Springing Into Wednesday Hodge Podge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge...I hope you'll join the fun today! Answer the questions on your own blog, then hop over to Joyce's blog by clicking here and adding your link to the party. Oh, and go say hi to the neighbors because everybody loves company!

 

Here are my answers to Joyce's questions for this week-

1. Thursday marks the first day of spring...to celebrate would you rather plant a garden or go for a walk in the woods? Would either of those activities be possible on Thursday where you live?
I would like to do both, but would prefer to plant a garden and it would be somewhat possible where I live.  I would have to cover bulbs so some and dig the ground up would be easy.  Things here are starting to bloom out and lots of big time farmers are preparing to put seeds in the ground.  I cannot wait.
2. When did somebody last spring something on you? (or when did you last spring something on someone?)  I really can't remember the last time someone sprang something on me.  Most of my friends know that I really do not like to have things sprung on me and if it does happen you can be assured that I WILL return the favor if I can.

3. We often think of spring as a time for new beginnings...what's something you'd like to start doing this spring?  Cleaning out the past.I would love to finish clearing out my mom's house, get the house sold, and get rid of excess in mine.  I want to travel light from now on.

4. Where do you like to sit in a movie theatre? When did you last sit there, and what were you watching?  Frank and I usually sit in the middle of the row....around the middle of the theater. The last movie we saw in the theatre was Frozen, and we both loved it. It was one of the first movies that Frank did not take a nap half-way through. 

5. When you meet someone for the very first time, what do you want them to think about you?
Joyce and I must be twins from another mother.  Her answer fits me to a tee.  I want people to say that I'm friendly and genuine.  I enjoy meeting new people so if I say I'm happy to meet you I mean it too.

6. March is frozen food month (yes, really!). Besides ice cream (gotta make you think a little) what's your most often purchased frozen food item?  Clark Brother's Meats sells some of the most delicious frozen zipper/sugar peas.  It is cheaper to buy a gallon bag from them, than to grow them myself and that gallon lasts a good while for us.  We bought some frozen steaks from a house to house salesman recently and I promise you we won't again.  With Clark Brother's just down the road I want my meat fresh! 

7. What's something you avoid?  Again Joyce and I are on target with each other.  I avoid negative people too. The one's I work with are draining.  I am so tired and physically/mentally drained after having been around them. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.  I live in an area where chicken farms abound.  They are one of the biggest money makers around.  But, did you know that today is Poultry Day?  Poultry Day celebrates chicken, turkey and other birds we commonly consume. Chicken and turkey are lower in fats, and cholesterol than other meats, making it better for your health. They also give you your breakfast eggs. Celebrating Poultry Day can be quite tasty with eggs for breakfast, a chicken sandwich for lunch, and barbecue chicken for dinner. Don't forget to cook up some chicken fingers for the kids.   FYI:  Most famous Chicken: Looney Tune's Foghorn leghorn. Chicken Philosophy: Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Wet and Nasty Wednesday Hodge Podge - Volume 164

Another week has come and gone.  Another week of unstable and weird weather.  Today we have rain....only!  I am praying that is all it is.  I would like to complete a full week at school.    Here are Joyce's questions for the week.  All you have to do is answer them on your own blog, then jump back to her blog and share answers with friends old and new-

1. What is something you'll never forget about the age you are right now?  Accepting the call to fill a pulpit.  I would have never thought that would be me.
2. What's a household chore you've never done? How have you managed that???  Obviously I have not managed that because there is not a household chore I have never done.  When you are a single mom you learn to do it all. 
3. Does nature shape our personalities more than nurture? Explain?   Yes sometimes!  I raised a daughter who was her mother's child even though she had not been in her life since she was 4.  She had many of her birth mom's character traits and very few of mine.  Her aunt once told me that nature definitely won out over nurture when she was concerned.  I raised her brother....and he was nothing like his mom.  He grew up to be like the people around him.
4. Friday (February 28th) is 'Something on a Stick Day'...funny because Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens recently sent me an idea for a question relating to this topic. What's your favorite food eaten on a stick?  CORNDOGS!!!!!!!  I only eat them at fairs and such....but I love them!   I have to admit too...I loved skewered meat from a grill!
5. Which of your five senses do you treasure most, and why?  I treasure them all....but I guess sight would be my most treasured.  As an amateur photographer there is nothing like it...to through a lens of a camera and see beauty.
6. What's the best music, theatre, or sporting venue you've been to? What made it great?    Little River Band, Michael Martin Murphy at the Ampitheater in Columbus/Phenix City.  The acoustics are wonderful and the music and scenery are just perfect.  Camelot at TPAC in Nashville, and James Taylor at the Ampitheater in Nashville. 

7. It's the last week of the month...in five words or less bid adieu to your February. Filled with snow so GO!
8. Insert your own random thought here.  Did you know that Saturday is National Peanut Butter Day(it is also National Pig Day but....I am not talking about pigs right now).  Do you like Peanut Butter?  What is your favorite way to eat it?  I personally love peanut butter and will eat it straight from the jar. 

Wintery Mix 'Wednesday Hodge Podge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer the questions on your own blog, then hop back over to Joyce's blog to share the linky love. Tell the truth now, it's Honest Abe's birthday ya know!

