Life in a Small Town: father

Showing posts with label father. Show all posts

A Simple Hodgepodge

Joyce asks the questions, and we provide the answers. See how others answered at From This Side of the Pond.

1. June 12 is National Simplicity Day. In what way is your life simple? What's one way that it's not?

I've cut out so much of the "noise" that I used to have, mainly social media. I'll get on from time to time but nothing like I used to. I'm content to sit on my back porch and read or play some word games on my tablet.

Having to take care of all of the household things by myself (although the boys are being a big help when I ask them) is definitely not making my life simple. But I'm learning and getting through it.

2. Something you remember from a 'simpler time'?

Oh, so many things! Playing outside, spending time at the swimming pool, riding my bike come to mind immediately. Also, listening to the radio for hours just to hear that 1 song.

3. Do you like squash? If so what's your favorite variety? What's a favorite way to prepare squash?

Squash is one of those few vegetables that I'll eat cooked; either yellow or zucchini. I'll also eat them raw. I don't have a preference as to how they're prepared and I don't make it that often. It's usually incorporated into a recipe.

4. Do you shop the warehouse stores (such as Costco, Sam's B.J's, etc)? If so how often do you go, and what's something you always buy in this type of store?

I don't. When the boys were little we would go to Sams and get things in bulk, but now that it's just me (for the most part), I don't think there's any need to go. Plus, there isn't one of any of those stores in my county although we are getting a BJ's.

5. Father's Day is this coming Sunday. Any plans to make the day special? Tell us something about your own father, or something about your hubs as a father, or about someone who stepped into your life and acted as a father if yours was not a part of your life.

No plans at all since my father passed away several years ago and CH passed away in November.

My dad wasn't big on words but when he talked, we listened. I wasn't close to him growing up but after my mother passed away I quickly became a Daddy's girl. I value all of the advice he ever gave me and I miss his very awkward hugs.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I've been able to get quite a bit of stuff done around the house over the past few days. Mainly, cleaning. Now I can relax a little bit and get back into a routine for a while...at least until the end of July.

The Relative Hodgepodge

Joyce asks the questions, and we provide the answers. See how others answered at From This Side of the Pond.

1. What's something that makes you feel stressed? How do you cope?

It usually involves something with one of the boys. I pray, I stay busy, and I walk.

2. What's a food you eat that evokes a memory? Explain.

Chicken pot pie. My SIL gave me the recipe; after my mom passed and right before my daddy passed I made it for my daddy a few times. He really enjoyed it, so every time I make it I think of the time I spent with him before he passed away. Those are times I'll always cherish.

3. This week's Hodgepodge lands on National Visit Your Relatives Day. Will you celebrate by visiting a relative? If so is travel involved? Geographically, who is your nearest relative (not counting those living in your own house)?

I won't celebrate that day because I didn't even know it existed! I have a sister who lives on the same road I live on. The road is a long one separated by a bridge...she lives on the other side of the bridge.

4. What's your most frequently used emoji? Do you make more phone calls, send more emails, or mainly text to communicate with friends and family?

😂 On my phone it's the smiley face with tears running down. I mainly text; it's just so darned convenient!

5. Tell us the story behind a favorite piece of furniture.

I have quite a few pieces of furniture that I treasure because my daddy made them. I joke that we would have little furniture if it wasn't for him. I don't think I have a favorite; I love them all.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I was approached a few weeks ago by a representative of the company where we rented the campervan for our trip. He asked if I would write a blog post outlining our holiday. Anytime I get the chance to talk/write about it, you bet I will! The post just went "live" yesterday:

Bunk Campers. I'm nearing the end of my Ireland posts on this blog and am at the end on the camping blog (except for the final post).

Splurging on the Wednesday Hodgepodge

Joyce has more questions this week for us. Click on the logo above to see how everyone else answered these questions.

1. What happens to the mail at your house?
I distribute it, look at mine and throw away the trash, put CH's on his desk, and leave YS' on the kitchen table where it usually stays until I end up throwing it away.

2. Something you always splurge on? Any guilt associated with the splurge?
Having a cleaning service come in once/month to clean the house. No guilt whatsoever. BUT...why is it when you hire someone they do a great job the first couple of times but then I start feeling like I could do a better job? I've suspended my service over the summer (I can't justify having them come when I'm not working) and I may look for someone else when school starts back up.

3. There are many, but what are two important questions you think every bride and groom should ask/answer before they plan their walk down the aisle?
Definitely ask about attending church, especially if they don't attend church regularly and if they are not of the same religion. (This could be a whole post on its own!!!)

Kids. Make sure you're on the same page about wanting kids. That would have been a definite deal-breaker for me.

4. What's the best advice your father ever gave you?
As long as there's no blood, let the boys go at it. This was a time when the boys were little and they were driving me crazy with the fighting. I called him and asked him how they did it with 10 of us. That was the answer he gave me.

