Friday, April 30, 2021

Friday Fotos...

 



I don't have a lot of new photos so I am mixing in some of the older photos I have uncovered while cleaning things out.


On Monday, I drove over to Celebration to meet up with 
Kali's parents for lunch.  The food was good and the company great!


The waitress took our picture but I cropped myself out... made a funny face.
Kali's folks look great!

Tuesday was Helen's eye doctor appointment. After the appointment, I took her to Denny's for
some lunch.  She had chicken fingers (2), mashed potatoes, and ate half of my broccoli.
She really seemed to enjoy it and that made me happy!
She had her hearing aids in and I was able to engage her in 
some (limited) conversation.



This is a picture of our old house where we lived for 28 years before we bought here
in Mas Verde.  That is my Kia Sportage in the driveway.

My sister, Patti, me, my brother, Randy, and my sister, Tammy.

My dad built this pontoon boat in our backyard.  We had so much fun in the summer
with picnics and family gatherings and time on the water.  Rocky Fork Lake, in Ohio.
Mom, Randy in front, Grandma holding Tammy with Patti in front in the life jacket,
Grandpa, me between Grandpa and my dad, then Uncle Charley.
Aunt Mabel must have been taking the picture.
May 1962 made me 10 years old.

I love this picture of my mom. I sure do miss her!

Ane this is my brother and me.  I miss him too. He died of cancer at age 48.

I had a call late yesterday to tell me I don't report to my new job until Monday.  Okay with me and sure makes more sense than starting on a Friday at the end of the month.  So, I am a woman of leisure for another day!!  Hooray!  I am working through a temp agency and they are the real boss for 90 days, then Ed can decide to keep me or not (or I can decide to stay or not).

Helen is being moved to Memory Care today.  I told them I would be over after work to get things that don't fit in her new room.  She will only have one closet instead of two so half of her clothing will need to go back to her house.  I think the furniture will fit (hope so!).  I am going to stay away and let them get her settled.  They know best.  I did get a tour of the facility (same campus and company) and got to pick her room out of three that are available.  This is going to be so much better for her with more activities and more staff.  There is a dining room, a beauty shop, etc.  The only big changes are access to outside and staff more trained for memory care. There is a central courtyard where they can go for sunshine. Visitors are more closely screened and need a pass to get in.  It feels more "homey" than where she has been, which is bigger and not as monitored.  Some residents in assisted living are still driving (!!).  Memory Care will work better for her now.


Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!!




Thursday, April 29, 2021

Whimsical Fashion Fun 2021...

 

There isn't a linky and there aren't any rules.
Check out the dress and pick the shoes you think the model should wear!
It's all in fun.  Just a whimsical thing!!
Photos always from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty!



Another wedding gown for this week but it IS wedding season right now.
Which pair of shoes should she choose?  Count down 1-2-3 and let us know your choice!



My thoughts I wasn't planning to do another wedding dress but this one is just so pretty and so unusual.  Then there are the shoe choices. All pretty and all way too high for my feet and knees but for the model, I really like #3 best. It looks the most comfortable. What are your thoughts?





PS:  My new job officially starts tomorrow (Friday).  Wish me luck and whisper a prayer if you would!

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

The Wednesday Hodgepodge!!

Joyce gives us the questions and we join all the Hodgepodgers for a fun Wednesday!

You can join in HERE!  Thank you, Joyce!!


Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 417


From this Side of the Pond

1. What are some memories you associate with spring?  Long ago memories would be proms and graduations.  Then my May 11th wedding.  For 20 years spring meant Mayfaire by-the-Lake (the museum's annual art festival). Of course, there are strawberries too...

2. April showers bring May flowers...was that saying proven true where you live? Snapdragons, anemones, carnations, lilacs, sweet peas, tulips, lily of the valley, orchids, roses, gardenias...which one on that list is your favorite May bloom?  I miss lilacs. I really miss lilacs. They don't grow here in central FL.

3. What are your top three distractions and how do you deal with them?  TV, TV, and TV.  I can forget that there is laundry in the washer because I am sitting in from of the TV. I should probably add the computer too. Sigh.  I can find lots of reasons to be distracted and procrastinate what really needs to be done.

