Just Breathe

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

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

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #670

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

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? On a scale of 1-10 how much of a fan are you? (10 is never miss a game and 1 is I'm just here for the snacks). Who's your team? If you're playing along today, but live outside the US feel free to sub your feelings about futbol for the more American sport of football.

I am not into football but I do watch sometimes with Mark. I'm maybe a 5. It would the Chicago Bears.

2. What's something you currently have a game plan for managing?

If I can, I plan on getting the house clean for Amber and Dylan's arrival on the 30th. All my issues, especially my legs, are making this very hard for me.

3. Do you like chicken wings? Hot, mild, or some other flavor? What's a must have food for you on a tailgate menu? I know tailgating isn't as big of a thing outside the US of A as it is inside the US of A, but you can also answer the question this way-what's a must have food for you at a sporting event viewing party?

No I am not a fan of chicken wings. If I had some it would be mild. If we are having someone over it would be potato chips and onion dip and probably some Queso with Rotel and Velvetta cheese and chips.

4. Teams typically have strict playbooks they follow. What is one unwritten rule or piece of advice in your 'life playbook' you think everyone should know?

I'm not coming up with much. I think we should always appreciate our family and friends and send them birthday cards.

5. This is the week we remember and mourn all that was lost and changed on September 11, 2001. I always include a spot for bloggers to share anything they'd like to share about 9/11. Share as much or as little as you like.

That day was terrible. I had taken Mark to the airport early in the morning for a business flight and I got home, turned on the TV, and it was truly devastating and unbelievable. Obviously I had to go back to the airport to bring him home.

I have a niece who is into so many unbelievable things about everything these days. You name it and our country is trying to kill us with all the chemicals in everything. She also says that 9/11 never happened along with pyramids and dinosaurs. How could she possibly think that?

6.Insert your own random thought here.

So an update on the surgery on my arm to remove a small spot of cancer. I had a follow up at urgent care on Sunday and they said it is looking great. The antibiotic is working. I'm thankful for that.

************************************************

We went to Adam and Gabby's on Saturday evening and had a very nice time. James of course is adorable but he didn't want to play any games. Gabby's mom was over and it was nice spending time with her. Adam made a delicious dinner with steak, baked potatoes, green beans and garlic bread.

Since we are going out to dinner at a steak house on Saturday October 3rd, which is my birthday, when Amber and Dylan are here, we had decided not to make a prime rib on Sunday when Adam and Gabby come here.

Adam is going to make lasagna which will be awesome. He is a great cook. James is coming home with us Saturday night which will be fun for Amber and Dylan.

***********************************************

Thought I would add this picture of James. Apparently he is now also into these things called Squishy. So I ordered one for him from Amazon. It's a block of cheese and they are squishy.

DEBBY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So again, I would appreciate your prayers.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #669

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

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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

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

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

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

Honestly I don't remember where I sat.

I think it would be Home Economics.

Does anyone remember that class?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Happy 45th Birthday to our son in law Dylan.

His Birthday was yesterday.

We love you so much.

Look at the Watermelon from our garden.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #668

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

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. How do you feel about the transition from lazy summer days to a busier fall routine?

It's all the same to me. Actually my summer has been busy with appointments each week. So far in September I just have 2 things scheduled right now.

2. Your favorite cookie?

David's Butter Pecan Meltaways from Costco. They only sell them at Christmas.

3. What's something you've learned from a culture different than your own?

Eating some different foods like taco's and enchiladas. I grew up with Bohemian food like pork, dumplings and sauerkraut.

4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic...which hat would you most like to wear? Tell us why.

That's a tough one. Maybe a film critic because I do enjoy watching movies. I grew up watching movies because my dad managed a movie theater back in Chicago. Although I must say that a lot of movies today don't thrill me that much.

