The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

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

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 506

1. Do you know much about (or understand) Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Does it worry or excite you?   I don't understand it fully but I know what it is and it scares me a bit.  I hope it will be used for good and not evil.  I don't worry about it because that solves nothing.  Facebook gives me enough heartburn so let's don't even think about artificial intelligence.

2. What was the last song you listened to? Your favorite movie soundtrack? What song always puts you in a good mood?  I just don't pay that much attention to what song was on.  I really only listen to music in my car and it is mainly background.  Soundtrack?  Gosh, I don't know.  Hope Floats and Sweet Home, Alabama came to mind.  How about I Can Only Imagine!  Songs I can sing along to (from the 60s-70s) make me happy!

3. What were you doing ten years ago?  Ten years ago around this time, we took a road trip north, through Savannah for a couple of days, and then on to Ohio for my niece's graduation.  We also stopped at my sister's in Georgia on the way home and 'adopted' our cat, Vinny.

4. Your favorite no-bake summer dessert?  Anything sweet from the Publix bakery!!  They baked... I didn't!!  LOL

5. Something you're looking forward to in June?  Nothing special going on for me but both of my sisters have birthdays, my son, Jeff, has a birthday, my niece, Sara, has a birthday, and my dear friends, Elaine & Jim, celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary!!  I was a bridesmaid!! How can it be 50 years?!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  My niece, Sara, just submitted her Ph.D. dissertation for review.  I am so very proud of her for getting that done while also caring for their first child.  Praying it sails through all the reviews by her professors so it can be submitted to the university and she can graduate this summer.  The picture is me with Sara back in 2018 when she and Matthew came to visit.  We have been asked to not post pictures of the baby on social media but you can take my word for it that he is adorable.  

Peace & Hugs!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow!!

Tuesday 4...

 Thanks to Annie for today's Tuesday 4.  You can join in HERE.

Beddy Bye

 Hello! Nice to see you back for another Tuesday 4 which was begun by Toni Taddeo and kept up in her memory.    It might be nice to talk about our homes and how we like our rooms to be ordered and used.  What about the bedroom.. a place of comfort and peace.

1. How do you make up your bedroom and bed... colors? Light blues & greens.  blankets? Quilts? Bedspread? Comforter? Throws? Pillow? what goes into making your bed comfy for you?   Sheets, a thermal blanket, and the bedspread is a quilt.  I make my bed every day. I have a great mattress.

2. What is in your dresser?  The usual.  Undies, PJs, t-shirts, shorts, etc.  Is it organized or messy? Organized.

3. What's in and on your nightstand?  Lamp, clock, Bible, kleenex, chargers, Kindle.  

4. Do you read in bed or watch TV before going to sleep?   There is no TV in my bedroom.  I do read a bit before going to sleep.

Peace & Hugs!

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep...

A Memorial Day Weekend Recap...

 

I am working today but look forward to having lunch with girlfriends Wendy and Suzette!! 

To recap the weekend...

On Friday, I met Shirley and her son, David, for an early dinner at Fred's Market.  I didn't get a picture but we had a nice time.  Fred's is a typical buffet restaurant known for fried green tomatoes and fried chicken.  We got our fill of both!!  I invited them to my house for dessert and served brownies with a dip of ice cream.  If you are thinking that those things are not on my diet you are absolutely right.  I have "cheated" a few times this weekend but will get back to counting carbs tomorrow.  I took this photo of Shirley and David back in 2014, at the Museum.  They haven't changed too much...

Saturday was my big day!!  Grandson Tristan texted me last week that he was in Florida and when could we get together.  Saturday was the day!!  I met him and Lauren at our usual spot in Punta Gorda. We went to the Captain's Table this time and had a delicious lunch.  Tristan picked up the tab for all three of us and again referenced that it is his turn to spoil me.  I love those kids so much!!  Lauren took the picture of Tristan and me and the waitress took the one of the three of us.

This pontoon boat with a tiki hut on it was going back and forth.

Very cute and I am sure the people on board were having some fun!

This is of the marina area beside Fisherman's Wharf.  

