or blue? Stars or stripes? Something you own besides a US flag with some combination of those colors or decorations as part of its design? 

Yes! All of them together!  LOL  Blue and stripes if I have to pick!  

I love patriotic colors and decorations.  I have a lot of patriotic fabric that I like to make things with.  I have a flag started.  I have an entry way table.  Titus helped me fix it up last week.  We've been here a little over a year, and I plan to add to my collection each year/holiday. He made the painting in the middle for the fair last year.  I bought the flower arrangement from a local girl who is making these this summer.  Titus also has a patriotic pup blow up in the front yard.  

4. What's one thing you want more of this summer: fun, rest, adventure, connection, quiet, or confidence? Elaborate. 

I feel like I've already had adventure with our vacation to Tennessee.  I do want to have more fun before school starts again as the days and weeks go so quickly.  

5. What was your ultimate, go-to summer activity when you were a kid? Do you still do any version of that today? If you answered yes, does participating in this activity as an adult make you feel like a kid?  

One thing I thought of from summer was when I was in high school.  My younger cousin stayed with me.  We'd go use our free bowling coupons that the school gave us each summer.  Then we'd go get a snow cone.  I still like to get a cherry/lime snow cone now, and it makes me remember those days! 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Look at the picnic table our son built!  I love it!  I look forward to using it when we have a day with less wind.  It has been SO strong the past few days. Definitely not picnic weather!

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. June 17th, 1994 was the day of the infamous O.J. Simpson car chase. What were you doing in 1994? I'm guessing somebody is going to tell me they weren't born yet but that's part of the fun of the Hodgepodge. Lots of generations are represented here. 

I was in high school in 1994 and 15 years old.  

2. What's your favorite summer salad that isn't the traditional tossed green lettuce kind of salad? Do you like fresh fruit in a salad (other than in a fruit salad of course)?

I like cucumber tomato salad with fresh produce from the garden.  

I had a salad last week at my conference that had strawberries and watermelon pieces in it and that was good.  

3. Is chivalry dead? Should it be? 

I don't think chivalry is dead completely.  When I think of the word chivalry I think of manners and showing politeness to others.  I think it's nice and refreshing to see these things in a day when we see so much meanness and selfishness.  

4. Would you rather spend a week of your summer vacation in Hawaii or Alaska? Have you ever been to either? Are they two places you really would like to see? How do you feel about 'Hawaiian pizza' aka pineapple on a pizza? Have you ever eaten Baked Alaska? 

I'll pick Alaska because I've been there and want to go back!  We went to Alaska for Caleb's senior trip in 2022.  The pictures I've seen of Hawaii are pretty, but I've never thought it was a bucket list item for me (probably partly because I've always heard how expensive it is there).

I do like Hawaiian pizza!  I've not eaten Baked Alaska and had to look up what it is. Looking at pictures I think I'd like it though

5. World Cup play is happening now...are you interested? Watching any matches? Did you or your children play soccer/futbol? There are eleven US cities hosting matches-

-Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York with the stadium in NJ, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle

along with three cities in Mexico (Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey)

and two in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver)-

You get free tickets to one of these matches. Which city do you choose? Tell us why. 

I have no interest in the World Cup and haven't watched any matches.  None of us play soccer.  
To go to any of those cities I'd pick one of the Canada cities because I've never been there.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We are home after traveling...we had time in Oklahoma with family to celebrate my in-laws' 50th wedding anniversary. From there we went on a family vacation to Tennessee.  We got home on 6th and left on the 10th for San Antonio for school board training.  We had a nice time away.  It's good to be home.  

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you like your name? Are you named after someone (grandparent, etc)? If you have children how did you choose their names? 

Yes, I like my name.  I rarely heard anyone named Bethany when I was a child.  And it wasn't a name you could find on souvenir key chains!  Now I know several people with the name Bethany.  I have the same middle name as my Mom and her Mom (my Meemaw).  

Our boys both go by their middle names.  Their first names are both part of their Dad's name.  

2.  A piece of red velvet cake, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of blueberry pie? You can only have one...which will you choose? If you could pick any red, white, or blue dessert other than those listed here, what would you choose? 

Vanilla ice cream!  Yummy!