5. What's a small, random thing from your childhood that you still remember clearly?

I'm going to go with Christmas Eve. We would go to church and when we came home from church Santa had come with our presents.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We spent Friday night with James at their house while Adam and Gabby went out to dinner with some friends. We had a nice time and got his favorite pizza for dinner. We played some Bunko too!

One Tuesday Adam sent a text message that he got from James' teacher. All his teachers have loved him and I agree, he is incredibly kind. I'm so proud of him.

This week is filled with appointments for me. Praying I get some answers to several of my issues. Sadly my breathing test at the pulmonary doctor Thursday was cancelled until next week. I really needed this done

Hope you all have a great week. Love, Debby

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #667

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

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. August 19th is National Aviation Day...do you like to fly? Last time you were on an airplane? The date is chosen in honor of the history and development of aviation, and celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina? The city of Dayton in Ohio (their birthplace)

I believe the last time I flew was in April of 2025 for a wedding in Georgia. I don't mind flying, however the time spent at the airport can be frustrating. No, I haven't been to Kitty Hawk.

2. In what area of your life do you tend to 'wing it'? Is this an area you should be winging?

I'm not sure how to answer this one. I don't seem to know.

3. A favorite book, song, or movie that relates to flight in some way?

I'm going to say the movie Sully and Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver.

4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, fro zen yogurt, or good old fashioned ice cream...what's your pleasure? Your favorite flavor? How often do you indulge?

Soft serve is good at a Dairy Queen. We stop sometimes when we travel. However I do like a good old fashioned ice cream cone although I haven't had one in a long time. We also buy some chocolate covered ice cream bars from time to time. I don't indulge very often. I like vanilla.

5. I never get tired of, seeing James, Adam, Gabby, Amber and Dylan.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

So the shot I had at the surgery center seemed to help but then I had some pain again. I still need my ankle to be fixed. I see my doctor next week and also another foot doctor to see if I can have an ankle replacement. My doctor only does the ankle fusion. Either one has a recovery of 5 weeks. I'm really getting tired of these things.

My lungs have been giving me a lot of issues too. I just had some x-rays done on Friday of my lungs for the pulmonary doctor. I went for blood work on Monday and saw my dermatologist yesterday. I go for a breathing test next week.

*****************************************

We had seen James over the weekend and he loves to look for things for me to buy on Amazon for him. So of course I can't help myself. So he received a package on Sunday and was so happy.

MAMMOTH LAKES

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

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

They didn't catch any fish.

James can't wait to go back.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #666

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

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-'The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while."

Time is crazy isn't it? So...what were you up to in the year 2002?

I love that movie.

This is a tough one for me to answer. I know we were living in our other house in Fontana, CA. Adam would have been 23 and Amber was 21. Mark was still working. I'm not sure what I was up to. I might have been working part time at the Hallmark store at that time.

2. "Me? I'm scared of everything..." What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway?

Gosh, this is a hard one to answer. I think I might want to go up in a hot air balloon, or maybe try a parachute. I never will, that much I know for sure.

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to...

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita

Yes I like watermelon and cantaloupe. I definitely like a watermelon Jolly Rancher but haven't had one in years. I wouldn't mind trying a watermelon margarita.

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate.

No I am not a middle child. My brother was the first born, my sister was the second born and I was the last one born. It probably had an influence, I'm sure I was spoiled.

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain.

Interesting question. We seldom, if ever, go to parties so I'm really not sure how to answer this one. Maybe I would try to talk to everyone.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Mark, Adam and James drove up to Mammoth Lakes on Saturday. When you read this they will already be home. Short trip. They stayed in a hotel the first night and then 2 nights in a camper at a campground.

We used to rent a cabin in Mammoth Lakes for about 18 years. Adam and Amber would come with us until they got older. We haven't been up in a long time because we are not sure if I can handle the elevation with my COPD. When I get more pictures I will share them.

Saturday....left for Mammoth Lakes

James brought me this picture before they left on the trip. It's the lake with them fishing from a boat and up to the left is a cabin.

