Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something on your November calendar you're looking forward to? 

There is nothing really going on besides Thanksgiving.  I will be taking a group of Honor Students to Radford in a couple of weeks.

2. Dictionary.com's word of the year is '6-7'. Huh? 

Is it even a word??? I had to consult the internet to find out it's meaning because apparently I'm old and this particular slang is not part of my vocabulary. Is it part of yours? According to the article I read, it's a viral term, more of an inside joke with an unclear meaning driven by social media.

What do you think? 

Dictionary. com says it's selection each year is a 'linguistic time capsule reflecting social trends and events, but they also admitted to being confused by '6-7'. Some say it means so-so and is sometimes accompanied by the up and down hand motion we associate with the phrase so-so.

What word do you think would have made a better choice? 

I am so confused by the '6-7' phrase.  The kids say it constantly.  One day I had, had it!!! so I told them the next person that says this is going to write me a six or seven paragraph paper during their exploratory class!!   I would really love for someone to explain the meaning of this phrase and where did it come from?  Honestly, it is just a meme and kinda dumb.

Any world would be better than '6-7'.  How about Peace or Joy? 

3. What's a food, trend, activity, or thing people love but you think is just so-so? 

Food --blue cheese  A lot of people I know add this to their salad and look at me kinda strange when I say "No-thank-you."

Activity--bike riding.  Bike riding is becoming very popular again.  I just don't know if I can keep up or keep my balance with my age.

4. Are you a tea drinker? Hot or cold? How do you like yours and at what time of day? Do you like flavored teas or teas billed as calming, energizing, healing, etc? 

I was talking with some women Sunday at church about drinking tea.  We serve coffee at our church services and November is my coffee month.  There are more people than I realize who drink hot tea.  I have tried drinking hot tea but just can't. I am a coffee drinker.  A lady told me to go and get a fruity tea mix, add some honey and I might like it.  I haven't went yet to purchase the tea...so who knows.

5. The November Hodgepodge has always included a weekly gratitude question. Here's the question for today-what are three things that make your heart sing? 

Grandsons---yesterday since school was closed, we had a Mamaw Day.  On the way home the boys said it was the best day ever!!

Sunshine---I hate the time change.

Bentley--my Yorkie Poo.  He is so happy to see me when I come home.  And so much company to me.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Last week was Drug Awareness at school.  Teachers decorated our doors. Here is just a few...

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Are you a risk taker? To what degree? 

 I wasn't always a risk taker, but with circumstances that happened, I am somewhat.It was hard getting out of my comfort zone,but I have.  There have been times when I weigh in on a situation before going all in and other times I just jump right in with both feet without thinking.  

I think in life there will some risks we all have to take.  And if we don't take risks we live a stagnant life. 

On a scale of 1-10 I am a 7.  Now, my late hub was definitely a 10!!  

2. What's your favorite candy? Would you say you have a sweet tooth? 

I love a Pay Day!  

I have a fondness for sugary foods!!

3. Somewhere you've been recently that had you feeling 'like a kid in a candy store'? 

It would have to be the library!!!  Usually, I just run in and pick up a book that has been on hold for me.  The other day, I actually went in to look for a book and found too many that I want to read.

   Then again....

I love Michael Kor purses and the other day I happened to be in a store that carried them.  I definitely felt like a kid...wanting something but can't have!

4. What do you think is the most effective way to make a positive change in the world? 

Show compassion for others.  We do not know what someone is going through or what news someone has just been given.   Just being KIND!!!!  

I remember a couple of years ago the Pay It Forward trend.  When I went through a drive through I would pay for the car behind me.  How about the same trend...Pay It Forward by showing compassion and being kind.

5.  Do you like surprises?

S

I don't think I have ever been surprised so I am thinking I would like it.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

The other day, I went to get a few bags of candy.  I don't have any trick or treaters , but my son-in law does.  I cannot stand seeing Christmas decorations already out!!!  I like to enjoy each holiday and I think Thanksgiving gets a bum rap!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What do you like most about your family? 

I like the support and laughter.   My family has helped me through difficult times and there is nothing better than hearing the laughter of my grandsons.

2. What's something nice that's happened to you recently? 

Last week, a friend came and helped me dig my potatoes.  My potatoes didn't do too well, but thankful for his help.