I'd pick something with strawberries for a red dessert!

3.  What's a job you'd like to try for just one day? 

librarian

4. Any patriotic decor in your home currently or coming up this summer? 

I will have a patriotic tiered tray on our entry way table.  I haven't put it out yet.  I'm doing lemons first.  I was going to do watermelons, but I don't have much watermelon decor yet!

5. It's the end of May, so let's exercise our brains. Sum up your month with an acrostic using the word MAY. We can do it!!  

Memories of the school year
Awards assemblies
Yellow flowers filling fields

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We finished the school year last week and all the end of school activities that go with that.  Titus is done with 5th grade!  We had our "last day" traditions of cupcakes and ice cream for breakfast, and I had a "welcome to summer" poster done for him.  It was raining actually so I laid it in the garage and hung it when we got home for a picture instead of leaving it out and it getting wet.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Are you feeling more reset, restart, or full speed ahead as we move into May? Tell us why. 

Full speed ahead for May!  It's the end of the school year which means it zooms by and is full of activities and banquets.

2. Painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, cinema, theatre, music...what's your favorite form of art? Elaborate.  
Probably music because I was part of choir from 6th-12th grade.  I learned a lot and it was a great experience for me.  We got to sing in Carnegie Hall twice.  Also my son has done a competition called "music memory" (which I also did in elementary school) and we learned the names and composers together.  

3. What time is dinner at your house? How do you feel about leftovers? 
Usually we eat around 6.  This month it has been whatever time we can....usually Titus eats before baseball and wants to eat again when we get home.  We haven't had much leftovers lately!  I don't mind eating leftovers once or twice.  And usually (not during baseball season!) I plan meals in the week so Thursday we have leftovers.  

4.What's the last thing you fell down a rabbit hole investigating? 

Recipes and meal planning often send me down a rabbit hole!  I have a lot of good ideas saved on Pinterest!

5. And now for a question from the book Marilyn (Memphis Bridges) gave me...

At what are you 'self-taught?' 

I feel like I've learned some computer things on my own like Canva and making things on Shutterfly.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

May brings a busy time for us with the end of school approaching!  Baseball season will be winding down in May as well.  Spring is here with birds singing, wind, wildflowers, some rain and storms, and sunshine.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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

No we have someone else do them.  We had the same lady for many, many years.  She passed away a few years ago so we had to find someone new. 

It has been "taxing" to drive around here lately with all the big trucks that are part of the construction of the new AI plants plus all the new people living in the area that work there.  

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 do like to plan ahead but some stuff I do wait until the last minute when packing.  I take too much stuff.  Even if we are going on a day trip, I will have a bag of books or cards to write or my coloring stuff.

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 don't really love grilled cheese sandwiches.  It has been a very long since I've eaten 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 feel growth is important throughout life.  But there are also seasons when you need to just maintain peace and take care of yourself instead of worrying about adding more to your life or growing in some way.

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

• daffodils or tulips
• lemonade or iced tea
• gardening or hiking
• ladybugs or butterflies 
• umbrella or raincoat
• floral patterns or polka dots

Here are my picks:

• tulips
• iced tea
• gardening I guess (neither!)
• ladybugs
• umbrella
• polka dots

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The workers finished the tub on Friday.  They'd told me I could use it Saturday.  Friday when they finished they said it would be dry and ready to use Friday night.  It is nice to have a tub again!  I am thankful my husband did this for me!

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. March is rolling on out of here. Sum up your March in ten words or less. 
Bathtub found, install started! Celebrating birthdays and enjoying spring break!

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 don't particularly love heights.  I'm usually okay if I don't think about it or don't look down.  I don't remember the last time I was dealing with a height.

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. 
I always double check on restaurant and toilet.  I mix up the vowels. I doubt myself on the order of the vowels.  I don't know why!!

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 do love 'em.  It's fun to see all the different colors and varieties they have now.  I don't go out of my way to buy them, but I do like one or two.  I've seen some cute ones to use for decorations too.

We had this chicken recipe for supper this week, and it was great!  Easy and delicious!

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 has never been a favorite for me.  

