Questions for the Wednesday Medley...

Here is a medley of questions for the Wednesday Medley.  I always start with the National Day and base questions from there. No rules and there is no obligation. Link up if you want to.  I'm doing this to fill my Wednesday and if you are interested, then I invite you to join in and link up with other ‘Meddlers’!! 

Everything below this line is from NationalDayCalendar.com.

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MAY DAY

May Day is observed annually on May 1.  In many ancient calendars, May 1 was the first day of summer.  This was a cause for celebration.  One of the more popular rituals was harvesting flowers and giving them to neighbors and strangers in cone-shaped baskets. These “May Baskets” become more commonly known as “May Day Baskets”.  The current tradition is observed by hanging a cone-shaped basket full of flowers or other gifts on the outside doorknob, then knocking or ringing the doorbell and run away.

May Day has been a traditional day of celebration for centuries, with some of the earliest appearings in pre-Christian times.  In English tradition, May Day is celebrated by crowning a May Queen and dancing around a maypole.  The Finnish tradition is a carnival-type celebration in the streets that includes a special type of lemonade that is made with lemons, brown sugar and yeast.  In France, it is correct to give people either dogwood or lily of the valley to celebrate May Day.  In Italy, a seasonal feast is held to celebrate the arrival of spring.

While different countries have different ways to celebrate May Day, it is truly a celebration of spring.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #MayDay when posting on Social Media.  Participate in the May Day tradition of hanging baskets of flowers on doors.

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Everything above this line is from NationalDayCalendar.com.

1.  Ahhh... May Day!!  Happy May!  Did you celebrate this when you were a child by dancing around a Maypole or leaving flowers on someone's porch? Will you be celebrating a special occasion in May?

(There are so many other things being celebrated today that I

think we need to give them some attention, too!)

2.  National Mother Goose Day was founded in 1987.  Can you name a nursery rhyme that would fit your life as it was in 1987?  If you are a youngster and not yet born in 1987, you may pass, of course, but do you have a favorite nursery rhyme?  HERE is a list of nursery rhymes.

3.  National Chocolate Parfait Day is also honored on this day. Parfait means perfect in French. Tell us about a perfect day, in your mind, and would/could it end with a chocolate parfait?

4.  National School Principal's Day was founded to celebrate these school administrators who support and guide quality teachers and staff to provide productive learning environments for our children.  Did you have a good Principal when you were in school? Do you remember his/her name?

5. And perhaps the most important one is Silver Star Service Banner Day which honors the sacrifices of the combat wounded, ill, and dying service members from all branches of the military.  Do you have family members who have served this country in uniform? Tell us about them, if you will.

6.  It's Hump Day! How is your week going so far?

Thanks for your visit!  If you are joining the group of Meddlers tomorrow, answer on your blog and come back tomorrow to link up with us so we can all visit each other.

Peace & hugs! God bless!!

Weekend Recap on Monday...

I had a blessed three-day weekend.  I really look forward to them.  I don't know if I'm looking forward to getting my knee replaced to get rid of the pain, or because I will be resigning my part-time job when I get it scheduled. LOL  I really do enjoy the people and am blessed to have that extra (very small) paycheck every two weeks.  It has been a blessing and I may need to find another one down the road, but I am tired and looking forward to walking without a limp, and not setting the alarm! 

Whenever I sit down, I can count on Vinny climbing into my lap. Every time I sit down. He might be in another room, but as soon as my backside hits the chair, he is there. Such a sweet boy!

On Friday, I did not set the alarm but when I got up, I made some pizzelles because the Assistant Pastor of our new church and his wife were coming over for a visit around 2:00.  I wanted something to offer them to go with a beverage.  Neither had had them before and they both liked them enough to keep reaching for another one.  I sent some home with them for their SIX kids.  Four have bright red hair! Ella told me there are redheads on both sides of the family. The other two are blondes like their mom.

We had a very nice visit.  We learned about them and Brian's calling to the ministry, and they learned about us.  They came in two cars because Ella had to pick up the kids after school, but Brian stayed another 30 minutes or so.

Friday evening, Joe went to the clubhouse to play Nickels and I begged off (again).  While he was gone, Al and Theresa popped in so we had a nice visit for an hour or so.  Joe was happy when he returned because he won a couple of games.  Most of our Nickel-playing friends are heading north this week. We will go from two tables of 10 to one table of 10 permanent residents but it is still fun.

Saturday arrived with a nice sleep-in and I got the laundry started.  A phone call came from next door inviting us to a cook-out at 5:00.  Just a last-minute get-together with a few of the folks leaving this week, and we neighbors.  It was fun and the food was good. Sharon did burgers and hotdogs and baked beans, and the rest of us brought the extras.

