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.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Giving a high five to Joyce for continuing the questions!!  

 1. Five years ago this month hubs and I relocated from New Jersey to the Palmetto State. What were you doing five years ago this month?

Five years ago this month (This Saturday to be exact), I was dealing with a bride.  My youngest daughter was getting married, and boy she was so hateful, irritable, bossy, etc. Hub use to tell me that I cry in church (thinking about her wedding) and the minute we get home, daughter and I were at each other's throat.  Shew!!  I am glad that day is behind me.

2. What was the last 9-5 job you worked? Tell us about it.

I have never worked a 9-5 job.  I did a few odd jobs during the summer while in college, but they were 7-3.  Being a teacher, I had to be at school by 8:45 -3:45 unless you had bus duty or other duties.

3. Plead the fifth, high five, take five, it's five o'clock somewhere, or the big 5-0...which number five phrase relates to your life in some way currently? Tell us how.

I will have to go with...take five.  I have always been one that when I start something I did not want to take any breaks until whatever I was doing was finished.  Now, (I am  chalking this up to age ), I will begin something, but take more that a few 'take fives'. And I realize that whatever I was doing, gets done!
Here lately, it has been five o'clock somewhere!!

4. During this season of spending so much time at home, what distractions get in the way of being your most productive? Or have you been extra productive since this whole thing started?

I must admit, I haven't been much distracted.  When this season began, I whined and floated through my days.  Soon after, I kicked my body and mind into high gear.  My entire house has been thoroughly cleaned....baseboards, windows, blinds, walls, light fixtures, floors. The outside house was power washed and I just finished staining my deck.  Ultimately, I feel pleased.  But I think I have been looking for things to do to keep me busy.

5. Give us a list here of your top five anything.

1. Going to church in person (we wear our mask, social distancing in place, and our pastor asks that families sit together on the same row)

2. My family 

3. Being able to finally see and hold my grandsons (even though it has been over a month since then)

4. Reading my devotions

5. Going to exercise class

6. Insert your own random thought here.

School begins virtual for my county on Thursday.  Teachers have been working extremely hard  and putting in long hours to make sure technology will be up and running.  

Until next time....Keep on Keepin On and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. August 12th is National Middle Child Day...are you a middle child? If not, where in your family do you fall in terms of birth order? Do you hold true to the typical characteristics of oldest-middle-youngest-only child? (a quick list can be found here) Elaborate.

I am the oldest sibling. I do spend more time with older adults and I am very conscientious. I do have a tendency to be bossy, and I am definitely a worrier.

2. Tell us about a time you felt like (or you actually were) in the middle of nowhere.

Years ago when youngest daughter was playing college basketball, our GPS really took us in the middle of nowhere!  Hub always put in the shortest route.  We were literally driving on a one way mountain, and there were only few houses, which were scattered miles apart.  My behind was eating a hole in the seat.  I wish I could remember where we were heading to that day, but I guess it is a memory I don't want to remember!

3. What's something you're smack in the middle of currently?

I can't think of anything right now that I am in the middle of.

4. What's a food you love to eat that has something delicious in the middle?

The only food I can think of is steamed crabs!

5. Share a memory from your middle school days, or junior high if that's what your school dubbed kids somewhere between grades 6-8.

My aunt and I were just discussing this the other evening.  A fond memory was having the 'boy of my dreams' (well I thought he was) carrying my books to class as he walked me down the hall.  Not a care in the world.  Today, being a retired middle school teacher, there is too much drama!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Sunday evening I tripped over a stepping stone and landed right on my knee.  Holy Moly!!  Painful.  I have elevated and applied ice but it is still sore (a little more stiff) and swollen.  Getting older...I guess, my body won't bounce back so quickly.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  What's happening where you live in terms of schools opening? How do you feel about it?

Believe it or not....teachers start back today (August 5th) in my county. The students were scheduled to return to school August 10th but that has been pushed to August 20th.  My county is doing a hybrid schedule.  If your last name begins with A- J you are schedule for A days which will be Monday and Thursday and if your last name begins with K-Z you are schedule for B days which will be Tuesday and Friday. There will be no in school instruction on Wednesday.  Wednesday will be used for deep cleaning and remediation.  Parents have a choice to send their children to school or virtual learning.  At first, I was concerned why A days were Monday and Thursday instead of Monday and Tuesday and why B days were Tuesday and Friday.  But after talking to a few other people (school board personnel) I completely understand.  Bruises Heal....I truly understand with some children living at home and the physical and emotional trauma the child has probably had to be a victim of it hasn't been easy for them.  Teachers do more than teach academics; they provide that emotional support that a  child needs.
I am on the fence of sending students back to school.  As a retired teacher, I know students need to return to school and I know teachers want to return to school.  On the other hand, I know teachers who will be using their sick days because their doctor has told him/her it is too risky because of health issues for him/her to return to the classroom.  I know teachers who are scared because they are taking care of their spouse, who has a terminal illness, or taking care of their aging parents.  Man, this is such a difficult decision to make and I pray daily for all school personnel. And for the parents who are struggling with this decision.


2. What's something you still do 'old school'?

I still do not do any banking on-line.  A few years ago, hub and I had our identity stolen.  SHEW!!  what a nightmare.  We had just returned from hub's surgery at Duke and was dealing with his cancer diagnosis only to discover our identity had been stolen.  The IRS was very helpful with our situation.  Because of this, I prefer doing all my banking in person and with a paper copy of everything.  I also will not order anything on-line.  



3. August 4th is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Will you/did you celebrate by baking a batch? Eating a batch? Nuts or no nuts? Homemade or store bought? Soft and chewy or do you prefer your cookie to snap when you bite into it?

No baking chocolate chip cookies for me.  I prefer the cookie to snap when biting it.
But the main reason for not baking any cookies is I am trying to lose a few pounds.  I am a big stress eater and with the quarantine I have eaten much more (not healthy foods/snacks) than I should!!

4. What are you starved for?

I am starved for peace and kindness.  Our world (including all social media) has gotten so ugly.  Just a little bit of kindness can make a peaceful day.  It seems to me that people are wanting to be rude, saying things behind other's back, just wanting to make someone miserable.  Words hurt!
I like smooth sailing and less drama.

5. Anything new and interesting on your August calendar? What is one thing you're looking forward to this month?

Nothing interesting on my calendar for August.  I am just taking life one second at a time.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

With all the negativity on Facebook, I have decided to limit my time on Facebook to only my devotions through my church.  I started this on Saturday and so far I am doing it and surviving!.

Until next time....Keep on Keeping On and Enjoy Life