October 31st: Friday Focus...

 

I am writing this on Thursday evening, and all day I kept thinking that tomorrow is Saturday.  Fridays come around fast enough without skipping over them completely!!

Today (Friday!), I am off to the Gulf Coast with Susan and Sandy for a girls' day out.  We will visit John's Pass and have lunch over there after doing some shopping.  We ladies do have fun together, and I count my blessings all the time that Joe and I moved here back in 2017, and that our little neighborhood includes fast friends who are wonderful people.  I will have photos to share on Monday!  

Yesterday (Thursday), I had lunch with my friend, Cheryl, and her brother, Craig, who is here visiting.  We went to Cracker Barrel.  It was fun catching up with them.  Cheryl paid for my lunch and Craig's.  His birthday is next month, a few days before mine, and Cheryl said it was her early birthday gift for both of us.   That was nice.

I missed going out with my dinner group last night because I had that late lunch with Cheryl and Craig.  They tried a new restaurant, The Peach House, and Judy sent me a message that it was very good and everyone wants to go back.  That made me happy, since I suggested it.

On Sunday, I am a greeter at church.  I'm on the schedule the first Sunday of every month.  Next Sunday, our monthly potlucks will begin again.  Tables are set up on the church's veranda, so we don't sit out there when it is so hot.  The weather is perfect for it, now.  I always take a main dish casserole, but I haven't decided what I will make yet.

It is time to turn the clocks back to standard time!  It's nice to get that extra hour of sleep, but it still messes with my head.  Happy Halloween, by the way!

Peace and Hugs!

His Word shall not fail you-He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

October 30th: Whimsical Halloween Fashion Fun...

 

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

Take a look at the dress and choose the shoes you like best for the look.

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

Photos are always from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

This is as close as I could get to a Halloween costume for today's fashion fun.  Perhaps she is a fashionable witch?  Count down on the shoes, 1-2-3, and tell us which ones you like best for her night on the town!  It's only dress-up!!

My thoughts:  The dress is definitely for Halloween.  I can't imagine it being worn for any other event or holiday.  As for the boots, I'm choosing #1 for fun, but would wear #3 if I had to.  What are your thoughts?  

Are you dressing up for a party this year?  Do tell!!

Peace and Hugs!

Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn and caldron bubble.

Fillet of a fenny snake,

In the caldron boil and bake;

Eye of newt and toe of frog,

Wool of bat and tongue of dog,

Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting,

Lizard's leg and howlet's wing,

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

--Wm. Shakespeare, from Macbeth

October 29th: The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to Joyce for today's Hodgepodge!!  Y'all can join the fun by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 626

1. Are you a risk taker? To what degree?  Kinda sorta.  Sometimes you know you just have to go for it.  I try to be smart about taking risks, so I will drag my feet until it feels okay to go for it.  Maybe that takes some of the risk away...

2. What's your favorite candy? Would you say you have a sweet tooth?  It is hard for me to resist toffee and caramel.  If one or both have a chocolate coating, it's even better.  I confess that Heath bars will sometimes jump into my grocery cart in the checkout line.  I do tend to gravitate to salty more often than sweet.

3. Somewhere you've been recently that had you a feeling 'like a kid in a candy store'?  It wasn't at the Nordstrom Rack that just opened down the street.  I was disappointed in it.  Can I just say it is when Amazon delivers a box at my front door?  LOL

4. What do you think is the most effective way to make a positive change in the world?  Honesty, trust, and respect.  And honoring God.  Pray.

5. Do you like surprises?  It depends.  I'm usually up for a fun surprise, but not one that costs a bunch of money - like a tire blowing out, or a car battery that stops working, or a broken appliance, etc.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I'm off to Tampa again today, with Anne and Paul.  He is scheduled for several tests at Moffitt, so it will be a long day for them.  Prayers appreciated!

Peace and Hugs!

Jesus loves us, this I know!

October 28th: The Tuesday 4...

