Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 172

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 172

From our host, Joyce:  Welcome to the last week of Hodgepodge for the month of April. If you'd like to play along in this fun weekly meme, feel free. Answer the questions on your own blog, then hop back HERE tomorrow (Wednesday) to add your link to the party.  See you there! 

1. April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes. Are you blooming where you're planted as we begin the month of May?  Yes, I am most certainly blooming in Lakeland, Florida! I love, love, love it here, and have for nearly 25 years (this coming July).

2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being no big deal, and 10 being full scale panic, rank your fear of spiders.  Usually a 1, but if it is one of those BIG fuzzy ones, then let's go to a 3.  I have no trouble grabbing the nearest weapon, whatever it might be, and squashing them. Charlotte's Web is not a favorite movie! LOL

3. May is National Salad Month (who knew???)...besides lettuce, what are two must-have ingredients in your favorite salad?  Tomatoes and some feta cheese!

4. I mentioned on my blog last week that my Daughter1 will be moving to Washington State after she is married. Of the following sites in the Northwest, which would you most like to see in person-Crater Lake (Oregon), Seattle (Washington), Vancouver (British Columbia), San Juan Islands (Washington),  Mt. Rainer (Washington) Oregon Coast (Oregon), Mt. St. Helens (Washington), or Olympic National Park (Washington)  Gosh, none of those are really on any of my lists of places I want to see, but I guess I would probably enjoy Seattle, for a short visit. I don't like the cold or snow; I don't ski; I can't hike anymore (bad knees) - so I could go to Seattle and ride up in the space needle for a nice view. Personally, however, I could really care less about going anywhere out that way.

 5. This coming weekend marks the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby...when did you last race (literally or figuratively) to cross a finish line?  I'm still running that race - to get next year's budget approved. We have a BIG lunch meeting today, with the entire committee responsible for approving the budgets. Wish us luck!!

6. What is something little you love?  Are my cats little enough?  How about k-cups for the Keurig? I LOVE my coffee and those little gems. I love my little home, even though I wish I had one more room.  How little is little?  I'm 6 feet tall - somewhat statuesque...lots of things (and people) are 'little' to me...

7. Would you say you are more of a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner? Elaborate.  I am a more visual learner, I think. Show me how it works and that's usually all it takes. I am good at reading and following directions, though. Seems like there is some auditory that goes along with visual learning, most of the time. It rarely happens in silence.  I think there is also a place for kinesthetic learning, too....if you show me how it's done, while talking to me, the next step would be to have the student (me) do it myself while being watched or coached.  Sometimes you need to  physically perform, in order to learn or understand. I'm sure jumping off a cliff or our of a plane might be something requiring a more kinesthetic approach.... goodness. Just show me and I'll try it. LOL  Visual!!

8.  Insert your own random thought here. That last question made me stop and really think about how I learn best. I still think it really depends on what it is that is being taught, though! I'm going to look forward to reading how everyone else answered #7!!

Wishing you a good Wednesday! We're halfway to the weekend!! Hard to believe we are at the end of April already. Whhhoooshhhh goes the year!

Tuesday Tidbits....

Time is speeding by, at work, with our Mayfaire by-the-Lake art festival event coming up next weekend! Good golly, this year is flying by.

The staff t-shirts came in!  We get blue this year, and for the first time, they will say STAFF on the back. Always before, we had to wear badges, that just keep getting in the way. This is pretty awesome, actually!

The image is chosen from the artists participating (last year, for this year's) and is used for the posters and the t-shirts.  The floral arrangement is ceramic, and is much prettier than this photo shows, and (of course) the actual piece is even better.

Here is the poster....

Anyway, those are my Tidbits for this Tuesday.  Work is crazy busy, though the Board meeting went well yesterday. Now, on to two budget meetings...

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Monday Quiz About Me

Monday Quiz About Me - #MQAM

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Heather & Wayne from Acting Balanced.  We are continuing to answer questions together.  A special shout out this week to Judy from Retired-not-Tired for getting Heather off her butt and getting the questions up!

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. Today is International Astronomy Day - do you star gaze?  Have a favorite constellation?  
Nope - I don't star gaze. Since my 'sign' is Sagittarius, I guess I like that constellation best....
 
2. It is also Great Poetry Reading Day - share something poetic... Roses are red, Violets are blue, I'm not into poetry, how about you?
(* It's also Kiss Your Mate Day -but I don't think we need to discuss that *-*)
 
3. Volunteering has been a big topic around our house lately - do you volunteer?  What kinds of volunteering do you enjoy?  Yes, I volunteer, and also work in a non-profit organization that values its volunteers!  I like to volunteer when it is for a good cause, serving others.
 
4. April 30th is National Honesty Day - clear your soul - and be honest about something you've been holding in...  I gave up telling fibs years ago, since my face always betrays my true feelings.  My latest thing is separating my blogging contacts into two groups, one of which I will read every day. The other one I will monitor. I just can't keep up with everyone anymore, and don't know how those of you with hundreds of contacts can do it. I don't like to just breeze through. I appreciate my friendships here, and look forward to your comments.