MORE PHOTOS TO COME IN ANOTHER POST

(I am having a procedure today at a surgery center for my sciatica so I may not be around to read posts)

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #665

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

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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

I'm excited for what you will read in my random thought.

However, for me my calendar has about 3 doctors appointments each week. I am not looking forward to those.

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

No, I do not partake in that day. I do think pearls are very pretty.

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

I'm sure there are several times when I felt that. I'm going to say after we were married and we bought a townhouse.

Then several years later we bought a beautiful home in the lovely community called Western Springs. These were both in Illinois.

We were married in 1972 and didn't have Adam until 1979 and Amber in 1981.

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why?

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

We have been to Mackinac Island. We actually honeymooned there. I believe we have been to South Padre Island in Texas and also Catalina Island.

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following-

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

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

I'm not sure if I agree with her. However, I think August is a nice month. Living in Southern California we can have a lot of wonderful months. Although I must say we have been having a lot of extreme heat this summer.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

So on Saturday, Mark, Adam and James are driving up to Mammoth Lakes, CA. It's about a six hour drive. They will spend the first night in a hotel and then two nights in a camper at a camp ground. James can't wait. They will fish and hike, along with going up to a special mountain in Mammoth at night where they will see thousands of stars. I can't wait for James to see those.

We spent 18 years going up to Mammoth Lakes with Adam and Amber, along with going up on our own and we always stayed in a cabin for a week. Those were wonderful trips. We haven't gone ourselves in a long time because we are not sure that I can take the elevation with my lungs.

So anyway, James has been so excited about campers and motor homes. So when he spent the night here on Saturday, Sunday morning Mark and James went to a few local places that sell motor homes and campers. He had so much fun doing that.

I WANT TO APOLOGIZE

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for listening. Your prayers are appreciated.

Love,

Debby

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #664

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

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. What was the last thing you celebrated?

I'm thinking it was our anniversary in June but we really didn't do anything special. We celebrated Father's Day at Adam and Gabby's with a nice dinner.

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

Obviously I think of Tiger Woods because of his name. We are fans of golf on TV.

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

Absolutely nothing. I do have the determination to succeed. It's just not happening yet. I pray I get my health back so I can go on living a normal life.

4. What was the last meal you cooked?

Actually I haven't cooked in a while because of the issues I'm having with my legs and ankle.

Mark's been doing all of the cooking which is greatly appreciated. He's been baking and cooking. He's enjoying making meals in the crock pot too. He grills a lot of meat also. He's been doing it all and I appreciate it so much.

5. Describe your July using exactly five words.

Fun having James stay overnight.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We have truly been enjoying James spending some time here with us. We just had him here last Thursday evening and then Mark drove him to his aunts house and him, along with his cousins were heading to Las Vegas for the weekend. I can't wait to hear about his trip.

The sweetest thing is when Mark and him left and James said "See you next weekend!"

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #663

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

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate.

Right now with the continuation of health issues my goals and dreams exhaust me. I can't do them.

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons?

Yes I am a fan of lemon. I can't think of a dish but lemonade is good. However I don't have it very often but a squeeze of lemon is good in water.

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it.

I'm trying to make lemonade but I'm not getting very far because of my issues. I do however work pretty hard at being joyful around Adam, Gabby and James.

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color?

We have a bedroom in the house that is lemon yellow in color. The furniture is yellow and one wall is painted yellow.

5. How would you describe your attention to detail?

Not as good as it use to be.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We did have James here on Thursday night and then he was picked up from his aunt who was heading over to Adam and Gabby's on Friday night.

We had a fun time with him. Mark was exhausted playing with him. We went to see Toy Story 5 with him on Friday and then went to Trader Joe's for a few things because it was near the theater we went to.

James and Papa played forever with some Nerf guns that shoot Nerf darts. They were knocking down cards in our long hallway.

He always likes sitting on Papa's saddle and wearing his cowboy hat.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #662

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

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate.

