Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. If your life had a theme song for this past year what would it be?

"Livin on a Prayer" 

2. Chocolate cake, chocolate milkshake, chocolate ice cream, chocolate truffle, chocolate mousse, chocolate candy bar or a fudgy chocolate brownie...of the chocolate treats listed, which one is your favorite? Which one have you tasted most recently? Or maybe you don't like chocolate???

A chocolate candy bar is my favorite treat.  Most recently ate a chocolate candy bar, think it was just an ole plain Hershey's .  I know I am weird/strange , but I think the others taste too chocolate. 

3. What has surprised you recently? 

That I am surviving the 'extra' people living in my house.

4. September 19th is National Voter Registration Day in the US. Are you registered to vote in whatever state or country you happen to live in right now? If not, why not? Not counting a political race, what's something you've had to vote on recently? 

I am a registered voter. This was something my father highly encouraged me to do.  I can still hear his words, "Little Girl (no matter my age, I was still his 'little girl'), if you don't vote, don't complain."  

I recently voted in our school's SCA elections.

5. Do you like to hike? If so, when's the last time you went hiking and where'd ya go? If you're not a hiker are you a walker? Is walking (for exercise, etc.) part of your daily/weekly routine? 

I am not a hiker, but a walker.  I enjoy walking outside, and I really try to get some walking in everyday.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Praying the weather is nice for the Apple Festival this weekend.  It usually is so hot you can't stand to walk around and enjoy it or it rains.

My late hub was the parade marshall in 2018.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Did you watch any coverage of the 9/11 services on Monday? How do you feel on this day some 22 years after the events occurred? Share more if you want to share more. 

I was unable to watch any of the 9/11 services.  Even after 22 years, I know exactly where I was on this day and what I was doing.  After 22 years, I still feel sad and heartbroken that this happened to our country.  This is a day that should never be forgotten.  We should always be grateful for the men and women who serve our country and the men and women who are members of the rescue teams, medical teams, police officers, etc.

2. September 13th is National Peanut Day...do you like peanuts? Your favorite dish that contains peanuts? 

Love peanuts.  I do not fix a dish containing peanuts.  My cousin, who comes over for special occasions or just pops in to watch football, is EXTREMELY allergic to peanuts.  When eating peanuts, I am by't  myself late at night, then I make sure I wipe all counters off...spic and span!  

3. Something you're currently 'nuts' about? 

Grandchildren! and UT Football!

4. Your favorite Peanuts character? There are several quizzes online if you're curious...I took two and got the same character for both so I'm sure it's accurate lol. (Click here for the link)

My quiz says...Charlie Brown.  Pretty accurate for me; I do cheer on my friends and care about them deeply.  

5. Tell us about a job you worked 'for peanuts'? 

My first thought...my current job, but I love teaching.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Next week is Apple Festival time so I have been busy this week preparing for all the festivities.  I think (?) this is the 63rd Annual Event. Praying for nice weather.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. It's National Read A Book Day...whatcha' reading? What's a book you want to read? 

The book I am reading is Sharp Objects.  A book I would like to read is House of Cotton.

2. Which is better...having high expectations or low expectations? Explain why. 

 In my opinion, having high expectations is better.  Having expectations helps me to push myself and this gives me motivation to complete a task or an assignment.  I also think having high expectations boosts self-confidence.

3. Serenity is________________________. lacking in my household right now. (refer to random thought)

4. What's  the most interesting thing in your purse or pocket right now? 

I carry a flashlight in my purse.  I am blaming this on aging, but I have a hard time seeing in the dark now.  I miss a step and fall or can't find the sidewalk so I carry a flashlight.

5. What helps you calm down? 

If the weather is nice, I like to sit outside and do absolutely nothing.  Or I will listen to contemporary music to help calm me down.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My daughter and hub sold their house quicker than they thought....so they have all moved in with me.  I went from being by myself for five years to having two extra adults, three children, and two dogs!  Talk about a change...it sure is. They are building a house.  The land is purchased and the blueprints have been sent to the contractor. I am thankful the weather is still nice because I need to find my peace by going outside.

