Monday's Weekend Recap...

Monday's Weekend Recap

It was a good weekend for me!  Friday night, I had dinner at the new Hibachi Buffet with my boss, his wife, and friend Monika.  We had a fun time eating too much and talking and laughing the time away.  A nice way to begin the weekend.

On Saturday, there was a potluck dinner at the clubhouse but I decided to skip this one. Jill and Murray weren't going, Al and Theresa weren't going so I scratched my name off the list.  I worked steadily all day Saturday getting Joe's desk sorted, the office supplies reorganized in boxes and drawers, and got my sewing machine set up out there.  I also cleaned out three file drawers.  I have a box to be shredded, a pile to recycle, and a trash bag full of stuff to throw out. It isn't all done yet but I am very pleased with the progress made. 

I also took down the curtains in the guest room and ran them through the dryer to remove cat hair and dust. They turned out perfectly and I got them rehung.  While they were in the dryer, I dusted the blinds and window sills.  I will get the bed made up later this week, in preparation for Elaine and Jim coming on the 11th. So excited to see them!!

Sunday school was great. We are still working through Romans.  Church was also great. Our Pastor is preaching on Ephesians now and through the summer.  I got home and did two loads of laundry.  Jill and Murray took me out to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Tapa Tios.  We all had the taco salad, and they ordered a pitcher of sangria (delicious and we toasted Joe).  I am so blessed by wonderful neighbors and have missed them while they were stuck in Canada during the last two pandemic years.

I have a quieter week this week. Nothing until the Mas Verde group goes out to eat on Thursday evening.  I think we are going to Cheddars.  On Saturday, Monika has invited me to join her, my boss and the Mrs., and another couple for dinner at her house. Looking forward to meeting their friends and enjoying good company.

Our God is so Good!

Sunday Stealing...

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

Blabbermouth

1. January usually has ample amounts of snowfall in parts of the world. Did you ever make snow cream as a kid?  No. I have eaten snow but never made snow cream.

2. January is one of the months with 31 days. What are you going to do with that extra day?  It's a Monday, so I will be at work.  Just another day.

3. In medieval times superstition dictated that the 1st day of January was significant for prosperity, or lack of it, in a person's life. Farmers put a flat cake on the horns of a cow and they danced and sang songs around the cow until the cake was thrown to the ground. If it fell in front of the cow that meant good luck; it if fell behind the cow that meant bad luck for the rest of the year.  Do you have strange New Year customs in your household?  Nope!! LOL

4. On January 14, 1986 motorists were required for the first time to wear seat belts? Do you always buckle up? Why or why not?  I do, indeed, always buckle up.  Why... because it makes sense to prevent me from flying through the windshield in an accident.

5.. Have you ever blabber-mouthed something to a significant other that in hindsight you really should have kept to yourself?  Not that I can think of.

6. Have you ever written anything on your blog that you wish you could take back?  Not that comes to mind.

7. Are you the blabber or the blabbee?  Tell us your most embarrassing blabbermouth moment.  I don't think I am a blabber.  I don't recall an embarrassing blabbermouth moment.

8. Who is the biggest blabbermouth tattletale in your household?  It's just me and the cats now.  Joe and I didn't keep secrets from each other but I don't consider that blabbing.

9. You are the Blog Paparazzi! Which blogger's real photograph are you most interested in getting?  Can't think of a soul.  Sorry. Not interested.

10. If you could hire the loudest and most skilled blabbermouth in the universe to do your talking for you and advertise it well, what message would you like to spread to humanity?  John 3:16. Spread the word of our awesome God!!

11. Are you always on time or just a tad late?  I am usually early.

12. Is there someone in your life that irritates you regularly about not being on time?  No, no one that irritates me. Sometimes you can't help being a little tardy.

13. Can you think of a time when you were late for something and it was REALLY a big deal?  Nope. 

14. If you were on your way to work and had five minutes to get there, would you stop in the road to rescue a crossing turtle?  I sure would.  I work for Florida Fish & Wildlife.  I actually stopped and helped a gopher tortoise cross the road... I was on my way home, though, not going to work.

15. Have you ever had to actually punch a time clock?  LOL... yes! Remember that horrid job I had for three months before my current job?  He had me punch a clock.  It was so ridiculous. Three employees and I did the payroll.  Fifty-five years of working and I punched a clock for three months. Bless his heart!

Stay warm out there!!

Peace & hugs!

Jesus is my Rock!!

The Saturday 9...