Being retired and having pretty much nice weather here in California throughout the year, I can't say that I do.

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset?

Lately I seem to cry when I'm upset, otherwise it would be slamming our bedroom door.😊

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it?

I have not used it at all. I am very concerned about the young children who are growing up with this.

4. You're invited to a summer pot luck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing?

I usually bring an appetizer to Adam and Gabby's when they have a get together. They always want me to bring onion dip and chips.

5. It wouldn't be summer without....

Our vegetable garden.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We are picking up James on Thursday evening and he will be spending the night with us. Then we will be going to see Toy Story 5 on Friday. Then Mark will take him to his cousins house so he can have some time playing with them. His aunt will take him home over the weekend.

Sadly, I have to say that we are not making the trip to Montana to see Amber and Dylan. I'm still not feeling well and each day is a challenge for me. I'm so upset about this but I can't see myself driving in the car for 3 days driving there and then not feeling well hanging with them.

Sorry I haven't been around much to read blog posts.

The procedure to help my legs through pain management isn't until mid-August. I am extremely frustrated. I can definitely use your prayers. Thank you.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #661

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

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. What's something you enjoy now that your younger self would never have appreciated?

I'm going to go with a cup of coffee in the morning. I usually have decaf. I never drank coffee until a few years ago and I now look forward to it.

2. What was peaceful about today?

I'm typing this on Sunday and I communicated with Adam and they invited us over for dinner. So that was a blessing.

3. It's National Blueberry Day (July 8). Will you celebrate? You can have one of the following right now-a slice of blueberry pie, a warm blueberry muffin, or a stack of blueberry pancakes...which do you choose?

I like blueberries but I don't believe I will be celebrating. I think that the blueberry muffin sounds good.

This or that-blueberries or raspberries? blueberries or strawberries?

I would definitely pick raspberries and then I would pick strawberries.

4. Do you need a break? From what?

YES! I would like to have a break from all of my doctor's appointments and feel like myself again. I have 3 appointments this week.

5. What has surprised you most about getting older?

Over the years nothing had really surprised me. However, I am very surprised with my health because I never expected something like this to happen until I was maybe in my 80's or 90's. I have to admit I've been depressed and that makes me sad.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

So I told you that James was going to spend the night here on Tuesday last week. We had such a nice time. First of all Adam and Gabby brought Jersey Mikes for dinner and we hung out for awhile. Then we had the best of times with James. He was so happy to be here. I only took a few pictures.

James and Papa putting together a puzzle that we bought him a few years ago. He brought it over.

This is the puzzle....

James loves taking a bath in our jet tub....

Papa and James at Bass Pro Shop

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY

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

Hope you have a lovely day.

"God Bless America"

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #660

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

Thank you Joyce

To join in click HERE

1. What do you love most about your country?

The freedom we have.

2. Your favorite patriotic song?

I'm going to go with "God Bless America" but I also like "My Country, 'Tis of Thee

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?

Blue - Stripes - A Pillow

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

Fun with James but also the adventure of a trip to Montana to visit Amber and Dylan.

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?

I think riding bikes was a go-to summer activity for me.

No, I do not ride a bike anymore. Well actually I have a recumbent bike.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We had the pleasure of having James spend the night with us last night. I will have to get back to you on how that went and what we did.

Adam and Gabby picked up Jersey Mike's before arriving with James and we spent some time together. Today Mark is taking James to his cousins house and he will spend 2 nights with them.

However, before that they will be going to Bass Pro Shop because James loves going there. It's on the way to their house.

UPDATE ON MY HEALTH ISSUES

2026-06-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

I LIKE THIS ONE

Unfortunately things have not gotten better. I am truly struggling now and it's a shame that doctors are so busy that you can't get appointments when you need them. My calendar is so full right now that I really get depressed over it. Then on top of that I had to cancel an appointment because I had a terrible day with my COPD.

