Labor Day Weekend, Day One

Our Saturday is moving along nicely!  I so enjoy lazy!!  After a late breakfast, we went over to our Lakeside Village shopping area, to pick up a few things at Bed Bath & Beyond. Goodness, I love that store!  From there, we popped into Sam's Club to get a prescription and a few things we always stock up on from there, including some gasoline for my car.  Sam's Club always has the cheapest gas prices in town.  Now we are getting ready for church. We go to the 4:00 Vigil Mass on Saturday afternoons, and are so happy to be back at 'our' church.  Happy, happy, happy.  The first CCW (Council of Catholic Women) meeting is September 16th.  I'm looking forward to it.

I let Joe decide which idea he wanted to do, for our road trip tomorrow. He chose the one I really want to do, so I hope we aren't disappointed.  We are traveling up to Mt. Dora, FL, which is a little town full of shops, antique stores, and restaurants. We'll enjoy that for awhile, before heading on up to a place called Silver Glen Springs. I've seen pictures of it, and it looks beautiful. I love Florida's natural springs, so look forward to discovering a new one.  I will definitely be taking photos to share.  Here are some photos from a website:  Glen Springs Recreation Area

All of that leaves Monday for my usual Sunday chores. Laundry and cleaning. It is nice having an extra day to play!

I hope your Saturday is going well, and I wish you a good Sunday!  Thanks so much for stopping by. Peace, love & hugs.

Friday's Five....

Good Friday to you!  Those of us in the USA are looking forward to a three-day Labor Day weekend!  Hooray!!

 I don't participate in the Random Five Friday, but thought I would list five things that come to mind on this Friday morning!

• I am taking my friend, Beverly, to lunch today. She has been one of our security guards, at the Museum, for quite a few years, and she has finally retired (at age 85!).  I missed the party they had for her, when we took Friday off to go to St. Augustine a few weeks ago.  I told her I would take her to lunch and today is the day!
• Along those lines, Joe and I are taking our neighbors, Bob & Ginny, to dinner tonight, to thank them for watching the cats and the house for us so many times these past months. We watch theirs when they travel, but we've been going a lot lately and wanted to do something to thank them. We're going again at the end of September, two weekends in a row. So grateful to have good neighbors!
• I am jealous about the cooler temperatures some of you are blogging about. We are still hot and steamy here in central Florida.
• I want to take a road trip this Sunday. Have a couple of things in mind. More later!
• Thanks for all the sweet thoughts, kind words and prayers yesterday. The funeral, for the Museum's architect and supporter, went well, and the tributes for my brother here (and on Facebook) were all so nice. You all helped make a sad day brighter!

 Wishing everyone a good day and a great weekend! What are your plans?  Be safe!  Peace, love & hugs.

Thought-filled Thursday....

I tend to get thought-filled when I have to attend a funeral. 

A long-time supporter and friend of the Museum (where I work) died last weekend.  He was 80, but full of life and still working!  He was the architect who designed our beautiful building, and stayed involved all these years, helping us with renovations and future plans.  Building operations is part of my department, so I worked closely with him on many projects and on our Building & Grounds Committee.  Ernie Straughn, of Straughn Trout Architects, will be missed by many.  Several of us are attending services for him this morning.

Today is also the 10th anniversary of my younger brother's death. He fought the cancer battle for seven years, before it took him from us, much too soon. He was only 48.  I've blogged about him before, and will again. His memory will live in my heart forever!  I was with him when he drew his last breath, along with his wife, Jo Anne.  When someone is suffering like that, it really is a blessing for them to move on to eternity with our Lord and Savior. I know where he is, and I know he is no longer in pain.  We are the ones who have to bear the loss of those we love and respect. We will meet again! Counting on it!

So, this isn't a necessarily a fun post, but it is my day, today.  For my prayer partners here, I ask for prayers for my family today, for Clara Straughn and the children/grandchildren, and for my co-worker's friend, Nancy, who had a lung cancer diagnosis this week.  Nancy fought breast cancer last year, only to find it has metastasized to the lungs. Cancer sucks.

Sorry for the downer post, but I thank you for your prayers!!  Wishing you a good Thursday!!  Peace, love & hugs!

Hodgepodge Wednesday!!

Whew - some deep questions this week!

1. Labor Day weekend (in the US of A) is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year?  Psalm 128:2  You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.  Since I still work full time, I labor over my job, which is 85% accounting and very detail oriented. But it is a labor of love.

2. What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?  Numbers.

3. What was your worst or least favorite job ever?  Why?  As the oldest child of four, I had a lot of responsibility at a young age, because both of my parents worked. I had to babysit after school, and looking back now I know how unfair it was for me to put myself in that position. Not that I minded the ‘work’ but my youngest sister – to this day – says she remembers me as more of a mom figure, than a sister figure (9 years between us).  I don’t fault my parents, they did what they needed to do, but I shouldn't have had to discipline my siblings and worry about keeping track of them.  I was too young to deal with that much responsibility – and I did feel responsible. I also had to get dinner started, with what mom had planned, and I had to clean the house once a week. I got an allowance of $4.00 a week for doing all of that!  I learned a lot.  Mom did get help once I got into high school and had after-school activities (and the kids were older, then, too). I didn't have to sacrifice high school activities as I got older. I wasn't tortured – I agreed to help, and I agreed to the ‘wage’.  It was my decision, but looking back I know it wasn't necessarily a good one.  So, babysitting siblings was my least favorite job.

4. How do you measure contentment?  Blessings - happiness with my job, my husband, my home; I am happy and very content with where I am, and who I am.  A little more money for retirement would be nice, but I count my blessings daily, and they are numerous.

5. Pickles-like or dislike? What is something you eat that requires a pickle? Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins...what's your favorite kind of pickle?  I like pickles of all kinds, but especially sweet gherkins.  I have happy memories of my mom’s home-canned bread & butter slices, but she is gone and so is the last jar of her wonderful pickles.  When she made chili for dinner, we HAD to have her pickles on buttered saltines.  We also had to have her green tomato relish with beef roast. Yum.

6. In your current house-town-state, what is it you like living close to?  We love being close to the beautiful Florida Gulf Coast beaches!  We are close to Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Busch Gardens and Legoland, too!  Lakeland is a great Florida location.

7. What is one thing on your 'want-to-do' list before summer draws to an official close?  There is nothing on my ‘want-to-do’ list for summer.  In Florida, we stay inside where it is cool during the soupy summer months.  September, October and November are the best months to get out and enjoy Florida!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  My answer about my least favorite job makes it sound like I had a horrid childhood. It really wasn't.  We didn't have a lot of extras, but we had everything we needed and lots of faith, love and support.  When I was old enough, I had “real” summer jobs, and I can’t say I disliked any of them. I always had fun and learned. Two years, during high school, I worked as a waitress in an ice cream parlor, and for another two years, I worked as a maid at a local motel.  I guess, now that I see all of this in writing, that my ‘experience’ at home gave me a head start on those two summer jobs!  It’s all good.  God puts us where we are supposed to be. I believe there is a reason for everything and we just have to follow the path He puts before us. I am where I am supposed to be, because of all that has gone before. Today, I have great relationships with my two sisters, and did with my brother until we lost him to cancer. Life. Contentment. Blessings. Yes.

Vitamin F....

My BFF, Elaine, sent this to me by email today. I like it. Wanted to share!
(Thanks, Elaine.)

Why do I have a variety of friends who are all so different in character? 

How is it possible that I can get along with them all?

I think that each one helps to bring out a "different" part of me.

With one of them I am polite. With another I joke. 

I can sit down and talk about serious matters with one. With another I laugh a lot.

I listen to one friend's problems. Then I listen to another one's advice for me.

My friends are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.  When completed, they form a treasure box. A treasure of friends!

They are my friends who understand me better than I understand myself.

They're friends who support me through good days and bad. Real Age doctors tell us that friends are good for our health. 

Dr. Oz calls them Vitamin F (for Friends) and counts the benefits of friends as essential to our well-being.

Research shows that people in strong social circles have less risk of depression and terminal strokes.

If you enjoy Vitamin F constantly, you can be up to 30 years younger than your real age.

The warmth of friendship stops stress and even in your most intense moments, it decreases the chance of a cardiac arrest or stroke by 50%.

I'm so happy that I have a stock of Vitamin F!

In summary, we should value our friends and keep in touch with them.

We should try to see the funny side of things and laugh together and pray for each other in the tough moments.

Some of my friends are friends on line. I know I am part of theirs because their names appear on my computer screen every day and I feel blessed that they care as much for me as I care for them.

Thank you for being one of my Vitamin Fs!

 

Peace, love & hugs!!

Monday's Missive....

I reported on Facebook this morning, that my day started great by having all the school buses behind me on the way to work!  It has been a good day, but just all the usual work stuff. I really have nothing new to report and no special plans for this evening, when I get home.  Monday is Monday.

The afternoon rain has come and gone today, so maybe the drive home will be dry. That will be something new and different!

We spoke with our former daughter-in-law last night (Tristan & Lauren's mom). It was good catching up with her and all that's going on with the kids.  We wondered how Lauren is doing. She finished university last week and is now a college graduate (communications degree)!!  We thought she was coming to Florida (from New Jersey - Monmouth University), to attend graduate school in the Miami area. She has decided to take some time off from school, and continue on in her paid intern position, as long as they will keep her. She has also been working for Hollister Stores for several years now, and will keep that job, too.  They have offered to send her to Manager's training, but last time we talked, she wasn't into retail management.  She also picked up some work as a make-up model, with people she knows who are just getting started in their business.  She sent her mom this photo, from a photo-shoot, and Kathy shared it with us.

A little strange, and she has on more make-up than I have ever seen her wear, but (of course) we think our granddaughter is beautiful (even with blood dripping from her lips....yikes!).

We are sorry she won't be coming to Florida now, because we miss seeing her, but she is just getting her life started. It is an exciting time. Once she decides what direction her career is going to take, I'm sure she will get back to school for her Master's Degree. She already passed her gmats.

Contrast that photo with her graduation announcement photo:

The rain has returned.  We have had SO much rain.

I'll stop now.  Have a few things to wrap up before time to go home.  I hope your Monday has been a good one!  Thanks for stopping by! I enjoy your comments.  Peace, love & hugs!

Lazy Sunday and Memories

I have been enjoying this weekend and am already looking forward to our three-day weekend, coming up. It is hard to wrap my mind around the end of summer, however! Time goes much too fast.

Labor Day weekend always brings memories of my old hometown. Millersport, Ohio, hosts an annual Sweet Corn Festival every year. It runs Thursday through Saturday of Labor Day weekend.  I was in marching band, in high school, and we marched in the Sweet Corn Festival parade.  The local Lion's Club started the festival years and years ago (1946).  All local service clubs participate, and we all looked forward to working in our school class's booth.  Juniors always had a candy apple booth and seniors had a steak sandwich booth. We earned service hours (and so did our parents) that helped pay for our senior class trip. (My senior class trip was to Washington, D.C. and New York City.)  If you and your parents had earned enough service hours, the trip cost nothing. If you and your folks didn't work, then you had to pay if you went.  Needless to say, most of us didn't have to pay for the trip, thanks to the money we earned in our booths.

I grew up going to the Methodist Church. Our church had a booth at the festival, with home made noodles. They were SO good.  The Lion's Club had the sweet corn booth. A bell would ring every time a batch of corn was ready and people would run to get in line for hot corn on the cob. It was thrown into a 'trough' full of melted butter. The butter would drip down your chin and down your arms.... yum.  There was also a doughnut booth, fresh-made on-site.  My dad always ended up working late, helping to close down for the night. He (and others) would bring home a cardboard box full of cooked/buttered corn that had been left over. It might be midnight, but we would all be eating corn on the cob from that cardboard box. Gosh those were good times.

The Sweet Corn Festival continues to this day, and they are preparing for next weekend.  I haven't been back for it in years and years, but my sister gets over there every couple of years. It has changed, as have the faces, but many traditions continue.  They have a website:  http://www.sweetcornfest.com/  The Lion's Club is a wonderful organization, doing good things for local communities wherever they have chapters. They take your old eye glasses and see that people in need get them.  You can find donation boxes around, for old eyeglasses. Look for them and support your local Lion's Club!

I made BLTs for our breakfast this morning, but added an egg. It was a nice change and sure tasted good. We both like BLTs (bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich).  I am making BBQ beef brisket for our dinner.  The laundry is nearly done.  I got in the pool this morning for a short swim, after hosing down the pool deck. I also added chlorine to the pool.  Tried to coax Vinny outside, but our newest cat still doesn't want anything to do with being outside. He sits and looks out, but won't venture out. In his own time, I guess!

I hope you are having a blessed Sunday.  We go to our church's Sunday Vigil service on Saturday evenings, so get to sleep in on Sunday morning.  The sermon centered on three things this weekend.  First, that we are called to proclaim God's glory and receive salvation; second, that salvation is not for the unprepared; and third, that some people who are treated with contempt and disdain by the self-righteous, actually do have a place in God's kingdom. The gate into Heaven is a narrow one. Proclaim God's glory and be prepared for salvation!!

I have rambled on enough! Wishing you a great week ahead!! Thanks for stopping by my page! Peace, love & hugs.

Another Rainy Saturday

Two (not so good) photos of the new cat 'condo' that we got for the 'kids' to play on.  Last night, though, Onyx and Vinny were settled in on the sofa, between Joe and me.

It was nice sleeping late this morning. We got up and had a nice late breakfast, then Joe and I started cleaning the house. He always does the bathrooms - bless him.  Feels good to have a clean house again. I just gave it a 'lick and a promise' last weekend.