4. Do you eat beef?  Yes. In the course of a week, how often is beef on the menu? Not as often now that I am not cooking as much as I did when Joe was alive.  He could eat steak five nights a week.  A hamburger, steak, prime rib, or a roast beef dinner...which beef entree would you choose, and yes you have to choose. Unless you're a vegan, and then you may pass.   I love a good old-fashioned roast beef dinner so that is #1.  A good hamburger would be #2, a medium-rare steak would come in at #3, followed by the prime rib.  

5. In what way were you creative during the month of April?  Oh gosh, I don't think I have been very creative for a very long time.

6. Insert your own random thought here.   I took Helen to her eye doctor appointment yesterday morning.  It was a good appointment.  Because she is getting her eye drops from a nurse twice a day (and getting them actually in her eyes) the pressure is down and there is no change in her glaucoma from a year ago.  That was good news and she actually understood that her doctor gave her good news!  She doesn't go back for six months!  I took her out for lunch after the appointment and she ate like a trooper!  It was good.  Also good, when I got there yesterday, a friend from her church was also there visiting.  Helen understood and appreciated her coming.  What really helped (I think) was that I helped her put her hearing aids in. She does better when she can hear.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!!






Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Tuesday 4...

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

Tuesday 4

The Times They are A-Changing

Welcome once again to Tuesday4 in memory of Toni Taddeo...










Let's discuss the times we live in.

1. What changes are you grateful for?  All of the technological things and especially the GPS!!  How have things changed in your lifetime?  Technology has made life easier (but not necessarily better in some cases).  I can't imagine a pandemic year of lockdown without technology to stay in touch with loved ones and Amazon delivering nearly everything we need...

2. Did your parents have things better than you today?  No, I don't think they did.  But they also both died of cancer before they got past their mid-60s.  I guess that means I have it better than they did since I am still here at age 69.  But one might also say that they have moved on to a much better place and I'm still waiting...

3. What time period would you rather live in.. or are you okay with today?  I am A-Okay with today... because of all that technology:  AC, refrigerators, microwaves, GPS, TV, cars, airplanes, electricity, computers, cellphones, Amazon...  

4. What changes would you make for our time to make it nicer/better to live in?  I have no complaints.  I am so blessed with where I live and how I live.


Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!!






Monday, April 26, 2021

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 


Back-up to Thursday to seg into the weekend, I had a furniture repairman come to the house.  

When we bought our new living room furniture, three years ago, we purchased a warranty for it because the two recliners are electric and all of it is leather. The warranty covers tears in the leather and the electronics and I am so happy about it because MY chair quit working a couple of weeks ago.  I sit with my feet up all the time.  

So... picture this.  I slid my chair into the middle of the living space, slid the side table against the wall, and pulled Joe's chair out so I could put mine where his goes, and put his where mine goes so I could still put my feet up.  Got that?  I need a dry-erase board to draw the diagram but just use your imagination.  When the repair information came, I was told to put the damaged furniture in a place where the repairman could easily work on it.  So... reverse what I just told you.  Now, my chair was in the middle of the room where he could work on it and Joe's is back in its place.

The repairman was very nice, tipped the chair over, plugged it in, and said a few hmmmms.  He determined that the motor was shot and it also needs a new power supply.  BUT... the parts will need to be ordered and that may take 30-45 days (because of COVID - is anyone else sick of that excuse?).  I will not move the heavy furniture again.  I scrounged a footstool to use with my chair until I hear that the parts are in and my chair can be fixed.  I know, I could sit in Joe's chair where he always sat but I am used to my spot and so are the cats. 

(Decided to take a picture. My chair has the laptop on the arm. Excuse the clutter, please.)


Okay... so when the repairman left, I went to my job interview and, as you all know by now, I did indeed get the job, so that saved the day.  Happy Thursday!  I went out to Shell's with Tim & Judy and Ginny & John.  We celebrated my job, so that was nice.

On Friday, I met my friend Shirley for lunch at Peking House.  We have been trying to get together once a month.  Our lunch bunch has dwindled to just the two of us.  Melody passed away, Cindee and her hubby moved to Sarasota, Heather is battling endometrial cancer, and Terry (with a y) and her hubby have a cabin in Georgia where they spend a lot of their now-retired time.  Times change, lives change.  Anyway, Shirley has started to do cross-stitch again and had to show me the kit her son gave her for Christmas. She says it will take most of a year for her to finish it, but she has begun.


