Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. April 22nd is Earth Day...what's the most 'out of this world' place on earth you've ever visited? Tell us something about it. 

A few years ago, I went with a couple of friends to Bath County for the weekend.  Bath County is not that far from Roanoke.  However, it took us four hours to get there.  To this day, I don't know how we did it, but somewhere along the way we took a very wrong turn.  We had no idea where we were except we were on a very narrow, curvy road. One girl in the car was getting car sick and the other three was about to go to the bathroom.  We kept driving and driving.  Not a house in sight or any type civilization!!  Finally, what we thought was a tool shed was actually a country store!!  The country store had concrete floors, two shelves with bread, crackers, and spam!!  I looked!!! and that was it!!  Trying to get directions or any type of information from the man behind the counter was like speaking a foreign language.  I guess the man (we called him grandpa) was getting just as irritated as we were and he decided to lock up his little establishment and he led us to a stop sign about 5 miles away.  Yay, Finally a paved road and we had GPS connection.  I forget to mention before seeing this little store or tool shed, we lost all internet service.  This was one of the 'out of this world' places I had ever traveled on.  The road was gravel and nothing in sight but mountains and mountains.  Never had I ever been so happy to see a paved road.  The girls and I still talk about this little trip and we have never figured out how we landed on this gravel, mountain road.

2. A favorite quote, verse, or song lyric with the word earth in it? 

"Salt of the Earth" by the Rolling Stones  This song is about the hard, working class people.

3. What's the most trivial thing about which you have a strong opinion? 

I have two!  I like pineapple on pizza and some people think this is a cardinal sin!!!  But I love it.

The second one will be toilet paper.  My daughter and I argue over this one.  Should it be over or under.  I go with over and she goes with under. We are both strong willed so this constantly a strong opinion when it comes to this.

4. What's your most commonly used kitchen utensil or tool? What's the last thing you made using that tool? 

Spatula   I fixed my dog a scrambled egg.

5. Marilyn (Memphis Bridges) gave me a great book of 3000 questions, and I'm going to try to use one in our Hodgepodge every week. Here is today's - 

What is your greatest extravagance? 

A ring.  When on the Disney Cruise, I fell in love with this beautiful bracelet.  The cost was 16,000  WOW!!  Everyday, I would go and look at the bracelet knowing there was no way I would pay that much.  AND everyday the sales lady was saying, 'Yes, you can Ms. Tamara."  Anyway, one evening as I was still gazing at this beautiful bracelet, the sales lady happened to mention there was a ring with the same pattern as the bracelet.  I couldn't resist....I bought the ring (not as much as the bracelet), but a little too pricey. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I just finished the book, Theo of Golden  by Allen Levi.   I highly recommend this book!!!  

Have a great rest of the week and Enjoy Life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately? 

I definitely do not do my own taxes!!! Something that I find taxing is all the paperwork special education teachers have to do.  SHEW!!!

2. When it comes to travel are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you. 

I get all clothes out a week in advance.  Yes, I struggle to pack light.  I make a list of all the things I am going to pack, lay everything out, and then check off my list as I place the items in my suitcase. Of course, my list is usually started weeks before the trip!

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level? 

I like a grilled cheese sandwich.  I do not add any extra ingredients to my grilled cheese.

4. There's a well known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd  

Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? 

I choose BOTH.  Constant growth prevents boredom, but too much constant growth can lead to stress. I think it is important (at my age) to continue growing and learning. 

On the other hand, stability and peace provides long term health and happiness. 

I think it is a balance of both.

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

• daffodils or tulips
• lemonade or iced tea
• gardening or hiking
• ladybugs or butterflies 
• umbrella or raincoat
• floral patterns or polka dots

Tulips, iced tea, gardening, butterflies, raincoat, and polka dots.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A great Disney Cruise!!!  I don't know who had the most fun...the grandsons or me!!  

I came back to the real world with all this state required testing!!!

Have a great week and Enjoy Life!