As usual, I won't post a #5, but ask that you comments on one of the four above. Thanks so much for coming by! Wishing you a great week ahead!

Sunday, the same as Saturday....

My title says it all! It has been wonderful to not do much of anything for two days!!

Now - on to a busy week!

Sleepy Saturday....

Happy Saturday!

Nothing planned, and I've done nothing! LOL

Getting ready to go to our usual 4:00 Vigil Mass. Not even sure if we'll go out to eat, or come home and pick. It's just that kind of day.

Hope yours is going as planned!!  Peace, love & hugs!

Friday Fragments....

Looking through some old photos, I found a few 'fragments' that I thought I would share with you. No rhyme or reason....just some photos.

 Our son, Joe, and daughter-in-law Darlene.

Joe is being transferred to Georgia (from Pennsylvania), so they will only be about five hours away from us, by mid-Summer!

Joe and me, with Elvis, at a surprise birthday party a few years ago! 

We had great fun!

 

Joe and grandson, Tristan, at Universal Studios, a bunch of years ago.

 

 Granddaughter Lauren, with her grandpa, when she graduated from high school.

She is a college graduate, now!

 

 My Relay For Life team was chosen to carry the banner and lead the first lap.

Those of us carrying the banner are all cancer survivors. Praise God.

I don't do Relay anymore. We walked for seven years. Time for the youngsters to take over.

Luminary bags, at Relay, in memory of my parents, my brother, and Joe's first wife.

 

My sweet Joe, enjoying Venice. We loved Italy.

I had lunch with my girlfriends yesterday! It was fun catching up with Shirley, Cindee and Melody!

Thank goodness it is Friday!! I wish you a good one!!

Throw Back Thursday....

When Joe and I were first married (and before), we lived in Alexandria, Virginia. He wanted to open his own CPA practice and I encouraged him to do it. Always a bit scary when you venture into something new, especially when it directly affects your livelihood!

This is him, in front of his first office (2nd floor), on Washington Street (also the George Washington Parkway).  It was an exciting time for us. He always wanted to be in business for himself, and I'm so happy he got to do it (is still doing it!).  He stayed in this office until we moved to Florida, a few years later.

Ronald Reagan was POTUS then, and Joe frequently saw the motorcade drive by, with the President or some other dignitary, traveling to and from one place or another.

Good times!!  Good memories! Neither of us miss the traffic and crowds, though. Florida suits us just fine.  Our son, Jeff, is still in Alexandria.

That's all for Throwback Thursday.  Thanks for peeking in!! Have a good day!

Wednesday's Hodgepodge is back!!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 171

The Hodgepodge is back after Joyce's much needed break last week. Hop back HERE to add your blog to the party!

1. April 22nd is Earth Day. Are you inspired by nature? In what way?  I am always inspired by God's creations and love it when I can actually get out in nature and soak it in.  I am partial to mountains, woods, and waterfalls.  Here in Florida, we have swamps and lakes and trails through preserves, and some very beautiful beaches. Not quite the same, though, and I rarely have time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. I do find it spiritually renewing, though, to be surrounded by quiet beauty and fresh air.  When I walked outside this morning, to retrieve the newspaper from the driveway, the birds were chirping and the air was clear and brisk - I noticed and stood for a moment to just enjoy the sounds. Something that simple is inspiring to me. 

2. Down to earth, four corners of the earth, move heaven and earth, not have an earthly chance, or salt of the earth...which earthly idiom have you most recently encountered? Explain.  Probably 'down to earth' would explain my life. I'm a down-to-earth kind of girl. I live a pretty simple, normal life.  I could also say that I would travel the four corners and move heaven and earth for my salt-of-the-earth husband!! How's that?! LOL

3. Share one piece of advice you might give a newly engaged couple.  Talk to each other! Communicate! Don't ever think s/he knows what you are thinking. Also, laugh. Laugh a lot!  I guess that's two pieces of advice, but there you have it.

4. When did you last engage someone to perform a job, task, service, home repair, or improvement? On a scale of 1-10 (ten being the best) how would you rate their work and/or your satisfaction with the job or service provided?  Just a few weeks ago, we hired a man to re-screen our pool enclosure. He did an outstanding job, so I would give him a 9.5 on that job. He also put gutter screens in for us, which was also excellent! He is coming back for a few more odd jobs. I'm so glad we found a reliable handyman!!

5. When did you last find yourself engaged in small talk? Are you awkward or an expert or somewhere in between?  I guess you would call the conversation around the Easter dinner table small talk. I am not an expert at anything, so would probably put myself somewhere in between awkward and expert. If I am in a room full of strangers, I would tend to be more awkward.

