Happy Labor Day in the USA!

We made it home from Naples late this afternoon. It was a wonderful time with family and friends and a great early birthday celebration for Joe (his birthday is the 5th).  Kathy and Jim always do so much for us.

When we arrived, late Friday afternoon, we were welcomed by Jim. Kathy got home from work shortly after. Tristan got home from his after school work at 6:00, and brought pizza with him for our dinner. It was a pizza party full of laughter and love. We looked through the pictures of Tristan's summer vacation, with his mom, to Norway and Sweden. What beautiful countries and what fun they had!  They brought us a gift, from Sweden....

Aren't they cute! A cat napkin holder and matching napkins. Love them!

Saturday morning, they took us all out to brunch at a wonderful little restaurant we have been to several times, called Blueberry's. They make a great breakfast, and it is a favorite of us all.  When we got back home, Kathy and Tristan started cooking for the birthday party. Tristan put eight pounds of pork in two crockpots, to make his famous pulled pork recipe.  His mom (Kathy) taught him how to make it so he would have something good he could make for friends when he goes away to college next year. Kathy made Swedish meatballs to serve over bow-tie pasta, and scalloped potatoes with Parmesan cheese. Joe's favorite ice cream cake, from Dairy Queen was in the freezer, for dessert. Kathy also made a salad, and Jenny was bringing a fresh fruit salad.

Granddaughter Lauren arrived late afternoon, and the rest of the guests arrived between 5:30 and 6:00.  The party didn't break up until after 11:00, so it was great fun!!  Here are photos....

 Joe, with his birthday balloons.

 Joe and our friend, Rob.

 Tristan's friend, Brett, Brett's mom, Jenny, Jim, Joe and Brett's dad, Rob.

 Tristan, working on his pulled pork.

The party, in full swing.

 Meatballs and potatoes.

 Tristan's pork.

Brett and Tristan. 

Lauren and her mom, Kathy (our daughter-in-love).

(For my newer blogging friends, Kathy and our son were divorced many years ago, but we didn't divorce Kathy and are so blessed to still have her love (and that of her husband, Jim). It allows us to enjoy our grandchildren. Our son, Joe, is also happy about it, and he and his wife, Darlene, are able to be friendly with Kathy and Jim, which also makes life easier for everyone.) 

 The ice cream cake.

 Lighting the candles...

 There was lots of laughter, all night long.

Lauren found a funny card for her grandpa. 

Grandpa, Lauren, Grandma (me), and Tristan.

We all slept a little later this morning (Sunday) and spent the morning drinking coffee and reminiscing.  Joe and I were planning to leave by 11:00, but Jim asked us to stay and go to lunch with everyone, at one of their favorite restaurants. We really didn't want to go just yet, so gladly accepted the invitation. Lunch was wonderful. Our car was packed, so we could leave from the restaurant. We hit the road and made a few stops along the way. The trip takes a little more than three hours, and we have done it so many times that we have our favorite places to stop, including a couple of little shops that we like. We took our time, had good weather, and are thrilled to have another day - Labor Day - before going back to work.

Lauren sent me this photo (selfie) of Tristan and her that I thought was cute. I love that we can share photos so easily!!

I see that there are well over 35 blogs sitting in my Feedly account that will need some attention. I won't promise to comment on them all, but I will do my best to read through them. I have missed you all, and don't want to miss out on your news.  Thanks for stopping by and looking at the photos!! Peace, love & hugs!!

A Chat on the Farmhouse Porch, on Friday...

We are on our way to Naples, but the Farmhouse Chat was posted last night, so I could post it for today!!

Chat 154

 

Hello, from Patrice (this is her Meme).

Wendell and I are glad you're here. I went to the city today, without Wendell. I had a bit of time to wander around a large craft store. It was glorious! I was surprised to see Christmas things out already.  Ho-ho-ho- oh, no!  Let's start our chat.

