Saturday:9 Garth Brooks....

Papa Loved Mama 

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: Papa Loved Mama (1992)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Then try this. It's not very good quality, and it may have been pulled by the time you get over to it, because Garth doesn't like YouTube videos. Sorry.

 

1) This song is about a trucking "accident" that was covered extensively in the local paper. What's the big news story in your neighborhood?

Well, there is plenty of bad news, so I'll choose a story about a local artist, and the story is written by a friend of mine, Meredith Spresser: 

Lakeland Painter Ready for New Sceneries

Lakeland artist Tara Milliken is about to embark on a journey, both in terms of her art and her life.

2) The action centers around a motel. When is the last time you stayed in a hotel or motel?

The last time was on our trip to Ohio, one night on the road going up and one night on the road coming home.  We always try to find a Fairfield Inn, by Marriott.

3) In the song, Papa wants to surprise Mama with a bottle of wine. Do you prefer white or red?

I prefer a dry red wine.  I won't even drink white wine, because I haven't found one yet that I like.

4) This week's featured artist, Garth Brooks, has said that the late Chris LeDoux -- singer, sculptor and rodeo champion -- is his hero. If you had to single out someone this morning as your hero, who would it be?

My Grandpa James, who died when I was in my 20s.  I didn't appreciate him then, like I do now, and I wish he knew that.

5) Before he was able to support himself as a singer, Brooks was a bouncer at a bar. Have you ever had an encounter with a bouncer (either that he threw you out or came to your aid)?

I don't think I've ever seen a bouncer in person.  I don't frequent bars (never did).

6) According to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), Garth surpassed The Beatles as the top selling artist of the last 25 years. Whose music do you listen to more -- Garth Brooks or the The Beatles?

Since I don't like the Beatles especially, I would have to say Garth Brooks, but I haven't really listened to country music since the 80s.

7) While 1992 was a banner year for Garth Brooks, it was a bad one for another country legend, Willie Nelson. Willie ended up paying the IRS more than $9,000,000. When you file your taxes, will you qualify for a refund? Or will you owe money?

My husband has always been self-employed, so we always have to pay.

8) When this song was popular in 1992, Sarah Ferguson, then the Duchess of York, was in all the papers and magazines for her controversial conduct -- including being photographed sunbathing topless with a man not her husband. Today no one seems to care much about what Sarah Ferguson does. Can you think of someone else whose fame was fleeting?

Well, how about Miss Vicki?  She was Tiptoe Through The Tulips, Tiny Tim's wife, and got about 15 minutes of fame.  Look what she is doing today....Click Here.  Some of you don't even know who I am talking about. It was a very long time ago!! 

9) This is Super Bowl weekend. Where will you be watching The Big Game?

If it is on at all, it will be in our living room.  I could care less, but Joe will probably tune in.  He is a sports nut and will feel obligated to watch, even though he hates both teams.

From our hostess, Sam Winters:  Thanks so much for joining us again at Saturday: 9. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks for peeking in and reading my Saturday:9!!  Wishing you a really, really good weekend!  Peace & blessings!

Random Five For Friday....

Whoohoooo!!  Made it through another week!

• I spoke with my sister last night, and I am happy that she sounds rested and is pleased with the progress Bruce is making!  He can read and responds to written words. He was having trouble saying "right" in response to which way to turn, when Tammy had him out for a ride/walk outside yesterday.  She kept making right turns and asked him each time which way they were going.  He could say "left" just fine, but had trouble with "right".  She kept going right and kept asking him to say it, when he calmly said "anyway, go anyway you want"!!  She laughed and said "okay, this game is over"!!  He also stuck his tongue out at the doctor one day this week!  When a visitor said he was praying for Bruce and felt that God was working a miracle - Bruce responded "Amen"!!  The doctor told Tammy that he is much farther along than would be expected.  Praise God, and please keep praying!

• I also spoke with my BFF, Elaine, last night (hi Elaine!)!!  We got some things figured out about where we can go when they are here.  So looking forward to their visit!

• The Orlando Gift Market is this weekend, at the Convention Center.  Our name badges came a few weeks ago, and we talked about going, since we missed the one in August.  I keep my business license, for my craft & jewelry business, so we can buy wholesale.  The gift markets are fun to go to, but we decided last night that we're going to skip it again. We don't mind going to Tampa at all, but the thought of driving over to Orlando just seems like drudgery unless there is something really great going on.  The Disney traffic is a killer, especially on weekends.  AND...the convention center is huge, and parking seems like it is miles away from an entrance, and once inside, there are still 'miles' to walk, to get the the market.  Not fun with my knees.  There is nothing I really need.  The next one is in August.

• I volunteered to help pass out prayer cards, after Mass on Saturday.  My women's group is doing it.  I didn't go to the last meeting, so I'm not sure what it is about, but they needed help at the Saturday Vigil, so I said I could help.

• We did grocery shopping last night, so don't have to do that this weekend!  I had prescriptions ready, so we grabbed the grocery list and went to Publix when I got home....oh, we went to Rib Crib for some BBQ before we went shopping. It was really good, and I brought home enough for my lunch today!

I think that's five things, so I'll stop!!  Thanks for peeking in today!  Wishing you a good Friday and weekend!  Peace & blessings!

Throwback Thursday Fun....

I believe I mentioned in a previous blog, that my BFF, Elaine, and her husband, Jim, are coming for a week-long visit next month!! I'm so looking forward to catching up and enjoying some time with my friend of 50+ years.  Good grief, where has the time gone?!  My family moved in, across the street from her family, when I was 10/11 years old, going into 6th grade.  Her family became my second family, and I think mine became hers. Elaine isn't on Facebook, but I am connected with both of her sisters there, and I try to see her mom whenever I get back to our old hometown.  She was my maid of honor (in my first wedding) and I was a bride's maid in her wedding.  They have three sons, all grown up and doing well as young adults.

The last time they were here visiting, we went on an air boat ride.  It was great fun!  Not sure what we will find to do this time, but I found some of the photos and decided to share them today.

We saw quite a few gators on that trip!

 Our families even vacationed together one year, at Rice Lake, in Ontario, Canada.  You can see the date on the photo - August 1968.  That makes it the summer before I was a Junior and Elaine a Senior in high school.  (Yes, that's an outhouse in the background - it was a fishing camp!)

That's my throwback post!  Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Friday Eve!  Peace & blessings!

A Chilly Hodgepodge....

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 206

Thanks to our hostess, Joyce, for another fun Hodgepodge!!  Click HERE to find her and join in on this fun meme!!

1. When did someone last suggest you 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell someone (or want to tell someone) to 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell yourself to 'chill out'?  Does it count that I tell two of our cats to chill out, all the time?  We have two who constantly battle for top-cat. Sigh.

2. What most recently caused your heart to melt?  Had to be a dog or cat video on Facebook.

3.  "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." G.K. Chesterton  

Your thoughts? When did you last experience either an adventure or an inconvenience? How did you see it at first, as an adventure or an inconvenience?  Does it feel the same in hindsight?  Gosh, so many questions!!  My mind went first to the hurricane season in 2004 when we were hit with three hurricanes and a deadly tropical storm, almost back-to-back--- Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.  We were without power for three days, which was better than lots of people who waited weeks to have power restored. Praise God, our house was fine, other than some screen panels in our pool enclosure that were blown out. It was an inconvenience, but also an adventure. We cooked on the grill, used a battery operated portable TV, and are thankful it wasn't mid-summer and hot.  Hot enough, but not like we have in July and August.  We also had clean water and could flush toilets.  A few neighbors, with underground electric hook-ups, did not lose power.  There were orange extension cords running across the street, from house-to-house, and we were blessed to be able to keep our refrigerator running, thanks to wonderful neighbors who helped quite a few of us to not lose food.  We bought a generator after that, which we haven't had to use since (knock wood!).  Good insurance, I guess.

4.  A Wendy's Frosty, root beer in a frosty mug, or a frosted chocolate cupcake...of these three, which one is your favorite 'frosty' treat?  Well, Wendy's Frosty is first on my list, and I would amend the root beer to a root beer float (or Brown Cow, to some) as number two.

