Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. This week's Hodgepodge lands on 'Back To The Future Day'. October 21, 2015 was the date the movie characters (Marty McFly, Doc, and Jennifer Parker) traveled to in the future in the 1989 film Back To The Future Part 2. 

Did you see the movie? Tell us a something about what was happening in your life in the fall of 2015. 

Never saw the movie.

In the fall of 2015, I was getting ready to retire from teaching.  My youngest daughter was a newlywed.  My late hub and I were mapping out travel plans to drive up the east coast and planning a trip to Italy.  Sadly, these trips did not happen.

2. Which -ber month is your favorite? (September, October, November, December). Explain why. 

September is my favorite although October is a close second.  September mean summer is ending, and with summer ending, so is the humidity.  The older I get, the less humidity the better. October is beautiful.  I live in the mountains and if the weather has cooperated the leaves on the trees are gorgeous.  This being the 3rd week in October, I haven't seen much color. 

November is a hard month because this is the month my hub passed away...two days before Thanksgiving.  We use to have a big Thanksgiving celebration because I always thought Thanksgiving got a bum wrap and was passed over too quickly.  Now, I usually help deliver meals to needy families, come home, and watch a little television.

December--what a celebration month it use to be.  My oldest daughter was born on December 30 and my youngest daughter was born on December 26.  We kinda partied the entire month.  My oldest daughter passed away 6yrs ago.  I have great difficulty celebrating.  I smile and go through the emotions of all the holiday celebrations but can't wait to get home and just cry it out!!!

3. Red, yellow, orange, bronze...your favorite fall color to wear? To eat? To see in nature? 

My favorite colors to wear is red and yellow.  To eat would also be red and yellow...I love red apples, watermelon  and peppers and yellow bananas and peppers.  I can't choose a favorite to see in nature because they all are my favorite.

4. What do you miss most about being 20? 

First, I miss the people who were once part of my life.  My parents, grandparents, close friends who were once part of my life and no longer here.

Second, I miss the energy I had!!!  Staying out late, getting up early, and I kept going  Now, no way could I do this.  In fact, I am finding myself needing a nap on Saturday or a Sunday evening to recharge for the week.

Third, would be the feeling I had that my entire life was ahead of me.  Now, over half of my life is behind me.

5. We're roughly three quarters of the way through the year. What's one goal, habit, or mindset you want to purposely carry into the final weeks of the year? Elaborate. 

A habit I want to continue is my Bible Study and the mindset that no matter how busy I am, I will find time to complete the Bible Study questions.  I did great this summer, but when school started and the grandsons' sports activities started, I began complaining about the Bible Study.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Looking forward to meeting up with some friends this weekend.  We are heading to VMI and watch the game between VMI and ETSU!

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 out more about a situation.  There has been a missing football coach for over a year...this happened about 45 minutes from me.  I am still trying to put this puzzle together, when most people have decided that he is dead or living in another country!!  While her I am thinking of all the possibilities and still asking questions.

2. What non-food item is in your refrigerator or freezer? 

Cans of beer and bottles of water.

3. Are you comfortable with silence? If you're home alone, do you like silence or do you need regular background noise? Do you seek out times and places to be silent? What's your favorite place to find silence/be silent? 

There are days when I am very comfortable with silence--far and few in between. When life gets hectic and full of chaos, I definitely need silence.  In the summer, I love the silence of the mornings before the world is awake. One will find me on the porch with a cup of coffee just sitting. When the weather turns cold, I seek silence in my sun room. Living alone, there is usually some type of background noise. mostly music. 

4. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, landscaping...which skill would you most like to possess and how would you put that skill to use today?

I would like to possess the skills of plumbing and landscaping.  I usually have to call for help with plumbing issues and I hate when this happens.  My late husband had a knack for landscaping. He would draw out a picture of what he wanted. AND BAM it happened!  I am trying to keep it up to par, but darn it is hard work!!  I just don't have his skill in landscaping. 

5. Do you lean more towards being too needy or too independent? Which do you find harder to deal with in others? 

I am too independent, and I sometimes get fussed on for this.  I just hate bothering people so I try to do as much as I can before asking for help.  

I have a hard time with needy people.  

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Last Friday, the library in my little town had a book fair.  I had volunteered to help out.  We had a huge assortment of books and little gadgets.

If you have never read the pigeon books, Please do!!  There is an entire series.

After the book fair, I headed to my grandsons' school for Fall Festival!  There wasn't a high school football game that evening so a great night to have the festival.  The teachers were all it being on a Friday evening instead of having to come back to school on a Saturday evening.

it being on a Friday evening instead of having to come back to school on a Saturday evening.

This cutie, Blake,  gets to be principal for a day!!  He was so excited.

Saturday was spent traveling to a football game to watch Blake play.  The field was a muddy mess and I mean muddy!!! 

Blake's team lost, the first game they have lost!!  The last game will be Saturday--playing for third place. 

You know, football is a long season--starting conditioning  in July and still playing in October!!

OH Well!!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!  I have no idea why THREE pictures of the same uploaded and no idea how to delete these!!!  Technology ugh!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When you think of autumn what sounds come to mind? 

Leaves crunching under my feet, a crackling fireplace, and the sound at a football game--cheering, whistles blowing, and the band.

2.  Is a trip to the mountains something you enjoy? What's your favorite mountain? 

I enjoy a trip to the mountains.  I live in a beautiful area with many beautiful mountains close by:  Walker Mountain, Iron Mountain, White top Mountain, and Clinch Mountain.  White top Mountain is the second highest mountain in Virginia and is crossed by the Appalachian Trail.  I have been motorcycle riding on White top Mountain in the summer and it is so cool.  This is my favorite mountain I have visited.

3. What's something that once felt like a mountain, but is now just a molehill? 

Getting some paperwork completed!

4. Let's play this or that-fall foods edition. Yes you have to choose. 

• pumpkin spice latte or chai latte 
• apple cider or hot chocolate  
• stew or chili
• sweet potato casserole or green bean casserole 
• butternut squash soup or creamy mushroom soup 
• cranberry sauce or gravy 

 

Chai Latte, Apple Cider, Chili, Green bean casserole, butternut squash soup, and cranberry sauce

5. Sum up your September in a sentence or two. 

September has been a month of ballgames---footbal games and soccer games. It has been a month of preparing for the Apple Festival.  It has been a month of making precious memories.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This weekend was very busy.  September is a busy month preparing for the Apple Festival.  I enjoy this but man my body is feeling it this week.  AND so far this week I have been gone....Monday Bible Group and Tuesday traveling one hour away to watch grandson play football. SHEW!!!

Here is a few pics of just a handful of crafts I was able to snap pictures of  at the Craft Table:

Lego

This was made out of bottle caps!

Mermaid Quilt---it was absolutely gorgeous!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Fall arrives this week in the northern hemisphere. Does it look/feel like fall where you live?What's something you love to do tLhis time of year that makes you feel its officially fall? 

*If you're answering today from the southern hemisphere feel free to sub spring for the word fall. 

Today, the temps are in the low 70s.  But for the past couple of weeks, the temps have been in the 90s.  I am looking forward to some cooler weather.  I told my colleagues I have decorated for fall with the AC blaring!!  Fall decor , football, and cooler weather makes me feel like it is officially fall

2. What's a small daily task or chore that always seems to fall through the cracks when your schedule gets busy?

Leaving dirty cups in the sink.  I would have NEVER went to bed with a dirty cup or glass in the sink, but here lately I do!  I am also having trouble keeping ahead of the laundry!

3. What's something you're falling for lately? 

Cooler weather!!  I love driving around and looking at the beauty of the changing of the leaves.

4.  Pumpkin is a popular flavor this time of year.  Are you a fan? What's your favorite pumpkin flavored food or beverage?  

I am not a fan of pumpkin.  I have tried the pumpkin flavored drinks and I do not care for them at all!!  The only food I like that is pumpkin, is pumpkin rolls!!!

5.What's something you wish would never change? Explain. 

Carefree summers!!!  I would go up playing outside games with make believe items!!  

This summer, I kept the grandsons a lot!  We played outside, swam, and took hikes.  Most of the games were sport games, but still playing.  One game we played a lot was soccer with a huge bouncy ball.  We also had picnic outside in their club house which wasn't a club house at all, but a playset with swings, slide, monkey bars, and a rope for climbing up the playhouse.  When it became dark, we hunted fireflies, and then would just sit outside on the porch.  Sometimes we would sing, or try and guess how many cars would drive by in 5 minutes.  Finally, we would head inside, take a shower, pop popcorn and watch a movie.   Personally, I see this slipping away.  I love sports, but there is a time when sports are too much!!  Parents rush kids to play a sport, then rush to play another sport on a travel team!!  The kids really have no summer!!

I also hope the love and the sacrifice  one has for our country will never change.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This weekend is the 72nd Annual Chilhowie Apple Festival.  The festival began with just a few men talking about the idea because Chilhowie was known for all the beautiful apple orchards, which have now disappeared, and subdivisions are in the orchards place.

But we still have the festival.  This year we have 82 vendors!!  I am so excited!!  The committee has decorated the town and last night I worked on the Parade Marshall's Float for a few hours.  The high school track team (4 in the relay) won state so these girls will be our Parade Marshall.  They will be riding on a float that was build in the 50s. AND from my daily weather check, the weather is to be PERFECT!!!  Temps in the 70s with very little chance of rain!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. How do you define beauty? 

Beauty is kindness, compassionate, and the way someone makes me feel.  Beauty is also a sunrise, sunset, and laughter.  

Many people associate the word 'beauty' with appearance, but appearance can change, but a person's character rarely changes. 

2. Have you ever taken a trip by train? If so where did you go and what did you think of the experience? If not do you have any desire to do so? Where would you like to go? (You might find inspiration here-The Best Train Trips in The World)

 I have never taken a trip by train.  But, I would love to.  I would love to travel from the east to the west coast.  I think traveling by train would be a way to really see the scenery. This has always been on my bucket list. 

3. Shell shocked, bombshell, bandshell, shellacking, in a nutshell, walking on eggshells...choose one and tell us why you chose it, or how it relates to your life in some way currently.

Definitely eggshells!!!  We have had a lot of changes this year in my school district and my school.  I was really close to a teacher, but the changes have really upset her.  I have tried helping by showing another easy way, but she refuses.  Every-time I try to help, the same reaction.  I have had to walk on eggshells around her by not offering any advice.

4. Tacos, pistachios, oysters, clams, eggs...your favorite food on the list that comes in/with a shell? 

OYSTERS!!!!!  I love oysters, but dang they are too expensive in the market.

5. Are birthdays a big deal in your house? Is your own birthday a big deal in some way? Elaborate. 

Birthdays just to be a big deal when the girls were younger, but not now.  Daughter tries to have some type of surprise for the grandsons...not necessarily a party, but a small trip planned.  Last year, she took them to Charlotte to see Cooper Flagg play

My birthday is no longer a big deal.  I am just thankful for another trip around the sun.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Have a great week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?  On a scale of 1-10 how much of a fan are you? (10 is never miss a game and 1 is I'm just here for the snacks). Who's your team? If you're playing along today, but live outside the US feel free to sub your feelings about futbol for the more American sport of football. 

10 all the way!!!!  Go Vols!  I am in a football pool and usually pick by the colors of the team.  Out of 20 teams I went 17-3 last week; this week 15-5!!  

I need to learn the game of futbol--twins first match is this Saturday and I know nothing about this sport. 

2. What's something you currently have a game plan for managing? 

I plan the week ahead on a Sunday evening.  All clothes are laid out for the work week.  I take a look at my calendars (one hand written and one on my phone) and decide what absolutely needs my attention.  I know schedules will change, especially grandsons games, but it is okay.  I have some quiet time for just me in the mornings before leaving for school. 

My word for 2026 was 'boundaries'.   My game plan isn't just saying "no"  It's about deciding what I will carry and what I won't.  It is about protecting my peace, and letting my faith guide those decisions.

3. Do you like chicken wings? Hot, mild, or some other flavor? What's a must have food for you on a tailgate menu? I know tailgating isn't as big of a thing outside the US of A as it is inside the US of A, but you can also answer the question this way-what's a must have food for you at a sporting event viewing party? 

I like semi-hot wings.  Tailgate party needs to include wings, loaded nachos, chips and salsa, football shape cookies and beverages!!!

4. Teams typically have strict playbooks they follow. What is one unwritten rule or piece of advice in your 'life playbook' you think everyone should know?

Be kind, honest, and do your part.  Then let go of what isn't mine to carry.  I can love people without taking responsibility for their choices.

5. This is the week we remember and mourn all that was lost and changed on September 11, 2001. I always include a spot for bloggers to share anything they'd like to share about 9/11. Share as much or as little as you like. 

I was teaching school and getting ready to leave for a conference in Roanoke.  When my principal heard about this, he had all TVs in the school turned off.  Teachers were trying to find out what was going on.  I still had to leave for my conference.  When my colleagues and I arrived at our hotel, the lobby was packed and I mean packed. Due to air space being cancelled so many people were left with no where to go.  All restaurants were closed in the area, and the quietness of the night was eerie.

September 11, 2001, is important to remember, but I remember the humanity that emerged in the middle of this tragedy. So many lives were changed that day.  But the courage, compassion, and willingness to help each other became just as much a part of the story as the devastation.  Even in the darkest moments; kindness and unity matter.  

6.Insert your own random thought here. 

I put out some fall decorations in this 90 degree heat!!  The AC was running, but I was burning a fall candle!!!!

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

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing? 

I really wanted to give my house a good ole fashion deep cleaning!!  It is difficulty when you are in charge of outside sprucing up, also.

I looked back on my calendar to see what was the reason I never got around to the deep cleaning.  Well, I was at a ballpark watching grandson play till Father's Day, next in charge of the snacks and decorations for Friends of the Library meeting,  helped with a Foam Party, had an Apple Festival meeting,  had a couple of Bible Group meetings,  helped with the Petting Zoo, got in some Professional Development, met with Supervisor because a parent has filed a complaint to the Department of Education (met last week on this and no real conclusion), kept grandsons, met friends for dinner, and went on a short trip.  Also got in my dentist, dermatologist, and doctor appointments.  I really didn't have much time to deep clean my house considering school ended June 2nd and started back August August 3rd.

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be? 

I sat in the middle.  Kids in front were called on to answer and kids in back seemed to get in trouble; being in the middle was kinda looked over!  

If I could take on class just for fun it would be English because I didn't really appreciate English class while I was in high school.

BUT I would love to take Home Economics (Now called FACS--Family and Consumer Science)  maybe then I could learn not to get so nervous when trying to bake/cook something.

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)? 

First, PATIENCE is a MUST!!!  There are days I want to pull my hair out!  Teachers need to be approachable and encouraging so students feel comfortable asking questions or expressing their ideas..and boy have I heard some interesting ideas!  To me the biggest challenge is differentiating.  Students are on so many different levels and teachers are expected to teach at all levels with classroom full of 25 to 30 students.  Other characteristics I would include would be: good listener, dependable, a good role model, loving and compassionate.

4.  September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so how do you like yours? Would people describe you as 'having grit'? 

Late Hub absolutely loved grits.  He always ordered them if offered at a restaurant and smoother them with butter and salt; me not a fan at all. 

I think people would describe me as 'having grit'.  To me, grit' is more like preserving when things get difficult, getting back up on your feet after something has knocked you down, and I stick with what matters to me.  This year, BOUNDARIES was my word for the year and having grit' I was able to say this is what I need and I am going to honor it and keep moving forward.

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy? 

Dancing.  I love listening to music and find myself dancing by myself.  Also, I think, you are never too old or too young to enjoy a trip with your friends...just enjoy the laughter and the memories.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We entered the 'ber' months yesterday.  SHEW!!!  It is still scorching hot. I am ready for a little cooler weather maybe around 75 to 80 would feel great!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!