A Neighborly Hodgepodge

From this Side of the Pond
The Hodgepodge is back this week! 

1. When was the last time you chatted with a neighbor? About what? (sharing that last bit is optional)
This is going to sound awful, but it's been about a month ago, after the big wind storm we had. We wave in passing, but are rarely outside at the same time.

2. River, lake, ocean, or waterfall...which one are you most like and why?
Waterfall. I'm definitely not feeling very peaceful or serene right now with my kitchen hassles!

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've never been to Delaware. Tennessee is the Volunteer State; makes complete sense to me. During the War of 1812, Tennesseeans volunteered and play a big role. Also, in the Mexican War, volunteers were requested & Tennessee responded According to statesymbolsusa.org, Tennessee has also been called "Big Bend State" because of the big bend in the Tennessee River, and "hog and hominy state". They didn't teach us that in school; or if they did, I must not have been paying attention!

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?
Blueberry buckle. The last day of school, we had a breakfast. This is something my mom used to make, and it's really easy and delicious.
When I go to a potluck, I usually take Mexican Trifle. (I couldn't find the recipe online, but it's a Pampered Chef recipe.)

5. What is your number one tip for a brand new parent?
I actually have 2: Sleep when the baby sleeps, and it's okay for the baby to cry a little.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
I had a long weekend in New Orleans for a conference. I have a group of online speech pathologist friends, and we decided a few months ago that we were all going to go. None of us had met everyone else. We're from all over the country: California, Washington, Oregon, Ohio, Texas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Colorado (who wasn't able to attend), and, of course, Tennessee. I won free registration at the state convention in Oct., which helped a LOT, because it's a rather expensive conference. 1 of the girls made us all bracelets with charms for each state.
State bracelets
We hope to make this an annual event, whether it's at a conference or on our own. I really hope we can. These ladies are just amazing.
Ohio is missing in this picture!
The conference was just "eh", but the evenings were OH! SO FUUUUUN!!! The Louisiana girl was our tour guide, so we got a little off the beaten path.
Some of us managed to make it to an 8:00 presentation on Sat.! (NH went to a different session.)
After the conference, I drove to Baton Rouge and spent the night with MS. I got to see his new place (which is on the same property as his old one) and spend a little bit of time with him. 
He was so happy to see me!
We had an alligator appetizer with Andy Gator Abita Beer


9 comments:

  1. I'm going to have to Google that Mexican Trifle. I need something new. And the blueberry buckle sounds good. Glad you had a good time with your conference friends.

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  2. Thank you! I couldn't find the recipe online. Let me know if you can't find it & I'll email it to you.
    This past weekend was soooo much fun!

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  3. Those bracelets are so cute and that was a sweet, thoughtful thing for her to do. Any progress on the kitchen at all?

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    1. Aren't they adorable? I couldn't believe how thoughtful she was. I thought about getting something from here for everyone but didn't follow through. :(
      I hope to have new pictures for my State of the Kitchen post tomorrow.

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  4. We wave at our neighbors but hardly know them. Thanks for the recipe link. Love your advice for the new parents, I agree. So glad you got to meet up with those ladies and the bracelets are really cute. Sending prayers your way for your kitchen project.

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  5. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.

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  6. Love the matching bracelets, such a nice gift and a great way to remember the event. Thanks for sharing.
    Cheers!
    Lori in Blue Ridge

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  7. What fun!! The bracelets are great - terrific idea!! It's so nice that you got to see your MS!! You look pretty happy too!

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