Here we go-

1. What makes love last?
I agree with Joyce in a sense of humor, a forgiving heart, making a concious effort to put the other person first, seeing the best in your mate as opposed to keeping a tally of all that annoys, not expecting perfection, extending compassion, knowing there will be days, and most especially never underestimating the power of the little things. Frank and I have been married only eleven years but we dated for several years before we married.  We have never had a fight. Most people find that hard to believe, but it is true and it is because we follow the rules above.

2.  The Beatles made their U.S. debut fifty years ago this week. Are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite Beatles tune?
I was watching when they made their debut on the Ed Sullivan Show so many years ago. Yes I'm a fan.  I even loved the goofy Beatles movies.  Remember those?  Picking a favorite song would be hard.  I love so many.  Michelle, Yesterday, When I'm Sixty Four, Norweigan(sp) Wood, and my all time favorite, If I Fell.  

3. Valentine's Day-your thoughts? Do you celebrate in any way? Do anything special for the people you love? Expect anything special from the people who love you?
Frank and I do NOT celebrate Valentine's Day.  We see it as a rip off holiday.  I don't need a reason to tell him I love him.  I do that every single day!  Our anniversary, birthdays....those are special days.  When my kids were younger I would get them a little something for Valentine's Day....I don' t expect anything....and Frank knows he better not send me flowers on this day!  Valentine's Day is a sad day for those who are alone.  I hate that commercialism rubs that fact in their face.  So sad.

 4. Steak or burger...you have to choose. Now that that's settled, how do you like it?  I love a really good burger.  I feel like the sign of a good restaurant is how good their hamburger is.  But....if I have to chose just one....then it is Steak, medium rare please. 
5. The Hodgepodge lands on the birthdate (February 12th) of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America. Lincoln is quoted as saying, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test his character give him power."  Do you agree? Why or why not?
Power changes people, and generally not for the better. I have a good friend who is a Senator for our state and he went from being a good guy when he was an insurance salesman to a class jerk.  On an even grander level you can just look at the mess our government is in. I do believe many of those in office started off with the best of intentions, but power is intoxicating, and the need to hold onto it makes people compromise their beliefs and principles rather than risk losing it.  Personal reflection - our government officials should follow suit with the President....and serve only two terms.  I think that might do away with some of the opportunities to let power go to their head.  There are people who manage to not fall victim to power hunger and stay true to their beliefs.  They are the rare ones.

6. Honest Abe's picture is on the US penny (1 cent coin) so I'm wondering...what do you do with your pennies (or your country's equivalent)? It's been suggested the US stop making the penny, and two bills have been proposed suggesting just that, but neither were approved.  What say you?
Frank and I have a change jar.  We drop pocket change in it at the end of the day.  Most of it is pennies and the last time we added it up we had over two hundred dollars.  I keep twenty five pennies in my wallet to make change when it is small.  I have pennies in an ash tray in my car from when I get change at drive thru's to also pay the small part of a tab.  

 7. Do you think pop culture deserves serious study?
Not right now.  My students are studying the Jazz Age right now...and down the road a couple of decades it may be worthy of study.  To be honest comparing it with the Jazz Age I think it will be a disappointment!  All the reality shows will be a sad state of the culture.  I guess they are the B grade westerns of today. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here-
I was so excited about the Olympics.....and now....not so much.  It seems to be on in our house 24/7 and right now...we are having some severe weather issues.....and the news stations have shifted their coverage to their sister stations so they do not interrupt the Olympics.  It reminds me of the Heidi football game.  Griefus!  I think weather warnings, school closures, road closures that are serious...should trump a snowboarder.  Could we at least have a scrolling alert at the bottom of the screen?

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Everyone is welcome to play along...answer on your own blog, then add your link to the party over on Joyce's blog. Here are my answers to Joyce's questions this week-

1. Are we always responsible for our actions? Are there any exceptions?
Yes we are.  There is no argument to this.  When you become an adult you are responsible.  The only exception would be someone with a mental illness.  My Down's grandson understands responsibility for his actions. 
 2. Has anyone from your home town become famous?  Yes!  Chris Noel was an actress who appeared in movies, went to Vietnam with Bob Hope.  Burt Reynolds is from my home town as is Monty Markham.  There are many more but I only have a little time to get this done.
3. January was National Slow Cooker month. Do you own a slow cooker/crock pot? Did you use it last month? What's a favorite dish you make using a slow cooker or crock pot?  I own two.  I have a small one and a large one.  Yes I did use it last month.  I use it often.  I love making oatmeal, chili, spaghetti sauce, soups, etc....I love using mine.  We also have a slow roaster that we do hams, turkeys, big chickens, etc. in.  It is awesome!
4. How do you feel about private companies collecting data about you?
I don't like it....but I agree with Joyce.  It is 2014.  We are all over the internet....and Pandora's box has been opened.  There is no closing it now.

5. The Games of the 2014 Winter Olympics kick off with their opening ceremony this coming Friday...will you be watching? Which Winter Olympic event would you most like to see in person? Have you ever been to Russia? Any desire to go, Olympics or otherwise?
I will definitely be watching.  I have never been to Russia.  I would love to see any of it.  I am a big Winter Olympics fan.  I have been to see a few soccer games when the Olympics were in Atlanta.  I would love to be there for the Opening or Closing Ceremonies. 
6. Share a good or bad sports related memory from your childhood or teen years.
I got hit in the head with a softball during a practice.  Then....while rounding second base I tripped over the base, sprawled out on the field, and badly broke my ankle.
7. What's a must have song for you on a work out play list? If you don't work out, run, bike, swim, walk, or anything else that could be construed as 'exercise', then what's a song that at least motivates you to get up off the couch?  Born to Be Wild makes me want to run.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Queen Latifah's rendition of America the Beautiful made me cry at the Super Bowl.  It and the National Anthem were two of my best memories of the game.....well and the Budweiser commercial with the puppy.  What say ye? 