So when I called Pain Management they couldn't see me until July 22nd. Seriously, I was so mad. I actually called my insurance and told them I was in extreme pain and needed to see them sooner.

Thankfully they did. I was able to go last week. However, the procedure that I need for the sciatica has to be done at their surgical center and can't happen until August 12. I really wanted relief for our trip to Montana in July so we may not be able to visit Amber and Dylan.

I have issues with pain medication because of my COPD. So yes, I had a terrible reaction to what they gave to me and I am back on steroids again. I asked the women to look at my sheet where I have the medications that I can't take. She said it wasn't on there. Well she was looking for the generic name and totally bypassed the real name. I just trusted her and it was really bad.

I have about 12 more appointments coming up. Yet my family keeps telling me to be happy that I have appointments but nothing is available to take care of what I am going through now. Pain, each and everyday and it is pretty extreme.

Not to mention that the pain in my ankle will not go away until I get another referral and see what procedure I think is best for me. Both surgeries are a 5 week recovery.

Your prayers are appreciated. Thank you for listening.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #659

2026-06-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

Happy Anniversary to Mark and I today!

June 24, 1972

1. Summer's here! In the northern hemisphere anyway. If you're in the southern hemisphere substitute winter for the word summer. What do you love most about summer? What's your biggest summer pet peeve?

We have some nice weather most of the year. I'm not sure I have a pet peeve. Most likely it would be when we get Santa Ana winds.

2. What song always reminds you of summer?

"Summertime" by DJ Jazzy and the Fresh Prince

3. What's something you remember about your childhood summers? Do you think kids today get to enjoy summer the way you did as a child? Elaborate.

Playing outside was so much fun. We were out all day and our Mom didn't even know where we were. I enjoyed playing kick the can in the street.

No, I don't believe the kids have the same freedom today to be gone all day and your parents don't know where you are. They need to stay close to home.

However I know that James has a good time at home and they have the pool in the backyard. Also he has several kids at daycare that he plays with and it's a small group at the home of Jenny. She is amazing. When school is in session she picks him up from school also.

4. We celebrate Fathers Day on June 21st. Do you favor your dad in looks or temperament? Tell us something about your dad. Or your husband as a dad. Or a son/son-in-law as a dad. Or your grandpa.

My dad "Ray" had both looks and a very nice temperament. My dad worked hard but he also spent time playing with us. We would go to my grandparents cottage often in Michigan. Also as he got older he had a cottage that our kids were able to enjoy. He was a good man. He lived until 96 and passed away just before Covid started.

Dad with Adam and Amber

I have to say that Adam is an amazing father. I am so proud of him. He takes so much time playing with him and hanging with him. It is lovely to watch.

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

flip flops or sandals - sandals
beach or pool - beach
watermelon or peaches - watermelon
shorts or sundress - shorts
iced coffee or ice cold lemonade - lemonade
amusement park or water park - amusement park

6. Insert your own random thought here.

A few more pictures of James in Hawaii......

His favorite pets right now.

He took them with.

Here is the plush turtle he bought in Hawaii.

New picture from Sunday.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2026-06-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to my dad Ray in Heaven. He passed away just before Covid had started. My brother Raymond has also passed away. I still have my sister Darcy who lives in Florida but we don't get to see each other very often but we do text often.

Me and my Dad. I miss him so much.

Happy Father's Day to my husband Mark and to our son Adam. I hope they enjoy their day. We will be going over to their house today. I sure do love them and of course our James too!

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #658

2026-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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.

We were living here in California but we were in a different house in another town. Adam would have been 15 and Amber would have been 13. I know for sure that we were watching the case on TV. I believe he was guilty.

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 don't have a favorite summer salad. We usually make our salads with romaine. No I don't like fresh fruit in my salad. I do like having canned chicken in my salad now.

3. Is chivalry dead? Should it be?

Online they say it is definitely dead but I'm sure that's not true in all cases. They also say this: "Chivalry" has transitioned from men performing acts for women, to a broader, gender neutral expectation of respect, active listening and consideration.

