Time just flies....

It sure is hard to wrap my mind around this being the last day of January! Time just goes faster and faster, the older I get.

Our granddaughter, Lauren, graduated from Monmouth University, in New Jersey, a week ago. She actually finished her course work in August, but wanted to do the cap and gown thing, which didn't happen until this month. While going through the piles of photos I've been sorting, I found Lauren's kindergarten graduation photo!  Here she is.....

Seems like yesterday, and here she is again....

We are so proud of her!! She had a paid internship during her last year at Monmouth, and that company has kept her on. We're not sure how long it will last, or if they will hire her for a full time position, but she is happy to stay in New Jersey for right now. Kathy (her mom) would like her to come to Florida and do grad school, but I think Lauren is tired of school and wants to put that off for awhile. Her degree is in communications, and she really enjoys doing research. She actually changed her major three times, so was in school a year longer than she would have been, had she stuck to her first choice.  Time will tell where this all takes her, but I know she will make good decisions.

I am so sorry we couldn't go up for her ceremony. Kathy video taped what she could, with her I-Phone, so we got to hear her name called.  Had we gone, we probably would have been snowed in, or at least delayed getting home.  Our son was not back from Kuwait yet, so he wasn't able to be there either. I'm glad we got to spend time with her at Christmas, and we did send a graduation gift ($$$) to her, back in August.

I'm so excited that the flooring is scheduled for installation on Monday! They will be here at 11:00 a.m., and say they can do all three rooms in one day.  The planks are fairly easy to install, I guess. Getting the old carpet up will probably be the worst part.  Joe will be here to see it through. I'll go to work, and I also see the Orthopedic doctor on Monday afternoon. Hoping for another cortisone shot in both knees. I'll also see how much weight I've lost. I think it's around 9 pounds.  I'm not trying real hard, though, and need to stop cheating so much on weekends.  Breads and desserts....

I wish you a good Friday and weekend! Our temps are supposed to be back to normal, for us, which is around 75°.  Hoping those of you who are snowed/iced in will all begin the thaw out. Thanks for peeking in! I appreciate your visits and comments. Peace, love & hugs.

Guardian Angels.....

 As promised yesterday, I am dedicating today's post to Guardian Angels.  Angels are mentioned in the Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments.  Here is a list I found online, from the King James Version:  http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Guardian-Angels/ 

Not all angels are good angels. We still must be on our guard, but I KNOW I have at least one Angel watching over me, and here is my story....

In 2006, my heart started racing and I was terrified. I couldn't breath and was in a panic. Joe rushed me to the emergency room. I was admitted to the hospital with atrial fibrillation.  My heart was out of rhythm for three days, and they even gave me an injection that stopped my heart (that was an experience!), to try to jolt it back. When that didn't work, they scheduled me for the paddles, for the next morning. I was on IV blood thinners. The real threat of a-fib is that when the heart goes back to normal rhythm, blood that may have clotted in one of the chambers could be thrown out and cause a stroke.

During my second day in the hospital, in my private room, a young woman came in, dressed like a candy-striper or student nurse. She had long dark blonde hair and a little cap on. She fiddled with my IV bags and kept talking to me. In with all the chatter, she must have said (at least six/seven times) that she bet it was my thyroid causing my problem. She said it over and over, and then she left.

When another nurse came in, I asked if they had checked my thyroid, and she told me that they had, and it was normal. I mentioned the student nurse who kept telling me to check my thyroid, and the nurse told me there were no student nurses or 'candy-stripers' on that floor.  Okay...maybe I dreamed it, or maybe I'm the only one who could see her.

I woke up on the third day, and my heart was back in rhythm. The nurse came in, and I told her it felt different...she looked at the monitor and got a big smile and told me I was 'normal' again!!  No shocks today, as long as it stayed normal.  Needless to say, I got to go home that late afternoon.

They always tell you to follow up with your personal physician, so I made an appointment with mine.  When I saw her the next week, I asked her if we could check my thyroid a little more closely. She agreed and ordered an ultrasound of my thyroid, which happened just a couple of days later.

The ultrasound found a tumor on my thyroid, and a biopsy showed cancer.  The tumor was less than a centimeter, but I was scheduled for surgery and had my entire thyroid removed.  I did radioactive iodine, followed up with the prescribed body scans, etc., and after five years, was pronounced free of cancer.  Praise God, and my Guardian Angel, who visited me that day and planted the seed for me to get a follow-up thyroid test.

I try to listen more closely, now, to what God might be telling me, whether through my Angel or just with the gut feeling we get sometimes that I believe is God talking.  It's important to pay attention and listen to those 'voices'.