We went to the Vigil Mass at Resurrection tonight, which felt good - again!  Then we went out to dinner. I had a coupon for one of the Italian restaurants here in town. They used to be one of Joe's clients. When we walked in, the owner greeted us and then gave us a free appetizer! It felt good to be recognized and made to feel special.  Dinner was delicious. On to Publix for a few things and now we are home, in front of the TV. The rain started as we drove to the restaurant, and it is still coming down. We've had enough rain for the year, I think.

I love weekends - even the rainy ones. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?!  Thanks for stopping by!  Peace, love & hugs.

Random Five Friday

Five random thoughts on a Friday morning....

• The best thing about Friday is knowing I can sleep later tomorrow!
• I am having lunch today, with my friends Cindee & Shirley.
• Tonight is a Members Opening Reception, at the Museum, for the new exhibit, so Joe will meet me here at 5:30.  We usually enjoy the time, the art, and seeing friends. Check out the Museum, where I work, to read about our exhibits:  www.PolkMuseumofArt.org
• We got the cats a new cat "condo" and Joe put it together yesterday. I need to take a couple of photos, but they are all enjoying it. Scratching posts, platforms, etc.
• My blogging friend, Ruth, came through her knee surgery just fine - for those of you who know her. She asked me to pass along word that the surgery was successful and rehab starts today. I know your prayers will be appreciated.

I quickly snapped this photo of our sign, as I came to work this morning. The landscapers planted the yellow mums (I think that's what they are - not a plant person, here). They look so pretty!!
 
Wishing you all a great Friday and weekend ahead!! Thanks for stopping by.  Peace, love & hugs.

Routine....

I got to thinking about one of yesterday's Hodgepodge questions, regarding being a slave to the clock/time.  I would love to know about your routines.  I perhaps want some comfort that I'm not the only one who runs on morning auto pilot, Monday through Friday.

If my morning routine gets messed up, I am off kilter for the entire day.  My morning ritual is what gets me going and keeps me going. Kind of scary, actually.  I get up at the same time, Monday through Friday. I go through the same motions and it is so ingrained in me that I don't even have to look at the clock.  If all goes according to plan, I am pulling out of the driveway at the same time, without even checking the time.  I don't even need the alarm clock most days, because I wake up automatically anyway.

There have been times, when we have company, that one of the guests feels s/he has to get up and spend time with me in the morning. I LOVE that someone wants to do that, BUT.... it messes up my routine and my day starts crooked.  The same happens when Joe has to get up earlier than usual to go somewhere. I am used to having the bathroom to myself in the morning.

Am I the only one who does this? Am I OCDing about my morning routine?  Maybe I should make myself change it up now and then?

We had a horrific storm yesterday afternoon. I was in a 2-hour meeting during the whole thing (but we could hear it!), and it had thankfully stopped by the time we could leave work at 5:15.  Trees were down all across town, some folks lost power, and one of the palm trees fell across the main drive into the Museum's parking lot.  The city workers were cutting it up when I was leaving, and we were lucky that it didn't hit any of the cars in the parking lot. Really lucky!

Story and photos in this morning's newspaper:  http://www.theledger.com/article/20130821/NEWS/130829859?tc=cr

 
 Wishing you a good Thursday (Friday Eve!).  Peace, love & hugs!

It's HodgePodge Wednesday!

1. What's your worst food memory?  How about one of your best?  Well, I don’t have very many BAD food memories, but without being more specific, let’s just say I can’t/won’t eat snails (Escargot) ever again.  My BEST food memory is one I’ve mentioned before…. White truffle pasta, at a little restaurant in Orvieto, Italy.  I will never forget the smell and the taste of that wonderful dish, in that beautiful ancient city.

2. Do you appreciate people telling it like it is, or would you rather a speaker temper his/her words and maybe beat around the bush a little?  How about when you're the one communicating...which type are you?  I am SO over game playing. Please, please tell it like it is. You don’t have to be nasty about it, but communication is key, and it shouldn’t take an hour to make a point. Just say it.

3. What's your favorite place to hang out?  On the sofa, in front of the TV, with Joe beside me.  We are old. We don’t do bars, we do TV.  We have two sofas, so come on over and join us!  Love having friends hang out with us at home. Our movie collection is over 700 and we have a popcorn machine sitting out, ready to pop at any time!

4. When do you most feel like you're a slave to time?  Monday through Friday, when the alarm rings at 5:00 a.m. and I have to get up to get ready for work.  So looking forward to retirement in a few more years!

