Tuesday 4 Meme...

Thanks to Annie for today's questions!  You can join in HERE!

Home Sweet Home

Welcome to Tuesday 4, inspired and kept up in memory of Toni Taddeo.

This week, let's talk about home.

1. Do you like the way your home is decorated or would you tweak things a bit if budget allowed?  I would tweak if we had the budget.

2.. Do you have any plans/dreams to change anything about your home?  Yes, I would like to update both bathrooms and the kitchen but right now it is just a dream.  What we have look okay and are functional.

3. What style of furniture do you have or want to have in your home and why?  We bought new living room and dining room furniture when we moved to this house three years ago.  We purchased with the intent to keep it forever and are happy with what we got.  All three bedrooms are a hodgepodge of pieces and styles. I suppose it would be nice to have matching furniture in the bedrooms but, again, we are blessed to have what we have!

4. Tell us about your ideal dream house or dream kitchen if you prefer.  Since we can't redecorate right now, I really haven't given this much thought.  I know my dream refrigerator would be this one...

 But... the cost of this refrigerator is the same amount we would pay for a kitchen full of appliances! A girl can dream!!

Thanks for coming by today!  I hope you have a good Tuesday!

Peace & hugs!!  God bless!!

Monday's Weekend Recap...

Another weekend behind us with a few more just like it ahead of us, I think.  My physical therapist booked a new appointment for me (after canceling the rest I had scheduled) on April 27th.  Perhaps they know something the rest of us don't...  Time will tell.

Friday afternoon, Joe and I cleaned off our lawn chairs and put them under the carport hoping to see some neighbors going by and perhaps have a conversation with someone...

It was a beautiful day with a gentle breeze blowing our windsock...

Gorgeous blue Florida sky...

And our neighbor from down the street was riding by in his

scooter.  He rode it right up to us (at least 6 feet apart!) and

stayed to visit.  Walt just turned 94 a couple of months ago.

He is a WWII veteran and has led a very interesting life.

His wife died quite a while ago and now it is just him and his

little dog, Teeny, living here.  He does have 3-4 kids and his

daughter lives near and takes care of all his needs and finances.

Everyone knows Walt here in Mas Verde.  He is a character!

We enjoyed his visit!

We have three cats.  You see Vinny and Lucy frequently here

because they are more social than Lilly.  I did catch Lilly on Friday morning!

Speaking of Friday, we made a quick trip to Sam's Club for a few things. They still don't have any spring water.  I've just been drinking iced tea and Crystal Light made with tap water.  Our water tastes okay but I drink water all day long and prefer spring water.  Sigh.  Joe drinks Propel all day.  We have been able to get all the Propel he wants.  What is up with hoarding bottled water?!!

Our dear friend, Helen, turned 92 years young on Sunday.

Saturday afternoon, we picked up food at Olive Garden and took it

to her house where we celebrated with her and her niece, Cheryl.

Cheryl got a cake at Walmart which was very good.

We normally would have taken her out for dinner but this celebration

worked out just fine.  We were careful and didn't hug her (like we wanted to).

Sunday morning we were up in time for our church's live streaming worship on Facebook.  We feel so blessed to have that connection with our pastors and members of our praise team.  We can see everyone who is watching with us (see their names - not them!), and it feels a bit like we are together for worship.  It will surely make it all the sweeter when we are finally able to get together again in person!

I also did laundry yesterday and we had a nice conversation with our neighbor, Sharon, while we sat out in the carport for a while yesterday.  Those chairs out there are bringing us safely together with friends!

Our calendar is clear all week.  Ha!  We haven't heard from the farm (Joe's client) but hopefully, we can get down there this week.  It will be really hard for Joe to catch up if it goes more than a couple of weeks and it has been three.  The owner has some health issues right now and it supposed to isolate but she doesn't have to be in the office with Joe for the work to get done.  Time will tell.  We will be in touch with them today.

Today is my niece Kelly's birthday!  She doesn't read my blog but my sister does, so Patti will let Kelly know we are thinking of her.  Her card is in the mail and should be there on time!!

Happy Birthday, Kelly!!