6.  What was the last historic place you visited?  St. Augustine, FL.

7. The world would be a better place if we just learn to accept each others differences and embrace diversity. Just love one another. We're all in it together so why not work together?!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  Easter is over already. Now it is on to Mother's Day and the Museum's Mayfaire by-the-Lake art festival. Time is flying!  Joe and I will also be celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary, on Mother's Day this year - May 11th.  Yes, time is flying.

Check out my cat graphic below! I always type "thanks for stopping by" and "peace, love & hugs" so decided to put it on my page more permanently.  Wishing you a good hump day!
  

Tuesday Tidbits...

Back to work today. Sigh. Is it bad that I'm beginning to think longingly of retirement?  I love my job, but I'm beginning to think I might love retirement better.  Three more years....

• Joe and I headed for Orlando yesterday morning, to hopefully find some great bargains at the Coldwater Creek Outlet. Well, it had already closed.  It was still active on the web, and the sign was still on International Drive, but the store was gone.  A 90-mile round trip for nothing. Sigh. I should have called ahead.

• We came back to Lakeland and went to the Coldwater Creek store in our Lakeside Village. They were marking everything down 20%. I found a couple pair of slacks that had been marked down once, with the additional 20%,  and a top for my giftcard. The clerk told me that after May 7th, when the liquidation begins, they probably won't honor gift cards, so I really needed to spend my birthday gift. What a shame.

• I also had a Groupon for the store. She wouldn't accept a Groupon, and told me I would have to notify Groupon for a refund. Great.  Sent them an email as soon as we got home. I can't just throw money in the trash.

• I skipped my church women's meeting last night.  I was tired, and just wasn't up for it. The speaker was from the Boys & Girls Club. I'm sure it would have been interesting, but it didn't motivate me to be out until after 9:00 p.m., after a busy weekend.  Plus, I still had laundry to finish.

It's a busy week for me at work. Budget meetings, and a Board meeting coming up. I need to finish the March financials.....

Wishing you a good Tuesday!!  Check out my "Peace, Love and Hugs" below!!

Easter Monday....

Today is a holiday (day off from work) for me. So happy about that!

Have you heard that Coldwater Creek is going bankrupt and out of business?  It has always been one of my favorite places to shop (the outlets and sale racks, I should add). Since family and friends know about that, I frequently get gift cards to Coldwater Creek. Now, the race is on to get them spent!!

Joe and I are driving over to Orlando this morning, to visit the Coldwater Creek outlet. Wish me luck. I hope to come back with bags full of goodies for my $150!! I'll keep you posted.

We had a very nice Easter dinner with Helen and Cheryl.  Gregory did not come. I really didn't expect him, though I hoped he would not have a migraine and would come by for a home-cooked meal.  Dinner was good, if I do say so myself. I put a ham in the crock pot, and made sweet potatoes, with marshmallows. We also had corn and a mixed veggie dish, coleslaw, raw veggie plate, rolls, and jello salad. Helen and Cheryl brought dessert - mixed berry pie and a chocolate eclair cake, both of which were delicious! Needless to say, there were leftovers to share.

When we get back from Orlando, I have laundry to do. Fortunately, we cleaned the house good on Saturday, so won't have to revisit the mop and dust rag.

Oh, I need to report that Vinny got baptized on Easter Sunday! He fell in our swimming pool! Joe is the one who said he got baptized! Made me laugh.  The wet and cold kitty ran through the house, dripping water everywhere. Thankfully, he didn't jump on the table, which was already set for dinner! I did have to get out the mop and sop up the water trails. I was able to get him wrapped in a towel, and held him for awhile. He seems to be fine, now, like nothing happened. I bet he takes better care around the water now, anyway!

It was good to talk with my sisters and grandmother today. Our youngest, Jeff, called this evening. We texted holiday greetings with Tristan and Kathy. I miss family the most on holidays.

Wishing you a good Monday and week ahead!!

Christ, the Lord, is risen today......

He is risen, indeed!!

While we wait....

Joe and I attended Good Friday services at the First United Methodist Church, last night. We wanted to be there (as mentioned in yesterday's post) for our friend (and my co-worker), Gregory, as his latest sculpture was introduced to the congregation.

The church is building on. They are doing a $12 million expansion, and it is only a block away from the Museum, where I work. The pastor asked Gregory to make a cross for the entry to the new building, out of scraps that would otherwise have been thrown away. Gregory used part of an I-beam. The pastor then built his message around the cross, being made beautiful from scraps destined to be thrown away, sculpted from the hands of an artist.  In the same way, Christ takes sinners and makes them whole again.  That is simplifying it, but you get the idea. It was a lovely service, and Gregory sat with us.