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 would say Hawaii. Adam, Gabby and James just got home yesterday from Hawaii. I have never been to Hawaii or Alaska. I am not into having a Hawaiian pizza and have never had baked Alaska.

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 can't choose one. It would be fun to go to some of those cities that I've never been to. Obviously we could go to Los Angeles. If I have to pick then I pick Houston so we can visit family. I would love to visit New York again.

We haven't watched it yet but I would like to see a game. Adam and Amber did not play soccer but James is a big fan and loves to play. He's really pretty good at it.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm going to share a few photos from Adam, Gabby and James' beautiful trip to Hawaii....

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #657

2026-06-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1. How would you define 'the good life'?

Loving the home you live in. Having a wonderful relationship with your children. Being able to put food on the table. Of course good health would be awesome too.

2. What's the most used app on your phone (and are you proud of that)?

I would have to say Facebook. I do enjoy it but they have way too many ads now.

I do play a game called Webkinz which I play several times a day. I have been playing this game for over 20 years. They would sell the little stuffed animal with a code that you used. Now I can order the little animal from Amazon. I have to do that once a year.

3. 'Every rose has it's thorn', 'everything's coming up roses', 'looking through rose-colored glasses', 'it's no bed of roses' or 'stop and smell the roses'...which rose idiom best relates to something in your life currently. Explain.

As you know, it is "no bed of roses" for me with what I'm going through right now. I'm in pain each day and it can be pretty depressing for me.

4. How do you feel about floral flavorings in food or drink (rose, hibiscus, elderflower, lavender)?

I really don't drink or eat anything that I know of that has something like that in it.

5. Over the course of your life what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else?

I'm pretty sure most of my pondering has been about my children and their happiness.

Now I'm probably wondering if we have enough money to live comfortably at our age and what happens if we have to go to a nursing home.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #656

2026-06-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

1.What's something you find extremely difficult that most people would say is simple?

I'm drawing a blank, mainly because everything right now has been extremely difficult for me.

I do have a hard time leaving the house to run errands. Not because of how I've been feeling but because when I had to quit bowling several years ago, that is when I would run all of my errands that day.

I can't seem to push myself to leave the house to do that. I do however run errands after doctor's appointments which happen way too often these days.

2. "And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow fast in movies I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."

~F. Scott Fitzgerald

Does the season of summer make you feel this way? Elaborate.

I can't really say that it does. However I'm sure that I felt like that years ago. Here in California the weather is pretty nice throughout the year. The summer however brings a time when we grow vegetables in our garden boxes.

3. Pickles. Love 'em or no thank you? What's your favorite type of pickle? What's something you eat that definitely needs a pickle added?

I like pickles. I don't eat them very often but we always have Petite Kosher Dills in the house. I think they go well with a sandwich.

4. Tis the season...do you know any June brides? Are there any weddings on your summer calendar? What's your favorite movie wedding?

I'm a June bride. We were married June 24th of 1972. No weddings on the calendar this year.

Mark and Debby

Oh my, it is hard for me to pick a favorite wedding movie. I like several. Father of the Bride, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Runaway Bride, Four Wedding and a Funeral to name a few.

5. June 1st is/was National Say Something Nice Day...say something nice here.

I love you guys! It has been so wonderful meeting all of you.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

James got the SMART Dolphin award on his last day of school for this year.

Mark arrived home on Monday. He had a nice fishing trip. I'm happy that he is home.

I didn't see Adam, Gabby or James while Mark was gone. Turns out Gabby had strep throat and they didn't want me to get it.

I was able to go and see James on Monday evening. That's when Mark was arriving at the airport not too far from their house. I went to their house and then Adam went to get Mark at the airport. Not one of my favorite things to do.

Then Mark drove my car home since I'm not a fan of driving at night.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #655

2026-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To join in click HERE

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

I've been fine with my name Deborah but I go by Debby. No I am not named after anyone.

