Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. May 24th is National Brother's Day. Do you have a brother? Older or younger? Did you raise brothers? Tell us something about your brother or tell us something about your own children who are brothers.

I have a younger brother.  My brother, Greg, is totally different from me.

2. A great book you've read or movie you enjoy that features brothers? 

I am drawing a blank on this one.

3. Something you think is overrated? Something you think is underrated? 

Something I think, my opinion only, is overrated is all these bachelorette excursions.  I think it is okay to get together with all before the wedding but going to Peru, Aruba, etc. is just a little too much in my book.

Something I think is underrated is teachers...haha!  I had to go with this.

4. How much does your past shape you? What parts have shaped you the most? 

My past has shaped me tremendously.  I do not take the 'little things' for granted.  Dealing with huge loses has shaped me the most.

5. What's your favorite simple pleasure? 

Sitting on my patio or in my hammock reading a good book.  I might indulge drinking a cool drink.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My daughter and her three boys have been staying with me.  When they returned from vacation, a terrible storm and knocked down a couple of trees near their lake house. The trees barely missed their house but other damage was done.  I love having these houseguests!!

A friend is coming to visit me this weekend before moving to Richmond, and I am looking forward to her visit.

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

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. What surprises you the most about people? 

What surprises me the most about people is their lack of disrespect towards others and how no one likes to lend a helping hand and help a neighbor out. 

2. Would you rather have a chauffeur, nanny, gardener, maid, personal shopper or cook? Tell us why that one? 

This is an easy one a cook.  I hate to cook/bake anything, but it doesn't bother me to clean the entire kitchen!

3. May 18th is National Notebook Day. No idea what that means but let's run with it anyway. What's something you currently keep in a notebook? Have you seen the movie The Notebook? On a scale of 1-5 how does it rate? (5=a favorite, can watch and re-watch and re-watch again) 

My morning devotions...I jot down my thoughts in a notebook.  I have see the movie and enjoyed it.  Right now, I don't think I could watch it again, maybe someday because to me it does capture what true love is about.

4. Do you like mushrooms? Last dish you made or ate that had mushrooms on the ingredient list? Your favorite dish that calls for mushrooms? 

I like mushrooms.  Last dish I made with mushrooms is spaghetti sauce.  My favorite dish is breaded mushrooms with Ranch dressing.

5. What would you say is the most annoying thing people do in public? 

ARGUEE!!!  Good grief! wait till you get home before arguing with your spouse AND ALSO go to a ballgame and listen to parents or spectators yell at the players...Oh my word!!  I feel so sorry for the players, I just can't believe another parent will tell a player, (who is not their child ) and I quote "You need to sit on the bench if you can't catch a ball."  How awful is this!!!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

This is my last week of school with students.   Ready to enjoy all summer has to offer!

Wednesday Hodgepodg

 

1.  April 26th is National Audubon Day, honoring John James Audubon, the French-My ornithologist, naturalist, and painter known for his detailed study and illustration of birds in their natural habitats. Do you have a bird feeder? Any birds in your home decor? Have you ever owned a pet bird? What's your favorite bird? 

I do not have a bird feeder nor any home decor of birds.  No pet birds.  I know a few people who have birds for pets, though.  My dear, dear cousin has had a few birds.  The bird she has, has its own room in her house and it is the color of purple. She does send me pics of the bird on her shoulder, in her hair, and etc. 

I have a bird's nest right now at my house and the bird doo doo is everywhere.  I can tell there are little birds in there and I don't want to kill them but this morning it looks as though one bird isn't living.  By looking at the nest, I saw a feather kinda sticking out, but no movement.  I will look more when I get home from school.

My favorite bird would have to be the red cardinal because I have heard when you see a red cardinal in your yard it means that our loved ones will never be forgotten.  I have no idea if this is true, but I want to believe it is.

  

2. What's something you took to 'like a duck to water'? 

Line dancing!!  We meet every other week and I absolutely love it.  With my age, I thought I would have difficulty remembering the routine, but nope!

3. Empty nest, nest egg, proud as a peacock, free as a bird, birds of a feather flock together, or the early bird catches the worm...choose one and tell us how it currently applies to your life. 

Free as a bird!  Living by myself I am free as a bird which has it advantages and disadvantages.

4. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds...your favorite seed and a favorite food or dish made with that seed or topped with that seed? Have you tried all the seeds on the list? Any you don't care for? 

I have tried all on the list and all are okay for me.  Putting sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds on my salad is a favorite for me.

5. Something in the past week that made you 'happy as a lark'?

Around 7am last Thursday, I get a call from my grandson asking if he and his brothers could spend the night.  Here all three came with their suitcases and toys (like I don't have any toys haha!).  We ate dinner out that night, the next morning we ate breakfast out, and went for ice cream later that day!  Such great memories I was able to make with all three!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This weather is awful!  It was so nice and warm last week 80s AND this week the high has been in the 50s with lows in the 30s!! A shocker for sure! 

Have planted some potatoes, onions, lettuce, and garlic in my garden!  Yay!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

WAY TO GO JOYCE!!!!  EPISODE 500!!!!

1. Last time you drove/flew 500 miles (ish)? What's a place you'd like to visit that lies approximately 500 miles from your current location? 

Driving to New York City.  No, I didn't drive nor hubs but we were passengers that had to be in 2012.  

A place I would like to visit that is close to 500 miles from where I live is St. Louis.  I would love to see the Gateway Arch and other attractions there.

2. Tell us about a time recently it felt like you were 'racing against the clock'. 

How about NOW!  At first, school seems to drag on and on and on.  Christmas breaks seems so far away AND then there is January and this year with no snow days the month lasted forever. Toward the end of March until now, it seems like I blink and it is another week.  I keep asking  myself, what happened to March and April?  I need at least a few more months NOT just one more month before the end of school!!

3. Have you ever attended any really large sporting events? What was your impression of the experience?  

Yes, the UT football games.  I love, love, love the atmosphere there!

I have TWO  I would DEFINITELY attend in person if I could:  Kentucky Derby (hub and I were planning on this  he got really sick) and March Madness.  

I like watching The Superbowl, but I don't have to watch it.  

The Superbowl, The Kentucky Derby, The World Series, FIFA World Cup, The Indianapolis 500, The Daytona 500, The Olympics, The Masters, Wimbledon, The Boston Marathon, March Madness, Tour de France, Monaco's Grand Prix, The Open (golf), The Ryder Cup, The Stanley Cup Finals..of the events listed which would you most like to attend in person? Or maybe one that's not listed? 

4. Are you an iced tea drinker? If so, do you drink it year round, or only in the spring and summer months? Do you make your own or buy it bottled? Sweet or unsweet? Flavored? Lemon or no lemon? How about a Long Island Iced Tea? 

I am an iced tea drinker.  I am not a year round drinker, but if I need a little more caffeine in my body, then I drink it.  I probably drink more ice tea in the summer, unsweetened with lemon.

Long Island Iced Tea--NOPE!!  a lesson learned.

5. April 20th is Volunteer Recognition Day...do you volunteer in some way? Tell us about it. If not, tell us about a volunteer you appreciate. 

I volunteer at my church.  I also volunteer with the Apple Festival that is held annually in September in my town.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I had the best weekend in a looong time!  And I finally got to meet this cutie!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. April 13th is National Scrabble Day...are you a fan? Do you enjoy word games in general? What's an eight letter word that tells us something about your life currently?

I am not a fan of word games.  An eighth letter word that describes my life right now is COLLAPSE.  This is how I feel toward the end of all my paperwork which is due the first week in May.  I have only TWO more students and then I am finished with their paperwork.  I have worked diligently and over Easter break I did collapse!

2.  Do you have a junk drawer? Is it full? Do you know what's in it? What's in it? 

Most Definitely!!!  I kinda know some items in it: tape, screw drivers, extra cord chargers, nails, that is all I can think of at the moment without looking. 

3. When does time pass quickly for you? When does it pass slowly? 

Time passes quickly when I have my grandsons with me or when being around them.  Now that I am older, it seems I blink and another year has gone by. Right now time doesn't pass slowly for me.  Maybe in the winter, time passes slowly at night with it being dark by 5:30pm

4. These eight vegetables are in season during spring-asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, collard greens, garlic, herbs. What's your favorite? Any on the list you refuse to eat? Last one on the list you ate? 

Collard greens is my favorite.  I like all the eight vegetables.  The last one I ate was celery last night!

5. What's the oldest thing you own? Tell us about it. 

My youngest daughter's bedroom suit which happens to be 23 years old.  Somehow I still have it in a bedroom at my house.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I was going to participate in the A-Z Challenge, but realized today is April 12!!  Told ya, this paperwork is having me to collapse!!  I am falling down with the load of paperwork.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in some way? If so tell us how. Are you a fan of corned beef? Cabbage? The color green? 

Didn't celebrate St.Patrick's Day because I was driving to Tennessee.  I am a fan of corned beef and cabbage with a side of cornbread!  I didn't wear the color green but some shades of green I enjoy wearing.

2. March 22nd is National Goof Off Day...will you celebrate? Your favorite way to goof off? Last time you had a whole day to spend 'goofing off'? 

Won't celebrate National Goof Off Day!!  Last week, I spent the entire day 'goofing off'!  I was tired from my trip, went to work on Monday and Monday evening I was dragging.  I got the text early Tuesday morning that my county was on a 2hr delay due to some snow in parts of the county.  I went back to sleep, which I never do for fear of over sleeping. About an hour later, I received another text that the superintendent had decided to close school for my county.  I slept until 9 o'clock...highly unusual for me.  I got up, drank my coffee, and got dressed.  I sat in my recliner, watched movies, and popped popcorn all day!! And slept some more. Felt so much better on Tuesday evening.  People who know me, know that I am full of energy and rarely do I do this, but you know what?  It is okay to take a day and just 'goof off'.  

My favorite way to 'goof off' is just sitting on my patio and reading a good book.

3. Something on your to-do list that has been there more than a month? Will this be the month you finally cross it off? 

I have been meeting to go to my local store and purchase some foam spray.  This has been on my to-do- list since January.  The store is only FIVE Minutes away, but I constantly forget.  I hope this is the month I can cross this off!

4. In your opinion, what emotion is the most beneficial? Which one is the least useful? 

The most beneficial emotion is unconditional love.  This is just a love you have for someone without expecting anything in return.

The least useful (I have two) would be anger and worry.  But I do get angry sometimes and I am a worry wart.

5. What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? Elaborate. 

Because the weather is turning warmer (Mother Nature was off her meds these last few days), I am going to say my favorite thing I did as a kid was playing in the street in the summer.

My neighborhood kids were all close. not only in age, but we looked out for each other.  In the summer, we would all gather in the middle of the street-the same spot was used-and play the game, 'kick the can'. The neighborhood kids and I would wait till dusk, around 8:30 and gather in the street.  There wasn't many cars coming up /down the street, but when a car approached, we would yell, "CAR, CAR, RUN FAR!"  After the car passed, we began playing again.  We would play this game for hours.  When the game was over, we always went to a friend's house, sat on the porch, and the friend's parents would let us get a drink from the water hose.

Such fun, simple times!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

My eighth grade students took the first part of the Standards of Learning Test for writing yesterday,  They were nervous (some went home sick) and I know it was just nerves.  My students were prepared, but these test does not tell the truth about how much they know!!!

Have a Great Rest of the Week and Enjoy Life!!

Playing Catch-up...Round Two

 

I just returned from a glorious Women's Retreat in Tennessee.

Last year, I was invited to attend this retreat.  I had no idea what to expect, but enjoyed myself tremendously.  When time came for women to register, I didn't have to be asked, I was going.

First of all, the beauty of the mountains is breathtaking.  The retreat lasted from Friday morning till Sunday morning.  It is a time of worshipping God with women from all over.  There were women from Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, and Missouri. Not only are we from different places, but also from different denominations BUT united in ONE. This place, Eagle Rock, does not have very good internet service (luck of the draw if your cell phone worked), there was one house phone in case of emergency and no television on the premise. No talk of politics, worldly events, Covid, were welcome!

There were 43 women in attendance. Each woman was asked to bring a $10.00 gift and a snack (which was distributed between Friday/Saturday nights). This was a time to just be still and worship God. There were different speakers during the weekend. Many songs were sung. Many tears were shed (at least on my part).  Different classes one could attend...painting, singing, worshipping with flags, hiking, classes on anxiety, grief, addiction, nutrition. There was something for all. But if there wasn't anything that interested you, then you were invited to just sit and relax with God. 

The food that was prepared for us was divine.  From breakfast to dinner, my plate was cleaned.  The best scrumptious food!!  I still can't tell why (because I was so full) but since our worship sessions lasted into the evenings,  I had room to munch on a few (a lot) of tasty snacks.  You know, the healthy ones like, brownies, cookies, homemade pies, chips (of any kind) peanuts, popcorn, and the list could go on and on and on. 

I enjoyed all the women speakers and the singing, but my favorite part was the bonfire.  Each woman wrote down their stronghold they needed to get rid of.  I had more than one stronghold!!  We took our stronghold we had written down and threw it in the bonfire. ( I made sure my burned!  I didn't want mine to  drift in the wind and someone find it! :)  

A majestic weekend for sure. I disappeared into a quiet weekend.  No loud noise of the world was invited.  The world snatches all quietness and peace from us.  

Singing, celebrating, giggling, and remembering the memories, I will cherish in my heart forever!

We all roared with laughter with women 'stuff', discovered new friendship, promised to keep in touch with one another. AND I found out, life does go on without cell phones and television!

It is okay to rest awhile.

Playing Catch-Up Round One...

 

I have been enjoying these past couple of weeks.  And I need to tell ya'll about it.

It all began in December (ahem).  The grandsons get so many gifts at Christmas (that is the truth, right?). I didn't want my gifts to be in a yard sale or thrown away, so I told daughter that we would go to Disneyworld and since daughter's birthday is the day after Christmas that would be her Christmas gift, also.  Her hub would also be free and that was his Christmas gift.  All thought it was a great idea!!  I told daughter to start planning the trip...we could fly, choose a place to stay, choose what parks to attend, etc. and that was my treat.  There was ONE catch... we had to go before the second week of March.  My Standard of Learning Tests begin this week, and I want to be able to review and prepare my students for this important testing. (Not to mention, that is all we do, and I still can't understand how a test measures one's true ability...think of all that maybe going on in a student's life the day of the test!!). This was the difficult task getting all our schedules to work.  Son-in-law is a CPA for a company, and he was going through some important meetings...leaving at 6am and not returning home till after 9pm on most nights.  Daughter commenced to work on a schedule!!  After that she started the search for resorts,parks to attend for a 5 year old and two twins who were fastly approaching three.  Daughter called on a Sunday evening and the trip was planned for the following Thursday-Wednesday.  WHOA!!! Initially, I thought there is no way I can get ready in 5 days!!  I would have lesson plans to make out for the substitute (that is...if one was available), house to get in order (when living by yourself you have to plan for these things), someone to check my  mailbox, etc.  My brain was in overdrive.  BUT, I decided go with it!!  I could get this done. THEN, daughter informed me, she and her husband were DRIVING!!  They didn't want to fly with the boys because it was too much of a hassle with car seats, etc.  I knew their van wasn't big to carry three adults, three young boys, and all of our luggage. So where did that leave me???  I was still flying!!  I was very apprehensive about them driving, but they wouldn't change their minds.  Amazingly, the trip worked out.  I flew and the resort had a shuttle to take me from the airport to the resort!!!  The resort was French Quarters and I highly recommend it!!  Our rooms were next to each other and a few nights I had overnight guests, which made the trip more enjoyable.

Daughter had planned on attending EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, Seaworld, Animal Kingdom, and a Monster Truck Show!  Dinner was planned at different places where many characters joined us.  The boys were ecstatic!!  Just seeing their eyes glisten with joy made my heart smile.  As I usual do, I forgot to take many pictures.  BUT, I assure each one of you all, I have the pictures embedded in my head. 

We returned home a 'little' ( I was more than a little) tired but full of happiness. 

There will never be a day that goes by in which I will NEVER forget the joy in my grandsons' eyes.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Hello March! Is it coming in like a lion where you live? How do you feel when it rains? 

March is not coming in like a lion.  Rainy weather makes me feel gloomy and not wanting to do anything.

2. What's something you'd like to do differently this week than the last? Explain. 

My weeks are running together!!  I can't think of anything I would do differently this week that I didn't do last week.

3. March 1st is National Sunkist Citrus Day...do you drink orange juice? Orange, lemon, lime, tangerine, grapefruit...what's your favorite citrus fruit? A dish you love with a citrus fruit as one of it's key ingredients? 

I am not an orange juice drinker.  My favorite citrus fruit would be a tangerine. 

I don't have any recipes or dishes I make with citrus fruit.  Can't wait to see other answers on this one.

4. What do you consider to be your culture. Elaborate. 

I value relationships.  I believe relationships are the cornerstone of happiness.  I believe in myself, but sometimes I do find myself swimming in muddy water and really try not to have negative talk to myself.

My Personal expression I say over and over is enough is enough.  I do have rituals I do every morning and evening.  In the morning, I always read my devotions, say a prayer, and listen to Christian Contemporary Music.  In the evenings, I listen to a short devotion, write in my gratitude journal and say a prayer.

5. Sum up your February in fifteen words or less. o

Mr. Sunshine where were you? Days were dreary and rainy. I blinked; the calendar turned.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Getting ready to take grandsons on an little trip.  I am excited to go.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. What do you find is the most boring part of your life at the moment? 

At the moment, nothing is boring!!  I am scheduling a trip for next week, trying to complete all my lesson plans before going, and I have THREE students to test and complete all the necessary paperwork that is required before next week.  Shew!!  Plus, I have been elected as co-vice president of a community activity and signed up for line dancing and I don't want to miss line dancing because I don't want to be behind on the routine BUT this trip has thrown a wrench in my days.

2. February 22nd is George Washington's birthday. You'll find his face on the US $1 bill. What's the last thing you bought for roughly $1.00? (.94 €/ .83 £)

I think it was last week, I bought a small (very small) bag of Doritos from the cafeteria because I had forgotten my lunch!

3. Is it ever okay to tell a 'little white lie'? Explain. 

Yes, if it is beneficial.  For example, if someone gives you a gift you don't really like, I would tell the person, first of all, thank you for the gift and I like it very much.  I wouldn't want to hurt that person's feelings.

4. What's the last thing you 'chopped'? Cherry pie, chocolate covered cherries, a bowl of cherries, cherry vanilla ice cream, maraschino cherries, a cherry lifesaver...your favorite cherry flavored something? 

 I DO NOT like any cherry flavored ANYTHING!!

5. Describe yourself with three words using your first, middle, and last initials. 

Tenderhearted (I watch Rudolph and cry)

Happy-go-lucky

Dependable

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Looking forward to my trip with the grandsons, but hate the 'stuff' that I need to do beforehand.  Because I live alone, I make sure someone watches my house (not that it is a big house but one never knows and I do set my alarm), checks my mail, call the bank to secure my credit card, make sure my mother has everything she needs while I am gone, PLUS making sure all paperwork for school is complete.

On a more positive thought, the temps are in the middle 70s today AND NO RAIN for a couple of days!!  WooHoo!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Pantone's color of the year for 2023 is Viva Magenta. Etsy's color(s) of the year are indigo and honeycomb. Your thoughts? Would we find any of these three shades in your home or wardrobe? Is there a room in your house that needs painting this year? Will you do it yourself or hire out? 

I like Viva Magenta.  I can vision myself buying/purchasing something in this color. I am thinking...but I have gray trim in one room of my house and painting the wall Viva magenta would look nice.  If I decide to paint, it will be me doing the painting!  Not many people I know who paints. 

Not really a fan of indigo or honeycomb.

2. Something you had to do recently that could be described 'as exciting as watching paint dry'? 

I can't think of anything boring that I have done recently.

3. Who would you most like to sit beside on a 10-hour flight? Tell us why? Have you ever taken a 10-hour flight? 

Peyton Manning!!  I love Tennessee Football and his nickname is "The Sheriff" so we have something in common because the principal at my school calls me "The New Sheriff in Town."  I just feel like he is a down to earth kinda guy that I could carry on a conversation with.

I have taken a 10 hr flight and it really didn't seem like 10 hours but that may be because I slept most of the way.

4. What's something you did growing up that would get you into trouble? 

Not completing my chores in a timely manner.  My mother always gave me a list of chores to have d ANDone before she returned home.  Maybe some of the chores were complete but not all AND I was in deep trouble. I hated hearing the words, "Grounding you hurts me more than it does you."  Yeah, right?

5. According to Google the top searches in 2022 were- Wordle, election results, Betty White, Queen Elizabeth, Bob Saget, Ukraine, Mega Millions, Powerball numbers, Anne Heche, and Jeffrey Dahmer. 

Hmmm...what does this say about us? How many of these words did you search last year? What would you guess was your most 'googled' word/phrase/question. 

I didn't search any of these searches.  I guess, I am content with knowing what I know before searching or these topics don't interest me.

I guess the most 'google' word/phrase/question would be Wordle.  I am constantly seeing posts about Wordle on FB.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Flowers from my grandsons.  They painted the vase (help from their Mama) and each heart is one of their thumbprints.

The Basketball team had a game last week-Coaches for Cancer.  All money raised (concession stand, pass the bucket, half-half tickets, and half-court shoot out) all went to American Cancer Society.

A player and a coach were playing for my late hub.

Have a great rest of the Week and Enjoy Life!