Sunday took us to Sunday school for our membership class, then worship services.  When we got home I actually took a nap while Joe watched the Phillies baseball game.  We had an easy dinner and then watched TV.  The Midwives was on and Game of Thrones!! Sunday night marathon TV.  Back to work today.

Wishing you a blessed week ahead!  

Peace & hugs!  God bless!!

Skipping Sunday Stealing...

I read the Sunday Stealing questions and just decided I've already answered them many times before so will wish you all a blessed day instead on this last Sunday of April 2019. 

Peace & hugs!!  God bless!

Saturday 9 with Hall & Oates...

Every Time You Go Away

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 are today's questions.  

Saturday 9: Every Time You Go Away (1985)

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

1) This song is about separation. Who is the last person you said goodbye (or maybe just "so long") to?  Al and Theresa popped in last night to visit so I guess it would be them but I don't really say "good-bye", even on the phone.

2) This week's featured artist, Paul Young, was a gifted athlete during his school days and briefly played professional football (aka soccer). Sam enjoys playing tennis, though her serve doesn't give Serena Williams anything to worry about. What's something you enjoy doing, even if you don't excel?  I enjoy singing but I don't do it well anymore. At church I mostly lip sync. LOL

3) Mr. Young and his wife Stacy were married for 31 years, until her death in 2018. What do you think is the key to a happy marriage?  In two weeks Joe and I will have 34 years behind us. Trust and respect. You must trust and respect each other, and above all else, communicate!!  Love is a given, by the way.  But you must not only LOVE each other but also LIKE each other too.

4) Paul Young's performance of this hit song was one of the highlights of the July 1985 Live Aid Concert. This international benefit raised more than $100 million to alleviate hunger in Ethiopia. Tell us about a charity you support.  Our church, the American Cancer Society, and Options for Women.

5) This song was written by Daryl Hall, of Hall and Oates. What's your favorite Hall and Oates song?  I love Hall & Oates and had two or three of their albums back in the day.  This song is always a favorite, sung by them (not the featured artist here).

6) In 1985, when this song was popular, the New Coke was unsuccessfully introduced. What's the last beverage you drank?  As I am writing this on Friday night, it was a glass of milk with a few cookies. I will have spring water soon, however.

7) In 1985, the New York Stock Exchange had to close because of Hurricane Gloria. Has a hurricane shared your name? (Find a list of recent/upcoming storm names here.)  It looks like my name is up in 2021 though it is my "real" name, Teresa, not my nickname, Terri.

8) 1985 was the year that the Titanic wreckage was discovered. There have been at least 11 movies and TV shows about the fatal voyage. Have you seen any of them?  I watched the very popular 1997 version with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.  Has anyone NOT seen that one?  

9) Random question: Would you rather own and run a coffee shop or a shoe store? Why?  I would own a shoe store and would stock women's size 12W so I would never have trouble finding shoes that fit, ever again! Ha! Now there is a dream!
  

Don't forget to visit Crazy Sam HERE and 

join in on this week's Saturday 9!

Thanks for your visit!  Peace & hugs!  God bless!

(This posted on Friday in error. Changed the scheduled date!)

Friday Foto Friends...

It is Friday and time to share some photos with others over at Breathing in Grace.  Debbie hosts this Friday link-up and you can visit HERE to join in!

 We had a busy day at work but not as busy as we thought

it would be. There were eight patients scheduled but two (husband & wife)

canceled because their grandpa died and another because

her husband is in the hospital.  Tough stuff for sure.

This is the view from the treatment room at work.

The little lake behind the office condo complex is very pretty.

 When I got home, we turned around and headed out

for Reflections of Excellence where Teena takes great

care of our hair!  This picture was taken on a previous visit.

From the Barber's we popped into Publix for a prescription

and for some SalonPas for Joe's back and my knee.

A HUGE Starbucks is being built in the parking lot

of our Publix.  They are moving fast with it.

You probably can't see it in this photo, but Five Guys is

next to Starbucks.

Next on the list of errands was a visit to the VA for Joe's

audiology appointment.  I waited in the car...

You can't tell but that speck is a pair of love bugs, doing their thing.

They are out early this year. We usually see them in late May.

And that speck in the sky is not a love bug. It's an airplane.

First I thought there were a lot of planes flying over, using

the same path to the airport.  Then, duh, I figured out someone

was practicing take offs and landings.  Same plane every 10 minutes or so.

Thankful for our Handicap parking tag.  I got it four years ago

because of my knees.  My orthopedic doc did the paperwork for me.

I'm hoping my new doctor will renew it for me.  We really use it

more for Joe than for me these days, though I was happy to park closer

this past week with my pain flare-up.  I don't always use it, by the way.

Just when it is really necessary.

Joe suggested subs for dinner on the way home so

he ran into Jersey Mike's and got an Italian sub that we shared

for dinner at home with our own chips and drinks.  It was good!

Vinny was hoping for a piece of the sandwich. This is

him sitting in the kitchen window, right by the table.

And that's all I have for you today.  We aren't going to the farm this week (Joe's client).  They

are having some health issues and asked us to skip this week.  I am happy to sleep in

on my day off but I will miss seeing the animals!  Praying all will be well there.

Thanks for your visit!!  Peace & hugs!! God bless!!

Thankful Thursday...

It is always a blessing to link up with Rebecca Jo for her Thankful Thursday meme over at Knit by God's Hand!  Thanks for hosting us, Rebecca Jo!

** I am so thankful for my blogging friends!!  Y'all are just the best! I am always uplifted.

** My part-time job has put me in touch with a friend I lost touch with years ago.  We are having lunch next week.  I'll expand on this in another post.

** We just switched our cell phones from Sprint (where we have been for years) to Boost.  Boost is really Sprint.  We didn't have to buy new phones or change the sim card. It was called a migration. Easy to do and we are now spending almost $100 less for more.  Amazing. Boost is the Sprint network.  Why couldn't Sprint give us the same deal? Amazing.  Anyway... thankful to be spending less for more!!  Unlimited text, talk, and data, with 12 gigs for the hotspot.

** Thankful for our wonderful dermatologist and that the little basil cell cancer on my arm is gone.

** Thankful for all of our doctors.  We've seen more than a few lately!

** Thankful that our daughter-in-law/love, Darlene, is doing so well after her hip replacement!

** Thankful that my knee is coming around after nearly a week of constant pain. I didn't use the cane or the walker at all yesterday. Whatever flared it up has subsided. Thank goodness!

** Our Assistant Pastor and his wife are coming for a visit with us on Friday afternoon.  How nice is that?!  Never had that happen before.  Loving our new church!

** Memorial Day is a few weeks away but there will be a cook-out at the Clubhouse and we will be celebrating with Al and Theresa.  Looking forward to it!

** The Museum's Mayfaire by-the-Lake happens in two weeks (always Mother's Day weekend) and it also falls on our wedding anniversary (Saturday) this year.  34 years!  Mayfaire (an art festival) is a good place to buy an anniversary gift for ourselves.  Hoping my knee will hold out!

Thanks for your visit today!  Be blessed!!  Peace & hugs!!

Wednesday Medley, all wrapped up...

Everything below this line is from the National Day Calendar website.

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NATIONAL PIGS-IN-A-BLANKET DAY

On April 24, observe National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day with just a few ingredients.  

Celebrated across the world, the term often refers to a variety of different dishes. In the United States, Pigs-in-a-Blanket are often hot dogs or sausages wrapped in biscuit or croissant dough and baked. Pigs-in-a-Blanket are generally served as an appetizer or as breakfast. However, it can be served any meal time!

HOW TO OBSERVE

Share your version of Pigs-In-A-Blanket using #NationalPigBlanketDay on social media.

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Everything above this line is from the National Day Calendar website.

(My first thought was 'what am I going to do with this one'!! Bear with me, followers!)

1.  Typically served as an hors d'oeuvre, have you ever made or had a Pig-in-a-Blanket?  Do you like Pigs-in-a-Blanket?  It has been a long time, but they are okay. I would prefer them dipped in mustard instead of ketchup (in the picture).  I have never made them.

2.  Pigs-in-a-blanket are also known as devils on horseback, kilted sausages, and wiener winks. (Seriously.)  Please make up another name for this fun little appetizer!  How about Party Pigs! 

3.  In the UK, pigs-in-blankets are small sausages, or chipolatas wrapped up in bacon.  Which country's version is most appealing to your taste buds? Sausage wrapped in bacon sounds much better to me, thank you very much.

4.  The first written record of pigs-in-a-blanket occurs in Betty Crocker's Cooking for Kids in 1957.  In this digital world, do you still have a favorite cookbook you use most of the time?  Is there a recipe you can share with us from that cookbook?  Well, I have two to mention, both church cookbooks.  My mom's Methodist Church cookbook, because it has many of her recipes and my grandma's recipes; AND my former church's Resurrection Council of Catholic Women Cookbook. Here is a recipe from each!

I always use walnuts but pecans or even hazelnuts would be good, too.

Easy, different, and delicious!

This cornbread is dense, moist, sweet and delicious!

Use shortening, though, not oil.

I bake it in a 9x9 glass dish and it only takes about 45 minutes.

Test the middle with a knife or toothpick.

5.  What is your favorite cooking show on TV?  I really like Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman (Joe even watches!).  We both also enjoy watching Chopped.  Joe is a bit of a picky eater but I have found that I can say "This is one of Ree's recipes!" and he will try it and like it!! Shhhh.... don't say anything about this!

6.  Tell us something random about your week, please!  More doctor appointments this week. I got my skin cancer cut out yesterday. Glad that is done. 

We MAY work in a trip over to Mazzaro's today. We like an imported (from Italy) pasta that they sell and I am running low.  Joe will go right to the pastry counter. I will suggest a Friday instead because we can get through Tampa and across the Bay between rush hours.  I am looking forward to my 3-day weekend coming up!!

Thanks for your visit!  If you answered the questions today, please link up with the other Meddlers below!

Peace & hugs!  God bless!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Questions for the Wednesday Medley...

Here is a medley of questions for the Wednesday Medley.  I always start with the National Day Calendar and base questions from there. No rules and there is no obligation. Link up if you want to.  I'm doing this to fill my Wednesday and if you are interested, then I invite you to join in and link up with other ‘Meddlers’ tomorrow!! 

Everything below this line is from the National Day Calendar website.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NATIONAL PIGS-IN-A-BLANKET DAY

On April 24, observe National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day with just a few ingredients.  

Celebrated across the world, the term often refers to a variety of different dishes. In the United States, Pigs-in-a-Blanket are often hot dogs or sausages wrapped in biscuit or croissant dough and baked. Pigs-in-a-Blanket are generally served as an appetizer or as breakfast. However, it can be served any meal time!

HOW TO OBSERVE

Share your version of Pigs-In-A-Blanket using #NationalPigBlanketDay on social media.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Everything above this line is from the National Day Calendar website.

(My first thought was 'what am I going to do with this one'!! Bear with me, followers!)

1.  Typically served as an hors d'oeuvre, have you ever made or had a Pig-in-a-Blanket?  Do you like Pigs-in-a-Blanket?

2.  Pigs-in-a-blanket are also known as devils on horseback, kilted sausages, and wiener winks. (Seriously.)  Please make up another name for this fun little appetizer!

3.  In the UK, pigs-in-blankets are small sausages, or chipolatas wrapped up in bacon.  Which country's version is most appealing to your taste buds?

4.  The first written record of pigs-in-a-blanket occurs in Betty Crocker's Cooking for Kids in 1957.  In this digital world, do you still have a favorite cookbook you use most of the time?  Is there a recipe you can share with us from that cookbook?

5.  What is your favorite cooking show on TV?

6.  Tell us something random about your week, please!

Peace & hugs!  God bless!! 

Weekend Recap on Monday...

We had a wonderful Easter weekend and are so blessed to have seen these kids on Good Friday as we were heading home from the farm (Joe's client), and then we saw this article in the newspaper on Saturday.  Such a blessing.

Joe and I intended to go to the Good Friday services at church, but he was still coughing every few minutes and my knees have been hurting very bad for a few days now. The "bad" one has had me using a walker in the house and a cane outside.  Yes, it is time for surgery.

I worked on Saturday morning and then did a little cleaning and meal prep for Sunday's dinner guests. 

We went to Easter service which was wonderful. I "borrowed" these pictures from the church's FB page of our Easter service.  You can actually see the backs of our heads... the second row from the bottom on the left in the second picture.

I finished the meal prep when we got home and our dinner guests arrived at 3:30.  Helen and Cheryl, and Anne and Paul from across the street.  I didn't get a picture of us but did take a shot of the food (except the baked beans didn't show up) and the table.  It was an easy put-together.  The ham was spiral sliced and delicious, the store-bought potato salad was good, the crock-pot beans were sweet and good. I also made deviled eggs.  Anne brought a great pickle plate and a delicious carrot cake.  We were well fed. and all had a great visit!

Back-tracking to our trip to the farm on Friday...

A Florida Softshell (Apalone ferox) turtle was right in the middle of the lane

on our trip in.  I had to stop the car and get out with my cane to

try and move her out of the way.  We believe she was laying eggs

or getting ready to.  She was not happy about being disturbed.

I finally got her to move enough to allow us to drive by.

Cattle...

Horses...

Arya was playing with something... a duck egg!

It was taken away from her.

And cattle on the lane as we were leaving.

It was a very gray, rainy day with high winds later in

the day. There were even tornado watches.

Stormy and gray somehow seems appropriate for Good Friday.

Thanks for your visit today!  

Wishing you a week full of blessings!

Peace & hugs!  God bless!