Thanks for your visit!!  Have a good week ahead!

Peace & hugs!!

Relax, our God is in control!!

Sunday Stealing...

Thanks to Bev for this week's questions!  You can join in HERE!

Alec Clayton

Hi! I'm your host Bev Sykes of the blog "Funny the World". . Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. Cheers to all of us thieves!

My friend, author, artist and theater critic Alec Clayton decided to write a series of more complicated questions to answer during this coronavirus time when we are all looking for something to do if we are staying home.  I thought his questions intriguing.

1. If there's a personal god, what quality would you most like that person to have (and why)?  My God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present.  John 3:16 says it all. He is all I need!

2. What's your death-row meal?  I hope I never have to ask for it!!  Pasta, shrimp, flan for dessert.  I like that any time!

3. Assuming we make it through this outbreak with minimal loss of life, what do you think our big takeaway should be?  Common sense is critical.

4. Whom do you find yourself missing more than you would've predicted?  My church family but I knew not worshipping together would be hard.  Our family members are all far away so we rarely see them.  

5. What brings you the most joy? Not happiness, not contentment -- JOY.  My family, my home, my pets, my friends... they all bring me joy AND happiness!

6. Do you find yourself regretting anything you've said or done on social media?  Nope.

7. What are your favorite and least favorite things about your body and face?  I like my green eyes.  I could lose a few more pounds and my curly hair doesn't flatter my face right now (too short).

8. and your life?  I am so blessed!! I can't think of a least favorite part of my life.

9. How's the self-isolation affecting your libido? No difference and no one's business so that's enough said.

10. Which three places in the physical universe would you most like to visit?  Scotland, Ireland, Germany...  I don't need to leave Earth...

11. On whom did you have a crush years ago?  Our star high school football player when I was in 8th grade.  Have you ever told them?  He knew about it.

12. How have your religious views changed since you were in high school?  They haven't.  Churches have changed but not my religious views.

13. If you could change one law, what would it be?  This could go so many places!  Currently, I would enforce term limits on Congress and make them abide by all the laws they pass on the American people.

14. If you could add one commandment to the original ten, what would it be?  I think God got it right. We just need to keep referring to them and paying attention to them!

Thanks for your visit! Church is on Facebook this morning.

Peace & hugs!  God is in control!!

Saturday 9...

Thanks to Crazy Sam for this week's Saturday 9.  You can join in HERE!

Everybody's Somebody's Fool

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: Everybody's Somebody's Fool (1960)

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

None of this week's questions mention the coronavirus. However, if you want to share how you're feeling about Covid-19 at this extraordinary time, please feel free to do so.

1) Next Wednesday is April Fool's Day. Do you have any pranks planned? Do you expect to fall victim to any April Fool's Day mischief?  No.  Sometimes at work, someone would try to pull a prank but I've been retired for two years!

2) When she was a kid, Crazy Sam would fool her mom by putting bubble wrap under the bath map so there would be a POP! when her mother stepped on it. When you encounter bubble wrap, do you always indulge in a pop or two?  ... or three or four - or the entire sheet of bubble wrap! 

3) While we're using this song to celebrate April Fool's Day, it was written about another subject entirely: heartbreak. The lyrics tell us that at some point, we each get our hearts broken by someone who doesn't love us as much as we love them. Do you think that's true?  It is true for me but I'm sure there are many out there who have been blessed to not have their hearts broken like that!

4) In 1962, this week's featured Connie Francis published a book aimed at teens called For Every Young Heart. It addressed topics like going steady and schoolwork vs. social life. Do you ever read advice columns or self-help books?  I usually read Ms. Manners and Dear Abby in the daily newspaper.  I do shake my head at some of the letters, though.

5) Connie Francis can play the accordion. Sam has never met anyone adept at this complicated instrument -- not even in her high school band. What about you? Do you play the accordion, or do you know anyone who can?  I sure can't and don't know of anyone who can play the accordion.  I don't think I've ever seen one in person.

6) In 1960, when this record was popular, Harper Lee's classic To Kill a Mockingbird was published. Have you read it?  I have read the book and have seen the movie multiple times. Excellent story.

7) Also in 1960, one of Life magazine's best-selling issues had Sophia Loren on the cover. At that time, she was an international film star and considered one of the world's most beautiful women. Who do you consider one of 2020's most beautiful women?  Hands down, it has to be Melania Trump!

8) A 1960 issue of Vogue acknowledged how expensive it had become to maintain a fashionable wardrobe and asked, "If you were to buy only one thing, what would it be?" If it's good enough for Vogue, it's good enough for Saturday 9: If you could purchase only one new article of clothing for spring 2020, what would you buy?  I have been watching for a sleeveless A-line dress that is easy to just toss on and looks nicer than capris or shorts.

9) Random question: When someone makes you really angry, are you more likely to respond with stony silence or a big noise?  Probably somewhere between those two, depending on if I'm mad at myself or someone else.  I don't get mad often, but I am impatient and am more likely to make a big noise over my impatience. It is all on me.

Happy Saturday!  Thanks for stopping by.

Peace & hugs!  God bless!

Friday Photos...

Photo opportunities are few and far between these days, but I do have some to share...

When we can't find Vinny, he will most likely be on top of the kitchen cupboards.

When he stretches out up there, you can't see him at all!

Daughter-in-law Darlene fell and broke her wrist last week!!

I wish we were closer so we could help her, but we really aren't any

help when it comes to heavy work with the animals.

She has hired a couple of folks to help while she recovers.

Our friend Helen's niece, Cheryl, has a dog named Oz.

He is a handsome boy but is very protective of Cheryl

and doesn't like it when anyone stands up.  He was fine posing for
me while I was sitting on the sofa!

I ordered some new Cloudwalkers last week and they came today!!

I am quite pleased with them.  A store called Avenue carries them

in my size and I am always pleased with my purchases from there!

I wear a 12W so I can't always get shoes that fit!

 Some of you have seen my Pink Floyd Flamingo planter

in our front flower bed.  I am not a plant/flower person so

this served me well for three years.

Floyd was well used when he was given to me. I painted him

last year and he looked pretty good for a while.

I decided to not paint him again.  Floyd is gone.

... and has been replaced by FloyD.

I love Bitmoji.com and all the cute avatars they create for us!

Thanks for popping in today!  Happy Friday!

Peace & hugs!  God bless!!

Thankful Thursday...

Even in these trying times, there is always something to be thankful for!!  We are so blessed in so many ways!!  Thank you, Rebecca Joe, for bringing us together for Thankful Thursday!!  You can find Rebecca Jo HERE to join in!!

I am thankful that we can still find humor in things!!  A friend here in Mas Verde posted this on Facebook yesterday.  I chuckled all the way through and hope you find some giggles too!!

How grandchildren perceive their grandparents:

1. I was in the bathroom, putting on my makeup, under the watchful eyes of my young granddaughter, as I'd done many times before. After I applied my lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye...

2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 72. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"

3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?"

4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like. "We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods." The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"

5. My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied.

6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word processor. She told him she was writing a story.
"What's it about?" he asked.
"I don't know," she replied. "I can't read."

7. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I really think you should try to figure out some of these colors yourself!"

8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use, Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."

9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised, "Mine says I'm 4 to 6." (WOW! I really like this one -- it says I'm only '38'!)

10. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting," she said. "How do you make babies?" "It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."

11. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked. "Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child."

12. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties.
"They use him to keep crowds back," said one child.
"No," said another. "He's just for good luck."
A third child brought the argument to a close. “They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."

13. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. "Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and whenever we want her, we just go get her. Then, when we're done having her visit, we take her back to the airport."

14. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him!

15. My Grandparents are funny when they bend over, you hear gas leaks and they blame their dog.

 Thanks for your visit today!

Peace & hugs!  God bless!!

It is HODGEPODGE Wednesday!!!

I am SO glad Joyce brought back her Wednesday Hodgepodge!!  You can join in HERE and link up with all of the other Hodgepodgers!!  This is EPIC for those of us who love the Hodgepodge!!  Thanks, Joyce!!

1. Howdy Hodgepodgers. It's kind of fun to be back, isn't it?  YES!!  The last time we met was September 2018. Tell me something big-important-happy-or sad that's happened in your life since that date. Just one thing. We don't know how long this current isolation situation is going to last and we might need to dole out our news bit by bit.

Just one?... I had a successful knee replacement in August 2019.

2. Might as well get this out of the way early on...COVID-19. On a scale of 1-5 how serious are you about keeping your distance? Explain. fyi-I didn't create the scale but have seen it several places online. Also fyi-we won't only have virus-related questions each week, but for this first one it feels right.

1-Not at all, living normally

2-Cautious but still going out

3-Going out as needed, mostly home or working from home, still seeing friends/family

4-Extremely limited, only going out when unavoidable, minimal contact with people

5-Full lockdown, no one in or out

Joe and I are being cautious, using common sense, and are somewhere between 3 and 4.  We are limiting being with others and stay as far away as we can. No hugging. :(  

3. Raise your hand if you think you might run out of steam in the cooking department before it's all said and done?   I HAVE run out of steam!  LOL

 What's something delicious you've cooked or eaten in your own kitchen in the past week?

Joe grilled steaks last week that were delicious!   We are eating at home more, but have ordered take-out a few times just because we don't want businesses to close!  Doing our part!  I made ham and scalloped potatoes one night that was very good.

4. What's a television show or movie you've seen recently (it could be an oldie) that you really liked?  

We watched "The English Game" on Netflix, about the birth of soccer.  It was well done and very interesting.  Based on real people.  It was done by the Downton Abbey writers.

5. Share something funny you've seen or heard this week.

There are hundreds of funny memes on Facebook that make me laugh.  You've seen them all, I'm sure.  This one was new to me today...

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It's not random. I am just so happy to be Hodgepodging on Wednesday again!!  Thank you, Joyce!!

Thanks for your visit today!  I did post a Whimisacle Wednesday today, also!!

Peace & hugs!  Relax, God is in control!!

Whimsical Wednesay...

Whimsical Wednesday has no rules and no linky.

Just decide which shoes go best with the gown,

tell us your choice in the comments and see what others thought!

It's just a whimsical thing...

(Photos from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty)

This is the group of photos that didn't show up for St. Patrick's Day.

I love the dress so am trying the photos again.

 Green is my favorite color. I would wear this if it came in my size!

She needs some shoes...

 Shoe #1 by Manolo Blahnik

 Shoe #2 by L.K. Bennett

 Shoe #3 by Manolo Blahnik

My thoughts:  As mentioned above, I love the dress (at least the color!).  I think #3 shoes are the kickiest with all that bling, but I will go with shoe #2 because it is simpler and goes better with the gown.  What do you think?

Thanks for coming by!! I am also doing Joyce's HODGEPODGE and am so excited she is bringing it back!!  So there will be two Wednesday posts from me today.

Peace & hugs!  God bless!!

Tuesday 4 Meme...

Thanks to Annie for this week's Tuesday 4!!  You can link-up and join in HERE!

Welcome to Tuesday 4 begun by Toni Taddeo and kept up in memory of her.

Here are the questions for this week:










1. Who inspires you and why?  Joe does, my family & friends do, and our new community small group at church has come to mean so much to me/us.  It hit home this past week when our meetings were canceled.  The 'umbrella' over all of these is, of course, Jesus!

2. Convince us to read one of your favorite books.  If you read just book #1 of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, you will be hooked and will read #2-#8.  Book 9 is about to be published and she is working on book #10.  Great characters, well-researched history, and something for everyone... 

3. What meal does your family just love and will you share the recipe?  It is just Joe and me.  Joe likes meat and potatoes and his favorite vegetable is corn.  I like anything I don't have to prepare!  LOL  I am not a picky eater.  Joe is a picky eater.  Sorry I don't have a recipe to share.

4.  In Brambly Hedge they make Rose Petal Jam.  What kind do you like and why?  I like both raspberry jam and blood orange marmalade.  Joe just likes Welch's Grape Jelly.


Happy Tuesday!  Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Peace & hugs!  Relax!  God is in control!!