Hodge Podge Wednesday

 Today I am joining From This Side of the Pond for Hodge Podge Wednesday

1. Question day this week lands on Cinco de Mayo. Are/were tacos on your Tuesday night menu? Hard shell, soft shell or just gimme all the tacos? Are you even a fan of Mexican food? Do you like your salsa mild, spicy, or somewhere in between? Margaritas-Frozen, on the rocks, or no thank you? Have you ever been to Mexico?

Yes, I had tacos. Soft shell, mild, with cheese. Not a big fan of Mexican but I am working on it. Just ran to Taco Bell for Cinco de Mayo this year. Closest I ever was to Mexico was on a Captain Anderson charter tour out of Panama City, FL. When we got to the turn around point he said we were 400 miles from Mexico. 

2. What's something you may do this month?

I may start getting back out and going walking everyday. I have been in so much that I gained 6 of my lost 15 pounds back. I'm not happy. Too much time on my hands to read. And when I read I like to snack. Thus the 6 pounds I gained back. 

3. Tell us what's happening in your state or town as far as restaurants/salons/parks/beaches/businesses opening up. How do you feel about it? Are you out and about or hunkered down? Do you wear a mask?

Some businesses are opening back up. Such as Hobby Lobby, Waffle House (with every other booth blocked), McKay's Book Store (limit how many people at a time and how many totes of books each person can trade in). Other than that, I haven't been checking or following anything. Right now, I'm still just doing my few things like the grocery, post office and Walmart. But this week I did make one Hobby Lobby and Lowe's run. I can't do a mask. I get claustrophobic and feel like I am suffocating. But I don't go down aisles other people are in and if possible, I carry my purchases and don't use a buggy. And I Clorox wipe and Germ X like a wild woman. When I get home, my shoes come off at the door and my clothes go straight in the washer. 

4. Mother nature, everybody and their mother, mom jeans, like mother like daughter, soccer mom, mother hen, mother lode, necessity is the mother of invention, stay-at-home mom...pick one and tell us how it applies to your life right now.

Like mother, like daughter. Since my kids are grown and married not many of the others applied to me. But while I have been forced to be a non-working woman right now, I have caught myself doing things my mom always did during her days...cleaning house first thing every morning, keeping the laundry caught up AND (this is a big one) I still get dressed most days. Not in my p.j.'s all day like I am sometimes on days off. 

5. April showers bring May flowers...what's blooming in your yard or garden today?

I just planted some flowers from Lowe's nursery yesterday (and let me tell you these hips and legs used muscles that are screaming at me today.) I have a new Boston fern, a peace lily, Gerber daisy, dahlia, day lily, maragolds, and rooster combs.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am not sure when we will go back to work at the Stampede. It was going to be May 9th, then they rescheduled it until May 23rd. Now we are scheduled for June 5th. I miss my peeps from work and I love my job. But I sure am spending more time at home.

Hodge Podge Wednesday

I am joing From This Side of the Pond for Hodge Podge Wednesday today.

1. Expect the unexpected on From This Side of the Pond. Here's my x-ray question...when was the last time you felt like Superman? What's your superpower? Explain.  

I normally feel like Superman when I plan a really busy day and actually end up getting everything done that I wanted to do. Which happened yesterday. But if I had to pick one super power it would be my ability to multi-task and even though I look like I am unfocused all day, I usually accomplish whatever I set out to do.

2. Are you a fan of the 'superhero' type movies? If so what's your favorite? 

Not normally a superhero movie person. Until I watched Guardians of the Galaxay and Guardians of the Galaxy 2. I am addicted to both those movies. The plot, the songs, the actors. 

3. Have you postponed or cancelled a trip to the dentist in recent weeks, and if so when do you think you'll feel comfortable going back? How about other routine medical procedures? 

I haven't cancelled any appointments, but I do need to have my foot looked at again. I had problems this past fall and they eased up but have gotten worse. But not bad enough to risk going right now.

4. What's something that makes you feel youthful? Something that makes you feel 'not so youthful'? Tell us why. 

I feel youthful whenever I am around my grandkids. They keep me young. I am not the typical grandma. I dance and act crazy with them. I take them places. Well, at least when my work schedule permits. Last year was horrible but I am planning on making up for it this summer....if we ever get to be together again. Not so youthful? That's hard because everybody things I act like I am 20 years younger than I am. I guess it would have to be when I go to do something and it isn't as it used to be when I was younger.

5. I feel compelled to include some sort of corona related question in the HP these days. What's the strangest thing you've seen in relation to the virus? Something that really struck you as odd, made you stop and think, 'Dorothy we're not in Kansas anymore?'

This is a dumb thing. But the fact that it is hard to find potted meat in the grocery store. The reason that is odd is that everybody I know that I ever tell I love potted meat makes fun of me and swears nobody eats that stuff. But yet, I have had more luck finding toilet paper than I have potted meat. Somebody is hoarding it. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Yesterday was a crazy day. I went to pick up a little shelf I needed and next thing I knew, I had all the stuff to redo my bathroom. Then I had to come home and redo it and I was exhausted.

Weekend wrap up

I bought a new English ivy plant for my steampunk room. I fell in love with this planter from Walmart. Just too cute for words. And it goes perfect with my decor. 

I also picked up some new file folders. I am trying to get a little better organized.

And I found cute hanging files as well. They have gold hangers and were a dollar cheaper than the ugly green ones you see everywhere.

Bought this litle gray storage thing since my desk only has one  drawer. 

Picked up some new hand sanitizer at Walmart Neighborhood Market. It is a gel. I am loving it. My hands are always so smooth and soft when I use this.

My next project is to try to find the stuff to make these bookends. 

Lots on my to-do list today and tomorrow, but I just wanted to do a little wrap up before I start my crazy week.

Sunday's Songs

Saturday 9

I am linking up with Saturday 9 today for some great questions. 

Saturday 9: All Right (1983)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song has an optimistic message about love: "It gets tough sometimes, but you can give it one more try ..." Do you tend to take an optimistic look at life?

I am an 100% optimistic person. Like Pollyanna, I look at all the good things in every situation....even if I am not happy about the situation.

2) In this song, Christopher Cross sings, "Time and time again I see people so unsure like me ..." Tell us about a recent time when your confidence could have used a boost.

I had just went back to work after being off for 2 months and they had changed a lot of things. I have always been so confident in my job and have received many acknowledgements and Standing O nomimations for a job well done. The new changes are not affording employees a chance to go above and beyond for our guests. Which is my claim to fame so I really lost a lot of confidence in what I was doing.

3) The Doobie Bros.' Michael McDonald plays on this record. Do you have a favorite Doobie Bros. song?

Without a doubt it is Black Water. I just loved the Doobie Bros. That's from my time era.

4) Though no longer making hits, Christopher Cross still has loyal fans who attend his concerts. Time permitting, he spends time after each show signing autographs. Have you ever asked a celebrity for his/her autograph?

Yes, I actually got to meet Keith Whitley and not only got his autograph, I got a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

5) Christopher Cross' dad was an Army doctor stationed at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC. With all the museums and monuments, our nation's capital could be a great place for a kid to grow up ... except sometimes we take the advantages of our hometown for granted. Tell us about a nearby museum, park, theater, etc., you'll visit again when this period of crisis is over and it's agreed that it's safe to do so.

I live in the Smoky Mountains so I can't wait to go back into the park. And to go to Dollywood and to Ripley's Aquarium. So many wonderful things to see and do around here.

6) In 1983, when "All Right" was popular, Flashdance was a hit in movie theaters and on the radio. What's the most recent movie you watched? Most recent song you heard on the radio?

The most recent movie was Ford vs. Ferrari about the Ford Mustang and Carroll Shelby store. Most recent song I heard was Way Maker by Leeland

7) Also in 1983, America West Airlines took off, flying between Las Vegas and Phoenix. They went nationwide in 2005 after they merged with US Airways. In 2013, they merged again, this time with American Airlines. Do you collect miles in an airline loyalty program?

I am 63 and got on a plane for the very first time last summer. I flew to Miami for a few days and even took a tour down to Key West while I was there. It was amazing. Planning to got to Ireland in another year.

8) Super Mario Bros. debuted in 1983. Can you name gaming's most famous siblings?

Mario and Luigi

9) Random question -- Under hypnosis, you discover you lived three past lives. In the first, you were wealthy beyond your wildest imaginings, thanks to a loveless marriage. In the second, you were a star on the roller derby circuit who had earned the nickname "Smasher." In the third, you were a brilliant mathematician who worked your way through school as an exotic dancer. Which of these would you find most shocking?

Well, the roller derby would shock because I do not have a hurtful bone in my body and could never be known as the Smasher. Let me say that I also would never enter in or stay in a loveless marriage. Too much of a romantic. And while I love math and aced it in school, I just don't see me as an exotic dancer. 

Thanks for letting me join up. This was fun.

Friday Finds

My newest love is my City Chic bag from Thirty-One. I earned it at 60% off. I have admired this bag for over a year but didn't want to pay that price. But for 60% off I bought it. I have so many black handbags and patterned handbags but needed a good brown. This is Chestnut Brown and it is perfect.

Simple, elegant and roomy plus it has a nice phone pocket on the outside that my phone fits in perfectly, even with the phone case on.

As you can see, very roomy inside. I love a big purse.

If you know anything about Thirty-One, you are probably familiar with the most popular Zip Top Organizing Utilility Tote. I put the bag beside one of those so you can see how they compare in size. I am so happy with this bag.

Have a great Friday and stay safe!

Throwback Thursday