It's Finally Friday!!

Let's try for Five on Friday...

• Some weeks fly by, and others just seem to last FOREVER!  This has been one of those!  Work has been nuts.

• I used Gorilla Glue to put the soles back on a favorite pair of shoes. Hoping the commercials are true and I can get another winter out of them!  Have you ever done that?

• We are going up to our son's house, in Georgia, in mid-November. Looking forward to seeing their new place, in Brunswick, and then also seeing their get-away place in St. Augustine! It will be fun!!

• We're getting some work done outside. Some wood needs to be replaced in one spot, a fascia board has rotted out from moisture, and then we will get the outside painted. The painter is coming tomorrow to give us an estimate. Hoping we can do it.

• Did I mention that Joe fell last week, while working in the garage? He climbed up on his workbench and lost his balance.  Sprained ankle, with a nasty cut, and two fractured ribs. He is lucky he didn't knock himself out or get impaled on something. He knows better!! I told him his guardian angel was watching over him. It could have been so much worse!

Have any of you been connected to a blogger named Mandi Morlan?  She had her own photography business, blogged about her daughter Ava, and frequently posted her menu for the week ahead. I "met" her over on Multiply and then we were connected here.  My blogging friend, Kris, found out that Mandi died last week, of a stroke. She was only 37. It's really hard to learn of things like this. Our friendships here are real friendships. We share so much. So very sad. Say a prayer for little Ava, if you would please.

Thanks for stopping by! Your comments are always appreciated! Peace & love.

Three Throwback Photos for Thursday....

Throwback Thursday must mean Friday is a lot closer!  Still weeding through old photos....

 The photo above is from our 1966 (I was 14) trip to Canada. I blogged about our Canadian vacations a few blogs back, and that we always stopped at Niagara Falls.  That is me, the tall and lanky (those were the days!), with my two little sisters, Patti and Tammy, our dear neighbor, Mary Foley (like family) and my dad. Not sure where my brother was, and Mom was probably taking the photo.

I have also talked about the one and only cruise Joe and I ever took. I kept thinking the ship was called the Windward, but this photo clearly states Leeward. It was Norwegian Cruise Lines. The whole experience was terrible for us (me especially - sea sick). We haven't been on a cruise since. Maybe we'll give it another try.....

This is my younger sister, Patti, in her senior picture! Her hair is naturally red (was then, out of a bottle now!), but you can see that curls run in the family!  Those are natural. I am sorry this photo has a scratch on her face. I need to ask for another one, or try some photo magic and fix this one.  Patti has been an elementary school teacher for 35 years, this year. She is an Ohio University graduate.

Thanks for stopping by my memory Thursday!  Your comments are always appreciated! Blessings!

A High-Flying Hodgepodge.....

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 196

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back HERE tomorrow to share answers with the universe. See you there!

1. My hubs spent last weekend pheasant hunting. Are there hunters in your family? If so, what do they hunt? Which of the following have you tasted-pheasant, rabbit, venison, duck, goose? Which of those would you most like to taste, or be most willing to taste?  My dad and brother were both hunters, and they enjoyed all of the hunting seasons in Ohio.  I have had pheasant, rabbit, venison, and duck (no goose), and also squirrel (not on your list).  They also liked to fish, gig frogs, and trap turtles.  I am not a huge fan of wild game. I think you need to develop a taste for most of it, and the chef/cook certainly needs to know how to cook it to get the gaminess out.  My Joe can tell different stories. He wasn't a hunter, but was raised the son of a butcher. His parents had a meat market, and Joe has been to livestock auctions, has had to kill and slaughter cows, pigs, lambs, goats...  Vegetarians keep calm and Hodgepodge on.

2. What high spot have you visited that gave you a wonderful 'bird's eye view' of something below?  I walked to the top of  Clingman's Dome  in the Great Smokey Mountains. At over 6,000 feet above sea level, that's probably the highest point (other than in an airplane). I went to the top of the Empire State Building once.  I loved, as a child, climbing the maple tree in our backyard. It sure felt like I had a bird's eye view of the neighborhood from up there!

3.  Do you have any birds in your home? These could be either real live pets or decorative, as in bird prints, knickknacks, fabric or pottery.  No, we don't have birds in the house, real or decorative. I DO enjoy birds, though, and loved going to the aviary at Cypress Gardens (years ago). You could pay $1.00 for a cup of 'nectar' and the birds would land on your arms, head, shoulders, trying to get to the nectar. That was such fun! Our son, when he was married, had two cockatiels named Pearl & JD. They were fun to talk to and handle. With four cats, though, I don't think our house would be safe for any birds - real or decorative! 
 

