Wednesday Hodgepodge

A big thanks to you, Joyce for these questions.


1. What's your favorite meal to serve on a chilly autumn evening?

Some kind of  soup-homemade soup.  I also make-vegetables (any kind of vegetables) and put Mrs. Dash -I hope this is right anyway I think it is Ms.Dash-a seasoning in the pot while the vegetables are cooking--this is real good to have on a cool autumn evening.




2. Are you a creature of habit? Explain.
I think so.  My morning routine-shower, coffee, and get dressed for the day.  I do this 6 days a week-Saturday I just head for the coffee pot before I shower.  I complain that I sometimes am in a rut so a little vacation is needed, and  I go off schedule but once back home it is the same ole routine.  I need my habit or schedule that I can rely on.  Just because I am a creature of habit doesn't mean I have to be this way forever--Retirement is coming!!!




3. What food product (no longer readily available) do you remember and miss from days gone by?
Candy--Mars Candy Bars and Mallo Cups also I remember the candy cigarettes especially the kind with chewing gum.




4. What's something you've lost that you've never been able to find? Any theories as to what happened?
My engagement ring-

I was watching #2 daughter play basketball.  After the game, I went to the mall and then to Starbucks.  It was at Starbucks when I realized I didn't have my ring.  I called the school the next day, but no one had found the ring.  Even though Charlie bought me another one, nothing can take the place of that 'special' ring.


5. Zoo~circus~ carnival...your favorite?
Carnival----I love the thrill of the rides and all the fattening foods!




6. What song makes you feel instantly happy?
"Don't Worry Be Happy"--it is not so much the song as the association I have with it.  My dad use to whistle this song as he and I were riding through town in his truck.  It doesn't get much better than that.

I choose:
http://youtu.be/8E8xMcXmI9E


7. To what extent are you an argumentative person?
Rarely-unless I am 100% sure.  I stir clear of arguments; I prefer smooth sailing.




8. Insert your own random thought here
Still enjoying summer temps in my neck of the woods!!!  Oh Yeah-Baby!
Enjoy your day.

Happy Hippo The Lion Sleeps Tonight

I Am From.......

I am from a small town.  The town was booming in the 70's until the major plant-OLIN was shut down by the EPA--dumping mercury into the river.  Saltville is known as the Salt Capital of the Confederacy.

I am from the time when our only toy was a can -that is if you were lucky enough to find one and our favorite game to play at night was ---kick the can.  No need to worry about cars coming down the road because weren't that many cars.  I am from a time when laughter was heard in the streets till the wee hours of the morning.  I am from neighbors helping each other with all chores-from mowing grass to spring cleaning houses.

I am from the never ending rose bushes which  scratched  my body as I tried to catch a ball being thrown. From the fragrance of flowers blooming everywhere.

I am from walking to church on Sunday morning and Sunday evening.  I am from celebrating a Church Homecoming picnic with all the country fixins--nothing store bought and listening to stories and music all evening and night.  

I am from a small family, but one who valued family traditions-from visiting my great-grandparents on Sunday and eating homemade blackberry jam peanut butter sandwiches-which was a real treat to eating breakfast on Saturdays with my grandparents -gravy biscuits and smelling coffee-and then watching mamow crumble up a biscuit to put in her coffee.

From watching men kill pigs a couple of days before Thanksgiving-hearing the squealing and gun shots to seeing other men kill chickens for Sunday dinner. Then all neighbors gathering at one house to work in the sausage for canning and plucking the chickens-listening to the talk and laughter of all with no television blaring in the background.

I am from a Christian family-who attended church on Sunday mornings, evenings, and Wednesday prayer meeting.  Nothing else was planned on these days-not even a drive through a country.  Family who spent the day worshiping  Jesus Christ.

I’m from a small town whose family always had soup beans and cornbread (or a slice of bread).  Who enjoyed having an oyster fry for extended families on special occasions -or no particular reason at all. 

From watching my father teach my mother how to drive to watching him also teach my mamow.  From learning that hard work does pay off and to never give up.  From watching my dad work (Olin) to coming home and then having a hobby-he drove 15 miles to our farm.  Watching him love doing farm work, feeding the cattle, setting/cutting tobacco, planting strawberries, bailing hay and never complaining about the work he was doing.

I am from a family who puts family first.  One who believes in hard work and helping others when bad luck does strike.  A family who takes pride in their faith. A family that believes --behind every cloud is a silver lining.  

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!