Sunday was quiet and nice.  I went to Church and then did my usual two loads of laundry.  I got caught up on Home Town Takeover, doing Ft. Morgan, Colorado.  

Looking ahead at this week, I get my hair cut on Wednesday, the Mas Verde dinner group is going to Il Forno Italian Restaurant on Thursday, and June 1st is also my sister, Patti's birthday!  Happy birthday to Patti!!  Tammy's birthday is June 5th so happy birthday to her, as well.  They were both here for birthdays last year!!

Peace & Hugs!

 Bless the Lord oh my soul, oh my soul – 

worship His Holy name 

Sing like never before, oh my soul – 

I'll worship Your Holy name

Sunday Stealing...

 Thanks to Bev for today's questions!  Join in HERE!

Sunday Stealing

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 Kwizgiver

1. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive-through?  Drive-through.

2. Have you ever lost anything down a toilet?  No.

3. Do you have a dog?  No.

4.  Ever go camping? Yes, as a kid.  

5. Have you met anyone famous?  Yes.

6. Any plans today?  Church and laundry.

7. Are you happy?  I am.

8. Where are you right now?  My living room.

9. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?  Having to work. No time off.

10. Last song listened to?  I don't pay attention.

11. Last movie you saw?  I don't remember.

12. Are you allergic to anything?  Wasp stings.

13. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?  Croc sandals.

14. What do you think of when you think of Australia?  The Irwins.  Crikey.

15. Do you use smiley faces on the computer a lot?  Not on the computer but do on my phone.

Peace & Hugs!

God bless America!

Saturday 9...

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

Some Gave All

 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: Some Gave All (1992)

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

Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle.

1) Here at Saturday 9, we regard everyone who served -- veterans and active military -- as heroes. Have you, or has anyone in your family, worn the uniform of our armed forces?  Yes.  My dad, my late husband, and a nephew.  We want to hear about them.  My dad joined at the end of WWII and didn't have to fight.  My Joe was Army Reserves and one of our nephews was a Marine.

2) Memorial Day has its own flag etiquette. In the morning, the American flag should be flown at half-staff in memory of those we have lost. Then, at noon, it should be raised briskly to full staff, in honor of all who have served. Where is the nearest flag flying from where you sit right now?  My carport and there are five or six more on my street.

3) Since 1988, motorcycle riders have participated in Rolling Thunder. In events all over the country, including Washington DC, bikers "Roll Together" to draw attention to service members still missing and raise awareness of mental health issues our veterans cope with each day. When have you most recently ridden a motorcycle? A scooter? A bicycle?  More than 40 years for a motorcycle, never a scooter, and a year or so for a bicycle.

4) This week's song is the title track of Billy Ray Cyrus' best-selling album. Named for this patriotic song, the album also included Billy Ray's signature song, "Achy Breaky Heart." "Achy Breaky Heart" is a popular choice on karaoke nights. Do you know it well enough to sing along?  I used to know all the words but would need to hear it again.  My grandpa had a sweatshirt with Achy Breaky Heart on it.  He loved it!!

5) Sandy Kane, the hero of "Some Gave All," is based on a real Vietnam vet Billy Ray Cyrus met and spoke to about his sacrifice for his country. Can you think of another song based on a real person?  Jesus Paid It All.

6) Memorial Day is the traditional kick-off of the summer season. Have you packed away your winter clothes yet?  I live in Florida.  Most of my clothes can be worn all year long.

7) As you answer these questions, is there a fan or an air conditioner cooling your room?  AC and a ceiling fan.

8) Memorial Day is also a holiday for retailers. Ads promise great prices on everything from grills to lawn decorations to high-tech gear and gadgets. Will you be shopping any sales this weekend?  Nope.  I don't like shopping that much and certainly not during holiday crazy times.

9) Random question: When is the last time you felt like a kid?  It has been a very long time.  

Love & hugs!!

Bless the Lord oh my soul, oh my soul – 

worship His Holy name.

Friday Fotos...

I had two more photos but deleted them by mistake.  Good grief!!  One was of the new sign at Southside Cleaners and the other one was of the front of Cheddar's restaurant, where the Mas Verde group ate dinner last night.  The food at our Cheddar's is always delicious.  I had grilled chicken and shrimp with broccoli. 