This picture popped in first... my lunch combo of
Szechuan Pork. It was yummy!


Shirley with her 'kit'...

A close-up.  So much detail and so many colors!  It will be beautiful when she is done.

On Saturday, I went to visit Helen.  Her niece, Cheryl, was there.  I found out where Helen's money has been going.  She has been asking Cheryl to go get things for her (hygiene things, etc.). I told Cheryl to please stop!! The facility takes care of all of Helen's needs like that and I have to account for every penny.  I've been wondering where $60 went and now I know.  I don't have receipts, but I made a note.

Before going to Helen's room, I did stop at the nursing station.  The head nurse wanted to talk with me.  She said that Helen was probably going to need to be moved to the memory care section because she has failed quickly over the last few weeks. She is easy to redirect but does get angry and agitated easily (which I have noticed too).  When I go on Thursdays to take her to her hair appointment on the 2nd floor, she always says she doesn't need to go but if I wait 10 minutes and tell her it is time for her hair appointment, she gets up and is ready to go.  

We told her on Saturday (Cheryl and I) that it was time for her lunch.  She told us she hadn't been invited yet.  She wanted to wait for one of the nurses to come and 'invite' her to lunch.  I finally told her that the nurse told us she was invited and it was time to go.  That worked.  Then she wanted us to eat with her, which we couldn't.  It is just all so sad.  I will get memory care numbers next week.  At least the nurse said that the maintenance department will move all of Helen's furniture and belongings to her new room in the memory unit.  I also made an inquiry about selling her house.  I need to get started on that soon, too.

When I got home, I did some cleaning and cleaned out the linen closet in my bathroom. We have just been cramming stuff in there so there were expired bottles, duplicates of things we didn't know we had, etc.  It was past time. to get that done. I also finished getting Joe's vanity and his armoire done.  I still have his closet to finish but will work on getting it finished soon. The things left need to go to the thrift store. The boys got what they wanted so it is time.  I will load the car some afternoon, after work, soon and take it by on my way home from work the next day. Donations can be made up to 3:30 so that will work fine and I will be halfway there from work. 

None of this is easy for me.  It is good I am staying busy and I am relieved to have a job now.  I am sad about our dear friend, Helen, and frequently wish (out loud) that Joe was here to help me make these big decisions for her.  I also talk to him when moving his things and I still talk to his picture now and then and shed tears at least once a day (instead of 3-4 times a day). I'm okay. I am moving forward one day at a time. God is good.  God is so good.

Church was good on Sunday!  I love my church family and am always blessed by my friends there and by the messages and prayers.  God is so good... did I say that again?!

I am off to Celebration (near Kissimmee) to have lunch with Kali's parents!! Looking forward to that!!  We decided Celebration was an equal distance for each of us and I haven't been there in a few years. 

This has gotten way too long so I will stop.  Your prayers are still appreciated!!  Happy new week!!


Peace & hugs!!  Jesus loves us!



Sunday, April 25, 2021

Sunday Stealing...

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




From League of Extraordinary Penpal

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 







1. What issues are important to you?  I won't mention 'issues'. Faith & Family & Friends are so important to me and the welfare and safety of those I love.

2. Which breakfast foods are your favorite?  Eggs, homefries, fresh fruit, bacon....

3. How often do you change your hairstyle?  I gave up on trying to tame my frizzy/curly mess years and years ago.  

4. Your most peculiar talent or interests?  Peculiar? I haven't a clue. 

5. Something you’re a natural at.  Gosh, I don't know. I'm old now. I am really good at sitting on my backside and watching hours of TV.  Comes naturally.

6. Women who inspire you.  My mom inspired me in so many ways and I only wish she was still around for me to tell her.  I have many inspiring friends who are strong women of faith. Blessed!

7. How often do you take a break from everything?  Not often enough but we have just finished a whole year of taking a break from most everything.

8. What are your go-to dancing songs?  Ha!  I took a break from dancing for 10 years because of my bad knees. Now I'm not sure how the new knees will hold up to dancing.  I do love to dance though.  Put on any song... I will at least tap my foot!

