fall...hum...feels like summer still.....

1. It is officially fall here in North America...I realize not everyone who participates in the Hodgepodge lives in North America but if you do, what's your favorite memory of Summer 2011? If you're not in North America, what's your favorite memory of the season just ending on your side of the world?
I can't just pick one favorite memory---so many memories from seeing ole college friends, to cookouts, to seeing ole friends from high school,to visiting New York,  to playing with grandson and all the library visits.  However, my most relaxing moment--when Charlie and I went for a few days to Pigeon Forge--just the two of us.  No one to wake us up, no one to tell us they were hungry, no one to tell us what they wanted to do.....very relaxing few days and very enjoyable.  Sometimes we all need to just get away for a few days.





2. Your favorite nut? You know I mean the edible kind, right?
Pecans






3. What activity puts your sense of balance to the test?
Turning off the alarm clocks---I usually fall out of bed!




4. How would you describe your sense of humor?
I like humor that can be funny without being at the expense of others.  I don't like insulting, smarty humor.  I would describe my humor as very simple.





5. September 28th is National Ask a Stupid Question Day...what's your stupid question?

A stupid question is one not asked.  Some interesting questions from my 8th graders during a Smart Block session: teaching about synonyms/antonyms-using the book--Thesaurus--question-What is a synonym for thesaurus?  I asked a student if he was drawing a blank when he couldn't think of an answer.  The student answered--"How can you draw a blank"?
Now some for you to ponder:

How can there be self-help “groups”?


What do you call a bedroom with no bed in it?


What do batteries run on?
Hmmmmm......


6. Roller skates~hula hoop~jump rope...which activity would you most enjoy? Yes, you have to choose.

Roller skates!



7. What's your most sentimental possession?
My father's class ring. I was a daddy's girl and even though he has been dead for 27 years, I still miss him dearly.  There are days when I wish I could talk to him and get his advice.
My second most sentimental possession would be the pictures I have taken of my daughters.



8. Insert your own random thought here.
Hoping my husband's oncologist appointment isn't cancelled for Monday and praying for good check-up.  Still dealing with issues-sometimes it is so difficult watching someone make a mistake and not listening to your advice.

Apple Festival......

This weekend was Apple Festival Weekend in Chilhowie, Virginia.  Chilhowie was known as the Apple Capital in Southwest Virginia.  Now the apple orchards are no longer here--subdivisions have replaced them.  However, Chilhowie still celebrates the Apple Festival every year in September.  This year was the 59th year.

The community still decorates and people still get geared up for this event.  Many vendors come with all kinds of crafts, a parade is held, beauty pageants, and a band competition.

  Both daughters were coming home-YIPPEE!!  Daughter #1 thought some ( no number was specified) pharmacy students might come and do a little of community service while here.  They needed a tent set up and were going of offer free medical advice to anyone.  Okay--no problem will have a tent set up-close to the library.  #2 Daughter was bringing her roommate with her.

Charlie had told the community we were fixing ham biscuits for anyone who wanted on.  So on the way to the parade-stop by and get a biscuit. 

Preparations began Friday night.  No one can celebrate the Apple Festival without apple dumplings.  So I began the baking.  

C

This is just one batch of the many more to bake!

Before I realized, time was slipping away and it was time to get up!!  Time did slip by......

where did the night go. I do believe I had just put my pj's on and the alarm clock began blaring at 5:30. Time for more baking---ham rolls I had decided on rolls not biscuits...hey they are easier and in my opinion taste better and I had 200 + to bake. I found these rolls that are sweet and good and the best part...easy!!!  I began baking quietly--daughters and grandson was still sound asleep.  The loudest sound was the coffee pot.  At the same time, Charlie was firing up the grill to begin the ham.  Many ham rolls were baked before daughters and grandson began to wake up.  Shortly after daughters woke up, the first knock at the door--#2 daughter's friend came and brought her 3 yr. old niece.  Now this made daughters nervous-they weren't ready-hey it is only 8:00 was the reply.  Daughters whisked to their rooms to get dressed.   Another knock-and a whoop from my 3 yr. old and 7 yr. old cousins.  Nate, my grandson, is where?   I had kinda forgot about him with the commotion.  Stomp, thump, "Mom someone is at the door and I don't know who it is and have never seen this man before in my life" shrieks #2 daughter.  So, I go to the door and when I open it, I realize I have never seen these people before.  They were looking for daughter #1--her pharmacy school friends.  I lost count after #20---  I was speechless---huh?  So I immediately get #1 daughter--ready or not!  Of course, she knew they were coming, as a matter of fact she had told me.  Huh?  I looked out for more....do these vehicles belong to you guys....

I have to talk to them about this later on.

 

The ham was smelling enticing, so we all went outside for ham rolls.  Being straight forward I asked, so you guys are from California, Minnesota, and Texas, right? Yes/No was the reply.  Some of us are, but I am from New York, I am from Baltimore, I am from Africa, and......okay I get the picture.  I should have stopped there but.....I had to ask--so why on earth did you choose Grundy for pharmacy school.  Same reason as your daughter was their reply....3 years and not 4. Okay, I can live with that.  So then I proceeded to tell them about our small town--I was trying to prepare them for the parade-I didn't want them to think of it as a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!!! This was a  little, ole town--heck our high school only has 469 students and....."Mom! It's okay"........I decided to be quite. After eating, we all walked to the parade. Now these guys were excited.  What is so exciting about our small town.  Their reply--"When you study as much as we do, anything is exciting".

The parade from floats to firetrucks, to bands

My middle school students!!!

to Sponge Bob with grandson----

was a hit for all.

After the parade, all went his/her way.  Daughter #1 and her pharmacy friends had to go to the tent and begin community service.  A quick picture before heading out....some had wandered off.....

Daughter #2, her roommate, and friend were heading to the band competition---I joined them.  I have always enjoyed the band competition.  Hub was alright with this--he was going to watch the football game-but I knew a catnap was planned.

The sun was taking a toll on me so I left the band competition and decided to look at all the crafts and check on other daughter and pharmacy students.  Working hard-or hardly working.....

Hmmmm.....

I really admired these students.  They came back to the house later that evening.  Shockingly they were excited and not very tired.  Apple dumplings were on their mind....many had never heard of this..so I showed off my chef skills...and I couldn't get enough compliments.  My head was swelling until #1 daughter had to tell about my cooking abilities.  Oh well...... everyone did have a good laugh.  I just can't brag enough on these students--their manners, friendly behavior, work ethic, etc. Let me just say, I was flabbergasted about their character traits.  

The evening ended with a fire and fixing smores.  

I couldn't have asked for a better Apple Festival Weekend.

Tammy

Hot/Spicy Hodgepodge

1. Do you like chili? Red or white? Beans or no beans? Spice or no spice? Toppings?


Red chili--I actually make!! The hotter the chili the better.  I add red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch.  Chili and beans-sometimes and when I do it is prepared this way---first layer beans, seond layer chili topped with onions (preferably green onions), cheese (taco) and jalapeno peppers.  I call this concoction a 'poor boy's dinner'.  A real, yummy treat on a cool, fall evening; it will definitely warm you up.



2. Red~Orange~Gold...your favorite fall color?
My favorite color would have to be gold. 

3. Who did you idolize when you were growing up?

Lucille Ball and her humor.



4. When was the last time you did something 'arts and craftsy'? Share please.

Artsy/craftsy--would have had to been this summer-in Children's Church with 3-5 year olds.  I do believe we made a firecracker out of a paper towel holder. 




5. What's a place that makes you really nervous?

School---haha!!



6. Horse back riding...yay or nay (neigh?)

Growing up I loved to ride horses. My dad and I would ride together.  Gosh, this question made me realize I haven't been horseback riding in a long, long time not in at least 30+ years!!!



7. What is your favorite cliche?

"a mind is a terrible thing to waste"



8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have a lot going on---some issues. I need a special prayer that this will dissolve soon.

