Wednesday's Hodgepodge - August 5th, '26

It's that time of the week!  Every Wednesday, Joyce at From This Side Of The Pond, asks a few questions and bloggers from all over answer them on their own blogs.  To join in, click 👇 to go to Joyce's blog.

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer. 

I am looking forward to the end of August! Although it is my birth month, August has never been my favorite. Many reasons! My Mama and my brother were both born in August and we all used to look forward to those days but Mama celebrates her birthday in Heaven now and I live so far away from my brother so it is just another month. I DREAD(hate) more triple digit days to get through although that won't stop with the arrival of September around here. 

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls? 

Eewwww... gross!  I do love pearls though.

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'. 

Hmmm...never.

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why?  Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

I have not been to any of them. Not even Padre even though I was born and raised in Texas. I is my dream to go to Mackinac Island one day or maybe Key West.

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- 

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month? 

I'm confused about "August rain"! Where!? Certainly not here.  That rarely happens.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Not changing with the seasons anymore

Usually by this time I am dragging out Autumn decorations because my birthday in mid-August always says "it's almost Fall" to me.  I usually spend days cleaning and fluffing all the pretty colors.  I've always enjoyed changing out decor with the seasons but I've reached the age that I'm good with leaving things as they are.  Now I know there will probably be the obligatory vase of sunflowers, maybe a pumpkin or two, but nothing like I normally do.  I just don't see the point since I'm the only one that will see it...all that unpacking and repacking wears me out, too.  Mister wouldn't notice it at all.  I mean...he's a man!  Ha!  This year, I am simply going to add to what I already have going on.  

My living room will continue to be cozy and full of books, knick-knacks, baskets...Granny-fied, if you will.  I think they call it Granny-core these days.  Naturally, I will rearrange furniture and move this or that to another room.  That's just how I roll.

I had a little help from Ai with this picture but it is mostly my livingroom.  I wish I had that wallpaper but my walls are plain white *sad face*, and I don't have a rug because...well, dog hair!  My Mister would absolutely divorce me if I said we were hanging wallpaper!  HeHe!  I already have a list of too much stuff for us to do.  Maybe one day but in the meantime I'll imagine it just like this but if it never happen, it's good enough.  

As I've aged, I don't have the desire to follow all the wonderful content creators who change their decor all the time.  To spend tons of money and time to get that magazine cover look.  Oh, I've been that person but, at some point, I decided I am thankful for and happy with just living a cozy, unpretentious life.  Just my Mister, my furbabies and me.  Besides, I bet if you could get a look at the things they don't video or take pictures of, it doesn't look any better than yours and mine.  

So, I will not be OVER-decorating for Autumn and will only do enough for Christmas to make my Mister and the grands happy.  Other than that, not much will change.  Of course, I always look forward to finding a trinket or making something to put amongst the things I already have and I love dreaming of old fashioned wallpaper and "granny" stuff.  But if I never find another thing or get that wallpaper my home is safe, cozy and perfect just the way it is...and I thank God for it.

What!? August!!!???

How in the world are we already in the month of August!?  I tell you what, it blows my simple little mind how fast the years go by.  It doesn't help that this is my birthday month!  63 turns around the world in 10 days.  That is mind-blowing in itself!  Some days I feel it - other days I am sure I just turned 30 years old.  Ha!  

My Mister went to visit the Grandblessings for the weekend and I have taken advantage of it!  You know how it is.  You can't clean good when anyone else, but you, is in the house.  Maybe that's just me but I think it also has a lot to do with not having to be on a schedule to get the things done and have supper ready when he gets home.  After he is home, nothing gets done so many things get pushed to the side or I do just enough to keep it all somewhat tidy.  Anyhow, I took advantage of the long day.

I've been wanting to put up this knick-knack shelf for quite some time but I just never did.  For one thing, it is hard to find a stud in the proper place in this old house and I simply can't abide by off-centered wall decor.   I had those figurines on my bookshelf but the kitten, someone blessed us with, kept climbing on it and I was afraid she would knock them off.  Yeah...yeah...I know!  I am not a cat person and only want them if they are outside in the barn doing their job BUT that little thing was so tiny there is no way we could put her out there by herself.  Turns out she likes my husband better than me...I'm sure she thinks I'm the meanest human ever because of the spray bottle but she has to learn not to get on my table and cabinets or she will find herself outside.  Anyways, after last winter and the problem we had with mice, I'm willing to give her a chance.

It's August and you know what that means.  Time to start on the Grands quilts for Christmas.  I have three to make this year with the baby on the way.  Seems so strange to be talking about Christmas gifts and new babies.  

