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Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 
 
Hi Friends! I am joining Joyce for her fun weekly linkup and we are answering her thoughtful questions below...
 
 
1. Next Sunday is Grandparent's Day. Share a favorite memory, photo, recipe, or something you learned from a grandparent. 
 
Timing is everything...one of the perks of "Project Homecoming" is finding treasures like old photos...these are of my grandparents...the only one missing is my father's father as he had passed before I was born...they brought some joy to my weekend :)
 
My mother's mother "Nani Penta" taught me how to blow a bubble with my gum and how to pump on the swing to go higher and higher among other things. 
 


 
My Father's Mother "Nani Binda" made the famous risotto we all still crave to this day...I get my anxiety gene from her and her family...I will never forget her hugs though...gentle soul
 


 

2. What's a quote from a book (besides The Bible) that has stayed with you? 

 


"I laugh, hoping that someone captures the perfect shot.  Then again, I know that's not what matters.  Our lives will never be perfect, nor will the photos we take.  What matters is that we are all doing our best.  We are showing up for one another, even when things get rough, and against all odds, we are finding our way to happiness."

                    from "The Summer Pact" by Emily Giffin 

 

 

3. What's your number one food pet peeve? 

 




 

Being 100% Italian, I do get bothered when people say that some fast Italian food joints are really good...i.e. Olive Garden...Carrabba's...etc...I guess I can be an Italian food snob...I don't mean to be...some of my favorite restaurants serve the best Italian food like Eddie V's, Ronaldo's, Tuscan Market and all of the restaurants we visited in Italy, particularly in Rome 

 

 

 

4. What's one thing about you that is still the same as it was when you were young? 

 

My Faith and My Family...core values....still true today

 


 

 

5. September is National Preparedness Month...does your family have an emergency plan? Do you have some sort of preparedness kit you keep on hand? If so, tell us one thing that's kept there. 

 

We really don't- eek!

 

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

Blackout is three weeks away...we are in good shape...but still so much to do...it is crunch time...nerve wracking...but exciting at the same time!

 

 


 

 

 

14 comments:

Maria Rineer said...

Can we still be friends even though I view Carrabba's as "fancy" Italian, lol? I think being a food snob in one area is pretty normal. I have mine regarding baked goods :). Nice throwback pics- you were lucky to have grandparents in your life. Good luck with Blackout. I can imagine the last minute work to make it a smashing success. Have a great day!

Marilyn said...

I loved reading about your grandmother and good timing to find those pictures. The Italian food makes sense being Italian! Enjoy your day!

Holly said...

Yes you can't get rid of me that easily- ha!! I can see why you are a food snob about baked goods- yours are truly the best! Thank you friend

Holly said...

Thank you Marilyn!

Joyce said...

I think most of us are food snobs about something. I know I am, mostly about crab cakes because living in Annapolis spoiled us. We lived outside of NYC for years and for the most part Italian food here in SC doesn't measure up. But I didn't eat shrimp and grits in NYC so I guess every area has it's thing. IGood luck with Blackout. Hope it's all a big success! Growing up with grandparents in your life is a blessing. I love your throwback pics!

Kim Carberry said...

What wonderful photos and memories of your grandparents.
With you being Italian it is totally acceptable to be an Italian food snob, you know what's right and wrong.
Good luck with Blackout!

Hall Around Texas said...

I just adore this week’s Hodgepodge…especially your grandparents’ photos! There’s something so timeless and sweet about finding those treasures tucked away.

That quote from The Summer Pact truly resonated: “Our lives will never be perfect, nor will the photos we take. What matters is that we are all doing our best…” What a beautiful reminder that showing up for each other matters more than perfection.

Your faith and family…unchanged from childhood…are such lovely anchors.
Wishing you tons of energy and smooth sailing as “Blackout” approaches…it sounds so exciting and intense, but I have no doubt it’ll be fabulous.

Holly said...

I would agree Joyce. Love the crab cake analogy- one of my besties is from that area and she says the same thing!

Holly said...

Well thanks Kim- you made me feel better about that :) Thanks for your well wishes with Blackout too- appreciate it!

Holly said...

Thank you for sending energy - appreciate it! Yes those photos are timeless and the memories are so sweet Crystal :)

Laura @ Our Grand Lives said...

Your throwback photos are so precious as are the memories that go with them! And I'm sure your grandparents would be so proud of you and the many ways you are carrying on their traditions and values... including their love of Italian food!

Joanne said...

I always think those places have pretty good Italian food... until I eat at a "real" Italian food place. We have a few near us that make their own pasta and it's just incredible and incomparable!

Holly said...

Aww thank you so much Laura :)

Holly said...

So so true- the places with homemade pasta take the cake!

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