The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Joyce gives us the questions, we answer them, and then link-up with other Hodgepodgers!  Join in HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 414

1. The Hodgepodge lands on the last day of March...in ten words or less bid the month adieu.  My first March without Joe since 1983. I miss him!

2. March 31st is National Tater Day...your favorite way to have a potato? Given a choice would you opt for sweet, white, or red? How often are potatoes on your menu in one form or another? Ever been to Idaho? If not, is that a state you'd like to visit someday?  Gosh, I love potatoes just about any way they show up on my plate.  I always buy golden potatoes so that is my favorite (not on the list). I eat potatoes at least a couple of times a week.  Joe did not like TaterTots but I love them so there is now a bag of them in my freezer and I've been having them for breakfast a few mornings a week (with eggs) - 10 minutes in the air-fryer!  I have never been to Idaho and it is not on my list of places to visit, but that is not to say I wouldn't go given the opportunity! How's that!?

3. Last time someone or something rained on your parade?  Explain.  Well, there has been a lot of rain on my parade lately and I would prefer to not go there right now. Gotta shake the rain off the umbrella!!  Suffice it to say that my days are getting easier, but then again...

4. Put all your eggs in one basket, get cracking, nest egg, bad egg, a good egg, egg on, have egg on your face, or walk on eggshells...choose a phrase from the list that applies to something in your life currently and tell us how or why.  I have to get cracking on finding a job.  I had an interview yesterday for a job I would enjoy but I don't like the afternoon/evening shift - M-F 2:30 to 7:00.  I would much prefer a morning shift, and also a bit more money.  The pay isn't great, but how picky can I be?  Hoping something else comes around soon. They are waiting for me to say I want the job so they can do the fingerprints and background check. It is mine if I want it.  I like the people, the location is very close to home, and I know I would enjoy the work... but, do I want to work until 7:00 all week?  Can I afford to be this picky? Help me!

5. If I visited your home would I find a lot of baskets there? Something you like to keep in a basket?   I do have a lot of baskets around because I love baskets but I don't have as many as I used to.  Some have nothing in them and others hold all kinds of things from my meds in the vanity to my colored pencils and coloring books I keep forgetting I have.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Joe's best CPA friend, David, who gave Joe's eulogy at his memorial service, asked me to lunch yesterday.  I met him at Crispers (think Panara but better!).  He treated me to a delicious summer salad and we talked about Joe.  Before we finished, I told him I am looking for a part-time job, in case he knows of anyone who could use my experience. I just happened to have my resume in my purse when he asked for a copy.  I also forwarded my resume to Tori, who works for the CPA firm that did the Museum's annual audit each year. Tori was the lead on that audit for the last few years of my time at the museum and she did say to let her know if I wanted to go back to work... SO, I am hoping for something other than that evening shift.  We will see what the next couple of days brings. I will be praying about it.  I could use your prayers (and advice) too!  Perhaps I should buy a lottery ticket...

PS... Update on Joey. He is coming Thursday and staying until Tuesday! 

Peace & hugs!!  

Jesus loves you and me!!

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

Tuesday 4

Books/TV

 

Welcome to Tuesday 4 in memory of Toni Taddeo...

 This week let's talk about books and TV programs you enjoy.

1. Are you enjoying a book right now and would you tell us about it?  I just finished a set of three that I can't even remember the name of.  I couldn't wait to finish the third one. An American stuck in France after an ESM  (electronic support warfare measures) shut down the entire world. It kept me going but I was so tired of it by the time I finished... and book 3 really didn't end. They want you to see what happens next in book 4. No thanks. I haven't started a new one yet.  I have not been excited about any books lately.

2. Do you have a list of books you are looking forward to reading in the near future?  I have lots of books on my Kindle. I will pick a new one to start tonight.

3. What's on television (or YouTube, etc.) at your house?  I am watching American Idol and am catching Someone Feed Phil again (3rd or 4th time) on Netflix, and 19-2 on Acorn. 

4.What series have you followed religiously and why? (can be TV or book series)  Books would be Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series.  TV would be Blue Bloods and the three Chicagos - PD, Med & Fire. I have given up on the NCISs.

I spent yesterday catching up on things and feeling bad about not seeing Helen on her birthday. Yesterday was the first day they are in the dining room for meals and they told me that they would celebrate her birthday so I will see her later today, after lunch with Joe's friend, David.  I got laundry done yesterday, sent notes to a few folks who probably hadn't heard about Joe's passing, I dropped a resume off at a location that advertised on Indeed.  It is a job I think I would enjoy so hope stopping by in person will help. I scheduled a carpet cleaner to come on Friday.  Haven't heard from Joey yet about when he will arrive but still expecting him tomorrow.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us all!

