A Fall Festival and Hodgepodge

This opening snapshot won't win any photography awards; I know that. It's just a homey illustration of life at my house. 

This cutting was just a sweet little Knockout rose bud when I snipped it yesterday but this morning it popped out into all its glory. Without a bud vase I resorted to one of my glass measuring cups.

While Gary mows and edges the lawn, and trims our bushes and trees, I have given myself the assignments of pulling weeds from the rock beds and taming the roses so the thorny branches don't lean out over the sidewalk that leads to our front door. 

This past weekend our +55 community had its annual fall festival. Over the past 7 years, it's grown in size and content. Some 125 vendors pitched tents or trucks under the towering oak trees in and around the buildings that house our community's ball room, business offices, hobby and other meeting rooms, the spa, the two swimming pools, and the athletic courts and field. 

The vendors represent many businesses such as home and landscape improvements, Medicare and financial consultants, and our personal favorite: the dental office that gives out FREE generous slices of pie! Pre-sliced in a paper dish with a fork, the choices are pumpkin, apple, and pecan. Gary chose the pumpkin and I got the apple. 

For insurance reasons, neither of us use this dentist but the pie is offered to all and we don't turn down free pie!!

Other tents represented crafts, skin care products, at least one locally-produced podcast, politics, and more businesses than I can remember. Most, if not all, were aimed at enhancing senior life.

Live music featured tunes familiar to our generation's preferences, stirring up pleasant memories from our younger days. (I even heard Gary whistling one of them on our way home.)

I did not count them but it was advertised there would be about 12 food trucks. (that's quite a thing these days, isn't it?!) We did not get anything to eat since we had just enjoyed the FREE slices of pie.

Up until this year, the powers-that-be have encouraged the different neighborhoods in our retirement community to create Halloween displays in one of the prominent, shaded, grassy medians near the guard gate. That did not seem to be the case this year (maybe the scarecrows were too threatening for our gatekeepers??), but there were just a few displays in the festival area.

I had to take this picture due to its significance to Gary and me. You probably can't even begin to guess why it's so meaningful. 

A mutual friend introduced us to each other in this parking lot on Veterans Day. That morning our community (which has a lot of Veterans) was having a flag raising ceremony. Our mutual friend did her best to ensure we both would be attending while neither of us suspected her scheme.

This picture was taken during the ceremony by our friend's husband. I am in the blue on the left, our match-making mutual friend is in the long white sweater, and Gary is on the right. 😉 To be noted, this was probably the only time another woman has been between the two of us after we met! 🤭 ❤️ Not long after this we had our first date. So, yes, this picture of the parking lot is special!

Returning to the story of today's fall festival, management's announcements warned that parking would be tight. We rode our bikes to the event, locking our vehicles and helmets to a fence and then spent a hour or so walking through it all. I think we saw everything but due to weaving in and out through the crowds, I'm not entirely sure. 

Conversations with friends along the way were pleasant and the day's weather was absolutely perfect shirt-sleeve weather, plenty of sunshine, and a gentle breeze that kept things moving. Neither of us bought anything, but one of the vendors gave me a freebie bag in which I carried a few business cards picked up along the way, and this: 

a little free advertising for Humana

My Medicare counselor that I've used for seven years was handing out these chip clips that look like teeth. Isn't this fun?!

We did not get our lunch at the festival because wanted to grill our own burgers at home. Gary did the cooking while I helped to set the table, which is our usual way of doing things around here.

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Today I'm answering Joyce's Hodgepodge questions. Since this post is already pretty long, I'll make (most of) my responses brief.

Hodgepodge Questions for Oct 22

http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/2025/10/hodgepodge-questions-volume-625.html

1. What do you like most about your family? I am grateful for the ones who are still living this side of heaven and thank the Lord for the influence of those I'll see in eternity.

2. What's something nice that's happened to you recently? 

October has been a busy month for both of us with the routine annual medical tests and appointments but we are doing well. That is never to be taken for granted. 

3. Do you like the color orange? Besides a pumpkin and an actual orange, what's something orange you love? baked sweet potatoes

Sister and her hubby always have a huge crop of pumpkins from their garden. They are selling them now at $1 each, but if you can wait until November 1st, they will be FREE!!!

4.  What's something you have now you couldn't have imagined having five years ago? How does that make you feel? What's possible now because of it? 

