The Wheels on the Hodgepodge

So much going on around here lately. Since the last Hodgepodge we've had a second grandchild and I broke a tooth. Good times, Y'all. Good times. Life does tend to get overwhelming from time-to-time, doesn't it? 

Here's to the Hodgepodge providing us with a welcomed, weekly respite. 

1. Can you believe we're rolling into the Labor Day weekend? Yes and no. What's a project you'll labor over this fall? Well, I have a new project going on for the Etsy shop and then there's the whole taking care of Mother while she's here thing going on. Still. The other thing, and it's not a project but it will be interesting is Baby M will be staying with us for NINE DAYS beginning tomorrow evening. Her sweet parents are going to celebrate a friend's 30th in Oregon and I get the baby. But how in the world I will handle a one-year-old for NINE DAYS is a mystery. I'm thinking there might be some grandmother exhaustion in there somewhere. 

2. Tell us about the best perks you ever had in a job? I don't recall any perks in teaching other than the teaching itself, the kiddos and the faculty and staff. The kiddos were great and the people with whom I worked were THE BEST anywhere. The teaching kept me on my toes as it's not easy staying ahead of elementary students when it comes to technology. I know those are the usual perks, but they made every single day a good day. 

3. August 31st is National South Carolina Day. Have you ever been to SC? I was raised in SC. Any desire to go? Hahahaha! I've been in SC for nearly 5 decades. According to Southern Living, these are the top ten things to do in South Carolina...

Explore Charleston, bike, golf or relax on Hilton Head Island, see the beach and the boardwalk at Myrtle Beach, visit the state museum in the capital city Columbia, observe the wildlife and natural beauty of the Ace Basin, take a walk or hop on a trolley and check out Greenville's charming main street, visit Fort Sumter where the Civil War began, stroll through Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden in Bishopville leaving time to check out The Button Museum, also in Bishopville, see Morgan Island (also known as Monkey Island)-home to nearly 4000 Rhesus monkeys. 

Which is most appealing to you today? Any one of them that is not overcrowded. If you're a SC native, resident, or frequent visitor what would you add to the list? In all honesty, I don't want to give away any place that is still hidden from tourists. However, there is this if you do come down to the Charleston area you should take a Barrier Island Eco Tour. And if you decide to take a tour, ask for Robert Hopkins. He taught Nashville Daughter in 4th grade and he is the BEST when it comes to anything nature related in the low-country. 

4. Beef, pork, country-style, barbecued, baby back, spare or short...your favorite kind of rib? I don't know enough about ribs to be that specific. Well, other than barbecued. Ribs are ok but they aren't something I cook or order when I'm out. What's a dish you enjoy that really 'sticks to your ribs'? Grits stick to your ribs. And Y'all have to have my shrimp and grits. If you're ever in the area, I'll make you some. After your eco tour with Robert, of course. 

5. What's one important skill you think every person should have? I think everyone should know how to go with the flow. Why? I just feel like it keeps you from losing your mind when the universe laughingly shows you quite clearly that life or even that lunch date you were looking forward to is not going to go the way you planned. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here. Where do I begin??? First of all, Baby M has a new cousin. Baby R arrived last Wednesday night at 8:55. He came in at 7 lbs 14 oz and 20.5 in. (one pound heavier than Baby M was and 1/2 inch shorter.) Then there's the whole thing with having Baby M for NINE DAYS. Did I mention that already? Ha! I've got activities and outings planned but I do possess that go-with-the-flow skill so... Ok, then there's that issue of the broken tooth to factor in along with Mother still being with us and because Baby R came via c-section, he and his mommy are with us as she doesn't need to be by herself while Baby R's daddy is at work. Seriously, if anyone is planning a trip to the Charleston area from September 1-9, please feel free to stop by and jump right in. Baby M and I will even go with you on the eco tour! 

Anyway, Y'all can read about Baby R HERE, if you'd like. 

My little button and sweetest granddaughter EVER- Baby M:

And the new addition and best grandson EVER- Baby R:

If you're looking for a way to donate to our friend's in Texas here's a go fund me page a sweet gal I know personally set up. She's a go-getter and EVERY SINGLE PENNY GOES DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE NOT AN ORGANIZATION. Hurricane Harvey Relief. 

Have a great rest of the week, Y'all!

Please visit my Etsy shop, CoasterDoodles

and feel free to FAVORITE the shop
or buy something! 😁💓