Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Have you ever been to and/or lived near the desert? What did you think? Travel and Leisure lists the 'coolest' American desert towns as-

Palm Springs CA, Virgina City NE, Bend OR, Winslow AZ, Marfa TX, Grand Junction CO, Silver City NM, Moab UT, Taos NM, Yakima WA, Borrego Springs CA, Terlingua TX, and St. George UT, and Tubac AZ

Have you been to any of these? Would you like to visit a desert town? Which on the list would you most like to see?

No, I have never been to any of these.  I wouldn't mind visiting a desert town....Grand Junction, CO. 

2. What's a plan or project you've deserted in the past year?

Deep, thorough cleaning the house.  In August (my plan to begin with), I was going to give my house a thorough cleaning.  I did not do the usual cleaning (blinds, windows, etc) last year (2015) because I was in a wedding mode with daughter. I told myself I would do all of this cleaning this year in August-school would be in session and I would have not interruptions.  As most of you know, #1 daughter and hub and I changed houses...moving in August...We are officially in our new home, but there are still boxes to be unpacked and little things to be done.  The deep, spring cleaning will be put off till next year.  I am in the mood for decorating for fall...spring cleaning just doesn't happen in the fall.

3. Desert-dessert? Share two or three words you find yourself having to think twice about when it comes to spelling.

Dessert---Something sweet---with two S

4. High and dry, like watching paint dry, dry run, dry as dust, not a dry eye in the house...which phrase can you relate to currently? Explain.

Dry as Dust until Monday.  We have been really dry for the past couple of months...as one walked you could literally hear the grass crunch beneath your feet. The rain .  Monday!

Most of the time.....not a dry eye in the house.  Just thinking about #1 daughter's health situation moves me to tears everyday

5. How often do you frequent the dry cleaners? Starch or no starch?

Actually told hub on Monday that I needed to go to the dry cleaners.  Honestly can't remember the last time I have been to the dry cleaners.  Hold the starch

6. What's a food or beverage you enjoy that's named for a place?

Coffee or Java....named after the island Java in Indonesia

7. Do you need solitude?

Yes....just to collect my thoughts.   With the day to day list of do's, I need to just be by myself.  When I take the time to recharge, I am a much better person mentally.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

This past weekend was my community's celebration....Apple Festival.  It was HOT!  Someone said it was the hottest Apple Festival weekends in 60 years.  The vendors and crafters were thrilled with the weather...A great crowd.

September is going by way too fast for me.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Thursday (September 22) is the first official day of autumn in this part of the world...how will you welcome the season? I know some of you have been celebrating way too early, but it's official now so permission granted. House Beautiful recently listed ten ways to make your home smell like fall (you can read the list here) What's a scent you love this time of year and how will you add it to your home?


I love caramel apple scent.  Burning a candle is the best way to permeate this scent throughout my home.  BUT I might just make some caramel apples this weekend...it is Apple Festival Time in Chilhowie!

2. Apple pie or pumpkin pie? Apple cake or pumpkin bread? Warm apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte?

Apple pie but you can skip the ice cream.

3. Do you suffer from what is sometimes referred to as an afternoon slump? What helps ward it off before it hits and/or tell us what helps you shake it off once it's here?

Some days I suffer.....these are when I just usually sit down to catch my breath or I tried to watch a television show in the afternoon.  

What Helps?

OR

4. Ladies-how have your friendships with women inspired you or made you a better person? For the men here today- how have your friendships with men inspired you or made you a better person?

The older I get, the more I realize how important friendships are.  I feel lucky to remain close to some of my college friends.  Yes these friendships have made me a better person.  Friendships with women have given me more confidence and encouragement when needed, comfort when needed, and an ear to listen to my problems and accomplishment

5. Are you a people pleaser? If you said yes, do you think that's a good or bad thing? If you said no, do you wish you were more of a people pleaser?

Yes...and it is both (to me) a good thing and a bad thing.  I most definitely need to find a balance between helping others and taking care of myself.   BUT I feel guilty when saying 'no'.
On the other hand, I don't like confrontations or disagreements so I try to smooth things over by offering another perspective/insight on a situation.

6. The seasons are a-changin'...share a favorite song relating in some way to change (not necessarily seasonal change, it could be change of any kind).

'A Change Will Do You Good' by Sheryl Crow

7. What do you wish would never change?

My daughters....I hope thy will continue to love the Lord, be kind, thoughtful, and caring forever.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's changed in your life, home, or community since your last birthday?

From July 3rd till now....

Life has thrown us another curve ball.....last May #1 daughter did not get the best heart check-up...I know a long time from May (2016) to March (2017) for next appointment.  I have days that I cry and  cry and cry...but a friend (my sorority sister ) said the long  time between the next appointment  just gives us all more time to cover her in prayers.  So when I feel a tear coming on...I do shed some, but I also whisper a prayer for my daughter.

My home has changed because I moved!!  

My community has not changed still a quiet little town until a home football game and one would think it is the NFL playing.

2. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like/listen to classical music? If so what's a favorite piece and/or who is a favorite composer?

No....I did when both daughters played the piano.  I could always tell the kind of day daughters had by the song choice they played on the piano.  I miss those days!

3. Besides The Bible, what's a book that has positively changed your life, relationships, career, or perspective? How so?

Well, I came across this book when moving...

Read this book a long time ago.  I thumbed the book and found little side notes I had made..now I know why I have kept this book for so long.  A good upbeat book that can raise one's spirit.

4. I read (here) these ten hobbies will make you smarter...play a musical instrument, read voraciously, meditate regularly, work out your brain (puzzles, sudoku, board games, etc), exercise often, learn a new language, write your feelings down (blog, journal, just write), travel to new places, cook different kinds of meals, participate in sports actively

Are any on this list your current hobbies? Which hobby on the list would you be most inclined to try?

I do read voraciously, exercise on Monday evenings for 2 hours, and write my feelings down.  I use to play a musical instrument many years ago.

Most incline to try....

5. What sports traditions does your family have?

No sports traditions here  :(  

6. In a few words, weigh in on the current football/National Anthem brouhaha. Keep it family friendly please.

RESPECT....is what is lacking.  Many years ago, I would play the song RESPECT for my students.  This was all I wanted in the classroom and in return would RESPECT each student as well.
Respect our country.

7. Where do you have loads of patience, and where do you most lack patience?

A pat on the back here...I have patience with hub.  When I see hub becoming agitated, I use a calming voice and try to smooth things over....patience.
I lack patience with trying to communicate with someone on the phone (Internet help, settling a claim, etc.) I have caught myself saying....left foot, right foot, breathe...repeat.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Still enjoying the warm nights.

Hello There

Hello There!

I have been a tensy bit busy--yes I am retired but....life gets busy some days.

Last week  I worked as a kindergarten teacher for three days!!  Going from 8th grade to kindergarten...now that is a plunge!  Hats off to all kindergarten teachers.  I did enjoy the three days, but I was exhausted.

Finally getting use to my new surroundings....when moving and trying to find where I have I put things...this is a chore!

I haven't gotten back into my walking.  Last night, I told myself today would be the day.  Guess what?  didn't happen...so maybe tomorrow BUT when I looked at my calendar it is jammed packed from 9-4 and then at 6:30 I have a meeting to attend.  I do want to get back in the swing of walking because I do feel better but I can't seem to get back in the groove.


Like to introduce all to the newest member of our family:

Meet Molly....this is #1 daughter's Yorkie...and the cutest 'little thing'. Trying to talk hub into me having one....one day.

Until next time...

Enjoy your week and Enjoy Life!