4. Tell about a time you 'killed two birds with one stone'?  Gosh, I can't think of anything specific right now, but will say that I multi-task all the time - all.the.time - so I am always doing two or three things at once.

5. Your favorite song with a bird in it's title?  Perhaps not a favorite, since I've never really been a Beatles fan, but it's the first song I thought of that referred to a bird.

 and this is the second one I thought of.... which I should have thought of first!!

6. What most recently gave you goose bumps?  Actually, hearing that second video I just posted!! Seriously. Goose bumps.

7. Halloween is this Friday...any plans? Did you trick or treat as a child? Carve pumpkins? Share your most memorable costume.  No plans. We don't participate in trick or treating anymore. All we get are kids too old to be doing it. Lights out and tape on the doorbell. Bah humbug.  Yes, I did go out as a child and loved it.  Yes, we carved pumpkins, but I don't anymore.  I have no memory of any costume, so I guess none were memorable! It was a very, very long time ago. Did I say it was a long time ago?  I think the venues at churches (trunk or treat) are much safer for kids these days. I doubt I would let my young ones go door-to-door today.


8.  Insert your own random thought here. I am so excited that we got reservations made today, for our 30th anniversary trip to New Orleans, this coming Spring! I'll talk more about it later, but for today I am happy to get the dates we wanted for our four-nights in The Big Easy!  We will be driving there and take two days, even though it is only about 12-13 hours away.  I will ask now if anyone is in easy driving distance of north Florida, along I-10, Mississippi, Alabama, or Louisiana....would be happy to have a quick visit with blogging friends, in person!! Let me know and we can make plans.  


Thanks for reading my Hodgepodge! Your comments are always appreciated! Peace & blessings!

Ten for Tuesday....

I used all my 'tidbits' in my last two posts, so today you get 10 cute cat images....

Please don't hold it against me!  Hope you found one to like!  Thanks for stopping by today! Blessings & peace!!

Memory Monday.....First Date!

This Monday's memory theme is "First Date".....

I must admit that I truly don't remember my first date. I've been thinking about it since the subject was given to us last Monday. I really don't remember!! Not too memorable, I guess! Ha ha!

I wasn't allowed to date until I was 15 years old, and then only double dates. We (my group of friends) did lots of group things. Band trips, pizza after football games, etc.

I DO remember my first steady boyfriend, though, and my first real date was most likely one with him - in a group.  I was a sophomore and he was a junior. I know I went to the homecoming dances with him, and he invited me to the prom. I was one of only a couple of sophomore girls who got to attend the Junior/Senior Prom.  His name is Archie (nickname) and today he is married (happily, I assume) and we connected on Facebook a couple of years ago.  I haven't seen him in over 40 years. Our "steady" relationship was purely platonic. He was the boy next door....actually down the block, but we could see each other's houses from our front yards. It was fun. Just good fun (as it should be at that age!).

I will reveal a secret that only a few people know (or knew). I really had a crush on Archie's older brother. Doesn't that sound so "teenager"?!!! LOL  We worked together at the ice cream parlor, and I just thought he was the dreamiest upper-classman!  So I dated his little brother.

Okay - now you have today's memory moment!  Not much of a memory.  I DO remember my first date with Joe, and the second and the third.....when you find true love, the memories are a little 'stickier'!

Thanks for stopping by today! Peace & blessings!

Saturday & Sunday Catch-up....

We are home from our visit with family in Naples.  Lauren's party was very nice and it's always good to see friends AND family.

Since I took Friday off, and we didn't need to be in Naples early, we left home early to make a stop on our way south.  I have been wanting to visit Solomon's Castle, down around Arcadia, FL.  It is one of those "Trip on a Tank Full" or "Weird Florida" trips you can take.

Howard Solomon is a self-taught artist who has been featured on various TV shows.  Solomon's Castle is his creation and where he exhibits his many artistic talents. He is billed as a sculptor, painter, author, building of castles, maker of dreams, and the Castle is where he shares his unique view of the world.  His wife is the one who conducts the tours, and she bills herself as "Queen of the Castle".  She is a true story-teller and comedian!! Their children are also participating, and especially their daughter, who runs the restaurant. There is also a bed & breakfast. It is quite an impressive endeavor!!  Here is the website:  http://www.solomonscastle.org/

I took over 40 photos, so here is just a sampling. The castle is covered in old printing plates. The 'Queen' told us you can read all kinds of Hardee County history if you peel off the plates and turn them over. She showed us one.  Very interesting.  The framed "paintings" in the photos below are actually carved wood.  The metal sculptures are cut from steel drums and lots of found metal objects and motors, etc.  We will definitely go back, and can't wait to share it with guests one of these days. We know several who would really enjoy it!!