So, that is my Guardian Angel story. I will never be convinced that it was not my Guardian Angel, who walked into my hospital room (or my dreams) that day. Thank you Jesus, for sending your Angels to protect us!  I thank 'her' daily in my prayers, too.

I would love to hear your Guardian Angel story. I think we all must have one, if we just think about it. I'm a believer!!  Thanks for checking in, and for your comments!  Peace, love & hugs.



 

Wednesday's Hodgepodge #160....

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 160

Here are Joyce's questions for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Answer on your own blog, then hop back to her blog to share answers with the world wide websters. See you there!

1. It's  been said that one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. Do you think that's true? Do you find that an easy exercise most mornings? What's something positive you told yourself today? If you missed that boat, what's something positive you could tell yourself tomorrow?  I do believe a small positive thought in the morning can start the day off on the right foot. I am a morning person, so it is usually easy for me to start out positive, and most mornings, as I sit up on the side of the bed, my first thought is "thank You, Jesus, for another day".  I try to make my mornings prayerful and say my prayers on the way to work. I find that to be an excellent way to start any day!

2. There will be karaoke at the next party you attend...are you in? Or will you be faking a sore throat?  I have very little range, so most songs are not in my key. I can sing harmony with someone, though. First alto is a little high for me these days, but I can do okay if I have the music in front of me. For the most part, I would listen and cheer others on at a karaoke party, and everyone would thank me for it!

3. January 29th is National Puzzle Day...what's something you've found puzzling recently? I am always puzzled at why boys want to show their underwear and have their pants hanging off their butts. They have trouble walking and look so silly pulling them up every few steps, to keep them from hitting the ground.  Shaking my head, and wondering why this is still 'popular'.  Won't get into politics and how puzzling (maddening) things are in Washington right now.

4.  Jigsaw, crossword, acrostic, logic, sudoku, word search...what's your favorite kind of puzzle, and when did you last work one?  I will do a word search puzzle now and then, and have the game app on my phone. I will work on a jigsaw at someone else's house, but we have five cats, so there are none in our house. Generally, I don't do puzzles. Joe does the word jumble every morning, in the newspaper, though.

5. Recently a writer by the name of Amy Glass ruffled feathers with a post she wrote saying she looks down on young women with husbands and kids and she's not sorry. Among other things, she says women will be equal with men when we stop saying house work and real work are equally important. You can read the whole piece by clicking here.  What say you? Do you think men and women are equal in the 21st century? Why or why not? I hadn't heard of her or her blog before, but did go read what she had to say.  There is some validity to her comments, such as this one: "Doing laundry will never be as important as being a doctor or an engineer or building a business. This word play is holding us back."  I don't think the "word play" is holding women back. Not even sure what she really means by that. Doctors and engineers still have laundry to do. When it comes to raising kids, though, she may be off base a bit. Since I don't have kids, though (my boys were grown up when they became my boys), and have always worked outside the home, my experience is a little different. Women still do not get equal pay for equal work in most situations, which bothers me. Women who work full time, but are married (with or without kids) usually have 90% of the housework to do besides, so where is the equality at home? That could be a whole blog in and of itself. Life is about choices, though, and we choose the path we walk. Women are different from men for a reason, so there will never be total equality, like she is touting. She might be just a little confused.

 6. What's a product you've noticed in the grocery store that you'd like to try, but haven't yet? If I see something I want to try, I usually get it.  Nothing specific comes to mind right now.

7. The author, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) was born this week in 1832 (January 27th).  Which character from his celebrated novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, would you most like to meet, and why? Here's a link to a character list if you need help on this one.  I would love to meet the Cheshire Cat, and anyone who knows me could have answered that one for me! LOL

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Do any of you have a Guardian Angel story to share? This came up in a conversation I had with a friend last week. I believe in my GA and have actually seen her. I will make that my blog topic for tomorrow, but I would really be interested in hearing about your experience, if you are willing to share (today or tomorrow!). The Bible is full of references, and my favorite is: Psalms 91:11 - For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Notice the "911"...which is how I remember it. Call on your Angel in any emergency!  Here are even more Biblical verses:  Guardian Angels in the Bible

A favorite image - hanging in lots of childhood bedrooms.

This was a very thought-provoking Hodgepodge today!! I thank you for taking time to read my responses, and for your comments!  Peace, love & hugs.

Tuesday's Tidbits....

• I shared this photo on Facebook this morning, and decided to share it here, too. It makes me chuckle for several reasons, but the main one being....if the snowman makes it to Florida, he will melt! Better stay up there where it is cold enough to keep him solid for at least a few more days!

