Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 Happy Halloween!

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

Check out the dress and tell us which shoes you like best for the look.

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

The photos are from the Storybook of Dreams and Beauty!

I didn't find any costumes but this vintage 1950s dress would work as a throwback outfit.  Count down on the shoes 1-2-3 and tell us which ones you like best for her vintage look.

My thoughts:  I love this vintage look and might have worn it many years ago.  As for the shoes, I'm torn because none of them are true to the period.  I will choose #2 and then dye them lavender or pink.  What are your thoughts?  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing.

Peace and Hugs!

In every condition,

In sickness, in health,

In poverty’s vale,

Or abounding in wealth;

At home, or abroad,

On the land, on the sea,

“As your days may demand,

Shall your strength ever be.”

[Deuteronomy 33:25]

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to Joyce for today's hodgepodge of questions!  You can join the fun HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 575

1. What are your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate as much or as little as you like.  At this advanced and retired age, my priorities are to just live each day and keep loving Jesus, my pets, my family, and my friends.  I am also trying to lose some of the weight I've gained over these past three years and to get out and walk at least three days a week.

2. What's one thing you wish you had more of?  Just one?  Money. Time. Energy. 

3. Do you celebrate Halloween? If so, what are your Halloween traditions? Any special plans for Halloween this year?  I don't pass out candy.  We stopped doing that at our other home when the kids who came knocking were teens who didn't even dress up.  Fun for the little kids, but there comes an age when begging needs to stop.  Here in Mas Verde, there is a decorated golf cart parade followed by snacks at the clubhouse.  No trick-or-treaters come here.  I will sit in the carport to watch the parade go by.  No other plans.  

I received this photo from my niece.  This is the little guy who we don't post photos of but he has on some big sunglasses so I'm posting this photo.  They went out on Beggers' Night as Blues Brothers.  So cute!!  Some communities in Ohio designate the Saturday before Halloween as 'beggers' night so the kids aren't out late on a school night.  It has been that way since I was a kid going out in my little hometown.  Makes sense.

4. Last thing you ate that contained chocolate? Last thing you made that called for chocolate?  I had a chocolate chip cookie.  I don't remember what I made last that called for chocolate.  Probably brownies (from a mix).

5. Do you prefer laid-back weekends or do you like to have a lot of plans? Thinking back to this past weekend... which was it?  I prefer laid-back weekends.  I actually prefer laid-back weekdays too!!  I did have plans last Saturday with dinner company.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Mr. G is here working on the living room floor.  The cats are not happy with all the disruption.  I hang out in the kitchen and they hang out with me.  They do not like closed doors and things not in their proper place.  Temporary inconvenience for permanent improvement!!

Peace and Hugs

Crown Him the Lord of Peace,

Whose power a scepter sways

From pole to pole, that wars may cease,

And all be prayer and praise.

Tuesday 4...

 A big thanks to Annie for today's questions!  You can join in HERE!

Personally Speaking

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

We have come to the final week in the lovely month of October. Halloween is days away and November is about to burst onto the scene.

I thought it might be nice for you to have another chance to tell a bit about yourself.   

1  Are you named for anyone? Yes.  Is there a story behind your name?  The story I have always heard was that when I was born, Great-Grandma Verda Lee was confined to bed as a result of a stroke.  When Mom and Dad took me to "meet" her,  she held me and kept saying "Oh biddy biddy hun" over and over.  My middle name is Lee, after my great-grandma, Verda Lee.  I think she approved...

2. Where were you born?  I was born in Washington Court House, Ohio.  What town and at home or hospital?  I was born in the Fayette County Memorial Hospital during a December snowstorm.  This is the Court House, not the hospital...

3.  What were your parents like? What kind of home or apartment did you live in?  I was so very blessed with parents who loved us, supported us in every way, and who showed us what a loving home is supposed to be.  Dad grew up on a farm and mom was a city girl.  Dad loved to hunt and fish and took anyone who asked on a boat ride.  They were snowbirds here in Florida (Leesburg) and this is my dad, mom, and my Joe on a boat ride on Little Lake Harris.  Mom is often referred to now as an Angel.  She didn't have a nasty bone in her body.  She loved Jesus, loved her husband and her kids.  She was a great cook, loved to laugh, and loved her grandchildren.  Both of my folks left this world too soon.  Dad died of lung cancer at age 63 (1989) and mom died of colon cancer at age 65 (1995).  I sure do miss them.