Thanks to our hostess, Crazy Sam, for today's questions!  Join in HERE! 

All of Me

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so to speak. We encourage you to visit other participants' posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love to answer the questions, however, and here is today's questions!

Saturday 9: All of Me (1932)

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

1) In this song, Louis Armstrong calls his girl "baby." What's the last endearment someone used when speaking to you?  It's been almost a year if not longer. Enough said.

 

2) He sings that losing his love made him cry. Do you cry easily?  Yes, I am a weeper.  If I see someone crying, I will join them.  Commercials can make me cry. Laughing brings tears. Yes, I cry easily.

 

3) Louis was born in New Orleans, a city famous for music and cuisine. What's something you love about your home town?  My regular readers are probably groaning because I sing the praises of Lakeland all the time.  I love Lakeland and all it offers.  It has been my home town for nearly 33 years.  The town I grew up in holds a special place in my heart too.  Living in a small town was a great way to grow up.  Millersport, Ohio still only has around 1,200 residents.

 
4) At age 11, Louis unwisely fired a pistol during a New Year's Eve celebration and was sentenced to 18 months in a juvenile detention facility. It was there that he met music teacher Peter Davis, who believed in Louis and taught him to play cornet and bugle. Tell us about someone who believed in you and made your life better.  My parents, of course, but also my Joe.  I was so, so blessed to have him in my life.

 

5) Louis would say that arrest changed his life for the better because it was at the detention center that "me and music got married." After his release, he began playing on street corners, or in honkytonks ... any place he could hone his skills. What is something you have worked hard to be better at?  Patience. I am working on being patient all the time and think I am better at it.  

6) In the late 1920s, Louis led a jazz band called The Hot Five. His wife, Lil, believed he was too talented not to receive star billing. He just didn't feel ready. She went behind his back and convinced the management at Chicago's Dreamland Cafe to advertise: "The Hot Five, featuring Louis Armstrong: The World's Greatest Trumpet Player." It worked! At the end of the gig, Okeh Records signed him to a recording contract. Can you think of a time when, like Lil, you were glad you asked for forgiveness rather than permission?  Oh, I have done that more times than I can count! LOL

7) In 1932, the year this record was popular, the son of aviator Charles Lindbergh was kidnapped and killed. This famous case inspired Agatha Christie to write Murder on the Orient Express. Have you read the book? No.  Seen the movie, the remake, or the miniseries?  I think I saw one of the movies a long time ago.  I have not seen the miniseries.

8) Another aviator was in the news in 1932. Amelia Earhart flew 14 hours from Newfoundland to Londonderry. What is the longest flight you've ever taken?  Atlanta to Venice, Italy. Nine hours.

9) Random question: You have the opportunity to travel safely in a time machine. Would you go back to the past, into the future, or say, "no thanks, I'll stay in 2022?"  As much as it would be so great to see family members again who have died, I will stay right where I am.  I'm leaving life (and death) in God's hands.

Peace & hugs!!

Our God is an awesome God!

Friday Fotos...

Happy Friday, friends!

Last night, we had 20 for dinner out with
my Mas Verde friends.  More people are back and it
is so great to see them after two years!

We were at Miller's Ale House.

On Tuesday, at our small group from church, 

it was Bonnie's birthday.

My silly Vinny... I tossed my jacket and sweater over the dining room chair.

When I was ready to put them on and leave for work, he had other ideas!

I'm having dinner with my boss and Mrs. Boss tonight! 
Looking forward to it!!

Peace & hugs!

God is in control!!

Whimsical Fashion Review 2022...

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

Check out the coat and pick the shoes you like best for the model.

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

Photos are always from the Storybook of Dreams & Beauty!

 

Something for this cooler (COLD!) weather we have all been having.  I would actually wear this cape/coat.  I love the color (of course).  Count down, 1-2-3, and tell us which shoes you pick for the model?

My thoughts:  As mentioned above, I do love the color and the flowers make it whimsical, indeed!  I am going with pair #3 just because the heel would be more comfortable to walk on.  All three match the coat fairly well. What are your thoughts?

Peace & hugs!

Trust that God is in control!!

PS:  I was not alone in my dislike of The Screwtape Letters mentioned in yesterday's post.  Several of us don't like it but it appears we will continue on.  The men did most of the talking but the men in my group are Deacons and Elders.  It was several of us ladies who aren't excited about it. I will do my best to get through it with the group. Letters 3 and 4 next time.