• Someone mentioned that it does snow in Florida once in awhile. They are correct, but that snow is up on the Florida/Georgia border, and it never lasts too long. I live four hours south of the Georgia border, and in the 25 years I've lived here in central Florida, I've not seen one snowflake.  Today, the sun is shining and it is currently 75°F.  (Y'all come on down!)

• Still no word on our flooring. Joe is supposed to call, but I'm thinking I will call, too. He forgot yesterday. Couldn't hurt if they hear from both of us, I guess. Time is beginning to get short! We have tons to do, to put things back in order before company comes!!

• I have started sorting through photographs and am tossing more than I am keeping. My plan is to scan in the ones I want to keep, and then toss them, too. We have THREE boxes (as in copy paper boxes) full of photographs, SIX photo albums, and FOUR photo boxes. No one wants them. The boys don't want them. My sisters already have copies of most of them. The ones I will scan, I will be able to share. How nuts were we to keep all those photos?  And remember when you could get duplicates for the price of one set? I have two of almost every photo I've sorted through so far. Ridiculous.

• AND....I also have a big box full of slides, in trays. Anyone remember slides? We still have a slide projector, that was my grandmothers. Maybe my sister and I will look through some of them. I really don't want to keep them or the projector. They just sit in the closet. Who gets out the screen and the projector anymore? I have memories of seeing vacation pictures that way. Slides were cheaper than photos back then. Oh my, we've come a long, long way.

Well, that's enough of my tidbits for today. I appreciate that you came by, and even more that you left a comment!  One more thing, though. I got word yesterday that the son of one of my high school classmates, Joe Sabo, was in a terrible accident and is fighting for his life. If you add your prayers to the ones we are already sending up for his recovery, I know it will help. Thanks for that!

Peace, love & hugs.

No Monday Quiz About Me....

I've been waiting to see the questions offered for the Monday Quiz About Me, but just found out they have posted a hiatus until next week. So, what to write....

Another friend posted a list of 10 names she would rather be named, than her 'real' name. I found that interesting, only because I have always had a love/hate relationship with my name.

My "real" name is Teresa. No one else in my entire genealogy, going back a dozen generations, was named Teresa.  My middle name is Lee, after my maternal great grandmother. At least I have one historic name to claim! I asked my mom once, how she came up with Teresa (which does not suit me!) and she couldn't remember. It was not after anyone special, and might have been from a baby name list.  She DID tell me that they thought (were hoping) that I would be a boy (first born) and had Paul picked out for a boy's name, after my dad's favorite uncle. So, when I came out a girl (smiling), Dad wanted to call me Paula, after his favorite uncle. Mom said no to that, because the next baby might be a boy (and was, 3 years later) and he should be called Paul.

Ever since then, I have secretly coveted the name Paula. I think it suits me, and I loved Uncle Paul and Aunt Emma. I could easily be a Paula. I like it.  I also love the name Miranda. Doesn't that name just roll off the tongue so smoothly? Miranda. Had I been blessed with a baby girl, that would have been her name. I have resisted naming one of our cats Miranda. Just doesn't seem right. (Smiling again.)

I'm glad that Teresa morphed into Terri. I was only called Teresa by my Granny Kelly, my teachers on the first day of school, and my folks when they were angry with me (not often!).  I can live with Terri.... By the way, my siblings all got that "real" name and then a nick-name. Patricia is Patti, Tamara is Tammy, and my brother was Paul Randall - Randy (see, he didn't even use Paul...I could have been Paula!!).

So, a person, by any other name.... Do you have a secret name you wished was yours? Tell me about it on this Monday without a Quiz About Me!!  Thanks for stopping by! Peace, love & hugs.

Saturday and Sunday....

I'm posting this Saturday night, and will probably not do a post tomorrow, so this will have to count for both days.

We did not go to the Pig Fest, as mentioned in yesterday's post. We decided it was too cold, and would be too crowded (and too much walking). We went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse instead, and enjoyed a great meal there.

Today (Saturday) we slept in a bit, then decided to go to the movies (get out of our torn up house!). We saw Lone Survivor. Very sad, very bloody, and so graphic, my eyes were closed for much of the movie. I had a headache and was almost sick to my stomach when it ended. I can't say I am glad I saw it, but can say I will never watch it again. God bless our men and women who fight for our country. God bless them. I can say that the entire tragedy could have been avoided had our troops had enough equipment. Cuts in our military spending anger me. We must maintain a strong military presence. That they didn't have enough helicopters to do the job properly is criminal. Enough said.