3. Do you like the color orange? Besides a pumpkin and an actual orange, what's something orange you love?

I like the color orange.  Some things orange I love are:

carrots, sweet potatoes, creamsicles , sweet potato fries, cheddar cheese, cheese balls ( I can eat the entire container)(need to get off the food wagon!)

basketballs (love going to games and now will be getting ready for grandsons to play)playing nerf guns with the grandsons and those crazy race tracks and hot wheels!

4.  What's something you have now you couldn't have imagined having five years ago? How does that make you feel? What's possible now because of it? 

My smartwatch.  I always wore just a regular watch and felt naked if I had forgotten to wear it. 

Now, instead of carrying my phone everywhere and leaving it places, my smartwatch has been a lifesaver.  The principal needs to get in touch with the staff sometimes regarding a student and will text us.  Before having a smartwatch my name was usually called over the intercom (because I had left my phone somewhere).  Now, I see the message before hearing my name over the intercom.

I love to walk and never knew how many miles I had walked.  Now, I do!!  Thanks to my smartwatch.  

5. Let's wrap this one up with an October this or that...

• pumpkin bread or apple cider donut
• Pumpkin bread
• cozy sweater or cozy hoodie
• Cozy sweater
• apple picking or pumpkin picking
• Pumpkin Picking
• scary movie or Hallmark movie
• Hallmark movie even though they almost make me cry but I can't watch a scary movie by myself
• hay ride or corn maze
• Hay ride
• twinkle lights or candles
• Twinkle lights
• autumn hike or autumn bonfire
• Autumn bonfire

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I don't think my leaves are as pretty as they have been in the past.

But

this is coming too soon!!  Thankful the weather has been nice to get some of the leaves up.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you make an effort to see/hear live music? Last time you went somewhere for the live music? 

Yes, when there is a good band coming around, I try my best to go and see them.  On my birthday, July 3rd was the last time I went somewhere for live music.

2.According to HGTV the colors of the year for 2026 are mostly decided. Top paint companies declare a color of the year, and decorators will incorporate that into their new year home and room designs. Here's what's on tap in terms of paint trends for 2026 (check out the link here to see photos)

• Sherwin Williams-universal khaki (inspired by heavy canvas and outdoor gear)
• Behr-hidden gem (a confident shade of teal)
• Valspar-warm eucylyptus (a warm sliver tinted green)
• Dutch Boy-melodious ivory (a honey tinted beige)
• Glidden-warm mahogany (a classic brick red)
• Krylon-matte coffee bean
• Clark and Kensington -Hazelnut Crunch (warm reddish-brown)
• Graham and Brown-Divine Damson (cherry red with a subtle violet undertone)
• Dunn and Edwards-midnight garden (the green that works everywhere) 

First question-did you know there were so many different paint manufacturers? Which color on the list most appeals to you in terms of your own decorating style? Do you have plans to do any painting in your home in the coming year, and if so might you choose a color from this list? 

Now, forget painting walls, which color name appeals to you most? 

I had no idea about the many different paint manufacturers!  The color that appeals to me that I would have in my home would be Valspar-warm eucylyptus.  A color that I would love to have in my home would be Gidden-warm mahogany, I am just afraid I would get tired of it after awhile.

I have no plans of painting but who knows!!

3. What's something in your life you have to do-watch-or participate in that's about as exciting as 'watching paint dry'?

Meetings that can be done through an e-mail!  

4 . Tuesday, October 14th is/was National Dessert day...did you/will you celebrate? Tell us how? What's your absolute favorite dessert. Yes, just one. I know!! 

A homemade carrot cake!!!  I had a friend who would make my hub a homemade carrot cake for his birthday.  It was scrumptious!!!

5. Perhaps today is the day I will __________________________________. 

Start to get back to walking on my treadmill.  I do enjoy exercising, but I am not disciplined enough to do this at home.  I turn on the music or try to watch a television show, but nope,not happening; my mind tells me I have other stuff to do around the house. I have to go somewhere.  I think it is more of an accountability thing.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I began raking some leaves last evening.  The more I raked, the more the leaves were falling.  Then it began getting dark (before 7pm) so I had to stop.  I hate when the days get shorter.  

Oldest grandson is still playing football.  Last Saturday, they played on a college field- Emory and Henry University.  He was so excited. His team is in the play off rounds so when they lose, it is over.  I will miss his game Saturday because the twins have a game at the same time.  I just don't want the twins to think their game isn't important.  Hoping oldest grandson wins so I can watch him play one more game.

