Wednesday Hodgepodge - 07/17/2018

Sitting on the porch answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun!

1. I feel most energized when I ...

...spend time outdoors.  I love a walk in the woods, playing is the cool mountain creeks, planting colorful flowers, and visi outdoor festivals.  Also, a day at the beach is my happy place!

2. Where were you ten years ago?

I lived in Midtown Atlanta and I was still working in the Corporate World as a Corporate Project Manager for the Home Depot. Life was very structured and overbooked most of the time. I had just started making beaded jewelry as a stress relief activity. Life was very different from the life I live today.

3. July 17th is World Emoji Day. Do you use emojis? Which one's your favorite? Your most used?

I only use the happy or sad emojis; I don't use them very often, not really a fan of emojis.

4. What song would you put on a wedding DO NOT PLAY list?

On our wedding no playlist - The Chicken Dance!  I got married late in life and didn't want to see a bunch of middle aged arms (including mine) flapping on the dance floor, ugh!

5. What deserves less of your attention? More of your attention?

Less of my attention: social media...I spend to much time at the computer.  More of my attention: Healthy eating...I tend to grab whatever is easy and close at hand, it is not usually good for me.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

 Monday I start a part time job at a non-profit sanctuary for chimpanzees that have spent their whole life in research facilities. It is a 200 acre natural environment in the North GA Mountains.  I will work as Donation Coordinator, processing the donations and sending letters of appreciation.  I will blog more about the new job at Project Chimps soon.

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 02/21/2018

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. Where do you go when you need some inspiration?

For inspiration I go to our local Art Center in Blue Ridge, GA, an outdoor art festival, or the John C. Campbell Folk Art School.  I'm a jewelry maker and I also make hand drawn cards/envelopes.  Just being around other artists is always an inspiration. 

2. What's under your bed?

Fully grown dust bunnies, wearing my run-away slippers...

3. Thursday, February 22nd is National Chili Day, National Margarita Day, and National Cook a Sweet Potato Day. Of the three which would you most like to celebrate? Is that likely?

Definitely Cook a Sweet Potato Day...with butter and brown sugar please!  A possibility, but not likely; My husband and I are going to a prix fixe dinner on Thursday...not sure if sweet potato will be on the menu.  

4. What are you 'snowed under' with right now?

Medical bills and insurance companies...Getting everything billed and paid correctly for an accident I had one year ago.  It has been a daunting task....

5. Tell us three to five things that make you feel balanced?

1. Having a detailed online schedule that I can pull up easily. I was a professional project manager, schedules have been part of  my life for a long time. Without one I feel lost.
2. Setting priorities and staying focused on those priorities keeps stress and anxiety  under control.
3. I keep learning; I read, take classes, go to weekly trivia nights, travel and explore the world around me. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Has anyone taken the high speed ferry from Ft Myers to Key West?  I'm looking for information about the trip....was it bumpy or rolling?  I get seasick, but I don't want to take medications, they make me sleepy.  Also, any "must see" places in Key West.  I've been many times, but love to discover something new on every trip.

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 01/31/2018

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. Speaking of endings....at your wit's end, at loose ends, a dead end, burn the candle at both ends, all's well that ends well, or no end in sight...which 'end' phrase might best be applied to your life lately? Explain.  

  Right now I would say I'm at loose ends...I feel very unorganized (not typically my situation).  My sweetie and I were both suffering the Flu for 3 weeks. The Christmas Decorations are still up, the house is less than sparkling, and my creative projects are spread across every flat surface. The situation has gone way past my tolerance for clutter.

2. What was a must have accessory when you were growing up? Did you own one? If so tell us what you remember about it.

  At the risk of revealing my true vintage, I must say my most cherished accessory was my leather fringe jacket.  I wore it so much that most photos of me from that era feature my jacket and Chukka boots...guess when!?!

3. Something that made you smile yesterday?

  I spent the day making handmade Valentine's Day cards and envelopes. I love a good craft project and it made me smile when my little cat Ghost got up in my lap to help.  He loves a good paper project too....

4. January 30th is National Croissant Day. Do you like croissants? Sweet or savory? We're having chicken salad for lunch...would you rather have yours served on a croissant, a wrap, a bagel, bread, or a roll of some sort?