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

Weathering the Storm

It's time for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  After Toni passed into Paradise, I wanted to keep her memory and her meme alive. When thunder and lightning happen, cats, dogs, and squirrels like to be in a small, safe enclosure. Inside animals will hide under beds, outside, they are appreciative of a box or a little house to hide in. People are no different, it seems.

1. Do storms frighten you or make you cautious?  Hurricanes certainly make me cautious, but a heavier thunderstorm doesn't bother me too much if I am safe in my home.

2. What is the worst weather you can remember?  Hurricane Milton was the worst one I've been through since moving to Florida in 1989.  

3. Are you in a personal storm right now, and do you need our prayers to help you through it?  I think many bloggers are prayer warriors indeed.  I am always ready to offer prayers, and I believe in the amazing power of prayer.  I am not going through a personal storm right now (praise God!), but my friends, Anne & Paul, could sure still use your prayers for him to remain in remission.  He is fighting acute leukemia.  Larry and Sharon, as well.  Larry is having a hard time with a rare blood cancer.  

4.  What is the best advice you can give to others about weathering storms of any kind?  Pray.  Remember that God is in control.  Trust Him!!

Peace and Hugs!

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer!

Thy wings shall my petition bear

To Him whose truth and faithfulness

Engage the waiting soul to bless.

And since He bids me seek His face,

Believe His Word and trust His grace,

I'll cast on Him my every care,

And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

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PS:  I forgot to mention in yesterday's post that I finally made it to the new Nordstrom Rack on Sunday after church.  I still had to park a quarter mile away, but I wanted to check it out.  I doubt I will go back.  Even at their outlet prices, the items I looked at are overpriced.  I've been so spoiled by Amazon and Amazon Fashion.  A nondescript blouse, for instance, had an "original" price of $139 and was marked down to $32.  How ridiculous is that!?  Brand-name purses were still marked at over $150. I am not a shopper, and certainly not a shopper who can pay prices like that.  My opinion only.

PSS:  No problems found at the Dentist yesterday!  I go back for my 6-month cleaning in May.  Whew!

October 27th: Monday Musings...

 

Hello, blogging friends!  Another Monday has rolled around!  Hoping you all had a good weekend!

I had lunch with my dear friend, Shirley, on Friday.  We met at Glory Days, and we both had the Friday Fish Fry.  My meal wasn't as good as it usually is when we go there.  Shirley enjoyed hers, but I think I'll try something else from the menu next time.  We did sit there and chat for nearly two hours.  It's nice that we don't feel hurried to give up our table there.  

On Saturday morning, neighbors Susan and Sandy, and I left Lakeland for Lake Wales and their annual Pioneer Days Craft Fair.  Lake Wales is east of Lakeland, and it took just under an hour to get there.  It was a fun morning.  Here are a few photos I took...

I took this photo of the tree to show how the wind was blowing!  

The moss was almost horizontal!

This lake is Lake Wailes (not like the town, Lake Wales).  It was choppy in the wind.

We all bought boiled peanuts.  Sandy had never had them before.  

She didn't seem too impressed! LOL, Susan said it is an acquired taste.

I only purchased yummies to bring home...

We left Lake Wales just after noon and decided to stop in Bartow on the way home for lunch.  We ended up at Perkins, where Susan and I had 'breakfast' and Sandy enjoyed a soup and salad combo.  We were happy with our choices and enjoyed more chit chat.  

I went to church yesterday and started my two loads of laundry when I got home.  Neighbor Anne came over to chat for a bit.  She is still parking in my driveway while their newly painted driveway dries and is safe to drive on (this coming Saturday).  When they can park at home again, I will have my driveway done and will park over there while mine is being done and has time to dry completely.

I will go to the dentist this morning (well, noon) for my six-month check-up.  I'm not expecting any problems, so fingers crossed they don't find anything!

Wishing you all a good week ahead!!  Thanks for your visit!

Peace and Hugs!

All hail the power of Jesus' Name!

Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem,

And crown Him Lord of all,

Bring forth the royal diadem,

And crown Him Lord of all.

October 25th: The Saturday 9...

 Thanks to Crazy Sam for hosting today's 9 questions!  You can join in by clicking HERE!

Do You Know the Way to San Jose?

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 memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: Do You Know the Way to San Jose (1968)

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

 

1) In this song, someone moves to Los Angeles looking for "fame and fortune" but ends up with a job "pumping gas." Today, the majority of service stations are self serve, so very few people pump gas for a living. Can you think of another job that used to be common but doesn't exist anymore?  Full-service check-out at our Dollar Tree.  Self-checkout should at least give one a 10% discount.

 

2) The San Jose travel bureau advertises "300 days of sunshine" every year. How is the weather where you are today?  Absolutely beautiful!!  Temps in the mid-80s with no humidity.  Delightful.

 

3) Lyricist Hal David became fond of San Jose when he was stationed there while in the Navy. Tell us about a place you visited that you have affection for.  Italy.

  

4) Composer Burt Bacharach grew up and worked primarily in New York until his marriage to actress Angie Dickinson. She had to live in Los Angeles for her career, so he relocated and remained a Californian for the rest of his life. Where do you feel most at home? (It doesn't have to be a city. It could be your favorite chair.)  Right here in Lakeland, Florida, and sitting in my happy place (recliner)!!  I've lived here longer than any other state or city - 36 years!  This is home.

5) Dionne Warwick thinks this week's song is "dumb." She won her first Grammy for "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and, decades later, still sings it in concert, but she has not changed her opinion of the song. What is something everyone else seems to like but you just don't get?  Hallmark movies.  Sorry.

 

6) Now in her 80s, with more than 60 years in show business, Dionne still enjoys performing. She told a reporter that she loves looking out into the audience and seeing an arm go around a shoulder, or a couple begin holding hands, when they hear her sing "their song." What song reminds you of a special romance?  The theme song from the movie Flashdance was the first song Joe and I danced to on Monday evening, August 1, 1993.  We laughed about it every time we heard it.  He thought it was a slow dance.

 

7) In 1968, when this song was popular, The Doris Day Show premiered. The show was, initially, a surprise to its star. Her manager/husband died suddenly without telling her he had committed her to a weekly sitcom. She was not pleased but honored the contract. Think of the last time you were surprised. Was it a happy or sad surprise?  It's been a long time since I was surprised, happily or sadly.  Nothing specific is coming to mind.

 
8) According to the Social Security Administration, the most popular baby names of 1968 were Lisa and Michael. Are there any Lisas or Michaels in your life?  I have a nephew named Michael, and I have a niece named Lisa.

9) Random question: What are you looking forward to this week?  I am off to a craft fair called Pioneer Days, over in Lake Wales.  Neighbor Susan is going with me, and hopefully neighbor Sandy will too.  The weather should be ideal!  I have a dentist appointment on Monday and am not looking forward to it.  There will be X-rays, and I have a very quick gag reflex that drives the Dental Tech crazy. 

Peace and Hugs!

Take your passion

And make it happen

Pictures come alive

Now I'm dancing through my life

October 24th: Friday Focus...

 

Friday sure got here fast!  

I've had a busy week.  You already heard my neighbors' good news that Paul is in remission.  He still needs to visit the Moffitt Cancer Clinic to make sure he remains in remission and nothing slips backward.  I will take them over this coming Wednesday, and then they will have to stay in Tampa (not in the hospital) for another week, so he can have three more days of intensive testing.  Anne isn't comfortable driving in Tampa.  Paul is driving here in town, but he isn't comfortable driving for an hour.  It's all understandable, and I am glad I can help them out.  

Yesterday, we didn't have Bible study at the church.  Our Pastor traveled west to visit with his mom, and to also celebrate his birthday with his twin brother.  We have a guest Pastor this Sunday.  I ran some errands to the bank and to Publix.  I helped Anne move their patio furniture into their shed.  They are having their driveway painted.  Bob and Sandy, next door to me, had theirs done, and I am on the painter's calendar after Anne's is done.  We are all juggling cars around because we can't drive on the freshly painted surface for seven days.  It's nice that we are all good friends and don't mind some of the temporary inconvenience that goes with getting the work done.