5. Your favorite movie where a father features heavily in the storyline?
Father of the Bride was the first one that came to mind. Maybe it's a result of this week's questions?

6. Insert your own random thought here.
I spent an afternoon with one of my sisters. She lives out in the country & has a fantastic view of a mountain from her back porch. As I walked out the front door I saw a cardinal & mentioned it to her. Then she showed me this in one of her bushes:

She was able to get close enough to count 3 baby cardinals in the nest. So sweet!!!

On my way out to her house, I saw a sign on the side of the road so I stopped on my way out to see what it was. Very interesting!

Sign with historical background for The Black Sulfur Spring

I'm assuming this is the spring.

Have you seen anything interesting in your neck of the woods lately?

{Friday Foto Friends} Amazing Nature

I'm linking up with Deb at Breathing in Grace for another Friday Foto Friends.

I'm proud of not killing this plant over the last 4 years I've had it!

My hibiscus bloomed for the first time since I put it outside. It blooms in the winter when I have it inside, but didn't bloom last summer at all. Not once, but about a week after I brought it in when the weather started getting cooler, it bloomed. Go figure.

Flowers from 1 of my Daddy's gardens.

I've been taking Laika & "Gurl Dogg" down to my parents' in the evenings to give them a chance to get out some of their energy. I walk around the yard, looking at what's blooming, and reminiscing.

Never in my life!

I have never seen a squirrel with a white tail! The picture is a little blurry...I didn't have time to grab my big girl camera and I zoomed in to get this guy. I've seen white squirrels in Brevard, NC, but nothing like this!

Rainbow on the 4th

My brother and SIL almost always host a family gathering at their house on the 4th. We had some clouds, rain, and sun, which was perfect for a rainbow. This picture doesn't do it justice: the colors were so vivid. It was just beautiful.

Beginning of rainbow

This was the first rainbow that I've seen the beginning of it. If you look closely under the arrow, you can just make out all of the colors.

Jose has a new home

My daddy made this; it used to sit on their back porch. My brother had the perfect spot for it next to his pool. Some of the blades were missing (and my brother thought he lost them) so he used an old license plate and made blades for him. This was the first 4th without my daddy; we had a good time, but I definitely felt like something was missing.

She has found a safe place!

Did you really think I was going to get through a FFF post without a puppy picture? 😀 Gurl Dogg found her "safe place": under our bed. She stayed under there when fireworks were going off (even though it's illegal in the Small Town).

Irresistible!

Last puppy picture...for now! Who could resist that face? I just love when she comes up to me and rests her little head on the couch. Such a sweetie!

{Wednesday Hodgepodge} American Dad Issue

I'm linking up with Joyce at From this Side of the Pond for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge.
1. The Hodgepodge lands on June 14th this week, Flag Day in the US of A. Do you fly your country's flag at home? Sometimes, often, or every single day? Have you ever visited the city of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia)? Did you make a point of seeing The Betsy Ross House? Have you ever made a trip to Baltimore? If so, was Fort McHenry on your itinerary? (where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner)
Since we don't have a proper way to fly Old Glory, we don't have the flag flying.
I've never been to Philly...or to Baltimore. I need to get out more.

2. Red flag or white flag? Which have you encountered most recently? Explain.
White flag. My house is a total mess (see my "State of the Kitchen" posts) so I have no choice.

3. Are you a stay in the car listen to the end of a song kind of person? What kind of person is that?
When I was younger, I used to be. Now, I'm more likely to stay in my car listening to talk radio.

4. What are some of the traits or qualities you think a good dad possesses? In other words, what makes a good dad? What's an expression you associate with your father?
Patience, willingness to spend time with the child. The expression that I'll always associate with my father: "Gosh darn it, Mary"!!! (I don't want to say I was a handful growing up, but...!!!)

5. What's one rule you always disagreed with while growing up? Is that rule somehow still part of your adult life? Is that a good or bad thing?
My curfew. In a way, it is still part of my life, especially now that I'm older and try to be in bed by 10:00 during school nights!

6. Insert your own random thought here.
Y'all won't believe what's been happening at my house this week! I don't want to spoil anything, so come back on Thursday and see what's going on!!!

{Friday Foto Friends} Graduation, Animals, and Flowers!

I'm linking up with Deb at Breathing in Grace for Friday Foto Friends to recap my week.
Saturday, we drove a couple of hours for CH's cousin's daughter's graduation. CH & MS drove up early for the actual graduation; YS & I went up a few hours later for the party.

CH & I with the sweet graduate!

She'll only be 15 minutes away from us when she starts college in the fall, so hopefully we'll get to spend more time with her.

When she was little, she called the boys "my boys". We hated that OS wasn't able to be there.

When I went to grab a soda out of the cooler at the grocery store, this was right in front:

I've never seen this before!

Now that summer break is here, I dusted off my big-girl camera and stepped outside.

This little one was near our wooded area, keeping a close eye out for Laika & Pepper.

My favorite summer subject for photos!

This little guy was right next to the front steps. He didn't look to me like he was real young, but he did kind of fly away after a little bit.

I don't think he looks young enough to have fallen out of a nest.

Look what is not only still alive after a couple of weeks, but looks like it's actually thriving!

I just might be onto something with the calla lilies in the front planter!

I thought I killed these amaryllis a couple of years ago when I put weed killer in this area, so I was really happy to see this:

My daddy gave these to us several years ago.

The weather is fantastic right now: the windows are open and the house is actually quite cool. GREAT sleeping weather! We're enjoying it while we can...it will be hot and muggy all too soon.

How was your week?

{Weekend Wrap-up} An Emotional Yet Exciting Weekend

It's been a while, huh? Seems like I've said that once or twice before! Things are happening in the Small Town. The big thing is that the roads are torn up in preparation for some major road work. It's supposed to make getting to Knoxville easier. We'll see. I have a hard time believing that the businesses that the new road is going to bypass are okay with the new road. But, the paper says they are, so it must be true. 😖
Friday night, I had the pleasure of attending an "Aggie Muster" in Knoxville. If you read my post A Very Special Weekend in a Very Special Place, you know how connected my family is to Texas A&M. Aggie Muster is another long standing tradition that is embraced by all Aggies. Every April 21st, Aggies gather near their homes to remember those who have passed over the year. Since my daddy passed away in February, his was one of the names called at roll call. My sister (who is currently working on her Ph.D. at A&M) did the honor of saying "here" when daddy's name was called. Following roll call, "Silver Taps" is played. And my tears came. I thought about how Daddy loved the Aggies. He was so proud to be an alumnus. He always had several Texas Aggie Magazines and books next to his chair in the living room. He always watched the different sports teams when they were on tv. He is an Aggie through and through.

Thankfully, the president of the A&M Club allowed me to go in. My sister had been in contact with another man about my coming, and he said I could come; however, he didn't let the president know. At one point he said that we could eat downstairs and come up for Muster, but then he came back and said they'd bring in a table if they had to. And that's how I got in. And, that's how I met this guy:

This is John Chavis, also known as "Chief". He is the defensive coordinator and linebacker coach for A&M. He also coached at UT (That's the "real" UT: Tennessee!) and LSU. I didn't think I'd have the opportunity to talk to him, but we were able to talk to him following Muster. I introduced myself, told him Daddy was an alum of '50, and that he passed away in Feb. Coach Chavis sounded so sincere when he apologized for our loss. I then told him that Daddy often said that Coach was the best defensive coach around and that he was a big fan. He was just so down to earth. He is now one of my favorite people! 1 thing that he said while he was speaking to the crowd: He said he envied Aggies because of all of the tradition. I know how he feels. I envy my sister that she's a part of this great tradition. Even if I had been a serious student in high school, I would have never had the opportunity to be an Aggie. Daddy was insistent that we all attend a college in-state.
Okay, enough of that! That probably could be a blog post in itself! After Muster, I opened up a bottle of Peach Mead and we sat down to watch Steel Magnolias. My sister was up at the crack of dawn to head back home...too much to do, and CH & I had an appointment to see about some kitchen cabinets. We were planning on going to the Rossini Festival in downtown Knoxville, but it poured pretty much all day. So, when we left our kitchen appointment, we were hungry. We found this really neat looking place:

The building is an old Texaco station, and they brew their own beer in the brewhouse, which is just to the right of the picture.

It was really cool, and the food (and beer!) was excellent. The inside:

It's definitely a place we'll go back to. We were disappointed about not going to the festival; we went a couple of years ago and it was excellent. A lot of different music groups in the area perform; YS' fencing group had exhibitions as well.
Saturday night, I attempted to make pizza with my new breadmaker. Now that I know when the dough cycle stops, I think it will work! It was edible; next time will be even better! We watched Chamber of Secrets; well, most of it. I didn't make it to the end...it was past my bedtime.
Since the cabinet shopping on Saturday was a bust (very good price; I just don't think I'll be happy with it in a few years), we did more shopping on Sunday. I think I have a pretty good idea of what I want; now we'll see if I can get what I want with my budget! With any luck, my kitchen is going to look very different than it does now:

And I can't wait!!!

{Wednesday Hodgepodge} I'm BAAAAAACK!

1. What's the last thing you did that someone else thought was super?

Helped take care of my daddy.

2. The last thing you ate that tasted superb?

Italian Cream Cake. (YUUUUM!)