  I love Croissants! My favorite lunch is a steaming cup of soup and a Chicken salad sandwich on a croissant from my favorite lunch spot - Cantaberry in downtown Blue Ridge, GA.

5. Sum up your January in fifteen words or less.

  Friends, champagne and a kiss; arctic blast with heavy mist;  falling hard into flu's abyss....    

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

  Hoping February is a better month...we have a road trip planned and a lot of adventures scheduled with good friends and family in Florida. So looking forward to the trip!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

  

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 01/03/2018

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. It's that time of year again...time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words (or phrases) they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, or genera uselessness) in 2018. You can read more about the decision making process and word meaning here, but this year's top vote getters are- unpack, dish (as in dish out the latest rumor), pre-owned, onboarding/offboarding, nothingburger, let that sink in, let me ask you this, impactful, Cofefe, drill down, fake news, hot water heater (hot water doesn't need to be heated), and gig economy. 

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add.

Adding my own word - chef-driven - Is it really necessary to describe a restaurant as "chef-driven"? Who else is going to be driving it? The busboy, or maybe the seating hostess?

2. What's something you need to get rid of in the new year?

"Stuff" would be my answer - the things that we never use, but somehow have managed to hold on to for more years than I can count. You know the "Stuff"....free wine glasses you've amassed from countless wine tastings, the wall art that does not have a place in the new house (or the last three houses), or gadgets that just don't get used like the crepe maker or the popcorn maker that burns every batch. So much "Stuff"!

3. Where do you feel stuck?

Being able to forgive a family member that has abused relationships and caused the entire family much pain and financial strain last year. Their belief that they are entitled to forgiveness and acceptance of their hurtful actions is not helping. I just can't forgive this person right now...I'm stuck.

4. January is National Soup Month. When did you last have a bowl of soup? Was it made from scratch or from a can? Your favorite canned soup? Your favorite soup to make from scratch on a cold winter's day?

I had a bowl of soup at my favorite lunch spot on Friday (Cantaberry in Blue Ridge, GA). They make all their soups from scratch; my favorite is Creamy Wild Mushroom Brie.  A locally canned corn and bacon chowder is my favorite canned soup.

5. Tell us one thing you're looking forward to in 2018.

We've just enclosed a side porch so I can have a studio space dedicated to my Precious Metal Clay jewelry business.  It's been too cold (11 degrees) for me to use the space yet. I'm looking forward to getting in there and playing with clay!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Working on New Year Resolutions, one is to join Hodgepodge and blog more often this year!  I'm off to a good start...

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 07/12/2017

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 313

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. When was the last time you chatted with a neighbor? About what? (sharing that last bit is optional)

Today I had a chat with our neighbor Brian; I gave him a tip about a couple looking for an investment property. Brian is a realtor here in Blue Ridge, GA.

2. River, lake, ocean, or waterfall...which one are you most like and why?

I'm most like a lake. I'm an easy going individual, relaxed with a sense of calm and serenity.  Lakes are serene, consistent, and tranquil. 

3. July 13 is National Delaware Day. Ever been to Delaware? Delaware is called 'the first state' because it was the first to declare independence from the British. What's your state's nickname and does that moniker make sense to you? If you were in charge, what nickname would you give your home state?

I have been to Rehoboth Beach, but I was very young and have little memory of Delaware, but I do remember the beach and playing in the surf with my cousins. Georgia is the "Peach" state; I would rename it the "Peanut" state.  Peaches are no longer the largest crop in GA and they are hard to find this year. Peanuts are plentiful and GA is the number one exporter of peanuts in the nation. You can't drive more than a few miles in our state without seeing a boiled peanut stand on the side of the road...we love our peanuts!

4. What dish did you contribute to the last pot luck meal you attended? Do you have a go-to recipe for pot luck suppers?

My go-to is a desert: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, it's a crowd pleaser.  We recently took them to Trivia night, they were a big hit.