It was five years ago this weekend when my late husband (of 50 years) and I came down with COVID. I survived with a relatively mild case while Tom did not. At that time I had no idea that I would be blessed with a wonderful second marriage. The Lord's protection, provision, and generous blessings have strengthened my faith in Him.

5. Let's wrap this one up with an October this or that:

Pumpkin bread or apple cider donut?

please don't make me choose! I like both!

Cozy sweater or cozy hoodie?

cozy hoodie because that hood against my neck and the top of my back adds more warmth.

Apple picking or pumpkin picking?

Neither. I prefer to buy apples at the grocery store and get my pumpkin in a can.

A scary movie or Hallmark movie?

Hallmark. I'm definitely not a scary/horror movie gal.

Hay ride of corn maze?

Hay ride.

Twinkle lights or candles?

Twinkle lights are safer (no open flame)

Autumn hike or bonfire?

Both! A bonfire after the hike with hot dogs and s'mores!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Many Bible verse were my lifeline during the worst days of grief. One that stands out perhaps the most is this:

So do not fear,

for I am with you:

do not be dismayed,

for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with 

my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Until next time, grace and peace.

A Perfect Day Date

Autumn in our area of Florida has continued since the daytime high temps dropped into the 80s last week with abundant sunshine and a swift breeze to shuttle the puffy clouds. Everyone is saying this is why we moved to Florida. Yes, it is! (along with a lower cost of living, the proximity to 2 oceans, and no snow to shovel)

For this post I'm taking you to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, located northwest of us in Williston, Florida. I've got a lot of snapshots to share, some that will have commentary and others that will not. 

The paths through this park were not always smooth. They wound around (sharply at times), up and down in elevation, and one could stumble easily if not paying attention. Yet with that said, we did see at least one wheel chair working its way through. Those red metal handrails were a help. 

With that said, let's proceed. Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a century-old abandoned lime rock quarry transformed into a 20-acre botanical garden.

After paying the entrance fee (my military man got a discount and a thanks for his service, to which he always replies, "It was an honor to serve"), we followed the general route toward the gardens. The first stop took us into a tent with all manner of cactus. I'm not a fan of succulents, but it was interesting to see many varieties I did not know existed. They seemed an appropriate reminder of this season of ghosts, goblins, and ghouls, also of which I am not a fan.

I guess I should not harp on that theme. The fun the little kids get out of it can't be denied. When I was their age, dressing up (often as a gypsy with my mother's jewelry) and getting all that candy was a highlight (before orthodontia dictated otherwise!).

All things considered, this park did not display anything truly gross and we even saw some old friends along the path. 

As we proceeded into the true garden parts of the park, we immediately saw gorgeous flowers, many of which I was not at all familiar.

The several water falls surprised me since I think of Florida as being quite flat. In truth, it has a notable number of hilly areas throughout the state.

But as stated earlier, this is a former rock quarry, which explains how water falls are possible. 

There were lots of lily pads but Gary was disappointed to not find a single bull frog on any of them!

We came across a "bar" (not in business) where we could sit for a few minutes to rest. Holding a map in hand, the twists and turns of the trail made me feel a little confused. I wasn't sure if we were coming or going! Gary, however, had a good handle on our location, so we did not get lost.

Guinevere and Olivia, and one other

I loved the bridges and many other features the owner has added over the years. But as I said earlier, those red metal rails were a welcome support on the slanted, rough concrete paths.  

One special delight was this high "torii" (pictured below), reminiscent of Gary's Air Force tour of duty in Japan at the start of his military career. 

When we got home, I looked up "torri" and found this description: 

A torri is a traditional Japanese gate that marks the entrance to a sacred space, most often a Shinto shrine, and symbolically separates the mundane from the sacred. Typically constructed from wood or stone, modern torii can also be made of materials like concrete and steel. They are often painted red and signify a boundary, with passing through one being a symbolic transition into a purer realm.

The quarry walls are lined with concrete and rock planters, filled with hundreds of species of plants and flowers. The surrounding trees and the topography allow temperate and semitropical plants to live year-round. There are birds, butterflies, turtles, frogs and other wildlife along the trail, although the day we visited, there were enough humans that our exposure to them was limited to birds and the very large koi (fish) in the ponds. Look closely at the photo above to see a couple of the orange and white koi. They were HUGE. (they look like giant goldfish)

This 110-year old tortoise bid us adieu as we approached the end of the garden trail. 

