Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. How do you feel about the transition from lazy summer days to a busier fall routine? 

I am okay with it.  I kinda enjoy the beautiful scenery when the leaves are changing (even though I hate getting up leaves from my big ole tree) and the cooler weather.  Fall means football, and I enjoy watching and going to games.  My word for 2026 was 'boundaries' and fall is a good time for me to decide what deserves my time and what doesn't.  I don't have to say 'yes' to everything. 

2. Your favorite cookie? 

Peanut Butter Blossoms.  Funny how I only eat these at Christmas time.

3. What's something you've learned from a culture different than your own? 

I have a friend, Simone,  in my Bible Group who is from England.  She has lived in America for 5 years.   At first Simone was very reserved or at least that is the way I perceived her. But once she and I got more acquainted, she was very warm. So, her friendliness at first was quieter which is something that I didn't realize.  I show friendliness by smiling and hugging, where she showed friendliness by being reserved.  Of course, she did get me hooked on hot tea!!  I ask a lot of questions, but Simone didn't but she did remember something I had told her earlier.

I learn dry humor is okay and it is okay to laugh at yourself.  Having a cup of of tea is appreciating the ordinary moments.

4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic...which hat would you most like to wear? Tell us why. 

Book critic.  My colleagues and I discuss many books and share our thoughts on each book we read.   I like to give my opinion about a book and support my opinion with examples from the book.  I also like to discuss the author's writing style.  

There is no way I could be a food critic when I rarely cook and I don't know that much about being a film critic.  I love looking at art and visiting museums but really don't understand enough to be an art critic.

5. What's a small, random thing from your childhood that you still remember clearly? 

Sunday dinners after church and going for Sunday afternoon rides.   I love going to my grandmother's after church for Sunday dinner.  Don't ask me how but my grandmother always had a huge spread prepared after church and she attended church. No one took their plate in front of the television and extra table was set out.  We all ate and actually talked and laughed. 

After dinner and all the dishes washed (no dishwasher) and put away we would go for a ride.  Somehow we all piled into the same station wagon and rode for miles and miles with no particular destination in sight. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.   

My Bible Study Group celebrated my birthday (which was in July) and another person's birthday Monday evening.  It was difficult finding a time we could all be together in the summer.

Anyway, we went to Blackbird Bakery and was showered with many gifts.

This is a picture of my grandsons saying their prayers at bedtime with their dog.

A journal I will begin in a few days.

Then we went to play Escape Game.  This is a game where you are put in a room and you try to escape by trying to figure out clues.  You are given hints.  The goal is to escape within an hour.  Did we escape?  NO, but it was so fun!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. August 19th is National Aviation Day...do you like to fly? Last time you were on an airplane? The date is chosen in honor of the history and development of aviation, and celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina? The city of Dayton in Ohio (their birthplace)

I like to fly!  The last time I was on an airplane was April 2026; the grand kids and I flew to Florida.  I will mention, I don't like flying at night because most passengers sleep and the plane is too quiet for me.

It has been at least 23+ years since I have been to Kitty Hawk.  I was a chaperone for a school trip.  I do remember hiking up a sand dune and people could look through one of those pay meters and watch people climb.  I just remember it being hard climbing.  

2. In what area of your life do you tend to 'wing it'? Is this an area you should be winging? 

I can't think of an area of my life when I tend to  'wing it'.  I usually have some plan and think of all the ways to be prepared if my plan falls short.  I am definitely a planner! but can adapt if needed to.

3. A favorite book, song, or movie that relates to flight in some way?  

"Learning to Fly" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and the famous movie, Top Gun.

4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or good old fashioned ice cream...what's your pleasure? Your favorite flavor? How often do you indulge? 

I would like mint-chocolate chip ice cream in a waffle cone please!  I very seldom indulge.

5. I never get tired of______________________. 

Having grand kids spend the night.  There is just special putting them to bed and kissing them good night, and in the morning when waking up hearing, "Good morning, Mamaw."

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Shew!!!  These storms haven't let up!!  It has rained a lot and I mean a lot!!  So ready for the sunshine!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-'The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while." 

Time is crazy isn't it? So...what were you up to in the year 2002? 

In 2022, I was teaching at the high school level.  My oldest daughter was beginning her high school years as a freshmen and my youngest daughter was in the seventh grade.  I was going to games watching oldest daughter cheer and this is when youngest daughter started her interest in playing volleyball and basketball at the middle school level. 