QUESTIONS

1. Please tell me something you have done recently that was really fun.  I am having fun this weekend, visiting family, spending time with our grandchildren, and celebrating Joe's birthday (early).
2. Do you worry about any issues regarding food/food quality/food production?  I don't stress or obsess over it, but I think we all need to pay attention these days and be aware of the chemicals we are ingesting.
3. Have you painted any of your walls with colors other than white, beige, or tan? Our living room is pale yellow with a deeper buttery accent wall; two bedrooms are painted "silk stockings", which is darker than beige, but still neutral; the master bedroom is a warm yellow and the adjoining bathroom is green.
4. What is your favorite way to have a hamburger? If you do not eat meat, what is your favorite sandwich? I like hamburgers, and when we cook them on the grill, here at home, I like tomato, onion, ketchup and mayonnaise. If I order one out, I like the mushroom-Swiss burger, or a bacon cheeseburger. I know they aren't good for us, but they sure do taste good.
5. Please finish this sentence. If I could, I'd like to play_____________________. This could be a musical instrument, a part in a play- use your imagination:)  I wish I had stuck my with piano lessons. I can play trumpet, and read treble clef music, but I never worked hard enough on learning to read bass clef. You need to do both to play piano. As for acting...not on your life. I have terrible stage fright and could never play a part in a play.  Playing with the band is not the same as being out there, speaking words. Yikes.

I wish you all a good weekend! For those of us in the USA, it is a long weekend, celebrating Labor Day on Monday.  I will check in as I can, while we are away. I'm taking my laptop with me.  Thanks for stopping by! If you want to answer one of Patrice's questions in your comments, I would love to see your answer!  Peace & blessings!

Thursday Tidbits....

I was able to attend a breakfast, this morning, with three other co-workers, at our Lakeland Center. It was the annual meeting of Career Source Polk, which is a local employment and career development service, funded by state and federal funds, to get people back to work. They give awards out to companies that have been judged a "Best Place to Work".  There are categories for small, medium and large businesses (but none for non-profits, which we mention to them now and then). 

The keynote speaker this year was from Lakeland's new Amazon Fulfillment Center, which just opened their doors last week. They hired 500 full time employees, which was a great thing for our county. It was interesting to learn about Amazon as a place to work. They have great benefits, including 95% tuition reimbursement for attending college. That is pretty amazing.

There were over 1,000  people attending the breakfast. It was very crowded, but still a nice group. Their theme was "Taking Flight" so everything was airplane-oriented, which was kind of cute. They even had an airplane in the banquet hall!

 The air plane, at the entrance doors.

Flight attendants (not really) giving instructions.

I have several meetings today, but am happy to not have any big projects that I have to stop working on, so I can attend the meetings. I usually find meetings unproductive and time consuming. Wish they could be shorter and something would get accomplished.

Tonight is my facial night. I so look forward to relaxing and catching up with my friend (and Aesthetician) Dawn. She has a new cat, named Purr-el, and I am looking forward to hearing how she is doing with her new home and brother, Hollis.  She has been texting me photos.  We cat people enjoy talking about our cats! Ha!

Tomorrow, we are heading out for Naples, FL, to spend the weekend at Kathy & Jim's, and with our two grandchildren.  Lauren will also be there. Kathy has a little birthday party planned for Joe, on Saturday evening. I'll have photos to share, but will probably not be on Blogger or Facebook too much this weekend. I will have to play catch-up again.

That's all the tidbits I can think of today. Thanks for checking in!! Peace & blessings!

Hodgepodge is Back!

Joyce is back with her weekly Hodgepodge! Thank you, Joyce! Missed you last week, but I know it was much deserved time off from here!  Join the fun by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 187

From Joyce:  Welcome back to the Hodgepodge! I can't say I'm caught up, but I'm not any further behind either, so that's something, right? It's nice to be back, and I always appreciate a week with a ready made theme. See you back here tomorrow to share the love! 

1. As August draws to a close, share what's been your favorite weekend of the entire summer?  Definitely when our granddaughter came to visit us in June! We hadn't seen her since Christmas, and didn't get to spend much time, just with her. She lives in south Florida now, and we will see her this coming weekend!

 
2. Labor Day is marked in the US of A on Monday, September 1st.  What paying job have you held that you've loved the most? Liked the least?  I love the job I have right now, and have been there going on 18 years! I am the accountant and human resources at Polk Museum of Art. I also supervise the building operations, security, and visitor services (including the retail store). Love, love, love my job and the amazingly creative people I work with.  The one I liked the least....well, I've never really hated any job I've had because I have learned from each one, but I guess at the bottom of the list would be cleaning rooms at a motel, two summers during high school.

