The Saturday 9...

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

Thank You

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


Saturday 9: Thank You (2000)

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

1) This week's song begins with Dido complaining about her day, but then she sees a photo of a loved one that reminds her "it's not so bad." What was the most recent photo you took?  I posted it yesterday.  It was a picture of my Thanksgiving t-shirt.

2) She admits that between a hangover and her finances, she's got a headache. What's your go-to headache remedy?  Thankfully, I don't get headaches very often.  Tylenol is the only pain med I can take because I am on blood thinners.  It usually works.

3) Though her given name is Florian, her family started calling her Dido when she was very young, so she considers it her "real" name. Which is not to say she likes it. She said being christened one name but called another was confusing when she was a little girl. Plus, since neither Florian nor Dido are common monikers, she didn't appreciate the way her names made her stand out at school. "I used to wish I'd been named Claire," she says. Do you like your name? Do you feel it suits you?  I've lived with my name a very long time now.  I'm not crazy about Teresa, but feel like Terri.

4) In 2000, the year this week's song was on the charts, AOL merged with media giant Time Warner. In 2022 it was estimated 70% of us check our personal (not business) email daily. That's down from 74% in 2020. How often do you check your email?  A couple of times a day.

5) "Thank You" is this week's song because November 28 was Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year?  I am thankful for each day and what it brings.

6) At the first Thanksgiving, there were no forks. Pilgrims ate with spoons and knives. How many forks were at your Thursday place setting?  Two.

7) It's estimated that nearly 50 million pumpkin pies are baked for Thanksgiving. Was it on your Thursday menu?  Anne brought a pumpkin pie that she got at Sam's Club.  I had a piece with whipped cream.  It was okay.  I'm not fond of pumpkin anything - except my mom's pumpkin bread.

8) A recent poll revealed that we are a divided country, with cranberry sauce being named both most and least favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Where are you on this controversy?  I love cranberries, homemade or canned.

9) The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and sales. Walmart, Best Buy, and Target all advertise heavily on Black Friday. If you could have a $100 gift card from one of those stores, which would you choose? What would you buy?  I rarely shop at those stores but I've been to Target more than the other two.  Target is less than two miles from my house.  I don't know what I would buy.  Probably groceries.

Peace and Hugs!

Oh, little town of Bethlehem...

Friday Fotos...

 

Thanksgiving was enjoyable and the food was all good (whew!!).  I totally forgot to get a picture of my friends and the food, but we were all satisfied and had a great time.  Here are a few photos I did take...

The table, set for just four of us...

Some fall decorations on the sideboard...

I had fall leaves around the light...

The wreath on the door...

On a shelf seen as anyone comes in the front door...

This is the LEFTOVER turkey!!  Anne took some home and I gave some to Bill, across the street. Dee is vegetarian, so Bill was happy for some turkey.  I froze three bags to use later.

I meant to have someone take my picture wearing my new Thanksgiving shirt.  I forgot, so here it is, lying on the bed after I took it off.

Thankful, grateful, and very blessed indeed!  I will begin to put fall things away and will start getting Christmas things out today and tomorrow.  Hard to believe it is the first Sunday of Advent already!! 

Thanks for your visit!!

Peace and Hugs!

Mary, did you know...

Happy Thanksgiving!

 No Whimsical Fashion Fun today.  I am thankful for all of my friends here in blogland!!  Click on the link below for a Jacquie Lawson Thanksgiving card.

God bless!!

https://jlcards.com/yb9Bi0

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to Joyce for today's Hodgepodge questions!  Y'all can join in HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 579

1. Talking turkey...are you cooking the turkey this year?  Yes, I am!  Does ham belong on a Thanksgiving day menu? I do ham for Christmas.  When it comes to gravy do you pour it over your whole plate, skip it altogether, or land somewhere in between?  Gravy, on my plate, goes on mashed potatoes, stuffing, and a spill over on the turkey.  Cranberries-homemade or jelled right out of the can?  I love homemade cranberries but Joe liked the jelled from a can, and that is what Anne is bringing.   Do you look forward more to the main course, the savory sides, or the desserts?  What I really look forward to are the leftovers, especially turkey sandwiches.