We were having another pretty heavy rainstorm again last night!  Glad I got home before it started!!

This is from my carport looking west.  The storm was
blowing in from the Gulf of Mexico.

And here is a short video I took so you could hear the rain.  It was LOUD and it really sounded like a hurricane is coming.  I didn't capture any of the thunder, which shook the house a few times. Crazy weather and it isn't hurricane season yet!!

So that's all I've got today.  I am having an early supper at Fred's Market, with my friend Shirley and her son, David, who did buy a house here in Lakeland to be nearer his mom.  I am so happy for Shirley that David is here now.  Tomorrow, Saturday, I am off to Punta Gorda to see the Grands!!  

Peace & Hugs!!

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God almighty 

Who was and is and is to come...

Whimsical Fashion Spree 2023...

 

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

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

It is all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

This one stood out for me because it is different.  A bit vintage-like and classic.  Count down on the shoes 1-2-3 and tell us which ones you like best for the dress.  It's all for fun and only dress-up!!

My thoughts:  Well, I like the lavender color even though it is not a good color for me.  The satin fabric is shimmery and beautiful.  As for the shoes, they are all too high but for some reason, I am leaning toward pair #3 this week.  The dress needs a little bling, perhaps.  What are your thoughts?  Maybe this would work for a mother of the bride?

Peace & Hugs!

Here in the love of Christ, I stand!

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

A big thanks to our hostess, Joyce!! You can be a Hodgepodger by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 505

1. May 24th is National Brother's Day. Do you have a brother?  Yes, but he died of cancer at age 48 back in 2003.  Older or younger?  Three years younger.  Did you raise brothers?  I didn't raise them but they became mine when I married their dad.  They were 16 and 20.  Tell us something about your brother or tell us something about your own children who are brothers.  

My brother, Paul Randall Kelly (Randy) was an amazing man.  He was giving, caring, fun-loving, a very strong believer in Christ, and led Bible studies (and more) for his church.  He was an amazing son, brother, husband to Jo Anne, and father to Sara and Michael.  He volunteered for Habitat, he was a business owner, put himself through college (Ohio University) doing construction work, and then fought cancer for seven years.  Sara was 15 and Mike was 10 when Randy died.  Our family lost such a special person but so did his community and all who knew him.  We all still miss him.  He would be so proud of Jo Anne as a single mom to the kids, who are both brilliant and successful and strong. 

Me and my little brother!

My boys!!  Joey & Jeff. 

I am so blessed to have these two amazing men in my life.

2. A great book you've read or a movie you enjoy that features brothers?  Ha!  How about The Godfather!! 

3. Something you think is overrated? Beauty.  Something you think is underrated? By many, the amazing power of prayer!

4. How much does your past shape you?  My past shaped me but it doesn't define me.  (I've heard that quote before!)  What parts have shaped you the most?  My parents, for sure (my secure childhood), and then learning to navigate life after a divorce and even now, as a widow.  I like to think I am still being shaped and my God is the sculptor!!  

5. What's your favorite simple pleasure?  Ice cream is one and I haven't had any for weeks and weeks.  I may have to 'cheat' on the diet soon!  I've lost 17 pounds according to my doctor's records (but only 14 since I started the diet and keeping track here at home).

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Do any of you like Ancestry.com and the two shows on TV... Who Do You Think You Are?  and Long Lost Family?  I've been streaming them both (for a second time).  Genealogy fascinates me and I need to start working on mine again.  It can be all-consuming though.

Peace & Hugs

Psalm 139:13-14

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Tuesday 4...

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

What Things.....

 It's time for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

Questions about your life........

1. What makes you tired?  Drama. 

2. What things do you value in life?  Family, friends, my faith, my home...

3. How do you want others to see you?  Full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-controlled.  I fail often but keep trying.

4.  What things do you enjoy most and find most relaxing to do?  I've mentioned my 'happy place' before (my recliner) and a good show on TV.  I also enjoy my friends and a good meal with them (family too).  Blessed.  Grandson Tristan is in Florida and we are having lunch on Saturday at our meeting place.  Lauren too!!  Happy Grandma here!!

Peace & Hugs!

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

Hello dear friends!

It sure felt good to sleep in on Saturday!!  The cats didn't even bother me for their breakfast!  I made MY breakfast and the house smelled so good.  Chopped peppers and onions sauteed until soft then scrambled eggs mixed in.  I've been enjoying Keto tortillas (zero carbs) so had two of those as well (3-inch street taco size).  Coffee, of course. The cats got their breakfast as well (Fancy Feast).

I ignore my bathroom most of the time, wiping down now and then but not really deep cleaning so got some of that done.  Sorry if that's TMI.  It really doesn't get that dirty now with just me using it!   I also used the little carpet cleaner I have in the guest room.  My guest rooms have WHITE carpets in them.  I have hated it since we moved in, but they were new and looked nice.  Now, after six years and sick cats who liked the guest rooms as sick rooms, they have become hard to clean.  Even the professional cleaning company I use can't make them look nice anymore.  The carpet will go as soon as I can make that happen.  At least they look a little better.  One of the cleaning products I used previously turned the carpet grayish in places.  Clean but ugly.

Y'all know I watch too much TV.  I blame my sister for getting me hooked on Night Agent, found on Netflix.  I am also streaming Poker Face on Peacock.  I finished all of the episodes of Homestead Rescue and miss it already.  I like the Raney family.  Yesterday, I streamed through several episodes of The Chosen, season three.  So well done.  Brokenwood (Acorn) has a new season, too.

I went to Sunday school and church.  Yesterday was our last Sunday school until mid-August.  I can sleep an extra hour on Sundays this summer but I will miss our study of Genesis and my friends in the class.  We will pick up chapter 22 when we get back to it.

I went to Publix after church for a few things I couldn't get at Sam's Club on Friday.  I've mentioned my 'new' friend, Suzette, before.  She left Lakeland a couple of months ago to go back to her northern home.  Imagine my surprise when she was right in front of me, in the frozen food section.  I was looking for Brussels sprouts and she was looking for Stauffer's stuffed peppers.  We both squealed and hugged right there in front of everyone!  She is back for her grandson's graduation. We have already scheduled lunch for Memorial Day and Wendy is joining us at Ovation Bistro.  Yay!

I see my cardiologist after work today.  Just my 6-month check-up with him. Wishing you all a great week ahead!!

Peace & Hugs!

Leaning on the promises!!

Sunday Stealing...

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

Stolen from The Book of Questions

(I hope I haven't published this before; it feels like I might have)

1. When you tell a story, do you often exaggerate?  I suppose it depends on what the story is but I am a terrible liar.  If it is a funny story, I might elaborate a bit...

2. If a friend was almost always late, would you resent it or simply allow for it?  My pet peeve is people who are always late and just expect you to wait on them.  I don't.

3. Can you be counted on to be on time?  On-time is late for me.  I am always early (which can also be a problem!).

4. When did you last yell at someone?  It has been a long, long time.  Why?  Yelling accomplishes nothing - even when I yell at one of the cats.  LOL

5. If you could have free, unlimited service for five years from an extremely good cook, chauffeur, housekeeper, masseuse, or personal secretary, which would you choose?  I just answered this one on the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Housekeeper!

6. Would you be willing to go to a slaughterhouse and kill a cow?  It is not something I want to do but I could if I had to.  Joe's family owned a meat market and slaughtered livestock every week (Joe grew up doing that) and my youngest son is a meat manager for Safeway.  My dad was a hunter.  I know from where my food comes.  Do you eat meat?  I do eat meat and can't imagine being vegetarian.

7. Do you feel ill at ease going alone to either dinner or a movie?  What about going on a vacation by yourself?  I have gone to a movie alone and have eaten out by myself.  It is not something I enjoy doing.  I like having someone to interact with. That said, I can't see myself going on a vacation by myself but I have and will do a road trip with destinations planned and people to see along the way.

8. Would you like to be famous?  That is a definite no.  In what way? I am a behind-the-scenes person.

9. Would you rather play a game with someone more or less talented than you?  I don't really like playing games.  I will if that's what everyone wants to do but I really don't care.  I am happy if I win but am just as happy losing.  

10. Is there something you've dreamed of doing for a long time?  Going to Scotland.  Why haven't you done it?  Too expensive.  Joe and I went to Italy and that was amazing so I know I am blessed.

11. If you were at a friend's house for Thanksgiving dinner and found a dead cockroach in your salad, what would you do?  I would say something and would not eat any more salad.  

12. Would you accept $10,000 to shave your head and continue your normal activities sans hat or wig without explaining the reason for your haircut?  Yes!  And then I would go to Scotland when my hair grew back a bit!!

13. If you were able to wake up tomorrow in the body of someone else, would you do so?  Nope.  Whom would you pick?  God knew me in the womb and I will be happy with what He gave to me.

14. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?  Not a thing.  I had great parents and siblings and grew up in a small farming town with friends and neighbors I would not give up knowing for anything. 

15. What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?  I am uncomfortable and sometimes disgusted when I hear people making fun of disabilities.  Death is not funny.  Violence is not funny.  Poverty is not funny.  Etc., etc.

All hail the power of Jesus’ Name! 

Let angels prostrate fall 

Bring forth the royal diadem 

and crown Him Lord of all.

Saturday 9...

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

Mirrors

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 are today's questions!

Saturday 9: Mirrors (2013)

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

1) Is there a mirror in the room you're in now?  Nope.  None in the living room.

 

2) In this song, Justin Timberlake tells his lover he just can't wait till they're together. What are you eagerly looking forward to today?  Having nothing on the calendar!!  I do need to get some cleaning projects done.

 

3) Justin Timberlake is known as a sharp dresser who is always on trend. What item have you recently added to your wardrobe?  A new top.
 

4) Justin was an accomplished child performer who appeared on the entertainment competition show Star Search when he was just 11. When Crazy Sam was 11, her only job was loading and unloading the dishwasher, for which she received an allowance from her dad. Did you have chores when you were a kid?  I sure did.  I am the oldest of four kids and both parents worked so I was the after-school babysitter, dinner starter, and house cleaner.

 

5) He says he tries never to miss breakfast, even on the road, and his favorite is peanut butter banana pancakes. Given the choice, do you prefer pancakes, french toast, or waffles?  French toast for sure.

6) When they were still in their teens, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears were sweethearts. Obviously, it's been easy for him to keep up with her successes and problems over the years. Do you wonder what one of your exes is up to?  My high school steady died several years ago.  I have no idea where my first husband is now and don't really care.

 

7) In 2013, when this song was popular, Pope Benedict resigned. Thinking of your working life, have you felt greater stress on your first day at a job or your last? Definitely the first day.

8) Also in 2013, the NHL owners reached an agreement with the players union and avoided a strike. Have you ever belonged to a union?  No, and don't believe they have a place in the world today, 

9) Random question: When was one of the first times when you felt like an adult?  When I moved into my first apartment as a single woman.  I was 29.

 

Peace & Hugs!

My Comforter, my all in all. 
Here in the love of Christ I stand

Friday Foto Friends...

 

I have some photos to share today!

I mentioned earlier that one of my co-workers has resigned and is making a career move.  We are happy for him but are really sad that he is leaving.  We had a cookout at our Derby Lake yesterday.  We had hotdogs cooked on the grill and I took baked beans, and potato salad, and made brownies.  We got a photo of all of us - me and "my guys".  Paolo is sitting center and not smiling.  That's the seven of us, soon to be six.  I told you before that I'm the office granny!

Of course, I had to do this...  and he still didn't smile.

There was actually a gator floating under this dock but by the time I

got closer, it was gone and my phone camera couldn't catch it.

From the dock, looking back at the Pavillion.

Derby Lake... no gator to be seen.

You can see Mom, Dad, and baby Osprey in the nest.  They were unhappy that we were in their space and were quite vocal about it...

This is how far away were really were...

That's all I have!  Happy Friday and I wish you a blessed weekend ahead!!

Peace & Hugs!

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound...