We’ve been staying with my sister Vera this past week and her orchids have been a treat to the eyes.
Wednesday Hodgepodge is here again and we have fresh questions that Joyce From This Side of the Pond has prepared.
1. What’s one piece of advice you would you give a recent or soon-to-be graduate?
We have a great nephew that graduated from The Masters University in California and we have a niece who is graduating from a private high school in Texas. In their cards we wrote these words of encouragement;
“May you use the amazing gifts God has given you for His glory” and
“Praying that God will lead and guide you and protect you from choices that draw you away from Him.”
2. May 15th marks the birth date of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. At this point in time are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.
I would have said brains as mine seems to be holding less information these days but I’m going with a trip back home, since that is exactly what we are doing today, traveling back home. Clicking the heels of my magical Danskos and repeating ‘there’s no place like home’ 3 times should do it!
4. May is National BBQ Month…do you own a grill? Who does the grilling at your house? What’s your favorite thing to throw on the grill? What’s the last thing you grilled?
We own a Traeger. Greg does the grilling. Steaks are a favorite to throw on the grill and that is the last thing we grilled. Porterhouse steak is a favorite followed by Ribeye steak.
5. What’s a memory you replay in your head when you need a little joy?
Any memory about our family brings joy and a photo memory adds even more!
6. Insert your own random thought here.
We are returning today after a week in Southern California. We had a Memorial Service, a graduation and then of course, Mother’s Day. On Mother’s Day we were with all my sisters and some of their kids. We were able to see many family and friends during our stay. More posts coming on our time away.
We came up with a last minute plan for Mother’s day with a gathering at my sister’s home. The decision to order takeout from a Chinese restaurant made it easy on everyone. A niece and nephew were able to make desserts and pick up another dessert and we were all filled and grateful for our time together.
I’m adding this collage after the fact. On Mother’s day when we were all together at our sister/auntie Vera’s home we learned a new way to slice a cake and we were able to live stream the Master’s Chorale (Jackson) singing in a Romanian church in the Chicago area. Jackson’s mom took the selfie with our whole crew watching for Jackson in the livestream. The Romanian church service was classic old school and we had lots of insider reactions which made for fun viewing!
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
How wonderful to get to spend time with your sisters in what is likely a very beautiful area of the country/state :). It sounds like a busy but special time with lots of activities. Ordering food out on Mother’s Day was a great idea. Safe travels home! Congrats to all of your family’s graduates. It really is a special time of year for those with graduates.
How nice to have time with family. Keeping a meal simple with a big group is great and nobody feels the pressure of the kitchen that way. Congratulations to the graduates…I like your words of wisdom.
Those orchids are so pretty! What beautiful messages for the graduates. Have a safe trip home, it sounds like you had a great trip away with lots of family time.
I like what you shared for #1.
We have one graduate this year. He was in our Sunday School class, we stayed in touch during his growing up years. He is off to bootcamp in July.
I enjoyed your random too, family time is a blessing.
My boss’s son is graduating from college this weekend. I didn’t write any words of wisdom in his card. He will leave for El Salvador in August as a missionary! We don’t have any family graduates this year.
Sounds like Mother’s Day turned out very special! And I so agree with your advice for graduates. Wherever life takes you…use your gifts and talents for His honor and glory! Amen to that!
Her orchids are beautiful. What you wrote in their cards is beautiful. Safe travels. Yum on the steaks. Lovely family photo. Love your random thought and the picture is so sweet. Take care.
The notes of encouragement for the graduation cards are wonderful! I may pen something similar in at least one grad’s card this season. Thanks for the inspiration!!
…orchids, family and graduation make a fabulous combination.
Those desserts sure look good.
Sounds like a nice day with your family.
Those orchids are gorgeous Ellen. Beautiful messages you gave to both your graduating family members. How lovely you were with your sisters on Mother’s Day! A very special photo but then there are many special photos here today. Wow! on those desserts, very talented bakers in your family. Thank you for another outstanding hodge podge.
Wowza! those are scrumptious looking and decadent dessert! I had chocolate gelato as a treat after my mother’s day dinner which my girls treated me to at my fave Mediterranean restaurant. I had roasted veggie ravioli. SO good. and a gin spritzer.
Love the messages you gave your family members and what nice photos you have of your family.
Enjoy the rest of the week.
Those desserts look delicious! I agree those orchids are a treat to look at.
So wonderful you could spend time with family, and especially your sisters. Congrats to the grads in the family!
Hope you’re having a great week!
Beautiful family photos and the desserts look yummy. Take care, enjoy your day!
I’m glad you were able to spend time with family and celebrate Mother’s Day with your sisters.
Our son has a green thumb and grows the most amazing house plants, including orchards.
This family adventure looks like a grand time – congrats to the graduates!!!