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

Backing up to Friday, I was so happy that one of my long-time blogging friends (we first connected on Multiply back in 2008ish, I think) and her hubby stopped in on their way back home from a family vacation further south on a Gulf beach.  This was their third visit to our house so they knew Joe, too, and this time they had their youngest son, Eric, and a grandson, Caleb, with them.  We had a nice visit, though too short. Cheryl was on Blogger for a while but is now just on Facebook.  I'm trying to get her back to blogging! Some of you may remember her walks with her beautiful dog, Nanook (who died a couple of years ago), and the great pictures she always shared of those walks and her dog.  Pat gathered us in a circle as they were leaving and prayed for me.  I added a prayer for their safety traveling home.  I am so blessed by this wonderful blogging community and the true Christ believers who have touched my life (including so many of you reading this!).

Caleb, Eric, Pat, and Cheryl

Cheryl and me

Friday evening, I had Jim and Elaine over for dinner on their last night here.  Bella came over too.  It was so bittersweet. I am not sure I could have gotten through these past weeks without them being right next door but I know they were anxious to get home.  I put a pot roast in the crockpot with potatoes, carrots, onions, and green beans. I also served coleslaw, a Jiffy Corn casserole, and carrot cake for dessert.  They hung out for a couple of episodes of Death in Paradise, on BritBox.  It is a cute tropical cop show that is reminiscent of Columbo - though think tropical paradise with calypso music.  They left at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.  Elaine told me to not get up for them so I didn't (would have cried, anyway) but I was awake and prayed them safely home.  I heard the car doors shut and the car back out. They did arrive safely home on Sunday and sent me a cute video of Bella back in her own backyard. She was a happy pup!!

When I did get up, I went shoe shopping for Helen.  Her nurse called me on Friday to tell me Helen's slippers and shoes are too tight.  Helen has some wounds on her feet from a fall (at her house, not in the facility) and they aren't healing well so she has bandages that make the shoes too tight. I purchased some Isotoner indoor/outdoor slippers in a bigger size and when I took them to her she loved them. I put them on for her and she said they felt great!  I was so happy I got some that fit and felt good and that she liked. Whew!

Today is her 93rd birthday.  I picked her up yesterday at 4:00 to take her out for an early birthday dinner at Cheddar's, with her niece, Cheryl, and her nephew, Craig.  Craig came to help his sister move into her apartment.  He hadn't seen his Aunt Helen for many years.  Helen was SO happy to be the center of attention and to see Cheryl and Craig.  Cheryl brought a cake for dessert that Cheddar's allowed so it was a nice time.

I love this one of Helen!!

I need to do some laundry and cleaning today and will run over to see Helen for a little while.  I am so glad they are starting to serve meals in the dining room today.  Breakfast will still be delivered but lunch and dinner will be in the dining room (which is right down the hall from Helen's apartment). I am anxious for her to have some socialization.  She probably won't remember names but I hope she will enjoy communal dining.  All the residents and staff have been vaccinated.  Visitors must have proof of vaccination and have a temp taken OR submit to a rapid COVID test before entering the facility.  I feel confident that they will be safe with dining and getting some activities started. 

Son, Joey, is coming this week (Wednesday or Thursday) to help finish going through Joe's office and to take whatever he wants from his dad's things.  I think he will be here through the weekend and can go to church with me for Easter Sunday.  Hope so, anyway!  Darlene is still healing but will hopefully get good news from her doctor today so Joey feels okay about leaving her for a few days. 

Joe's good friend, David, who did the eulogy at Joe's service, asked me to lunch this week. We are meeting at Crispers on Tuesday.  He is a CPA with a large practice so I will also be asking him if he knows anyone who needs some part-time accounting help. .Wednesday I am meeting my friend, Kalisa, for lunch and will go to dinner Thursday evening with Tim and Judy.  Nice that I have stuff to do and friends to see now that Elaine and Jim are back in Illinois. I will continue to see Helen at least twice a week.  I want to stop going every other day if I can so she gets acquainted there with other residents.

So that's my update!  Wishing you all a blessed week ahead! Thanks for stopping by!

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us so much!

A Cooking Sunday Stealing...

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

Cooking

 

From Food Questions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.  How often do you make food and eat it?  At least once a day.

2.  Do you consider toasting bread, preparing instant noodles, or boiling an egg to 

be cooking? Why or why not?  Not making toast but preparing noodles,

 boiling an egg... not hard but they do require timing so I would 

classify them as cooking,

3.  What’s your favorite dish to make?  I don't have one favorite. I like cooking pasta 

in lots of forms.

4.  Cooking or baking: what’s more fun? What’s more difficult?  I like cooking better

 than baking but do enjoy baking.

5.  Who did most of the cooking in your house when you were growing up?  My mom

6.  How have you learned the cooking skills that you have?  From my mom, early on,

 and some Italian dishes from Joe's mom.

7.   Have you ever taken a cooking course? If so, what did you learn? If not, would 

you like to do one? What would you like to learn?  Other than home-ec in high 

school, I have not taken a cooking class.  Publix Apron classes sometimes have 

one called  What Does It Need?  I would like that one because I often taste while 

cooking and always think it needs something... never sure what.

8.   Have you tried cooking food from another culture?  Yes. Italian, Chinese,

 Mexican... What did you prepare? Kinds of pasta, meatballs, stirfry, tacos...  

How was it?  All good!

9.   Is it cost-effective to do your own cooking? Can you save money by cooking?  

Depending on the restaurant, it is sometimes less expensive to eat out but ultimately

 I think it is less expensive to cook at home.

10.  Would you rather do the cooking or do the washing up afterward?  I have always

 done both.

11.  Do you use recipes to cook?  Yes.  If so, where do you get the best recipes?  

Pinterest.   Do you get them from friends, family, online, or from cookbooks?  I get 

them from all of those...

12. Have you ever tried to prepare some food and just totally ruined it? What 

happened?  I have had a few less desirable concoctions.  I don't remember the last 

time, but am sure it got thrown out.

13. Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out at a restaurant? Why?  I am always 

happy to eat out but I enjoy cooking for a  crowd. 

14. Is cooking a social activity for you? Do you like to do it with other people, or do 

you prefer to do it alone?  The cooking itself is not social and I much prefer being in 

the kitchen alone.

15. Do you have a lot of cooking equipment? How often do you use it all? Do you 

have any pieces of equipment that you rarely ever use?   I do have a lot of cooking 

equipment; I rarely use some of it, including my InstantPot.  I don't use my bread 

machine much anymore either.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!!

Off to church this morning!!

Palm Sunday, and Holy Week ahead...

The Saturday 9...

 Thanks to Crazy Sam for today's questions!  You can join in right HERE!

Fooled by a Feeling

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: Fooled by a Feeling (1979)
 
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Chosen because next week is April Fool's Day. 

1) Some believe that the practice of playing tricks on one another on April 1 dates back to the 14th century because it's mentioned in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Geoffrey Chaucer is considered one of England's greatest poets. From memory, quote a bit of poetry for us. (It doesn't have to be English, or great.)  I had to look it up because I couldn't remember it all, but with Easter coming, this seemed appropriate...

2) When Crazy Sam was a little girl, her mother would prank her on April Fool's Day by slipping a rubber worm or plastic spider in her lunch box. Did you/do you carry a lunchbox, either as a student or an adult? Not a lunch BOX, but I did carry lunch in a brown bag as a student and in a thermal lunch bag as an adult.

3) In 1998, Burger King got into the April Fool's Day fun by promoting a special "Left-Handed Whopper," supposedly designed to perfection for a leftie to hold. Describe your perfect burger.  Ground beef (90/10), cooked medium, onion, tomato, lettuce, mayonnaise, ketchup, on a toasted bun. Yum.

4) In this week's song, Barbara Mandrell sings that she followed her heart into her lover's arms. Are you more often led by your heart or head?  That depends, but probably more by my head.

5) She knows now she was wrong for believing her man loved her. When did you recently admit you were wrong? I often get things wrong and will admit it but nothing comes to mind over these past weeks.

6) Barbara Mandrell recalls being able to read music before she could read words. Can you read sheet music?  Yes, I can read music but I read treble clef faster than bass clef so that always got in the way of trying to play the piano. I played trumpet for eight years.

7) Barbara had her own TV variety show in the 1980s and, in the 90s, acted on the daytime drama, Sunset Beach. The soap opera's producer, Aaron Spelling, was a huge fan of Barbara's and was thrilled to finally meet and work with her. Tell us about someone you really enjoyed working with, and why.  At the museum, where I worked for 20 years, there were so many wonderful people. The staff was really like family and I still consider them family. I loved our Director, Claire, (we are still friends) and when I first started working there, Judy was my mentor (she passed away).  My dear friends from work remain Kalisa, Pal, Gregory, Al, Marilyn, Ellen, Terry, Heather, Cindee...

8) In 1979, when this song was released, a top-of-the-line Sony Walkman sold for $150 (approx. $500 in today's dollars). Did you have a portable cassette player back in the day?  I certainly did!!

9) Random question: What's the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning?  Someone texted me at 5:00 a.m. yesterday and the phone notification woke me up. My first thought was to wonder who was texting that early and what was wrong.  Nothing was wrong and it was a dear friend so it was all okay.  I dozed off then for a couple more hours.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!

Friday Fotos...

 Continuing the tradition begun by Deb, at Breathing In Grace, to post photos from our week on Fridays.

Well, the photos loaded backwards so rather than delete them and try again, I will just go backwards with the explanations.

Bella was plum tuckered out.  

Wouldn't it be nice to sleep like the dogs and cats do?

Yesterday, Elaine and I walked the community (nearly a mile)

and saw these pretty flowers in someone's yard.

Our road trip on Tuesday of this week showed us SO MANY

lovely Fuschia wild flowers growing along the road. I believe

we decided they were called flox.

Jim and Elaine took me to Pappa Joe's Italian Restaurant,

which is in Brooksville, FL.  They had eaten there

a couple of weeks ago with some friends of theirs they met

there.  They thought it was worth going again and took me along.

We didn't have dessert first, but the photos are backwards.

This was my chocolate cheesecake (half of it - I forgot to take the picture before eating!).

This was Elaine's lasagna, which she said was delicious.

Jim and I both had the seafood pasta. This was mine and

it was delicious!! I ate it all!! Scallops and shrimp. Yum!

The waitress took our picture.

.

The window says "Where Southern Hospitality meets Italian Heirloom"

and then Mangia, Mangia, Y'all. 

On Monday, Jim, Elaine, and I went to Plant City, FL (next town over from Lakeland)

to visit a store called Southern Hospitality.  I told them it is like Hobby Lobby on

steroids and they agreed!!  This was a patriotic tree....

and this one dressed for spring...

Before we went to Southern Hospitality, we at a restaurant called Olde Town Pizza. 

 Delicious and this was a sign hanging by our table. Made me laugh.

So those are my photos from the week!  I went to see Helen yesterday morning and stayed until the beautician came to get her for her appointment to get her hair done.  We went out to eat with our Thursday night group last night.  Always fun.

I am having Elaine and Jim for dinner tonight because it is their last night here. They are heading out early Saturday morning. It has been so great having them right next door these past three months, and especially for the last month and a half.  They have been so supportive and so helpful.  I can't begin to thank them enough.  Not only being emotional support for me but they also did so much work to help me get Helen moved to assisted living. Couldn't have done it so well without them. I am so blessed to have their friendship.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!

Whimsical Fashion Fun 2021...

 

There isn't a linky and there aren't any rules.

Check out the gown and pick the shoes you like best with the dress!

It's all in fun and is just a whimsical thing!

Photos always from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty.

It is springtime and it is prom time!!  

Which shoes will she want to dance the night away wearing?

Count the shoes down from the top 1-2-3.

My thoughts:  I have been seeing prom pictures on Facebook and the long and very pretty dresses seem to be making a comeback!!  I thought this dress was so sweet when I saw it... the shoes, not so much but these are what they gave us.  Personally, I would prefer #2 but the 17-year old me might have preferred #3 for the dress.  By the third dance, I would be barefoot!!  My date would have had to be at least 6' 5" if I wore any of these shoes!  LOL  What are your thoughts?

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to Joyce for this week's Hodgepodge! You can become a Hodgepodger right HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 413

1. "Hope springs eternal"...discuss.  Yes, it does.  With God, all things are possible!

2. Last time you needed to 'spring into action' or 'spring to someone's defense'...explain.   I had to spring into action when Helen's niece told me she was moving out in a week.  One week to get Helen moved to assisted living. 

3. Tulips or daffodils? baby birds or baby bunnies? The cherry tree or the dogwood tree? Jelly beans or peeps? March madness or spring training? Peas or carrots? I like tulips AND daffodils; I like baby birds AND baby bunnies; how can anyone pick between cherry and dogwood blossoms?  I will take jelly beans over peeps any day; March madness over spring training; I like peas AND carrots. 

4. I read an article here on the South's best cities on the rise. They are-Baton Rouge Louisiana, Fayetteville Arkansas, Greenville South Carolina, Huntsville Alabama, Lexington Kentucky, Norfolk Virginia, Tulsa Oklahoma, Waco Texas, Wilmington North Carolina, and Winston-Salem North Carolina. Of the cities listed how many have you seen in person?  Three. Which one on the list would you most like to see?  Waco, TX  Have you spent much time in the southern states (USA)?  I live in Florida; vacationed in KY, SC, NC, GA.  Any spring road trips on your calendar? Nothing more than a day-trip, so no.

5. Tell us how your outdoor space needs sprucing up this spring? Son, Joey, has already pressure washed the house and driveway. That's all that needed doing. Which do you enjoy more (or hate the least-ha!) yard work or housework?  I loathe yard work.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I had a very nice day out with Elaine and Jim yesterday!  I will save the pictures and talk more about it on Friday.  It was just nice to get away for a few hours.  I will be visiting Helen today. 

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!!

No Tuesday 4...

 It is almost my bedtime and there is no Tuesday 4 posted yet so I will take the day off.  Wishing you all a wonderful day.  Jim and Elaine are taking me on a road trip today. I will report on it later!!

Peace & Hugs!  Jesus loves us!!

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

On Thursday, I went to see Helen.  I already mentioned that she needed bigger trash cans for her kitchen/living area and one for the bathroom.  I picked those up on Friday and Elaine and I delivered them on Saturday. I have already written about that previously.  She was happy with them.

On Friday, three of my friends from Mas Verde asked me to lunch.  We went to Longhorn Steakhouse and enjoyed lots of talking and some good food.  That was with Anne, from across the street (who picked up my tab!), Cindy, from two streets over,  and Sharon from down the street, on the corner.  We had a nice visit. They are all part of our Friday night Nickels 'gang' and we haven't been playing for a few months so it was fun catching up.

Friday night, I went to dinner with Judy and Tim.  Elaine and Jim didn't come because they had leftovers (I think) from going to Fish City Grill with visiting friends. They are trying to clean out the refrigerator and pantry before they leave.  Judy, Tim and I went to Shells. Yummy.

On Saturday, Jim and Elaine took me out to breakfast (yes, I am eating out WAY too much lately). After breakfast, Elaine and I went to see Helen and then went shopping at Bealls, which is a great little southern department store. They were having some good sales, especially on Coral Bay clothing, and I did buy a couple of things.

Sunday was church and always good for the soul.  We had a guest speaker because our Pastor is still recovering from COVID (but will be back for Easter Sunday!).  The guest speaker was really great. I enjoyed his message and his laugh.  Our Pastor's wife sat beside me and she whispered that he would make a good Santa with his ho-ho-ho. Kept us all interested and listening!!

Sunday evening, Elaine and Jim had me over for fish tacos.  They were yummy!!  We ate and talked for a couple of hours. This is their last week here and I am going to miss having them next door... and I will miss their sweet Bella girl, too.  I know they are anxious to get home though.  God brought them here for me, I am sure of it.  They have been such a help to me.  I told Elaine I have written thank you notes for gifts and help with Joe's service but there isn't a card big enough for me to thank them for all they have done for me these past three months.  I am so glad we had January to enjoy with Joe so they have those memories too.  Elaine and I have been friends for over 50 years. She is my sister from another mother (or however they say that).  God is surely in control. I need to keep reminding myself that He is in control and knows exactly what is needed.

Sweet Bella, all tuckered out!

I mentioned yesterday that I am wearing Joe's ring on my right hand, and have taken over his smartwatch that I gave him for Christmas.

Today I will go see Helen again.  I am also waiting on some information from her attorney.  The big question I asked was about selling her house.  That will be another big job but I do have a good friend who is a broker and I know I can trust him to help get that done.  I also submitted a couple of resumes over the weekend for part-time jobs. This internet hunt is so different from finding jobs in the newspapers like we used to do.  I was on the other end of it as the HR person at the Museum so I know how it works but we didn't use agencies like Indeed and ZipRecruiter like employers do today. I hope something comes through soon.  I am trusting God to show me the way.... and I am praying!

Thanks for stopping by!!  

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!