We stopped for lunch at Hardee's on the way home. This was a perfect 'day date' that we thoroughly enjoyed. How thankful we are to be able to so easily enjoy such beautiful scenes of nature in every direction from our home!

This is the day the Lord has made.

We will rejoice and be glad in it!

Psalm 118:24

Until next time, grace and peace.

P.S. Some of you wanted to know what was in that jar of Bacon Jam that I bought at the local u-pick-it farm (see my post: A Most Welcome Change):

What to Say When Someone Is Grieving (a guest article)

Today, perhaps more for my benefit than for my readers, I am posting from an article in a recent email  that came to me from Celebrations Plus, a business that sells gifts. The author shares very helpful thoughts and suggestions for dealing with the grief of others, a situation that leaves many of us baffled as to how to respond.  

The following are excerpts taken from Jim McCann, Founder & Chairman at 1-800-Flowers.com at Celebrations Plus, Things Remembered, “A Few Words About Grief.” 

Words of Comfort, What to Say When Someone Is Grieving

We’ve all been there. You get word that someone you care about is grieving. You want to ease their pain or at least let them know you’re thinking of them. But, too often, we hold back, afraid of saying the wrong thing or coming across as intrusive.

In those moments, the right words rarely come easily. That hesitation is understandable: Grief is one of the most difficult emotions to confront. Still, silence can make someone feel even more alone, no matter how physically close you are.

Over the years, friends and colleagues have asked me what to say or do when someone is mourning. My advice is always the same: Keep it simple. A kind word or a brief expression of condolence can go a long way toward letting them know you’re there for them.

You don’t need to find the perfect word. In fact, there might not be any. But showing empathy, humility, and care is enough. Even if the person who is grieving doesn’t respond right away, your gesture will be felt.

What not to say — and why it matters

There may be no perfect words in this situation, but some are better than others. Certain phrases, though well-meaning, can land the wrong way. Expressions like “Everything happens for a reason” or “They’re in a better place” may sound reassuring on the surface, but to someone deep in sorrow, they can feel dismissive or minimizing.

“It’s a compassionate instinct, but one that falls short because in this situation, there is nothing we can do or say that will lessen the impact of their grief.”

— Rev. Christine V. Davies

From Dr. Terri Daniel, a hospice educator, added that any comment that tries to minimize the pain can sometimes do more harm than good.

Sentences that begin with “At least,” such as “At least you had time together” or “At least they’re not suffering,” can unintentionally suggest that the person should be feeling grateful, rather than heartbroken. And comparisons like “When my father passed…” can make someone feel as if their grief is being measured or corrected.

Put simply, grief needs to be acknowledged, not fixed. Every loss is shaped by the unique nature of the relationship behind it. That’s why unsolicited advice like “You should go to therapy” or “Just try to stay busy” can backfire, even if it’s meant with love.

Simple gestures that bring comfort

Stumbling over our words is part of being human. But what matters most isn’t getting it exactly right but rather being present and sincere. Social worker Sarah Rollings, for instance, encourages honesty and simplicity.

“You can just say, ‘There are no words for how hard this is, and I’m so sorry. I’m here for you.’”

She also reminds us that practical help can go a long way. Grief often makes even the smallest decisions feel overwhelming. Offering to take care of a daily task, like dropping off a meal or helping with errands, can ease that burden more than you might realize.

And it’s important to remember that grief doesn’t end with the funeral. In many ways, the hardest days come after everyone else returns to their routines. Anniversaries, birthdays, the holidays, even an ordinary Tuesday, can bring that heartache flooding back.

James… [is] always mindful of the anniversary of his father’s death. That’s why he keeps track of when his friends’ parents passed away, and on those anniversaries, he sends a simple note that says, “I’m thinking of you.” He adds:

“I can’t tell you how many of them respond by saying, ‘You’re the only one who remembers,’ or, ‘You always remember.’ That’s because I know how it feels.”

The smallest acts of kindness often leave the deepest imprint. We may not always know what to say, but when we lead with empathy, we can never go wrong.

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A Most Welcome Change

mums for sale

Autumn weather [finally] showed up here in North Central Florida this weekend. Ahhhh!

morning bike ride

Our porch thermometer was barely reading at 60 degrees early this morning, clearly indicating that my usual shorts and sleeveless tops for the bike ride could be pushed aside for longer pants and my bright yellow hoodie. Black-and-yellow is my standard uniform for the bicycle rides no matter the length of the pants and sleeves. 