I know there are at least a couple of bloggers who participate here who live outside the US and won't be celebrating Thanksgiving. If that's you feel free to adapt this question to your December (or any) holiday meal.

2. Holiday movies...tell us your favorite and what it is about the film that makes you love it. Is it the film itself or a memory it stirs?  Holiday movies begin on Thanksgiving with Miricle on 34th Street (the original one) and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.  After that comes Christmas - Wonderful Life, Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, any Scrooge movie, and so many more!!

3. A favorite way to give back and help others? My church supports the local Parker Street Ministries (for children).  I always contribute to that effort.

4. Name a place or setting you encountered this month that made you feel grateful.  I can't think of one thing or place.  I truly feel grateful every day. Thank you, Jesus.

5. Knowing what you know today, if you could redo yesterday what would you do differently?  Dare I say drink more water every day to avoid kidney stones? Yes!

6. Spill your own random thought here.  There is so much to be thankful for and I feel blessed beyond measure.  Amen.

Peace and Hugs!

1. We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
   He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
   The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing;
   Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

No Tuesday 4?

I don't see a Tuesday 4 posted yet and it is nearly midnight on Monday.  I am up this late because I spent the last seven hours in the Emergency Room.

Friends, I had my first and hopefully my last kidney stone.  I won't go into how sick I was but I called Dee, my across the street neighbor, and asked her to call 911 for me.  I have never felt that much pain.  I was really scared. I seriously thought it was appendicitis.  

My neighbors fed my cats, put my trash cans out, and came to get me when they released me.  How blessed am I to have such great neighbors who are also dear friends.  They brought me a bottle of water and a protein drink for the drive home.  Wow.

I had a CT scan and they didn't see any kidney stones, but there was good evidence that I passed it.  I am so happy it is gone and I feel fine.  Praise God.

That's all I've got.  I am tired but feel very blessed.

Peace and Hugs!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!

Monday Musings...

 

I am so happy THIS Monday has come!!  I finished organizing my workroom, put a table full of this and that in the carport on Saturday, and invited anyone to take what they wanted.  More than half of the things were gone when I went out at 2:30 to see what was left.  I boxed up what was left, put it in my car without a second glance, and will go today to donate it.  Done and done!!

The turkey is in the fridge so it can thaw by Thursday morning.  Thanksgiving is sorted and will come together just right.  There won't be a houseful this year, but a shorter table is fine and good friends will be the best dessert (though there will be pumpkin pie and pecan pie)!

After Sunday school and church yesterday, I did my usual two loads of laundry, and I made a pot of chili that will taste even better today!

There is nothing on my calendar until Thursday so I have plenty of time to tidy the house, get some baking done ahead, and plan my table settings.  Come the weekend, I will be sorting through Christmas decorations and getting them pared down to (hopefully) just one tote instead of FIVE.  I'm on a roll and I'm not looking back!! 

Peace and Hugs!!

God bless America!

The Saturday 9...

 Another fun Saturday 9 from our hostess, Crazy Sam.  Y'all can join in HERE!

My Baby Just Cares for 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 memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: My Baby Just Cares for Me (2016)

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

1) Michael Buble sings that his lover doesn't care much about the theater or new clothes. Which have you done more recently -- attended a play or movie or added to your wardrobe?  New clothes. I haven't been to a play or movie since before covid.

2) This song was first performed in 1930, 45 years before Buble was born. What pop song do you love that is far older than you are?  Not sure there are any that I "love" but this one was in the top 20 in 1951...

3) The video for this song features a spinning vinyl record. Do you still have a turntable?  No,  It's more than 30 years since I had a turntable.

4) Michael is currently appearing on The Voice. Are you watching this season?  I love The Voice and am watching it this season. 