After the movie, we stopped at home, briefly, before heading out again for church. After Mass, we went to Sam's Club with a shopping list, and got that taken care of. I made dinner for us and we are watching some TV.

Tomorrow, I intend to start putting things back on closet shelves and sorting through "stuff". Sure wish we had our floors installed. Sigh.

Our son, Joey, is back in the USA!! We are so happy he is home from four months in Kuwait. He called last night and they are already making plans to come down next month!! I only hope we have the house put back together!

Hoping you are having a good weekend! I appreciate you stopping by, and your comments! Peace, love & hugs!!

Friday Five or so Fragments....

I don't link up with the Friday Fragments group, but will post some odds and ends here for you today.

• I had lunch with Cindee and Shirley today. Lunch was not so good at the Butterfly Bistro. We all got the same special and all thought it tasted just so-so, and was very dry.  Yellow rice and chicken, with peas. BUT - it was good to reconnect and catch up with each other, which is really what it's all about, anyway!

• My yoga session last night was more of a 'getting to know each other' thing. Ali wanted to learn about why I wanted to be there, and what I hoped to get from it. I think we connected. I like her, and I like that the sessions are private - not in a group setting. We decided on every two weeks, and one will be yoga and the other Pilates, so I can work on replacing some core muscle. We'll see how it goes after the next couple of times. I'm hoping she can give me some tools I can use on my own, at home. I can't really afford every two weeks, for very long!

• Our flooring is stuck on a truck, somewhere up in the frozen tundra. It was supposed to be in on Wednesday, and I hoped they would be installing it yesterday and today. Now we have another weekend with our chaos. I can't complain. It's not their fault. I'm just disappointed that I don't have the weekend to put things away.

•  I didn't post about the Docent Recognition Dinner that I attended on Tuesday evening. It was a lovely time, hosted by our Director, Claire, at her home. The Docents all seemed to enjoy the evening, and it was fun getting to know some of them better.  Here are a couple of photos I took. One of the buffet line and then just one looking out on the room.

•  Since we don't have rooms to put back in place this evening, I have a shopping list for Sam's Club, so we may go do that tonight. This is also the weekend for the Lakeland Junior League's big Pig Fest (BBQ) fundraiser, which is held out at the Tiger's Spring Training stadium. It also supports Girls Inc.  HERE is a link if you are interested. There is a BBQ competition, too. We may run up there tonight. I'll have to see what Joe wants to do. I hear that they start running out of food on Saturday, so tonight is the best time to go, but also the most crowded. We've never been to it, and maybe it's time we find out what it's all about!

That's my report for Friday!! I hope you have had a good one, and I wish you a good weekend! Thanks for popping by, and for your comments!!  Peace, love & hugs!

Throwback Thursday....

My friend, Brenda (blogs as Brenda Christmas), has been posting old family photos on Facebook this week. I don't usually do a 'Throwback Thursday', but her photos inspired me to pull out a few oldies to share.

My mom's folks, Ethel Jane Willman and Robert E. Cameron 

 My dad's folks, Leota Eldora Swiss and Ora Wilbur Kelly

 My folks, Orlyn Albert Kelly and Helen Louise Cameron

It's a two-year old me, in 1953

Wishing you a good Thursday!! Today is my first restorative yoga session. I'll give you a report tomorrow!

For anyone interested, here is the link for the Economic Forecast Breakfast event that I attended last week.  It takes an hour and a half to watch, but you can fast forward through the Florida economist and get to Brian Wesbury, who starts about 30 minutes into the video.  Economic Forecast Video

Thanks for stopping by! I enjoy your comments!! Peace, love & hugs.

Wednesday's Hodgepodge Questions!

Thanks to Joyce, From This Side of The Pond, for this week's Hodgepodge!!

1. It was decided on Sunday the Denver Broncos will meet the Seattle Seahawks in this year's  Superbowl. So when was the last time you bowled? Not where you thought this question was going is it?  Do you like to bowl? Are you any good?  I used to have fun bowling, but I have never been good at it. It has been well over 25 years since I picked up a bowling ball. I was very good at gutter balls!!

2.   Should sports stars be role models?  Unfortunately, most of them today make poor role models. There are a few exceptions, for sure, and kids definitely need a "hero" or two to look up to.

3. January is National Oatmeal month...are you a fan? How do you like your oats?  I can eat oatmeal, with brown sugar and cinnamon, but I really don't like it - except in cookies!! :)

 
4. What is one book on your reading list for 2014? I don't have a book reading list, but I have a huge library on my reader, just waiting for me to finish the Outlander series. I'm on book five of seven, with an eighth one about to be published. I may never finish this series. Each book is between 500-900 pages long, but I am totally immersed in the story and the characters.