Gregory is the 'techie' guy I talk about all the time. The picture of the cross, below, is from his website.  You may visit his website to see more of his art. He is a sculptor and a photographer, and a good teacher. He has lots of good information (recommendations) on his website, too, that you might find helpful. He is also the Museum's computer guru. You can trust his recommendations and judgement on computer and photography equipment.

http://gregorymills.com/

We invited Gregory to join us for Easter dinner. His dad is a retired Methodist minister and his folks live in North Carolina, so we consider Gregory part of our extended family here.  Gregory runs the sound system at the church, during the contemporary service. He said Easter usually gives him a migraine, so he isn't sure he will be able to come for dinner. The fragrances of the Easter flowers give him headaches (as they do me, if I get too close). I hope he is able to join us.

I will be cleaning and starting to prepare dinner today, and we plan to attend the Easter Vigil Mass at 8:30 p.m.  Looking forward to the joyful celebration of the Resurrection tomorrow! The darkness will have ended!! Hallelujah!!

Wishing you a blessed Easter! Thanks so much for stopping by! Peace, love & hugs.

Good Friday....

It never seems right to call the say of the crucifixion, 'good'.

We are going to attend Good Friday services at the First United Methodist Church tonight. Our friend, Gregory, constructed a cross for his church, which will be dedicated and used in the service. We want to support him by being there to experience it.

We haven't yet decided which Sunday service we will attend. Still considering it.

Most of my co-workers took today off, since the schools are closed. We actually get Monday as our staff holiday, since Easter is on Sunday. We have two floating holidays that we can use, and most take Good Friday off, too. That means it will be quiet and I'll get some work done, hopefully! Even the boss is gone.

I am using Joe's laptop, and have finally caught up on blogs. I know I missed a few, but I tried to get around to at least one of everyone's that I've been missing. He rarely uses it, so I can limp along with it for awhile, until we can think about a new one for me.

If you will be away from blogging for the weekend, enjoy your family and friends!! I'll look forward to photos and stories next week!! Thanks for stopping by!  Love you and wish you a blessed Easter!  Peace, love & hugs.

Thankful Thursday....

I am thankful for a few minutes at work, to jump online and check in! My home computer lets me online for (maybe) 10 minutes, before it gets wonky.

I am thankful for amazing co-workers, who are also extended family. Yesterday, several of us went to the FPRA (Florida Public Relations Association) breakfast meeting, as a surprise for Sandy, who just earned her APR designation (Accredited in Public Relations). She was quite surprised to see us there, along with her husband and several folks from previous jobs she held (including the retired publisher of our local newspaper). She cried. We celebrated with her. It was a great way to start the day.

Getting her pin....

As always, I could keep listing things I am thankful for, including all of my blogging friends! But I'll stop and get back to work!

Thanks for stopping by!  Peace, love & hugs.

No Hodgepodge Wednesday!

My friend, Judy, and her son, Mike, at Relay For Life.

 

I originally thought I would resurrect an old Hodgepodge to post, since Joyce is taking this week off from her weekly meme.  But today, I received an email from a 92 year old friend of mine. Judy is a cancer survivor, and she was on my Relay For Life Team for our seven year run with the American Cancer Society. She is also a member of my church women's group, and is absolutely amazing. You would never guess she is in her 90s. Never.  Bright, smart and full of life.  I decided what she shared with me is worth sharing with all of you. I've seen it before, and you may have, too, but I believe it is worth reading again and again.
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This is something we should all read at least once a week!!  Make sure you read to the end!!

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.  My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short; enjoy it.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the future.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry; God never blinks.

16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to be happy, but it’s all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion.

Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

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I think each one of these is important, and know I need to commit some of them (at least) to memory. Wishing you a good Wednesday!! Thanks so much for stopping by! Peace, love & hugs.

 

 

Tuesday Tidbits....

Good morning, on this Tuesday before Easter.  My computer is working a little better, but is on its way out. Our techie guy says the processor is going. The hard drive is okay, but the processor should be functioning at 6.0 and is going 2.5 (whatever that means). I backed up my accounting data last night, even though it is also backed up by Carbonite.  Carbonite is amazing, if you want an easy way to back up your computer - pictures and data. We have been using it for 5-6 years now.  I don't worry about lost data anymore.

My new phone came in and we went to pick it up last night. I got the new Galaxy S5.  Let me just say that it is AMAZING.  It has an 18 megapix camera - better than my point-and-shoot, which is only 10.  It is water proof!  It can do split screen....I haven't even discovered all it can do yet. Joe got my Galaxy SII, and he is turning his old Motorola into the Police Dept., for battered women. AND, our monthly bill is going down by $40 a month, and there is no contract anymore, with Sprint. Yippee!

Today is tax day.  Joe is a CPA, and though he considers himself semi-retired, he has 48 tax returns this year. Last year, he did a little over 30. I told him he needs to learn to say no, or he will have to rent an office again! It is good for him, though. He really does love engaging with his clients, and he has several who just won't let him go. It's all good, and the extra income has allowed us to do the floors and the screening...those extras that we couldn't afford otherwise.