5. What was the last concert you attended?  Who'd you go with? Was it any good?  I actually can’t remember the last concert I attended, but it would have been with Joe (we’ve been married 28 years and dated for 2 years before the wedding).  Neither of us likes to be in a crowd, and being at a concert (to me) is ridiculous – too many people being so loud you can’t hear the band or yourself… We have gone to many, many plays and musicals, however, where the audience is much quieter and well behaved! LOL

(Actually, Joe said we went to a Manhattan Transfer concert 3 or 4 years ago, here in Lakeland at the Lakeland Center. In a theater with a bunch of other old people! LOL)

6. Reality TV...harmful or harmless?  What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to reality TV? We don’t watch much ‘reality’ TV, but the few shows we do catch (Dancing With The Stars; Swamp People; Pickers; Pawn Stars; Cake Boss) we KNOW are rehearsed and edited…all of them are, no matter what they want you to think. There are scripts and rehearsals.  As long as you understand that it really isn’t “reality” I think it is okay to enjoy some of them. Many, though, have gone over the line for my taste and I won’t watch.

7. What's something you think is overrated?   Reality TV!  LOL

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  I am hoping for a good report from the surgeon today, when I go for my one-week post-op appointment. I don’t anticipate that the pathology will be any different from the biopsy, but I want to hear him say there is no cancer and all is well.

Thanks for stopping by for my HodgePodge!  Peace, love & hugs.

Tuesday Tidbits.....

• Regarding yesterday's post, Joe DID do the grocery shopping yesterday afternoon, bless his heart!  Then took me out to IHOP for dinner when I got home from work. 
• Tuesday finds me back in the swing of things. Work is a little crazy right now, and whatever I have planned can change in a blink. Yesterday, instead of finishing the July financials, I had to make a special report for a meeting today, with the Board President. Got it done, but little else, which means I am still catching up from being out last week.
• The auditors presented the draft audit to my boss and me yesterday afternoon. It was nice to hear their good report. It's a clean audit with no management letter. Hooray!
• I had my third cup of coffee this morning, and then caught myself yawning. How can that be, with three cups of dark Sumatra in me?!
• I know I will need new glasses when I get my eyes checked next month. I really have trouble with my current glasses. Not happy. Getting old(er).
• Next week marks 10 years since I lost my baby brother to cancer. I can't believe 10 years have gone by without him. He was only 48, and left behind a 10 year old son and 15 year old daughter, as well as his wonderful wife.  Jo Anne is a teacher at a Christian school, now. Michael is at Ohio State, in pre-med, and Sara just graduated from Ohio University with a teaching degree. My brother would be so proud of his family. Miss him so much.
• Have I ever mentioned that I am a member of DAR? I intend to become a little more involved this year. Meetings start in September. I love genealogy and have a few more lines to prove, with ancestors who fought in the Revolution. I need to get active and get started again.
• I also re-joined ABWA (American Business Women's Association) and want to get active with them again, too. When I went back to school (college) 13 years ago (!!!) I dropped out of a lot of organizations. Past time to get involved in the community again. Stay tuned!

Wishing you a good evening!!  Tomorrow is Hodgepodge Wednesday! I'm already working on my answers! Join in the fun!!  HodgePodge Questions

Peace, love & hugs!

Monday, Monday, Monday.....

It was hard hearing that alarm clock this morning. I have so enjoyed sleeping in and not worrying about getting to work these past few days. But - Monday it is, and I am back at work.

Today is the first day of public school for Polk County.  Traffic was heavy on my drive today. I travel at the same time the teachers are trying to get to work, and the kids who drive are racing to make the first bell.  Fortunately, I missed the school buses this morning. They go earlier, or later and I squeaked in between the bus runs today! That is a good thing.

I need to get busy. Co-workers are arriving and I have a 3-day backlog to work through.  We didn't get to Publix over the weekend. If Joe doesn't do the shopping this afternoon, we will have to go out after work. The cats need food, and that is the urgency for shopping! We go through about seven cans of cat food a day. We are nuts for having five cats, but we have five babies and they must be fed. That there is dry food out all the time for them is not relevant...they want Friskies! LOL

Thanks for stopping by.  Wishing you a good Monday!!  Peace, love & hugs.

Good Sunday Morning!

I had to rebuild my Blogger page last night and this morning!  I decided to use Jelly Pages again, because the graphics are so great, but I forgot that all the gadgets and widgets go away when you mess with the Templates like that. Then, I couldn't get anything back, so had to start over. I started over about three times. I think I will leave it alone now, since I have it back to more 'normal' for me. Good grief, I was so frustrated! I will never try to use Jelly Pages again, even though I really like her creations.

If you have been following my blog, you know that we haven't been happy with the church we have been attending for the last 3+ years. We left Church of the Resurrection because Joe was fired from his position as Finance/Business Manager after he 'blew the whistle' on some things the Priest was doing - business & money (not a sex scandal). Anyway, after two years, the Diocese finally 'agreed' and they moved the Priest to another city where they are hopefully keeping closer tabs on him.  The entire office staff, including the woman who replaced Joe, were walked out by the Diocesan Human Resources staff.  Joe was vindicated, but that was a year ago. I really, really have missed our friends there (even though we still see them outside of church), and the women's group. I was just never comfortable with the group at St. John Neumann, even though we also have a few good friends there.

To make a long story short, if you read my blog two weeks ago, you know that we saw a group of folks from Resurrection out to dinner, after Mass, at the same restaurant we went to. We walked over to say hello, and my friend, Fran, said..."We love the two new Priests, you guys need to come back."  Joe said "You just might see us soon."  I almost did a jig walking out of the restaurant. We did go last night, to the 4:00 Vigil Mass, and...

We were welcomed with hugs, kisses, and joyful camaraderie.  There have been enough changes inside that it no longer felt tainted for us, but not so much that it didn't still felt like "home".  I was concerned about how Joe would feel, but at dinner, afterwards, he was real quiet, then said that he was trying to figure out why it felt so good there. That it never really feels like we have been to church at SJN, but he really felt like we had been to Mass tonight!

Hallelujah!!!  I am just so happy that it looks like we will go back to our 'old' church home. I have missed it so much.  Joe said he thinks he can let go of the hurt and will be able to trust that the church is being run properly.  I think keeping him away from the committees that 'run' things will be key. The less he is involved in the business of the church, the better.  I will try to help him concentrate on the spiritual this time.

Wishing you a good Sunday and week ahead!!  Thank you again for your prayers during my surgery and healing this past week and moving into this week, coming fast.  I see the surgeon on Wednesday.

Peace, love & hugs.

Restful Saturday....

I might as well continue with my "restful" series!  Day three, post surgery.

Taking a shower this morning was like heaven!  I feel like a new woman, actually. No photos of the incision, (be thankful!!) but it is a little bigger than I expected - perhaps 2 to 2 1/2 inches long. It appears to be healing well. I have steri-strips instead of stitches, which is good, and it looks like the surgeon tried to go over an old incision to keep me from having so many scars (I had three of these removed 10 years ago, with two incisions).  Still very little pain - really just 'discomfort'.  

I am so thankful that this was found as pre-cancer, and am thankful to be healing and not facing chemo and radiation. Blessed. Have to say that, with so many fighting the fight.

We are planning to go to church tonight (4:00 Vigil Mass) at our old church. I'm a little excited and also apprehensive about how it will feel to walk into the old church.  Out to dinner afterwards, and a quick run to Publix for some things we need. I will do a little cleaning and (as usual) laundry tomorrow. Back to work and back to normal for me on Monday.

Hope your weekend is going well!!  Thanks for stopping by!  Peace, love & hugs.

Restful Friday....

Another quiet day for me.  I can't wait to get in the shower tomorrow, and take the bandage off to see what the incision looks like. I am SO fortunate to have no pain, with just a little discomfort now and then. Today, it is itching, and I take that as a good sign for healing.

I didn't mention this yesterday, but today I want to ask those of you who keep a prayer list to please add Cecelia and her husband to your list, and also a young woman who sat with me in a waiting area, with blonde hair. I didn't get her name but God will know who she is.  Cecelia is wheelchair bound, with braces on her legs, an elderly woman who had to have a biopsy on a suspicious lump. On top of all that, her husband's prostrate cancer is back, and he doesn't want to get treatment for it. She was crying and anxious. I held her hand and prayed for her. All of this was in a more private waiting room, where biopsies and procedures were taking place. When I came back to the waiting room, the blonde was there - a young mother who had already been through breast cancer once, was there for a new lump, and they also found a mass on her ovary.  She told me she took time off from work this week, to spend it with her kids before school starts next week.  Instead, she had been at the Women's Center for most of two days, while her sister and mother had fun with the kids.  We asked for God's blessing for each other. It was a blessed waiting room and one of the nurses called me the morning cheer leader. I don't know about that, but I was feeling so blessed that my problems were nothing compared to what these two women are facing.  Please pray for them, as I will be, for the strength and faith needed to get through what they are each facing. There is always someone going through a worse time than you.  So blessed.

Just another day of TV, reading and social media. I thought about doing some cleaning today, but I can't shower yet, so would just as soon not get hot and sweaty....good excuse to sit and do nothing, anyway! LOL

Wishing you a good day!  Peace, love & hugs.

Restful Thursday!

Just a quick report, because I am doing NOTHING today, except watching TV and checking social media.

The day after surgery - no pain, no bleeding, just a little discomfort in the throat from the breathing tube. I took one pain pill last night, because my surgeon told me to. When I told him I didn't like taking narcotics, he said take at least one, to stay ahead of the pain, but that's the only one I have taken. There really is no pain. Maybe after I change the bandage and can get in the shower on Saturday, there will be more discomfort, but so far, so good.  The sports bra is doing its job, too, by keeping the girls from moving much (LOL - sorry if that's TMI).  The surgeon told me to keep it on 24/7 until Saturday. Good plan!

I'm just taking it easy, and enjoying the time off.  Thanks for all the prayers and positive energy you are sending for me. They have worked!! I give all the glory to God, including that this problem was found before it could turn nasty.  Thank you, Jesus!

Thanks for stopping by!  I sincerely (& always) mean... Peace, Love & Hugs!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend...what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?  Congratulations to your daughter and I wish her well as she begins her first year of teaching!!  An honorable profession!

I am such a sad example to anyone.  I honestly can’t think of a thing worthy of mentioning that would qualify me as having “mastered” it in recent weeks or months.  That is really sad.

2. What song most reminds you of your childhood?  This one is easy!  “Blueberry Hill” by Fats Domino.  My mom sang all the time, and I have a distinct memory of seeing her standing at the kitchen sink, singing along with the radio.  I was probably six or seven, but I can close my eyes and see her right now, as the song plays….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdGF-G5p-00   Not a lullaby, or a children’s song….Blueberry Hill!  She sang along with all the songs, but for some reason, this one stuck in my mind and the association was made.  I guess I liked the tune, or something. Mom was in the church choir and had a beautiful alto voice.  I didn’t get the singing gene, but do love music. I played trumpet all through Jr.  & Sr. high school, and took piano and organ lessons (for a while, and a long, long time ago).

3. What do you think about single gender groups and/or events? Should every group/event be open to both genders?  If not, what sort of exceptions do you think are appropriate?  I think we have taken things a little too far by insisting that both genders should be welcome everywhere for everything.  I believe if my taxes are paying for something, both genders should be welcome equally, but if it is a private organization (like a golf club or civic organization) and no public money funds it, they can have any rules they want about who can join or not join.  There are certainly times when I appreciate being with just “the girls”, and I know men feel the same way about being with “the guys”. I think Boy Scouts should be all boys, and Girl Scouts should be all girls…. But if a woman can perform equally with the men, she should be welcome (military, fire department, police force, etc.)  I don’t agree with making exceptions and ‘dumbing down’ to accommodate anyone, though (gender, race, religion, sexual orientation). Step up, or find something else to do.

4. What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?   My first response to this is GARLIC, but garlic is not a spice, it is from the lily family and would be better considered a seasoning, I think.  So, I guess I’ll go with cinnamon.  Cinnamon makes your morning toast taste delicious. I keep a shaker with cinnamon and Splenda, mixed and ready to shake onto my buttered toast.  Drizzle butter and cinnamon on most any bread for a little taste of heaven. I also keep a cinnamon grinder next to the coffee pot.  Just grind a little into your cup and fill with coffee. Yum. No need to buy flavored coffee when you can flavor it yourself.

5.  I saw this question on Marla's facebook page and asked if I could steal borrow it for the Hodgepodge...thanks Marla!

Chevron patterns are everywhere!  Do you like it or think its just a little too much? Do you own anything 'chevron'?  A little goes a looonnnnggggg way. Too busy for my taste, and I don’t have anything with that pattern.

6.  What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now? You know, I really can’t think of anything I disliked as a child. Never really thought about it before, but I can’t think of anything.  We ate anything mom cooked…no picky eaters at our house, including all vegetables.  I could say housework, but I still don’t like housework!  LOL   As the oldest of 4 kids, I had lots of chores (both parents worked), including baby-sitting after school, cleaning and cooking. Perhaps I appreciate NOW that I learned how to do everything at a young age, and know that it just has to be done, and I’m the one to do it…even if I still don’t like it. J

7. What can irritate you very quickly?  Ignorance irritates me, and sales people who won’t take no for an answer, kids who haven’t learned to say please and thank you, and that younger folks don’t get up to give older folks their seat, or just show respect generally.  Those things can make me exhibit rude behavior, which I don’t like in myself or anyone else! Have to work on that one! Example… the dentist has a small waiting room. Mom has three little ones taking up chairs, when an elderly man comes in.  When it was obvious the mom was not going to get one of her kids to free up a chair, I got up.  The elderly man didn't want to take a woman’s seat, because of how HE was raised, but I insisted. The mom was still oblivious.  No respect. Grrrrrrrrr!!! And now her kids won’t have any respect.  Another generation of ignorant disrespectful people….

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  As you all read this, I will be in surgery or recovering from the anesthesia, so my random thought is hoping I will be reading your responses tomorrow evening, and feeling okay.  Prayers appreciated!! It’s not serious (out-patient), but it is still surgery.  Thanks for your good thoughts and prayers!

Tuesday Feels Better.....

What a difference a day can make!

Tuesday is going much more smoothly!  I just read something a Facebook friend posted, and I told her she was right on the money - well said!!  Here is the quote, from my friend, JLB:

"It never ceases to amaze me how even good, smart, reasonable people bring so much trouble and upset upon themselves. People, people: just refuse to be insulted, just refuse to be made angry, just refuse to allow other people to instigate your doing petty things or spend any of your precious life thinking of ridiculously silly little ways to get back at others. I mean, really, in the grand scheme of things, most of what we think and worry and stew about matters not, and those things we are careless about matter most. YOU GENERALLY ARE LIVING THE LIFE YOU BRING ON YOURSELF!"

Kind of goes along with my quotes a few days ago about the choices we make.  Yesterday, I chose to get upset with people who didn't care that I was upset. I only hurt myself - and those of you who had to read my rant.  I'm sorry and I thank you!!

My fasting begins after dinner tonight. I appreciate your prayers for my surgery tomorrow. Please pray for the surgeon and the surgical team, as well as a successful outcome. Thank you very much!

I will post my hodgepodge in the morning, and will check in tomorrow night sometime. Hope to be home around dinner time.  It all starts around 10:00 a.m., at one place, then over to the surgical center. 

Thanks again for  prayers and positive thoughts!  Thanks for your friendship!!  Peace, love & hugs!

Venting.....

I have spent most of my day, today, trying to put out fires started by others.  It's my job. I'm not complaining (well, a little - sick of on-hold music).

I don't care what the excuse is. I don't care WHY it happened. I don't care HOW it happened. I just want it fixed. I just want it fixed.  

I loathe unscrupulous, unethical, people/companies. They should be drawn and quartered, or some other such painful, horrid torture from the dark ages. I want them tortured, like they torture me (or my coworkers). I want them gone and banned from doing business ever again.

They think I am stupid. I am not. AND we have legal council just waiting in the wings. That's next.

Okay - almost enough said.  My best advice to anyone.....don't EVER say yes to any salesperson unless you contacted them first and did your homework before you made the call or went to visit.  You just can't trust anyone on-line or on the phone, making promises that seem too good to be true - they are.

I am not normally a witch (starts with another letter, actually), but I have been today. Whewie!!!

Grrrrrrrrr!!!!!  Okay. Thanks. Feel better now.  Happy Monday.

PEACE, love & hugs!! 

Sunday St. Augustine...

We are home, safely, and had such a good weekend with our son.  We left St. Augustine after breakfast, this morning, and made the decision to go "cross-country" and stay off of the interstates. We just hate going through Orlando, fighting all the Disney traffic (especially on a Sunday).  Our ride home took nearly two hours longer, but we so enjoyed it!! It was fun seeing all the small towns, and we went through the area where my parents and grandparents had their winter homes (Leesburg, FL), so it was nostalgic for us to reminisce about places we went with them.  All in all, a great weekend for us!!

You asked for photos, so here goes! There are a bunch, and this is only half of the ones I took. This will bore you enough!  If you have never been to St. Augustine, I recommend it!  The history is pretty amazing, going back to the early 1500s.  I know Europe has us beat on history, but this is about as close as the USA can get!

Start with the Fountain of Youth! No - I didn't drink from the fountain.

The Original City Gates

St. George's Street (Shopping!)

My guys!

No, we didn't buy anything there, but it is a cute store...a little pricey for what you get.

A week or so ago, there was a blog from a friend about silhouettes... still being done on St. George's Street!

The old Fort (National Park)

Henry Flagler - brought the railroad to Florida.

Our time on this reverent and serene property was my favorite.

St. Joseph - Patron Saint for my two Josephs!

I did really well with all the walking - St. George's Street and all over this property (including across the bridge in this photo).  My knees held out!!  Hooray for Synvisc injections!

For lunch, we went over to the beach side of St. Augustine, to a restaurant called Sunset Grille.  It got five stars on an on-line site, so we thought we would try it. Our dinner the night before was horrendous.  Happy to say, we agreed with the five stars here. Lunch was DELICIOUS!

Now, I'm not much of a drinker. I really don't care for beer and will only have one, two or three times a year.  Last summer, I really enjoyed Blue Moon Summer Wheat;   This summer - Joey had me try a Stella Artois, and it was great!  Of course, we were hot and sweaty and thirsty, but I really enjoyed ONE.

My sandwich was a white fish, with slaw and jalapeno sauce. It was amazing, and messy!

If you got this far, thanks for looking!!  Wishing you a good week ahead!!  Peace, love & hugs.