Thursday, August 28, 2025

August 28th, Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

There isn't a linky, and there aren't any rules.
Check out the dress and choose the shoes you think are best for the look.
It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!
The photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.


It's another vintage look, but her waist isn't quite as small as the last two vintage photos.  Whew!  Count down on the shoes, 1-2-3, and tell us which ones you think she should choose.

My thoughts:  It's not quite off the shoulder, but still not a style I would have worn.  I do like the look of the dress and will choose pair #2, just because the heel is lower.  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

August 27th, The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks (each week) to Joyce for today's questions!!  
You can be a Hodgepodger by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 617


From this Side of the Pond


1. When someone finds out what you do or where you're from, what's a question they always ask?   Where's that?  I'm from a tiny town in Ohio that no one has heard about, so my answer is always, "It is 30 miles east of Columbus."  Most people have also never heard of Lakeland (FL), so my answer is always "Lakeland is halfway between Orlando and Tampa."  We are actually closer to Tampa and are considered part of "Tampa Bay" (I dislike Orlando and don't go there unless I have to for some reason).

2. Did you participate in 'Greek Life' when you were in college, or have children who did? If so, what was your experience like? Taking another tack...have you ever been to Greece? If not, is that a destination on your bucket list?  I went to college later in life and did not participate in Greek Life, nor did either of my boys.  I have never been to Greece.  It is not on my bucket list, but I wouldn't say no to going.  It looks like a beautiful country.

3. Do you like Greek food? If so, what's your favorite dish?  I do like Greek food and enjoy visiting Tarpon Springs for the food.  We have a Greek restaurant here in Lakeland that I enjoy.  It's called Louis Pappas and got its start in Tarpon Springs as the Riverside Cafe.  We ate there many times and were sad when it closed.  A few years later, the smaller restaurants started popping up, and Lakeland got one!!    I love the Gyros, the chopped Greek salad, and the Spanakopita.

4. What incredibly common thing have you never done?    Gosh, I don't know.  I don't have a tattoo.  I've thought about it, but that's as far as it's gone.

5. What is a telltale sign that you're upset?  My face tells it all.  I can't hide my feelings, whether I'm upset, happy, sad, sick...  

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I'm heading out today on my little trip north.  It will be two full and wonderful days with my Ohio family and two full days in the van with my son (and maybe Darlene?).  I am posting this Hodgepodge and my Whimsical Fashion Fun ahead, but I won't be posting again until Tuesday.  Again, thanks for your prayers for travel mercies!!

Peace and Hugs!

Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all.

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

August 26th, The Tuesday 4...

 

A big thanks to Annie for today's Tuesday 4!  You can click HERE to join in!


Annie made an OOPS, and her post didn't get posted.

I have reached back five years into the archives and found an old Tuesday 4 to post.

Soda Pop!

Welcome to Tuesday 4 which was started by our friend Toni Taddeo and kept up in memory of her.

Different sections of the USA have different words and customs they use. Let's talk about them.



1. In New Jersey, you put your groceries in a paper bag or plastic bag. In Athens, Ohio where I went to university, you put them in a paper sack.
Is it a bag, sack, or something else where you live?  I think I use bag and sack about the same. I'm from Ohio but lived in Virginia for 12 years and here in Florida for 30 years. Some old-timers in Ohio might call it a poke!! :)

2. NJ says Stockings. Athens, Ohio used to call them "hose" and in Britain they are tights. What about where you live?  I have always called them pantyhose.

3.Soda, Pop, Coke? In Ohio we always said pop. Here I usually say soda.
 
4. Shopping cart or trolley or? What do you call it?  I say shopping cart. Once in a while, I might use a buggy though. 


It will be fun to see everyone's answers today! Joe got his teeth pulled and is resting with a mouth full of gauze now (as I write this), with an ice pack. He will be hurting for a couple of days. No hot foods and soft food only. Thanks to all who offered prayers!


Your visit here is so appreciated!
Peace & hugs!  God bless you!!

I didn't make any changes to my post from the archives.  It is fun to look back now and then.  Thanks for stopping by!!


Monday, August 25, 2025

August 25th, Monday Musings...

 









Sometimes the weekends just fly by.  Most times, the weekends just fly by!!

On Friday, I had my dear friend, Shirley, and her son, David, over for lunch to celebrate her birthday.  They are both celebrating birthdays.  David turned 63 yesterday (Sunday), and Shirley will be 89 on September 4th.  With my upcoming travels, I wanted to make sure to celebrate with her.  I will actually be at home on the 4th (her day), but I will be heading out again for Lauren's wedding shower, and I didn't want something else added to the week.  I got to celebrate both of them, which was great fun!

I hung the banner in the dining room...


Publix did the cake for me...


Simple setting...

And here they are...

