Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. How did you meet your significant other? If you don't have a significant other, tell us how you met your best friend. 

Hub and I met in 1979 at a softball game.  Softball was a 'big thing' in the late 70s early 80s.  My dad and I went to a softball game (they also had the best hotdogs EVER).  Charlie, my late hub, kept staring at me.  I told my dad ,"That boy keeps looking at me."  Dad said for me not to look at him.  A couple of weeks later, Charlie called me.  At first, Charlie thought my dad was my boyfriend because my dad never looked his age.  After that first date, it was all love at first sight!!  We were happily married 37 years before he passed. 

2. It's Department Store Day (October 16)...do you still shop in department stores? If not do you ed miss that kind of shopping experience? Do you have a favorite department store? Any fun memories of department store shopping when you were a child? 

My favorite department store was JCPenney or Macy's.  I miss department store shopping or just plain ole window shopping. A fun memory was during Christmas going to the department stores and looking at all the windows decorated for Christmas.The only department store that is around here is Wal-Mart.  I miss shopping at the depI artment stores like Macy's, Sears, etc. 

 4. What's your favorite nut and is there a favorite recipe where this nut is used? 

I have two favorites nuts...pecan and almond.  I make pecan balls which uses only 4 ingredients....flour, sugan, pecans, and butter.  

5. On Wednesday we officially reach the '70 days until Christmas' mark. Have you purchased any gifts? If you don't celebrate Christmas then how about Hanukkah presents? 

I have not purchased any Christmas gifts and won't till after Thanksgiving.  I think Thanksgiving gets a bum rap and I like to celebrate Thanksgiving.

On the other hand, when I got home from school yesterday, there were huge boxes on my porch.  I knew I had not ordered anything.  I contacted daughter and she had a few of the Christmas presents for the boys shipped here.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

My grandson, Nate is on fall break.  They all went to Pigeon Forge.  They left Sunday and took their dogs to their dog sitter.  The dog sitter tried calling me Monday night, but I was at a meeting and had my phone on silent.  When I got home, I saw she had tried calling me.  She had gotten hold of Kenneth.  Champ, their dog, was sick.  Kenneth drove back to Chilhowie, then to Blountville to the vet.  Emily called me early Tuesday morning telling me Champ had passed.  Champ was very sick this summer and he spent many nights at Virginia Tech at the vet hospital.  The vet wanted to put Champ down, but Kenneth just couldn't agree to it.  The boys are devastated, especially Aiden.  He was very close to Champ.  They are coming home on Thursday and I know it will really hit them then.  And I am worried about Sadie, the other dog, she and Champ grew up together. Please keep them in your prayers.  Dogs are part of our family.

Aiden with Champ.

Have a great week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Thursday is National Walk To A Park Day. I know these celebratory days are mostly made up, but some are fun to think about. Do you live close enough to a park to walk to one on Thursday? Will you? The most famous park in the world is Central Park located in NYC. Have you ever been to Central Park? What did you think? If you haven't been is this a place you'd like to see? 

I live about 30 minutes away from a park, Hungry Mother's State Park and the Creeper Trail.  Also, there is a walking park about 3 minutes away from me.  In the summer, I go to the walking park.  I will not walk on Thursday because of a high school football game.  Yes, on a Thursday night because of not being able to find enough referees . 

I have been to New York City several times but have never been to Central Park.  Maybe one day I can go. 

2. Something you've done recently that turned out to be a 'walk in the park'? 

Digging up my potatoes.  Because of the dry, hot summer, my garden was almost a wipe out.  A friend used his tractor to dip up the potatoes.  Last year, it was some work, turning the potatoes over by hand  to let them dry.  Not this year, it was a 'walk in the park' because I didn't have that many.

3. Can you parallel park? Do you have to do this often where you live? 

I CANNOT parallel park!!!  I have to do this often, BUT I won't.  I drive around till I can find a place to just pull in.

4. The colors of fall...red, brown, russet, golden bronze, golden yellow, purplish red, light tan, crimson, orange red, and scarlet. Are these colors you like to wear? Is this your season in terms of color? What about your home? Would we see these tones in your home decorating? 

Most of these colors I wear...red, brown, russet, golden bronze, golden yellow, light tan, crimson, orange red, and scarlet, and I like wearing these colors.  The color of this season is beautiful. I always tell myself, fall is when God gets out his paintbrush and paints the mountains.  

In my home, I do have light tan and golden yellow walls.  I have crimson rugs and scarlet pillows. I have been wanting to change some wall colors but just haven't had a chance yet.

5. What part of history do you find most interesting? Elaborate. 

I find the Holocaust interesting. 

My aunt was a  Jew.  My uncle (on my mother's side) met her during the war; they were married and lived in Baltimore. I can remember listening to her stories she often told me during the summers when I went to Baltimore.

Teaching the Holocaust to my students, is my type of literature. I always tell my students studying the lives and struggles of my students helps us appreciate culture and ideas. History repeats itself and helps us learn a lesson.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Many people have shown up to help others this past week.  There are still roads that are impassable, but we have been in school on a 2hr. delay schedule.  Students need to feel some normalcy in their life.  