I have been enjoying the company of a male friend.  Daughter is treating me like a teenager.  When the fellow comes over, daughter sits with us.  It is kinda funny.  She seems to like this fellow and is happy for me, but she wants to know where we are going.  It is like she is the mother and I am the child.

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. What's your earliest memory?

The first thought was having birthday parties at my house.  Nothing was very elaborate (like today) , but playing games in the backyard and having cake while all sang is my earliest memory. 

2. What's something about you today that the old you would find surprising? 

I speak up for myself by saying , "No."  The old me, very rarely said this word when it came to being asked to do something.  

3. Do you like to fish? Are you a fish eater? Favorite fish (to eat)? Favorite way to prepare fish? 

I do not like to fish; it is too boring for me.  I am a fish eater, and I love most fish especially grouper and tilapia.  Hub use to grill tilapia and grouper on the grill.

4. What's your biggest first world problem? 

Not being able to speak to a person!!!  I despise talking to an answering machine when I need to talk to a representative.  I am the person yelling into the phone..."I would like to speak to a representative!"

5. What one word would you use to describe your year thus far? 

I have to use two words:

Productive:  I was able to get some much needy stuff done around the house.

Chaos:  The remainder of the year will be like this.  I will explain more in my random thought.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My daughter and her hub put their lake house up for sale August 1st.  They have bought another piece of property and have met with a contractor to start building.  Their house sold quickly and had to be completely moved out on August 20th!!!.

I went from living by myself (for 5 years) to five extra people and two dogs!!  Her oldest son just started kindergarten and is attending the same school he registered in (45 min away).  They have been looking for a place to rent, but most places are extremely high when you have pets.  They are all living with me!!  Blake, their oldest son, said, "Mamaw it will be for 180 days."  

180 days of love, adventure, and chaos!!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's something bizarre you've seen or heard recently? 

The news about Carly Russell, who was missing, but what happened seems unreal.  Was there a toddler in the road, was she kidnapped, how did she showed back up...This to me is bizarre.

2. July 18th is National Sour Candy Day. Who knew? Do you like sour candies or other foods with 'sour' flavors? Kimchi, rhubarb, gooseberries, tamarind, dill pickles, sour cherries, sauerkraut, cranberries, and  grapefruit...of the sour foods listed which is your favorite? 

I don't like sour candy.  I do like grapefruit and sauerkraut.

3. Share a favorite memory of an aunt or uncle. 

I would go to Baltimore in the summer (from 4th grade till 7th grade) and stay with my grandmother and aunt.  My aunt was so special to me.  My aunt would take me shopping and sometimes I was able to go to work with her (she worked as a secretary at the VA Hospital). Even when my aunt got married (I was her flower girl in her wedding), I was still special to her.  We just shared a special bond.  I  remember she curled her hair every night with those bristle curlers and she always wore dresses and panty hose to work.  She always had time to listen to me.  Even as I got older, married, and had children, we talked on the phone for hours.  Sadly, she passed away six years ago and I miss her terribly.

4. How would you describe your ability to manage stress? 

I manage stress pretty good as long as there is food.  I am a stress eater so having food helps me manage stress tremendously.

5. What do you think about when you let your mind wander? 

How fast time goes by.  Sometimes I find it hard to wrap by brain around this.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

My veggies are really starting to come in.  All at once, I might add.  I have given much away and that is okay because no way can I eat it all.  I am being named, "The Veggie Lady!"

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life.

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Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Is your life simple? Elaborate. 

I feel like my life is pretty simple, right now. (school starts in about three weeks).  I get up when I want to, eat what I want, and go places that I want to go.  There isn't a dead line that needs meeting or a certain place that I need to go to.  Pretty simple, but yet, sometimes lonely and boring.

2. What simple pleasure are you are currently enjoying?  

I am enjoying harvesting my garden!  It is a lot of work, but therapeutic for me.  My cucumbers are running over, squash is plenty, and my beans are ready for picking!  

I also have been taking the grandsons to the library on Thursdays.  They have been enjoying the programs and checking out their books (I limit them to one book each, if not then I have loads and loads of books!