Oh What A Feeling!

Fall is in the air.  With temperatures dropping, fall is just around the corner at my house.  I have begun decorations for the Apple Festival which is this weekend. (another blog about this later).

#2 Daughter called and wanted us to come to the football game on Saturday.  A chance to see one of my girls--a no brainer. It was going to be a big game and her basketball team was having to work concessions.  Emily working concessions--Right?????

I had kept grandson and of course I had to dress him in MY favorite outfit.

Go Vols!!!  Even though his dad is a huge Michigan fan.  Nate is telling his dad-give him six!

The game was between UVA-Wise and Emory/Henry.  The two colleges use to play one another and last year was the first time they had played each other in many years.  A huge rivalry between the schools.

Charlie and I knew we better leave early.  Trying to find a parking place was going to be tough let alone find our seats.  The stadium was packed.  Many fans tailgating and playing corn holes.  This game looked fun-hmmmm...I never played this in college and tailgating, I think I just went to the game and then to a fraternity house.  Anyway..... there was a chill in the air and one could sense the excitement and tension in the air.

Charlie and I quickly (well as quick as we could)went to  find our seats.  Then it was off to see daughter working in the concession stands.  This girl has never worked a day in her life until this summer!

Sure enough there she was.......

She didn't look that devastate!!  I only hope she can make change ...fast.  Fans have no patience at a football game.  

I had to go to her window and order and when those big, brown eyes saw me--she said  Whew...no special order for this lady and if I didn't make my mind up soon I should leave.  Gosh!! how rude I replied-loudly and people behind me-switched lines. A Mom does know  how to give her daughter a break for a fast chit/chat. :)

What a game!!!  It went back and forth with both teams.  With 12 seconds left in the ballgame, the score was Emory/Henry 30 and UVA-Wise 27.  The fans were yelling and shouting-Emory had to punt the ball.  UVA-Wise caught the ball, the receiver was getting tripped up and he pitched the ball backwards---UVA player was in the right spot at the right time.  He caught the ball and scored!!!

The crowd roared!!!  UVA had won!!!!  Fans started running on the field.  I didn't move, I didn't want to get stomped on.

Final score--UVA-Wise 33 and Emory/Henry 30!!!  What a celebration had begun. A remarkably, unpredictably, shockingly, unbelievably finish.

This is what football or any sport is all about.  As the saying goes....It's not over till the lady sings!!!
What a feeling!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What do you do at the first sign of a cold? Will you get a flu shot this year?

Take Airborne--this was created by a teacher and I swear by this.  When stomach virus, flu, etc. is raging, I take this as a precaution--it works.  My daughter (#1) who is in pharmacy school, says it doesn't work, but that it is all in my head.  This is okay with me!!!!



Yes, I will definitely take the flu shot.

2. What advice can you give about how to conquer fear?

The only person who can conquer fear is you.  A person has to recognize his/her fear and then take the necessary steps to defeating it.  To this day, I am SCARED!!!  of water.  As a young child (my dad said I was 11 yrs. old at the time), I went swimming.  I was swimming underwater and I got stepped on and fainted in the water.  The lifeguard on duty saved me, but I still have nightmares about this. Both my daughters are fantastic swimmers, and I am the one who is a nervous wreck while watching them in the water. 
I still haven't gotten over this fear.  My husband and I had an in ground swimming pool  and the girls loved it.  I would call the neighbors and invite them swimming because I knew if something would happen, leg cramp, etc. I don't know if I could help my daughters.



3. Share two good things about your life right now.
Family---such a special treat when we all are together and celebrating a happy occasion
Friendships----can't live without my friends



4. A hot fall fashion trend in 2011 is a return to sixties style...tunics with pants, shift dresses, pencil skirts, cinched waists, bold prints, high necklines and short lengths to name a few. How does this fashion trend fit with your wardrobe and personal sense of style?

I like looking at fashion magazines, but I can't really say I follow the fashion trend.  Heck, with two daughters still in college, I can't afford too!!   My youngest daughter often comments about my jeans--she calls them mommy jeans.



