Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  Are you more life of the party or more party pooper? If your answer is somewhere in the middle which side of the middle do you lean towards more? 

Birthday party, beach party, cocktail party, dinner party, charity fundraiser, surprise party, costume party, garden party, Christmas party, reunion...what's your favorite kind of party? 

I am in the middle but lean towards life of the party. I don't think I am a party pooper at all. 

My favorite kind of part would be a beach party. I have attended many charity fundraisers and I didn't mind going.  Hub just had to keep me away from the silent auction table. ha!

 

2. Cheese, wine, and balsamic vinegar all improve with age. What would you personally add to the list? 

Exercise, I believe, will improve with age.  I also think having a positive outlook on life improves age.

3. How do you feel about your birthday? How do you want to be celebrated? Or don't you? 

I don't really celebrate my birthday that much now that I am older.  Hearing from grandsons wishing me a happy birthday is all that I need.

4. What remarkable feat, interesting piece of trivia, or historical event occurred on your birth day and month? Not necessarily your same birth year, just the same date/month. 

I had to look this up and found out:  Battle of Gettysburg ended AND the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 3, 1776!!   Wonder why we don't celebrate on July 3rd, but we celebrate on July 4th or maybe I am just confused!

5. Share two good things about your life right now. 

1.  Health and having my basic needs met.

2. Even simple things...taking a walk with a close friend and sharing a cup of coffee .

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I went this weekend with a few friends to Hot Springs, Virginia.  We had rented a nice, cozy cabin.  We booked a one and one half hour session in the Warm Springs Pool.  The water is naturally fed by a 98 degree F mineral spring.  Total relaxation.

Our cabin had a fire pit and it was definitely used!

There was a creek running behind the property.  AND it was warm water.

We ate at this little place and the food was scrumptious!  The weather was perfect, so we were able to eat outside.

The property was lined with beautiful strawberry hydrangeas.  The picture doesn't do them justice.

It was so nice to just escape reality for a short while after this past horrific event in the news.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What gives you energy? What takes it away? 

People tell me I have a lot of nervous energy and I do.  Here lately, I have been getting so tired and sleepy around 3pm so I drink a Celsius Live Fit.  It has zero sugar  This drink seems to perk me up.

 Natural energy comes from watching my grandsons play football.  Saturday I was at football games...twins and Blake all day from 11am to 6pm.  AND not one ounce of tiredness or sleepiness.

Stress does take my energy away and I stress out a lot!  BUT rude people and drama take my energy away,also.

2. How often do you shop for clothes? What accessory do you always wear? 

Here lately about EVERYDAY!!  I need to stop, but I have found the cutest boutique about an hour from me and the clothes are so cute, PLUS the employees make you feel so comfortable and are down-to-earth.  I am going to have to get three more jobs if I keep this up.

I use to always wear my wedding band, but since hub's death I have put them away.  I always wear earrings.

3. What's something free that you feel grateful for? 

The beautiful sunsets and lasting friends.

4. Breakfast, lunch, dinner...which meal of the day do you enjoy most? What's your go-to comfort food? 

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 I usually skip breakfast.  lunch at school is eaten in 10 minutes and going to football games to see the grands play, my lunch is usually popcorn or a candy bar.  Dinner is by myself and I don't cook so it is more junk food (I know I have tried preparing meals but end up throwing them away).  

My comfort food is a bowl of cereal.

5. This week the world remembers the tragic events of 9/11. Do you mark the day in any way? How do historical events shape your perspective on your personal challenges? 

I remember exactly where I was on this day.  I was teaching at the middle school and the high school principal turned off ALL TVs.  We (teachers) would try to sneak to the library and see what was going on.  I remember watching the news all night and then the next day watching the celebration of what that country did to us. 

By learning from the past mistakes help me with personal challenges.  Historical events help me to be a cheerleader for the future reminding me that I will eventually get through this.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Saturday was spent at the ballfield....the football field.

The twins are playing tag football and their game began at 11am.  Well, it was supposed to but it didn't get started till almost 12. I get so tickled at this age group.  You have some kids who are so serious and others who run the wrong way.