Last night, my dinner group went to Metro Diner.  It is always good. There were seven of us because Bob and Sandy are away for a few days.  I had teriyaki salmon with broccoli and mashed potatoes.  It was yummy and less than 800 calories!  I had just put the extra butter on the broccoli and it hadn't melted yet (explaining that blob on the broccoli)!

I am having lunch with my sweet friend, Shirley, today.  We are meeting at Glory Days.  After lunch, I plan to pop into a new-to-Lakeland store, Nordstrom Rack.  The grand opening was yesterday, but I had no desire to brave the crowds, so I will see if I can get in today.  It is located in the space where Bed Bath & Beyond used to be.  I loved BB&B and hated when it closed.  Do any of you have experience with Nordstrom Rack?

Tomorrow, Susan and I are going to a craft fair in a neighboring city.  I'll have more to share about it on Monday!!

Wishing you all a good weekend ahead!  Thanks for your visit today!!

Peace and Hugs!

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

O for grace to trust Him more!

October 23rd: Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

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

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

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

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty!

A very sweet, classical look to share with you this week.  Which shoes should she choose?  Count down 1-2-3 and tell us what you think!  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  I really like this gown and wish I were thin enough to wear it, and that I had a place to wear it!! LOL  (Wouldn't it be pretty in an aqua color?)  As for the shoes, none would be in my closet, but this week I'll choose #3.  What are your thoughts?

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.

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Give thanks, indeed!!  Paul is in remission.  To those who have him on your prayer lists, thank you!  He isn't done with care and treatment at Moffitt, but Praise God for today's report!!  Anne and Paul invited me to dinner at their house last night, featuring pizza and wings from Jet's Pizza.  Their kids called while I was there, and it was all upbeat and happy.  Paul is doing great!!

October 22nd: The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 A big thanks to our hostess, Joyce, for today's questions!  Be a Hodgepodger by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 625

1. What do you like most about your family?  That even though we have experienced pain and loss, and more than a little drama and anxiety now and then, we are still loving, supportive, sincere, and count our many blessings all the time. 

2. What's something nice that's happened to you recently? Having my friends, Brooke and Judy, visit.  They got home yesterday after a very long night spent at the airport because of a missed flight.  I was happy to get this photo of them in their own car, headed home.  Exhausted but happy to be back in Maryland!

3. Do you like the color orange? Besides a pumpkin and an actual orange, what's something orange you love?  I have a couple of tops that have orange in them.  It's not a solid color I would usually wear.  The curtains in my living room are a terracotta color, and I do love them!  

4.  What's something you have now you couldn't have imagined having five years ago? How does that make you feel? What's possible now because of it?  Five years ago, I wasn't a widow and didn't imagine being one, but that's my current status.  It makes me feel sad, still, but I am strong and independent and can move forward, honoring Joe's memory.  I think he would be proud, and that means the world to me.

5. Let's wrap this one up with an October this or that...

• pumpkin bread or apple cider donut
• cozy sweater or cozy hoodie
• apple picking or pumpkin picking  Someone else can pick!!
• scary movie or Hallmark movie   Not fond of either
• hay ride or corn maze
• twinkle lights or candles
• autumn hike or autumn bonfire

6. Insert your own random thought here.  My guests got home (see above) yesterday.  I got towels and sheets washed, dried, and put away.  I did some dusting and vacuuming yesterday morning.  It was also trash day, and I went out to pull my trash cans back in place, ending up chatting with Susan and then Bill.  Anne came over with Halloween/Fall decorations that she is giving away (she cleaned out a closet!).  I took this beautiful glass pumpkin!!  Score!!

Today I am taking Paul and Anne back to Moffitt Cancer Center so he can have bloodwork done there to follow up on his treatment.  Fingers crossed that we hear the word 'remission' and can celebrate on the way home!  Prayers lifted!!

