Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Wednesday Hodgepodge


Good morning, friends. I wasn't sure I'd make it for Hodgepodge today, but as they say, "Better late than never!" As always, if you'd like to participate, just answer the questions on your own blog and link up. 

1.  Besides Thanksgiving, something you're looking forward to on your November calandar. Abby and I are, actually, leaving in the morning to meet Chris in Charleston, SC. He's having his 30th college reunion at The Citadel. It will be the largest turnout any class has ever had, so it should be a fun time. Hoping I run into his classmate, Thomas Ravenel, from the TV reality show "Southern Charm". Right, Marla?

2.  If I gave you a thank-you card right now, who would you send it to and why? I'd definitely write one to the local Hyundai dealership. Chris took Abby's car there yesterday for an oil change after PepBoys told him they'd charge $93 for one. They had a difficult time getting the plug out, so Chris sat there for over a couple of hours. They normally charge $38 for an oil change, but because it took them so long, he was only charged $13 for the cost of the plug that had to be replaced. Definitely greatly appreciated.    

3.  Of the breads listed, which one's your favorite...bagel, cinnamon, sourdough, garlic, banana, biscuit, pita, Naan, or plain old-fashioned white bread? My favorite would be sourdough bread. I make several loaves by scratch each Christmas and I almost enjoy the smell of them baking more than I do the actual taste, if that's possible. 

4.  What's something you have in abundance? Is that a good thing?  Photos saved on our computer. My family always gives me such a hard time because I snap photos of EVERYTHING! Personally, I think it's a good thing because they're memories of times gone by. 

5.  November 5th is National Love Your Red Hair Day. Are there any redheads in your family? Who's your favorite redhead? No redheads that I'm aware of...we're mostly brunettes. My favorite redhead is Lucille Ball with Carol Burnette being a close second. 

6.  The travel website Busbud recently calculated the most Instagrammed spot in every state. Go see what made the list where you live. Are you happy with your state's #1? If not, what do you think should be the most photographed spot in your state? Have you snapped a photo there? If you live outside the USA, answer as it relates to your state, city, or province.  Hmm...I wouldn't say that the Atlanta Motor Speedway is on the top of my "must see" list, so I can think of better choices, for sure. I think Savannah, GA. should be at the #1 spot. So much history and beautiful sights. Yes, I've been there a couple of times and have snapped MANY photos...surprise, surprise. 

7.  What's something you learned about yourself this year that you're grateful for? That I am so much stronger that I ever thought possible! What may have broken someone else (having Abby move out) has only made me stronger as a person and more reliant on my faith in God.   

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  Today marks fifteen years since my mom passed away. It was probably one of the most profound events in my life. She was my role model and my best friend and I miss her every single day. I was only 36 years old when she passed away and there's a void in my heart that know no one or any thing will ever be able to fill. Beautiful mom...beautiful soul.

    
  
April
April

Hello, I'm April, welcome to my blog. I look at every day as an adventure and an opportunity to laugh and to learn. You will soon discover that my family and my faith are at the heart of who I am.

18 comments:

Wendy said...

Sorry to hear of the loss of your Mum that must have been hard. It's amazing what inner strength we can find when we have to.

Rebecca Jo said...

I'm sure it feels like a lifetime since you've seen your sweet momma... I can't even imagine.

Have a good time at the reunion! So glad Abby's going with you too!

Joyce said...

Hugs to you today April. I don't think we ever stop missing our parents. I'm glad you found the resources and faith to hang on this past year. We're often stronger than we give ourselves credit for. Have fun at the reunion! I love Charleston!

Tammy Enjoy Life said...

Sourdough bread my favorite. I am so glad Abby is home. We don't always give ourselves credit what we can do when faced with adversity. Have a safe trip.

Cheryl said...

I agree so much with your #7 answer. Faith in God allows us to be strongest when we feel the weakest! Have a great time at the reunion!

Marla said...

If you see T-Rav get a picture!! Definitely!! Yes, my daughter left teaching in September because the students were so so difficult and disruptive. It was impossible to teach them, and my daughter was about to have a nervous breakdown. Sad. Safe travels to ya!

Paula said...

Sending you hugs on this day. We will never forget out moms, will we? Have fun at the reunion!

Carrie B said...

The reunion sounds like fun! 36 is so young to lose a parent. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it - you have shown so much grace and amazing strength dealing with the Abby thing.
You are an amazing mom, my friend. I think maybe your Mom must be channeling strength to you while watching over you. Don't you?

Linda Kay said...

When my kids call me with some great happening in their lives, I still feel that I have to pick up the phone to call my mom, and she has been gone for almost 12 years. Great memories with her.

Cranberry Morning said...

What a nice tribute to your mother, April. Losing a mom at any age has got to be difficult, but in your thirties. So hard. I hope the event in Charleston is a wonderful time for you all, especially for you and Abby. God is so good.

Terri D said...

I think we always miss our moms. Love the photo. Joyce gave us yet another fun Hodgepodge. I enjoyed your answers! Blessings!!

Nonnie said...

I still miss my mom after 29 years and would so enjoy having the chance to talk with her again. Reunions are almost always lots of fun and I'm glad your daughter is going with you. Those trials strengthen us and cause us to rely on God's strength and it is so wonderful when we come through them knowing He was always with us. I have an over-abundance of pics and wonder if one day my computer will explode! I need to do something with them.

Denise said...

really enjoyed your hodgepodge.

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

Atlanta Motor Speedway??? Wow, that is NOT what I would have thought would have been the most instagrammed spot in Georgia. I agree ... there are so many possibilities in/around Savannah that I'm surprised that it didn't top the list. Praise God for your answer to #7. I suspected that's how you would have answered that question. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear that your Mum is no longer on earth with you. She was beautiful, and can only imagine how much you have missed her all these years.

Also glad I'm not the only one who decided on a 'character' redhead!

Diane said...

What a beautiful photo of your mother. I know you miss her so much.

I saw that article about the most photographed spots in each state and I was surprised by North Carolina's too. I thought surely it would be the lighthouse at Cape Hatteras or Grandfather Mountain or somewhere in the Smokies but it was the Charlotte Motor Speedway! To each his own, I guess.

Good to be back in touch. Enjoy Charleston!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Hope you and Abby have a fun time with Chris in Charleston! I've never tried making sourdough bread. I love photos. I send all of mine to Shutterfly so I have backup on them. Several people said that they were stronger than they thought they were. It is always nice to find that out about ourselves even through it is usually hard times that bring it on.

Empty Nester said...

Oh no. Not Thomas Ravenel. One of the more well-known embarrassments of the Charleston area. I know his sister, Susie, and she's about the only decent one of the bunch. Hope y'all are having fun. It's too hot today so I also hope you're inside in the AC. That's where I am. LOL I don't know why they chose some of the places they did. Myrtle Beach for SC was not good. I agree with you about Savannah. It's lovely there!