Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 


From this Side of the Pond
1. What's something small you tend to sweat even though you know you shouldn't? 

NOTHING!!!  I sweat the small stuff and the big stuff!

2. October 17th is National Pasta Day...do you like pasta? What's your favorite? Cooked at home or eaten in your favorite Italian restaurant? How often do you make/eat pasta? 

I do like pasta and I love eating at Mama Mia's.  I rarely make pasta at home.

3. Do you consider yourself a spontaneous person? Explain. 

Kinda!!  It depends on my mood.  Occasionally, I am ready to jump in and take a trip at the last moment, but then there are times when I just turn down an invitation. Years ago, there would be absolutely no way I would pick up and just take a trip.  The house would have had to be cleaned, schedules made, clothes picked out way in advance, etc.  The older I get, I find myself more spontaneous because life is getting shorter.

4. Who are some of your heroes? Tell us why. 

The first person that came to mind was Mother Teresa.  There have been many famous heroes in history...Lincoln, Martin Luther King, etc.  But I think the everyday heroes get lost some in the shuffle...firefighters, police, EMS risk their life trying to save others and this day and time they probably don't know what they are actually walking into.

I also consider a single moI m a heroes.  There are many single moms who are working trying to provide for the family the best way she can. Some of the moms go without so the children can have.  I know we see the bad side of this situation on the news, but there are still good moms out there trying.

5. Let's wrap it up with something light...Taylor Swift...are you a fan? On a scale of 1-10 how much so? (1=who's Taylor?, 10=a true Swiftie, seen her in concert more than once). If you're a fan what's your favorite T. Swift song? 

 I am a 5 when it comes to Taylor Swift.  "Cruel Summer" would be my favorite.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Because of grandkids living with me, my house is getting to look like Halloween!




Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 


From this Side of the Pond

1. What's something that scares you? 

The future of our world.  I am scared of the type of world my precious grandsons will be growing up in.

2. Do you care where the food you eat comes from? To what degree? 

I care where my food comes from.  I put out a garden this year, and I didn't put a lot of chemicals on my plants to keep the insects away.  I am leery of the fresh veggies I purchase at a grocery store.  When it comes to meat, I am not much of a meat eater and I don't want to eat meat that is grown in a lab.  I buy eggs from a teacher and I know this is okay.  To what degree I would say about an 8 or 9.  I do care where my food comes from.  We (teachers and I) were just talking about this the other day about how girls are maturing faster than when we were their age.  We concluded it is the food they eat!

3. What's something you wish you'd spent more time doing when you were younger? 

Writing down the stories my grandmother and father-in-law told me.

4. Let's play autumn this or that....pumpkin spice or apple cider? Corn maze or haunted house? Horror film or Hallmark movie? Blanket or sweatshirt? Watch football or watch the World Series? Foilage-red, yellow or orange? 

Apple cider, haunted house, horror film (if I am with someone) Hallmark movies make me cry, a cozy blanket, football, and orange foliage!

5. This time last year where were you and what were you doing? 

Last year, teaching where I am now.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Well, we have survived the pink-eye and stomach buy so far.  I told my daughter, "Welcome to Kindergarten!"


Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 




1. It's officially fall y'all. In the northern hemisphere anyway. Any signs of it where you are? What's your favorite thing about this time of year? 

There have been some signs of fall; the daylight is getting shorter and the nights are getting a little cooler.

2. Have you visited any 'falls' in person? Tell us about one of your favorites? Of the following top ten famous falls (according to this site ) which would you most like to see in person-

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia), Igazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil), Niagara Falls (US/Canada), Angel Falls (Venezuela), Yosemite Falls (California), Dettifoss (Iceland) Kaieteur Falls (Guyana), Plitvice Waterfalls (Croatia), Gullfoss-Golden Falls (Iceland), or Sutherland Falls (New Zealand)

I would stay in the United States and visit Yosemite Falls in California.

3. What's something you'll miss about summer? 

Sitting outside.  I am an outside person and I dread staying inside a lot.

4. A favorite fall recipe?

It would have to be chili.  I really don't have a recipe for this just add stuff that I like to make chili.

5. Something you enjoy but lately have allowed it to 'fall by the wayside'? 

Reading.  I have been so busy lately, I haven't had time to do much reading.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This weekend was the Apple Festival.  I worked Thursday evening hanging up art work, collecting can food, crafts, and bake goods.  Friday morning back at it to open up for the judges. Saturday was the big parade and son-in-law were hooking up the Queens' float bby 6:30am. Sunday, there was Cowboy Church at 10am and then the vendors and crafters opened up.  The weather couldn't have been better.  Temps were in the low 70s which was perfect. 




The boys were awarded ribbons (1st and 2nd place) for their pumpkins that I helped them grow.
A busy weekend, but I enjoyed it so much!!
Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 



From this Side of the Pond

1. If your life had a theme song for this past year what would it be?

"Livin on a Prayer" 

2. Chocolate cake, chocolate milkshake, chocolate ice cream, chocolate truffle, chocolate mousse, chocolate candy bar or a fudgy chocolate brownie...of the chocolate treats listed, which one is your favorite? Which one have you tasted most recently? Or maybe you don't like chocolate???

A chocolate candy bar is my favorite treat.  Most recently ate a chocolate candy bar, think it was just an ole plain Hershey's .  I know I am weird/strange , but I think the others taste too chocolate. 

3. What has surprised you recently? 

That I am surviving the 'extra' people living in my house.