9. Favorite carryout and takeaway foods to order.  Chinese and pizza. Not together, though.

10. People you like to spend time with.  I am blessed with friends and family members who are fun to spend time with!

11. Hobbies you started within the last year.  None unless marathoning a series on TV is a hobby.  

12. What scents, sounds, and sights of Spring do you like?  Strawberries, blueberries, birds singing, trees flowering...

13. Cultural aspects you cherish and enjoy.  My faith, my family, my country, my mid-western roots, my love of Florida/Lakeland, art, cooking for family and friends...

14. TV shows and films you liked this month.  I have been watching the new season of Death in Paradise on Britbox.  I also like the new show, Rebel.  I don't think I have watched a movie in ages.

15. What do people usually come to you for help with?  Next week I am taking two people to appointments, one on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. I helped with a memorial reception at our church last week.  Of course, consuming me right now is caring for Helen.  She entrusted Joe and me with that eight years ago, after her husband died. I love her like family.  I hope my friends all know I will help however I can, whenever I can.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!!





Saturday, April 24, 2021

Saturday 9...

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



All I Ever Need Is You

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.

ALL I EVER NEED IS YOU (1971)

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


 
1) The lyrics tell us that some men search for silver, some for gold. Are you wearing either silver or gold right now?  My wedding ring is gold, my earrings are silver, my watch band is both. I mix gold and silver often.

2) This song was a top 20 hit in the United States but sold much better in Canada. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of our neighbor to the North?  My dear Canadian neighbors here in our community! 

3) It's performed by one of pop's most successful duos, Sonny and Cher. Can you name another duo that made hit records?  How about Steve & Eydie Gorme!!

4) In addition to their recording career, Sonny and Cher were TV stars. In a recurring sketch on their variety show, Cher played a "v-a-m-p: VAMP!" These characters were always sexy and seductive. Do you consider yourself a good flirt?  Nope. Not sure I even know how to flirt - at least anymore!

5) Sonny dropped out of high school in Inglewood, CA. Cher dropped out of high school in Fresno. What's the last year of education you completed?  I completed a Bachelor's Degree at Warner University..

6) Sonny first became Mayor of Palm Springs, and then represented the district in Congress. The city erected a statue in Sonny's memory. Tell us about a statue or monument in your town.  Our central park used to have a Confederate soldier sculpture as a centerpiece. That is gone now (so sad!) so I will mention our Albert Paley sculpture which resides in Lake Mirror Park.


 
7) Cher is often described as outspoken. Ask her for her opinion on anything from politics to plastic surgery, and you will get a frank answer. Does "outspoken"  apply to you, as well?  I can be outspoken when it is necessary but normally I am not.

8) In 1971, when this song was popular, Sears sold a portable manual typewriter. Described at the time as, "lightweight for travelers," it weighed 10 lbs. Today the average laptop weighs half that. Do you own a typewriter?  No. Not anymore.  We sold it years ago.
 
9) Random question -- Which has gotten you out of more scrapes: your smarts, or your charm?  Probably my smarts but I do my best to stay out of scrapes!! 

Peace & hugs!!  Jesus loves us!!



Friday, April 23, 2021

Friday Fotos...

 


I don't have any new photos from this week but in my cleaning out venture I found a box of photos and am sharing a few of them here.  Oldies but goodies...


Joe's younger brother, Nick, who we lost to cancer over a year ago,
his wife, Debbie, who is still fighting a really tough battle with cancer,
and their daughter, Nikki, at her wedding.  Nikki and Conrad have three kids now!
I just love the joy that is so evident in this picture!

My friend, Helen, and her hubby, Al.  This was their 40th anniversary.
I made the cake for them.  They celebrated almost 62 years before we lost
Al eight years ago.  Helen is now in assisted living and not doing well.

Al and Helen again. I think this was for their church's directory.


Another naked baby picture. I don't look happy!! LOL

Me and my grandpa.  He broke his arm and had to wear that 
leather brace for years.  Of all my grandparents, I miss him the most.

This was a vacation to Tennessee.  Yep... that's me!
Have I mentioned that I sucked my thumb until I was 9 years old?

There were more but this is enough!  I love looking through old photos (and enjoy yours, too!).



Peace & hugs!!  Jesus loves us!!