After game photo!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.' How does this saying ring true in your own family, either the one you grew up in or the one you made? 

My youngest daughter is like me when it comes to sports.  I would get so loud (Obnoxious)  when daughter played basketball.  My youngest daughter is just like me when watching her boys play sports.  A referee asked daughter if I was fed gun powder because I stayed on the referees/umpires the entire game. Not only would I be loud, but I would get so nervous before her games and so is daughter.  Funny is daughter says she never thought she would be so loud like me.  

But...I am not loud when the Grandboys play sports maybe it is because daughter drowns me out!

2. Something you're nuts about these days? How about something that's driving you nuts? 

I am nuts about my grandsons!!  

The state of Virginia is driving me nuts when it comes to education.  In the state of Virginia, students are required to take the Standards of Learning (SOL) Test and they must pass a certain amount in order to receive a diploma.  The cutoff score is 400, 500 is advanced and 600 is a perfect score.  Well, the state has decided to up the 400 score!!!  I am livid!!  As a teacher, I am working my behind off !!  So many students cannot read and do basic math, so not only am I teaching my grade level the curriculum set forth by the state but I am also teaching below grade level content.  And so many students come from low income families and fend for themselves when

 they get home.  I can go on and on and on....but need to stop.

3. What does abundance mean to you? 

Abundance means to me, focusing on what I have and expressing gratitude for all I have. Abundance doesn't necessarily mean money (but money is nice) but also friends, health, and generosity. I love my friends (and some friends are closer than other) and enjoy their company.  I am so grateful for my health.  So many people my age are having health problems.  I still enjoy mowing (I push mow a lot) and exercising.  My garden did well this year; I was able to give some vegetables away.  

Abundance doesn't have to always mean financial status, but other things as well.

Pretty soon I will have an abundance of leaves!!!!  but I need to keep being thankful I still have my health to take care of all the leaves that will be falling.

4. Caramel apple-caramel cake-caramel corn-caramel sundae-caramel macchiatto...what's your caramel treat of choice? 

Caramel macchiato please.  I have always had my coffee just plain/black.  Here lately, I have been adding caramel macchiato and it is so good.

5. What's a childhood memory that always comes to mind as the leaves start to fall? 

I didn't have any large trees in my yard growing up, so I missed out on jumping in a pile of leaves.

I remember going to pick up walnuts that had fallen.  We would put them in a sack and then run over the sack with a car.  I can still hear the crunch. Our hands were jet black when we finished hulling the walnuts.  But the conversations around this was so memorable.  We actually talked about life and had a few laughs.  Sometimes my grandfather would build a fire, and we would sit outside hulling the walnuts. 

6. Insert. your own random thought here. 

I am still in shock!!!  Back in the summer, I cancelled my Comcast subscription that included over 150 channels.  I am not much a TV person; I enjoy reading, and besides there isn't many TV shows worth interesting.  I have a fire stick and watch other 'stuff'.  Anyway, I packaged up all the equipment and sent it by UPS.  This was the first of August.  Yesterday, I get this huge bill in my box, yep, from Comcast!!  Quick as I got home Tuesday, I gave them a call.  I was expecting to keep repeating representative/agent to the voice recording, but I didn't.  I began loading the dishwasher while I was on hold because I just knew I would be on hold for an hour or so.  Nope, the agent was right on the phone after about 5 minutes.  I explained the situation to her and told her I had the receipt when I shipped it all UPS and would gladly give her the tracking number.  This was necessary and after about 20 minutes, the bill was wiped clean.  I asked for an email and a text confirming this because you just don't know.  This was the first time I didn't have to wait an hour or be on the phone with a representative/agent for an hour or longer!  So happy for me.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's your favorite fall scent? Would we find this in or around your home right now? 

Pumpkin Spice   This scent is definitely in my house right now!

2. October is Country Music Month...are you a fan of country music? Do you have a favorite country artist? Ever been to Nashville? In terms of lifestyle are you more country mouse or city mouse? 

I am in the so-so- category fan of country music. My favorite country artist is Keith Urban.  Not only do I think he is good looking, but he sings country with a little bit of rock twist.  My favorite song by him is "Somebody Like You."

I have been to Nashville and currently planning a trip there with some friends. 

My lifestyle is more like a country mouse,but I am happy when in the city.