Shirley requested pizza for lunch, and her favorite is Pizza Hut's thin-crust supreme.  I ordered it to be delivered, and we enjoyed it before dessert.  I also offered ice cream with the cake.

During lunch, Shirley said she was cooking lunch for David after church on Sunday and invited me to join them for David's actual birthday.  More than half the cake was left, so I told her I would bring the cake for dessert.  It tasted just as good as it did on Friday.  I had wrapped it well and put it in my Tupperware cake carrier, then put it in the fridge.

David is a retired Engineer and also served in the Navy.  He lived in Dallas, TX, for 28 years before retiring and returning to Lakeland to be closer to his mom.  Shirley lost her husband a year before Covid.  David bought a house about six miles from Shirley, but they go to the same Baptist church, and David is running the sound system during church.  He is the only child and needs to be here for his mom.  I was happy when he came home for her.

I puttered around the house on Saturday and didn't go out for anything.  On Sunday, Sunday school and church, lunch at Shirley's house, and then I got my laundry done.  I'm starting to think about what to pack for my trip to Ohio with my son, Joey.  We aren't sure yet if Darlene will be able to get away from the horses for five days.  They don't have as much help at the sanctuary since school started, and they lost a few summer employees.  I would love for her to be able to get away, but I am thinking it won't happen.  The main reason for this trip is to deliver the refurbished Lane cedar chest to my niece, Sara.  The chest was a graduation gift for my mom, back in 1948, and I am happy it is going to Sara as the next stop through the family.  Besides getting to see family, we will also get to attend the Millersport Sweet Corn Festival!!  I am so excited for these few days with family!!

I will stop here, and thanks for your visit!!  I will be taking a break during the trip, but will have stories and photos to document when I return.  Wishing you all many blessings in the coming week, and if you think about it, prayers for our safe travels will surely be appreciated!!  

Peace and Hugs!!

  •        Psalm 121:7-8:  
    "The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; 
  • The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore". 
  • Proverbs 3:23"Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble."
  • Isaiah 41:10"Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". 
  • Psalm 91:11"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways". 

Saturday, August 23, 2025

August 23rd, The Saturday 9...

 

Thanks to Crazy Sam for today's nine questions!  Y'all can click HERE to join in!!


We Belong Together

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 the posts of other participants 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, here are today's questions!

Saturday 9: We Belong Together (2005)

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

This month, we're going to recall Summer Songs. These will all be records that topped the charts during August.

1) Number 1 on the charts in August, 20 years ago, "We Belong Together" is about the end of this romantic relationship. Mariah sings that now she won't have anyone to talk to on the phone until the sun comes up. That was then. Today, many people prefer to text rather than to talk on the phone. Are you one of those people?  To a point.  Short texts are preferable, but sometimes there is just too much to say, and a phone call makes more sense.  I also enjoy hearing the voices of my loved ones.  I have never been much of a phone talker, though I can hold my own when someone calls me!

2) The video for this song features an elaborate wedding. Tell us about the last wedding you attended.  My nephew, Mike, got married to sweet Megan last October.  I went to Ohio for it and had a wonderful visit with family.


3) Mariah believes she inherited her musical gifts from her mom, who was an opera singer and vocal coach. When things were hectic in their household, Mariah recalls that music helped bring her and her mom closer together. Share a happy childhood memory featuring you and one of your parents.  I have lots of happy memories from my childhood, but since this is about music, my mom loved to sing, and some of my earliest memories are of her singing along with the radio in the kitchen.  For some reason, Blueberry Hill sticks in my mind as one of the songs she sang.  We sang in the car all the time, too, and my dad would join in.  Good times!

4) After graduating from high school in Long Island, Mariah Carey went to Manhattan in search of stardom. While waiting for her big break, she enrolled in beauty school and waited tables. Both stylists and servers receive gratuities for their services. Do you consider yourself a good tipper?  I do tip well for good service and usually round it up for more than the 20-25%.

5) The Fresh Air Fund operates six camps in the New York area to provide kids with a chance to learn and explore outdoors. They named Camp Mariah in Ms. Carey's honor to thank her for her support. Here's your chance to toot your own horn. Tell us about an honor you received. (Anything from a major award to a handmade drawing that says "World's Best Mom" counts. We want to hear about it.)  I've mentioned it before that my Relay For Life Team, Jeremiah's Friends, won three times for raising the most money in the small-group friends/family level.  It was a team effort, but one we were proud of to support cancer research and honor survivors and lost loved ones.  I was the team captain but had the support of the entire team, including Joe.

6) Mariah has mentioned she enjoys pizza and red wine. Will you be enjoying either pizza or red wine this weekend?  I had pizza yesterday with my friend, Shirley, and her son, David.  We had iced tea, though, instead of wine.  It was for an early birthday celebration.

Let's look at the summer of 2005.

7) The biggest news story that summer was Hurricane Katrina. This deadly and destructive storm killed over 1,000 people and did more than $100 billion in damage. Have you ever endured a natural disaster (such as hurricane, flood, landslide, tornado, blizzard, wildfire)?  I live in central Florida, and my answer is yes.  I have endured a few hurricanes, including Milton and Helene, just last year.  Thankfully, damage here was minimal.

8) Popular that summer was Kingda Ka, the new roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in Jackson, NJ. At the time, it was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. Have you been to any fairs or amusement parks this summer?  No.  It's too hot to go anywhere.  I did enjoy several outdoor trips when I visited Michigan and Illinois last month, but they weren't fairs or amusement parks. 

9) Award-winning American figure skater Alysa Liu was born in August of 2005. NBC Sports and their Peacock network report that figure skating events get high ratings. What's your favorite sport to watch on TV?  Since Joe died, I've not followed sports closely like I did with him (he loved sports).  I really enjoy the Olympics when they are on, and figure skating is one of my favorites.  I do peek in at other figure skating competitions between the Olympics.  (I used to love ice skating when I was a kid in Ohio.)

Peace and Hugs!

Your blood has washed away my sin,
Jesus, thank You!
Your Father’s wrath completely satisfied,
Jesus, thank You!
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table,
Jesus, thank You!


Friday, August 22, 2025

August 22nd, Friday Focus...

 


It has been a very chill week for me, and I've been loving it.  Last night, the Mas Verde group went to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse.  We hadn't gone there in a long time, so it was a fun evening.  There were 9 of us.  Sandy and Bob couldn't be there because they are off on a little trip.  I will miss next week because I'll be off on a little trip.  I ordered a sirloin steak that was SO GOOD!  I brought half of it home to have later today.  I did eat the salad and the baked sweet potato.  Yum!!  

Today I will be entertaining Shirley and David for a little birthday celebration.  I picked up the cake from Publix yesterday and will order the pizza when they arrive.  Pizza is what we do, and Shirley's favorite is a thin crust with 'the works' from Pizza Hut. 

I have no plans for the weekend other than Sunday school and church. Nice!

I've been playing with the app Revive, and made this vintage avatar from a photo of me...

Made me laugh.  It's fun messing with AI apps.  Speaking of apps... I have started playing with a coloring app.  Mari was doing them when I visited her in Michigan, and I found one I've been enjoying.  They are like putting a puzzle together, searching and finding.  Here are a few I've done lately...








I have done other scenes that aren't cats, but (of course) I always look for a cat to do.  Thanks, Mari!! 

Thanks for checking in today!  Your comments are always fun and welcome.  Have a blessed weekend!!

Peace and Hugs!

Proverbs 12:10:  "A righteous man cares for the life of his animals... 

Thursday, August 21, 2025

August 21st, Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

There isn't a linky, and there aren't any rules.
Help her decide which shoes she should choose for her outfit.
It's all for fun, and just a whimsical thing!
Photos are from the Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.


Another vintage look for today.  I remember when fashion magazines used to give us poor girls measurements to strive for... 36--24-36.  Not realistic for most of us!!  Count down on the shoes, 1-2-3, and tell us which ones you like best for her outfit.  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing.

My thoughts:  The model looks great, but that tiny waist almost makes me hurt!  I think #2 shoes go best with her look, but I am choosing #3 for comfort.  Just for the record, I do like the blouse and would wear it, untucked, with a pair of white slacks and a comfortable red flat!!  The double-strand pearls need to make a comeback!  What are your thoughts?

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.

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

August 20th, The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks, Joyce, for another fun Hodgepodge!  Y'all can join in by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 616


From this Side of the Pond


1. What's worth standing in line for?  Ice cream!!

2. Tell us about a favorite food-related memory.  I've written about Italy before, but I will tell it again.  In Orvieto, Joe and I visited an off-the-beaten-path restaurant for lunch.  I ordered white truffle pasta because I had never tried truffle anything before.  The entire experience, including the waiter shaving the truffles and lifting the domed lid from the plate, releasing the fragrant steam... was merely enhanced by the food, but suffice it to say that the pasta was truly exceptional.  I believe I have actually said that the meal experience there was 'better than sex'.  LOL

3. What are some things you find particularly peaceful or calming?  Having a purring cat curled on my lap.  A hot cup of coffee in the morning.  Loved ones in my living room.  A soft rain feeding the earth.

4. Is there something you do now that gets you just as excited as it did when you were a child? Reading a really good book!  I have loved reading since first grade, even though I have lately hit a slump of sorts.