3. Travel by plane or go on a cruise? walk or ride a bike? swim or ski? ocean or mountains? 

Yesterday, daughter and I were talking about taking a cruise.  I have never been on a cruise. so this is something I would like to do.  Definitely walk...riding a bike would be too much work!  I love to ski especially cross country skiing.  In the summer the ocean, but in the fall the mountains with the gorgeous color.

4. What's the last thing you bought online that you really loved? 

18 month Reminder Binder.  I love it.  It contains the month plus daily dates AND it has stickers...birthday, anniversary, forget me not, etc.  I love putting stickers on my daily dates.

5. What’s your 'back in my day we__________' story? 

'Back in my day we completed our chores (without much complaining or else), played outside till it was dark, and helped our neighbors.  

Like I have mentioned, I planted a garden this year.  There is so much...way too much for me.  I have an elderly neighbor and yesterday I took her some onions, squash, cucumbers, and potatoes.  You would have thought I had given her the moon!  She was so appreciative. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I celebrated a birthday a couple of weeks ago.  I was almost a firecracker baby!

I am not much of a cake person.  Em said the boys said "No cake for Mamaw."  So I had a cookie cake.

The country boil was delicious!

Celebrating my birthday with these little men...made me so happy.

Daughter lives on the lake and it is so gratifying!

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. What's one thing you're excited about in the coming month? 

I will celebrate my birthday next month.  I am not too excited about my birthday, but I am thankful I have made another trip around the sun.

2. What was your life like when you were ten years old? 

The year I turned 10 I went to spend the summer with my grandmother.In the summer, I would go to Baltimore and stay with my grandmother;we use to live in Baltimore when I was younger.  I loved staying with my grandmother.  My friends and I would stay out late and I loved going crabbing.  I miss celebrating the Fourth of July in Baltimore.  My uncle had a huge celebration at his house, and I think the entire neighborhood came!  

My grandmother had a black and white television and I remember watching Armstrong walking on the moon with her.  Life seemed so carefree.

3. What's something from your childhood you still enjoy today? 

The first thing that came to mind was reading.  I still enjoy reading novels today.

4. What state (that you haven't been to) do you most want to visit? Tell us why. 

Vermont.  I have always wanted to go to Vermont (hub and I had planned this trip before his cancer returned).  I wanted to see the beautiful fall foliage and taste the mouth watering maple syrup.

5. Do you like to drive? Tell us how you learned to drive. 

I don't like to drive much.  I am more of a sight seer and you can't do that when you drive.

My daddy taught me to drive.  On Sunday evenings, he would take me on all of these back roads, they were so curvy, and I would drive.  I learned to drive changing gears and using a clutch.  Gosh!  I don't think they even make cars with a clutch anymore.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

After a rainy, dreary week last week, the sun is shining!!

Happy Fourth of July!!  Celebrate our Freedom!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Hello Summer! In the northern hemisphere anyway. What's something on your summer bucket list? Do you have an actual summer bucket list? If not, use your hypothetical list.

A trip has had to be cancelled for a few reasons but that is okay.  So many things happen (with our age) that we have no control over.  I have no summer bucket list but I love to travel to new places.  Anywhere I haven't been I would love to travel to.

2. What for you is the defining scent of summer?

After a hot day, the smell of rain.

3. What's a (music, food, wine, or flower) festival happening in your part of the country that you would like to attend if tickets/travel/timing was no object? 

The Beach Boys are coming to Doswell, Virginia in September!  I would like to attend the Sunflower Festival in July...this is close to Washington, D.C.

4. Apparently a military whistle blower claims the US has a UFO retrieval program. What say you? Do you believe aliens are out there? 

Nope, don't believe in aliens.

5. Besides your wedding day and the birthdays of any children you may have, what are three of your top experiences in life? 

1.  The birth of my grandchildren

2.  Road trips with my girls' gang

3.  Learning I can do things I thought I would never have to do without hub...making important decisions

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Yesterday, June 20th, if hub would have lived ,we would have celebrated 42 years together.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. What does productivity look like to you? 

 

Getting my most priority goals accomplished correctly first.

2. What was your fondest (or one of your fondest) memory of High School? 

My fondest memories were my senior trip to Washington D.C.  I can remember this like it was yesterday.  It was a grueling five days.  We were up by 6am and on the bus by 7am and didn't return back to our rooms till 1am.  There was so much packed in that week.  No one care who sat with who only that we could lay on that person's shoulder and take a quick nap.