5) Of all his albums, Michael Buble's Christmas CD is his top seller. Now that we're in the month of November it's time for you to weigh in: When do you think it's appropriate to start playing holiday songs?  I don't "do" Christmas until after Thanksgiving.  I don't want Thanksgiving to get lost.  It's too special and needs to be well celebrated.

6) He unwinds by fishing, and he's very good at it. Fishing is a sport that requires lots of gear. Is there anyone in your life that has a hobby or passion that makes them easy to shop for?  My sister, Tammy, likes anything crafty, so crafting supplies/tools are an easy gift for her.  

7) Michael is a good cook and enjoys whipping up spaghetti bolognese. What's on the menu at your home this weekend?  Nothing special.  I don't plan meals if no one is joining me for a meal.  So I will probably grab something from the freezer to thaw out, randomly, and  I will eat it for two or three days.  That's how I roll.  I haven't learned to just cook for one, except for a quick breakfast.  I do keep Marie Callendar's pot pies in the freezer and they make a quick supper.

8) In 2016, when Michael Buble released this song, the United States Postal Service posthumously honored child star Shirley Temple with a postage stamp. Decades after leaving Hollywood, she served as US Ambassador to Ghana. Could you find Ghana on a map or globe?  I know it's in Africa, but I would have to search for it.

9) Random question -- You neglected that soft drink and now it's gone flat. Do you drink it anyway or dump it down the drain?  I will dump it down the drain.  I don't drink soft drinks often but I have Diet Pepsi in the fridge.  I drink more water or iced tea.

Peace and Hugs!

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing.

He chastens and hastens His will to make known.

The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.

Sing praises to His name; He forgets not His own.

Friday Fotos...

 

I'm still working on the reorganizing and purging, but I took some photos to share...

Guest room with twin beds...

Guest room with queen bed.  Casper sleeps there most of the time.

I have a few quilts and decided to get a ladder to display them.  They fit behind the guest room door where a big bookshelf used to be.

Looking into the dining room and kitchen. I love the floors.

The kitchen (it was dark and I forgot to turn on the light.

Boxes of stuff to be donated.  I need to make them go away before Thanksgiving!

Looking back into the dining room from the kitchen.

The master bedroom...

It is all still a work in progress.  The "den" "workroom" "sewing room" etc. etc. I've been doing about two hours a day and it is beginning to take shape.

And this is in the entry/living/dining room.  It used to be full of too much glass and ceramics.  I moved my art books there, pulled family photographs into one space, and kept just a few special things I couldn't part with.  It still looks busy but it is a nice change and feels a little cozier to me.

The new floors are the star of the show!

Peace and Hugs!

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

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

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

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

The photos are from the Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

Unusual and vintage and whimsical!!  Count down on the shoes, 1-2-3, and tell us which ones you like best for this dress.  Where would you wear it?  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!!

My thoughts:  You know I love seeing the vintage fashions.  This is not a dress I would have purchased or worn but I do really like it.  I think I'll pick #3 today. The heel is lower and the gold matches the embellishments on the dress.  Where is this dress being worn?

Peace and Hugs!

This is all my hope and peace,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

This is all my righteousness,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to our hostess, Joyce, for today's Hodgepodge!!  You can join in HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 578

1. What was your favorite part about growing up in your hometown?  Millersport, Ohio, still has less than 1,500 people inside the town limits.  We knew our neighbors (and everyone else in town).  It was safe and friendly and life-long friendships were born there.  I am still a "small-town girl" on the inside.

2. Do you prefer 'material' gifts or 'experience' gifts? If you answered experience, tell us about one you've received and truly enjoyed.  I don't think I've ever had an experience gift before but I'm sure I would enjoy it.  I am pleased when someone gives me a gift of any kind because they were thinking of me.  Always nice but never necessary.

3. Is brown a color featured prominently in your home decor?  Yes, two dark brown leather love seats.  Your wardrobe? I have two or three pairs of brownish slacks.  What's a favorite brown thing you own?  My love seats, I guess.  Of the brown foods listed here which one is your favorite and/or most often consumed... brown sugar, brown rice, pretzels, coffee, dates, cloves, German chocolate cake, whole wheat bread? I like all of those. I have coffee every morning.