5. Were you involved in scouting as a kid? How about as an adult?

I was in the Brownies and Girl Scouts.  Both daughters were involved in scouts.



6. Apple, pear, plum, pumpkin...your favorite fall flavor?

Pumpkin------





7. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher?


Love what they do.  Today I see many teachers just putting in time, but not really loving his/her teaching job.
Admirable--and they set examples for their students.
Good communicator--must be able to explain things using the right words.
Have a good sense of humor---show students you do laugh.
Be a good leader and a friend.
I could go on and on,,,,maybe one day I will use this as my topic in my blog.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Charlie's oncologist appointment was rescheduled to October--:(
                  Enjoy your day!

questions & answers

1. What is one piece of advice you would give a 'just turning' 21- year old adult?
As you begin your career, or getting close to beginning your career, INVEST and do it wisely, don't see the world through rose-colored glasses, and never forget your values and morals-or where you came from as you climb the ladder to success.






2. Besides cooler weather (or warmer weather, depending on your hemisphere) what is one thing you are looking forward to this fall?

The Chilhowie Apple Festival!!!  This is held the last weekend of September with a parade, crafts, and band competitions. Charlie and I decorate our yard, and we cook ham biscuits for all going to the parade because it seems like everyone walks by our house to the parade route.  I am looking forward to this; I only hope it doesn't rain like it has for the past 4 yrs.

This was done a couple of years ago.



3. What sound lulls you to sleep?

Listening to soft, pitter, patter, rain.



4. September is National Preparedness Month...does your family have an emergency 'kit' and/or disaster plan in place?

No---with a tornado and an earthquake happening close by-maybe we should.



5. How has your blog changed since you started blogging? Or has it?
No,not really.




6. What's something you've recently learned to do on the computer?

Trying to use you-tube and embed the video.  Takes practice-my dear for me.



7. Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. They say you should hide things in plain sight if you want to conceal them. They say you can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time:

Well--at least you all know I am still learning to post a video.  Joyce's question just make me think of this song.





















8. Insert your own random here.
Charlie goes to see his oncologist-Monday--September 12th--nerves have already started.  Please remember him in your prayers.  I am grateful we didn't get the 6 inches of rain that was predicted!!!
Enjoy the rest of the week!

Recall it as often as you wish, a happy memory never wears out.

Memories.......

What a great end to summer.  The last 'official' weekend of summer was spent attending two reunions.  

The first reunion was 'Shaker Nation Reunion'.  My ole high school no longer exists in my mind.  My high school consolidated years after I graduated.  The name, colors, and mascot is no longer there.  I attended R.B. Worthy High School in Saltville, Va.  Our colors were maroon and gray and a salt shaker was our mascot.  Probably know from the town-Saltville-we were famous for the salt-especially during the Confederacy Army.  Many years later, Olin came to town and Saltville became a booming little town. In the 70's Olin was shut down-EPA came to town-much mercury, etc. Many people from Saltville relocated to find jobs and the town grew smaller and smaller. The school was consolidated and it is now Northwood High School-blue and white , and has a panther as a mascot.  

It didn't take long hooking up with ole friends and reminiscing about the days we spent together.

If these halls could talk.......Time slips by so fast.....It seemed like yesterday we were discussing the big Homecoming Football Games, outfits to wear, who was dating who, prom gowns, who had broken up, etc.

I even attended the parade.  Now people 'claim' to have found mammoth bones-so now the town celebrates 'Woolly Mammoth' to lead the parade.

The song-"Woolly, Bully" plays as he makes his way down main street.
Before I realized it.....Time was slipping by and night fall came and time to say our good-byes, but I said-"See ya later" and I hope one day I will see all my school friends later.Life gives us brief moments with another...but sometimes in those brief moment we get memories that last a life time... 


Sunday was another reunion. We attended the church I went to as a young girl. 

Such a good feeling-to return 'home.'  

Picture still hangs in the same spot-that was painted and given to the church in memory of my wonderful father.  My dad loved children of all ages and was sooo cheated out of life when he passed away 27 years ago. Too many emotions---came to me and tears flowed.


After church.......the one and only Muck Dam Reunion.........little explaining about this.

The name of the street I lived -real name was Perryville.  However, we lived on literally--muck.  In the early 20's the muck dam had burst and many lives were lost.  When Olin came to town-houses were built on top of the muck.  Yep--I lived on muck.  Now all the houses (which had to be 40) are torn down--EPA.  The houses were also built on top of each other, so if you were sitting on your front porch -your neighbors could hear every word you said.  The children all grew up as one big, happy family.  If one person didn't have his/her chores finished and we wanted to play-we all pitched in and helped.  Our famous game was-'kick-the-can.'  I don't reckon many kids today know how to play this.  We also took up for one another-if it was somone you dated and the rest of us didn't like him/her-well BEWARE!!!!  we let you know in no uncertain terms.  To this day, my husband still talks about how he was a little leery coming to see me in Perryville.  I think he was glad I went to college--haha.  All of us have now moved on and......time goes by.

The men fixing up the 'pig.'

So much food and great time.....

Mom and I enjoying our day.

Great friends to last a lifetime........

Again, time ended too fast........

The small town of Saltville will always be special to me.  The saying--"You can never go back home" is true.  People and buildings do change.  But in the little town of Saltville, people do not change no matter where life has taken them or how far away they live.
Memories are the treasures that we keep locked deep within the storehouse of our souls, to keep our hearts warm when we are lonely. 


As it rains today, I..........Always remember to slow down in life; live, breathe, and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time and never forget everything and every person that has the least place within your heart.

Tammy

Tattoo-for me....

I don't know if I am going through a mid-life crisis but......I have been thinking about getting a tattoo. I don't want one that is huge or very noticeable-just a small one.

My husband thinks I am crazy.  He may have a point because I am totally scared of needles.  How I managed to have children is beyond me with all the prodding and poking I had to go through.

Back to the tattoo.

I tried to explain...I think they are cute.  When I bring the subject up,  I always see someone with a HUMONGOUS ONE-and...hub and I just look at each other-but hub has a look in his eye that says...see this is what people will be thinking about you when you get your tattoo.

My youngest daughter was seeing a fellow who had a tattoo on his shoulder extending down to his arm.  I kept staring  and staring and staring.  Finally, I gave up and had to ask him what his tattoo represented.  I was expecting a story but all he responded was I don't know-I just wanted this.  No wonder I couldn't figure out his tattoo, it was just lines and lines and I didn't really like it anyway. Another look from my 
husband...and conversation ended.

Service men/women have tattoos that symbolized their branch in the service. I use this point with hub,only to hear him say--and what service were you in....I respond the service of being a Mother.  I was just as dedicated to this job as men/women were and still are to our country.  As you can tell-I am grasping at straws.

Honestly, hub won't be very upset if I get a tattoo-I just would want him to think of it as...something cute.  Hub buys cars after cars after cars.  Sometimes I think he was in the wrong profession-he should have owned a car dealership instead of an insurance business.  We have been married 30 years and have owned 20 cars.  Right now we have 6 vehicles for 4 people to drive...and you still want another car and like looking at cars. This will be another story for another time. I want a tattoo and I like looking at pictures of small, cute tattoos.

I have found the tattoo  I want... I want a toe tattoo.  I want this to look like a toe ring. Hub replies..."When you wear socks and shoes who will see it?"  I reply---"Me".  

I want one like this.  

Looking for tattoo parlors, is hard to do when you live in a small town.  One name stuck out-and has remained in my mind---

Painfully Pleasures-yep this was the name all right.  Hum....now I had to check it out.  Looks nice and presentable and clean....but the name Painfully Pleasures has me second guessing myself.  How painful will this be only for my pleasure?

I haven't given up on the idea...not just yet...just still thinking about it.  Also, I am thinking and have wanted for some time a belly ring--but can't find a ring big enough--maybe a hog ring!!