I mentioned to my Sunday School Class on Sunday, that most have all they need at the moment.  I am concerned about the future. It is almost like a death.  All show up at the beginning, but a couple of weeks later the need is still there and no one helps. And we have to remember these people have lost EVERYTHING!!!  They still have no where to live!  We need to think about the long term needs...blankets, warmer clothes, and little children have lost their favorite stuffed animal..so we plan on doing something around Thanksgiving.

There has been another ripple in the pond.  My principal resigned the first of October.  No one knew or saw this coming....so we (teachers) are trying to survive.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Hey, it's October...what's one fun thing on your October calendar? 

A few things are on my calendar....attending a wedding, wine festival, and a fall festival.

2. Thursday is National Poetry Day (first Thursday in October)...do you like to read poetry? If so, what's a favorite poem, or whose poetry do you especially enjoy? 6

Yes, I like to read poetry.  I enjoy Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and my favorite poem is " A Psalm of Life'.   I can relate to this poem because life is real (not a dream), live in the present (not so much the past or future), life is precious do not waste it, and strive to leave a positive impact on the world. 

3. Tell us about something you've seen recently that could be described as 'poetry in motion'. 

A few weeks ago, I went to a high school football game.  The quarterback threw and the ball and the receiver caught the ball. It was definitely 'poetry in motion.'  After the game, I told the receiver he should insure his hands like Tina Turner insured her legs.  He had no idea who I was talking about. lol

4. What's one song on your autumn playlist? Do you have an autumn playlist? If not, pretend you do. If yes, then feel free to share more than one. 

"October Road" by James Taylor and "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young.  AND who can forget "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire.

5.Share a quote that inspires you this time of year especially. 

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree". by Emily Bronte

6.Insert your random thought.

This past weekend was our Apple Festival.  AND the hurricane came!! I had friends coming in Friday for the festival activities.  For the FIRST time in 70 years, the parade and band competitions were cancelled.  Out of 83 vendors, 60 cancelled.  My friends and I did go to the festival and to listen to the band, Phatom later that Saturday evening.  Many people complained that the festival was still happening, BUT there were others who were so glad that the festival continued; they were able to grab a bite to eat and just get out of the house.

My friends made it back home safely on Sunday.

But on my the devastation my community has endured.  Many places are completely wiped away. Schools have been closed.  My church has welcomed people to come and take a shower and get a hot meal.  On Monday, before 3pm over 40 people had come in for showers!  On Tuesday, I went to school to help serve hot meals to residents that could get out.  We served breakfast and dinner. We also offered to wash clothes for people who were desperately in need for clean clothes and we opened up the Panther Parlor for the ones who needed some toiletries and clothes. Many people are still without electricity and water.  Some of my friends still can't believe I choose to live here.  It is a small, rural area, BUT in times like this, I am so grateful.  People pull together to help each person. I have seen people use their own chainsaws to help cut down trees, travel to Bluefield, West Virginia to get water (water is very scarce here).  Roads are completely washed away in a lot of areas and bridges are completely gone.

During this, I never lost electricity or water.  I thank God daily for this.  FEMA is here and helping out. Please continue to pray .

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Something that's had you 'chuffed to bits' recently? 

The Apple Festival!!!  Decorating the town is complete, the field is lined for all the vendors, people know what is expected of them ---which station to supervise, judges for beauty pageant is complete!!!!  

This huge task is coming together nicely!!

2. Tell us about an instance recently where you were tempted to 'throw a wobbly' (expression used to describe tantrums thrown, usually by adults or people who should know better) 

Just the other day when a sixth grader asked me for the 20th time something that I had already explained and given more than enough examples to complete the task!!!

3. Something everyone seems to love but is not your 'cuppa tea'? 

Starbucks.  Their coffee is just not my 'cuppa tea'.  I think it is too strong for me.

4. Fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding...which entree would you choose? Yes, you have to choose. 

Love me some fish and chips!!

5. Something you want for your birthday this year? 

My birthday was two months ago...just smooth sailing...no drama, no political controversy

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Finally, received some MUCH needed rain yesterday!!!  Many farmers are having to buy hay because of the drought we are experiencing.  For the first time in THREE years, I was unable to grow pumpkins for my grandsons because of the hot summer and drought! ugh!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. When the Hodgepodge lands on September 11th I want to acknowledge that. Will you purposely pause to remember, pray, or attend any sort of ceremony on 9/11? Share any thoughts or memories you'd like to share about this day. 

I will most definitely pause and say a prayer.  No ceremonies happening in my area to remember September 11th, and this makes me sad.

I vividly remember this day.  I was at school and was having to go out of town that evening for a conference.  When I first heard of the attack, I was scared, furious, worried, and so sad.  All TVs were cut off in our classrooms (per principal).  This made me more apprehensive!!  Teachers were taking turns going to the teacher lounge to see what was going on.  My principal had us still go on our out of town conference.  Thankful, we had rooms because since all airports were shut down no one had a room.  All food places were closed.  The chaos in the hotel lobby was something I will never forget.  The night was so quiet and eerie.  

2. Growing up, did you spend a lot of time with your grandparents? What's something you learned from a grandparent? 

I spent a lot of time with my grandparents.  My father's mom and dad lived very close to us.  She was such a wise woman and a very Christian lady.  In the summer, I traveled to Baltimore to spend time with my mother's mother. 

I learned a lot from both.  From my dad's mom, I learned Christian values, to laugh at my mistakes, and to not gossip. I learned the history of my family and much emotional support.

From my mother's mom, I learned survival skills.  She would tell me about the Great Depression and how one needs to know what to do in case this happens again.

3. What's your go-to breakfast?

I do not eat breakfast; usually just coffee.  I could eat breakfast at 10am, that would make me happy!

4. Tell us the story behind one of your favorite photos. 

 

My lap and heart were full!!  With the 2020 scare, holding the twins and touching Blake was my favorite moment.

During the Coach against game, players chose a member to play for.  This young man chose my late husband.

My beautiful daughters.

5. This week Friday lands on the 13th. Are you superstitious in any way? Do you like scary movies, and if so what's your favorite? 

I am kinda superstitious....going in and out the same door, black cat crossing in front of me, breaking a mirror, etc. are just a few.  I use to like scary movies but living alone NOPE!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Monday was Grand Slam Lunch with your Grandparent at my grandson's school.  It was also bookfair!  Yep, who buys the grandparent.  I went and enjoyed lunch with Blake and of course spent some money on books!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Something you're working on currently? 

Currently working on two things right now!  One, I am trying to clean off my garden.  My garden didn't do so well in this summer with the heat and very little rain.  BUT, I can't control the weather.  Number Two...I am Vice-President of the Apple Festival.  This is a festival that happens at the end of September for three days!!  We have inside exhibits (flower show, baking, canning, art, and photography will be all inside), train rides, a parade, and 83 vendors!  It is a lot of work but is worth it.

2. Tell us something about your first job? Was it a positive or negative experience for you? Did your parents insist you work while in school (either high school or college) or did you work because you wanted to? 

My first job was working in a factory while in college.  It was an experience, believe me!!  I knew there was no way I wanted to do this type of work for the rest of my life.  My parents didn't really insist on me getting a job, but they recommended it.  It was neither too positive or negative....let me just say, I learned a lot!!

3. Have you ever had a job that required overnight travel? How did you feel about that? Have you ever had a job that required you to wear a uniform? Do you work better in the morning or at night? 

My job doesn't require overnight travel.  However, I have had to be a presenter at a Reading Conference.  This would require overnight travel.  I really didn't mind this because after the conference we would go out to eat and of course do some shopping.  The difficult part was sneaking stuff I had bought into the house!  Never had to wear an uniform at my job.  I am a little of both when it comes to working in the morning or night.  If I have had a really rough day, then there is no way I can work at night. I would set my alarm clock an hour early and finish my work then. 

4. What's something you bake or cook that is labor intensive? Is it worth it? 

I would say my apple dumplings.  Yes, it is worth it to me and to my family.

5. One thing you're looking forward to in the month of September? 

I have out of town guests (4 maybe 5 girls....two from Roanoke, one from Richmond, one from Boston and one from Bristol).  I can't wait!!  I am trying to prepare food needs and what nots.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

These cute three boys had a football game Saturday.  It was hot!!  AND they played at 1:00pm!!  My cousin's hub took them in his office to cool off and I followed!!  Why do they play in the hottest part of the day?  To me, they should play at 9:00am!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. What is one cliche you think is nonsense? What's one you think holds truth? 

It goes without saying is one I think is nonsense.

Every cloud has a silver lining is one that holds truth.

2. What's the last thing you broke and how did it happen? 

No body parts, YET!!! I am so clumsy and with getting older, I am more clumsy than ever.

The last thing I broke was a picture frame.  Glass shattered everywhere and was a mess to clean up.

3. Are you a fan of s'mores? Have you had a s'more this summer? Last thing you ate that you wanted to ask for 's'more of'? 

I am a fan of s'mores but haven't had one this summer  :((

I had a meeting after school on Monday and didn't get home till 7:30!!  I was so hungry!  AND when I got home a package had arrived.  I had ordered the twins a grill with all the stuff.  There Were  34 pieces to assemble.  I cannot put stuff like this together even though I do read the directions.  A friend came and helped. He brought me a paw paw.  I have never eaten one.  It was delicious.  Maybe I was so hungry, I don't know, but boy I wished for s'more of them because it was close to 10pm when all was assembled.

4. A mode of transportation you've never tried? Will you someday? 

Traveling by train.  I would like to travel by train one day.

5. Believe it or not, next week's Hodgepodge lands in a brand new month. What's your happiest memory from the month we're bidding adieu? 

Seeing the fresh faces of my students.  AND a few of my previous 8th graders have e-mailed me saying how much they miss my class and are grateful for me making them write.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Seems like my little community can't get a break!  First, it was a policeman being shot and killed and NOW a prominent member of my community (Vice-Chairman of the School Board, President of the Touchdown Club, and a volunteer to many athletic events) has been arrested and charged by the FBI. Such a heart break for our community. I hope and pray the cliche doesn't hold true...Things come in THREES!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life