4. September 19th is National Voter Registration Day in the US. Are you registered to vote in whatever state or country you happen to live in right now? If not, why not? Not counting a political race, what's something you've had to vote on recently? 

I am a registered voter. This was something my father highly encouraged me to do.  I can still hear his words, "Little Girl (no matter my age, I was still his 'little girl'), if you don't vote, don't complain."  

I recently voted in our school's SCA elections.

5. Do you like to hike? If so, when's the last time you went hiking and where'd ya go? If you're not a hiker are you a walker? Is walking (for exercise, etc.) part of your daily/weekly routine? 

I am not a hiker, but a walker.  I enjoy walking outside, and I really try to get some walking in everyday.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Praying the weather is nice for the Apple Festival this weekend.  It usually is so hot you can't stand to walk around and enjoy it or it rains.

My late hub was the parade marshall in 2018.




Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Wednesday Hodgepodge

From this Side of the Pond

1. Did you watch any coverage of the 9/11 services on Monday? How do you feel on this day some 22 years after the events occurred? Share more if you want to share more. 

I was unable to watch any of the 9/11 services.  Even after 22 years, I know exactly where I was on this day and what I was doing.  After 22 years, I still feel sad and heartbroken that this happened to our country.  This is a day that should never be forgotten.  We should always be grateful for the men and women who serve our country and the men and women who are members of the rescue teams, medical teams, police officers, etc.


2. September 13th is National Peanut Day...do you like peanuts? Your favorite dish that contains peanuts? 

Love peanuts.  I do not fix a dish containing peanuts.  My cousin, who comes over for special occasions or just pops in to watch football, is EXTREMELY allergic to peanuts.  When eating peanuts, I am by't  myself late at night, then I make sure I wipe all counters off...spic and span!  

3. Something you're currently 'nuts' about? 

Grandchildren! and UT Football!

4. Your favorite Peanuts character? There are several quizzes online if you're curious...I took two and got the same character for both so I'm sure it's accurate lol. (Click here for the link)

My quiz says...Charlie Brown.  Pretty accurate for me; I do cheer on my friends and care about them deeply.  

5. Tell us about a job you worked 'for peanuts'? 

My first thought...my current job, but I love teaching.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Next week is Apple Festival time so I have been busy this week preparing for all the festivities.  I think (?) this is the 63rd Annual Event. Praying for nice weather.


Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 


From this Side of the Pond

1. It's National Read A Book Day...whatcha' reading? What's a book you want to read? 

The book I am reading is Sharp Objects.  A book I would like to read is House of Cotton.

2. Which is better...having high expectations or low expectations? Explain why. 

 In my opinion, having high expectations is better.  Having expectations helps me to push myself and this gives me motivation to complete a task or an assignment.  I also think having high expectations boosts self-confidence.

3. Serenity is________________________. lacking in my household right now. (refer to random thought)

4. What's  the most interesting thing in your purse or pocket right now? 

I carry a flashlight in my purse.  I am blaming this on aging, but I have a hard time seeing in the dark now.  I miss a step and fall or can't find the sidewalk so I carry a flashlight.

5. What helps you calm down? 

If the weather is nice, I like to sit outside and do absolutely nothing.  Or I will listen to contemporary music to help calm me down.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My daughter and hub sold their house quicker than they thought....so they have all moved in with me.  I went from being by myself for five years to having two extra adults, three children, and two dogs!  Talk about a change...it sure is. They are building a house.  The land is purchased and the blueprints have been sent to the contractor. I am thankful the weather is still nice because I need to find my peace by going outside.

I have been enjoying the company of a male friend.  Daughter is treating me like a teenager.  When the fellow comes over, daughter sits with us.  It is kinda funny.  She seems to like this fellow and is happy for me, but she wants to know where we are going.  It is like she is the mother and I am the child.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life.

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 


From this Side of the Pond

1. What's your earliest memory?

The first thought was having birthday parties at my house.  Nothing was very elaborate (like today) , but playing games in the backyard and having cake while all sang is my earliest memory. 

2. What's something about you today that the old you would find surprising? 

I speak up for myself by saying , "No."  The old me, very rarely said this word when it came to being asked to do something.  

3. Do you like to fish? Are you a fish eater? Favorite fish (to eat)? Favorite way to prepare fish? 

I do not like to fish; it is too boring for me.  I am a fish eater, and I love most fish especially grouper and tilapia.  Hub use to grill tilapia and grouper on the grill.

4. What's your biggest first world problem? 

Not being able to speak to a person!!!  I despise talking to an answering machine when I need to talk to a representative.  I am the person yelling into the phone..."I would like to speak to a representative!"

5. What one word would you use to describe your year thus far? 

I have to use two words:

Productive:  I was able to get some much needy stuff done around the house.

Chaos:  The remainder of the year will be like this.  I will explain more in my random thought.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My daughter and her hub put their lake house up for sale August 1st.  They have bought another piece of property and have met with a contractor to start building.  Their house sold quickly and had to be completely moved out on August 20th!!!.

I went from living by myself (for 5 years) to five extra people and two dogs!!  Her oldest son just started kindergarten and is attending the same school he registered in (45 min away).  They have been looking for a place to rent, but most places are extremely high when you have pets.  They are all living with me!!  Blake, their oldest son, said, "Mamaw it will be for 180 days."  

180 days of love, adventure, and chaos!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you think you're driven more by curiosity or comfort? Explain.  I am driven by curiosity.  I need to understand things and find ou...