5. What would you like your future self to say to your present self? I'm so glad you got those extra pounds off, because I am enjoying my older years, now!!

6. When scrolling through the TV guide, what is one movie title that makes you want to stop, grab the popcorn, and watch for a while?  Oh golly...too many. I stopped at Forrest Gump over the weekend, and also on the Titanic, but just watched snippets of both.

7. What are two style trends you hope never come back into fashion?  Leisure suits for men, and fishnet hose for women (actually, hose of any kind - hate wearing them!).

8.  Insert your own random thought here. I am tired. I want my house back!! The flooring should come in this week and I hope they can schedule us this week. I really want my house back in order! Ugh. The mess is really starting to bother me.  This is just the dining room. And we still need to get all the furniture out of the Master bedroom (but not until we really have to!).

Thanks for shopping by my Hodgepodge today! I look forward to your comments. Have a great day, full of peace, love & hugs! 

Tuesday Tidbits....

I really don't have too many tidbits for this Tuesday, but here they are.....

• I have a Museum event tonight. It is a recognition dinner for our Docents. We have a wonderful group (30) of women (and a few men) who act as our Docents. They lead tours for every 5th grade class in Polk County, during the school year, and they are available for special groups and every Saturday, to answer questions in our galleries. They are devoted and we couldn't be here without them.

• I don't think I've mentioned yet that I have an appointment this Thursday, late afternoon, with a woman who teaches restorative yoga.  A friend of mine (Fran, who just turned 65, if you remember the pictures from her birthday party a week or so ago) sees this woman and recommended her to me. Along with me trying to lose weight, I know I need to become more flexible and I need to strengthen my core muscles. I'm hoping she can show me what I need to do, and be available to me once a month or so, as I get into it. She works with people who are yoga beginners and who have physical limitations - and that is me. I'll let you know how it goes! (And it is less expensive than my co-pay at the Chiropractor!)

•  I'm so ready to be done with the renovations at home and to get our house put back together! It makes me tired, actually. I could not live like this, and don't know how some people survive in chaos (thinking of hoarders, especially). I much prefer order, or at least a more organized chaos!

I will leave it at that today. My lunch hour is over and I need to get back to work! Thanks for stopping by!! I look forward to your comments, and wish you a good evening! Peace, love & hugs.

Monday Quiz About Me....

Our friends, Wayne & Heather, over at Acting Balanced, have given us today's questions:

Here are their instructions:  Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered!

1. Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day from the US!  Do you have a favorite MLK quote?

I don't know that I have a favorite quote. He was certainly ahead of his time, and his life ended all too soon. I personally believe he would be appalled at what is going on in Washington right now. I doubt that MLK would approve of Obama, Jesse Jackson, or any of the other racist blacks who continue to help divide and tear this country apart. I do like this quote:  "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." -MLK

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Read More: Martin Luther King Jr. Famous Quotes | http://nj1015.com/5-quotes-to-inspire-you-on-mlk-day-2014/?trackback=tsmclip

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Read More: Martin Luther King Jr. Famous Quotes | http://nj1015.com/5-quotes-to-inspire-you-on-mlk-day-2014/?trackback=tsmclip

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Read More: Martin Luther King Jr. Famous Quotes | http://nj1015.com/5-quotes-to-inspire-you-on-mlk-day-2014/?trackback=tsmclip

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Read More: Martin Luther King Jr. Famous Quotes | http://nj1015.com/5-quotes-to-inspire-you-on-mlk-day-2014/?trackback=tsmclip

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Read More: Martin Luther King Jr. Famous Quotes | http://nj1015.com/5-quotes-to-inspire-you-on-mlk-day-2014/?trackback=tsmclip

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Read More: Martin Luther King Jr. Famous Quotes | http://nj1015.com/5-quotes-to-inspire-you-on-mlk-day-2014/?trackback=tsmclip

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Read More: Martin Luther King Jr. Famous Quotes | http://nj1015.com/5-quotes-to-inspire-you-on-mlk-day-2014/?trackback=tsmclip

2. Wayne told Heather to get the questions up early because we'd be exhausted from our trip... she didn't listen to his good advice, so MQAM is late - when was the last time you didn't listen to good advice?

 Probably daily!  LOL  Nothing comes to mind right away, but I do tend to be pig-headed.

3. Since we talked about Movies last week, lets talk TV this week - what show or shows do you wish was still on TV that ended or was cancelled?

Oh, so many shows that I have liked, have been canceled. Joe and I laugh sometimes - if we like a new series, we hope that doesn't mean it will be canceled!  Mash comes to mind first!! Carol Burnett's show, Sonny & Cher's show.... Laugh In!  There have been some greats that just went away.

4. What is your personal anthem or theme song?  I don't have one song that I would call a personal anthem or theme song. Sorry!

My #5 question for you today is:  If you are retired from working full time, when did you begin to long for retirement and are you happy now that your career is behind you? If you aren't retired yet, have you found yourself longing for that day? I sure am!!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! Your comments are always appreciated! Wishing you a good week, with peace, love & hugs! 

Finding Positive in the Chaos....

When there is stuff all over the house, cleaning is not really an option!!

I did laundry today, and made us a nice breakfast and a yummy dinner. That's just about all I did today. Joe put electrical and light switch plates back on in the two bedrooms. I think we will get back in action once we know the floors are coming. Right now, it's easy to kick back and pretend there is nothing to do....

Tomorrow evening is my church women's group meeting. This month, the men are invited to attend because our new Priest, Fr. Ivan, is going to speak about his call to the Priesthood.  Joe is planning to go with me.

That is all I have for today. I've caught up with all your posts, I think.  There are several requests for prayer, so know that your intentions will be included in my daily prayers.

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

Painting Done!

Well, we were up earlier than we like, on a Saturday morning, but it was all good!!  The painter, Don, arrived promptly at 8:00 a.m., and got to work. He was finished with both rooms in just under four hours. They look perfect! I am amazed. It took me 2 1/2 days to paint our bedroom! I told Joe I am never painting again. We'll call Don.

We went to Mass, at 4:00, and then went out to eat with a couple we don't see socially very often anymore. Lucille is the art teacher at our local Catholic High School, where I worked as Business Manager for almost four years, before I took the job at the Museum - so we have known each other a long, long time. Her husband, Al, is in commercial real estate and is in the Rotary group Joe used to belong to. Anyway, we had a great time with them! They go to our church, so we just left church and met at Bonefish Grill. We agreed that we need to do it more often.  As an aside, Lucille has had both of her knees replaced and is very happy with them...we conversed about that a bit.

Here are some photos of our newly painted rooms, and also of the mess we are living with right now. The mess won't go away until after the floors go down, so we will be at least another week, if not longer.

Our dining room, full of two bedrooms (and Joe's office stuff).

All of this junk came from two closets...my stuff, including

over-flow clothing, sewing supplies, craft supplies, painting/drawing supplies,

and jewelry making supplies. Too much!

All of the cats think it is great fun to explore and climb on everything.

This is Vinny (of course).

Walls rolled, and getting ready to do the trim.

Guest room is done. Sorry the color doesn't show so well in 

this photo, but I am very pleased.

That was our Saturday. I hope you are having a good weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, and for leaving a comment! Your friendship here is a blessing! Peace, love & hugs.

Friday's Five....

Yesterday's Economic Forecast Breakfast was very interesting, and uplifting. The economy is beginning to turn around now that Obama is on his way out. Slow growth, but growth is coming. Mathematically proven that a smaller government brings jobs, and big government brings unemployment. The data was clear, and as soon as they make the video available on their website, I will post it here for you to see, if you want to watch it.  Non-partisan economists.

When I woke up yesterday morning, this is what I found on top of me!!  Onyx is nearly always on me or on my pillow (and he is doing much better, though still not eating well), but the big deal is, Vinny was sleeping on me! He is still hesitant about coming in our room, because of Lilly and Lucy. This is a giant leap for him!!

My sister, Tammy, and her husband, Bruce, are planning a trip down next month, and our son, Joey and wife Darlene will be down toward the end of the month!! February will be a wonderful family month for us!!

The dining room is filling up with bedroom and office stuff. I haven't started purging yet, but have another week to get things sorted through as we start to put things away, after the floors are in. Sigh. Poor Joe has done so much heavy lifting without me.

My hair is really short now. The new barber who is cutting my hair, until Teena is able to come back to work, really took off a lot of hair!  He happens to be Teena's son, by the way.  He gave me a great cut, but I am needing a few days to get used to it.  At least six  people have told me how much they like it shorter, though. Hmmmmm....

I think that is five tidbits for this Friday!! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great Friday!! Peace, love & hugs!

Thursday (or Friday Eve!!)....

Thursday....the next best day to Friday!!