5. To what degree are you in touch with friends from grade school? high school? college if you attended college?  Thanks to Facebook, I am in touch with many.  I'm from a small town and still have friends from fifth grade through high school.  (Kindergarten through 4th grade were in a town we moved 60 miles away from, so I don't still have friends from those earlier years.)  I didn't go to college until later in life, but I have many friends who started as coworkers in various jobs I've had.  I'm very blessed by the people in my life.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I don't usually have trouble with needle sticks when visiting the lab for bloodwork.  The phlebotomist yesterday morning was great.  I barely felt the stick.  She wrapped me up, and off I went.  At the elevator, I noticed that I had bled through the gauze and the elastic bandage!  Whoa!  Back to the lab I went and asked her to wrap me up again.  A bigger gauze and a tighter bandage did the trick, and I was off to Publix.  I ordered a birthday cake for Shirley and David, and will pick it up on Thursday for Friday's party.  I also got some vanilla ice cream to have with it.

Peace and Hugs!

Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.  --Colossians 2:16

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

August 19th, Tuesday 4...

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

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

 Hello!  You are so welcome here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  
 I hope you are enjoying the questions and the chance to blog about your likes, dislikes, and opinions, and find out about those of other people.  Be sure to visit around.  That is part of the fun.

Let's inquire about stuff....

1. What gets your blood boiling?  Stupidity.

2. What does a really good day look like for you? What makes you say, "That was a great day"?  That depends on so many factors.  A great day can be one with nothing to do but relax, or it can be full of activity, or it can be time alone or time with family and friends.  It just depends.  I don't have very many days that aren't good/great. Count those blessings!!

3. Are you continuing to grow mentally, spiritually, talent-wise, or are you just marking time?  I think I am continuing to grow in all of those areas.  I don't ever want to be just marking time!!

4. Have you changed your hairstyle since high school?   Why or why not?  This is so funny!!  I'll let you decide.  It was only 56 years ago!



Peace and Hugs!

Psalm 118:24 "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Monday, August 18, 2025

August 18th, Monday Musings...

 









Happy Monday!! 

I had such a nice weekend!  Friday was the girls' day out with my neighbors, Susan and Sandy.  We went to Mazzaro's Italian Market, over in St.  Petersburg.  I've been there many times, and I love going; I love introducing people to it even more.  Susan and Sandy seemed to enjoy it.  We all bought things, and they both want to go back... with a cooler so they can buy more good stuff!!  LOL


Everyone I take there has to pose for a picture like this...
Susan, making the face, and Sandy with the smile...

The wine room always has a nice sale wine, imported from Italy.  
I needed two bottles to refill my rack.

The cheese room had fresh mozzarella, young provolone, Irish cheddar, 
and pecorino romano.  I also purchased a package of soft rolls, some flavored EVOO, 
some truffle mustard, and Sandy and I shared a loaf of cinnamon babka.

I took this photo after I heated up half of the soup for my dinner.  
Had the other half after church yesterday.  It was delicious!


I always buy candied almonds when I'm there.

We had lunch from Mazarro's deli, then we walked across the parking 
lot to the store and spent some time and money there, too.  We also had some 
gelato before heading home.  It was a fun day.

On Saturday, Mali came by to pick me up for our day out.  We started with some shopping at Home Goods.  Then we headed to an open house at a place called  Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio.  Mali takes classes there, and they were having an open house.  It was fun seeing the things people were making.  Mali's item wasn't on display because it hadn't been fired yet.  I did run into a former coworker from the museum, and her husband, who was also there.  It was sure fun catching up with them. They have two kids, and the oldest is a senior this year.  I remember when she was pregnant with him.  Where does the time go?!!

We left there and headed to lunch.  Mali wanted fried green tomatoes, and Fred's Market has good ones on their buffet, so that's where we went. From there, we went downtown to the book launch event for her friend, Frances Hadley Ervin.  They were in college together, and they have stayed friends all these years.  Frances will have her PhD in January; she started a private academy here in town, and she wrote a book for young entrepreneurs. I ordered a copy of the book and will find a youngster to share it with.  Click here: Journey to Pathville.
 
They had sandwiches and cupcakes.
We had a cupcake, since we had just eaten.




Her publisher recorded a podcast, and there was a Q&A after that.

Frances's pastor was there, and he offered a prayer at the start.  
This photo should have been first.

Mali dropped me back at home, and it was nearly 6:00!!  It was a full and very fun day.

Sunday was church, laundry, Anne popped in from across the street to visit, and I started season 3 of Sullivan's Crossing, which I love.  It's on Netflix.

Blood work tomorrow morning for my usual 6-month checkup next week.  Thursday, the Mas Verde dinner group is going to Longhorn Steakhouse, and I am having a little birthday celebration for Shirley on Friday.  She will be 89 years young.  Her son, David, also has a birthday coming up and will join us.  Both names will be on the cake.

That's it for my Monday Musings.  Wishing you all a blessed week ahead!!  Thanks for stopping by!

Peace and Hugs!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow...