Hodgepodging the Family Reunion

 Our Entire Family
(Minus the Thirteen Who Didn't Make it)

Since we don't all get together at any of the major holidays, I created my own in August, an excuse we would have for getting together during summer vacation.  Hopefully, next August everyone will be here. I did suggest that they write it in Sharpie on their calendars. Here we are, having come from lunch at Brit's Pub in Minneapolis, getting our pic taken in front the huge windows of Orchestra Hall. My other crutch must be perfectly aligned with my daughter's left leg!

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1. Are you watching the Olympics? Your favorite summer Olympic event? I read recently a list of the most iconic Olympic moments in history...what stands out in your mind as a great moment from some past summer Olympic games?

I don't watch the summer Olympics at all, and minimally watch the winter Olympics. I like the downhill skiing, the ski jumping, and the luge. I have no interest at all in the summer Olympics.

 My favorite summer sport: The Family Hayride

2. Have you ever been to Rio? How about the place that started it all-Greece? Have you ever been to any of the Olympic Games in person? Is that something you'd like to do? Have you ever met an Olympian in person?

'No' to all of the above except for...

 My Favorite Olympian - Mr. C.

Who has been SO good to me, taking care of me, taking care of company, taking care of EVERYthing since I'm still unable (and not supposed) to walk without crutches. Hopefully, this too shall pass, for I should be putting full body weight on that right leg by the end of August. But I hope that Mr. C. won't stop being such a kind and nurturing person. Stay tuned for an update on that. ;-)

3. The ball's in their court (tennis), cross the finish line (track and field), on target (archery), make a splash (diving), on a roll (gymnastics), out of one's depth (swimming)...which Olympic-related idiom best applies to your life right now? Explain.

 Out of my depth

The ball IS in my court. I'm doing everything the doctor said to do, being the great rule-follower than I am; I will cross the finish line. I'm definitely on target at this point, I won't be making a splash anytime soon, I'm on a roll for watching SkyNews, Vera, and George Gently far too much, and I'm totally out of my depth when it comes to anything Olympic Games related.

4. What have you earned a 'gold medal' in recently?

This one is easy: enjoying the grandkids being here. We had the entire weekend together, which was wonderful fun for me. They're the sweetest. xoxo

Elton John and his admirers

at Brit's Pub

5. What is it (or who is it) that motivates you to eat right, exercise, and do what you can to be healthy?

I would say that the greatest factor is wanting to avoid having to be on medications of any kind. And maybe because my parents were a pretty good example. I also feel so much better when I eat right, that it's not worth it to indulge in junk food. I wouldn't say that Brit's fish and chips is exactly health food, but it's only an occasional blip on the food radar. I am looking forward to being able to exercise, but really just gardening, walking and hiking, and work. Did I say work? Yes, actually. I hate artificial exercise. I do think that as a child of God I have a responsibility for keeping my body as healthy as possible. I'm glad that includes dark chocolate, almonds, and an occasional fish and chips. It does, right?

 image from somewhere on the net

It's this kind of lettuce I use for the following sandwich

Bibb lettuce maybe?

A really good sandwich I've been enjoying for recent lunches is: 
1 slice Coborn's Gluten Free Bakery: Ancient Grains Bread
   (unlike other GF breads, this is soft and thick and doesn't fall apart)
Thick layer of GF hummus
Pepper cheese slices
Huge leaf of lettuce on top, instead of that second slice of bread.

...and sweet granddaughter

6. Are you young at heart or an old soul? Explain.

In some ways, I do fit the description of an old soul. Then again, I hope that I'm young at heart, for that's the only part of me that IS young (except for the brand new hip joint.) I gave up on coloring my hair, except for the occasional low-lighting (which is very overdue, as you can tell ), because otherwise I'd have young-looking hair on a headful of wrinkles. Who wants that??! And looking at the photo above, I see that I have my mom's eyes and my dad's nose. They say your nose never stops growing. I just had another birthday this past weekend (the excuse for the reunion), so this kinda scares me. I mean, look where we already are!

7. It's National S'mores Day (August 10th)...are you a fan? Will you celebrate with a s'more today?

The only thing I like about S'mores is the campfire. S'mores are way too sweet for me. I'll be happy with a piece of dark chocolate and a handful of almonds.

This photo sent to me by John, their dad.

It's at our house, from the past weekend, 

where the grandkids found Tuppence sleeping on our bed.

They love that cat!!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

In spending time with the family, I am reminded of what a blessing from the Lord each one is. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday, and I hope that very soon I will be able to start blogging more often. Thanks for all your kind comments, my dear blogging friends. I totally do not deserve them, but appreciate every single one!

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