It has been so nice today.  A cool front came in last night and the north wind made it tolerable to sit out on the porch, this morning.  I haven't had many opportunities for that this year.  What with the monsoon season, we had from April through June, and the extreme heat and humidity since then, I am a sissy!  There I said it!  I'll own it.  I run out to take care of the animals twice a day and hardly stick my head out the rest of the time.  I thoroughly enjoyed my coffee out there this morning.  It will be very short lived though.  Triple digits and high humidity will return Monday.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope you enjoyed this little post.  Please come back soon!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Wednesday Hodgepodge is hosted by Joyce at From This Side Of The Pond.  Click here to join in

1. What was the last thing you celebrated? 

Probably Christmas back in December.  With our family living at least two hours away we don't celebrate much anymore.  Of course, celebrating God's blessing of a new day every morning is a given.

2 July 29th is International Day of the Tiger. Besides the wild animal itself, when you hear the word tiger what's the first  person-place-thing-whatever that comes to mind? 

Hmmm...I don't guess anything comes directly to mind although "Tigger" from Winnie the Pooh just popped into my head.  He's a "wonderful thing", you know.

3. The expression 'eye of the tiger' describes someone with intense focus, determination, and the drive to succeed. What area of your life are you currently bringing that kind of energy to?  

I just don't have that kind of energy anymore!  I know what I should be focusing on but...

4. What was the last meal you cooked? 

Not much lately.  It's been too hot to eat anything heavy so sandwiches or something easy and light has been on the menu.  I will, however, get up early tomorrow and bake some banana nut bread...before the sun comes up so the oven doesn't heat up the house.  It will at least be good with my coffee.

5. Describe your July using exactly five words. 

hot...Hot...HOt...HOT...HOTTER!  Get the idea? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hot and SURPRISE!

My word!  I don't know how people wore all those clothes during the heat of summer!  I'd probably be doing more than hiking up my skirt tail!  Has it been hot where you are?  It has been brutal here.  We were 107* with 90% humidity and no wind, the other day.  We've been blessed with a bit of a reprieve, at 97* with 90% humidity, today, but the heat is building back in.  The weekend and all next week will be in the triple digits with high humidity.  Such is life in Oklahoma.

Anyone reading any good summer books?  Nothing heavy just good, clean, light-hearted reads?  I haven't read anything since "Theo of Golden", during the winter months, which was a great book but it was heavy...lots to ponder in that one.  I want something short, sweet and funny.  Any ideas?

My sweet granddaughter will be here for the weekend.  That means lots of antiquing and thrifting!  She definitely got my love for those things.  Y'all!  Did I tell you she is now 16 and a licensed driver?  I know some of you remember her from the small years.  Can you believe it?  I'm shaking my head for sure.  

Mentioning my granddaughter...her and my precious 10 year old grandson will soon have a baby brother.  I may or may not have told y'all this already!  Complete surprise but God knew!  Neither of those kiddos will admit to being excited about it but they are!  One is always wanting to buy stuff for the baby and the other wants to see all the updates from the doctor!  LoL.   All I care about is my daughter's health(she's 36 and high risk) and the health of the baby.  That's it!  

Well, I guess that is all.  I just wanted to come in and post something since it has been awhile...AGAIN!  I get to pottering around and time passes before I know it!  

Thanks for stopping in and tell me about the books you are reading or want to read!

Hello and Hodgepodge

 

Summering into the Hodgepodge

Y'all, I don't know why I can't seem to post.  I mean, it's not like I'm busy or have a lot on my plate.  Completely the opposite but, for whatever reason, I simply don't post.  I read y'alls blog, though!

1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Relax???  What kind of wizardry do you speak of?  I am constantly in "High Alert Chihuahua mode".  LoL...I have never been able to relax and I'm sure it has everything to do with being the oldest child and having adult ADD probably doesn't help.

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset? Scrubbing the bathtub!  Not simply cleaning it, I mean "get the Comet cleanser and a scrub brush" kind of scrubbing.  The second way to tell is if I get quiet and start crying.  I tend to have a temper and anger issues when crossed.  Scottish/Scandinavian Southern Woman, y'all!

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Just for playing around with picture.  Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? Worries me and scares the liver out of me knowing the potential it has if in the wrong hands and I believe it is in the wrong hands. What do you see as a benefit? It makes fun cartoon characters from a picture other than that I am old school and would rather not have it at all.  Besides, I've proven AI wrong several times, so... How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? Pretty much everything because it has the potential to be a dangerous weapon. 

4. You're invited to a summer potluck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? Spinach, strawberry, blueberry, red onion salad with a homemade strawberry dressing.  Maybe a fruit bowl.  It's summer, y'all!  If you want something more wait until Autumn or Winter.

5. It wouldn't be summer without this blasted Oklahoma heat and humidity!  Otherwise, there really isn't much difference in the way we do things no matter the season.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Or shall we say 100* days with 100* humidity?  But, I'm not complaining because it will be numbing cold before long.

Late Hodgepodge

I'm getting this done late.  I know I've been missing from blogland for awhile.  It's just been a dark season for me and I'm trying to see the light...bear with me, please!

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.

Hmmm....1994..I was working my butt off trying to take care of my children.  Single motherhood is no joke, Y'all!  No, I didn't have time to watch anything much less something that was a big bunch of hype and nonsense because everybody knew how that was going to turn out.

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)?

Spinach, berries, mandarin oranges, and red onions lightly tossed in a strawberry dressing.

3. Is chivalry dead? Should it be? 

Unfortunately, I do believe it is well on it's way to being dead.  Depending on the where you live and the age of a man, it is already dead.  The men in my family always hold doors for ladies and tip their hats.  They better!  I will accept nothing less.

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 don't think I would like either one and no, I've never been to either.  I would love to see Provedence France and the tuscany region of Italy.  I would, also, love to go to Israel and Greece.

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'm not interested in soccer although they do where very colorful uniforms. We aren't a soccer family but my granddaughter did play for a very short time when she was 6-ish. She hated it. Give us an American football or softball game and we're all in. I could become interested in soccer if I got free tickets, though. I would choose either Guadalajara or Monterry Mexico

6. Insert your own random thought here.

She is strong but she's tired.

Wishing you a...

 

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Well...This happened.

 Well...this happened.

7ft big boy!  Yes, it's dead...deader than dead and I have no regrets!  Y'all keep your "it's a good snake" comments to yourself because every snake is considered a satanic cobra, around here, and will be dealt with accordingly.  

Oh but wait...there's more.

His little friend is dead too!  Again...not a regret to be had. I can only guess that it is mating season or there was about to be a battle of the demons...But more concerning...Can we talk about those clouds!?

That was a very serious hail core going over just north of us.  Big and destructive hail that left stripped trees and destroyed roofs, in it's wake.  

This is the leading edge of the cell that came over our place.  We did get hail but it was very small, however, there is more to come apparently.  Oh and the temperatures have dropped significantly.  Y'all...!

Back to the snake situation...These girls alerted my Mister and so wanted to get a big bite of snake sushi!  They get extra bedtime treats, tonight!  Good girls!

And another situation...

Sir Duke was none too sure about the Monsieur Roo situation happening right next to him.  He laid there stiff as a board and only moved his eyes to see what was happening.  As soon as the rooster wandered off, Duke jumped up and ran to the door!  Ferocious Pitt-y!

Well, there you go!  Glad you stopped by, aren't you?  LoL

Tuesday 4 - Hello May

 

Hello May!

Welcome friends!

This weeks Tuesday 4 in memory of our friend Toni Taddeo is from Mary who blogs at Visits With Mary. and it's all about the month of May.   Thanks Mary!

 Hello May

1. May’s First Glimpse — What is the very first thing you notice or feel when May arrives each year?

It's either tornadoes or heat that will make you question your existance.  It's one or the other here in Oklahoma.  So far neither have happened this year.

2. Simple May Joys — What small pleasures do you look forward to in May — flowers, breezes, routines, or traditions?

Being able to go outside without a sweater, however, this year...especially today...I definitely had to dress warmly.  What is up with this weather?  Other than that, I look forward to being able to sit on the porch and drink my coffee while watching the hummingbirds having their breakfast.

3. May Memories — Do you have a favorite May memory from childhood, family life, or recent years?

My baby sister was born in May.  She went to be with Jesus in 2020 so I don't get to send her cards or talk to her.  Other than that, May is just one of those months that slide into the next.

4. May Intentions — What gentle goals or hopes do you carry into this new month?

Not much.  Just want to protect my peace.  I would like to go see my Aunt who will turn 93 in June but the gas prices are making me cringe with the thought of a five hour drive down there.

Just stop...be done.

I have had to "Just be done".  Not that I wanted to but for my own peace and for the sake of what years I have left on this earth, I've had to.  For years, 18 years to be exact, I have been second best for my daughter.  Well maybe I'm rated that high but I doubt it.  And my son, just lets time get away from him (so he says).

Anyhow, I've had to let it go.  I can't continue living my life hoping my kids will call, stop by or just want to hang out for awhile.  My heart can't take the disappointment any longer.  I am not writing this for pity because I know there are lots of Mama's who are in the same boat.  I am here to tell you all... Just stop.  

Last week, while I was wallowing in my self-pity, I came across a video on Youtube.  I'm sure it is Ai generated but it spoke volumes.  If you are in the same place, I've found myself in, again and again, over the years, I hope you will watch this video.

I don't have a next door neighbor named May and I don't have a church down the road that has Thursday lunch for their Seniors so that part doesn't really help me... BUT... I have stopped calling.  I have stopped asking my kids when they were coming by.  I have stopped expecting them to do anything.  I stopped...

Does this make me sad?  Absolutely!  I won't lie about that.  Am I still sitting here day in and day out with just my dogs, to keep me company, until my husband gets home from work.  Yep.  The difference is...they don't live in my head and my broken heart anymore.  Of course I still love them, pray for them, and want them to be blessed.  And sure, I will be right there if something happens.  But I no longer let the heartache steal my peace.  

Dear one, if this sounds like you, know that I see you...I hear you!  Please leave a comment so I can pray for you.  

Grace & Peace,

Pam