Friday Fotos...

 

I have a few new things to show you today!  To start, I got out and about one day this week and was able to take a few photos of a couple more of the 24 lakes at Teneroc, where I work... It was a gray, rainy day but the lakes are still pretty!

Same lake... broader view.

And the wooden structure is a kayak launcher...

This is the view from my office window...

One of my four new tires, installed and ready to carry me safely to Ocala this weekend!

And speaking of Ocala, I will be taking a break from Saturday and Sunday blogging, but will have a full weekend recap on Monday!!  Wishing you all a blessed weekend!!

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!

Whimsical Fashion Fun 2021...

 

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

Check out the dress and pick the shoes you like the best.

Remember it's all in fun and just a whimsical thing!

Photos always from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty!

It seems like time for something fun and a bit sassy.  I sure wish I could wear hats.  I love this dress (would love it more without the sleeves).  Count down on the shoes, 1-2-3, and tell us which ones you like best with the dress.

My thoughts:  Love the dress (except the sleeves... they would catch on everything and look a mess five minutes after I put my arm through that delicate fabric.  My ragged cuticles would pick at them, for sure!  Anyway, as always I couldn't wear any of the shoes but like three for the dress.  Two is my favorite pair but the bling is silver instead of gold, like her belt. What are your thoughts?

Peace & hugs!  

Jesus loves us, this I know!

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

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

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 428

1. Four words that tell us something about your July? Bittersweet. Humid. Hard. Easier.

2. Four of your favorite summer foods?  Watermelon. Sweetcorn. Blueberries. Is Iced Tea a food?

3. What were you doing at a quarter past four yesterday?  I was bringing Lucy home from her vet appointment. She has a skin infection. Yuck!

4. fore! four-letter word, four sheets to the wind, ten-four, 24/7, four eyes, these four walls....pick a 'four' phrase and tell us how you relate currently.  These four walls bring me so much comfort.  I am so blessed to have a comfortable home with AC and a good roof. Joe left me with the comfort of these four walls and I am blessed and thankful. 

5. Something you own that is four years old?  The tires on my car are four years old and one is losing air (slowly). The head maintenance man at my work checked it for a leak and didn't find one. He filled it with air for me and told me my tires have a lot of knicks in them.  They don't have 40,000 (33,000) miles on them yet but they are old and this is hot Florida. SO... he found some good tires on sale at Walmart that are guaranteed for 50,000 miles.  The same brand he has on his car.  They get installed tomorrow afternoon.  I'll have good tires for my upcoming trips!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  It's not random (rarely is) but I am so excited to be driving up to Ocala this weekend to spend time with Barb (Sweet Tea & Sandals).  She has some fun things planned and one is meeting up with Pamela (Closed Doors, Open Windows) at a sweet little restaurant in Micanopy.  My former boss from the museum lives in Micanopy and is joining us for lunch. It will be so fun seeing her, too!  Yes, there will be pictures and most likely on three blogs (not just mine!).  And I will look forward to my next trip on Saturday, August 7th when I meet up with the grandchildren for lunch at our favorite Fisherman's Wharf in Punta Gorda.  A couple of weeks after that, I'm going to Brunswick to see Darlene and the photography exhibit being done on the animals at her sanctuary.  Good get-aways coming up!

Peace & hugs!
Jesus loves us, this I know!

Tuesday 4...

Thanks to Annie and Pam for today's questions.  Join in HERE.

Just four questions weekly 

Future Ahead...

 Welcome to Tuesday 4 in memory of Toni Taddeo.

This week we have some questions from Pamela Steiner once again.

I hope you enjoy them.

1.  Let's pretend that it is 50 years into the future, and explorers have just discovered your house, "frozen in time" exactly as it is today. Everything is preserved, even the food, but of course, no one has lived there for fifty years.  What do you think would be their first reaction as they walk in the door of your house?  Recliners in front of the TV...  more slugs!!
 
2.  What would the things left in your house tell the explorers about you?  That we were comfortable and kept a full pantry. 
 
3.  What kinds of books would they discover on your bookshelves or beside your chair/bed?  Since most of my books are on my Kindle now, my bookshelves have art books, craft books, and religious books.  My Kindle and my Bible would be by the bed.
 
4.  What things would they discover in your closets or cabinets that would make them wonder why on earth you were saving it?  Purses! How many purses does one woman need?!!!  (Joe used to say "curses, purses" when we were shopping and I found the section with purses!)