I've got a collection of black shorts, capris, and long pants to wear with yellow sleeveless tops, T-shirts, and long sleeves. Also in my closet is one of those construction-type vests in chartreuse yellow. It's hugely important to dress to be seen by the traffic.

entrance from the parking lot

Although we don't have the climate for the traditional signs of autumn that so many of my blogging friends have been featuring, our produce farms have issued invitations to see what they've got to offer.

The TV weatherman began touting a more favorable forecast on a day when I had an appointment out toward one of those farms. We decided to go check it out.

We were not disappointed. The mums, the pumpkins and scented candles were all there, as well as recently-harvested produce neatly stacked on tables.

Shopping with the intention of bringing home some specialty jam or other foods, I came across Gator Jam. An examination of the label  told me there was no alligator preserved in the mason jar, so I assume this product is meant to accompany gator meat. We don't eat reptiles of any sort, so I passed on this garnish. There was also some seedless blackberry jam that I meant to pick up before leaving, but as it turned out I got distracted and forgot about it.

There was cute autumn decor (I don't like to say 'Halloween') but as I've said many times, seasonal decor has to be kept someplace for 10-11 months out of the year. These +55 retirement houses don't have a lot of storage options other than what we use all the time. So I enjoy looking but seldom buy any of it.

There was a homey sitting area that may have been intended for seasonal photographs and such. These people were very comfortably stationed in the easy chairs and did not look to be inclined to get up. We did not get our pictures taken there.

Out behind the shopping area was at least one bounce house for the kids and a very large field of bright yellow sunflowers. There may have been a corn maze, but there was a cost for venturing into those areas, so we skipped that. It was a Thursday when we visited, so we saw no children at the bounce house.

I was very pleased to see somebody had made available these Our Daily Bread devotional booklets. Do any of you read Our Daily Bread? I got it via snail mail for many years and then transitioned to their on-line version. It's good for a quick read when positive inspiration is needed.

After checking out the fresh produce, the canned products and home decor, I settled on a jar of Bacon Jam. I enjoyed it a couple of years ago when I bought some as a gift for a relative. Gary made a disdainful face when I told him I was getting it, which means I won't have to share with him! 😋

As I was paying at the register, the gal talked me into adding a fresh loaf of sour dough bread to my total purchase. That was two days ago and only one slice of the bread is left. Gary has been glad to help me with that but he puts fruit jam or peanut butter on it instead of the Bacon Jam. We also used it for grilled cheese sandwiches.

I don't mention my children often because whatever I would want to share about them is their story (with the notable exception of Jr's wife's mule, which is just too good to pass up!). But Jr sends me these gorgeous pictures from their part of the country, where there are more Aspens than Maples. It's okay with him if I share with you.

Off and on over some 40 years of my adult life, I lived within a short drive of the Rocky Mountains, so the autumn color I'm used to is primarily the many shades of the Aspen trees' golden yellows. They blanket the mountain slopes, contrasting sharply with Evergreens and Blue Spruce. It's a stunning sight. I miss seeing them. It's been about eight and a half years since we left Colorado for Florida.

I've heard from more than one source that this year the Rocky Mountain West has more reds showing up, which is a remarkable change, and welcome, I'm sure. 

Here in Florida, we do have the four seasons, but (in my opinion) you have to live here for a few years to be able to notice the subtle changes from one to another. 

Now that I'm older, I do enjoy living here in this sub-tropical climate. In a future post I'll share a recent adventure where I took a lot of snapshots, including the one above this paragraph. We don't have the golden Aspen trees here, but we do have an abundance of jaw-dropping nature to enjoy. 

There is unique beauty and opportunity everywhere if we will just look around and open ourselves to the possibilities. 

Over the years of my entire life, I have lived in eleven states and one Canadian province. This particular scripture verse has taught me to choose acceptance and contentment when change was required:

... I have learned, 

in whatsoever state I am,

therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:11 KJV

The Apostle Paul, in saying "whatsoever state," was probably referring to whether he was free or in jail, but his words can apply to all of us as we face circumstances that may be other than what we would choose. 

Another verse that has been both instructing and comforting to me is this:

Now acquaint yourself with Him

and be at peace.

Job 22:21 NKJV

Until next time, grace and peace.

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