My day is starting at the Chamber's annual Economic Forecast Breakfast. I enjoy it every year. My boss and another co-worker are attending this year, too. Brian Wesbury is the main speaker each year, and he is usually right on the money (no pun intended) about national and local economics, and where we are headed.

This is also facial day, which means Joe will pick up subs for us, at Jimmy Johns, for dinner. They do any of their sandwiches as an "unwich" - wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of on bread. Excellent!!

Not to rub it in or anything, but I was greeted by this site when I pulled into our driveway last night. Our scrawny old azalea bush is blooming already - usually doesn't happen until February.

A few of you have asked to see the color paint we chose for the bedrooms.  It is called Silken Stockings, and here is a picture of the swatch our painter put on the wall this week....

We're going from light blue in one room and light green in the other, to this neutral beige color. That is a phone cord you can see, which won't be there next week. Joe is moving his desk, so wires don't have to be run all over the room. It actually feels good to be sorting and tossing junk, since everything has to be moved out of the rooms, but our house looks like a tornado went through it. The cats don't know what is going on. They are finding new places to explore and new things to sleep on! LOL

I wish you a good Friday Eve!! Thanks for stopping by, and I appreciate your comments! Peace, love & hugs. God bless!

It's Hodgepodge Wednesday!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 158

Joyce, From This Side of the Pond, has come up with some good questions for us again! Thank you Joyce!  Join the fun by visiting her HERE.

1.  Are you a force to be reckoned with? In what way?  When something gets my Irish up, I am a terrible force to be reckoned with.  I am usually mild-mannered and quiet, but if I get tipped over that proverbial edge, I can get loud and nasty.  Doesn't happen often, but woe to anyone close by when it does! I always have to apologize.

2. What are two things you love about the wintertime? Or, if love feels like too strong a word, what are two things you 'like' about winter? I love wintertime in Florida, because we can shut the AC off and open the doors and windows to fresh air!

3. Pomegranate, kumquat, persimmon, kiwi, and guava are all fruits said to have health benefits, particularly during the winter months. Do you have a favorite on the list? Are there any on the list you haven't tried? I've had them all, but pomegranate is my favorite. You can buy the arils at Sam's Club, and just enjoy the sweet juiciness without all the bother!  They are so good mixed in Greek Yogurt!

4. I passed a local church yesterday and noticed they had this on their outdoor sign- 'When all else fails, do the right thing.' Your thoughts? I agree.

5. Do you ski? According to one list I've seen, the top 5 ski destinations for 2014 are-St. Anton Austria, Whistler Canada, Cortina Italy, Tahoe USA, and Zermatt Switzerland.  Of the five listed, which would you most like to visit? We can make skiing optional if that helps the non-skiers with their answer. When I still lived in Ohio and was still in my 20s, I did go skiing once. That was enough. Now, I don't care if I ever see snow again. I would, however, love going back to Italy (but not in winter).

6.  What's the last thing you looked for online? (Besides my blog!) I am online at least 10 times a day, for work and/or home. How did we ever get through a day without Google and Amazon? I always shop online and rarely go to a store for something (other than groceries).


7. What saying, slogan, quote, or motto have you seen lately that inspires you for the new year?  Well, I had to go online (smiling) to check out a few, and found two that I really like:

•  “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” — Mother Teresa 

• “Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” — Helen Keller

8.  Insert your own random thought here. This isn't very random, but I want my friends to know that my back is much better, and my tailbone is just a little tender still, after my fall on Sunday. The knee is holding up. I think I just turned too fast and put all my weight on it at the wrong time, causing it to buckle.  

========================== A couple more random thoughts...

Joe took our cat, Onyx, to the Vet yesterday. He got a shot of B12 and an antibiotic. He has perked up already, but still isn't eating. He is drinking water, though, and using the box. Sweet guy has used up about four of his nine lives. He is my snuggle kitty and sleeps on my pillow most nights. I know when he is sick because he hides under the bed.

The painter came by last night, to make sure he had the right house, and to see the rooms. He will be here at 8:00 a.m., on Saturday. No sleeping in, but that's okay!! He actually put the paint on the wall, to make sure it would cover well, and it did. He said it is good paint. I love the color. Whoohoo!  We also talked to him about painting the outside of the house, maybe next Fall. He is going to give us a price. Said he could do it in two days. Wow. He has been painting houses for Southern Homes, for 20 years. He doesn't even need to tape the baseboard.  Pictures coming!

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

A Prayer For You on Tuesday....

My friend, Shirley, sent this to me by email. (She is not a blogger.) I thought I should share it today.

There is nothing better than other people praying for you. We're not getting older, just getting closer to going home!  This prayer is powerful. Let's always pray for one another. 

Father, Thank You for each and every day You have blessed us here on earth. Thank You for Your tender mercies. Thank You for giving us friends and family to share these Internet joys with. I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those I care deeply for, who are reading this right now. Where there is joy, give them continued joy. Where there is pain, give them ease and your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence. Where there is need, fulfill their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. In Jesus' name, Amen.

   
Thanks for stopping by!! I appreciate your friendship and your comments!  I do pray for you and your intentions, every day!  Peace, love & hugs.

Monday Quiz About Me....

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Acting Balanced.  Pop over and visit Acting Balanced!

Instructions:  Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered!

1. It's International Skeptics day - what are you skeptical about?  Any claim that seems too good to be true. Anything a Democrat says.

2. Wednesday is National Hat Day - what is your favorite hat?  Do you wear hats often?  I look horrid in hats. Seriously. Never wear them, unless I am up north in the cold.

3. What one movie or two would you say should be on everyone's must see list?  Oh my, I can't name just one or two. I love movies. You can't go wrong with any of Fred Astaire's movies, just for starters!!  Our collection, at home, is over 700 titles.

4. If they were going to make a reality show about your life what would it be called?  Getting Old Ain't For Sissies.

 

5. Does anyone else have trouble getting started on Monday mornings? I am usually a morning person, but Mondays are SO hard for me!  

 

 

Thanks for stopping by on this chilly Monday morning. We have another week of sweater weather, here in central Florida.  Peace, love & hugs.

Sunday evening....

The photo is of our dining room. We started emptying out bedrooms today, and got a good bit done. We hired someone to do our painting!! I am SO happy about that. Was not looking forward to painting, with a back still on the mend and my tender knees.  Our friends, Hattie & Jim, who live in Michigan now, still have family here and the brother-in-law is a painter for one of the local home builders. Hattie told me, when they were here a few months ago, that he does painting 'on the side' too.  I called him today, and asked if he would like the job, when can he do it, and how much would he charge. I'll just say the price was right, and he can do it this coming weekend. Whoohooo!

Speaking of tender knees, something happened today that really scared me.  I was in the laundry room, and turned around to leave the room when my knee (the really bad one) just went out on me. I couldn't do anything but fall on my butt. Thank goodness nothing broke, but my tailbone is really, really sore. I've been sitting on an ice pack, hoping it will help. I will tell you that I DID laugh at myself, and called Joe to come help me. When he saw me on the floor and was scared, too, I said "I've fallen and I can't get up"!  We both laughed and he helped me get up. I have no idea why it happened, except I just stepped wrong. It's bone-on-bone so there is no cushion to protect it. Good grief....getting old ain't for sissies.

We will be doing a little work in the rooms each night this week. I still have the closets to clean out, because I want them to be painted, too. I'm just glad this is getting done!! The flooring arrives on the 22nd, so we will be able to get that scheduled soon!!

That, and doing laundry, was my day! Hope yours was more fun!! Thanks for stopping by! I enjoy your comments. Peace, love & hugs.

A late Saturday post....

This day just flew by!  Of course, when you don't get out of bed until 9:00.....

Joe and I went to Sam's Club for some things, then to Ace Hardware to look at paint for the bedrooms. We decided to put the same color in both rooms, so bought three gallons of Valspar, color 'Silken Stockings'. It's a neutral beige color.  The two rooms, right now, are green and blue, and have been green and blue for about 20 years!  Curtains and bedspread colors will make them look different.  I got the kind of paint that is also a primer, so hoping (and praying) one coat will cover the colors. We need to get started clearing out and getting ready for the new floors.  The paint comes first. I won't have to worry about splatters on the carpet, since the carpet goes!!

It was nearly time for Mass, so we got home, dropped off our purchases and got ready for church. I volunteered to serve cookies after Mass. My women's group does 'Donut Sunday' on the first weekend of each month. The 4:00 Vigil Mass folks thought they were being left out, so we now do cookies, water and lemonade after the Saturday Mass.  Today was the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus.  We had six babies baptized during the Mass, which was so great to see!!

At the cookie station, one little boy (probably 8 years old) told me in a very loud voice that he LOVES cookies!! He came back six times for a cookie...not sure where his family was, but he really did love cookies! He was very cute! I'm sure he couldn't eat dinner tonight! LOL

Joe and I went out for dinner, then came home to catch up on TV shows we have DVR'd from last night. Now he has his hockey game on, and I am thinking seriously of going to bed!

Hope you had a good Saturday and will have a blessed Sunday!  Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!!  Peace, love & hugs!