Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. What's one part of your everyday routine you'd be better off without? 

Snacking!!  I swear, no matter what time I eat dinner, I still snack from 9pm-10pm!!

Definitely, can be better off without this routine.

2. October 5th is/was National Do Something Nice Day. So what did you/will you do? 

I don't think I did anything specifically.  I try to be nice everyday and I must admit some days are harder than others.

3. What question do you hate to answer? 

Before hub passed away, I hated to answer the question..."Where would you like to go and eat"  It truly didn't matter much until hub mentioned a place I didn't care for.  I think we had more disagreements on choosing a place to eat than anything in our 37 years of marriage.

Now, I despise the question, "How are you?"  because I LIE when I answer saying, "I am fine."

4. Do we have control over technology or does it have control over us. In that same vein, have you watched The Social Dilemma (available on Netflix) and if so what did you think? 

Depends on your perception and point of view.  Teaching virtual for the past few weeks...My answer is YES!

I think (my two cents worth) we have to learn to not allow it to control us.  Being in a store, I see people's eyes glued to their phone.  Thankful, they don't hit me with their cart.

I know technology gives us instant access to just about anything.  Which is why it is hard to do without examples....movies (Netflix, Hula), and I LOVE FACETIME TIME  with the grandkids AND  zoom with friends in another state.  

Here lately, I have done some unplugging, especially on social media. AND I have been happier. I have to learn to control technology instead of it controlling me.

5. What are three small things that make your day better? 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

In this crazy, noise world , we can all be kind and a little more nicer to each other.

Have a great week and Enjoy Life

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 1. When is the last time you experienced nostalgia? 

Everyday I experience nostalgia.  Here lately, I keep remembering and saying..."This time last year Amanda and I were..." AND my heart breaks.  Nostalgia (for me right now) is not warm and fuzzy.  Probably not warm and fuzzy for a lot of people with the COVID and not being able to see love ones.

 2. September 29th is National Coffee Day. Do we need this? Ha! So are you a coffee drinker? If so how many cups per day, and tell us how you like it. Is there a recipe you enjoy that calls for coffee as one of the ingredients? 

I am a coffee drinker.  Usually black but some days I prefer a taste of Hazlenut creamer. I am sticking to only 2 cups a day but I know as the weather turns cooler and the days get shorter I might just add one more cup.

I don't have a recipe that calls for coffee.

 3. Do you find praise or criticism to be more motivating? Explain. 

Leaning more toward criticism.  I have been a person who can handle criticism...CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM that is.  Instead of getting upset, I examine myself and reevaluate my actions, words, etc.  Become motivated to change, if necessary.

 4.  What's a television series you keep coming back to and re-watching? 

Can't wait for the new season to begin.

 5. As the month of September draws to a close give us three words to describe your mood. 

Anxious for Spring. 

Fall is a beautiful time of year, but I know what follows.  Not reading for the shivering cold.

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

Right now, our weather has turned a bit fallish....rainy and chilly outside.  

I am missing some of the fall activities that have been cancelled due to COVID....pumpkin patch, corn maze, even trick or treating has been cancelled in our community.  But I keep telling myself this too shall pass.

Have a great rest of the week.  

Keep on keepin on and Enjoy Life

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

Falling into the Hodgepodge.  Thanks Joyce!

1. It's fall y'all. What's something you love about this season and also something you don't? 

I live in the mountains of Southwest Virginia and staring at the beauty of the trees as their leaves change colors to bright red, orange, and yellow is magical AND it is pretty awesome they do this every year.

Fall brings  allergies as things begin to die, raking leaves I dislike and colds seem to appear as the temps vary.  Fall tells me what is coming next...WINTER ugh!

2. When you think of the colors of fall, which one is your favorite? Is there somewhere you could easily day trip to see the leaves in all their glory? Will you? 

Favorite color would have to be the oranges.  There are plenty of back roads I could travel to see the beauty of fall, but I don't like to travel by myself.

So, I will just look out my kitchen window!