3. Does the new school year start before or after Labor Day where you live? When do you think it should begin? There is much discussion now about older students having later start times to their school day...your thoughts?  School started here in Lakeland on August 18th, but they get out at the end of May.  When I was in school (no, I didn't walk 5 miles in the snow)...school started at 8:40 and got out at 3:10 (I think I remember that correctly). Band and sports practiced after school, until 5:00 and we all got home for dinner with the family. Those were good hours. We didn't start until after Labor Day, and we got out the first week of June. Seniors graduated in late May. It worked. Having kids be at bus stops by 6:00 a.m. is ridiculous.  BUT - back when I was in school, most moms didn't work outside the home, so start and stop times weren't such an issue as they are today, when mom and dad both have to get to work. It's a different world today.

4. What's something you've worked at recently that could be deemed a 'labor of love'?  Giggle - whenever I cook dinner, it is a labor of love. I have come to hate cooking for two. It's just easier to go out, but I know Joe enjoys a home-cooked meal, so we split it fairly evenly.

5.Which of the following work idioms can you most relate to right now...'A woman's work is never done.', 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' 'Many hands make light work.'  A woman's work is never done, for sure. There are kitchen cupboards to clean out, a pile of boxes with photos that still need to be digitized, and that is just inside. Motivation is the key, and that is what is lacking right now. Ha!

6. Crab or lobster or thanks, but no thanks? Favorite way to have your choice prepared?  Oh my goodness, crab, please!! I like lobster, but given the choice will take King Crab legs over lobster any day. Steam 'em, and let me crack them and dip them in melted butter. Yum. Whole crabs are okay and fun now and then, but they are too much work for too little reward. Give me those big legs, steaming hot and I am in heaven! Throw in some shrimp and call it double heaven.

7. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, 'Three rules of work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.' Which of the three do you consider to be the most important? Share one of your own 'rules of work'.  In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity would be my choice, because I choose to be positive and figure it out. Finding harmony in discord would be the most difficult for me...but there lies opportunity. I think these all fit together, actually.  My rule....Git 'er done...no one else is going to do it for me (but where is that motivation?).

8.  Insert your own random thought here. Coffee.  I love my Keurig coffee maker at home, and am so glad to have one at work, in our little coffee/snack area (right outside my office, no less).  Coffee keeps me going. I used to be so addicted that I would get a caffeine headache if I didn't have at least one cup before 10:00 a.m.  I 'got off' coffee for awhile, and the caffeine headaches don't happen anymore, but I still drink 3-4 cups a day. Do any of you drink more than that, or am I a crazy lady?

Thanks for stopping by my Hodgepodge! I'm looking forward to reading yours! Please leave a comment for me! Have a great Wednesday/Hump Day! Peace & blessings!

Always behind, so here is my Monday Quiz About Me, on Tuesday!

Can you tell, lately, that I really don't have a lot to share. Life is not too exciting right now, between work and nothing going on at home. Thus - all the 'memes' I've been posting. I'm sure I'll have lots of photos and fun to post about after this coming weekend, when we travel down to Naples, to see family and celebrate Joe's birthday. Bear with me!!

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Monday Quiz About Me - Back to School Edition

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Heather & Wayne from Acting Balanced.  We are continuing to answer questions together.  Judy from Retired-not-Tired wanted us to reinstate #MQAM, so I challenged her to write this week's questions and she decided to go with a theme... Back to School

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! 

Here are the Questions:

1. What was your favorite grade in school?  Well, I really liked school, from kindergarten through my senior year (college came much later). I loved 2nd grade best, in elementary. That is due to my teacher, Mrs. Everhart, who I really liked and remember to this day. In high school, I had the most fun my sophomore year. Our marching band was winning awards and I had a steady boyfriend. I went to my first prom and actually had dates for the homecoming dances. It was a good year.

2. What was your favorite subject?  Art, band, English and biology. That's four, sorry!

3. What was your least favorite subject? Chemistry (and geometry, too).

4. Who was your favorite teacher?  More than one, again! Grade school, Mrs. Everhart. High school, Mrs. Canniff (English), and I actually liked Mrs. Finke (biology), though most kids hated her; Mrs. Buskirk, my art teacher, was okay, and those of us in band, loved Mr. Hoeltzel.

As usual, I won't list a 5th question for you to answer, but just ask that you answer one (or more) of the four questions above, in your comments. It's always fun to swap answers! 

Thanks for peeking in today! I wish you a good Tuesday! Peace & blessings!
 
 

Sunday Stealing on Monday....

I missed this for Sunday, so here it is for Monday. A new week, with all kinds of possibilities ahead!

I did cut the list in half. I stopped when the questions were about least favorite. I'd rather talk about favorites, any day.

Fictional Favorites

Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we try to credit the blog that we stole it from. We also provide a link to the victim's meme in our "Previous Victims" widget. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") Sometimes we edit the original meme, to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, to select the best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from this new meme or recently asked questions from a previously featured meme. 
Let's go!!!

From FYeahSurveys

  Favorite Fictional ? 

1. Favorite fictional couple?   Right now, I have to say Jamie & Claire, from the Outlander Series.

2. Favorite fictional character?  Oh, I have so many favorites. How about Scarlet O'Hara.

 3. Favorite fictional TV show?  Again, I have so many!  Right now, I have to say Outlander!

 4. Favorite fictional movie?  So many....One I will watch over and over...The Wizard of Oz.

 5. Favorite fictional villain?   Archibald Cunningham, played by Tim Roth, in the movie "Rob Roy".

 6. Favorite fictional hero?  Liam Neeson, as Rob Roy MacGregor  (again, there are MANY)

 7. Favorite fictional pet?  Ian Fraser Murray's dog/wolf, in Outlander (again...there are many)

 8. Favorite fictional setting/universe?  Right now, I have to say 18th century Scotland!


You all know I am a TV/Movie junkie, so just naming one favorite is almost ridiculous. But, there you have it, for this moment in time.

Wishing you a good week ahead!! Thanks for stopping by.

Decades of Songs....

My friend/co-worker, Ellen, posted on Facebook yesterday, her top 25 songs that have meant something special to her during her life. Now, Ellen is not yet 30, though she and her husband have two delightful kiddos. I didn't know one song or group that she listed!  Her husband works full time for a large insurance company, but books indie bands into different venues 'on the side'. They are both "into" music. It did make me stop to think about songs that have meant something special to me, through the years. I decided to post a list of songs, one from each decade I've been alive.

Decade #1 (age 1-10)

This was the first popular song I really noticed. I was 9 years old. I had a crush on Ricky Nelson, and did get to see him in person a couple of years before he died. Still made my heart flutter! LOL

Decade #2 (age 11-20)

It was the summer between 7th and 8th grade. That is when I fell in love with the Rolling Stones, and this was the song that did it for me. I am still a Stones fan.

Decade #3 (21-30)

Yes, I went through a country music faze, and this was one of my favorite songs in the late 70s/early 80s. I was newly divorced and (you have to admit) country music can speak to you when your heart is hurting.

Decade #4 (31-40)

If Joe and I "have a song" this is it. The night we met, I asked him to dance (yes, I asked him!) and this is the song that was playing. We went to see the movie on our 3rd date.

Decade #5 (41-50)

Still listening mainly to country music. I loved Waylon Jennings, Hank Jr., Willie Nelson, George Jones. No apologies. I still like them!!  Not the new country that sounds more like rock music. Give me all the oldies.

Decade #6 (51-60)

My radio is usually tuned to the oldies station Q105, out of Tampa, but I really love the funky blues, and the Hamilton Loomis band was introduced to me at the Museum 8 years (or so) ago, when they played at our Red White & the Blues event. We liked them so much that we had them return the next year. I have three of his CDs and love his sound.

Decade #7 (61-present)

Well, a replay of what I wrote above.  Still listening to a mixture of country, blues and oldies. I also love the the old gospel songs, and since this is Sunday, I'll end with this one!

Joe and I both got a couple of projects done around the house yesterday. Working outside was hot and sticky, but I jumped in the pool to cool off before my shower. We went to church, then to Texas Roadhouse for dinner, before popping into Walmart for cat food, then Publix for people food. Today will be laundry and a little cleaning, plus at least one more project from my to-do list. There is plenty to do!

Thanks for coming by! I would love to hear about a song that has special meaning in your life! Have a blessed Sunday! 

Saturday 9: I Got You Babe

I Got You, Babe

Welcome to Saturday:9.  What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants’ posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: I Got You, Babe
(recommended by Thank You Great Spirit)

If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) Popular music has produced almost countless groups, but not that many duos. Besides Sonny & Cher, can you name another?  Captain & Tennille

2)  Hearing this recording from his clock radio is how Bill Murray woke up every morning in Groundhog Day. What woke you up this morning?  My buzzing alarm clock. Not nearly as much fun as this song!

3) When she was growing up, Cher practiced her autograph for when she became a star. Is your signature legible? Or is it more of a scrawl?  My signature is entirely legible. I still get compliments on my handwriting.

4) In addition to show biz, Sonny & Cher had many careers: Sonny was a restaurateur and politician, Cher is an interior designer. Would you like to try your hand at any of those professions? I actually took classes in interior design, but what I really wanted to be was an architect. It wasn't meant to be.

5) In 1965, when this song topped the charts, Sonny and Cher were as famous for their wardrobe as for their music. Sonny was fond of tall, heavy-heeled boots while Cher often paired granny dresses with bare feet. What's on your feet right now?  LOL - Crocs!! I have five pairs of Crocs and wear them as often as I can. They are ugly, but the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn.

6) By 1968, their career crashed. Cher's early attempts as a movie actress failed, their records stopped selling and the IRS came after them for back taxes. Have you ever been audited?  Not for taxes (I was married to an IRS agent, and am now married to a CPA, so I've never worried about taxes being done properly), but my books, at the Museum, are audited every year.  You know, if you don't try to beat Uncle Sam, you don't have anything to worry about. Just sayin'....

7) In 1971 they were on top again with their TV show. But their marriage was coming apart. Sonny said, "For the last 5 years I worried about our career, not about us." Have you ever been guilty of putting career before relationship?  I don't think so, but Joe might be the one to ask, instead of me.  I just asked him, and he said not in the 30 years we have been married.  That's good to hear!!

8) By 1972 they were living separate lives -- in the same house. For the sake of The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, they pretended to be happily married another year and a half. Tell us about a time when you pretended to be happy, but weren't.  For the 10 years I was married the first time.  Trouble is, I didn't realize just how unhappy I was until we separated.  

9) While their separation and divorce were bitter, they resumed their friendship when Cher showed up at the opening of his restaurant in 1976. Have you ever made the first move in repairing a relationship?  Yes.

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Last night's exhibit opening was great! Our auditorium holds 152 people and there were at least 20 people standing in the back. Really nice. I love being able to hear artists speak about their work, and Richard Sexton was very interesting and engaging. I like his photographs so well that I purchased one of  his books.

No plans this weekend. There are things that need to be done, here at home, so I think I'll tackle a couple of them. We are off to Naples next weekend.

Thanks for stopping by!! I appreciate your time and your comments! Peace & blessings!

Chatter, Chatter, on the Farmhouse Porch....

Patrice has posted her questions for this week's Chat on the Farmhouse Porch!  You can join the fun by checking in at Everyday Ruralty!

Chat on the Farmhouse Porch 153

Chatter-chatter-chatter

QUESTIONS:

1. What are you most looking forward in the remaining months of 2014?  I'm looking forward to cooler temperatures, and to hopefully seeing family more often!
2. Tell us about the last movie you saw, or book you read. I haven't been to the movies in awhile, but finally finished the 8th Outlander book. Now I am reading "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks", which is a true story (not my usual like). So far (1/4 into it) it is interesting.
3. Do you ever make smoothies or juice?  No smoothies, but we do juice oranges when they are ripe and inexpensive.  I have an electric citrus juicer.
4. Who do you wish you could talk to right now?  I could say my mom, if there was a phone in Heaven - or my dad or my brother...etc., etc.  As for someone living, I don't really need to talk to anyone right now. Nothing hanging that needs to be discussed. I'm not a huge conversationalist.  I do better listening.
5. Please finish this sentence. "If I could spend a week in a lovely cabin in the mountains I would like to_______________________."  Not really my thing. I don't hike anymore and if I'm going to sit and read a book, I can do that anywhere, so no need to spend money for a cabin.  My idea of a vacation is someone else making the bed, giving me clean towels everyday, and getting three meals out. If I have to cook, make beds and do dishes, it is not a vacation. So - no cabin in the mountains, or anywhere, for me - unless someone else is cooking, making beds and doing dishes!!

I woke up yesterday, thinking it was Friday. What a bummer when I realized it wasn't. Well, today IS Friday, and even though I won't get home from work until after 8:00 p.m. (members' opening), I am looking forward to not setting the alarm tomorrow! Whoohoooo!!!

Wishing you a good Friday!! Peace & blessings!

Throw Back Thursday Photos and Story....

It has been a busy couple of weeks at work, but I have started thinking about my little brother. Next week marks 11 years since his death. I'm not depressed about it, or sad now, but my thoughts do turn to him and all the fun memories of good times we shared growing up and as adults. The time we had him with us was a blessing. He was such a special man, who touched so many during his time on earth. I do still miss him.

I've blogged about him before, so my long-time friends here have seen these photos and heard about him several times. Thanks for bearing with me. I just always feel compelled to honor his memory with a post on (or around) the anniversary of his death. It was such a blessing to be in his hospital room with him, and his wife, Jo Anne, when he passed from this world to the next.  Here is a little about him, from the newspaper. Hundreds (seriously, hundreds) of people honored him and our family by lining up outside and down the block of the funeral home, for visitation, and then filled the church the next day, for the funeral service. He is resting next to our parents and maternal grandparents.

Randy (Paul R.) Kelly
March 10, 1955-Aug. 29, 2003

Mr. Kelly died Friday, Aug. 29, 2003 at Mt. Carmel East Hospital (Columbus, Ohio) following a courageous seven-year battle with colorectal cancer.

Born March 10, 1955, in Washington Court House, to the late Orlyn A. & Helen L. (Cameron) Kelly, he moved to Millersport and was a 1973 graduate of Millersport High School.

He received his B.S. in business administration from Ohio University in 1978.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jo Anne (Clutter) Kelly; daughter Sara Elizabeth Kelly; son Michael Paul Kelly, both of the home; sisters Terri (Joe) D'Orsaneo, Lakeland, FL, Patti (Greg) McDermott, McConnellsville, Tammy Kelly, Newark; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was co-owner and President of Kelly & Askew, Inc., a commercial door company in Groveport, and was formerly an employee of Kinnear and of Wayne Dalton Company, Columbus. During 15 years with these organizations he served as Service Manager, Marketing Manager, and Branch Manager.

An active member of Peace United Methodist Church, Randy served as Lay Leader and Chairman of the Missions Committee. He was deeply involved with Habitat for Humanity, Beckley, WV Youth Center, and other Missions projects.

A loving and supportive father who coached PYAA soccer, baseball and basketball, he was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Pickerington Marching Band. Never was there a better friend, a more loving Christian father, or a more avid Buckeye Lake boating enthusiast than Randy Kelly. Other hobbies included hunting, fishing and golf.

Thanks for allowing me to remember him today! I promise not to do it here again next week! I wish you a good Thursday! We have an opening reception, at the Museum, tomorrow night, for the Richard Sexton photography exhibit. I am looking forward to hearing the artist speak!  Blessings!

No Hodgepodge Wednesday....

Joyce is taking a much needed vacation from Hodgepodge this week. My dear friend, Shirley, sent the following to me, by email, and I decided it is perfect for a Hodgepodge fill-in!!

                  RECALL NOTICE

This is totally amazing. Talk about clever and to the point!  Never heard it put quite like this before:  RECALL NOTICE: The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been identified as "Sub-sequential Internal Non- morality," more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. Some of the symptoms include: 1. Loss of direction 2. Foul vocal emissions 3. Amnesia of origin 4. Lack of peace and joy 5. Selfish or violent behavior 6. Depression or confusion 7. Fearfulness 8. Idolatry 9. Rebellion The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory- authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.  The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.  Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.  Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: 1. Love 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Faithfulness 8. Gentleness 9. Self control Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E.  (BEST Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes. WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list, and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.  For free emergency service, call on Jesus. DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace.  The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.  Thank you for your attention! - GOD P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'! Because HE Lives! Working for God on earth doesn't pay much...but His retirement plan is out of this world!

Tuesday

I really have nothing to share today. Work is still crazy, and I'm playing catch-up there.  

So, I'm checking in to say hello and wish you all a good Tuesday! Peace & blessings!

Monday....

Back to work, and our schools are back in session today. I left home early enough to miss the school buses and most of the teachers and high schoolers speeding to school. My mission during the school year is to make sure I'm not 5 minutes late, leaving the house, because that's all it takes to make my trip to work miserable! There are 4 schools along my route!  I have no patience when stuck in traffic or behind a bus. Don't get me wrong...I love school buses and my hat goes off to the bus drivers. I just hate getting stuck behind one, stopping at every corner. Sigh.


Gregory (our techie friend) got my new laptop configured for safety, and also helped Joe with his new Kindle Fire, last night. We enjoyed his company, and that of his dog, Paisley.  He had two helpings of my spaghetti, so I guess it was good!  Paisley is afraid of our cats. It is so funny to watch the interaction (or, no interaction).  This is Paisley, from Gregory's website:

I really have nothing else. Hoping for a better week ahead....

I appreciate your visit!! Peace & blessings!

A Sunday Chat on the Farmhouse Porch....

Good Sunday Morning. I'm doing last weeks Chat #152 today, and I also have photos from our trip to Tampa yesterday. We had a really good time and a great lunch at the Columbia Restaurant (Cuban food). Today, I need to do one of those quick, lick-and-a-promise style cleanings, and get the laundry going. Our friend, Gregory, is coming for dinner at 5:00. Plenty of time, but I need to get to it!

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Today's chat - Visit Patrice, at Everyday Ruralty, here:

1. Are you still enjoying (or not) summer, or are you geared for fall?  It is always summer in Florida!
2. What's the one room in your home that you'd like to make a big change to? The kitchen.
3. Do you ever send "snail mail"?  Yes. Thank you cards, birthday cards, Christmas cards. Rarely a letter, though.
4. Do you dream? Often? Do you have nightmares?  The experts say we all dream, so I guess I do. I don't remember them often, though. Nightmares...not since I was a kid.
5. Tell me something that makes you happy. Please.  Life makes me happy. I'm serious. I am so blessed that to be unhappy would make me ungrateful for all I have been given.

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If you read my post a month or so ago, about the accounting seminar I went to, over in Tampa, you will remember it was at the Tampa Bay History Center, and I wanted to get back to see the art exhibit, The Highwaymen. It closes today, so it was this weekend, or never!  We are so happy we got the chance to see it, and all the exhibits. Tampa's history, on two floors, with the art exhibit on the 3rd floor. Thankfully, there was an elevator!!  Tampa has a rich history, including Cuban Cigars, phosphate, baseball, cattle, and military. I didn't take any photos inside, just because it's not the thing to do, but we explored outside after our lunch.

  

 Food wasn't first, but I had the Mahi-Mahi Cubano sandwich, with plantain chips, black bean soup, and we shared an order of fried sweet plantains. It was DELICIOUS!

Joe had the traditional pressed Cuban, with plantain chips and black bean soup, and half the fried sweet plantains.  Here is some info about plantains.

The rest of the photos are what we saw outside. It was hot and sticky, and rained while we were inside looking at the exhibits, but it cleared up, and since I had my brace on, was able to walk a little, to enjoy the scenery!

  

 The gator is on the children's playground.  There was a very cute family playing on the other things (a turtle and a cypress tree) and I didn't want to photograph them, so you just get the gator.

Wishing you a good Sunday and week ahead! Thanks for stopping by. Blessings and prayers!