Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Flying the Hodgepodge Flag

A little girl was visiting my porch last week.




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 She writes the questions;
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1. The Hodgepodge lands on June 14th this week, Flag Day in the US of A. Do you fly your country's flag at home? Sometimes, often, or every single day? Have you ever visited the city of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia)? Did you make a point of seeing The Betsy Ross House? Have you ever made a trip to Baltimore? If so, was Fort McHenry on your itinerary? (where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner)

We don't fly the flag on the outside of our house, but especially because we now that we have a front porch to mount it on, that might be a good idea.

I've been to Philadelphia and have seen the liberty bell and to Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed, etc. I've not been to Baltimore, or if I have, it didn't make a very strong impression on me. Maybe I was asleep.

We had quite a wind which threw a ton of maple seeds onto the yard.
I really should have swept the brick before taking this photo.

2. Red flag or white flag? Which have you encountered most recently? Explain.

I see a red flag in someone else's path, but it's always difficult to know whether or not to tell them. I've lived long enough to realize that most people don't want advice, no matter how it's given.

 A daughter, a son, and two of the grandkids
Kids always love to play in the pond with sticks.

3. Are you a stay in the car listen to the end of a song kind of person? What kind of person is that?

I'm a stay in the car and listen to the end of the news story kind of person (Talk of the Nation, On Point, All Things Considered, Science Friday, Laura Ingraham, Rush). The other kind of person is more of a romantic, I think.

4. What are some of the traits or qualities you think a good dad possesses? In other words, what makes a good dad? What's an expression you associate with your father?

My dad was practically perfect in every way, because he obviously loved Jesus, he was firm but kind  (I was totally secure in his love for me), he had a great sense of humor, forgave easily (good thing) and was my number one fan (his best quality). He loved C-Span and chocolate covered donuts. I can't think of an expression he used a lot, unless it was related to finding work for us to do if we complained about being bored.
 Both with the Lord now,
wonderful parents
(so much better than I deserved)
I know I've shown this photo before, but it's my favorite.

5. What's one rule you always disagreed with while growing up? Is that rule somehow still part of your adult life? Is that a good or bad thing?

I cannot remember having rules in our home, although one unspoken rule was not to sass my mom, and that, unfortunately, was a rule often broken when I was a teen. Mom didn't forgive quite as easily as my dad did. But I don't remember sassing my dad. What is it about fathers/daughters and mothers/daughters anyway??!!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Last week when the grandkids were here, I got out the old croquet set so they could have fun with it. At first they were quite frustrated with it, but after a while, when they let me set up the wickets? more along the lines of how they should be, instead of all in a 10' row, I think they had a better time.


Grandkids struggling to have fun. :-)


And in the screen room,
Grandma got her toenails painted.
(Another good reason to have daughters)

 Tommy & Smokey
Lounging in 'the Pool Area' (as Lucy calls it) 

That evening, Carla from The River Flowing blog and Little Garden That Could (floral subscriptions - check out her BEAUTIFUL website!) and her family spent the evening with us and I tried to set up the croquet (pitch, patch, diamond, court, field???) a little better, and we played it in the backyard, where the hilly terrain gave us some fun and laughs. I wish I'd taken a photo of the beautiful full moon that evening.  You can download and print out Susan Branch's 2017 Full Moon Schedule to put on your refrigerator, so you don't miss those full moon walks!  (I lost mine that Carla had given me, putting it in a really safe place so I wouldn't lose it!), but I managed to download another. This one is already on my refrigerator.



 ***


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See you next time,


Judy

25 comments:

MadSnapper said...

I love your grandkids pics I love your cat glider, I love your front porch view and I love your back porch view even more and the screen part I want to sit in.
we had nothing but rules in our house , old time hardshell Baptist rules. and the saying I remember from my dad was if you don't stop that I will get my belt.
and he meant it.

NanaDiana said...

I had a great dad, too, Judy. I think that is a real blessing. Great pictures of the kiddos by the pond and playing croquet. One of my favorite games when I was a kid. xo Diana

Vee said...

You are a fun writer! Such a way with words that I always smile when visiting. Your relationship with your parents, particularly your father, also makes me smile. Every child deserves to feel secure in his/her parents' love. The grands playing croquet sounds like fun...ten wickets in a row...sounds like a good children's book. Pretty toes! 🌺

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Your parents were positively darling!! What is it about little girls' shoes that make me misty-eyed. I'm going over to check out your greeting cards. Good for you, your photos are always emotional as well as breathtaking. Enjoy your week, dear Judy!

Debbie said...

Your yards are soo beautiful! I love it and all the room. This California gal wouldn't know how to act. Your relationship with your dad was honestly what I longed for. How blessed you were! I love that pic of them too. You can tell they are people you'd want to know. Enjoy the rest of your week! I am living the soap btw. 😊

podso said...

I'm amazed at how much one can share about life in these posts. Loved the photo of your mom and dad. I think we had similar upbringings. I would never ever sass my dad … respect and a wee bit of fear too I think.

Theresa said...

Such cute grandkids! Your parents were such a beautiful couple. You can see their love in that photo. I wish I could have joined you and Carla :)

Cheryl said...

Such a delightful post . . . from the sweet little shoes on the front porch to the family photos by the pond (I'm glad you let the maple seeds lie) to the picture of your lovely parents to the poolside shot of the kitties. All delightful!

Even more delightful is the description of your dad. What a beautiful tribute to a Godly father!

Paula said...

I enjoyed reading the description of your dad. I bet he would have loved his adorable great-grands. Hope you enjoy your day!

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Daddy's and their daughters are something. I think most dads let their daughters get away with more than mom. Such a sweet photo of your parents. I enjoyed seeing your family times--just the best and even better when it includes a pedicure. ♥

Debby Ray said...

Aww...I loved this post and your great answers. You have such a beautiful place to call home and know that those grands of yours must love coming to see you! I love your description of your dad and the sweet photo of your parents. (My dad was probably softer on me than my mom was too.) I think the Lord created us mothers to be a little more stern :) And BTW, your toes look beautiful!

Mama Hen said...

So many great things to comment on here. First, it was beautiful what you wrote about your Dad. I was very close to my father and it touched my heart reading about yours. I love the picture of the sandals on the porch. So cute! I love all the family shots too. I hope you are having a lovely week! Happy Red, White and Blue! :-)
Mama Hen

Joyce said...

Always tough to know how to handle someone else's red flag. That is a precious picture of your parents! What a treasure! We have a croquet set but haven't pulled it out here yet. We have been playing a lot of cornhole though, and that's fun too. Have a great day!

ellen b. said...

What a blessing to have good parents. I can see why that photo is a favorite. Enjoyed your hodgepodge and your visit with your kids and grands. Fun times.

Empty Nester said...

I sassed my mom ALL THE TIME. Upstairs. In my room. With my mouth buried in the pillow. I knew better. We all figured Mother would backhand through a wall (she wouldn't have but we didn't want to chance it) and Dad would give the 'I'm disappointed in you' speech which was a killer. I agree that most people don't want advice but my girls still ask. They may not always follow it, but they do ask when it's something big. Y'all are off to a wonderful summer!

Cindy said...

There is something about dads and daughters, isn't there?!

Tanna said...

Love the photo of your mom and dad. And, the love you shared in your writing. Beautiful. So true, about the red flag advice. ;) Your yard is just WONDERFUL! A perfect place for gathering with family and friends... and enjoying a game of croquet! Summertime fun!! Let the good times roll! blessings ~ tanna

Breathing In Grace said...

Oh, mercy, that old croquet set brought back such sweet memories. That was one of my favorite games growing up. Sure do wish I still had mine....I'd like to send somebody on a "buggy ride". ;-) HOPE you have a terrific Thursday!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judy, how I love that screened porch! And Tommy and Smokey lounging poolside! I remember getting into a few huge arguments with my dad, but the trouble always blew over very quickly. I don't think my dad ever quite "got" me, but he always let me be "me" and made me feel very special.

Cathy said...

What a fun week you've had. Love the pictures of your grandkids and the cats. Also that is a really great picture of your parents. They sound like wonderful people.

carrie@northwoods scrapbook said...

Wonderful words and pics as always Judy! I love the part about your Dad and that adorable picture of your folks. ;)

So fun to see the grandkiddos and love that you play croquet! We always play that at our family reunions. Bring on the summer fun and the pretty full moon nights!
xoxo

Carla from The River said...

Hi Judy,
I enjoyed reading about your dad. :-)
Oh the photos of your family, I always enjoy them. Your daughter is beautiful!
We enjoyed our evening! The boys always love coming to your house. They always ask me, when will we be able to visit again.
xx oo
Carla
P.S. I am glad you printed out another Full Moon Bookmark. :-) We can plan another moon walk.

Patti said...

Little girls and their shoes! Often theirs come off so they can wear someone else's--usually several sizes too large. Enjoyed reading your Hodgepodge post.

Mrs.T said...


Those sandals are completely adorable!

And I love your pond with the brick surrounding it ... just lovely. What a project that must have been!

Your screen room ... how nice is that! We have a screened-in porch but it just isn't all I would like it to be. Guess I need to work harder at making that happen. In hot humid weather we get these little whitish bugs all over everything -- grill, glider, table, etc. etc. It just makes it not fun to sit out there.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Love the photo of your parents. All the photos you included are all so sweet.

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