3. What's one thing you've let 'fall' by the wayside during this season of staying home and staying away? 

The only thing that comes to my mind is I wanted to finish some painting but just didn't get around to it.

4. If you're wearing a sweater is it most likely a cardigan, crew neck, v-neck, or zip up hoodie?

 

                                                                     NOT ME! ha!

Cardigan because if I get too hot (which I do now with still hot flashes), I can take it off and if I get too chilly, can easily slip it on.

5. What's your secret to dealing with change? 

Be flexible and go with the flow (my mantra lately) and TRY to be positive.  Change can be good or bad depending on your perspective but try to keep positive. 

Speaking of change, last Monday (September 14) our School Board met and voted to return to a hybrid schedule beginning October 1st. We have been virtual since the beginning of school, August 20th. Teachers began preparing for this hybrid schedule and kept trudging along.  Then this past Monday, September 21st another meeting was held and the School Board voted to stay virtual till October 26th. A roller coaster for sure!

Life is changing and we don't have to brace it all the time, but it will be okay.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

A couple of weekends ago, we had a crab boil just close family. The weather was so nice.

The following Sunday, my cousin was baptized.

I received this special note in my teacher mailbox at school with my favorite candy.

Have a great rest of the week.  Keep on keepin on and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. What's one thing you learned at the ripe old age of whatever age you are now?

I have learned that time goes by fast.  Some days might seem to drag on and on while others fly by.  But the older I get, the faster time passes.

2. I read here a list of foods that can help you look younger-

extra virgin olive oil, green tea, fatty fish, dark chocolate, vegetables, flaxseeds, pomegranates, avocados, tomatoes, spices, bone broth

How many of the foods listed have you tried? How many do you eat regularly? Your favorite from the list?

I eat mostly vegetables (not much of a meat person), avocados and tomatoes.  My favorite will have to be vegetables. I have tried green tea but not a fan, as a matter of fact, I am not a fan of any tea and I tried dark chocolate...nope not for me, either.

3. Something you miss from the 'good old days'? When were the good old days anyway?

From my childhood days, I miss Sunday lunch and get togethers.  After church, we always had a huge lunch at my grandmother's house.  To this day, I can't wrap my head around how my grandmother attended church but was still able to prepare a huge lunch for us. I also miss how neighbors looked after each other and we showed kindness to others.

4. What are two or three of the most rewarding things to be found in growing older?

First it would have to be grandchildren.  With this pandemic,I don't get to snuggle them or see them very often, but I love them so.

The second thing would be to enjoy each day.  Life can and will throw you curveballs.  There are no guarantees and we aren't promised tomorrow, so find something to enjoy each day.

5. What's your favorite part of your life right now?

Seeing pictures of grandchildren.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Friday we had a seafood boil again.  Enjoyed this so much.  

If anyone knows how to go back to the old blogger...please instruct me.  I am not getting this new blogger at all having difficulty inserting images.

Have a great rest of the week. 

Keep on keeping on and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Something you've done in recent days or months that might be described as a labor of love?

Here is something I will be doing...  Our county is virtual learning for students.  So many students do not have internet service and child care is extremely hard to find.  My church is offering services to any student grades 5-12...."Internet Cafe"   I will be volunteering on Tuesdays to help out.  Lunch will be provided and this service is free. Tuesday is my only day I will not be at the school.

2. Last time you 'worked your fingers to the bone'?

Finally, finished staining my deck for the second time.  I hurriedly stained it last year and it looked horrible but since I was running out of time I had to quickly do the job.  This year, I took my time and finished it!  If I have to say so myself, I did a pretty good darn job!

3. According to a recent survey people named the following ten jobs as the hardest-nurse, doctor, paramedic, police officer, firefighter, surgeon, healthcare worker, bomb squad, farmer, and prison warden. Of the jobs listed which would you say is the hardest? The one you'd most like to do? Least like to do? What's one job you would add to the list?

Too hard to choose just one...in my opinion they are all hard jobs.  All are strenuous jobs.  But at the same time they are also rewarding jobs.

The one I would most like to do would be a farmer.  When growing up my father bought a farm (didn't live on the farm) but I had to help out...feed the cows, plant tobacco, etc.

Right now, I would add teachers.  I started back to school (through a grant) helping students who are behind (with COVID most are) and learning virtual is challenging for me...I miss the students it isn't just the same.

4. A recipe you make that is labor intensive, but worth it?

None!!!

5. Last job you did or task you completed that required teamwork?

Learning to teach remotely!!  Very thankful for my colleagues that have patience with me learning to do all this new stuff.

6. Random thought.

Labor Day celebration was so different this year.  I have always celebrated with reunions, listening to music, and cook outs.  This year NOTHING!  I missed the celebrations.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. The Hodgepodge lands on the second day of a brand new month. Tell us one thing you're looking forward to in September.

Just to be able to feel safe/comfortable dining out again. The case numbers keep rising in my little 'neck of the woods' and it is scary walking in a place and seeing so many people not wearing masks or practicing social distancing.

2. Do you enjoy browsing second-hand shops? Last thing you bought or 'inherited' second hand?

I enjoy browsing second-hand shops.  It has been at least 2 years since I last browsed but I think I bought a fall wreath.  Sometimes I can find the cutest stuff there...another's trash is someone's treasure.

3. Something you had second thoughts about after committing to, purchasing, or posting/commenting  online?

Definitely have second thoughts about responding to comments online.  I type my response but then I think to myself that I am not stooping that low so I  delete my comment.  I must admit, I feel  good typing my response though!

4. What's a product or service you use that you'd rate as second to none?

Since I haven't had my hair cut or colored since March, I rank this

it really does the trick.  I just spray and go!!  Hopefully I can get to the salon soon!

5. Something you do so often or that comes so naturally to you it's second nature ?

The first thing that popped in my head was quick as waking up I make up my bed!  And I won't leave the house with dishes in the sink!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It has been a raining few days here and boy did my grass need cutting.  Shew...it was beginning to look like a hay field.

Currently doing a Bible Study via Zoom on Sunday evenings.  Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer.  Enjoying this.

I hate to bring this up, but our cases are rising in my area...I wish people would just wear a mask!!  For me, being older, it does hide my double neck!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. The Hodgepodge lands on National Dog Day this year (August 26th). Do you own a dog? Did you have a dog when you were growing up, or maybe some other kind of pet? Would you say you're more of a dog person or a cat person? Neither is okay too : )

I do not own a dog.  When growing up, I had two dogs.  One was a Pekingese and her name was Freckles.  Later, while in college, hub had gotten me a poodle and her name was Muffin.  After hub and I were married, we just didn't have any interest in owning a dog.

I am neither more of a dog person or a cat person.  However, I do have a cat now.  The stray cat came here about 4 years ago and I began feeding it so it has stuck around.

2. Last time you felt 'dog tired'?

Every time I finish cutting the grass, I am dog tired!

3. It's said you can't teach an old dog new tricks. When did you last prove this idiom true or prove it wrong?

When mowing season began!!  I never used the riding mower, I always used the self-propelled mower.  I was scared of the riding mower afraid it would turn over.  But I learned to use it. I have to admit I like to have never found the reverse gear....and I didn't realize when I barley raised up off the seat the mower would turn off.

4. A favorite book, television show, or movie featuring a dog. Why did you love it?

Lady and the Tramp

I like how the mutt protected her.

5. Last time you had reason to (literally or figuratively) exclaim 'hot diggity d0g

Our school system began the year virtual. Many students do not have access to internet service. My church on Sunday announced they were trying to help out students...come to the church for internet service.  We have began the planning stage for this to happen.  Yay!!   Hot Diggity Dog!

For the students who do not have access to the internet, the teachers are providing them with a jump drive, but the students are usually a week behind who is using this. 

6. Random thought...

Not much happening in my life right now.  EXCEPT....I am having some computer problems and there isn't anyone who works on computers much now a days. ugh!!

6.  Insert your own random thought here.