The other memory was prom.  Prom was a big deal but not like it is now.  We all did our own hair, make-up, and nails.  All danced and no one left the prom earlier (which isn't the case now) , but we all danced till 12pm.

3. What did you do the summer after High School? 

I did not work after high school, however, I did help out on the farm and chores around the house.  Most of my time was spent hanging out with friends and getting all things ready for University.

4. June 14th is National Strawberry Shortcake Day...are you a fan, and if so will you celebrate? How do you make yours? Have you been strawberry picking? If so what do you do with all those berries? 

I am a fan of Strawberry Shortcake but won't celebrate.  My family used to grow strawberries on our farm.  Let me tell ya, it is hard work.  Some evenings I would be so tired and silly, I would start a strawberry fight knowing I would get in trouble afterwards.  My family sold strawberries for a few summers.

5. What's something you always splurge on? 

Things for the grandkids.  That's why they are called GRAND!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I have been deep cleaning my house...windows, blinds, etc.  I have four rooms complete and I have officially clocked out for the rest of the week.  SHEW!!

Tomorrow I have inservice (which I know I will be dead tired.  Is it just mean but sitting in meetings all day long wears me out!) 

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Tell me something you remember (or if you're not there yet, something you look forward to) about being 35.

When getting ready to turn 35, I remember the famous Bronco Chase and O.J. Simpson's ex-wife being murdered.  Both my daughters were still very young.  One daughter was beginning 2nd grade and the other daughter was beginning Kindergarten.  Also, I had a lot more energy than I do now!

w. Last time you 'burned the candle at both ends'? 

Probably last month trying to tie up the loose ends of the school year.

3. Are you someone with the 'gift of gab'? Elaborate (which shouldn't be a problem if you answered yes teehee).  

No, not really.  I like to get right to the point without beating around the bush.  

4. Do you request a special meal on your birthday, and if so tell us what that meal is? Do you want the same kind of cake year after year or will any flavor work? Do you want cake at all? Growing up were birthdays a big deal in your house? Are they a big deal now? 

My birthday is coming up next month!  I don't request a special meal anymore.  I am lucky if I get a cake, now!  My birthday isn't a big deal; I consider myself very lucky to have made another trip around the sun!

Growing up my birthday was always celebrated with the fourth of July even though this wasn't my birthday (July 3rd) .  There was always a huge cookout and a cake.  

5. 'Age is just a number.'..agree or disagree? Tell us why.

I believe you are never too old to try new things and learn new things.  At least this is what my brain tells me but some days my body tells me different!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My daughter and her boys were with me all last week.  A storm blew through and a tree fall which resulted in their deck being demolished, chimney demolished, and their boat!  Because the chimney was demolished a critter or two (squirrels) got stuck inside the chimney.  They left Sunday evening to head back home.  Emily texted me Sunday night and said when the boys said their prayers they prayed they could come back to my house on Monday! 

We are having Vacation Bible School this week, and I am teaching the Pre-K group.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Do you know much about (or understand) Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Does it worry or excite you? 

I don't understand much about AI.  It kinda worries me.

2. What was the last song you listened to? Your favorite movie soundtrack? What song always puts you in a good mood?  

Since I had the boys yesterday, it was "Ten Little Ghosts"!!  My favorite movie soundtrack...is Footloose and Remember the Titans.  A beach song or Contemporary Christian music usually puts me in a good mood.

.3. What were you doing ten years ago? 

 Probably making sure daughters were okay.  One was in pharmacy school and the other in DPT school.  I can't remember if anything special was going on other than this.  Summer was my time to go and visit them whenever I wanted to.  I loved surprising them and they loved my visits because I cleaned up their apartment and went grocery shopping for them.

4. Your favorite no-bake summer dessert?

Fruit desserts!  A charcuterie board with fruit!

5. Something you're looking forward to in June? 

Watching my garden grow!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Something I am not looking forward to doing  is giving my house a deep cleaning...windows, blinds, etc. 

This little fellow has enjoyed T -Ball this year, and I have enjoyed watching him.

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.