I'm going to stop at that.  Not much else to report. Work is crazy busy, and I need to start planning Easter dinner around the ham that is already in the refrigerator, waiting for Sunday.  Helen and Cheryl are coming around 1:00, and are bringing dessert.

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

No Monday Quiz....

I quickly read the meme Monday Quiz About Me, and decided to not participate today. I really had no answers for the questions this week.

I am also doing this quickly from my work computer.  My laptop is being diagnosed, as I type this. Our techie guy is taking a look at it (running diagnostics from a disc). He thinks it sounds like my hard drive is bad. Sigh.

I find trying to read and respond to blogs on my little phone screen, or even my slightly bigger Nexus7 screen, just too cumbersome to navigate, and the keyboards are so small....grumble, grumble.

All of that to just apologize for not getting to everyone's blogs over the weekend. I'll catch up as I can, on breaks and lunch. Hopefully, our techie guy will figure out what's up with my computer, and I'll be back in business!

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

Saturday's Synopsis....

I am happy to report that my car has been fixed! Joe figured out how to reset the motor on the sun roof, and it is performing good-as-new!! Whew!

My computer, however, is a different story. It stays up for awhile, then gets funky and acts up. It restarts on its own, drops the internet....  me thinks it might be time for a new computer. We actually looked at some, at Sam's Club tonight.

I have gotten behind in commenting on your posts. I'll catch up as I can, or as the computer will allow me. I hate trying to use the keyboard on my phone. 

Today was my last day watching the cats next door. B & G got back from their cruise this afternoon. We went shopping for groceries after Mass. This is Palm Sunday weekend. Easter dinner, next Sunday, is here. We invited Helen and Cheryl, and we got the ham tonight.  I have Monday off, so have another long weekend to look forward to.

Hope you are having a good weekend! Thanks for coming by! Peace, love & hugs.

Finishing this on my little Nexus. The laptop went black again. Grrrrr.

Friday, Friday....

Oh my goodness, where did this day go?

We had such a good time at the hockey game, last night, even though the Flyers lost 4-2.  Disappointing, but still a good time!  The Flyers are in the playoffs, so Joe isn't feeling too badly about the loss. It just would have been nice to be there for a win.

The tickets were free, and were Club Tickets. We weren't real sure what that meant, but now we are spoiled for going any other way.  Premium entrance, escalator instead of stairs, and all the food and drinks you want - free. Oh, and parking was free, in the garage right next to the stadium. Wow.  There were food stations around every turn. BBQ ribs, pulled pork, pot pies, mac & cheese, salads, desserts, munchie type snacks, an ice cream bar, and fancy restrooms. Joe had a beer, I had water, but a waitress served us!  The seats were upholstered...... I didn't know a sports stadium could be so comfy and cushy!  Now that we know how the other half lives, it will be hard to sit in those other seats! LOL

We also got a surprise when my boss's friend, George, had a seat right next to ours. That was fun! I said I was the rose between two thorns!

I'm so happy I took today off, from work. Got to sleep in.  We took my car to our mechanic last night, on the way to Tampa.  The air conditioning fan wasn't working. It's been going off, then on, now and then, for a couple of years. Every time I took it in, it was working. This time, it went off and never came back on.  Joe thought it was just a motor for the blower/fan, so our fingers were crossed that it wouldn't cost too much.  Our mechanic called at 10:00 to say it was done. WOW. It was the wiring. He said it is pretty common, and that this time, it had burned all the way through. What could have been horrendous was only $85.00.

Now, my sun roof isn't working. It won't close all the way, so I am really stuck. If it rains, I'm in big trouble. It will be back to the shop next week. I'm thinking duct tape until then. If it's not one thing, it's another.

We did a little shopping today, and we went to our church for the Friday Fish Fry, for dinner. The Knights of Columbus do the cooking, and it was good!!

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

Throwback Thursday (It's all about me.)

I was looking through photos, and decided to show you photos from my college graduation. I finished my Bachelor of Arts Degree at age 50. I'm very proud of myself for going back to school. I had enough credits from my younger years, to attend a 16-month program for working adults to complete their degree. I was terrified, but jumped in, with Joe's total support. Warner University is a Christian school, here in Polk County, FL.  When I attended, it was Warner Southern College, but they changed their name several years ago. It is fully accredited. I graduated Magna Cum Laude. It is one of a few things that I am really proud of accomplishing.

I was asked to give the opening remarks for graduation, the call to worship. I am not a good public speaker. It scares me more than anything I can think of. I practiced for days. I think our cats could have recited the words, they heard it so often!! LOL  But, I did it.  Here you go.....

My apologies to my older blogging friends, who have seen these before!!

Joe and I have hockey tickets for tonight!! I will leave work a little early so we can head for Tampa. I took a vacation day for tomorrow, since we will be late getting home. It will be nice having an extra day for the weekend!  Go Flyers!!

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

Hodgepodge #170

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 170

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge.

A note, from Joyce, to all Hodgepodgers--I'm going to declare next week as Spring Break in the Hodgepodge. I'll have my Daughter2 home all week, and that combined with Easter preparations, plus the A-Z challenge, will be enough to keep me busy.

So, link up with your answers to these questions tomorrow (April 9th), remember no Hodgepodge next week (April 16th), and then we're back at it the following week (April 23rd). Thanks!

1. April showers bring May flowers, or so the saying goes. When did you last 'shower' attention on someone or have attention 'showered' on you? Did you love it, or did all that attention make you squirm?  I try hard to pay attention to friends and visitors. We've had a few these past few weeks, and I hope I did okay making them feel welcome and special.  I do not like to get attention, however. It usually does make me squirm. I am a happy wall-flower and prefer watching, rather than being watched. I do appreciate a kind word, and am pleased when my good work (at work) is quietly recognized.

2. Share a favorite 'spring break' memory. Not talking about just the 'college spring break' thing, but any favorite spring break memory you'd like to share. Keep it family friendly please!  Since I didn't graduate from college until I was 50 years old, I didn't have college spring breaks. I can't really think of a "spring break" kind of thing. We usually go on vacation in the spring, after tax season, though, so I do look forward to Joe (a CPA) being done with tax season!! My favorite Spring vacation was to Italy. Unless we win the lotto, it was a once-in-a-lifetime spring vacation, though.

3. It's National Pecan Month...are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite dish that calls for pecans?  I love pecans, and pecan pie is my absolute favorite food made from pecans.

4.  'Put all your eggs in one basket', 'egg on your face', 'rotten egg', 'walk on eggshells', or 'a good egg'...which egg-spression could most recently be applied to your own life?  Good egg fits, I think. My life is always full of good eggs!!

5.  In my experience:  It's always best to just mind your own business. Get your own house in order, then perhaps you can influence someone else by your good example.

6. What's a  favorite song with the word rain in its title or lyrics? I don't really have a favorite, but I do like CCR...

 Creedence Clearwater Revival: Who'll Stop The Rain 

7. What does the word hope mean to you?  I don't think there is life without hope.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  My first random thought is "Oh my gosh, what will I post next Wednesday?  I may have to dig in my archives and find an old Hodgepodge to post again!! LOL   I know Joyce will enjoy her week off, though!!  

I thank you for stopping by and I appreciate your comments!! Happy Hump Day!  Peace, love & hugs.

Tuesday Tidbits....

I am staring at this blank page, wondering if I even have one tidbit to share on this rainy Tuesday morning!!

• My home computer is not working well. I think I may have a virus messing things up. Running some software and hoping it straightens up!!  Our techie guy here at work gives me good advice!

• I saw blogging friend, Sheila (The Quintessential Magpie), yesterday!! She is in town, and may also be able to attend our DAR meeting tomorrow evening. I mentioned before that we have some mutual friends here in town, and it is fun to get to see her now and then! 

• Another blogging friend, Ruth, is visiting her daughter up Ocala way, but it is a short visit for her this time. Ocala is two hours away, so we will have to try to see each other when she gets down for a longer visit (perhaps) this summer!!

• I also think April and her family are over in Orlando right now. Sorry to miss her, too, but I know how busy family vacations are. 

• Have I mentioned how much I enjoy meeting my dear blogging friends in person? I so like saying hello in person, when possible.  Check out my tabbed page "Have We Met In Person". Some of those photos go way back to my time on Multiply, and some are as recent as 2013!!

I need to get to work. I'm here early, but folks are beginning to arrive!  Thanks for stopping by! I wish you all a good Tuesday!  Peace, love & hugs.

Monday Quiz About Me....

Monday Quiz About Me - April Daze edition #MQAM

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Heather & Wayne from Acting Balanced.

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!

It's an interesting week on the Holiday Insights calendar that we check out for fun days, so in homage, we are making this week all about special days and weeks...

1. This week is "Garden Week" - do you garden and what progress have you made on this year's garden... Wayne also wants to know what May Flowers you want these April Showers to bring?  No garden here in Florida. Too many bugs and critters. I have already registered my feelings about flowers. I do like to look at them, and think they are beautiful, but I do not want to take care of them, so don't have flowers in my yard.

2. Monday is No Housework Day - will you celebrate?  I do my housework on Sundays, so Mondays are always No Housework Days for me!!

3. Wednesday is Name Yourself Day - would you change your name if you could?  and if so, to what?  If not, why not?  I like my name, Terri, okay, but do not like my "real" name, Teresa.  At my age, I would not change my name now, but often think Paula would be nice, since that is what my dad wanted to name me (but mom said no).
 
4. Friday is 8 Track Tape day - do you remember them?  Did you have one?  What 8 track song will you sing in honor of this day?  Of course I remember 8 track tapes. I'm ancient! LOL   I did not have an 8-track player, though.  Back in the day, I was a huge Herb Alpert fan (because I played trumpet - he was my hero!).  Check this one out....   (I had this album, and it is not scandalous, as the cover would have you believe!)

 I'll look forward to your answer to at least one of these, instead of my doing a #5.  I appreciate so much that you stopped by!! Have a good week!  Peace, love & hugs.

Saturday's Synopsis....

I got up a bit before our company, this morning, but they had already told me that they would get breakfast at the College, so to not make anything for them. We did have time for a cup of coffee, before they headed out for their college visit. It was a special "Day On Campus" for perspective students and their families. They also got lunch, and would then just head for home.

Last night, they took us with them to see a play at Florida Southern College, "Electra". It was so well done, and the drama students were amazing in their roles!  I'm so glad we got to see it!

Electra

By Sophocles
Directed by Paul Bawek
April 3–6, 2014; April 10–13, 2014 - 7:30 p.m. (Sundays at 2:30 p.m.)
Loca Lee Buckner Theatre
Love and revenge take center stage in this classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles. After her father is murdered by her mother, Electra is driven by grief and obsessed with dreams of retribution for her father’s death.

The rest of our day was spent running errands. We started out at the Sprint store. I pre-ordered the Galaxy S5 phone. Whew...can't wait to get the upgrade! I have a Galaxy SII now, and it has been great, but the new one is supposed to be crazy good!  Then we went to Walmart, Sam's Club, church, then Publix. 

We had a visiting Priest at Mass tonight. He is doing our Easter Mission. Neither of us were very impressed with his preaching, so we probably won't be attending the mission, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

Our neighbors leave for their cruise tomorrow. We'll be taking care of their cats and house for them, while they are gone.

I have no plans for anything other than getting laundry done tomorrow. It will be a day of rest. Thanks for stopping by!! Peace, love & hugs!!

Random Five Friday....

• Karen and Lee left yesterday. Last night, we got a call from our friends, Rob & Jenny. They are coming to Lakeland today (from Naples), and wondered if they could take us out tonight, to see a play at Florida Southern College. Their son (Tristan's friend) Brett, has signed up for an open house at Florida Southern, tomorrow morning. He is considering attending FSC, after he graduates next year.  Of course, we offered to have them stay with us. 
• Brett has a friend, from school, who is already attending FSC, and she is part of the play tonight.... not too hard to put 2 and 2 together, if you get my meaning! :)
• I am back at work today, with two days to catch up on. Not too bad.
• Feeling a little tired. I know I don't get enough sleep. Seven hours feels good, eight feels even better. I'm lucky to get five hours on week-nights. I just can't get to bed earlier than 10:00, and then I have to read awhile, before going to sleep. I lay there awake, if I don't, so why bother going earlier? My alarm rings at 5:00 a.m.  I'm not complaining. Praise God that I have a job to get up for!! I'm just tired by Friday, and know I'm not sleeping enough.
• The Sun 'n Fun Fly-In is going on this week and through the weekend. We have the second largest fly-in, in the USA.  There are small planes flying over all day long, and you can't get into the restaurants around town. Lakeland is bursting at the seams with lots of visitors in town. It's a good thing!

Wishing you all a good weekend!! I'm sorry to have missed so many blogs, but I'll stay caught up from today. Thanks for stopping by! Peace, love & hugs.

Thankful Thursday....

Our friends, Karen and Lee, just left. We had such a good time.

I am thankful, on this Thursday, for "old" friends. Karen and I formed a friendship in 6th grade. We were biology lab partners in high school, were in band (she played clarinet, I played trumpet), we were on the yearbook staff, and she was a bride's maid in my first wedding (just out of high school).  We both went through first marriages that did not turn out as we expected, but have strong relationships now.  Lee and Joe get along well, and found things to talk about while Karen and I reminisced - seriously, we talked nearly non-stop for two days! Kids, grandkids, old friends, politics....I think we covered it all.

We did get to go on an airboat ride yesterday. It was at the Westgate River Ranch. The ride was good, but we only saw a few gators, and they were little ones. Disappointed in that. It just was not as good as we are used to, with Grape Hammock Fish Camp's airboat rides. We told them next time, we'll do that one (hopefully their airboat will be out of the shop!). The weather was absolutely beautiful, however, and it was fun to be out on the water, scooting through the lily pads. The ride was on the Kissimmee River, rather than on Lake Kissimmee.

 

 

Thankful to have vacation days to use when friends pop in!! It was nice to make them a good breakfast before they headed out for their next destination...daughter #1 and a fairly new grandbaby!! Sent them off with a whispered prayer for safe travels, and a promise from Karen to share baby photos!

Thanks for stopping by! Peace, love & hugs.

Hodgepodge Wednesday.....

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 169

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back HERE tomorrow to share answers. Joyce has given us some great things to think about, yet again! Thank you, Joyce!

1. Since these questions are posting on the first day of April it seems only right to ask-when was the last time you did something foolish? If you can't answer that one, try this one-when was the last time someone fooled you?  I probably do something foolish every day of my life!  I'm also sure that I get fooled often, and usually don't even know it. Sorry that nothing specific comes to mind.

2. What's the last biography or non-fiction book you've read? Was it any good?  Probably the Dr. Ben Carson story - Gifted Hands.  I don't really care for biographies or non-fiction. When I read, I want to get lost in the fantasy of a great story and non-fiction is not usually interesting enough for me to get lost in it.

3. Garlic-friend or foe? What's your favorite dish made with garlic?  Best friend!! I use garlic on lots of things, since I cook Italian dishes frequently. I love pasta, with just garlic & butter; I use it in spaghetti sauce and on pizza; I put it in mashed potatoes; and I love toasted garlic bread with lots of butter!! Garlic also has medicinal properties, and is very good for you!

4. Several Spring flower festivals happen in the US during the month of April. Of those listed, which would you most like to see in person...The Skagit Tulip Festival in Skagit Washington, The Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville Tennessee, The North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington North Carolina or the Daffodil Festival Weekend on Nantucket Island, Massachussets?  Well, sorry, but I wouldn't travel very far to see a flower show. I'm just not a flower person. I think they are lovely and I enjoy them in beautiful yards and in hanging baskets, but I have no desire to take care of them in my yard or house, and am not interested enough to travel anywhere for a flower show. Having lived in the D.C. area for 12 years, I always enjoyed driving by the cherry blossoms when they bloomed around the Jefferson Memorial - but that was on my way to work. Just not a flower person - and I don't enjoy receiving flowers for any occasion either...I think it's a waste of money (gasp!). Part of my problem is that heavily scented flowers give me terrible headaches. I can't be close to gardenias or lilies, or honeysuckle, for example. Horrid headache.  I just don't get along well with flowers.


5. How do you choose which blogs to read?  What is something that will make you stop and read every time? Something that makes you say, 'eh, think I'll skip this one and move on to the next'?  I look for bloggers with similar beliefs and values. I don't understand how some, with hundreds of followers, can keep up. I want a quality blogging experience, not just someone who flies by and moves on. I view my connections here as true friendships - especially those who I have been connected with for several years. I stop following when a blogger isn't genuine (not sincere) or starts to not interest me anymore. Just recently, I noticed two people dropped off my followers list, and since I didn't really miss them or "know" them anyway, that's okay. I do the same thing, and understand.  I so enjoy meeting my blogging friends in person (see the tab at the top of my page), and base my friendships here on whether I think we would be good friends in person, too.  I have not been disappointed yet!!

6. April is National Mathematics Education Month so tell us, when did you last use math?  I am an accountant, but I laughingly tell people all the time that accounting is arithmetic (adding and subtracting), not math...but I do have to use math most every day to figure percentages and make projections, for instance. I am not good at advanced math, however, and marvel at those who are. Please don't ask me to figure out when the train and the car will meet in Arizona if one is going 60 miles per hour and leaves California at 4:30 a.m., and the other is going 100 mph, and leaves Ohio at 6:30 a.m.....who cares anyway?!!

7. In honor of the A-Z challenge kicking off on April 1...choose one word beginning with the letter A to describe your yesterday.  Anticipatory.


8. Insert your own random thought here.  I am off from work today, to spend time with our friends, Karen and Lee!!  I will have to play catch-up again, since we will be out and about, hopefully on an airboat ride with another company, since our usual place had to cancel on us. I will have photos to share!!

Thanks for stopping by my Hodgepodge today! I appreciate our connection and friendship here! Peace, love & hugs.

Tuesday Tidbits....

Happy April Fool's Day!! Hard to believe it is April already.

• I am so excited to see my friend, Karen, this afternoon!! She and her husband, Lee, are to stop at the Museum, first, when they get to Lakeland.
• We were planning to take an airboat ride on Wednesday, but I got a call from the Fishing Camp yesterday, canceling our reservation. It seems the airboat is 'in the shop' and won't be fixed by tomorrow. They asked us to reschedule on another day, but we don't have another day.  There is so much to do around Central Florida, that I am sure we will find a fun way to spend our day. I'm just disappointed about disappointing Karen and Lee.
• Joe was such a big help yesterday! He did the grocery shopping and got the cleaning started. Bless him. 
• We are so excited that some of our favorite TV shows are back! Call The Midwife and Selfridge's, to name two. We are also watching Vikings.
• We also heard that our granddaughter, Lauren, is planning to move down to Florida! Her lease (in New Jersey) is up at the end of May, so we expect her to be in Florida for the start of the summer. Happy for her, and happy for us that she will be closer. I miss her.
• Handyman Sam is almost done with the new screening! I'm so happy that it will be done today! The cats will be happy, too!

Thanks for stopping by!! Have a good Tuesday! Peace, love & hugs.