Wednesday, September 30, 2026

It's a Hodgepodge

 

Thank you to Joyce for our questions! Copy and paste the questions into your own blog (or feel free to answer in the comments) and join us over at From This Side of the Pond!

1. When you think of autumn what sounds come to mind? hmmmm . . .a crackling fire, leaves crackling under our feet, soup or chili "bubbling" on the stove, marching bands, cheering from a football game

2.  Is a trip to the mountains something you enjoy? What's your favorite mountain? Mountains are nice. When I was growing up, my best friend's parents always took a trip to the beach and a trip to Gatlinburg (or surrounding area) and I went with them many times. I took my kids when they were older elementary age and it wasn't the same anymore. We've seen some beautiful mountains on our travels.


Lucerne, Switzerland

On the Rhine River

in Austria

This is also in Austria - we rode to the top and it
was so windy!

Austria - it looked like the Sound
of Music

This might be the Dolomites . . .?

This is in Israel - maybe the trail
beside Mt. Arbel??

We climbed to the top - this is also
in Israel - I need to dig through my blog
for the name of this place. It is a ruin.

This might be the Dolomites, too.

3. What's something that once felt like a mountain, but is now just a molehill? I have a whole list of things - losing weight and keeping it off, going back to school, giving birth to our kids and raising them - wait . . .maybe those are all mountains and looking backwards they just look smaller!!

4. Let's play this or that-fall foods edition. Yes you have to choose. 

  • pumpkin spice latte or chai latte - I don't drink either but I'm going with pumpkin spice latte
  • apple cider or hot chocolate  - apple cider
  • stew or chili - chili
  • sweet potato casserole or green bean casserole - sweet potato casserole
  • butternut squash soup or creamy mushroom soup - butternut squash soup
  • cranberry sauce or gravy - gravy all day!!

5. Sum up your September in a sentence or two. September has been a full month of juggling school, church responsibilities, leadership decisions, and the never-ending details of keeping life moving. Through it all, I've kept plugging away—finishing assignments, refining my research proposal, teaching adult Sunday School, investing in the Tuesday night young adults, and planning a trip to England and Ireland along with all of the everyday things!

6. Insert your own random thought here. Have y'all tried a dirty soda? We had one at work this week and I didn't think I would like it . . .but I tried it. It wasn't bad. My base was Diet Pepsi and then I added coconut syrup, coconut cream, and lime. I drank two sips - way too much sugar for me, but it wasn't bad! Also, have y'all been to Great Big Game Show? There is one at the Summit. We went as a team building exercise this week and it was so much fun!

Also . . .how is it already the end of September??? what????

11 comments:

  1. You are juggling a lot! I like dirty sodas quite a bit. There are a number of places around us that make them and I like to indulge every once in a while. Your pictures of Europe are great! I've been to (or at least seen) the mountains of southern Germany though I didn't do any hiking while I was there.

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  2. I love what sounds you chose for Autumn and what beautiful photos of the mountains.
    It sounds like you had a busy September!
    I have heard of dirty soda but it isn't a big thing here in England yet. I do like the idea of it.

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  3. I have not tried the dirty sodas. .I don't drink soda for the most part, but they all sound so sweet to me. I loved your pictures. I have one framed of me and my two girls with the huge mountains in the backdrop. We were at a gas station in Austria lol. The view was amazing!

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  4. I don't think we have one of those dirty soda places here. I saw a video about how they grew out of Mormon culture and are the biggest hit in Ohio, of all places. I don't drink soda so... no.

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  5. Hi Lisa, love all your mountain photos! Fun! I'm okay. My son does not want me telling the world we are all on vacation so I'm pausing blogging for a week. I'll have more than anyone wants to read about later in October. I'm vicariously excited for your trip to England and Ireland. I'm itching to get back to that part of the world. Happy October to you!!

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  6. I love all the mountain photos. :-)
    I do not drink soda, so no dirty soda for me.
    I see we both like squash soup. :-)

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  7. Your mountain photos are all amazing! Another fun Hodgepodge! xo

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  8. I still remember visiting those amazing Austian alps when I was a child. Now I'd love to see them again through 'adult eyes.' Wait, maybe I'd just settle for the Great Smokies. I've never been!

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  9. YOu are busy busy busy! I have Austria on my bucket list for once my hubby finally decides to retire.
    I love living so close to the Adirondack Mountains, Catskills, Green Mts of Vermont and the Berkshires of MA. I'm within an hour of all of them! Of course I'm a serious mountain hiker so...that helps :)

    I also love the squash soup and apple cider. I like ice cold cider. I usually just buy one quart in October but it's so good!

    Have a great rest of your week.

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  10. I have only tried dirty soda once and my base was Dr. Pepper; didn't care for it too much. You have certainly been busy!!

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  11. Enjoyed your answers. Your mountain photos are cool. I have never had a dirty soda. I don't drink soda anymore.

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