Hodgepodge ~ February 25, 2026

Hi and happy Hodgepodge day!

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston SC and the 'historic triangle' which includes Jamestown-Willimasburg-Yorktown Virginia. 

Of the cities listed how many have you seen in person? Of the cities listed which would you most like to visit this year? Any plans to do so? What's one place in America you think everyone should see? If you're not American what's one place in the US you'd like to see? 

I have been to all of these places, but Boston is a place I would like to explore.  I flew there years ago (like probably 30) on a trip to New England.  We basically landed at the airport and drove around the city on our way out of town, but didn't take time to see the sights really.  Here are pictures from all the other cities!

I think all of these cities are great, with honestly, NYC being my favorite.  But, if you really want to get some history, I recommend Philadelphia and Jamestown/Williamsburg.

Philadelphia with one of my dearest friends a few years ago

Young Marilyn at the age of 17 in New York City with the World Trade Towers behind me.  I have always loved this city and have been dozens of times.

Our family went to Washington, DC in 2013.  Ironically enough, the week we were there was a government shutdown for the first time in 17 years (at that time), so most things were closed.

My youngest daughter and I went to Charleston last October.

My brother lives in Richmond, which also has a lot of history.  On our first trip to see him, we went to Williamsburg and Jamestown.  Here are Brook and I at Williamsburg.

2. Three sounds you love to hear? 

The first thing that came to mind were words: 

Momma, Aunt Marilyn, I love you

Some other sounds I love to hear are:

a candle/fire burning

 music...Music is so healing and encouraging to me!

kids laughter

airplanes taking off

ocean waves

3. Three sounds you hate to hear? 

My word list:
I have bad news, political talk, rejection

Alternate sounds:
insects (mosquitos, flys)
echoes
gunshots/loud noises
nails on chalkboard

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips? 

I love chips plain or with any of the above, but guacamole is my favorite.  At home, I usually have salsa on hand though.  I like nachos with chicken, cheese and guacamole on top.  I have made a King Ranch Chicken before which is very good & so easy, especially this slow cooker recipe. I also enjoy a good margarita paired with chips and guac!

This is one of my stand out favorites I had on a cruise port in Mexico.

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile? 

My youngest daughter will come home for her last Spring Break from college!  I haven't seen her in 10 weeks and I will be ready to hug her neck.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I have been experimenting lately with purchasing different brands of do-it-yourself nails.  I tried Doonails over the weekend and have been pleased so far.  This is a cat eye nail, so the color looks a little different in each picture.  As of writing this post, they have stayed on 3 days, so I am pleased so far and hoping to get at least a week's wear out of these.  

Have a great day and I will be back tomorrow for Monthly Musings!