Wednesday Hodgepodge

Well, we made it to school one day this week, and today we’re home due to the cold temps. I’m optimistic we’ll be back to school to finish out the week, but it’s been hard getting into a routine!

It’s my first Hodgepode of 2025 and I’m linking up with Joyce to share my answers to her fun prompts.

1. What’s a winter memory you treasure (can be from any winter in your lifetime?)

I have a January birthday, so of course there’s always a chance of snow. I can’t remember which elementary age birthday it was, but the plan for my party was to go to Show Biz Pizza. Well, we got a ton of snow, so we changed the party to a sledding party. The house I grew up in until 7th grade sat on top of a big hill, so it was perfect for sledding.

I hope my kids always remember the fun they have had sledding with friends on snow days and the snowman pancakes that I make for the first snow day of the year.

2. Tell us about the last time or recent time you were caught up in red tape.

What does this mean? Well, actually I Googled it, and I get it, but I don’t know that I have dealt with any red tape recently. We did complete my health insurance for the kids and me, and while it doesn’t really change year to year, the amount of flex spending we choose does. For example, we always took out more when the kids had braces. Anyway, I guess when Travis submitted it, he didn’t change the amount. We applied to take out less, but they denied our request.

I hate dealing with things like mortgages, health insurance, etc., so I appreciate that Travis takes care of that! I hate to even book a hotel room on my own!…like what if there was a better rate that I missed?!?!

3. Do you eat/like fish? Do you cook fish at home? What’s your favorite fish dish? Ever been ice fishing?

I do like fish, but I’d say the fish I eat the most is sushi.

Hadley’s favorite fish is salmon, and it’s about the only fish I cook at home. We actually don’t eat it as much as we used to. What I like about the salmon at Kroger is that the butcher will put it in aluminium foil packing and add in spices and herbs. I always get butter and parsley or rosemary in the package. Then, it’s easy to cook and throw away.

Growing up, my aunt made a delicious clam pasta that I loved. My mom got the recipe and would make it occasionally. I might have the recipe in my recipe box, but I don’t think I’ve ever made it. I haven’t had it in years.

I’ve definitely never been ice fishing, but I feel like I live in Alaska with these freezing temps we’ve been having!

4. Did you watch any of the US President’s Inauguration coverage on Monday, Jan. 20? On a scale of 1-10, how interested are you in politics in general? Do you follow local politics?

Since we were home from school on Monday, the TV was on most of the day, so I heard bits and pieces of the commentary. I saw the clip of Carrie Underwood singing America the Beautiful, and I thought she did an amazing job. I did like seeing what people wore and who was there. I thought the First Lady looked stunning in her black and white dress during the dance with President Trump. I only saw clips of these moments thanks to the news and Twitter.

On a scale of 1-10, I’m probably a four when it comes to politics. I’ve just shamed my family, I’m sure! I will be hearing from my dad and my brother. haha

I follow local politics like what’s going on in Lexington and in Kentucky. I actually taught at the same school as our Lt. Governor for a few years, and I trust her and the governor and appreciate their focus on education.

5. What’s the coziest thing you own and what makes it so?

Right now, I’ve been loving this fuzzy fleece vest. I got it a few weeks ago, and have worn it a few times already, including yesterday to school. It was on sale when I bought it, but it’s very cozy and easy to wear with leggings, jeans, or pants.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

On Sunday, I hadn’t placed my Kroger order yet, so I went to Aldi and then to Kroger for a few things. On a whim, I decided to make an easy dinner of Hamburger Helper…which I haven’t had in probably a decade…and my kids turned their nose up to it! Here I was trying to go easy on myself, but apparently I’ve spoiled them with my fabulous meals through the years.

At Aldi, I was pleasantly surprised with my haul. It had been quite some time since I’d been there, and I spent about $50 picking up a few odds and ends.

A couple of faves…

I usually get my little plants at Trader Joe’s, but I bought this little guy for my classroom.

These iced mini oatmeal cookies are the absolute best! I actually keep them on a shelf in the basement, so I’m forced to pace myself with these things! I threw one in my lunch bag yesterday, and it was the perfect afternoon treat.

Do you have any Aldi faves?