I do like the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling.  We memorized it our senior year of high school, and I still remember some of it.  There is a lot of good wisdom in the lines of that poem.  

If you can keep your head when all about you

   Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

   But make allowance for their doubting too;

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Happy April!  School will be winding down soon.  It goes so fast after spring break.  We are excited that the work has started this week for the bathtub install.  Hooray! 

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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? 

It has felt like spring here lately; however, over the weekend we had some record-breaking high temperatures in the 90s! I don't know what the official high was.  But it felt like summer and not spring!  

I think I prefer both fall and spring equally...  after the heat of Texas summer I'm ready to see some cooler temperatures and I like the activities of fall.  After the darkness of winter I'm ready for the warmer days and light and flowers!

2. What's your favorite thing about spring? 

 The flowers I see, particularly the wildflowers along our highways, are my favorite part of spring.  

And of course our youngest boy being born in spring!

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.  

Spring into action.....regarding the house and the new things we are getting done and marked off the to do list.  We've been here almost a year now and it's nice to be getting some more things done.  Now that the windows are done I want to decide on the curtains or blinds for each spot. 

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

On this list of foods strawberries would be my favorite.  

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

I do not have an actual list for spring cleaning but I do have a daily list I make most days.  One task I need to do in spring cleaning is our bedroom closet.  Which with the bathtub install I will probably have to do that anyway!  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We got to host our church youth group on Sunday night.  It was great.  When they got here it was still pretty hot out (see question #1!) with those high temps we were having.  But it was a beautiful evening to sit outside as the sun went down.  

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's something recent that had you 'tickled pink'? 
It made my day last week when a local podcast came on and our oldest was on it talking about the non-profit he started.  It was a nice surprise on a day I was feeling sad after the tragedy in our little town.  

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? 
Stop and smell the roses.....When life is busy and full and noisy, it is important to make time to stop and breathe...notice the world around you....the beauty of nature....the sound of birds....so many things to notice if we stop and slow down.

3. What makes you feel loved and appreciated? 
From my husband I feel loved and appreciated by his words and when he does something for me that I've mentioned.  Like at Christmas when he surprised me with an ironing board cart for my quilting.  I'd shown it to him and forgotten about it.  

4. A box of chocolates or a bouquet of fresh flowers-what's your pleasure? Any special plans for Valentine's Day? 
Flowers....tulips
I love chocolate but not really a mixed variety.  
Friday will be a special day for us.  It's the anniversary of the day my husband gave me a card he'd made and asked me to be his Valentine after we'd eaten lunch at The Bean (the cafeteria) at ACU.  We will meet for lunch again this year there.  

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

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We went to the funeral on Saturday for the two teen siblings that died when they were hit by a train.  It is a heartbreaking tragedy for our little town.  The support the community has shown to the family and school has been so beautiful and uplifting.  

Have a day of blessings! Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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've been home since last Friday night.  We've had ice and snow.  Thankfully we have not lost power.  School has been out through today.  The roads have cleared on the highways I've heard but the city streets were not clear so no school today.  The sun is shining and I'm seeing a lot melt.  

Seeing the snow covered yard is peaceful to me.  

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 will eat it but it's not something I buy to cook myself.  

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? 

I remember I won a pair of twin Cabbage Patch dolls...a girl and a boy.  

I had a lot of Barbie things and enjoyed playing with those and setting them up.  I can't think of a toy trend I wanted in childhood.  I'm sure there was something.  

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

Wearing pajamas and being inside!  

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

A new year meant new plans and goals for 2026.

We have felt heavy hearted because of the death of a church friend.  

We had lots of time indoors together because of the weather.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I like being at home so I haven't minded being here so many days in a row.  I'm thankful we didn't lose power.  We've had more than enough food and have been warm and cozy.  

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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. 

I typically set goals for the year.  I don't know what they were for the past year!  I used to write them down in my journal and/or blog, but I haven't done that in recent years.  

I love the beginning of a new year and the feeling of starting fresh. I have some goals in mind for the coming year.  One is to get back into my habit of my walking/movement 5 days a week.  I was very consistent with this and got off in the past 2-3 months.  I already started this week...didn't wait for the 1st!