Thanks for your visit today!  I am slowly catching up on blogs I've missed over the past few days.

Peace and Hugs!!

Jesus, Thou art all compassion,

Pure unbounded love Thou art;

Visit us with Thy salvation;

Enter every trembling heart.

October 21st: The Tuesday 4...

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

Autumn Nights

 Once again, Blogger failed to auto-post, so I am posting it myself anyway.  I understand if it's too late.  If no one joins in, I will repost it next week.  So sorry about this.

Autumn evenings were always special when I was a kid.  The day ended early, and the family gathered in the living room where my mother and grandmother watched a little TV and my father sat on the sofa reading and smoking his pipe.  My parents enjoyed a cup of coffee and sometimes a snack.

1. Does your life go along in the same way all year, or do things change with the seasons?  Here in Florida, life goes along pretty much the same, no matter the time of year.  Perhaps the only difference would be staying inside more in the summer months.

2. Do you have a favorite meal on a chilly night?  Soup.  Chili is always good in our cooler months.

3.  Do you have a snack while you watch TV or read?  I have ice cream most nights.

4. Do you have a fireplace in your home?  No.  No fire pit, either.  We had a fireplace in Virginia, but not for the last 36 years, here in Florida.

Peace and Hugs!

O for that flame of living fire,

which shone so bright in saints of old;

which bade their souls to heav'n aspire,

calm in distress, in danger bold.

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My friends left yesterday and got to the airport with time to spare.  Then their flight changed gates, and they didn't make it to the new gate in time to board.  They are stuck in Orlando, but do have a flight out this morning.  I don't like to fly, and the reason I don't is the airports.  I really hate airports.  I'm sorry they were stuck, but happy they are getting home today.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I am behind again, but I will get caught up today!

October 20th: Monday Musings...

 

Good Monday morning!  

My friends, Judy and Brooke, are heading back to Maryland today.  We had a fun weekend, though, and I do have some photos to share!

We had reservations for an airboat ride on Friday, at 10:30.  We arrived with no time to spare, but the three other folks who were also booked were chill and happy to wait on us old ladies while we went to the ladies' room before we got on the boat!  If you know, you know!!  

I've been taking folks to Grape Hammock Fish Camp for airboat rides
since 2009 (the earliest pictures I could find in my camera roll).
They do a wonderful job and are knowledgeable about what we see and the history
of the Kissimmee River and Lake Kissimmee.

Livia and I sat up with our driver.  Judy and Brooke were in the second row, and the people we didn't know sat in the front row.

I took a selfie of me and that's the driver, Keith.

Livia

We saw a lot of deer, but this buck was sporting some really big antlers!

A baby alligator.  Keith said it is only a few days old.  

They hatch from eggs, by the way.

We interrupted an eagle.  Caught him flying away.

A baby bison on the left, and a large male bison (I say buffalo) on the right.

Keith stopped the boat and took our picture for us.

Open water isn't as much fun as the shallows, but it was exciting to fly across the lake.

It is always nice to see our flag flying proudly!

There were four cows in the water, munching on the grass.  

Brooke caught this one on her camera.

It was great fun and the weather was beautiful.

Saturday was just a lazy day.  Brooke had an appointment for a facial.  Judy and I watched some TV while Brooke was gone.  I made a pork tenderloin with golden potatoes and sweet potatoes on a sheet pan.  It turned out so good.  Brown sugar and butter on everything, baked at 400 degrees for 50 minutes.  The meat was moist and tender. Yum!

We all went to church yesterday, then Brooke and Judy went to visit an aunt who lives here in Lakeland.  They got back in the early evening.  I did my usual laundry and just relaxed.

They will be off to the airport at around 4:00 today.  We have had such a good time!!

Thanks for your visit today!  I wish you all a blessed week ahead!

Peace and Hugs!

Because He lives,

I can face tomorrow!

Because He lives,

All fear is gone.

Because I know

He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!