Wednesday's Hodgepodge...

Thank you, Joyce, for today's Hodgepodge!  Y'all can join in HERE! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 449

  

1. January 25th is National Opposites Day. 'They' say opposites attract...do you agree, and if so is that a good thing? Or do you subscribe more to a 'birds of a feather" philosophy?  When we first met, Joe and I were more opposites than the same but over the years I think he mellowed a bit and I got braver!  I think it just depends on the people and the circumstances.

2. Something you're glad to have behind you? Something you're glad is ahead of you?  I don't want it to be taken the wrong way, but I am glad to have gotten through (almost) my first year without Joe.  I'm doing okay and I am glad to have life and (hopefully) more fun and adventures ahead.  (I still miss him something awful.)

3. Your favorite hot food?  Hot, as in spicy?  Anything with jalapenos and/or hot sauce.  Hot as in temperature... if it is supposed to be hot, then I like it hot! LOL  Cold food?  Is ice cream a food?  Are you a fan of breakfast for dinner? Yes!

4. Are you someone who always arrives at appointments/events early or do you tend to run late?  I am usually early.  Last thing you were late for?  Can't remember.  I am just always early - sometimes too early.

5. "What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?" John Steinbeck...Your thoughts?  I live in Florida.  I don't need cold temps to make me like the heat!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  My small group from church is starting a study of C.S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters.  I am not a fan and am not looking forward to this. I hope the conversation changes my attitude.  I'm off to join them in about a half-hour (doing this before I leave in case I don't have time when I get home).  Have any of you read the book?  Your thoughts?

Peace & hugs!

God is in Control!

A Musical Tuesday 4...

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

Tuesday 4

Music Music Music!

 Welcome friends!  Good to see you back for another Tuesday 4 where we keep Toni Taddeo's weekly blog post alive.  I hope you are enjoying them.  This week let's talk about music and entertainment, shall we?

1. What kind of music do you like the best?  Quieter music.

2. Does the radio play in your car and if so what station or kind of music plays?  I have SiriusXM in the car and either have The Bridge on, or Siriusly Sinatra. Does music play in your home often?  Rarely but if I do put it on, I use the Sirius app on the TV with the same stations.

3. What do you think of the music played in restaurants or stores? Do you find it relaxing or annoying?  I don't notice it much anymore but remember finding it annoying most of the time.  Of course, I rarely go shopping in a store - other than a grocery.  Restaurants are many times way too loud with their music.

4. What part has music played in your life?  In school, I was in chorus and band so it was an important and very fun part of my younger years.  What kind of music was played at your wedding or at parties you have been to?   There was no music at our small wedding and the reception was at our house so no dancing.  I haven't been to a party with music in many years unless it was very quiet background music.

Peace & hugs!

Relax, God is in control!!

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

Another weekend is behind us and it was very quiet.  I did some work in the den (Joe's office) and am getting a little done here and there. I gave some things away, put some things aside for Joey (he took the printers and I found information for them), and am shifting furniture a bit and shuffling office supplies and sewing supplies. 

Last week, I snapped a picture of Southside Cleaners because a man was changing the sign that I post now and then. They change it every couple of weeks. This is the first time I saw it being changed.  Then, on Friday, I snapped a picture of the finished sign...

Pets... the family members you get to choose.

In preparation for Jim, Elaine, and Bella getting here in a few weeks, I am shifting the cat food and water to "safe" areas for the cats, where they can be free of Bella and Bella won't be able to eat their food.  I don't want to restrict Bella so only the den and my bedroom will be unavailable to her. The cats are adapting without too much stress. I think it will be fine by the time Bella arrives.

Bella thinks she is a lap dog! Bella and Elaine, last year.

After Sunday school and church yesterday, I went to the pharmacy to get a prescription.  On the way home from there, my low tire pressure light came on.  My tires are only five months old!! It is cold here though and that causes low pressure.  I have a large air compressor and Joe showed me how to use it ages ago so I turned it on and stretched the very long hose out to the carport.  I am not good with pressure gauges.  I started with the tire that looked the lowest and let out more air rather than putting more in.  Rather than call neighbors and beg help, I called AAA.  I pay for my membership and need to take advantage of it so gave them a call.  The truck and a very nice man showed up in 45 minutes.  He used my compressor but had to put his end on it because mine isn't working. At least it was faulty equipment and not entirely my fumbling.  He said I could get a new one at Harbor Freight so will put that on my list of things to do.  Anyway... all four tires were low and he seemed to think it was just the cold weather.  I will find out on my way to work this morning, I guess.  Fingers crossed. It will be cold (for us) all week.