PS:  I got the job!  It is a small company with a one-person
office - me.  Mostly bookkeeping and answering the phone.  No dress code, Monday-Friday, 9:00-2:00.  Only 7 minutes from home (though he is thinking about moving the business a little farther away).  He even told me to bring a book to read when the work gets caught up.  How can I complain?  The business is 30 years old but he is winding it down a bit and will probably retire in another year or two.   That's fine with me, too!  They repair air compressors.  BIG air compressors.  The City is one of his biggest customers.  Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes!!  I start at the end of next week or the first week of May (not sure yet).

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Whimsical Fashion Fun 2021...

 

There isn't a linky and there aren't any rules!
Check out the dress and then pick the necklace she should wear!
It's all in fun and just a whimsical thing!
Photos always from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty!



May and June are coming fast and are both busy wedding months!
The bride found her dress and is now undecided on which necklace to wear.
Help her out! Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which one you would choose for her.


My thoughts:  Beautiful dress but not my style.  I am not into bling either but the necklaces are all so pretty.  I will go with #2 just because I think it fits the neckline of the dress better.  What do you think?


Peace & hugs!!  Jesus loves us!!


PS:   The interview at the agency went well and I am to interview at the business today.  Still pinning down the time as I am typing this but am hopeful that it's a go and they will like me.

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to Joyce for this week's questions!  You can join the Hodgepodgers right HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 416

From this Side of the Pond


1. Find a penny. Look at the date and tell us something about your life or what you were doing that year?  Well, I went to my wallet and pulled out some change. This is the one I grabbed and I don't think I need to say anything else about my life in 2020 and what I was doing...

2. Were you given an allowance as a child?  Yes. Did you have to earn it in some way?  Yes. Did you learn to save money when you were a child or is that something you figured out as an adult?  I received $3.50 a week "allowance" that I got for babysitting my brother and sisters after school, starting dinner each night, ironing, and cleaning the upstairs every week, and spent it on 45 rpm records. I didn't save it and never learned until MUCH later that saving is important.  But I did have a nice collection of 45s in one of those little box carriers with a handle on top.  I think mine might have been this color too...


3. April 23rd is National Take A Chance Day...what's a chance you need or want to take?  I actually have an interview today with a temp agency for a job that seems like it will fit the bill but I don't know what the company is yet, just that it is close to my home which is great.  I sure need to take a chance on it and start getting a paycheck.  9:00 - 2:00 Monday-Friday.  Wish me luck!

4. What's some outdated slang you seem to use a little too often?  I say 'holy moly' a lot.  Not sure it is outdated but I suppose it is. I am.  How about "good gravy"?

5. It's National Poetry Month and I always like to make us work our brains a little...

Roses are red
Violets are blue
....you fill in the rest with something original...
If I am sick of this poem,
You probably are too!

I found that one after trying at least 30 "original" ideas.  I am not a poet so went looking for inspiration and that one jumped out at me!  Made me laugh. Sorry!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I started watching the new show "Rebel" with Katey Sagal last night and enjoyed it.  Of course, I really enjoy looking at Andy Garcia.  Have you seen it?  I am also watching the new season of "Death in Paradise" on Britbox.  Always fun.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves you and me!

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Tuesday 4...

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

Tuesday 4

Your Town

 Welcome to Tuesday 4 begun by Toni Taddeo and continued in her honor.



Let's talk about your town this week!

1. Do you like your town?  My regular readers all know how much I LOVE Lakeland!  Is it a city, town?  It is a city. Can you describe it for us?  Lakeland is beautiful.  Lakeland is a city of around 115,000 people with an amazing city government - but feels like a small town. I have shared several videos about Lakeland so won't repeat them here, but 
Lakeland is the best place to live in beautiful central Florida!  (In my humble opinion!)

2. Are there any special points of interest in your town?  The largest collection of Frank 
Lloyd Wright-designed buildings in the world are right here in Lakeland.  The Hollis 
Gardens, 32 lakes that are landscaped and beautiful, our lovely 'central park' Munn Park, 
a fun downtown, the Saturday Farmers' Market, Polk Museum of Art, the Polk Theater, 
dare I mention the Publix headquarters is here (this is where the first Publix was and where many of the original George Jenkins family still live).. I can go on and on.  I love Lakeland!

3.Does your town have parks, restaurants?  Many beautiful parks and lots of wonderful restaurants.  Whatever you want to eat can be found easily and our restaurants are 
always busy.

4. Do you think your town needs changes to make it better and if so what changes would
 you make?  There is nothing I would change about Lakeland.


Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves you and me!!