Blake's  game began at 3pm.  Flag football doesn't last long, but I didn't want to go home and then drive back to Abingdon.  I needed to get some flowers for hub's and daughter's grave so I went to Hobby Lobby.  One can't just go into Hobby Lobby without buying other stuff not on the list and that is exactly what I did.  

Blake's game began on time (thankful) because it rained and at this age the game isn't cancelled!!  But I love watching him play.  He is so much like my precious Amanda ...personality wise and he thinks of others before himself.  He was crying after the game because  the ref said he had pushed another player in the back but Blake kept saying he didn't.  His parents had to explain to him that they knew he didn't push the player in the back but the REF is who is in charge and what he says goes.  Blake just had a hard time understanding why the REF would lie.  But all was better later the next day!!

Monday was eat lunch with someone GRAND at the boys' school.  Which was also book fair day  (yep, I knew what the school was doing).  The twins have adjusted well to school and was telling me I had to follow the rules!!  Eating lunch cost me more than a lunch, I will tell you that.  But so glad they enjoy books!!

This is Liam

This is Aiden.

This is Blake.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Next Sunday is Grandparent's Day. Share a favorite memory, photo, recipe, or something you learned from a grandparent. 

My grandmothers and I were close. I would travel to Baltimore every summer and spend my summer with my maternal grandmother.  My maternal grandmother worked at the VA Hospital in the canteen then she took a job caring for a lady who was injured in an automobile accident. I can still remember how patient and caring she was with this young lady she cared for.  I can also remember making care packages for my uncle who was serving in Vietnam.  My grandmother didn't have much money, but there was nothing I did without while in Baltimore with her.  Often we traveled to Washington D.C to shop, see shows, or visit all the monuments.

My paternal grandmother was a faithful, Christian woman.  There wasn't a church service she missed. I never knew how she did it, but every Sunday after church there was a feast at her house!  And she never believed in doing any work on a Sunday!!  maybe clean the dishes but that was all!!  After dinner, we would sit on her porch and just talk.  The memory I have the most is when my oldest daughter was facing her second heart surgery; she was 16 months old at this time.  We were in Boston at Boston's Children Hospital.  The surgeon came to speak to hub and I and explained my daughter had 95% chance of not making it through surgery and 100% chance without the surgery she would die within a year.  I called my grandmother back home, crying my eyes out, and just wanted to hear her voice and her wisdom. My grandmother was that type of person.  BTW my daughter did survive this surgery.

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

I can't think of a quote from a book, but a couple of quotes that have stayed with me are these two: This one is by Ralph Waldo Emerson

This one I said to my daughters about EVERYDAY: "Do not follow where the path may lead.  Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail."  I wanted my daughters to be independent.

The second quote I really have had to learn (the hard way) by Robert Frost: " In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."

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

Serving me dressing in a little bowl for a huge salad!!

BUT, I shouldn't complain because I saw/heard about someone going through the McDonald's Drive through. This person ordered a Big Mac without the bun.  When this person got home and opened the container, not only was there no bun, but no hamburger either: just a box of lettuce and sauce!!

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

I would have to say my hair.  I am a lucky one with still some thick hair.

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. 

I do not have an emergency plan or a preparedness kit.  I know I should and I keep telling myself to be prepared, but I haven't yet.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I went to a football game Friday night.  Tuesday at school, I was told I was on the local news.  What on earth for????  The teachers showed me a picture and sure enough the camera person from our local TV station was filming the cheerleaders and here comes me walking right through the cheerleaders oblivious to the camera person.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When someone finds out what you do or where you're from, what's a question they always ask? 

When speaking, people can usually tell where I am from.  You got that 'hick' accent and your words are drawn out so you are from the South.

The question ICo get asked about my job is: "How on earth do you do that this day and time with no discipline?" 

2. Did you participate in 'Greek Life' when you were in college, or have children who did? If so what was your experience like? Taking another tack...have you ever been to Greece? If not, is that a destination on your bucket list? 

Yes, I participated in 'Greek Life' but my girls did not.  One of the best experiences of life was joining/pledging a sorority.  To this day, I can call a sorority sister for encouragement , to celebrate with me, or  just to vent...same as in college. Just like when I was in college, my sorority sisters still care for each other .   A close knit bond between girls and ladies that lasts beyond the college years.

I have never been to Greece and would love to go!

3. Do you like Greek food? If so what's your favorite dish?  

 

I guess, if Gyros count.  A dish I kinda like is Moussaka.  

4. What incredibly common thing have you never done? 

Cook a huge meal for a family get-together!!!

I have never been on a cruise till this past summer.  I have never been to a music festival.  I have been to concerts but not a music festival.  This might be something I add to my bucket list.

5. What is a telltale sign that you're upset? 

The loudness of my voice raises ten octaves higher and my heart beats faster. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The weather now is beginning to feel like 'sweater weather'   There is a chill in the air which also means football time!  I love watching college football...not so much NFL.

This past weekend, I attended a memorial service for one of my dear friends (college roommate, sorority sister, girls' trip gang, etc.).  I am keenly aware, that as hard as it was, I was blessed to have known you.  You are happier than me left here on earth.  I can't imagine the reunion and celebration as you were met by your dear husband and daughter.

Have a great week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. On July 29th 1957 The Tonite Show premiered with Jack Parr as it's host. This marked the beginning of the modern day talk show. Do you watch any daytime or late night talk shows today? Do you have any thoughts on the hubbub surrounding the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, or are you more in the camp of 'who is Stephen Colbert? 

No, I don't watch any daytime or late night talk shows.  I am in the camp of 'who is 

Stephen Colbert'?

2. What's the best part of your day? 

Sitting outside on my porch in the evenings.  Love, love, love listening to the night sounds and the stillness of the night.

3. What's something your generation does that you actually dislike? 

Believe it or not, but I have witnessed people in my generation being glued to their phones!!  

4. When you cook do you clean as you go, or clean it all up once you're finished cooking? What's the last thing you cooked/baked in your own kitchen? 

I clean once everything is finished cooking.  I will rinse out a pot so something won't get stuck, but then wash it when I am finished cooking.

I baked lasagna for my grandsons on Wednesday.

5. Sum up your July in ten words or less. 

Birthday month, hot days, fresh veggies, went by too fast.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I had to go in to school one day prior to the 31st to clean my room.   Tomorrow all teachers return.  It is nice catching up on what all has been doing this summer.

I miss my grandsons this week.  They are on a Disney Cruise!!  I know I am the farthest thing from their little minds. 

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When does time pass slowly for you? When does time past quickly for you? 

I really don't think time is passing slowly for me now. Time only passes slowly when I am at my hairdresser coloring my hair or at a doctor's appointment waiting.

Time is passing too quickly for me. My summer vacation is over this week.  Teachers start back to school July 29 and students come August 7th.  But time is passing the quickest in watching my grandsons grow up!  It just seems like they were born yesterday.

2. Do you have a favorite beach? What's your favorite 'beach' activity? Tell us what we'd find in your beach bag.

I didn't have a favorite beach till this year.  My favorite beach is Xanadu Beach.  The water is absolutely gorgeous and there isn't much wind.

I enjoy putting my beach chair at the beginning of the ocean and just sitting with me feet in the water.

Sunglasses, book, beach towels, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, my phone, a cover up, and a couple packs of crackers in case I get hungry would be in my beach bag.

3. Your favorite book or movie with a beach setting? 

The Summer I Turned Pretty is my favorite.  Mama Mia  comes in second. 

People We Met on Vacation by Emily Henry is a great book.  Her characters are charming and this is set in a beach town.

4. What's a food you love, but find it's a pain to eat? Is it worth it? 

Maryland Steamed Crabs.  They are a pain to eat, but well worth it.  AND an hour or two later I am hungry no matter if I had just eaten two dozen! A funny...many years ago I was at the beach with some college friends.  One of the girls mentioned steamed crabs and I piped up to go and get some.  We were the only ones in our group who liked steamed crabs.  We ordered them and drove back to our hotel.  Then we realized we had nothing to crack them open up.  We tried a beverage can and no luck.  We were able to crack them with high heel shoes.  When my friend and I are together we still talk about how the high heels were able to crack open the steam crabs on the balcony of our hotel room.

5.  Do you like roller coasters? What's the best (or worst) roller coaster you've been on? 

I use to LOVE riding roller coasters.  Now, that I am older, I kinda get woozy after riding.  The last time I rode a roller coaster, was two years ago in Disney.  The grand loved it and this one didn't bother me.  Maybe because it was a young adult roller coaster!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Praise for the much needed rain we have had the past couple of days!  

I am trying to get back in the swing of things because I start back to school next Wednesday.  

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepdge

1. What's a characteristic you admire in others? Elaborate. 

A characteristic I admire in others is integrity.  A person with integrity is honest, trustworthy, consistent, and they stay strong and hold on to their moral and ethnic principles.  People with integrity serve others as role models. Sadly, this is a trait I don't often find in many people. 

2. Do you have a favorite mug? Let's see it. Why is this one your favorite? 

This one says, "All I Need Today is A Little Coffee and a Whole lotta Jesus"   I just love this because it is so true in my life.

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This one was given to me by friends.  "We are only as Strong as the girlfriends we have".  Which is also true.  I do not know what I would have done without my girlfriends when going through rough times.  We all have friends, but there are a few friends who I have a special bond with.

3. July 15th is/was National Give Something Away Day...will you (or did you, depending on what day you answer these questions) give something away? If so what? Do you regularly give away or do you tend to  'accumulate'? 

I didn't give anything material wise  away.  However, I did give some tomatoes (yellow ones) to a friend and I gave my time to help a friend who was out of town with something.

I regularly give away clothes (I didn't use to because I thought one day I could fit back into them.  Then I realized that ship sailed a long time ago!).  I really need to go through the grandsons toys, and give the ones they no longer play with away.

4. You're planning a trip. Do you prefer exploring big cities or smaller, more off the grid towns? World Atlas lists these 12 'off the grid' towns to see in 2025. How many on the list have you seen? Of those listed which one would you most like to visit? Tell us why? 

Boothbay Harbor Maine, Middlebury Vermont, New Hope Pennsylvania, Rehoboth Beach Delaware, Brevard North Carolina, Saugatuck Michigan, Medora North Dakota, Ouray Colorado, Lamoille Nevada, Neah Bay Washington, Hood River Oregon, or Cambria California

I like exploring big cities because I have always lived in small, rural areas.

I have not been to any of these places.  But if I get to choose, I choose Saugatuck, Michigan. I enjoy going to the beaches, but what is more fascinating to me would be the thrilling dune ride!

*You can read more about each destination by clicking the link above. 

5. Have you ever...ridden a motorcycle? been to a Disney park? met a celebrity? won a contest? Tell us something about whatever you answered yes to on this list. 

I have ridden on a motorcycle.  I love it!!  When it is hot outside and riding a motorcycle on a winding mountain road is so cool.  I get a thrill riding up and down hills and around curves.  I will not ride a motorcycle on the interstate!!  That would really bother me with all the traffic and drivers who don't really pay attention. 

I have been to a Disney park one too many times!!  However, I will say taking high school students is much easier than taking small children!!  With high school students, you can find a place to sit and the students will find you.

I have never met a celebrity.

I have won a contest.  Years ago, I was in a dance contest (twist dance) and won.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Shew!!!  This dark cloud keeps hanging over my friends and I.  Back in March a friend was diagnosed with brain cancer.  Yesterday morning a friend's husband passed away unexpectedly. I will be traveling this weekend to attend his services in Roanoke.  And early this morning around 2am, a friend's DIL, who had a baby last Wednesday, was rushed to the hospital because she had a stroke.  I am really ready for this dark cloud to pass.  "This to shall pass".

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!