Thanks, Pam for more great questions!

Peace & hugs!!

Jesus loves us!!

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

On Friday, after work, I met with the representative from Hospice and signed the papers for Helen to be cared for by them.  Hospice care is so wonderful.  I know this is the best way to go for her care now.  They have ordered a railing for her bed and also a wheelchair.  She couldn't even tell the nurse her name and didn't seem to remember going to the hospital. 

While I was there, one of the regular nurses and I took stock of Helen's supplies and she was low on a few things so I got what she needed and dropped them by on Saturday morning.  Back at home I did some cleaning and then had the afternoon to do not much of anything. It was nice.

I want to jump back to Friday and share something that happened at work.  It was just the sweetest thing!!  One of the biologists, Paolo, had been out at one of the lakes and there was a grandma and grandson fishing from the bank.  They had quite a nice catch.  He told them he would love to get a picture of the grandson with his fish, and if they wanted to do that, to stop at the office on their way out.  Well, Paolo had to leave so he gave me the permission form needed to allow us to use the photos, and asked me to take some photos if they stopped in.  They did and it was just the sweetest time!! The boy was 10 years old and cute as can be, and he was so proud of his fish.  I don't have permission to use the photos so I have blocked out his sweet, very proud face, but here he is...

.... with his Tilapia

...and with one of his catfish (he had several just as big).

It just made my day!!  I had so much fun taking the pictures and

talking with this young fisherman and his grandma.

Sunday school and church yesterday. I love my church and my church family. Such a blessing. I am so blessed.  I got home and made a casserole that will last me through Wednesday.  I had leftover rotisserie chicken in the freezer so made a noodle dish with mushrooms and peas.  It was/is yummy if I do say so myself.  

I did a face-time call with my sister, Tammy.  She showed me some crafts she is working on to sell at a local flea market.  She got our mom's creative gene and can make beautiful things out of nothing. Next week will be one year since her husband, Bruce, died. We shared some tears about that. Next month will be six months since I lost Joe. Still seems unreal to me.

Tammy & Bruce

Today I need to go to Helen's house after work to lock up the house when the cleaners are done.  Then I have to take Lucy to the Vet for her annual shots. They didn't want to do them when she had her surgery so off we go this afternoon.

Tomorrow, just work.  I have a prescription to pick up at the pharmacy on the way home and some mending to do. That's it.

Peace & hugs!  

Jesus loves us, this I know!

Sunday Stealing... Favorites

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

Your Favorites

Stolen from Facebook

Your favorite songs:  It Is Well With My Soul; In The Garden; and so many more...

Your favorite bands:  Rolling Stones; Eagles; Three Dog Night;. and so many more

Your favorite actors or actresses:  I'm not so fond of most anyone in Hollywood these days but will mention Gary Sinese and Denzil Washington.  Good men.

Your favorite books: Pillars of the Earth; The Once & Future King; Gone With The Wind; the Bible (goes without saying); and I am reading a very good book right now called Under The Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton.

Your favorite movies:  I watch Christmas movies over and over; also Doc Hollywood: The Wizard of Oz; and Fred Astaire, Donald O'Connor, Bing Crosby, and Gene Kelly movies.

Your favorite TV shows:  too many to mention but definitely Somebody Feed Phil

Your favorite foods/drinks:  spring water; iced tea; shrimp; scallops; crab legs; a good steak; most any pasta...

Your favorite kitchen appliance: the refrigerator; the coffee pot; the microwave...

Your favorite animal:  I have to say cats but I love all animals

Your favorite scents:  fresh air, cinnamon, vanilla, yeast bread 

Your favorite things you do in your free time:  relax; read, watch TV; blogs...

Your pet peeves:  being late; people who are late; 'open heres' that don't work

Things you collect:  cats  (I don't really collect anything anymore)

Things you like to swap:  Not a swapper.  We kind of swap blogs though!

Places you've been:  The grocery; work; church...

Places you'd like to visit:  Scotland

Classes you liked in school: English; Art; Music; Biology

Crafts you would like to learn:  Can't think of a thing...

Peace & hugs!  

Remember that Jesus loves us!

Saturday 9...

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

Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh

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: Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (1963)

Unfamiliar with this song? Hear it here.

1) TV writer Allan Sherman based this song on his own son's letters of complaint from camp. Did you go away to summer camp?  Not as a child but I did go to band camp every summer during high school.  Band camp was fun but also grueling.