This is the house they brought me home to, from the hospital.  We lived there until my brother was born.  I was three when we moved to a larger home.

4.  Do you have a nickname?  Lots of nicknames.  How did it come about?  I don't know how they happened, except for Terri (my "real" name is Teresa).  For some reason, my siblings and I all have "proper" names that were rarely used.  Terri for Teresa; Randy for Paul Randall; Patti for Patricia; and Tammy for Tamara.   As for other nicknames... my dad referred to me as T or T Lee.  My co-workers at the art museum called me Terri D (because there was another Terry - she was Terry A).  I was called "Kelly" in high school (my maiden name) and several friends now call me T or TD.  I answer to them all.  Hardly anyone can pronounce my last name (Door san e oh).

Peace and Hugs!

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God

Monday Musings...

 

Friday was a lazy day for me.  Mr. G finished in the guest rooms and I love, love, love the new floors!! I did run a few errands while he finished up.  I started moving things back in on Saturday...

I'm still working on the rooms because they now hold stuff from the living room.  Mr. G starts the living room today and will take it in thirds so we can juggle the furniture and not need to move things too far.  

Danon, Mali, and Monika came over on Saturday.  The meal of fajitas, yellow rice and black beans, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream (etc) was well received and they took some leftovers home with them.  We played Aggravation before having dessert - cherry or apple pie with ice cream.  It was a fun evening.  Mali won one game and Monika won one.

Sunday school and church yesterday.  I did two loads of laundry and spent a couple of hours moving things out of the living room - lots of breakables.  Mr. G moves the furniture, thank goodness.  I have too much 'stuff' and will continue purging as things are moved in and out.  I'm also changing some of the furniture around. Little bits here and there.  It feels good to be sorting.

Thanks for checking in!!  Wishing all a blessed week ahead!!

Peace and Hugs!!

Jesus, thank you!

Saturday 9...

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

Me and Bobby McGee

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: Me and Bobby McGee (1971)

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

1) The song begins with Janis telling us about a trip from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Have you ever visited Louisiana? If yes, where did you go?  Yes, I  have visited Louisiana!  Joe and I loved going to New Orleans.  I've been four times, three of them with Joe. The last time we were there (in 2015 for our 30th anniversary), we also went to Baton Rouge.

2) She and her boyfriend Bobby hitch a ride with a truck driver and together the three of them sing "every song the driver knew." If you were to begin a sing-along with strangers in a bar or at a party, what song would you be confident everyone knows?  It's not a good song for a party but the first one I thought of was "Yesterday".  

3) Janis had a painful time in her Port Arthur, TX, high school. She was ostracized for her looks and her taste in music. If you could give advice to your high school self, what would you say?  Don't marry him!! (But then I probably wouldn't have met Joe... )  I really wouldn't change the past.  God has always been in control.

4) She credited the blues and Bessie Smith, specifically, for getting her through her tough adolescence. After she became famous and mentioned Bessie in interviews, Janis learned Ms. Smith had been buried in an unmarked grave back in 1937. Janis rectified the situation by paying for a proper tombstone for Smith in 1970. If money were no object, what's something you would like to do for someone else?  I would buy a new car for my sister and I would help a few other folks who I know need some extra help.

5) Because of her party-girl persona, people were surprised that Janis had a domestic side and enjoyed talking recipes. Thinking of cooking, what dish would you whip up for our Saturday 9 potluck?  Baked ziti.

6) "Me and Bobby McGee" was written by the late Kris Kristofferson. Kris' life before hitting it big was varied, including time in Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, focused on English literature, and serving as a helicopter pilot in the US Army. Which career path do you think you'd enjoy more: academia or the Army?  Academia.

7) In 1971, when this song was popular, the US Mint introduced the Eisenhower Silver Dollar. Think of the last thing you bought at a store. Did you pay with cash, plastic, or your phone?  Plastic, at Publix.  Just before I went to Publix, I picked up a couple of things at Big Lots and used plastic (my debit card - maybe that's considered cash?).

8) England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971 and in honor of the occasion, she had an official portrait taken by fashion photographer Norman Parkinson. Who took the most recent photo of you?  Probably someone at my nephew's wedding last month.

9) Random question -- There's a knock at your door. Who do you expect it is?  Mr. G to work on the floor installation or his wife to check on the progress. We have the weekend off!  The two guest rooms are done!!  Living room next!!  Yay!

Peace and Hugs!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow...

Friday Fotos...

 

Happy Friday!  I do have a few photos to share today.  On Wednesday, while Mr. G. was working on the new flooring, I went through a box of photos that had been stuffed in one of the closets.  I had "digitized" most of the old photos, except for that one last box.  There were over 400 photos and I have them all in my phone now (Google Photos).  It took a few hours but time was available and I did it in the kitchen, away from the noise.

My grandkids' mom (Kathy) always took a picture of them at the beach, from the back.  This is one of them that was in the box...

So one year I made this painting from that photo, for Christmas.  It isn't great, but I had fun doing it and Kathy seemed to like it.  

The second guest room floor is done!  I am so happy with my choice of color.  He just has to put the baseboards back and then we can move the furniture back in both rooms and he says he can start on the living room next.  More stuff to move, but I am excited to have it done.

There is a thin layer of dust on everything, but it's not as bad as I was expecting. He has been keeping the doors closed as much as possible.  That said, I do need to do a little cleaning because I am still entertaining Danon, Mali, and Monika tomorrow evening.  I'm making fajitas with chicken and beef and some sides.  It is always a fun party when we get together.  Fortunately, they are "kitchen friends" so I can leave the dining room table piled with books, lamps, and other stuff from the guestrooms.  Danon and Mali got new flooring at their house last year, so they know about the mess.

Peace and Hugs!

Come and behold Him,

The One and the Only!

Cry out, sing holy!

Forever a Holy God.

Come and worship the Holy God!

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

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

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

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

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

Classic beauty.  That was my first thought when I saw this gown.  I can't wear navy and couldn't pull off this dress now (maybe many years ago) but it is lovely and looks great on the model.  Count down on the shoes, 1-2-3, and tell us which ones she should wear.  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  The shoes are all pretty but I'm choosing pair #2 because it looks a bit more comfortable than the other two.  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to Joyce for today's hodgepodge of questions!!  Y'all can join the fun HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 574

1. Monday was National Apple Day...did you eat an apple or enjoy something made with apples on Monday?  I did eat an apple on Monday!  Do you like apples? Yes, I like apples and prefer crisp and tart.  Do you prefer your apples raw, baked, or in cider?  I like them raw, cooked into applesauce, or as cider.  Do you have a favorite variety of apple?  My regular readers will know that my answer to this question is the Cortland apple.

2. Do you think there's any truth to the saying 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'.  They are good fiber in your diet and keeping things moving through the digestive system is good for our bodies.  Of the following healthy habits which do you find easiest to incorporate into your life and which is the most difficult for you to adopt-  The easiest is eating breakfast and getting enough sleep.  No trouble with either of those.  I will have to say that getting plenty of water is the hardest for me, followed closely by getting enough exercise.

adequate sleep, a balanced diet, plenty of water, eat breakfast, don't smoke, exercise, limit alcohol,  include fruits and vegetables in your diet, manage stress, limit screen time

3. Who taught you how to drive?  My dad taught me to drive.  Do you enjoy driving?  I do enjoy driving, especially on back roads with no congestion.  Would you rather be the driver or the passenger?  I don't mind driving but it is nice to just be a passenger now and then.  Do you have a favorite scenic drive near you?  No, not really, but I do enjoy driving down to Punta Gorda for lunch with the grandkids every couple of months.  It isn't scenic as much as it is just enjoyable.

4. What small habit has had a big impact on your life?  Prayer and morning devotion time.  My day doesn't seem right if it hasn't started with thanking Jesus.

5. Tell us about something nice that happened to you recently.  It is nice getting my flooring project started.  That probably isn't what this question is about but the faster it gets done, the faster I can put things back in place and not be seeing this every day!!

Progress after one day (guest room #1)...

6. Insert your own random thought here.  My small community group from church meets tonight.  We have had a long break over the summer because of surgeries, illnesses, and travelers.  They met last month, while I was in Ohio, and I am so happy to be going this evening after saying I wouldn't be there because of my foot surgery (which is canceled).  We are finally starting the Bible study on Habakuk!!  It should have been me hosting tonight, but even without the surgery, I couldn't have a dozen people here for dinner with my house in the state it's in.  I am so happy to be getting back together with these dear friends who have become important in my life in many ways.  Hooray!

Peace and Hugs!

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life’s first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

‘Til He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

The Tuesday 4...

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

And When October Goes....

 

   Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

"And when October goes

The same old dream appears

And you are in my arms

To share the happy years

I turn my head away to hide

The helpless tears

Oh, how I hate to see October go".. Barry Manilow

1. What do you hate to see go?  I will be happy when October is over because our hurricane season will almost be over. 

2.  How's the autumn weather in your part of the world right now?  This is Florida.  The humidity is lower, which is always nice.  Evening temperatures are lower and daytime temps are staying in the high 80s.  Nice.

3.  Anything on your reading list for autumn? What are you reading/watching right now that you would share with us.  I never have a reading list and my reading mojo is on hiatus right now.  I've been watching British TV here and there.

4.   For many, religion keeps them going with promises of better things to come.    But there are other things that help along the way.  What things/people/thoughts, keep you going on your way?  Family and friends who care and are constants in my life and allow me to be the same for them help keep me going.  Having pets brings joy - at least mine do.  And chocolate.

UPDATE:  Some may have missed yesterday's update on my foot surgery.  The cardiologist couldn't see me in time for the pre-surgery consult so it got canceled.  They wanted to do it next week or the week after but I asked that they schedule it for January so that's what we did.  It's not urgent, so now I can get through the holidays before I think about it again. Done and done.

Peace and Hugs!

For the beauty of the earth

For the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,

This our hymn of grateful praise.

(Verse 3 yesterday and verse 1 today!)

Monday Musings...

 

Monday got here pretty fast, even though Saturday felt like Sunday to me, for some reason.

Friday morning, I went to Keke's for brunch with my friend, Shirley.  We enjoyed our time together and the good food.  When we parted company, I went to Sam's Club to pick up some things for my dinner party with my former boss, Danon, his wife Mali, and our Florida Trails friend, Monika.  Fajitas and all the trimmings.  All set.

I worked in the guest rooms, getting things sorted and emptied in preparation for the new floors project that starts TODAY!

On Saturday morning, I went to the "celebration of life" for the granddaughter of my friends, Robert and Diana.  Makayla was only 10 years old but that church was filled with her friends and their families.  There was a video, her gymnastics team did a dance routine, her mom and dad both spoke (I don't know how they did it), and the pastor was amazing.  

I did find out what the accident was that took her sweet life.  There were a bunch of kids having fun in an ORV, splashing through the mud after Milton and it flipped over.  The driver (15 years old) and all the other kids were ejected but the vehicle landed on Makayla. The men were able to lift the vehicle and two of the moms there were nurses and started working on her.  She was air-lifted to the hospital but died later that night.  So very sad.  Your prayers offered for the family and the friends who witnessed the accident, as well as the driver who may never get over it, are very much appreciated.  Here is a LINK to the Sheriff's report that was published. 

I continued working in the guest rooms when I got home.  My house looks like a construction zone and the work hasn't even started yet.

Sunday school and church yesterday, followed by three loads of laundry and I finally got the rooms done and they are ready for Mr. G. to begin.  I gave his wife a key to the house yesterday because I am having an early lunch with Cheryl this morning (at Keke's - LOL).  I am hoping to get the final clearance from my cardiologist today so my surgery can move forward tomorrow.

That's all I have except to ask those who pray to include me for a successful foot surgery tomorrow and quick, painless healing. Thank you in advance!

UPDATE:  My foot surgery had to be canceled because cardiology couldn't get me in for the cardiology consult before the surgery tomorrow.  Just a whole bunch of stupid stuff with no communication between doctors.  That's okay.  I'm doing it in January now.  All is well.

Peace and Hugs!

For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends on earth and friends above,

For all gentle thoughts and mild.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,

This our hymn of grateful praise.

The Saturday 9...

 Thanks to Crazy Sam for today's nine questions!  You can join the fun HERE!

Autumn in New York

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: Autumn in New York (1947)

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

1) In this song, Frank Sinatra sings that autumn in New York is inviting. How are you enjoying fall where you are?  Yes!  Our temps have been in the 70s during the day and it has been wonderful!

2) He tells us the "canyons of steel" (aka skyscrapers) make him feel like he's home. What's something you love about your neighborhood?  That it is safe and the neighbors here care about each other.  

3) Frank Sinatra was self-conscious about the scar on his cheek. The doctor used forceps to deliver him and left a mark. Tell us about one of your scars.  When I was 13, at about this time of year, I was carving a gourd with a 'pumpkin' face and the knife slipped.  I had 11 stitches and just missed the tendon.  It has faded through the years but is always a reminder to be careful with knives!

4) Frank was a creature of habit. Every time he visited Patsy's Italian Restaurant in New York he ordered the same dessert: lemon ricotta torte. Do you enjoy trying new dishes, or do you prefer to stick with your old favorites?  Just Thursday night, out to dinner with Mas Verde friends at Reececliff, I usually take a piece of my favorite coconut custard pie home with me to enjoy later.  For some reason, the chocolate cake with lots of thick icing looked really good to me.  It was not very good and I tossed it after three bites.  Should have stuck with my favorite pie.

5) "Autumn in New York" was written by New Yorker Vernon Duke during a hot summer vacation in Westport, CT. Have you ever been homesick?  I have contemplated this question a few times.  I really don't remember ever being homesick.  I have missed family and friends, but I wouldn't call it homesickness.

6) In 1947, when this recording made the Top 30, Daniel and Patricia were the most popular baby names. Are there any Daniels or Patricias in your life?  My sister is Patricia (Patti) but she wasn't born in 1947.  No Daniels that I can think of.

7) Elton John was born in 1947. When you think of Elton John, what's the first song that comes to mind?  Rocketman.

8) Radio was America's most accessible form of entertainment in 1947 and a mystery, The Adventures of Ellery Queen, was one of the most popular shows. Do you enjoy mysteries?  I do enjoy mysteries.

9) Random question: What were you most excited about when you woke up this morning?  That I was having brunch with my friend, Shirley, at Keke's. (Writing this Friday night.) Now that I'm retired we can meet earlier and enjoy Keke's, which closes at 2:30.  I was there with Anne last week, with Shirley this week, and will go next week with Cheryl.  Yum!!

Peace and Hugs!

For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends on earth and friends above,

For all gentle thoughts and mild.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,

This our hymn of grateful praise.

You've Been Boo-ed...

 A few of my readers hadn't heard of this fun activity, so here are the instructions and the website.

It is lots of fun, especially in our senior community.  We don't get trick-or-treaters.

A Friday "Currently"...

Currently:

I have no new photos to share so let's give this a try instead.

Outside my window:  The supermoon is shining high in the sky but I am not in a good place to take a picture.  This was sent to me by a (former) coworker from Tenoroc. I am writing this on Thursday night.  So pretty!

I'm thinking:  About my new refrigerator that has died on me.  Not from the storm.  The repairman (under warranty) said they sold me a lemon.  The repairs will cost about as much as a new fridge.  I am leaving the decision to the warranty people. Glad I have a backup.  My 20-year-old fridge, which used to live in our garage at the other house, is working great.

I'm enjoying:  Being able to take a hot shower again!!

I'm grateful:  For still having a roof over my head and dry floors.  My heart aches for so many who lost so much, including loved ones.

I'm loving:  Friends and family who care so much and keep checking on me.

I'm a little sad:  I'm a lot sad for my friends who lost their 10-year-old granddaughter, Makayla.  The service is this Saturday.  I'm planning to attend.

In the kitchen:  I lost a lot of food from the storm and need a trip to Sam's Club (maybe today) to replace some meat and to also get supplies for fajitas.  I'm having  Danon, Mali, and Monika over for dinner on the 26th and I promised Mexican.

A thought:  I got "Booed" a couple of days ago.  It's a fun thing that happens here just before Halloween.  We don't do trick-or-treating here but we do Boo people.  I delivered three bags of goodies to three of my sweet neighbors last evening.  It is supposed to be a secret thing, but my neighbors have Ring Doorbells so they always know what's going on.  Teehee.

Giggling at:  Even if I had worn a hoodie and tried to hide, my neighbors would know it was me.  

Peace and Hugs!

It's close to midnight

And something evil's lurking in the dark

Under the moonlight

You see a sight that almost stops your heart

You try to scream

But terror takes the sound before you make it

You start to freeze

As horror looks you right between the eyes

You're paralyzed

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

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

Check out the dress and pick the purse you like best for the outfit.

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

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

The weather is just about right for this dress, even here in Florida this week!  Count down on the purses, 1-2-3, and tell us which one you think she should carry.  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  I like this dress, and it could be hanging in my closet. I would wear it!  The color is good for me and I like the length.  I wouldn't wear boots, but I could carry any of those purses.  I think I'll choose #3 though.  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?