4. Which 'Charlie Brown' character do you relate to most? If you're not sure, you can take a fun quick quiz by clicking here- Which Charlie Brown Character Are You?  or the one found here-Charlie Brown Quiz. I got the same answer on both.  I took the quizzes and the first gave me Charlie Brown.  The second gave me Marcie.  

5. What's a favorite item you've purchased this year? Dare I say new floors?!! LOL

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I placed a good-sized order with  Kroger delivery last night.  Turkey and everything I need will be delivered tomorrow.  Thanksgiving will be nice, but there are only four or five of us around the table this year.  More leftovers to share!!

Peace and Hugs!

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One;

Give thanks, because He’s given

Jesus Christ, His Son.

The Tuesday 4...

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

Day Dreams

 Hey.. you're back!  It's nice to see you again and you are so very welcome here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

While Miss Kitty dreams by the fireside, let's do some November Day Dreaming of our own.

1. Of all the places you have been is there any place besides where you are now that you would like to live?  I am pretty content right here in my home, in central Florida.  I've been here nearly 36 years and have been in this sweet community, Mas Verde, for nearly eight years.  I'm happy, feel safe, and am content.  

2. If you could dream a place into existence, what would you be dreaming it is like for you?  If May through August could be like October through April, it would be lovely - no humidity and no temps over 85° but still right here where I belong.

3.  Do you daydream often? What thoughts are usually in those dreams?  No, I don't daydream.  I don't know if I have ever done daydreaming.  I look at it like worrying.  Neither is worth the time spent.

4. What song or kind of music is perfect for daydreaming?  I don't have a clue, but this song came to mind...

Peace and Hugs!

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!!

Monday Musings...

 

You all will be thrilled when I tell you that Mr. G finished the floors on Friday and I've got my house back!!  All the rooms are in order, with the exception being my den/workroom, which still has some sorting to be done, but I am SO HAPPY.  No more floor talk now!! I will get some photos done to share, probably on Friday.

I actually had a very nice weekend!! On Saturday, I drove down to Punta Gorda for lunch with my grandkids.  They surprised me because their mom came too!!  I hadn't seen Kathy in a couple of years so it was nice to see her and catch up.  Most of you know that Kathy is my former daughter-in-law.  Joe and I maintained a good relationship with her (and her husband, Jim) and she has always been good to us and is still good to me.

Fisherman's Wharf is all decorated for Christmas, so we had pictures in front of the tree.

Tristan, me, Lauren, and Lauren's boyfriend, Jeremy

Kathy, Tristan, me, and Lauren

Milton hit Punta Gorda hard, and there was evidence of that all over, including in the marina.  Very sad...

But the view from the restaurant, out on the bay was beautiful on a beautiful day...

I had a text later Saturday from blogging friend, Cheryl (Sunlit Pathway)!!  She and her hubby, Pat, are in Lakeland visiting their son and his family.  They asked if they could go to church with me (the family had work to do at their church - I think that's what she said).  

Of course, they are welcome at Redeemer!!  Their granddaughter, Emma, was with them too, and we went to lunch after church.  Cheryl and Pat have visited many times, and they also knew Joe so our friendship goes way back.  Cheryl and I "met" first when blogging on Multiply, before we both moved to Blogger.  Such lovely people. Emma took a selfie of us at Glory Days Restaurant...

All in all... a beautiful weekend and the weather is finally also beautiful!!  No humidity and temps in the low 80s.  Ahhhhhh.....

The week ahead is pretty chill.  I see the dermatologist on Wednesday.  I have to go every six months because I had a couple of pre-melanomas a couple of years ago.  Bible study at church on Thursday morning, and dinner out with the Mas Verde group later on Thursday.  On Friday, I have lunch with my friend, Shirley.

Thanks for your visit!!  Tell me how your weekend went!!

Peace and Hugs!

You are here, touching every heart 

I worship You, I worship You 

You are here, healing every heart 

I worship You, I worship You 

That is who You are 

That is who You are