3. How about 'country cooking'? (loosely defined as rich flavors, familiar foods, large portions, often fried, and often associated with the southern region of the US of A)? 

chicken and dumplings-fried chicken-shrimp and grits-biscuits and gravy-mac and cheese-fried green tomatoes-cornbread-collard or turnip greens-deviled eggs-'barbecue'-gumbo-banana pudding 

Which of the foods listed is your favorite? Any on the list you haven't tried or would say a firm no thank you to if offered? 

Chicken and dumplings is my favorite.  A definite NO to any type of grits and biscuits and gravy.

4. What's something that always has a positive impact on your mood? 

Always Grandboys!!!  I can have the worst day ever and just hearing from the grandboys are seeing them makes my worst day disappear.

A close second and third is Sunshine and Exercise.  When the sun is shining, it lifts my spirits.  Exercise helps me feel better all around.  Of course, there are days when I really have to talk myself into exercising.

5. As we say so long to September share a noun, a verb, and an adjective that tells us something about how that month looked for you. 

Football games

Standing, clapping, yelling

Jam-packed days

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A busy, fun weekend!

Thursday evening, we sat up for the 71st Apple Festival.  Last year, the first year EVER it was cancelled due to Hurricane Helene and this year we wanted to make it spectacular.  

  

Vendors began coming on Thursday and getting all set up.  We had 85 vendors in all!!

I was back at the festival by 9:30 Friday morning.  The theme of this year's festival was 'Apple Roots Run Deep'  My previous daughter opened up her own pharmacy, Chilhowie Drug Store.  The new owner put a float in the parade.

My precious daughter is in the center of the heart.  This made me smile, but also brought few tears to my eyes.

I didn't go to the parade (first parade I had missed since going in 1982) because the twins had football games.

  After the football game, I was back at the festival.  

Then the grandboys wanted to spend the night.

(Sorry about the leg and foot!)

Sunday, the festival was jammed packed.  The grandboys got to ride the train

They were ready to leave after the train ride; crafts didn't interest them too much.

The festival ended at 5:30 Sunday afternoon.  I was there till closing, helping the vendors pack up, and stacking tables, etc.  It was a beautiful festival and so glad!

Have a Great Rest of the Week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Fall officially rolls into the Northern Hemisphere on Monday (9/22)...what's your favorite thing about fall? 

My favorite thing about fall is how beautiful the trees become, smelling the smoke from a campfire, and a little cooler weather.

2. What's one thing on your real or proverbial autumn bucket list? 

Nothing at the moment.  All THREE grandsons are playing football.  I don't want to miss another game.  Blake plays on Thursdays and Saturdays, and the twins play every Saturday.

3. Apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and cranberries are some of the top fall foods. Which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Any on the list you don't eat? Which one have you had most recently? 

Sweet potatoes are my favorite; sweet potato French fries are the best!  I usually just bake my sweet potato till it is tender on the inside but the outside is crisp....serve plain please.  Pumpkin is something I do not eat.  I have never been a fan and have tried but no success.  An apple I try to eat daily. 

4. 'Fall is proof that change is beautiful' is a popular sentiment. Would you agree or no? Elaborate. 

I am in the middle...Change can be beautiful.  Change can give you new adventures and opportunities.  Change can help you grow as a person.  Letting go and let God is a beautiful change.  The vibrant colors of fall is beautiful.

On the other hand, change is not beautiful.  Change is not beautiful when it brings pain, grief, and loss.  But one thing that I keep reminding myself is life is ever changing and I can be negative or positive about it.  I am choosing to be positive and learning to embrace change.

5. Is there a spot near you where people go to see the leaves change color? Will you try to leaf peep somewhere this fall? Lonely Planet lists the following ten places as the best for leaf peeping...of those listed which would you most like to visit? 

Stowe, Vermont~Shenandoah National Park, Virginia~Columbia River Gorge, Oregon~Zion National Park, Utah~Tennessee/North Carolina border~West Virgina~Northwesteroming~Wisconsin Northwoods~Northern Nevada~Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, Arkansas

Usually drive the parkway, but I heard recently that parts of it is still not open due to the hurricane last year.  Since I live in the mountains, just about every place is beautiful.

Stowe, Vermont because I want to go to Vermont!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Monday evening, I attended a Women't Bible Study Group.  I can't remember the last time I laughed so much.  There is just something about when women get together to share  that brings you laughter.  And of course the food/snacks were amazing!!

Have a Great Rest of the Week and Enjoy Life!