 This is a wall in their private living quarters (not so private, but where they live). The hallway between the living room and kitchen....she said it's their only plane wall..... (as in wood planers)

The restaurant is in "the boat" which he also built.  Took him four years to complete.  The food was delicious and we shared a slice of walnut pie for dessert....yum.

-----------------------------------

Now, on to Lauren's party. It was basically the same group of friends that were there for Tristan's party, with the exception of one couple, who we had met before, but hadn't seen in awhile.  Kathy ordered Indian (as in India) food, since that is Lauren's favorite. It was quite good. A lamb dish, two chicken dishes, and lots of "trimmings".  Kathy made another wonderful cake. There really wasn't a theme this time, but her decorations were multi-colored flowers and an elegant cake. Lauren received some wonderful gifts.

Saturday, we slept in, and then went to an art market in one of the local parks. I wore my brace and took the cane, and did okay walking around. That was really nice. There were 25-35 local artists. Not great quality, but some very nice pieces and several good jewelry artists. We enjoyed looking, but didn't purchase.  Joe and I took everyone out for Chinese food, for dinner, since Lauren was looking forward to taking the party leftovers home. She left later Saturday evening, after dinner, to be able to "go out" with some friends to continue her celebration. She was a little disappointed that her BFF from "up north" wasn't able to come down for the party. We got up this morning (Sunday) and left around 10:00 a.m.  It was another great weekend.

 The cocktail for the evening was a "birthday cake martini".  Kathy gets a lot of her ideas from Pinterest, and here is the link for this drink:  http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/04/birthday-cake-martini-.html

 Grandpa, Lauren and Grandma, at the art market.

Sorry this was so long, but that completes our weekend. I am doing laundry now, with one more load to go. If no cleaning gets done on a weekend, I at least have to get the laundry done or my week gets off on the wrong vibe.....  (....I know, something is wrong with me!!!)

Wishing you a good week! Thanks for stopping by!  Peace & blessings.

Friday Fragments....

We are off to Naples this morning, for a weekend with the grandkids and to celebrate Lauren's birthday!

Last night, we had dinner at Fran & Bob's house, which turned out to be quite an event. We were to celebrate Mike and Bob's birthdays. I got a text message, from Mary Ellen, that we should delay our arrival by 30 minutes. Fran cut her finger preparing some of the food, and Bob had to take her to the hospital.

When we arrived, at 6:30 (rather than 6:00) Fran and Bob weren't back yet.  We found Mary Ellen (who has a key to Fran's house) and Cindy (another friend from church) in the kitchen, finishing up dinner for everyone.  The turkey was already done, and most of the work for all the usual trimmings was done, or nearly done, so it wasn't hard to finish things and get them in the oven.  Everyone pitched in and we had things almost done when Fran and Bob finally got home, about 30 minutes later.

What happened was Fran's finger got caught in one of those emulsifier things and the blade went in so deep that they had to go to the ER with the emulsifier still in her finger. She was trying to get a chunk of sweet potato out. It was off, but not unplugged and she accidentally turned it on.  As it turned out, they didn't do stitches, but Fran has quite the bandage. The cut went to the bone, but the bone wasn't damaged. Seems like she should have been stitched, but I guess the doctor knew what he was doing.

She had some good pain drugs, and was feeling no pain when she got home. I hope she is able to sleep tonight. We all cleaned up afterwards, too, so she wouldn't have to worry about dishes.

Dinner was excellent. The group effort worked out just fine.

Mike's birthday was actually yesterday. Bob's is next month.

Rather than cake, the birthday boy asked for strawberry pie.

We are so blessed with these dear friends! I was glad I didn't have to get up early for work today, because the party didn't break up until almost 11:00. Good times - priceless!!

I'll have more photos from the weekend, but probably won't have a Saturday blog. I'll have to catch up on Sunday!  Thanks for stopping in!!  Wishing everyone a good weekend!  Peace & blessings!

Throw Back Thursday....

I was sifting through more photos the other day and found this old, yellowing newspaper clipping. I'm sure my grandma cut it out and saved it. She was always finding a cartoon or article to send to me - usually about grandmas.  I have no idea of the date, or the newspaper it was clipped from, but it is obviously written from a child's perspective.  I hope you get a chuckle from it, like I did....

You may have to click on it to be able to read it.

Then I found this photo of Tristan's first haircut. The barber is (was) Joe's barber, Keith Spurlock, who just retired after nearly 60 years of barbering.  Keith owned the barber shop, at Southgate Shopping Center, where the movie Edward Sissorhands was filmed. He also cut Johnny Carson's hair once.  Keith's daughter, Teena, is the barber who cuts my hair. I was just there last night!

HERE is a link for the story about his retirement.

Our daughter-in-love, Kathy (then was our daughter-in-law) and our sweet Tristan, with Keith.

Edward Scissorhands location: the shopping centre: Southgate Shopping Center, Lakeland, Florida

Photograph: flickr / Christo Harris

About 30 miles to the southeast, in Lakeland, you’ll find the wonderful 50s-style shopping mall. The beauty salon, where Joyce (Kathy Baker) tries to seduce Edward, is in the Southgate Shopping Center, 2500 South Florida Avenue.

We shop at the Publix in this shopping center frequently. The barbershop is long gone. The one where I go now, and where Keith worked when he retired, is closer to our downtown, in an area called Dixieland.

Thanks for peeking it at my throwback photos and stories today! Peace & blessings

It's a colorful Hodgepodge!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 195

It's that time again. Here are the questions for this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back HERE tomorrow to share answers. See you there!

1. Elizabeth Lawrence is quoted as saying, 'Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn." So have you done just that? And what did you leave undone in order to do so?  I don't think I ever sit still for long, but we did take 11 days off to drive up to Ohio last month, and saw some of the leaves beginning to change.

2. Since we're talking turning...what's one thing you feel you're doing 'every time you turn around'?  Cleaning up after our four cats. They all use the litter boxes, but those boxes have to be cleaned each day to keep them using the litter boxes, and there is ALWAYS cat hair blowing around on the floor. I don't know how any of them have any hair left on their bodies.

3. How hard is it for you to 'turn the other cheek?'  Not as hard as it used to be. I've become more mellow with age, I think. It's much easier for me to ignore stupidity quietly now, and to forgive people who are thoughtless. Actually, there really aren't any people like that left in my circle. I say all of this with a wink, by the way. Seriously, as much as it sometimes hurts, it is easier to turn the other cheek than to lash out and/or carry the burden of not forgiving.  It is not a sign of weakness to forgive, but rather one of strength I think.

4. When did you last turn a drawer, your car, a room, or your entire house upside down looking for something? Did you find it?  How about yesterday morning, at work. I was counting one of the cash boxes, and dropped a quarter. I heard it hit the ground, but could not find where the silly thing landed! I finally used the flashlight app on my phone to better illuminate under my desk, and there it was, propped against the wall behind the computer cables. Thought I was going crazy trying to find what I knew had fallen on the ground.

5. 'One good turn deserves another'...were you most recently on the giving or receiving end of that sentiment?  First of all, I don't ever do good things, expecting to receive something in return.  I did give Sr. Giovannina a card and a monetary gift, from Joe and me, at the RCCW meeting on Monday night. We won't be at her retirement reception, so I gave it to her at our meeting.

6. Red, yellow, and orange are the colors of fall. Also the colors of fruit. If you were permitted only one color of fruit in your diet, which would you choose? This question isn't as easy as it sounds, at least not for me.  I love fruit, but will go with red since that would give me a little better variety in my diet...red cherries, red apples, red grapes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, pomegranites, does red wine count, or how about a blood orange??

7. The Hunt for Red October, October Sky, Halloween...which 'October' film is your favorite?  I really like Tom Clancy's books about Jack Ryan and have seen "The Hunt for Red October" several times (it's in our movie collection). A good thriller - well done!

8. Insert your own random thought here. At this moment, I am just feeling very blessed!

Thanks to Joyce for another very fun Hodgepodge!! Happy Wednesday to you (Hump Day!) and thanks for stopping by!! Peace & blessings!

Tuesday Tidbits....

Last night was my church women's group meeting. Resurrection Council of Catholic Women (RCCW) is such a fun group of women. Good friends, hard workers, involved, faithful, fun, loving, caring dear ladies. I count so many of them as close friends. What a blessing.

Father Ivan Olmo, our Assistant Pastor, spoke about the Blessed Mother and her importance in our lives. He reminded us to ask for her intersession, as she did for the bride and groom at their wedding in Cana. Our Lord's first miracle was performed because His Mother asked her Son to help. Just as we ask our friends to pray for us, we can also ask Mother Mary to pray for us. It was a wonderful message. Fr. Ivan has a beautiful voice, and he began his talk by singing a little of "Let It Be". It was actually quite moving.

We also celebrated Sister Giovaninna Saleeby's last meeting with us. She will be moving to her Order's Mother House, in New York, where she can be better cared for. We had a cake for her, and wished her well. There is a reception for her after Mass this weekend, but we won't be there for it. Sister has a special connection with my Joe. When he was working in the church office, they worked on several projects together. She asked me to give him a hug and take him a piece of cake for her. I always refer to her as Joe's girlfriend.  She has a great sense of humor and a sweet soul. We will miss her.

Thursday evening, this week, we are going to a friend's house for a dinner get-together. Fran is a member of RCCW, as are Mary Ellen and Luisa. It's our little "dinner party group" and we always have a great time. Glad I have Friday off and we don't have to head down to Naples until after noon.  Mary Ellen's husband, Mike, is celebrating his 60th birthday today, and we will salute him at Fran & Bob's on Thursday evening.  We don't get together for birthdays on purpose, but more and more we seem to have our get-togethers around a birthday celebration....and why not?!

I was a very happy grandmother this evening. Before I left for the meeting, granddaughter Lauren called to ask me some advice about interviewing and filling out applications. It is so great being close to her again, and that she thought to call for advice just made me pop my buttons!  Love her so much!

Thanks for coming by! Peace & blessings!

Memory Monday.....

Memory Monday is a three-week old MEME by Retired Not Tired blogger!! Today's subject is "My First School", and I hope you have some fun by joining in!!

My very first school would be kindergarten. It was a private kindergarten, at a church. I remember my teacher was Miss Hill, but I'm sorry to not remember the church at all. It wasn't the church we attended, but was closer to my grandma's house.  Kindergarten was not part of the public school system "back then".  This is kindergarten graduation...I was the tallest girl, even then!

So, my first school memory will be about Washington (Court House) Elementary School, where I attended grades one through three.  The school building was Washington High School, and is where my mom went to high school, graduating in 1948, later turned into an elementary school.  My first grade teacher was Miss Gibson, second was Mrs. Everhart, and third grade was Mrs. Merriweather.

I walked to school everyday. Back then, parents didn't have to worry too much about kids being kidnapped on their way to school. I really don't ever remember my mom walking me to school, or walking with a bunch of other kids. On the way home from school, there were more of us together, though. It was a good little hike. I won't say it was five miles in knee-deep snow, but it was more than a few blocks to school.  In the 1950s, most families only had one car and we were no exception. That's when the milk man came to the door, as did the bread man. Two staples families couldn't do without, and moms had no way to get to the store, until dad came home.

The fun part of coming home from school was walking right past a penny-candy store every day. Once a week or so, I was given a nickle or a dime so I could buy candy on the way home. What a treat that was. If you chose wisely, you could get a big bag full of sweets, because quite a few selections were two for a penny!!  Watermelon slices, wax lips, wax bottles filled with liquid, licorice shoestrings, orange peanuts, strips of buttons on wax paper....not a thing that wasn't 90% sugar, but I remember the way the floors creaked (wooden), I remember the smells, and I remember the parrot behind the counter that squawked at everyone!!  You would not see that in a store today, with health department rules!  Later, it was converted to an ice cream store (long past my third grade time). I remember being sad that the candy store was gone.

Washington High School, and later Elementary.

First grade. I don't seem to have a class photo from first grade.

Second grade class. Posted before, but that's me - tallest blonde girl in the top row.

Third grade class. Again - tallest blonde student in the top row.

 Pages from my mom's senior year book. She is top left, second photo.  I pulled this, and the picture of the school building, from the internet. Did you know high school yearbooks are on-line now?

Helen Louise Cameron. She was so pretty. The year was 1948. She and dad were married in 1949. I was born in 1951. She did have a miscarriage the year before me.

I was compelled to include my mom in this memory, since my first school was actually her high school.  The city changed school districts, and in fourth grade, I was sent off on a school bus each morning, to Eastside Elementary. I was there one year only, Mrs. Gablehouse was my teacher, and then we moved to Millersport when dad got transferred to Newark (Ohio) Air Force Base. I started fifth grade there, in Mrs. Whittington's class.

I'm looking forward to reading your first school memories!! Thanks for reading mine! Wishing you a good week ahead! Today is our Board meeting day. We (staff) are always happy to have it behind us!!  Peace & blessings!