Snowed In Wednesday Hodge Podge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Joyce's rules are simple.  All you have to do is answer the questions on your own blog, then hop back and link up with all your friends and neighbors. Be sure to add a link to Joyce's post on your blog  by clicking here so people reading know how to play along too. The code for the Hodgepodge button is on her sidebar.

Now for my answers to the questions......hope you are ready.

1. It's been said that one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day?  Do you think that's true? Do you find that an easy exercise most mornings? What's something positive you told yourself this morning? If you missed that boat, what's something positive you could tell yourself tomorrow?  I have an hour commute each morning and afternoon, so on my way in and out I do Hwy 22 Prayers part of the way and then listen to Praise and Worship Music or a motivational CD the other part of the way.  It helps me prepare for my day and get me in a positive zone.  I reverse the practice on the way home and it gets rid of all the negative and I don't come home and lambast Frank with it.  Yep...I believe positives can override negatives.
 2. There will be karaoke at the next party you attend...are you in? Or will you be faking a sore throat?  I am a singer by nature so I am all in.  I am not usually one of the first to jump in.  I know I can sing and I have lots of opportunities to sing.  It is supposed to be fun so I always let others go first....and I may or may not participate depending on the crowd. 

3. January 29th is National Puzzle Day...what's something you've found puzzling lately?
How something as beautiful as snow can be so deadly....especially when it is hiding ice below it's surface.

 4. Jigsaw, crossword, acrostic, logic, sudoku, word search...what's your favorite, and when did you last work one?I like most of them....but Word Search is my favorite and I did three today.  I have them on my IPad....and keep a book or two of them beside my bed.  I also love jigsaws.  I wish I had had one at the house to eliminate the cabin fever I was suffering from. 
 5. Recently a writer by the name of Amy Glass ruffled feathers with a post she wrote saying she looks down on young women with husbands and kids and she's not sorry. Among other things she says women will be equal with men when we stop saying housework and real work are equally important.  You can read the whole piece by clicking here.What say you? Do you think men and women are equal in the 21st century? Why or why not?
 I agree with Joyce on this one and think "Amy Glass just wanted some traffic on her site and her wish came true. Not sure if this is truly the way she feels, or if it was put out there because she knew it would generate controversy and buzz, and most of all traffic aka revenue. I'm not going to get all riled up about something a self-described feminist blogger says, other than to say this-It is the year two thousand and fourteen. Why do women continue to beat each other up about the way we choose to work and parent?  Are men and women equal? No. Thank goodness!"  Right now I am working full time as a teacher and part time as a preacher.  Frank is only working part time because he is in school.  We chose to go that route.  When he finishes school I am going to retire.

6. What's a product you've noticed in the grocery store that you'd like to try, but haven't yet?
I was watching the commercial last night for the Campbells Slow Cooker Sauces, and thought I might like to try it out.  It is winter and crock pot meals are great for now.  I usually do my own sauces but this really looks interesting.

7. The author, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) was born this week back in 1832 (January 27th). Which character from his celebrated novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, would you most like to meet, and why? Here's a link to the character list if you need help on this one.  This is not one of my favorite novels.  I really have no feelings either way about meeting any one of the characters....this is especially true after seeing the Johnny Depp movie.  

 8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I have participated in the A-Z Challenge for the past three years and would love for some of you to join in as well.  I was delighted to find out through Joyce that the  A-Z Blog Challenge registration is up and running.  Go here to add your name to the list. 

Hodge Podge - Volume 153

It's the first Wednesday in December! There are just a few more shopping/preparation days until Christmas.  I don't know about you but my December calendar is so full that I have actually double booked myself a few times.  Has it snuck up on anyone else besides me?   I still have so much to do and the fall over Thanksgiving put me way behind....have I got lots of stuff left to do! One on the top of my priorities list is to answer the Hodgepodge questions for this week! Don't forget to hop over to Joyce's  blog, link up, read everyones responses, and share your own.

1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts? When did you last take a selfie? Do you post them online somewhere? Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?  The word selfie is a strange word to me and hits to close to selfish.  I am a behind the lens kind of girl.  I hate having my photo made.  I am not one of those who takes random shots of myself with my camera phone thinking I am all that.  I would rather photograph something else...like nature...or small children....or others. 

2. Will you send out Christmas cards this year? If so, are they ready to go? If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind? I am not sure about the cards this year.  I took a fall Thanksgiving Day and am now running about a week behind.  I may send a few to special people.

3. Do you trust easily?  I trust to easy sometimes.  I tend to trust until you do something untrustworthy and then trusting you again is something that does not come again easily.

4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?  All of the above.  In order of importance...cinnamon is my favorite, peppermint second, vanilla, third and pine fourth.  In combination they make up the smells of December for me.

5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?  I slept most of the day....on Lortab.  Last night at the First Dept Dinner I think I over did the talking.  I had to make up for my day I guess. 