I did laundry after all of that, moved a few more things around in the den, and then put myself in the recliner and watched more Chateau DIY.  Back to work today.  It is a busier week ahead.  I am having lunch with my friend, Shirley on Tuesday, I have my small group Tuesday night (and I'm doing dessert), Thursday is dinner out with Mas Verde folks, and I'm having dinner out with my boss and Mrs. Boss on Friday.  Saturday is a potluck at the clubhouse.  All fun!

Peace & hugs!

God is in control!

Sunday Stealing...

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

 

Hi! I'm your host Bev Sykes of the blog "Funny the World". . Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and was 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!

Stolen from League of Extraordinary Pen Pals

 

 

 

 

1. Would you rather be the guest or the host?  Host.
 
2. What do you like to wear when you feel fancy?  A nice outfit.
 
3. How often do you try something completely new?  Not often anymore.
 
4. Do you enjoy weddings?  Yes!
 
5. Have you ever had something customized?  Yes.  Christmas cards and photographs put onto canvas
 
6. Do you cook spontaneously or meal plan?  Spontaneously, most of the time.
 
7. Books you like to read over and over. Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett; Gone With The Wind, by Margaret Mitchell, The Once & Future King, by T.H.White...
 
8. What are you really good at?  Procrastinating!
 
9. Do you sleep with windows open or a fan on? The ceiling fan is on most of the time.
       
10. What is the easiest recipe you know?  PB&J
 
11. Are you comfortable starting conversations with strangers?  Not really.
 
12. Do you prefer quiet, or ambient noise when you relax?  It really depends but usually ambient noise.
 
13. Who is your most adventurous or exciting friend?  Barb!!  She just went zip-lining!! 
 
14. What do you eat when you can’t decide what to eat?  Usually pasta.
 
15. Do you have any funny pet stories?  At our other house, here in Lakeland, we had a pool with a diving board.  Amber kitty used to sleep on the diving board, in the sun.  She never fell in, but Onyx kitty took a misstep on the board one time and fell right in.  Joe saw it happen and said that Onyx practically walked on water and jumped right out!  Cats are good swimmers but most of them don't like the water. We never worried about them being around the pool.

 

Peace & hugs!!

The Saturday 9...

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

I'm the Only One

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: I'm the Only One (1993)

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

1) Melissa Etheridge sings this song as though her heart is breaking. What's your favorite love song? Is it about falling in love, being in love, or losing love?  1983 was the year Joe and I met, and this was the first song we danced to on the night we met... so we laughingly said that this is our song.

2) "I'm the Only One" is a favorite song of American Idol contestants, having been performed four different times. If we were to have a Saturday 9 karaoke night, what song would you do?  Love Potion #9  (snickering!)  I know all the words!

3) A rocker at heart, Melissa Etheridge began her career in her teen years, playing with local country groups. Which do you enjoy more: country or rock?  Country.

4) In 1985, Melissa sent a demo to Olivia Records, hoping for a record deal. She was rejected. Her debut CD was released in 1988 on the Island label and went gold. Tell us about a time you bounced back from professional adversity.  I worked at the local Catholic High School for four years.  The Principal who hired me (loved working for him) moved on to a bigger school and the new principal was a mess.  She started spending money she shouldn't spend, told me (the finance manager) that I wasn't invited to the finance committee meetings anymore because she could handle it.  She was spending the kids' club money to decorate her office.  Anyway, I decided it was time to move on before my reputation was ruined.  I was hired at the Museum (praise God).  She was fired two years later.    

5) In her personal life, Melissa has faced major challenges, including breast cancer and the death of her son. She credits music with helping her heal emotionally. What gives you strength?  My faith in Jesus Christ, first, then my family and my friends.

6) Melissa is a vegetarian, so her diet emphasizes plant-based foods like fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables. What was your most recent meal? Would it qualify as vegetarian?  My most recent meal was dinner (Friday). I had tilapia filets (fresh from Tenoroc, where I work!), potatoes, and corn on the cob.  I love vegetables but could never be completely vegetarian.

7) In 1993, the year this song was popular, a massive storm dropped a record 56" of snow in Mount Le Conte, TN. Have you done much shoveling this winter? LOL...  I live in Florida because I never want to shovel snow again. The last time was in February1989. 

