Sunday Stealing Hodgepodge....

Our Hodgepodge hostess, Joyce, will be amazed that Bev Sykes stole her Hodgepodge for this week's Sunday Stealing!!  Rather than answer the questions again, you can re-visit my Hodgepodge answers.....

HERE

Wishing you a New Year's Eve that finds you celebrating however you want, and a very happy, healthy 2018 that is full of blessings for you and yours!!  Peace & hugs!!

Saturday 9 New Year's Eve....

It's Just Another New Year's Eve

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: It's Just Another New Year's Eve (1977)

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

Welcome to the last Saturday 9 of 2017! Thanks for a great year, everyone.

1) In this song, Barry Manilow declares New Year's Eve is "just another night." How do you feel about 12/31? Is it a special occasion or just another night?

It is usually just another night but this year we will be celebrating at the Clubhouse with neighbors and a DJ and dancing.... should be fun!!

2) Barry sings that in the past year, "we've made mistakes." What in 2017 do you wish you could do over?

You know, I can't think of anything but I don't dwell on the past.

3) He also sings of happy nights with friends. Tell us about a really good time you had in the past year.

We have had many happy nights with friends in this past year.  Our Christmas celebration this week was one of the best!

4) The song references growing wiser, as well as older. What's something you learned or discovered in 2017?

I learned that retirement is wonderful!!

5)  What do you wish you had spent more time doing during 2017?

I have nothing. 2017 has been a great year and I have no regrets.

6)  What was the smartest thing you did all this past year?

We downsized our home and started anew in Mas Verde! 

7)  As this year comes to a close, what are you most grateful for?

My husband and sons, dear friends, our new home, our new neighbors, old friends.... there is so much I am grateful for! 

8) When this week's featured artist, Barry Manilow, was a jingle writer, he wrote the famous "You deserve a break today at McDonald's" song. When's the last time you visited the Golden Arches?

A few weeks ago, when Joe was in the hospital. I picked up coffee and an egg McMuffin before going to the hospital each morning. 

9) Random question: In high school, were you more popular with the boys or the girls?

Girls, I guess.  I went to proms three years and had a steady boyfriend my sophomore year but I had more female friends than boyfriends.

Thanks so much for joining us again at Saturday: 9. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks for your visit!!  Happy New Year!!  Peace & hugs.

Friday Foto Friends Link-up....

Debbie at Breathing In Grace hosts a Friday Foto Friends link-up and you can join us HERE!!

I don't have any new photos to share since my post yesterday, but I do have some pet pictures from Christmas that I haven't posted yet....

 This is Lilly.

 This is Lucy.

This is Vinny.

And these are our grandpups, Brook & Zoe with our son.

Their picture, not mine, but the girls had Christmas bows in their hair, from the groomer.

It's hard to grasp that this is the last Friday of the year.  Time.....

Thanks for your visit!!  Peace & hugs!!

A Thankful Thursday!

I am linking up with Rebecca Jo at Knit By God's Hand for her Thankful Thursday link-up!  You can visit Rebecca Jo and join in HERE!

I am writing this on Wednesday night.  We left home this morning at around 9:30 and didn't get home until almost 8:30.  It was a long but wonderful day for us and it all began on Tuesday evening when I saw on Facebook that my two Kentucky cousins (Lana and Vicki) were in Florida visiting their baby sister, Tysa.  WHAT!!  After a few Facebook messages, Joe and I decided to forgo resting (and doing laundry) for a road trip to see them all.  And while we were up in their neck of the woods, I also checked in with a blogging friend, Pamela Steiner, to see if we could say hello in person as we headed home.  YES....it all worked out and we had such a wonderful day!!

I am thankful for family and dear friends!!  I am also thankful for back roads that allowed us to avoid the interstate and all of the after-Christmas traffic back-ups.  Took a little longer, but we enjoyed the ride so much more. (We were on the road about six hours, up and back.)

 Olivia and Abigail on their scooters (from Santa).

My cousin Tysa is raising two of her grandchildren.

 Tysa (my sister Tammy's age), Vicki, Me, Lana

 Blogging friend (and now face-to-face friend) Pam!

(My eyes always look closed in pictures), but we had such a good time visiting

Pam and John.  They fed us yummy treats and made us feel right at home.

I think you all know how much I love meeting my blogging friends in person (check out the tab above)!  Connections here truly do create a bond that allows that first in-person meeting to feel like we have lived next door for years.  I know we will see Pam and John again!  They have been invited to Lakeland and we hope to help make that happen sometime this spring!!

Thank you, Pam, for your warm welcome, the delicious treats, great coffee, and the tour of your Secret Garden!  We loved it, and Joe enjoyed meeting your hubby too!  We just wished we could have seen a bear or two!  (winking)

Thankful for your visit here!!  Peace & hugs!

Christmas Week Catch-Up!

I've been away from here for about a week, visiting with my sister and her hubby, Bruce, and entertaining friends.  It has been so much fun but I am also feeling tired today. Tammy and Bruce left this morning and Joe and I have done nothing since.

I think I left off in my blogs last Sunday when we went to church with Helen and Cheryl and then enjoyed a Christmas luncheon in their church's community hall.  I won't revisit that.

Monday, any Mas Verde folks who wanted to do some caroling gathered at the Clubhouse in the early evening.  There were enough for three groups to go out.  We did not join them but were pleased to have one of them knock on our door.  I took this very short video of the group who visited us.  I couldn't get the video to post, but maybe the link will work.  Click HERE.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent tidying up, making up beds and making another grocery run.  I finished wrapping gifts and we were ready for Tammy and Bruce to arrive on Thursday.  Thursday morning we went to the farm (Joe's client) because they couldn't do it on Wednesday.  We got home a couple of hours before our company arrived. It worked out perfectly.

Friday brought Bruce's sister, Kathy, and her wife Gretchen over for a visit with us.  It was good to see them again and did us all good to see Kathy and Bruce laughing and reminiscing.  I served a lunch of chicken, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, fruit salad, and cookies for dessert.

While Bruce and Tammy were here, we watched a lot of TV and the cats took turns visiting Bruce's lap.  He enjoyed having them go to him and we made comments of jealousy that they wouldn't sit with us...

Bruce has to use a walker and still has verbal difficulties, so we don't plan too many excursions when they visit.  Saturday we took them out to breakfast and then to a consignment mall a few miles from our house.  He really seemed to enjoy looking around (he used his wheelchair).  He and Tammy used to have fun antiquing and refurbishing things to sell in their own consignment booth which they maintained in Tifton, GA. They miss it but just aren't able to do it now.  Tammy is hopeful that may change one day.  Bruce's stroke was three years ago on December 22.  She takes very good care of him.

Christmas Eve day we just visited and watched more TV.  Fortunately, they enjoy the same kind of shows we do. I did some advance prep work for our Christmas dinner.  Christmas Eve, Joe and I went to Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  When we got home we opened gifts and had some snacks while we watched TV.  It was very nice. 

Christmas morning, we slept in a bit.  I made eggs and bacon for breakfast, got the turkey started in the roaster, the ham in a crockpot and everything else ready to cook so that we could eat around 3:00.  Guests started arriving at 2:00.  Dinner was good (I was told) and we had a lovely time talking and opening Christmas stockings.

 Turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli,

corn casserole, rolls, cranberries, and we had

chocolate cream pie, lemon meringue pie, cherry pie

and Tammy made banana pudding (delicious) for dessert.

There were also cookies and candy to pick at!

 Tammy, Theresa, Al, Cheryl, Helen, Joe and Bruce is seated.

Tammy and Bruce left this morning (Tuesday).  I cleaned things up a bit and Joe and I both really did nothing.  I should have started some laundry.  I learned on Facebook that my Kentucky cousins, Lana and Vicki, are in Florida visiting their little sister (Tammy's age).  Tysa lives in Interlachen, FL.  We checked in with them and decided we can't let them be this close and not get to visit a bit.  Joe and I are driving up there tomorrow (Wednesday).  It's about a 2 1/2 hour trip, but I am anxious to see them!  Lana and Vicki and I were close growing up.  They are a couple of years older than me.

Vicki, Lana, Cousin Bob and Me

(a long time ago!)

We saw them last in July 2015 during our family beach reunion.

This is our son Jeff, Lana and Vicki.

Looking forward to seeing them again, but not really looking forward to a long day with so much to do at home.  Nice that the work will wait because my cousins are special.

I'll stop here!!  I need to catch up on all your happenings!  Thanks for your visit!  Peace & hugs.

Merry Christmas To ALL!!

Wishing all of my friends and family here a joyous Christmas!!

Luke 2:1-20New International Version (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The Final Hodgepodge of 2017.....

I am issuing a BIG THANK YOU to our Hodgepodge hostess, Joyce Daley, for a year of fun here at her Hodgepodge link-up on 'This Side of the Pond'.  She is and many of us are taking next week off to enjoy family and friends during this sacred and joyful season.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 334

1. Where have you found unexpected magic or delight this holiday season?  Right here at home, meeting our neighbors and sharing fun activities during this first Christmas in our new home.  Hard to believe we have been here almost a year (in February!).

2. What's your favorite type of holiday gathering? Will you/have you gathered in your favorite way this month?  My favorite holiday gathering is when there are only a few close friends and/or family gathering for a meal or dessert or just a beverage and good conversation.  I much prefer a more intimate gathering to a big party where you don't get to talk with everyone more than saying hello.  Yes, we have enjoyed such gatherings several times!

3. Time has named 'The Silence Breakers' (women who came forward with stories of harassment)  'person of the year' for 2017. Would you agree? If not, who do you think deserves the title?  I do not agree.  I think it is ridiculous.  I won't nominate anyone because the premise of the title is also ridiculous and highly over-rated.

4. How did you spend your time this year? Are you happy about that? Elaborate  I spent the first seven months of 2017 working and these past five months enjoying retirement.  I am extremely happy about it and don't think it needs elaboration, especially if you have been reading my blogs these past five months! (grinning)

5. Bid farewell to 2017 in ten words or less.  Thank you for so many wonderful blessings!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I will probably be absent from here beginning tomorrow (Thursday) and through this time next week.  My sister and brother-in-law will be here and I will be spending my time with them, as many of you will be spending time with family and friends too.  I'll pop in now and then as I can because I miss you all when I can't check in.  

My wish for each of you is that your Christmas will be joyful however you choose to spend it, and that 2018 will dawn bright and full of blessings for each of us.  

God bless us, everyone!!  Peace & hugs.

Tickled Tuesday.....

I was 'tickled' to have been invited to the Museum staff Christmas luncheon yesterday and had a wonderful time seeing everyone.  Our neighbors across the street, Paul and Ann, came over last night for dessert after they participated in community Christmas Caroling. They leave in a couple of days for New York and Christmas with their kids.

I have a fairly long list of things I need to do and I am having a motivation problem!  Tickled to have this blogging distraction as my excuse for sitting here at my computer!

Here are my Tickled Tuesday cat jokes.  I found a few about Christmas that made me smile.

I do need to get laundry done today and the rest of my gifts wrapped and under the tree.  I have a lot of baking to get started but I don't want to get cookies made too soon.  We have a luncheon here on Friday with my brother-in-law's sister and her companion. I'm making red velvet cake for dessert Friday.  Helen is bringing pies for Christmas day.  Cookies are a must so I will get busy this afternoon with one or two kinds.  We are having dinner out tonight with Al and Theresa at TooJays.  Fun!

Thanks for your visit today!! Peace & hugs!

My Weekend Recap on Monday....

One more week and Christmas is here.  We celebrated the third Sunday of Advent well and look forward with great anticipation to Christmas Day and the birthday of our Savior.  Family and friends make the holidays fun and we are so blessed.

Friday, I had my lunch bunch girlfriends over for lunch here at the house. Melody didn't come down but Heather, Shirley, Cindee, and Terry were here.  We had a lovely time.  I served a casserole of chicken, broccoli, and bowtie pasta with an alfredo-type sauce. We also had a fruit salad and a cheese plate. Dessert was Christmas cookies and Heather's gingerbread. Yum!!

I want to ask my prayer partners to please add Cindee to your prayer lists.  She is sitting at the right in this picture.  Cindee has Parkinson's Disease and is not doing well at all.  We are all very worried about her.  Please pray that her strength will return.  Thank you!!

On Saturday, we got up late which was wonderful. Our Mas Verde community Christmas dinner was to begin at 4:00 with a social hour and dinner served at 5:00.  Our HOA provided the turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.  The rest of us all brought something to share and we had a feast.  There were around 130 people in attendance and when dinner was over we sang Christmas carols. It was such fun and we got to know a few more folks a little better.  We just love our new home and neighbors!!

 Three dessert tables! Barely had room for dessert!

On Sunday, we got up early (for us) because we were invited to attend Helen's church (United Methodist) for their Christmas Cantata service, followed by a community Christmas dinner.  Helen treated us (tickets required).  It was lovely and the choir did a great job!! We enjoyed it all!

 We arrived early. The church did fill up!

 Lunch was served in their community hall.

We were certainly well fed all weekend and were in very good company!  When we got home after dinner at the church, we went out again to do some more Christmas shopping.  Almost done!! Arrived back home and Sharon (next door neighbor) came over for a few minutes and invited us over for a glass of wine and some snacks. They leave for their son's house later this week and we will be turning their outside Christmas lights on and off for them.  We no sooner got home from there when Al and Theresa popped in. They had been out for a walk and took a chance on us being home. We caught up with them and their weekend and made plans to meet for dinner on Tuesday night at a restaurant not too far from here.

Today (Monday) I was invited by my former boss to attend the staff Christmas luncheon at noon, at the Museum.  It will be fun seeing everyone!! I felt honored to be invited and wouldn't miss it!!

The days are flying by!!  Are you ready for the big day?  Thanks for your visit!  Peace & hugs!

Sunday Stealing Lookin' Like Christmas....

Thanks to Bev Sykes for this week's Sunday Stealing!  Join in and link-up HERE!

Last week we talked about things that bug us. This week (and maybe next), how about things that we like about the holidays.

Apologies if you do not celebrate Christmas, but perhaps you can change some questions to match the winter holiday you do celebrate. I would love to hear from people who celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Winter Solstice!





1. What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?  Family, friends, food, gatherings....

2. Do you send out Christmas cards and if so how many do you send?  Yes and over 80.

3. Be honest: holiday newsletters. Love ‘em or hate ‘em?  Love 'em.

4. Be honest: photo cards. Love ‘em or hate ‘em?  Love 'em.

5. How soon do you start shopping?  After Thanksgiving (but not black Friday).

6. Real or fake tree?  Fake.

7. When do you put up your tree?  The weekend after Thanksgiving.

8. When do you take down your tree?  After New Year's Day.

9. Describe your typical tree (size, decorations, type) Skinny pencil tree with ornaments that mean something to us.

10. What do you top your tree with?  A star.

11. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house? Yes.

12. Is there a wreath hanging on your door?  Yes.

13. Do you hang up stockings?  Yes.

14. Your favorite Christmas Movie(s)  A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, It's A Wonderful Life, The Holiday, Sleepless in Seattle, While You Were Sleeping, The Nativity...... too many!

15. Be honest: A Christmas movie you don't like  Elf.

16. Favorite Christmas Song(s)  Again, too many. Mary, Did You Know and any others you find in the hymnals.  

17. Be honest: If I hear this/these Christmas songs again I will throw up  Elvis singing Blue Christmas.

18. Give or Receive?  Give.

19. Eggnog or Mulled Cider?  Cider.

20. Ham or Turkey?  Both!!


Happy third Sunday of Advent.  Thanks for your visit!  Peace & hugs.

Saturday 9: Silent Night with Elvis....

Thanks to Sam Winters for today's Saturday 9!  Join in HERE!

Silent Night

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love to answer the questions, however, and here is today's questions! 

Saturday 9: Silent Night (1957) 
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) How well do you know "Silent Night?" Without looking up the lyrics, could you sing along with Elvis?  Yes, I could.

2) The Christmas with Elvis album hit the stores in October 1957. Were you already preparing for Christmas back in October?  I don't even think I was thinking of Christmas in October, let alone starting to prepare for it.

3) Clearly, Elvis liked a flocked white Christmas tree. Is your tree flocked, aluminum or pine green?  Green.  Real or artificial?  Artificial.  Or do you skip the whole tree thing altogether?  Haven't skipped it yet.

4) Back in the late 1950s, Elvis left his hair its natural brown color. In the 1960s he began having it dyed black. Do you have a salon appointment scheduled between now and year end?  Nope.  Just got it cut this week and won't go again until next year! (I love saying that!)  By the way, I got my hair cut really short AND I LOVE IT!!  

5) Have you ever peeked, looking for a Christmas gift you know is hidden for you somewhere in the house?  Not since I was 14 and ruined Christmas morning for myself.  Never again.

6)  Which do you prefer, candy canes or gingerbread?  Gingerbread, but only if it is moist!!  I don't care for dry gingerbread.

7) Is anyone receiving a homemade or do-it-yourself gift from you this year? Not this year.

8) Do you wrap holiday gifts in paper, or do you take the gift bag route?  I use both and it depends on what it is and who it is for.
  
9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.  

VISTE (Volunteers in Service to the Elderly)!  Donate HERE!

Polk Museum of Art!!  Donate HERE!!

Thanks so much for joining us again at Saturday: 9. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Saturday!!  We have our community Christmas dinner at the Clubhouse tonight.  It will be fun! Pictures on Monday!

Thanks for your visit!  Peace & hugs!!!