3. Supersensitive, superstitious, superwoman, superambitious, supercilious, supervisor, ...pick a super word from the list and tell us how it relates to your life in some way recently or currently.

Superficial: Within the past few months, I've come to realize that there are a lot of things that are superficial. I'm finding the things that really matter in life and trying to not pay attention to those superficial things.

4. Do you love easily? If you're comfortable doing so, explain why you think that is.

I think so. I don't think of myself as a "hater".

5. Valentine's Day lands on a Tuesday this year. Will you mark the day in some way? If you're celebrating with a dinner out somewhere will it be on Tuesday or will you celebrate over the weekend?

I'm not a big Valentine's Day person. It's just a date on a calendar.

6. What's something you are loving right now?

My siblings.

7 Write a three word (or less) phrase you'd like to see on a Valentine candy heart.

I've got nothing to offer for this one. I do like those little candy hearts, though! 😉

8. Insert your own random thought here.

If you follow me on FB, you know my father passed away last week. My siblings & I actually have had a pretty good time sitting around and talking about just about everything. Sunday night, with the visitation, reality started sinking in. As my siblings who live out of town start leaving, I'm afraid it's going to be even harder; especially as we settle into a "new normal" and a new routine. I was so fortunate to have such amazing parents. They weren't perfect, but, as one of my sisters said, there was no doubt that they loved each one of us.

Thankful Thursday

Rebecca at Knit by God's Hand is a great encourager of finding gratitude in the little things every day.

This week I’m thankful for:

…this beautiful country. It’s not perfect, but it really is amazing.

…the freedom to travel to places I never thought I’d see.

…sisters who welcome you with open arms.

We started out our vacation with a visit to my oldest sister. Great food, even better company! (I can't believe I didn't get a picture with the both of us!)

…sisters who can grow vegetables and are willing to share!

…being able to spend time with my daddy during daily mass…and a daily rosary.

Most days, anyway. Not today...I needed a "lazy day"!

What little things are you thankful for this week?

A Routine Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?
It would have to be a very clean lake, like a pool. J

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink?
I do enjoy a good daiquiri! Or Pina Colada!

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simply your life. They were-

clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?
I’m all about routine. It keeps me focused and keeps me from wasting time. That hasn’t been working so well for me so far this summer break; it would help if I would actually get a schedule!

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school?

A couple of weeks after graduating, I began my college adventure. The university was switching from the quarter system to semester, so they had a special program for freshman. It was the perfect segue into college life.

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite?
I’ve never listened to a podcast. Weird, huh?

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?
I think it’s just different. It’s common to have moms working full time, so dads aren’t the only breadwinner of the family, so I would think that would make it a little easier. BUT, with all of the stress on extra-curricular activities, there’s a huge demand on their time.

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?
This is going to sound weird (so get ready!), but my thick wrists and “man hands” are like his. Daddy & I both like routine and we’re both stubborn. Yeah, I think that pretty much sums it up!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Since it’s summer break, I get asked just about every day what I did that day. One of my sisters came by the other day, and she asked what I do all day. So, here’s a breakdown of what my day may be like:

Morning prayers followed by reading the Daily Readings for Mass.

I check my emails (which includes reflections on the readings), and do a quick look over of FB (If I have time)

On MWF, I meet Daddy at church for the Rosary and Daily Mass. On Tues/Thurs I sleep in a bit and go to Mass at noon.

After Mass, I’ll either go to Panera with the old people (love this time to sit & chat with them!), or run errands, or just go home.

I may write a blogpost or start reading some blogs, depending on how distracted I get!

I’ve been working on things to put in my online teacher store. I have a couple more things I want to finish, and then I’ll take a break from that. I’ve also done a day’s worth of professional development (we have to have 12 hours so we can have a couple of extra days off during the year).

I’ve done some house cleaning, and some sitting on the back porch and watching/listening to the birds.

To summarize: Mass, coffee, work, blogging, cleaning, and enjoying the birds.

Thankful Thursday for 2015

I'm ending 2015 by joining Knit by God's Hand for Thankful Thursday. I'm looking back over the year for giving thanks for a year that wasn't spectacular by any means!

For being able to take a couple of trips with CH. We started out the year in The Keys:

And went to The Outer Banks in July:

For the best weekend of the year: I got to visit my sister at Texas A&M and really experience the "Aggie Spirit" first hand.

I also experienced "cousinpalooza": I got to see some of my cousins from my mom's side, and 1 from my dad's side:

(We saw more cousins, but somebody *ahem....if he's reading this, he knows who he is!* hasn't sent me pictures yet...or put them on FB!)
Honestly, this was hands down the best weekend of the year. It was surreal being there; it felt like I was going home. It was so cool to see signs to my mom's hometown as well as other towns that we traveled through on the way to see relatives during our visits as I was growing up.