6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now : )  This morning coming to work I heard O Holy Night and it is still running through my mind.  I love that song.

7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why?  Probably all of them.....but if I have to make a choice it would be....Marco Polo, because he went to Italy and Ponce De Leon because he covered the Carribbean. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. What is your favorite Christmas movie?????  Musicalwise mine is "White Christmas" and as for all time favorites the original Miracle on 34th Street and It's A Wonderful Life rank right up there.  Let me know your all time favorite(s).

Hodge Podge on Wednesday

Welcome to another edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Add your link at the end of Joyce's post by clicking here and then hop around and chat with your neighbors. Here are my answers to this week's questions-

1. When it comes to good manners, what two top your list of most important?
My number one times two would have to be saying please when you ask for something and thank you when you're given something.  I teach high school and don't hear either very often.  

2. Let's open a proverbial can of worms...Common Core. Are you familiar with the term (talking education reform in the USA)? If so, care to share your thoughts? In your opinion, what is one of the biggest issues schools (in your home country) face today?

I'm familiar with the term and trust me you do not want to get me started.  I am seriously considering retiring soon because of it. Children are not all cut from the same mold.  When we throw them all together...or expect them all to be Advanced Diploma recipients were doing nothing more than watering down the educational system.  We jump on whatever California or Texas are implementing and before we get it up and going they drop it.  The problem is....people who make up all these routines are not educators or have not been in the classroom for eons. I agree fully with Joyce,  why can't we have a period of time where the standards are tried and tested by fire-in the actual classroom by lots of different teachers with lots of different teaching styles and student populations-before we insist everyone adopt them. 

3. Name a celebrity whose fashion sense you admire and share why.
Sandra Bullock.  She is so clean and wholesome looking.  Her dressing style is classic.

4. How are you affected by the changing seasons?
I love the season changes.  Fall and Winter tend to bring on a bit of melancholy, expecially if I am homebound.  I love the first snow...if we get one. I love the budding of sping and it makes me want to get outside and play.  I love summer and having a sense of freedom. 

5. Scariest book you've ever read?
Cujo by Stephen King.  When I read it I was attending night classes at college and was reading with a reading lamp in the car.  The school security guard and his German Shephard were patroling and the dog jumped up on the side of my car.  I don't know who was more afraid.  The dog, the guard, or me.  I had to finish the book in a well-lit room and did not sleep for two days.  I also had some issues with Christine.  My grandfather owned a car just like it and when I spent the night there....the car was in the shed right off my room.  Fiction became reality for me on both of those.
6. What time of day are you most hungry? What's your go-to snack?
Late afternoon. I would love to eat dinner at that time, because that's really when I'm hungry, but duie to our schedules that does not always happen.  I try and eat healthy - pretzels, fruit, sugar free something, a cup of coffee or tea.  If there is anything else in the house....it is game on.

7. Do you lean more towards being too needy or too independent? Which do you find harder to deal with in others?
I am by nature an independent person, but I also like depending on my husband.  I don't think I am needy, yet I know how to be "needy" if Frank needs to feel like Mr. Machismo.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I have thought all week about my random thought for today and decided to do mine on Operation Christmas Child.....when I read Joyce's random thought I laughed out loud.  Obviously like minds.   This is something that I too love to do every year is pack a shoebox or two for Operation Christmas Child. My church did 50 last year and have set a goal of 60 for this year.  We are lining the railing to the choir loft right now.  It is fun to watch the amount grow.  I too am fully aware that it is still 62 days until Christmas (not that I'm counting), but the National Shoebox Collection Week is November 18th-25th, and that really is just around the corner.  You do not have to be part of an organization or a church....my kids at school have done them before and you can find everything you need to know about what to pack, how to pack it, what to pack it in, and where to drop or send your shoebox on the Samaritan's Purse website (click here for details).   I truly believe that this is such a wonderful ministry to children all over the world, and it's easy and fun to fill a shoebox. Humbling too, to realize how excited a little child somewhere will be to get a brand new toothbrush or their very own bar of soap.  You select the age range and gender for your box, and I almost always buy for girls because that's what I know best. I buy a few essentials, but also some fun things like a pink purse or glittery crayons and stickers. You can even track your box now by printing a label at home, and then once it's delivered you'll get an email letting you know where your box was sent. I have included my mailing address a few times and have been delighted with letters from the child.  Talk about a blessing.  I sat and read and cried.  You know we all have more than we could possibly need and it is special to do a child's Christmas you have never met. I encourage you to visit the website and see what it's all about. You can bless a child with a shoebox, and in the filling of that shoebox I think you'll find you're blessed right back.  Personally....I would rather give to someone who needs something....than have someone give me something.

Fall Hodge Podge

It is that time of week again and Joyce has some really good questions out there.  Want to play along with all of us?  If you do then hop over to Joyce's blog and grab the questions, answer them, then hop back and post your answers. 

1. What was your biggest worry five years ago? Is it still a worry? My parent's dying.  It is not still a worry.  My dad died in 2009 and my mom in 2011.  2. Yesterday (October 15th) was National Grouch Day...what makes you grouchy? What cheers you up when you're feeling grouchy?  Being sick makes me grouchy and reading or watching a really good movie makes me cheer up.  Frank and Kat also can cheer me up by doing the funny things they do.3. In one word, how does it feel to be photographed?  Embarassing

4. Besides your parents, who would you say had the greatest influence on you in choosing your life path? Explain. Dr. Watson B. Duncan III - he taught me English at PBJC.  I wanted to grow up and be just like him.  Funny thing....I teach high school English today....Thanks Dr. Duncan.5. The crisp days of autumn are here ...what's something you like to eat, but only if it's crisp?  Apples.  I love McIntosh, Cameo, Granny Smith, and Braeburn.  They are all crisp...and sweetly tart.
6. What's the most useless object you own?  A bundt pan.  I have a rectangular pan now and love making pound cakes in it.  The bundt pan has not been used in over 4 years.  Pretty useless huh?7. Share a favorite fall memory. As an adult when fall gets here Amanda usually has us all over to her house to pick and sing out by the campfire.  The kids roast weiners and marshmallows.  There is something about the smell of wood, the feel of the heat from the fire, and the sounds of good music.  Another one...is being in the Smokey Mtns. when the leaves are changing.  I have made this trekk many times with friends and families and I never get tired of going through the Mtns. and Cades Cove.  I was sad that we didn't get to this year....Thanks to our wonderful government.  When I was a child some people in our neighborhood would make snow cones for all the kids trick or treating.  We all wanted to go there first to make sure we got one. 
8. Insert your own random thought here. October 16^th is Dictionary Day - Vocabulary mavens and wordsmiths unite! October 16^th is Dictionary Day.This word-worthy occasion marks the birthday of American lexicographer Noah Webster, father of the modern dictionary.  How well do you know your words? Dictionary Day is a wonderful occasion for brushing up those verbal skills by playing word games like Scrabble, Password, Boggle or Balderdash. Or just pick up a word search or crossword puzzle.  It's also Learn a Word Day on October 16^th. What is your new word of the day?   Instead of sharing my new favorite word of the day I thought I would share something that makes my blood boil.  Did you know that every year new vocabulary words are added to the dictionary?  Sometimes they are based on necessity and other times they are based entirely on the culture.   There are a few that I really think could have been left out....maybe because I am an English teacher....or maybe because my parents taught me to speak correctly.  I will say this....smart phones are killing our speech. "Feature phone" is one of the new words that I deam totally unnecessary.  All cell phones have features....so what is the point here?  Onliner is another one that refers to someone on the internet....duh!  Scareware is yet another word to be used with, or in place of, spyware, malware and adware mean the same thing.   Why do we need so many words for this?  We have even added abbreviations like tbh which  means "to be honest". How hard is it to just say to be honest?  More and more the English language is being dumbed down.  I also found "tmi" and to be honest why do texting languages need to be there.  I also found woot, "prolly"(short for probably), sammich , and my final word is "bromance".  If we continue down this path we may someday live in a world where writing and speaking properly is the exception instead of the rule.  

Hodge Podge Kicking Off Fall

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Add your link at the end of Joyce's post by clicking here  and then be a good neighbor and go say hi to the bloggers linking around you. Here are my answers for the week-

1. What's one thing that's still the same about you as when you were young?
I am terrified of high bridges over water.  I saw an accident once involving a draw bridge and water and have feared them ever since.  I used to dream about being on a bridge and when it peaked there being nothing there.  The Coronodo Bay Bridge in San Diego almost did me in.  I drove over it singing like a mad woman.

2. What's more important-history or science? Why?
I have to agree with Joyce.  History tells us where we have been and what not to do again.  Science is important too because it is where the cures for diseases comes from. 

3. Lima, kidney, string, garbanzo, black, or pinto-your favorite bean?
I like kidney, chili, black, green and pinto beans to the point that with some cornbread or a hush puppie, and a slice of onion I have a happy meal.  I detest lima beans and butter beans.  I think they are nasty. 

4. What's something people come to your town to do?
Oh come on.  I live in Rock Mills, AL.  The population is less than 1,000.  People come to my town to visit family members and once a year attend the big....and I mean it is big....Pottery Festival.  Every first and third Saturday they may come to set up or browse through Wehadkee Trade Days at the old mill.

5. When was the last time you were in a meeting? Sum it up for us in five words or less.
Board meeting on the fourth Sunday at my church(last week).  Discussed events and money issues.

6. What special event would you like a VIP pass to attend?
I would love to see the Eagles, The Olympics, The Special Olympics, APresidential Ball.

7. What's one piece of advice you'd give a writer?
Keep a notebook with you at all time and jot down your "aha" moments. You never know when they will be a springboard into a great story.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Have you ever visited The Wall in Washington D.C.?  I have been there several times and each time I feel a different emotion cursing through me.  I wear an MIA bracelet for a soldier who is listed on the wall and the first time I touched his name it was electrifying.  I have visited it at night and in the day time.  Each time I leave with tears in my eyes.  All of the monuments for our veterans leave me feeling this way....but for some reason....the Korean and Vietnam Walls take my breath away.  Have you ever been?  If you ever have the chance to visit them you should....and don't forget to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Everyone should visit D.C. once in their lives.  Have a blessed day!

Hodgepodge - Vol 138

Man has this week flown by.  I cannot believe it is already Wednesday.  Usually my first week drags, but this one has been amazing.  Here are Joyce's questions to this week's Hodgepodge and my answers.  If you would like to play along then copy the questions and answer them on your own blog, then hop back over to Joyce's and link up.  It is loads of fun.  You find out interesting facts about people doing this.

1. What's your worst food memory? How about one of your best?  My SIL once gave me a bushel of cucumbers to make bread and butter pickles out of.  I followed her recipe to the letter.  I ended up with 36 pints and 16 qt jars of delicious looking pickles....one small problem....I missed a step in the process and those pickles were the nastiest things I have ever tried to put in my mouth.  My BL brought his backhoe over, dug a hole, and I buried them.  Some day an archaeological dig might uncover them and won't they be surprised.  Gelato, pizza, food in general in Italy would be my best memory.....oh and my mom's homemade banana pudding hot out of the oven.  I never mastered it.

2. Do you appreciate people telling it like it is, or would you rather a speaker temper his/her words and maybe beat around the bush a little? How about when you're the one communicating...which type are you?   I think you can temper your words and say the same thing just in a nicer tone.  I really do not like brutal honesty and I don't like bush beating either.  I want you to be honest....just gently.  I temper my words....unless it is something really bad then I tend to beat around the bush.

3. What's your favorite place to hang out?  Mrs. Betty Jeans garden, friends houses, the beach, the mountains.  When I was a kid it was the A & W Rootbeer stand and The Hut.

4. When do you most feel like you're a slave to time?  When I am cleaning house.  This is especially true after working at school all day.

5. What was the last concert you attended? Who'd you go with? Was it any good?  Mandisa in Montgomery at Frazier.  I went with Kat, Frank, and some of Kat's friends and it was a marvelous  concert.

6. Reality TV...harmful or harmless? What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to reality TV?  Reality.....I love the Amazing Race.  I love What Not To Wear...these are harmless.   I do not like the others...they are harmful.

7. What's something you think is overrated?  Political correctness and being famous.

8. Insert your own random thought here.   Did you know that August 21st is National Senior Citizens Day.  This is a day that  honors our elderly population. On this day, we are encouraged to recognize and show appreciation for the value and contribution of elderly people to home, family and society. In his Presidential Proclamation (August 19, 1988), President Ronald Reagan said "For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older." I think I am getting there fast....what about you?

Hodgepodge - Vol 137

It's that time again...here are Joyce's questionsand my answers for the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Click here to add your link and join the party.

1. My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend...what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?  I am working on mastering crochet.  I have not quite got it yet...but will before to much longer.  I can't wait to see the product of my efforts.  Mrs. Shirley has been a patient and wonderful teacher. 
2. What song most reminds you of your childhood?   Any Big Band swing song.  My mom used to put on her records and dance with me in the living room.  I came from a musical family so there was always music in my house.  I loved the Chuck Wagon Gang, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Bobby Vinton, Elvis, the Monkees, and Doo-Wop.  If it was music and I could sing or dance to it....I pretty much loved it.
3. What do you think about single gender groups and/or events? Should every group/event be open to both genders? If not, what sort of exceptions do you think are appropriate?   I think there should be single gender events.  Our church has a Men's Breakfast once a month and I think it is a time for men to get together and share men issues(since I am the pastor...I am always invited).  I love going to Women of Faith conferences because the speakers talk about issues women face.  I love to go on girl trips...and I love to go on couple's trips.  I don't think it hurts for events to be open to both genders....but it is nice to get together with the girls....and just be girls.
4. What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?  My favorite spice is cinnamon.  My favorite dish is Skillet Apple Pie that Mrs Gillespie from the Nazarene Church in Rock Mills brings to joint celebrations.  Let me tell you it is to die for.

 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Granny Smith apples
• 2 pounds Braeburn apples
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 (14.1-oz.) package refrigerated piecrusts
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Butter-pecan ice cream

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Peel apples, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Toss apples with cinnamon and 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
2. Melt butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat; add brown sugar, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, and place 1 piecrust in skillet over brown sugar mixture. Spoon apple mixture over piecrust, and top with remaining piecrust. Whisk egg white until foamy. Brush top of piecrust with egg white; sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar. Cut 4 or 5 slits in top for steam to escape.
3. Bake at 350º for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly, shielding with aluminum foil during last 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning, if necessary. Cool on a wire rack 30 minutes before serving. Serve with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.

5. I saw this question on Marla's facebook page and asked if I could steal borrow it for the Hodgepodge...thanks Marla!  Chevron patterns are everywhere! Do you like it or think its just a little too much? Do you own anything 'chevron'? Our school shirts this year for Friday have chevron pockets.  The shirt is maroon with a pale gray and white chevron pocket that has BRHS on it in maroon.  I love them and it is the only chevron thing I own and I hope to keep it that way.
6. What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now?  Easy Peasy....bedtime.  I look forward to it ever single night.  This is especially true since I have to get up so early every morning during the school year.
7. What can irritate you very quickly?  People who think they know everything when in all actuality they do not.
8. Insert your own random thought here.  Our school starts back on Monday and I am excited, apprehensive, dreading it.  Once the ball gets rolling I will be in my groove and all the apprehension will dwindle away....but until then...it is nervous stomach time.  When do your schools start back and can you remember how you felt when school started back when you were a child in school and the parent of a child in school.  Want to share?

Hodge Podge for The End of My Summer

It is Wednesday and that means another one of Joyce's Hodgepodges.  I look forward to her questions each week and the answers everyone gives.  It is a great way to learn about your fellow bloggers.  Here are my answers to this week's questions...add your link to Joyce's blog and join the party!

1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?
I am like Joyce and think the Internet is a pretty amazing thing. There is a negative side...people don't write letters anymore, but I have found and am able to keep up with people I have not seen in a bazillion years thanks to the internet.

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?
We took God out of the equation.  No more prayer in schools, no posting of religious items in state run buildings.  

 3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?
Starlight.  There is nothing like laying flat on your back in the back yard and gazing at the stars or sitting in a planetarium and looking at the stars for that month.    

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway?
Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker.  I love the song but they played it a lot when it first hit the charts.

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?
Fourth of July at Amanda's.  Her sister-in-law Debbie makes one of my favorite - Wendy's frosty.  It tastes just like one.  My backyard neighbor, Celia makes Yoo Hoo ice cream and it is wonderful.  Do you think I like chocolate or what.  BTW we are having an ice cream social after the revival service tonight....I can't wait.  There is nothing better than homemade ice cream.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?
 I know how I am inspired or motivated.  I want to feel appreciated and encouraged.  I can and will do anything with those two elements present.  When someone shares a story with me about how they overcame an obstacle it lights my fire and I want to follow in their footsteps.  

7.  When was the last time you were without power?
Let's see...when did we have our last rain storm.  Our power will go out for a little while (under an hour) when we have a huge rainstorm.  It usually does not stay out.  Our local Alabama Power Co. is on it quickly.  The last time we were without power for an extended period of time was three years ago during a snow/ice storm.  It was off for several hours.  When the power is off like that Frank and I put away our electronic devices and play a board game by candlelight.  I love those moments....until it gets hot.

 8.  Insert your own random thought here.  In the Troup County Banner yesterday at lunch I found a Jeff Foxworthy article and one particular item stuck out. Since I go back to school on Monday to begin preparing for the kids return I thought this was a keeper.  "You might be a school employee if you want to slap the next person who says, "Must be nice to work from 8 to 3:30 and have summers off."  Let me tell you....this is my pet peeve.  I leave my house to go to work at 6.  I have to be there and clocked in by 7 and am not allowed to leave til 4.  I have 22 minutes (not an hour) for lunch....and in that time have to eat and use the bathroom.  I cannot leave my class to go to the bathroom....so I have to bolt between the changes of classes...to run to a two stall bathroom....with every other female employee.  We got out the Friday of Memorial Day, and since then I have taken two online classes to earn 30 hours, worked in my room twice, and attended a two day English Dept meeting.  I have worked dances (after 3:30), done the Prom (after 3:30), worked athletic events (required), done bus duty for a month at a time, graded countless papers at home after hours, graded research papers, and last year alone...I had 124 students first semester and 116 second.  That is a lot of papers to grade.  My contract reads that I work for 187 days a year.....period.  That is what I get paid for.  There is no extra pay for the extra things we do.  I chose this job because I felt God called to teach.  I love what I do.  I did not go into it for the money.  I would do it again if I were a younger person.  One of my biggest criticizers...and sayer of the above Jeff Foxworthy quote is a nurse(with a Bachelors degree) who works on seven and off seven.  Do the math....She works 130+ days....and makes way more money than I will ever see with a Masters Degree.  Do you have something that sets you off?  Care to share?

Hodge Podge Mania

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge!  Add your link at the end of Joyce's blog post by clicking here.  Then you are free to run off and visit your with the others.  Here are my answers to Joyce's questions of the week.~

1. Picture postcards were first printed back in the mid 1800's and deltiology is the official name for postcard collecting. When did you last send a postcard? Receive one? Do you save postcards sent to you?  Do you collect and/or send postcards when you travel?  I think the last time I sent a postcard was in 2004 when I went to Ireland for the first time.  I do however pick up postcards whenever I'm somewhere that sells them just in case the pictures I took were bad.  At least I have the post card picture for my scrapbook of the trip.  The last time I received a postcard was yesterday inviting me to a pastor's luncheon on August 10th.

 2. What treat do you most like to indulge in while on vacation?  Room service is my favorite one.  If the hotel I am staying in has it...I usually order it at least once(if I am traveling solo.  Frank and I always stay somewhere that serves breakfast.  My other favorite thing is trying out local places to eat.  I usually ask locals and see what they recommend and have eaten at some really great places (most of them hole in the walls or dives)....with amazing food.
 3. Are you good at hiding your feelings?  My face tells it all.  I try so hard....but you know by looking at me if I am scared, hurt, disappointed, happy, sad. 

 4. Does your town/city/county still deliver phone books to your home?  Do you check the yellow pages when searching for a local business number or has the Internet replaced the phone book in your house?  We live in a small town...with a tiny directory that is delivered by mail.  If I can't find a local number in the book I will Google it.  I Google out of town information.

5. Would you rather be first or last?  First. Especially if it is a competitive thing.  Second is just the first loser.  If it is a scary thing...then perhaps second is not so bad.

6. July is National Park and Recreation Month (in America, but everyone can still play along)...where and when were you last in a park? Did you participate in any recreational activities while you were there?  Frank and I love Parks....we spent part of our honeymoon at Chickamagua National Military Park in Tennessee.  We live close to a number of parks since we live close to Lake West Point and Lake Martin.  Monday we rode through Horseshoe Bend Military Park.  In October we were in the Smokey Mountains and last August Susan and I went to the Jupiter Lighthouse Park in Florida.  I have a passport for lighthouses.  I get a stamp when I visit one.  Frank and I have National Park passports which we get stamps and stamped when we visit them. In my lifetime I have seen some amazing parks.  We do not camp....but we have....mostly we take in the exhibits, the sights, any programs they are offering, and picnic.

 7. What was one of your worst ideas?  This week is VBS at Rock Mills and I volunteered to do brick wall for one area that is over 9 feet high.  Each wall would require 3 sheets each x 13 ' to cover the entire wall.  It took me over an hour to do one.  Needless to say....we have wainscoting brick walls with cute little patches where it looks like the bricks are peeking out of the stucco.  It turned out good...but not before many tears and Frank feeling sorry for me and helping me do it.

 8.  Insert your own random thought here. Does your church have a choir?  Do you participate in it?  My church, does not even have one because no one will participate.  It does not bother me because we just sing an extra song so there is music and everyone participates.  When I want to add in a solo....I can.  Several churches in our area have dropped their choirs.  The reason....lack of participation.  Rock Mills is struggling with a choir...some weeks there are four at choir practice...other weeks there are nine. Summer choir is very hard because of vacation plans.  The Bible tells us to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord...all ye lands."  But does that mean sing in a choir....or just sing?  I am voting for the latter.  What is your take on this?  I would love to hear from you.

Hodge Podge - Volume 82

It is Wednesday again and that means Joyce is serving up another weekly helping of Hodgepodge.  She has given us the questions and it is our job to answer them, link back to her, and read the others responses.  Are you up for a good challenge and to find out interesting facts about people.....if so...click here and check out Joyce's post with her answers.

1. Summer officially rolls in with the Hodgepodge this week, for those of us in the Northern hemisphere anyway. What song says summer 2012 to you?  Because I just got back from Niagara Falls, Canada and witnessed Nik Wallenda cross the falls on a tightrope my song would have to be Leon Russell's song, "Tightrope."  The whole time Wallenda was walking that song was playing over and over in my head.  Since that was the big kickoff of my summer vacation I guess it will be my Summer 2012 song.  Here are the lyrics and a link to the youtube video for you: 

I'm up on the tightwire
one side's ice and one is fire
its a circus game with you and me
I'm up on the tightrope
one side's hate and one is hope
but the tophat on my head is all you see
And the wire seems to be
the only place for me
a comedy of errors
and I'm falling

**Chorus**
Like a rubber-neck giraffe
you look into my past
well maybe you're just to blind to - see
I'm up in the spotlight
ohh does it feel right
ohh the altitude
seems to get to me

I'm up on the tightwire
flanked by life and the funeral pyre
putting on a show
for you to see

**Chorus**
Like a rubber-neck giraffe
you look into my past
well maybe you're just too blind to - see
I'm up in the spotlight
ohh does it feel right
ohh the altitude
really gets to get to me

I'm up on the tightwire
flanked by life and the funeral pyre
putting on a show for you to see

2. What's your favorite quintessential summer food?   That one is easy it is fresh fruits and veggies straight off the plant.  I also like something grilled to go with that.

 

3. I've spent a lot of time traipsing up and down the NJ Turnpike in recent weeks. Did you know the rest areas on the turnpike are named after people who lived or worked in NJ? Clara Barton, Walt Whitman, James Fenimore Cooper, Molly Pitcher, Joyce Kilmer, Thomas Edison, and Gover Clevland just to name a few. Of those I listed, who would you most like to have known and why?  As a writer I would have loved to have sat down with Walt Whitman, Joyce Kilmer, and James Fenimore Cooper just to get some hints on their writing styles and techniques.  As a woman/teacher I would have loved to have met Clara Barton. 

4. At what age did you move out of your parent's house and what prompted the move?  I was 19 and I came to Alabama to attend Auburn and help take care of my grandmother. 

 

5. What's more satisfying to you-saving time or saving money?  I personally like them both but saving money is my all time favorite.  I have found in life that when you save time....someone else has to pick it up somewhere down the road.  I love a good bargain!

6. Name something you think brings out the good in people. Wow!  This could be an endless answer and something as simple as a smile.  For me, a smile, a hug, respect, courtesy, kindness, are things that definitely bring out the good in me. 

7. This last question comes to you courtesy of Kathy over at Reflections...will you be taking a vacation or a staycation this summer? If so where will you go? If a staycation is on the calendar have you made any special plans to fill the time?   I have started my summer running.  I have been to the beach for a week with Frank and some of our good friends.  I just got back from Niagara Falls after a long weekend girl trip called KLAMS (KLAMS stands for Karen, Linda, Amanda, Melissa, and Susan).  We started this last year and went to Martha's Vineyard....we AND got to see Nik Wallenda cross the falls. 

 

8. Insert your own random thought here. Today is June 20th and that means it is the Summer Solstsice.  In keeping with Joyce's summer theme do you know what Summer Solstice is?  Well....if you don't...Wednesday, June 20th, 2012 at 7:08 EDT will mark this year's summer solstice, the exact time when the sun is the farthest north in the sky and directly above the Tropic of Cancer. Even though the solstice is the longest day of the year and the first day of summer, it doesn't tend to be the warmest.