That I am not a Grandma and most likely never will be. I surrounded my life with children - for 30+ years with raising my own and others; teaching and guiding pre-schoolers and toddlers. Kids like me. It's like I have an invisible sign above my head - because everywhere I go, children are trying to make eye contact with me, smile and talk to me. It's crazy. Once I was on a plane and I was tired and while I enjoy children, there are times when I want to be left alone. This child, made eye contact with me, and for the whole flight from SFO to NYC, he talked to me and engaged with me. No rest on that flight for me. The parents no doubt loved it. 

 When I talked with my sister-in-law she mentioned that her great-grandson is transitioning to be a girl. This is in Alabama! I was shocked. It is breaking her heart as well as my nephew who is the father. The young man is 20 years old so at least he is not a minor child. 

I don't care if you're for or against it, that must be a hard pill to swallow for any parent and grandparent whether they admit it or not. I would think they would have to grieve the child that was...anyway, a sad situation. 

3. Do you like to fish? Are you a Fish eater? Favorite fish (to eat)? Favorite way to prepare fish? 

I used to love to fish - I haven't in a while. My area is known for awesome Fly fishing which I would like to learn one day. I better get started - I am not getting any younger. 

I'm not a big Fish Eater. I'm very picky. Living on the coast, my dad had a boat and he would fish - he'd bring in sea bass and had a way of cooking it that was delicious. I do enjoy a good fish and chips using cod. I like Halibut. Salmon, not so much. 

I am allergic to shellfish, so I am very careful. 

4. What's your biggest first-world problem? 

At this moment I am having issues with my printer. Yesterday I finally threw in the towel and ordered a new printer that will arrive on Friday. 

HP - OfficeJet Pro 8034e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - I've always used the HP - All-in-one - but when we replaced it, we went cheap...and you know how that goes. 

5. What one word would you use to describe your year thus far?

The dinner cruise last week and Just before I passed out 

It's been wonderful -  I figure as long as we wake up every morning above ground, we're blessed.

Note: I never post photos of us due to online safety. So this is a rare exception. I won't be posting another for a LONG time.  

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

We're always messing around doing "projects" around our house. The latest is one side of the backyard that we've overlooked and wanted to spruce it up. This time of year, the yard takes a beating due to the heat. Plus this year I didn't plant a lot of flowers like I normally do. I just didn't want the upkeep so I took this summer off as a sabbatical - to get some other things in the yard done. 

So we moved the grill off the patio and placed it in this area - Now the husband will finish off some pavers or rocks for it to rest on. There is a pad of pavers to stand on while grilling. A couple of old chairs to sit on. I'm thinking about using the spray paint for plastic lawn chairs, to make them look better. 

He then placed some pavers - to walk on. Mainly for looks or if the grass is wet and soggy, like in the winter. Actually, in the winter we will move it back on the covered patio since we grill year-round. 

Next year, after the expense of the holidays, we plan to build or buy a shelter for the grill. 

I ordered these drapes - and as soon as we put them up, we got the heavy wind. So, now they are tied back and it's not windy. Go figure. It's like washing the windows or your car and then it rains. 

These curtains are sturdy though - and block out the sun. I don't know if this year we'll get around to those misters...I'm waiting for a sale. 

This is the other side - The color is more gray - maybe a gray-taupe. Next month I plan to paint the posts a darker color. We do need to do some touch-up painting. The picket fence needs a touch-up, which I will do when the weather cools down.  Our HOT summers really take a toll on the house. There is always maintenance required but no complaints, really. We do enjoy fixing up our home - it is our sanctuary. We're not rich and can't hire out for many things, so we do everything ourselves. It just takes us longer...

And this concludes another Wednesday Hodgepodge post from

Yours Truly.