5. What is your number one tip for a brand new parent?

Hire a nanny?  I have not been a mother/parent, so I don't have any tips for new parents. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It's been awhile since I've joined a hodgepodge. I had a serious accident on my bicycle 6 months ago and shattered my shoulder and upper right arm. I had reconstructive surgery and have been concentrating on physical therapy.  The doctor predicted a year before I'd be back to normal. I thought that was crazy, but  now I know the surgeon wasn't kidding. I'm just starting to use my hand and arm 6 moths later....Thanks for all your prayers, good juju, and thoughts for healing. 

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 03/01/2017

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. 'Slow and steady wins the race'...tell us about a time this was true in your own life. 

I waited for the right one to come along...it was a slow and steady journey to find the man of my dreams....my true forever love. I had to kiss many, many,  frogs along the way before I found my prince, I was 45 when it finally happened!  My advice to anyone looking for Mr or Mrs right: don't settle for mediocre... wait for your hearts desire.  

2. 'As slow as molasses'...Do you like molasses? How about maple syrup? Caramel? Butterscotch? What's your favorite of the slow moving treats mentioned here, and what's your favorite food made with that sweet treat? 

Straight molasses - no, but I do like it added to other ingredients to add a little flavor. As a teenager I worked at the Dairy Queen and loved a gooey hot fudge and caramel sundae with whipped cream and a cherry on top...yummy! I shouldn't, but I still stop by DQ for a sweet treat regularly.     

3. Your favorite slow song? 

The Look of Love preformed by Diana Krall...it's so beautifully arranged.

4. Your favorite thing to make in a slow cooker or crock pot? 

Beef stew in the crock pot, served with mashed potatoes covered with the gravy from the stew.

5. 'You may delay, but time will not.' ~Benjamin Franklin Are you more a hurrier or a delayer when it comes to unpleasant tasks that need doing? What are you currently either delaying or hurrying to get through this week or month?

I will wait until the last minute, but still allow enough time to get the job done. I've been putting off unpacking the last of the moving boxes from our move in May. It's just not a top priority, but the boxes do make me crazy.

6. Tell us three things you encounter regularly or even just occasionally that you find to be annoyingly slow.

I live in a rural community, folks here in the mountains work two and three jobs to make ends meet.  Getting help with things like house maintenance has been a slow and tedious process. Everyone wants the job, but no one has time to actually do the work.  Example: we need a rock retaining wall built, several bids came in for the work in August; we accepted one, and then another, and we still don't have the wall built..not even started yet...don't know if it will ever get done at this rate....everything seems to move at a snails pace in the mountains.

7. March is National Craft Month. Are you crafty? Tell us about something crafty you'll try in the next thirty one days. Or something crafty you'd like to try or wish you had the skill to make happen. 

I'm very crafty but all projects are on hold.  I had a serious accident on my bicycle 5 weeks ago and shattered my shoulder and upper right arm. I had reconstructive surgery and have a long road of physical therapy ahead before I can use my right arm at all.  They predict a year before I'll be back to normal.  I can read and blog with one hand, so that's what I'm doing now.  My jewelry making business is on hold for the time being. Bummer!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I just want to thank my husband for all his nursing efforts and support; also I want to thank everyone praying for pain relief and healing for me. I am finally out of bed and vertical this week. I do have strong pain meds, but they make me ill and dizzy. Please pray for continued pain relief so I can get off the meds.

Cheers!
Lori in Blue Ridge, Ga

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 01/25/2017

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. "The cure for anything is salt water-tears, sweat, or the sea." (Isak Dinesan) Would you agree? Of the three, which has 'cured' you most recently? 

Most recently it was the sea that 'cured' me. Two weeks ago I spent a weekend in New Smyrna Beach, FL with my college BFFs.  It was a sad occasion that called me back to Florida; the daughter of one of my dear friends had passed away from a very aggressive cancer. She had just turned 25 and had her whole life ahead of her.  After the memorial service we spent two days on the beach. We shed many tears, but we let the tide carry our sorrow out to sea; I believe in the healing power of the sea!  

2. What's something you can't eat without salt? Do you normally salt your food a lot, a little, or not at all? 

I don't use very much salt on my food, but I can't eat popcorn without it and I need butter on it too.

3. Sands of time, bury your head in the sand, built on sand, or draw a line in the sand...which sandy phrase could best be applied to something in your life right now? 

Built on Sand - my schedule was a moving target today. I had to make many changes to my personal and business calendars.  I'm very organized, but multiple changes on the same day, for one event, drives me crazy.

4. A favorite book, movie, or song with an island setting or theme? 

The book and movie "Eat, Pray, Love" set on the island of Bali. Stunning location and fabulous story.

5. Yesterday-did you run your day or did it run you? How so? 

I ran the day...slept late, stayed in my jammies, worked on my Meetup group communications, planned an upcoming "Glamping" trip for a large group, had dinner in town, and snuggled with my sweetie...I made all the choices! 

6. You're on an island holiday. Will I most likely find you parked in a beach chair, shopping in town, on the back of a jet ski, or snorkeling off the back of a catamaran? 

In the morning you will find me parked in a beach chair (under a umbrella) reading a good book, in the afternoon you'll find me snorkeling off the back of a catamaran, and in the evening you'll find me wining and dinning at a restaurant with a good view of the setting sun.  The photo below is a favorite Beach Club from a recent trip to Tortola Island (yep, I parked it in one of those beach chairs reading my book). 

7. What do you think we humans most take for granted?

We have the freedom to choose what we’ll do today, even if we have some limitations. Sometimes we take it for granted, but what we do on a daily basis truly is our choice.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 01/18/2017

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. ASAP typically stands for 'as soon as possible'. What else could it stand for in your life right now? 

Right now it stands for... "as secretive as possible"... I've taken a part time job as a secret shopper.  I  audit customer service and product knowledge at retail stores in my area.  I go in as a 'secret' shopper and observe how the store associates respond to my scripted questions and handle out-of-stock situations.  I also audit the overall appearance of the stores, the cash register experience and the cleanliness of the restrooms. I've become very talented at blending in with the crowd.

2. Are you the last person to speak up in a group or the first to have an idea? Why do you suppose that is? Is it a good thing or no?

When I was in the corporate world I was the first to speak-up as the leader of a project team. This was a learned skill; I'm typically a shy, quiet person outside of the workplace. 

3. What do you remember best about being 12? 

Summer camp at Camp Goodfellow in northern Indiana. I loved going to sleep-away camp for two weeks each summer.  When I was 12 I had been going to camp for five years, so I knew the routine and was no longer homesick, anxious, or uncomfortable with new experiences. I just had a good time swimming, and doing crafts, and honing my archery skills. Life was good.... 

4. January 18th is National Winnie the Pooh Day. Which character do you relate to the most, and why? If you're stumped go here for inspiration. 

Some days I feel like Eeyore, but the quiz said I'm really more like Kanga...caring and supportive, more adventurous than people might at first realize, and up for anything that's reasonably safe and somewhat sane. Yep, sounds like me....Kanga.

5. What's an app you use that helps simplify or make life easier for you in some way? 

I use "My Fitness Pal" to help count carbs and calories; it makes it easy to figure out what amount of insulin is needed to control my sugar levels.  I just type in the food/drink I'm eating and it does the calculation for me. I don't need to add it all up in my head. I just enter the number into my insulin pump and I'm good to go!

6. San Francisco (CA), San Diego (CA), San Juan (PR) San Antonio (TX) Sanibel (FL)...you have an all expenses paid long weekend to one of these destinations. Which one do you choose and why?

I've visited all of the cities listed and I'm having a hard time picking one...hmmm...I guess I'll go with San Diego and stay at the Del Coronado; it's an amazing hotel right on the beach. I'd like to stretch out on a lounge chair under an umbrella, with a frosty drink, and a good book. I just started reading "Katherine" by Anya Seton.

7. Share with us a song that makes you feel nostalgic? For what? 

In 1970 the group Chicago released the song "Color My World". That summer the camp counselors at Camp Goodfellow would blast this song (and others) over the PA system after dinner and before lights out each night. I remember sitting with my cabin mates cross legged in the grass under the flickering outdoor light; we would sing and sway back and forth to "Color My World". Whenever I hear that song today it takes back to those wonderful summer nights in 1970.

   

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Did you see the football game between the Packers and the Cowboys? WOW, what an exciting last 2 minutes! I live near Atlanta, but I've been a devoted Packer fan for several years....GO PACKERS!

Cheers!
Lori in Blue Ridge, GA