2) Our camper is afraid of both bears and alligators. What animal scares you?  No animal scares me if I know it is there.  I would hate to be surprised by any wild animal or reptile!!

3) One of his fellow campers developed poison ivy rash. Have you ever experienced redness and itching caused by poison ivy or poison sumac?  Yes to poison ivy. Nasty stuff.

4) Early in his career, Allan Sherman created the game show I've Got a Secret, which became a big hit. What's your all-time favorite TV game show?  Most of them are silly, but I still enjoy seeing The Price is Right now and then, and Joe and I both enjoyed Jeopardy. 

5) In 1959 he moved from New York to Hollywood, where he transitioned from writing to performing almost by accident. As a lark, he entertained at the parties of his next-door neighbor, Harpo Marx. A recording company executive heard him and offered him a contract. Tell us about the last party you attended.  It has been a long time since I attended a real party.  The closest to that might be the July 4th potluck here in my community.

6) Allan Sherman got unexpected press attention and a boost in record sales when it was discovered that President John F. Kennedy was a fan. What's something you purchased because of a recommendation from someone else (friend, relative, celebrity endorsement ...)?  A Blue Diamond skillet is one thing. I enjoy my blogging friends who do Friday Favorites and favorite Prime Purchases. The best recommendations are those from friends!

7) In 1963, the year "Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh" was popular, Studebaker stopped producing cars in the United States. What was your family car when you were growing up? I learned to drive in our old green Rambler Station Wagon, stick shift. Not quite like this picture but similar...

8) Also in 1963, Vogue magazine did a cover story on how to make wearing white "new and exciting." What color do you look best in? Is it the color you wear most often?  Gosh, I don't know anymore. Remember when Mary Kay cosmetics ladies did the Spring-Summer-Winter-Fall tests?  I was a Spring. But... I always feel better in the winter colors. I do wear a lot of jewel tones and black.

9) Random question: Have you ever gone on to have a platonic relationship with a former lover?  No. Not sure I would even want to!

Peace & hugs!

Jesus loves us!! Count on it!

Friday Fotos...

 

I have a few photos to share this July 23rd Friday!  And a story to tell...

My Thursday was already full before the phone rang at 6:25 a.m.  Helen's nurse called to tell me she was found on the floor of her room with both arms bleeding and was very confused.  They called the EMTs and she was taken to the ER.  I had just gotten up to get ready for work so continued my routine.  I tried calling the hospital and was given the extensions for her nurse and the nurse's supervisor.  Neither answered so I left messages telling them I was her POA and health care surrogate and would they please call me.  I went ahead to work and let my boss know what was going on.  I had already told him about Helen and my responsibilities for her.  I tried calling the nurses two more times with no news, so my boss gave me permission to leave and I can make up the time today (doing six hours instead of four). Bless him.  I don't have vacation or sick leave time and don't get paid if I'm not there.

When I got to the hospital, they had no information about her.  I gave them the extensions I had been given and they were definitely ER numbers but there was no Helen in the computer. I stepped outside and called Brookdale.  The ambulance had just brought her back 20 minutes before I called. Would have been so nice if someone (one place or the other) had let me know what was going on.  The nurse at Brookdale was happy to learn I was at the hospital because there was a prescription at the hospital pharmacy and could I pick it up and bring it by.  Sure.  Turns out Helen has a touch of pneumonia, as well as her abrased elbows (no stitches).

I picked up the prescription and proceeded to Brookdale. Helen's nurse let me in (the memory wing is kept locked) and I gave her the pills.  I walked into the dining area with the nurse and Helen was sitting at a table having lunch with three other ladies.  She was animated and eating.  I watched for a while and conversed with the nurse.  I decided to not interrupt Helen and her companions. I could see that she was doing okay.  The nurse and I talked about Hospice and she told me the Hospice nurse would be there later in the afternoon. I had already agreed to hospice care a week or so ago.  I did get a call from the Hospice rep and will meet with them at Brookdale this afternoon.  Hospice will be able to get a hospital bed for Helen and a wheelchair. Just those two things will be a big help for Helen and the caregivers.

Since I had some spare time, I went to Lowe's and got a new toilet seat for Helen's house.  She had one of those extensions on hers and the seat had disappeared months ago.  Cleaners are coming to the house on Monday and the carpet cleaner on Wednesday.  The Realtor will come by on Wednesday to take photos and we will get a FOR SALE sign in the yard soon after.

I had the rest of Helen's clothing in the back of my car and had time to go by the Children's Home to drop them off at the donation site. Done.  Filled my gas tank and then...

... back to my already full calendar.  I had my mammogram appointment at 2:30 and got that done!  (Update: I already got negative results in my patient portal!!)  My small group from church was to meet at 6:00 but was canceled because most folks couldn't attend.  I was sorry but not sorry. Whew!

Look closely... that is an Amazon jet flying into the Lakeland airport. I am sure there are probably packages on there destined for my house!  We have a distribution center here in Lakeland and there are six or eight jets flying in and out of the hub at the airport every day.

This is where Helen lives.  The memory care unit at Brookdale.

And this is Brookdale Assisted Living, where she lived before going to memory care.

Not sure who the car belongs to, but this is where I get my annual mammograms.

In the building, not in the car!! LOL

It is right across the street from our hospital and where Helen was (briefly) yesterday.

On my way home, This is a view of Lake Morton. 

There were a lot of wood storks in one spot but I couldn't 

get a good picture with a car behind me on my bumper.

Almost home, this is Lake Hunter.  So much beauty in Lakeland.

Thanks for getting this far and reading about my woes.  Helen can use your prayers. Thank goodness it is Friday and I have nothing on my Saturday calendar! Looking forward to getting away next weekend!  Trading Lakeland for Ocala and Miconopy for a few days!

 

Peace & hugs!!  

And Jesus does love you and me!!

Whimsical Fashion Fun 2021...

                                  

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

Check out the dress and choose the shoes you like best!

Have some fun. It's just a whimsical thing!

Photos always from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty!

A sweet summer dress with a vintage feel!  Count down the shoes, 

1-2-3, and pick the pair you like best for the dress!

My thoughts:  The dress is very sweet and I would/could have worn it 40 years ago!  I couldn't wear any of the shoes but like pair #1 best for the dress and pair #3 more for my taste.  What do you think?

Hodgepodge Replay...

Our Hodgepodge Hostess, Joyce, has taken this week off so I resurrected a Hodgepodge from "this week" in 2013.  Always fun to look back I don't even remember some of these answers like Witch Hazel...  and I don't remember The Lone Ranger movie, either. Anyway - here is my Hodgepodge replay:

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Hodgepodge Wednesday!

Here are my answers to this week's Hodgepodge questions! 

1. July 24th is Amelia Earhart Day.  Earhart was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.  What's something you've recently accomplished solo?  Nothing I can think of, so nothing worth mentioning, I guess.  I made a cheesecake from a new recipe last weekend.  I don’t do BIG things like flying solo across the ocean!

2.  What's one product you use that never ever fails? Witch Hazel

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it?  I am right where I am meant to be, I believe. Florida, with Joe, and in my job at the Museum.

4.  Worst movie you ever saw? I’ve seen lots of bad movies and promptly forget about them. Have never walked out on a movie, but have changed the channel many times. The one that sticks out in my mind, though, is “Glengarry Glenn Ross”, with Jack Lemon. I was horribly disappointed in it, and did not finish watching it.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glengarry_Glen_Ross_%28film%29

5. What's the last fun thing you did?  Joe and I went to see The Lone Ranger, at Cobb Theaters on Sunday. That was lots of fun. We shared a large popcorn, and laughed - it is a funny movie!

6. The month of July is named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar...ever been to Rome? What's your favorite Italian dish? I have been to Rome.  My most memorable meal while in Italy was white truffle pasta, in a little restaurant in Orvieto. I love pasta of any kind, though.  So do my hips.

7. What is one piece of advice you'd offer new mom Kate Middleton? Don’t let the nanny do it all.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  It is raining again. I was just longing for September when the hot steamy rains will (hopefully) stop for us.

Peace & hugs!  

Jesus loves you and me!

No Tuesday 4...

 It is almost bedtime and I haven't seen a Tuesday 4 posted yet so I'll just wing it...

Just four randoms...

1.  My daughter-in-law(love) Darlene had a group of photographers visit the horse sanctuary last week!! They are going to do an exhibit in a gallery and a percentage of the sales of the art will go to New Paths Horse Sanctuary.  Please check it out here:  https://www.facebook.com/NewPathsHorseSanctuary1  Many of the photos are posted and are wonderful!  I am so excited for the sanctuary to be getting this kind of publicity and hopefully some much-needed funds!!

2.  And speaking of the photography exhibit, I am going up to Brunswick in mid-August to visit the gallery and see Darlene.  Joey is overseas again.  Darlene sprained her ankle BAD getting out of the hay trailer a week ago and she isn't able to keep off of it like she should.  Keep her in your prayers, please. She works so hard for the animals.

3.  Yesterday I hinted at travels in the works and going to Brunswick is one of my trips.  Another one happens next weekend!!  I am going up to see Barbara, Sweet Tea & Sandals.  On Saturday, we are going to a sweet little town called Micanopy and will be meeting up with Pamela, Closed Doors, Open Windows, for lunch and some shopping in the shops.  Micanopy is where the movie "Doc Hollywood" was filmed so I am excited to see that street, too!  AND, my boss from the Museum retired to Micanopy and will also join us for lunch!!  I am so looking forward to some wonderful time with dear friends!!

4.  When I travel, I have to have a cat-sitter and am so blessed to have Mary Jane just across the way who loves my cats and takes such good care of them for me. She graciously agreed to TWO long weekends and I appreciate her so very much!  Bless her. 

Peace  & Hugs!  Jesus loves you and me!

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

Thursday evening was my dinner night out with the neighbors.  There are still just three of us right now. When the snowbirds return it will be a bit more lively, but I do enjoy spending time with Tim and Judy. We ate at Fish City Grill.  I had shrimp & grits which was delicious. They have been picking me up, so I don't even have to drive!

On Friday, after work, I met Kalisa and Laura (museum co-worker friends) at Black & Brew for a late lunch. It was fun catching up with them. Plenty of conversation and laughter.  My club sandwich was just okay but the company made up for it.  After lunch, I went to the post office to mail a little package to my 3-year old penpal, Maya, and bought a roll of stamps.  I also made a quick run to Publix before going home.

Saturday was a laid-back really, really lazy day. I slept in and got up to do a load of laundry and that's the most activity I did.  I didn't even go get the mail. Lazy felt really good.  I could have just stayed in my PJs.

Yesterday was Sunday school and church.  Before church, our Pastor walked over to me and asked how I was doing, gave me a big hug, and proceeded to tell me that he was so proud of me.  I thanked him for his encouragement.  It was very nice.  Meant a lot to me.

This is a busy week ahead. Nothing today after work, but a 6-month regular doctor appointment tomorrow. Cindee is in town for a few days so Heather, Shirley, and I are meeting her on Wednesday for an early (lupper) meal at Fred's Market. I haven't seen Cindee since Joe's memorial service and I barely got to say hello and thanks for coming - so I look forward to catching up with her.

Thursday is.... (drum roll) mammogram day. Certainly never a favorite thing to do, but do it I will.

So far the weekend is clear, but I have some travel planned in the weeks ahead.  More about that later.

Peace & hugs!  

Blessed by the love of Jesus!!

Sunday Stealing...

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

Thursday Thunks

Stolen from Thursday Thunks

1. Did you eat paste and/or glue as a child?  I did not eat paste or glue.

2. Look at the wall to your right, what is on it?  A picture of my Joe in Venice.

3. Do you put butter and/or salt on your popcorn?  Absolutely!

4. What does your favorite coffee cup look like?  The one I take into work each day keeps my coffee hot all morning, with the flags on it.  The one I use at home is my Sisters cup.

5. Would you rather have a pet hippo or a pet elephant?  Neither!!  There isn't a litter box big enough!! (wink)

6. Toilet Paper - hard, soft, extra soft?  At least soft, please!! 

7. Have you ever rescued/taken in a stray animal?  Every cat but one (and I have had 9 cats over the years) were/are strays, including the three I have now.

8. If you realize your house is on fire while you are using the bathroom, do you wipe or just run for the door?  Oh, for goodness sake.

9. Now, if you only had $10 to buy one thing, what would it be?  Shrimp.  (I really have no idea.)

10. What’s your favorite type of potato?  Goldens.

11. How long do you keep unmatched socks before you get rid of them... and how do you dispose of these socks?  I rarely wear socks. If I had a single, I would toss it.

12. What was the last thing you took a picture of?  The cup above, with flags on it.

13. Do you use a cookbook?  I use several often.

14. Bottled or tap water?  Bottled.

15. Do you like pumpkin pie?  Not really.  One piece on Thanksgiving is enough.  Do you cheat and buy a premade one or do you make it from scratch?  I have made them from scratch but usually buy one.  Heck, do you even make pumpkin pie at all?  Not unless I have to.

Peace & hugs!

Jesus loves us! Count on it!