2. When did you have the most fun this year? 
The marriage retreat with my husband is always a highlight and the time at the river with the family 

3. What's a song or song lyric you'll associate with 2025? Tell us why. 
I heard this song at the end of 2024 when we were deciding to buy this new house or not.  It's what our dream is for this house....to be able to have our family and church family over like the previous owners did when we were college students.

4. Best (or a favorite) bite of something delicious you tasted this year? 
A memory from this year is that Braum's opened in our area.  They have burgers and an ice cream shop along with a small grocery store.  We go get ice cream there often.  It used to be something we only did while traveling so we were excited to get one in our area.  

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

More: reading books before bed.  I listen to a lot of audio books while driving but want to spend more time reading.

Less: buying "stuff"  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This has definitely been an interesting year for us with the sale of our home of 15 years and finding our new home with about 5 acres.  Then there was the government shutdown this fall.  

I look forward to 2026!

Have a day of blessings! Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What does patriotism mean to you? 

I think of supporting our troops and being devoted to your country.

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere use these months but sub spring for the word fall. 

I love November because by then it usually actually feels like fall in Texas.  Also I love the anticipation of the upcoming holidays.

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word)  in the title or lyrics?

Oh I love this song.  I've played it a lot lately!  There are a bunch of songs I like with the word thanks in it. I look forward to reading the other answers on this one.  

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and _____________________ . 

Oh, and you can't say jelly.  

I do like peanut butter. I like just plain peanut butter on a piece of bread.  The last thing I had with PB in it was a Reese's PB cup.  
Fill in the blank:  peanut butter and celery. 

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for? 

There are so many things that happened that I am grateful for....one that comes to mind is the sell of our old home and the purchase of the new house.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

It is looking like the government shutdown will end soon.  

Did you see the Northern Lights where you live?  A bunch of people posted their pictures from our area. Neat to see way down here in Texas!

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something on your November calendar you're looking forward to? 
for my Dad to be able to have his back surgery 

2. Dictionary.com's word of the year is '6-7'. Huh? 

Is it even a word??? I had to consult the internet to find out it's meaning because apparently I'm old and this particular slang is not part of my vocabulary. Is it part of yours? According to the article I read, it's a viral term, more of an inside joke with an unclear meaning driven by social media.

What do you think? 

Dictionary. com says it's selection each year is a 'linguistic time capsule reflecting social trends and events, but they also admitted to being confused by '6-7'. Some say it means so-so and is sometimes accompanied by the up and down hand motion we associate with the phrase so-so.

What word do you think would have made a better choice? 

Yes I knew it was a thing and I heard it was the "word of the year" so I was expecting this question on the Hodgepodge based on previous years!  My son told me about a time in class when the teacher told them they had a new rule that they couldn't say 6-7.  Then they had a pop quiz and the first answer was 67.  Then it turned out all the answers were 67.  She was tricking them.  

I saw one post that didn't know the meaning but connected it to Deuteronomy 6:7 which says: 

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

 I'm sure there are many words that would have been a better choice but I don't know what it would be.

3. What's a food, trend, activity, or thing people love but you think is just so-so? 

The fancy coffees or so many different choices of coffees now.  I have never been a coffee drinker so maybe I'd like some of this fancy stuff if I tried it.  I don't see the need for a coffee shop on every corner!

4. Are you a tea drinker? Hot or cold? How do you like yours and at what time of day? Do you like flavored teas or teas billed as calming, energizing, healing, etc? 
Yes I like cold tea.  I will drink hot tea if I have a sore throat.  I like it unsweet with ice. I like to get one from Sonic.  I guess I drink it slowly because I put it in the fridge and have the rest the next day.   The boys tell me it is just dirty water.  LOL  
I like raspberry tea and blueberry tea mixed together at a shop called HTeaO.  Mixing it together they call it Berry Blast. I get it occasionally....much less now than I used to because they changed their "happy hour" promotion.  

5. The November Hodgepodge has always included a weekly gratitude question. Here's the question for today-what are three things that make your heart sing? 

words of encouragement from my husband
hugs from the boys
letters in the mail

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My Dad had back surgery Tuesday so I went to be with him. I had started answering this and then didn't publish it.  So I did after I got back! 