I think 9-11 was still having an impact on me.  I still had a house phone!! and didn't leave the house with a cell phone.

2. "Me? I'm scared of everything..." What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway? 

Canoeing   I am not a fan of water, at all!!!  I had an experience when I was in the fifth grade and have never gotten over my fear of water..  Yes, I love to go on boat rides, sit by the pool, go to the ocean, etc. but I don't really swim. Canoeing being an outdoor activity will give my mind a break plus some exercise.  BUT my mind would probably be racing the entire time...wonder if there is such a thing as a two person canoe?

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to...

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

I love watermelon!!!!  I could eat it everyday.  How about a Watermelon margarita!

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate. 

I am the oldest.  It was just my brother and I and my brother is two years younger than me.  I think being the oldest does influence your personality.  I was often expected to be dependable and set an example for my brother.  Being  the oldest, put a lot of pressure on me because I wanted to do things the right way.

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation  with two people? Explain. 

I would rather talk to everyone at a crowded party.  I would want all to be included and that would make me want to say 'hi' to all.  Also, I am a curious person, so I would want to have a little conversation with someone that I might not be close to.  And if I only have a significant conversation with two people, I would feel like I was missing out on something.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Our first day of school was Tuesday.  I don't know how it is going to go because I have to rush home, feed my little dog, and head out to watch grandson play football.  I know I will be dead tired when I get home around 8:30pm.

I did go Saturday to watch grandson play his first jamboree game.  I traveled two hours to watch an hour long game, but grandson is worth it.  I just pray for safety for all the football players.  I am a huge fan of football, but I don't really enjoy watching grandson play.  Football is nerve wrecking when I have to watch him play.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

I have to tell ya'll this!!!  The first day of school went smoothly till around 2:30.  Storms were predicted around this time.  The weather was awful!!  Tornado warnings started coming in.  Two schools about 10 miles from my school were shelter in place.  Because buses from the other two schools were late, this made the buses late coming to our school.  When the busses arrived, the students were dismissed ONLY to be called back to 4th block...WHY?  A skunk was on our front porch!!  Now, you can't make this up!!

Wednesday Hodgepdge

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer. 

My August calendar is filling up with sports!!  Oldest grandson starts his football season on Saturday.  I love watching him play, but I don't like watching him play (dreading it) because I am afraid of him getting hurt!  I will be doing a lot of traveling by myself which I dread going to these far away places. To me, football is a dangerous sport, but since grandson loves it, I will go watch and have a lot of anxiety.  The twins will still be playing flag football, which is my favorite kind of football.

Teachers began going back to school yesterday.  We have so many new changes, that it is kinda a dread feeling.

I am looking forward to a birthday party this weekend!

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls? 

I will not partake oysters on Wednesday, August 5th even though I love oysters.  I have a couple strands of pearls from my daughters that was given me to wear on their wedding days. These pearls carry emotional meaning because of the important occasion. 

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'. 

In 2021, on was on a girls' trip in Tybee Island.  My hub had passed away in 2018 and my oldest daughter had passed away in 2020.  AND in 2020, was Covid so I was alone and this was difficult for me.  While in Tybee Isalnd, I received a call from a principal I had never worked for before.  She was calling to offer me a part-time job.  I would teach Monday-Wednesday, no bus duty, no ticket duty, but lesson plans were required.  I talked it over with my girls' trip gang; listing pros and cons  When I got home, I called the principal and accepted the job.  This was an opportunity for me that I never saw coming.  AND if I didn't want to continue teaching I could quit.  I am going on my 6th year and so thankful for this opportunity because I am definitely not a home body person.

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why? 

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

I haven't been to any of these.  However, I would love to go to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.  It is a combination of the beautiful coastal scenery and has a fascinating history of African American and Native American cultural history.  I can picture myself walking the streets, eating ice cream, and just watching the boats come and go.

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- 

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month? 

I agree.  August is an in between month.  It is still hot...but the nights are getting chilly.  It is still summer and fall hasn't happened yet, but you know fall is coming.  August is the odd uneven time."

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Last night, I volunteered to help with Community Night Out.  Free school supplies were given out, free food, Canine demonstrations, and live music.  This was sponsored by the police and sheriff department, It  was a great turn out, but I came home really tired and wet!!!  The torrential downpour hit around 7pm.  

A back-to-school gift from one of my Bible Group ladies.  So sweet of her.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate. 

Definitely energize me!!   Because it give me motivation and hope.  Dreams and goals give me hope for the future.  And being a teacher it give me motivation to keep going when I am exhausted...I see the end result goal!

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons? 

I am a fan of lemon and I love lemon water and lemon pie.

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is At this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it. 

 At the onset, I am not good at this.  After a few minutes, I am ready to make lemonade.  A plan fell through a few weeks ago, but I discovered a new trip...so this worked out.

Romans 8:28  "And we knows that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color? 

Sunflowers!! and corn on the cob!

5. How would you describe your attention to detail? 

I overlook details which causes me to not only have to go back and redo something or reread something, but I miss the the small detail which is important.   I would definitely benefit from being a more detail-oriented person!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A group of us went to Wintergreen for a few days.  It was still hot, but not as hot in the mountains.  We rented a cute little Airbnb. 

We visited 4 wineries...

One winery had horses to rent and you were able to ride to some of the different wineries.

I felt sorry for the poor horses in the heat.

It was a great few days just relaxing, enjoying the scenery, and 'catching up' with friends.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

From this Side of the Pond

1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate. 

July is summer!!  Summer means longer days and outdoor activities and  is a time for me to slow down. I do accomplish some deep house cleaning. January is a fresh start!! A time to start doing what I put off in July!!

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset? 

If hub was still alive, he would definitely tell you I become too quiet or only give a one word answer.  When someone gets me upset, I just walk away from that person. 

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? What do you see as a benefit? How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? 

I haven't had much experiences with AI nor have I used it.  AI scares me. AI is helping people with disabilities improving their accessibility and probably helping in the medical fields. 

What I see/fear as a negative is privacy-how much of my personal information is leaked. I think the system can be used for phishing emails and people will trust AI too much.

4. You're invited to a summer pot luck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? 

Definitely a store bought dessert!!!  Either cookies, brownies, or a pie from the Deli.

5. It wouldn't be summer without___________________. 

Humidity or a few thunderstorms.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Speaking of thunderstorms, Man!! I had one too many from last Wednesday till Sunday.  The thunder shook my windows and the rain was pelting down!  I didn't lose electricity (thank God), but I did lose internet service for a couple of days, which also meant no TV.  However, I am not too much of a TV person, but I have taken a liken to soccer so missed some of the games.  A few people were evacuated because of the flooding and the EMS really  came to their rescue.

Sun has been shining brightly since yesterday and the skies are blue.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's something you enjoy now that your younger self would never have appreciated? 

Simple pleasures....a cup of coffee, a phone call/text from a friend, walking my dog,  establishing healthy boundaries, and spending alone time with God.

2. What was peaceful about today? 

I am writing this on a Tuesday evening.  I didn't do much today because yesterday (Monday) I had a lot of yard work to do and at my age this wore me out!  So today (Tuesday), I just had some R & R.  I went to the Farmer's Market for some fresh veggies, made chicken salad, and did some ironing (I am the only one who still irons?)

The grandsons are at the beach, and I am beginning a new book Frozen River.  I love sitting outside and I was able to do this.

 

3. It's National Blueberry Day (July 8). Will you celebrate?  You can have one of the following right now-a slice of blueberry pie, a warm blueberry muffin, or a stack of blueberry pancakes...which do you choose?

I keep blueberries in my refrigerator.  Usually, I put them in yogurt or sometimes just a grab a handful as I pass through the kitchen.

I would choose blueberry pie!

This or that-blueberries or raspberries? blueberries or strawberries? 

Blueberries over raspberries...strawberries over blueberries.  I haven't found many good, ripe strawberries lately.

4. Do you need a break? From what? 

Yes, from worrying about things that I can't control!!

ALSO, the HEAT!!! Which happened Monday.  Last week was HOT and I mean like 102 or higher degrees!!

5. What has surprised you most about getting older? 

Besides time going by too fast, I don't feel as old as I expected to feel.  Yes, there are things my mind says I can do (like walk for 40 minutes without stopping) but my body says 'take a rest' but I am still grateful what this 67 year old body can do!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I didn't realize how much I like soccer.  I have been watching the World Cup and man I didn't realize how physically and mentally demanding this sport is.  The players are constantly in motion and making split-second decisions. I hate the USA lost, though.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!