That's an interesting question. I'm not sure how we came up with their names. I corrected this. Amber's middle name is Rae which would be after my dad Ray. Adam's middle name is Mark after my husband Mark. Mark's is Mark Ralph which was his dad's name. So now James is James Adam.

(This is a correction, I didn't have my thinking cap on when I did this post)

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?

I think I have to go with the blueberry pie but I wouldn't mind some ice cream with it.

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

I think I would like to work in the nursery at a hospital.

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

No, I haven't been decorating much for holidays except Christmas.

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!!

M - Memorable

A - Anxiety

Y - Yummy

6. Insert your own random thoughts here.

So Mark is still gone fishing in Canada and won't be home until the 1st of June.

I saw my ankle doctor last Thursday. He took the stitches out. I told that I am in a lot of pain. He gave me a prescription for steroids, however I didn't want to take them. I use them too often with my COPD. That is why my skin is thin and why the injury to my knee was so bad.

However I decided to take them and they did help. They especially helped with the sciatica and a little bit with the ankle pain. I was able to give the two front bedrooms a good cleaning. I haven't been able to do much but little by little the house is getting cleaned.

I see him Friday and we will try the shot in the ankle. If that doesn't help then we have to talk about other surgeries and that's not good.

A FAVORITE OF OURS......

2026-05-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

So we watched James over the weekend and it was really fun. He is such a pleasure to be with. Papa and him played Jenga. We also played Sorry and Bunko of course.

On Saturday James had a birthday party to attend. Mark took him and James had a nice time. It was one of those bouncy trampoline places.

However, he was the only boy who showed up. Him and this girl have been friends for several years now because they have been at the same house for daycare since they were little, before school started.

Then Papa took him to play miniature golf. They had a fun time together.

Then on Sunday morning they went to the Bass Pro Shop. Mark, Adam and James are going to Mammoth Lakes for 4 days in August. They will be staying in a camper at the campground.

We spent 18 years going up to Mammoth Lakes. I'm so excited for them. I can't go anymore because of the altitude with my COPD. I'm really excited for them.

They went to Bass to get James a fishing pole. Of course he found a cute stuffed fish that he wanted.

When Adam and Gabby got home we ordered some food and then we headed home. Gabby said that after we left James went and laid in their bed and fell asleep immediately.

It was a good time with him. Even though I couldn't join them because of my ankle, knee cut and sciatica, James and I had a great time playing games. I treasure every moment I have with him.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #654

2026-05-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Joyce.

To play along click HERE

1. What do you make more complicated than it needs to be?

I'm going to go with everything in my life these days. I'm so frustrated with my health so I end up complaining about other things that I can't do.

Mark is going out of town today and will be gone until the 1st of June. I am concerned about being by myself. I do have appointments to go to. I'm pretty sure I can drive even though my ankle hurts. That's one of the appointments I'm going to tomorrow.

2. What impresses you?

I don't know how to answer this but I am truly impressed with bloggers who write several posts a week and they are excellent. I'm lucky to do Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Yes, I am talking about Joyce, you are such a great blogger. Your posts are always outstanding.

3. On a scale of 1-10 how picky of an eater are you? (1=extremely and 10=not at all) If you had to eat a meal made entirely of one color what color would you choose?

I'm going to say a 9. I don't A like I'm that picky. I'm going to go with green hoping that it's a lot of veggies.

4. What does balance in life mean to you? Does your life currently feel 'balanced'?

I think that balance would mean you have routines that you do each day to keep up with things in your house. As you know I do not have balance in my life right now.

5. If you could travel the world for a year what would be your first destination?

It would be Europe.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Amber turned 45 on Monday, May 18th. It can be so hard being away from your children when they are celebrating a birthday.

Amber....we love you so much.

Happy Birthday!

Love, Mom and Dad

I want to apologize for not coming around and reading everyone's posts. I do love you guys, you all mean a lot to me. Thank you for understanding.