8) One of the most popular movies of 1993 was A Few Good Men, starring Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Jack Nicholson, who famously said, "You can't handle the truth!" What's the most recent movie you watched?  I am stuck on French chateaus right now so haven't been watching movies.

9) Random question: Dessert is on us! Describe your perfect ice cream sundae.  I worked in an ice cream parlor (Weldon's Ice Cream Factory) when I was in high school so I am a professional dipper (LOL).  My absolute favorite then (and now) was a Pecan Ball.  A big (double) dip of French Vanilla ice cream, rolled in chopped pecans, covered in hot fudge, then whipped cream and a cherry.  Oh. My. Gosh.  Back in the day, it was 50¢. Now I believe it costs $6.50.

Peace & hugs!!

God is so good!

Friday Foto Fail...

 

No new photos for today so I scooted back a few years to see if there was anything worth re-posting.  I found these and enjoyed seeing them again so hope you do too!  The wisdom of Charles Schultz...

I didn't go out last night with the Mas Verde group because a couple of folks were exposed to Covid.  I chose to stay on the safe side at home.  Got some laundry done instead.  The couple who have Covid are doing fine and not feeling too bad so it is most likely Omicron. One way or the other, I don't want to take a chance on needing to quarantine for five days.  Better to miss a meal and be safe. Sigh.

Peace & hugs!

God is in control!

Whimsical Fashion Review 2022...

 

There isn't a linky and there are no rules!

Check out the vintage gown and pick the shoes that go best with the dress.

Have fun. It is only a whimsical thing!

Photos are always from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty!

You all know I love vintage. Well, I also love Shirley Temple.  If these shoes were available back in her day, which pair would she have chosen to wear with this feminine gown?  Count down 1-2-3.  She starred in movies into the late 40s after growing out of her curly hair and sweetheart persona.  Do you have a favorite Shirley Temple movie?

My thoughts:  The dress wouldn't be in my closet but Shirley looks great in it.  I like the color of pair #1 but have to choose #3 for the dress.  Wish they came in the same color as #1.  I love all the early Shirley Temple films and will always watch one if it is on.  I especially love "The Littlest Rebel", "Heidi", and "Curly Top" but really, any of them are charming!!  Here is a list of Shirley's movies!  What are your thoughts on the shoes & the movie?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 You can become a Hodgepodger HERE!  Thank you, Joyce!!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 448

1. It's National Popcorn Day-my favorite! Are you a fan?  Yes!  Sweet or salty? Yes!  A good or great movie you've seen recently (at home or in a theater, either one)?  I have been enchanted by Dick and Angela and their French Chateau!  I'm on season 7 of Escape to the Chateau and hate thinking the series is going to end soon. I do have a movie list for when this series ends.

2. What's something you didn't realize was going to take so much of your time as an adult?  Housework! 

3. Your favorite yellow something?  My kitchen curtains are yellow and I love the way they brighten the space!

4. Why do you write?  I use this blog as my journal and enjoy looking back now and then to check in on the past. What was I doing... Who visited... Where did we go... What did I like...

5. Share a favorite memory associated with snow.  I grew up in Ohio at the western end of Buckeye Lake and we had lots of snow! When the lake froze and was safe enough, we would ice skate as long as we were allowed to stay out in the cold.  My BFF Elaine and I built a big snowman one year...

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Procrastination is my middle name these days.  I have things that need doin' but I can't seem to get myself into second gear.  It is cold (for us, here in FL) and I just want to stay cozy in my recliner and forget about the touch-up painting I need to do, the curtains that need to be washed and rehung, the furniture that needs to be moved and cleaned behind and under...   I did find someone who wants envelopes and 3-ring binders. Yay! Gone!  I did move some of the furniture in the den and I like what I did (drives the cats crazy, though).  One day at a time and it will eventually get done.

Peace & hugs!

God is so good!

Throwback Tuesday...

 It's almost bedtime and there isn't a Tuesday 4 posted yet so I will share some February memories from the year 2015.  My BFF, Elaine, and her hubby Jim came for a visit that year.  We had so much fun visiting our Lakeland Farmers' Market, The Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Solomon's Castle in Ona, FL, and Mazzaro's Italian Market, in St. Petersburg. Here are some photos...

And, while I was working at Polk Museum of Art, The Gala 

was always the last Saturday in February.

Thanks for walking down memory lane with me.  Elaine and Jim will be here around the 11th! More memories to make this year!! 

Peace & hugs!

Relax, our God is in control!!