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Are you a risk taker? To what degree? 

No not at all!

2. What's your favorite candy? Would you say you have a sweet tooth? 
Like the favorite dessert question recently on the Hodgepodge,  it's hard to pick a favorite candy. One favorite currently is Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (NOT Reese's Pieces!)

When I was in middle school I remember my favorite was Cookies & Cream Twix.  I don't know if they make it anymore.  Also Heath bars.  I still like those.

I have a definite sweet tooth.  

3. Somewhere you've been recently that had you feeling 'like a kid in a candy store'? 
I went to a fabric sale hosted by a local quilter's guild.  It was fun to look and find new fabric for my stash.  

4. What do you think is the most effective way to make a positive change in the world? 
It's important to realize you can't do it all on your own.  There are so many needs and important causes that can change the world.  But you also need to realize that you can make a positive change that no one else can to the people in your life, starting with the people in your home.  Be consistent. Be patient. Love your people.  

5. Do you like surprises? 

Yes I do like surprises! 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  
Another week of the government shutdown.  

It is beginning to feel like fall here.  

Have a day of blessings! Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you make an effort to see/hear live music? Last time you went somewhere for the live music? I don't make an effort to see/hear live music.  I have told my husband recently that it has been a while since we've been to a concert together.  When we lived in a different city, we saw Casting Crowns several times.  

2.According to HGTV the colors of the year for 2026 are mostly decided. Top paint companies declare a color of the year, and decorators will incorporate that into their new year home and room designs. Here's what's on tap in terms of paint trends for 2026 (check out the link here to see photos)

• Sherwin Williams-universal khaki (inspired by heavy canvas and outdoor gear)
• Behr-hidden gem (a confident shade of teal)
• Valspar-warm eucylyptus (a warm sliver tinted green)
• Dutch Boy-melodious ivory (a honey tinted beige)
• Glidden-warm mahogany (a classic brick red)
• Krylon-matte coffee bean
• Clark and Kensington -Hazelnut Crunch (warm reddish-brown)
• Graham and Brown-Divine Damson (cherry red with a subtle violet undertone)
• Dunn and Edwards-midnight garden (the green that works everywhere) 

First question-did you know there were so many different paint manufacturers? Which color on the list most appeals to you in terms of your own decorating style? Do you have plans to do any painting in your home in the coming year, and if so might you choose a color from this list? 

Now, forget painting walls, which color name appeals to you most? 

I didn't know there were that many paint manufactueres.  Having just moved, we did look at paint sample cards, and it was overwhelming to see so many options! We will paint the garage when we finish emptying boxes but we are using leftover paint to do that.  

I like the name melodious ivory.  

3. What's something in your life you have to do-watch-or participate in that's about as exciting as 'watching paint dry'? 

Not sure on this answer...bills I guess would be one answer. 

4 . Tuesday, October 14th is/was National Dessert day...did you/will you celebrate? Tell us how? What's your absolute favorite dessert. Yes, just one. I know!! 

I suppose I did celebrate because I made an angel food cake on Monday, and we enjoyed it again on Tuesday.  

It is so hard to pick just one dessert.  A hot fudge brownie sundae is up there on my favorite list.

5. Perhaps today is the day I will __________________________________. 

work on organizing some fabric and books in our library.  It is going to be half library and half quilting room.  I'm excited to have this space in our new house.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My husband is at home because of the government shutdown.  He has worked on several projects around the house.  

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Happy October! It's time for the hodgepodge!

1. What's your favorite fall scent? Would we find this in or around your home right now? 

Campfire makes me think of fall because we have fires when we go to the deer lease.  I don't have that scent around my house now!  

2. October is Country Music Month...are you a fan of country music? Do you have a favorite country artist? Ever been to Nashville? In terms of lifestyle are you more country mouse or city mouse? I do like country music, probably not current country music but more stuff from the 80s/90s.  
George Strait is a favorite. We passed through Nashville on vacation one year.  My lifestyle is more country mouse

3. How about 'country cooking'? (loosely defined as rich flavors, familiar foods, large portions, often fried, and often associated with the southern region of the US of A)? 

chicken and dumplings-fried chicken-shrimp and grits-biscuits and gravy-mac and cheese-fried green tomatoes-cornbread-collard or turnip greens-deviled eggs-'barbecue'-gumbo-banana pudding 

Which of the foods listed is your favorite? Any on the list you haven't tried or would say a firm no thank you to if offered? 

I love chicken and dumplings!  It is what I get at Cracker Barrel.  I do love deviled eggs at Easter.  Oh and banana pudding is wonderful anytime!!  
I haven't tried collard or turnip greens.  Mac and cheese is good if it's made right.  

4. What's something that always has a positive impact on your mood? 
turning on music or singing/humming praise songs

5. As we say so long to September share a noun, a verb, and an adjective that tells us something about how that month looked for you. 

noun--school and goats
verb--learning 
adjective--new 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My husband works for the government so this shutdown will impact our family.  

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Fall officially rolls into the Northern Hemisphere on Monday (9/22)...what's your favorite thing about fall? 
The colors of the season and the temperatures theoretically....but it's been 100 degrees here lately.  Eventually it will feel like fall.

2. What's one thing on your real or proverbial autumn bucket list? 
I like to get pumpkins to set out and hope to get a mum too.

3. Apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and cranberries are some of the top fall foods. Which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Any on the list you don't eat? Which one have you had most recently? 

I love sweet potatoes now.  I'm having one for lunch with a little butter and brown sugar.  
Apples are another favorite this time of year sliced and dipped in caramel.  I have a really good recipe for a cranberry salad that my former neighbor made and shared with us one time, then she gave us the recipe.  
I don't eat much pumpkin.  I will eat a little slice of pie and do like pumpkin bread or muffins.  

4. 'Fall is proof that change is beautiful' is a popular sentiment. Would you agree or no? Elaborate. 
Change is hard, change is part of life. Some changes are beautiful, probably not all of them though.  Many times you can't even imagine what it will be like with the change, and then it is better than you expected.  

5. Is there a spot near you where people go to see the leaves change color? Will you try to leaf peep somewhere this fall? Lonely Planet lists the following ten places as the best for leaf peeping...of those listed which would you most like to visit? 

Stowe, Vermont~Shenandoah National Park, Virginia~Columbia River Gorge, Oregon~Zion National Park, Utah~Tennessee/North Carolina border~West Virgina~Northwestern Wyoming~Wisconsin Northwoods~Northern Nevada~Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, Arkansas

I love to see the leaves changing colors.  It always makes me smile when I'm driving around town or through our old neighborhood and notice the colors.  I would like to go on this trip in the future to the east coast in the fall.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

After many hot days it was nice to get a good rain shower yesterday evening and storm in the night. There have been several fires lately with these hot conditions.  Now the yard is quite muddy!

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What gives you energy? What takes it away? 

gives me energy: alone time or being with husband and our kids.....Also doing something for others.

takes it away:  being with too many people constantly all day  (Titus told me one day..."I figure you are peopled out."  He's heard me say this before.)

2. How often do you shop for clothes? What accessory do you always wear? 

I don't like shopping for clothes for myself and rarely do it unless I have a coupon or special event I want something new to wear.

I always wear my wedding ring and on my right hand two James Avery birthstone rings on my third finger of the boys' birthstones.  I have a necklace I like to wear and small earrings. 

3. What's something free that you feel grateful for? 

clean air to breathe

4. Breakfast, lunch, dinner...which meal of the day do you enjoy most? What's your go-to comfort food?

I don't like to eat breakfast.  I never have.  Dinner probably is my favorite because we can sit around the table together  or Sunday lunch.

Something sweet is probably a "comfort food" for me.  

5. This week the world remembers the tragic events of 9/11. Do you mark the day in any way? How do historical events shape your perspective on your personal challenges? 

We typically put out our flag.  One year I think we took treats to the fire station.  I'll always remember where I was that day....teaching 2nd grade in a portable building.  Pretty sure it was a lesson on plants.  

Historical events change my perspective on my own challenges in that I realize the world is so big and scary,  and it makes me feel small.  I still know God cares about me and my struggles even though there is a great big world out there.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The school year is going well.  We had a surprise day out last week when the city water line was broken and no water.  We have 2 goats now.  Titus will be showing this year for the first time.  He is doing good with them.  

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's worth standing in line for? 
Waiting for a seat at a favorite restaurant, especially if it is out of town and not somewhere I get to go often.

2. Tell us about a favorite food related memory. 
Eating and eating bbq chicken legs that my Peepaw made on the grill when I was a little girl.  

3. What are some things you find particularly peaceful or calming? 

Gentle sound of rain falling outside.

Watching a baby or child sleeping.

Coloring.

4. Is there something you do now that gets you just as excited as it did when you were a child? 
School supply shopping.  Even when I see the stores start to put out school supplies for "back to school."

5. To what degree are you in touch with friends from grade school? high school? college if you attended college? 
Grade school:  There are a couple I keep in regular contact with that I was with all the way through school.

High school:  I occasionally talk to a couple from my high school lunch table group but not often.

College:  I don't talk to those friends much.  Well except my college sweetheart that I married.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 
We are back to school!  Titus is in 5th grade.  I'm praying for the first day and a wonderful school year as he finishes up his time at intermediate.  I was pregnant with Titus when Caleb was in 5th grade at this same school.  It goes so fast!

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

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

It was interesting to me how my eye dr. told me that changes with my vision were normal after 40 and then how many other friends that age also started talking about vision changes.

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

I am somewhat tuned in to some of the food related health news.  It is a plus that companies are getting rid of artificial dyes.  We have personal experience with our youngest on the reaction he had after red dye 40.  It was a behavior thing for him so we have avoided it for him for years. It was surprising to me how many items have red dye 40 (and other dyes).  

We have started using freshly milled flour.  My husband makes bread for us.  Also cinnamon rolls, pancakes, tortillas, rolls, buns.  Since our move we have not made the bread but he's made other things. Now that we are a little more settled he will start making it again.  There are so many health benefits to milling your own flour.  I'm glad we have learned about this and can incorporate it in our lives.  Search Sue Becker Staff of Life on YouTube for a good intro.   

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

Related to question 1, I would say my vision is getting worse but not really bad.  It hasn't changed drastically in recent years, but I do know I had to get a Bible with larger print.

I'd say our marriage is getting better and better....our relationship and all the things we've learned together through the years. So thankful for this! 

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

Indoor.  
I don't mind being outside if there is shade, no mosquitos/flies, not too hot and not for long periods of time!

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

We brought more in from the garage because we are having insulation put in this week so wanted to give them more room to work.  I knew if I saw the boxes in the house I'd be more motivated to empty them more quickly.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We are all hurting and sad over the loss and destruction from the flooding here in Texas.  We are 3 hours from that, we don't know anyone directly involved.  It has beeen heartbreaking to see it all and hear the stories and all weighs heavy on my heart.  Also, it warms my heart to see the many people who are helping and volunteering their time and resources.

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What does adventure mean to you? 

Adventure means doing something or visiting a place that you don't typically do.  It may be a little bit (or a lot) out of your "comfort zone" but could just be something out of the ordinary.  I guess I'm thinking with young children having an adventure can mean so many things that just add a little specialness to the day.  And they create memories together.

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

I do not like it when tips are just expected.  I want to give someone more if they do a better job and less if they don't provide good service.  We tip at restaurants and for hair cuts and massages.  I do not tip at fast food or drive thrus.  I don't like them to ask me if I want to add a tip.  The suggested amount is helpful, but I pick my own amount.  

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

Yes!  I love ice cream and we all do at my house!  There's a new ice cream shop here (Braums).  We used to only get to have this treat on road trips, but now that there is one here we have it all the time!  

I like chocolate chip or rocky road.  Hot fudge sundaes are a favorite!  

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

Back in my day, we......
took pictures with cameras and had to get the film developed to see the pictures.  

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

educational (school board trip)
productive (unpacking boxes)
restful (not having an alarm to set for school)

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We are making more progress on the garage and boxes.  I am proud for what we are getting rid of as well and not keeping everything.  People ask me if we are settled in.....We are going at our own pace I guess so there are still boxes and messes everywhere. I continually have to remind myself of that and how much we have gotten done and not let myself feel I'm not doing enough or fast enough when I am asked this question.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany