Without Fork or Spoon

Internet photo

On Saturday we drove north to the town of Chiefland (population 2,080) to enjoy their annual Water Melon Festival. I hear there is another event in the area next weekend, also featuring the delicious water melon as the theme. So that must be "a thing" and I'm glad we are here to enjoy it.

the larger ones lined up for auction

As Gary said when he suggested we go, "it's good blog fodder." Yes. 

live music

After parking our truck, the first thing to interest me was the open pavilion with huge water melons lined up, waiting to be auctioned. I heard the largest one in this picture weighed 172 pounds.

a local church supplied free slices

Just steps from the pavilion was a tent shading a table full of freshly-sliced water melon, free for the taking. (there wasn't even a donation bucket) Just like everybody else, we helped ourselves and then stepped back and began to eat it, leaning over in an effort to not drip on our clothes. (more about this in a later paragraph) 

big and loud

The next thing that grabbed our attention was what I'll call a "swamp buggy" with giant tires and a LOUD engine. For a price one could ride as the driver drove a fast circuit for several minutes, around and around.

parade float with flags

At least 100 vendors' tents were lined up in rows, creating an outdoor shopping district. (not pictured) We strolled slowly past them all, dodging people, strollers, and the occasional leashed dog. I enjoyed looking but didn't see anything I couldn't live without.

farm vehicles for parade floats

After the "window shopping" we found a nice place along the parade route. Gary hiked back to our truck to get our lawn chairs while I held our spot under the shade of a huge oak tree and struck up conversation with a pleasant couple. Turns out they have lived in the area for many years and now in retirement, he enjoys participating in historic reenactments. People are interesting when you draw them out in conversations.

the arts and crafts club float

Gary returned and we settled into our chairs for the parade. There were no school bands or dance teams but some floats and many vehicles of all shapes and sizes with signs advertising local businesses. 

the reason for celebration -- a wagonload of watermelons

Hard candy was tossed out of the windows and children scurried out quickly from the curbs to grab what they could.

some of the royalty of the day

There was royalty! The Queen of Water Melons, the Queen of this town, the princess of that town, the teen queen, the toddler queen, even the baby princess. There were a couple of boy princes, too. They rode past us on cars, in trucks, wagons, anything with wheels as they waved at us. Their tiaras sparkled in the hot summer sun.

classic vehicles on parade

The vehicles passed us quickly as I tried to dodge people to take these pictures. But you get the idea. 

getting early to the lunch line

Gary has been to more of this type of celebration than me, so he knew we should leave the parade before its end to order our lunch from one of the many food trucks, avoiding the crowds. I stood aside with our folded lawn chairs and then we found a shady spot near the pavilion to enjoy our burgers and fries. 

introduction of royalty

As we ate our lunch, there was a program on the stage. The parade had ended and so the royalty was introduced to the crowd. Later they were coerced into a water melon eating contest -- who could eat their slice the fastest.  

Without Fork or Spoon

Watching that contest inspired Gary to want more, so he sent me back over to the Baptist's table to get us each another slice. They appeared to have an unlimited supply!

the guy who copes well without fork or spoon

This was a pleasant adventure on a hot summer day. It felt sort of like being in Hallmark or Disney movie with all ages in attendance, lots of family-friendly events, and a cheerful atmosphere. 

salt, anyone?

Getting back to my promise to address the eating of water melon.... I have spent the majority of my life living in big cities, and whether that has anything to do with it or not, I'll just say it: I've never eaten water melon without a fork or a spoon. 

When it became clear that the lack of [my essential] utensils was the norm, I just leaned forward and bit into it, hoping I wouldn't make a mess of things and embarrass myself.

At least I was smart enough to choose a wedge-shaped piece (as opposed to a half-moon slice). That helped. Yes, even with leaning over (trying to avoid dripping juice on my shoes), some of the sweet liquid ran onto my forearm. But another trick acquired in this experience was to uncap my water bottle so I could drizzle water onto my skin and then use a napkin to finish up the bath.

So why do I bring this up, revealing my lack of experience and perhaps bringing on some thoughts of ridicule from my more seasoned, water melon-eating readers? 

I saw a life lesson in it. We all face circumstances from time to time where we feel at a loss as to how to cope. Either we are without our usual implements or we are flat out clueless how to respond to what's been forced upon us. 

While I did not resort to prayer with the water melon situation, I've definitely encountered conundrums where a ready solution was not at hand. We've all been there. It's a fact of life.

I am reminded of the Old Testament King Jehoshaphat when they were faced with the approach of a frightening enemy army. This king did what we all should do when we are at the end of ourselves, when disaster seems to be a high probability: tell the Lord and expect Him to answer. 

II Chronicles 20:12

This lesson has been taught to me all of my life and yet there are times when I still need to be reminded. My water melon experience seems a silly illustration and yet it serves to get my head and my spirit back where it should be when life hands me the hard puzzles. 

Until next time, grace and peace.

Marcus Stanley
(his website is currently being redesigned;
look for him on Facebook)

While the Dew is Still on the Roses

 

morning of June 4

The three Knockout rose bushes recently added to our landscaping continue to out-do themselves with wonderful blooms. I have given myself the assignment of pruning the flowers as they wilt since Gary does all of the grass-cutting, edging, trimming the bushes, and cutting away those huge seed pods on the palms. 

Those of us who are church-going Baby Boomers are familiar with the first verse of the hymn, "In The Garden." I thought of that when rolling my bicycle onto the driveway this morning in preparation for our usual ride. I snapped three pictures of our bushes.

I come to the garden alone,

while the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, 

falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me,

and he talks with me,

And he tells me I am his own,

And the joy we share

as we tarry there,

None other has even known.

(from page 428 of my copy of Baptist Hymnal 1975)

What a beautiful reminder to begin our days with prayer!

Joyce has given us the questions for this week's Hodgepodge. Here are my responses. If you want to participate in her meme, click here.

1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up?

curly ribbon

For many years I collected all of the curly ribbon that came with our gifts, stuffing it all into a cardboard box. The ribbon is so festive; just pulling it out to lay on the table with the birthday gifts created an instant party atmosphere. 

As the accumulation of ribbons grew, I would drape it from the chandelier above the table. And later on, because there was so much of the stuff, I would pull out certain colors to go along with a color scheme to make it look more masculine or feminine or to compliment whatever theme I had going on.

When I married Gary and sold my house, I gave the box of curly ribbon to one of my children. I sold, donated, and otherwise disposed of a lot of things at that time in my life, knowing that storage with the combination of our two households would be a real issue.

cards for my last birthday

Our celebrations now are usually just the two of us. Gary has said, "I didn't plan to get this old!" And my BFF in Colorado (who is just 2 months younger than me) said, "How did we get to be this old?!"

So with that said, we don't have big parties and gifts. Lunch out at a favorite place, maybe a day trip to some scenic or historic location -- that's enough for us. As cards arrive they are displayed on the dining table, and Gary's birthday always requires chocolate in some form. 

As for how we got to the twilight years of our life (Gary laughed when I phrased it that way the other day), some say it's not by being stupid. Of course, there is some truth in that but we all know deep within ourselves that every day of our lives is a gift from God.

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses...what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate. 

I enjoy any color of roses given to me, but yellow ones are my favorite because they are so very cheerful. Pink runs a close second.

Do I see the world through rose colored glasses? The older I get, definitely not. But I do my best to exercise faith in people and circumstances. 

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day...will you celebrate? What's something (besides a burger) you make in the summer that calls for cheese? 

Not restricted to the summer months, I like to make cheese quesadillas when we want a light meal with little fuss. I used to make them with an electric appliance, but (again, due to storage space) I got rid of that and now make them in my cast iron skillet.

4. 'tis the season...any weddings on your June calendar? What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage?

our cake in 2022

There are no weddings on our calendar right now for June (or any month, for that matter). 

The first word that comes to my mind with marriage is "commitment."  All who are married know that very soon after the promises are made, commitment is tested and usually in a way never imagined. It is my opinion (and my experience with both of my marriages) that the relationship promises need to include prayer for God's blessings to have any hope of surviving the challenges life throws at the couple. 

5. What are you most looking forward to this June? 

We have no big plans for this month, preferring to get out more in the fall months when the weather is more comfortable. Our local TV stations bombard us with their predictions for hurricanes, which can wear on a person who's heard it all before, year after year. (the season is officially June 1-Nov. 30) So with that said, I hope and pray for calm in the weather, relationships, health, finances, and everything else. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

purchase information

Our world, our culture, our politics -- nearly everything -- is so crazy. I am reading this book and finding it so helpful in setting my thoughts right, in helping me to cope with the issues that baffle me, and in giving me a deeper peace than I've felt in a long time (maybe ever!).

Before I close, I've got one more snapshot regarding birthdays: 

Happy Birthday!

My DIL who lives out west has a mule (!) who celebrated her third birthday a couple of weeks ago. She's a real Party Animal!

A merry heart is good medicine.

Proverbs 17:22

Until next time, grace and peace.

Maximizing the Days

wall art in the ladies' room
at church

Today I am responding to Joyce's Hodgepodge questions for this week and then sharing journal memories created in recent days with a lot of snapshots. 

1. What's your favorite room in your house and why? 

I like all the rooms in my home but they each have their own purpose and so in their own special way, they’re all “favorite.” 

However, to be more specific, I love our guest room because it is also my “study” with the antique desk I brought in when Gary and I married. The desk is small and belonged to my late father-in-law. It’s been in my home since he died in 1980. I've added a rectangle-shaped card table for my laptop computer since there is clearly no room for it on the antique desk. (Sheila, if you are reading this, do you recognize your floor lamp??)

In spite of the desk being small, it’s got 8 drawers (one drawer looks like 2 but is extra deep) and I’ve organized those and the desktop just about as efficiently as a person possibly can. It is my refuge, my sanctuary, the place where I meet the Lord for my daily quiet time every morning after breakfast. 

I have some other special places where I meet the Lord throughout the day, but at this desk I can spread out my open Bible, write in a composition book journal, jot down my responses to Bible study books, and pray.

2. What's something that will instantly annoy you? 

Don’t laugh, but when riding in a car at night, to turn on the dome light in the car absolutely instantly irritates me. I can’t explain it. I guess it makes me feel vulnerable.

However, at our age, we are seldom in the car after dark, so this is pretty much a non-issue for me any more.

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...will you celebrate? How do you like yours? If you're not cooking at home is there a favorite place you like to go for a burger? Did you ever work in a fast food  restaurant? 

We had home-grilled hamburgers on Memorial Day, so I don’t know if we will have burgers again that soon. However, we tend to eat a lot of chicken and fish at home, so I often will order a hamburger when we are out because I want the vitamin B12 that is in beef. I like my meat well-done, but Gary says we should order medium-well to make sure it’s not overdone. 

Internet photo

As for my favorite place to buy a burger? For a long time it was Red Robin to get the Whiskey River Burger. But we don't like the slow service at the only Red Robin in our town, they are pricey, and they keep the dining room insanely cold, so we help keep Culver's in business.

Internet photo

My very first job was in a fast-food restaurant. King’s Food Host, known for its Cheese Frenchee. I was 17 years old, the summer before my senior year in high school. I'm pretty sure the chain is no longer in existence.

Internet photo

4. What are three scents you like? Vanilla, freshly baked bread, beef steak. But with that said, when I had COVID in 2020, I lost my sense of smell and it has only partially come back. Since my husband lost his life to COVID at that time, I'm thankful the repercussions in my body are no worse.

5. What do you miss most about being a kid? Not having to give thought to much of anything serious.

6. Insert your own random thought[s] here. Here are journal notes and snapshots from our holiday weekend. 

It was o'dark early. (translation: the sun had not risen just yet) I was finishing off my last mouthful of Cheerios when Gary announced, "I want some sod from Lowe's before the crowds get there. Do you want to go with me?" 

We were on the cusp of a holiday when the weekend warriors invade the hardware stores. If nothing else, Gary is all about avoiding crowds. 

As I said, it was early. We go to bed before most, and as a result, we rise earlier than that same crowd. Glancing at the clock, I suggested it was too early for such a trip.But as it turned out, we had just enough time to clear up the cereal bowls, put on our outside clothes and get over there. Lowe's opens at 6am! Yes, we beat the crowds and the selection of sod was good. 

That's how our holiday weekend began. Three-day weekends in the USA are often accompanied by sales, big sporting events, food, and so many other activities that the younger generations hardly know what Memorial Day is all about.  

For verification of that, watch Jesse Waters on FOX when his representative, Johnny, interviews young people on the street and on the beach -- it's shocking how little these people know about our nation's history, let alone them having any appreciation for the hardships and sacrifices that gave them their freedoms.

My husband and I were introduced to each other on Veteran's Day (November 11th), so I learned at the beginning how important patriotism is to this man. On Memorial Day weekend he posts his MIA flag in  our front yard, a reminder that this holiday is not so much of a celebration as it is a remembrance of sacrifices made so the living have a reason to celebrate.

Then on the actual Memorial holiday, he flies the American flag, and we do thank the Lord for the lives of the brave that have preserved our freedoms.

some of our kids

With all of that said, we also indulged ourselves with fun. Some of our kids made a day-trip to see us. We took them to my favorite Italian place (the same restaurant where we enjoyed Mother's Day lunch). It was a hit with them as well. We visited all afternoon until it was time for them to face the traffic on the way home. It was a day well-spent!

Like so many others, on Sunday afternoon we watched the Indy 500 car race from the comfort of our automated recliners. On Monday we were a part of the well-attended memorial service in our retirement community. We pledged to the flag, sang the National Anthem, watched a video from Honor Flight, enjoyed patriotic choral music from our Glee Club, and concluded with Taps by one of our residents. And there were refreshments, lots of honey buns and coffee.

Of course television had a lot of old movies with war themes. We tend to watch those at all times of the year for their historical value and our appreciation for good character demonstrated.

The Longest Day

Other notables (for me, anyway) from this past week include two books completed. 

purchase information

I checked this one out from my public library after the recommendation from gals in my Bible study. I have written my impressions of it in the Book Reports feature of this blog (go to my home page and click on "Book Reports.") I'll just say that I'm learning I'm not an avid fan of fiction, preferring biographies more. But with that said, the book was of a more light-hearted theme (sort of). And sometimes I need that.

purchase information

The other book completed was a study of the Old Testament Ecclesiastes, which I have also summarized in my "Book Reports" column. The group of ladies began this in March, meeting weekly for the 8 chapters. I do enjoy a good Bible study. I've been going to church and been in Bible studies all of my life but there is never an end to learning something new, which is exactly what came out of this study for me.

On the last day of class, we celebrated with cake! 

Speaking of food, I did some cooking this past week. We had neighbors over for ice cream and homemade brownies from my cast iron wedge pan, and on another day I made some no-yeast dinner rolls that served as buns for mini ham sandwiches. 

Regarding my recipe for the brownies, I use whatever boxed mix is on sale and pour the batter into the wedges of the pan, baking them for 35 minutes. They never cool entirely before somebody starts removing them from the pan. He likes them warm.

"Overnight Cookies" page 200

I also have recently baked cookies from Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, author of several books, including The Yearling and Cross Creek Cookery. The recipe says to mix up the batter, then create a roll, wrap that in plastic, and refrigerate overnight. The next day you slice the roll and bake. Mine turned out flat on one side, but you know, funny thing, that did not affect the taste at all. Gary loved them. They did not last long. (Thanks, by the way, to my blog reader and neighbor, Ona, who loaned me her copy of Cross Creek Cookery. 😊)

Well, this has (once again) turned out to be a quite lengthy blog post.... I wonder how many readers have stayed with me till the end?!! I will close with something King Solomon said to sum up Ecclesiastes:

So I commend the enjoyment of life,

because nothing is better for a man under the sun

than to eat and drink and be glad.

Then joy will accompany him in his work

all the days of the life

God has given him under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:15

Until next time, grace and peace.

sunset on the lanai