5. Would you say your life so far this year has been more like a circus or a symphony? Explain why.  This year is only three-weeks old (plus a few days), and so far it is more of a symphony that a circus, I guess. It hasn't gotten too crazy yet.

6. Since it's a 'snow day' here, what's your favorite song containing the word 'white'?  "White Christmas" came to mind first. I don't know if it's a favorite, but it is what I thought of first.

7. If you had to leave the city you currently live in, what would you find the hardest to leave behind? Friends, our church that we love, good neighbors, a great job.... I don't want to leave Lakeland.  Love it here!

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Not random, but I put an update on Facebook yesterday, about my brother-in-law, Bruce, who is recovering from a really bad stroke, suffered just before Christmas.  He is in a specialty hospital now, in Tallahassee, FL.  The hospital is wonderful and my sister, Tammy, is feeling so good about the progress he is making there.  He is more alert now, enjoys getting out of bed and "walking" about the hospital, is answering questions correctly with yes and no, and one and two.  He follows the commands from the physical therapist, knows his colors and says the right word for the color.  They stood him up yesterday, twice, with the help of a harness and he did great. The doctor told her that people who suffer a stroke like his, rarely make it to the hospital alive. We are so blessed, and ask again for your prayers, for his recovery and for Tammy's strength to continue her vigil.  She is made to feel comfortable there, in the room with him, and is able to participate in his healing. Good for her and for him.

Thanks for stopping by today!! I love reading your comments and appreciate your time to be here!  Peace, & blessings!

Tuesday's Missive....

Some days it is hard to think of something to post.  Day-to-day drudgery is not that interesting!! LOL

The Board meeting went fine yesterday.  We are always happy to have it over with.  We have a huge Board - 36 members - and are working on changing the by-laws to allow no more than 25 on the Board.  It is not easy to get consensus with so many people, and many don't show up all the time.  Smaller will be better!  If you have never worked for a non-profit, you won't understand.  If you have, I know you know what I'm talking about.

On the way to work this morning, I was thinking about what to write about today.  All that popped into my head was the bathroom.  I grew up the oldest of four kids.  Six of us had one bathroom to use. My mom worked outside the home, as did my dad.  Once all of us kids were in school, the line up for the bathroom could seem pretty long.  Dad did enclose part of our front porch when I was almost done with high school, and made a powder room off the foyer on the first floor. That eased things a bit, but all the bedrooms were upstairs, if you get my drift.

Anyway, one bathroom for six people is why I started getting up before the sun rose.  I knew when dad had to have the bathroom, and since he was usually first in, I started getting up 45 minutes before him, so I could get ahead of everyone with my shower, and everything else.  Hair and makeup were done in my bedroom.  I became an early riser with a purpose.

Joe and I don't have a big master bathroom. There is only one sink.  So my early rising has continued through the years. I get up first and get done and out to make room for Joe.  Of course, I have cat duty in the mornings, too, so the extra time is not wasted.  Cat bowls to clean and fill, water dishes to freshen, and three litter boxes to clean (as well as any hair-balls left during the night).

 Of course, it could be worse!!  LOL

I'm getting tired of getting up at 5:00 in the morning.  That is the main reason I keep longing for retirement.  Joe doesn't have to get up at 6:00 anymore, but old habits die hard.  I get to work an hour before anyone else and use the time for work e-mails, checking Facebook, and sometimes (like this morning) writing a quick blog.  It just depends on the work load.  Old habits die hard.  Maybe in 2-3 years, when I can retire, I'll still catch myself getting up at 5:00.  I want to find out, though! :)

So there you have my Tuesday morning missive!! How did you and your family manage who got first dibs in the bathroom?

Thanks for stopping by!  Peace & love!

Monday, Monday....

We had a good weekend getting things done around the house.  Yes - I got the house cleaned, and the laundry done. We also did grocery shopping.  I'll tell you....filling up the gas tank hurts a lot less these days!!  We have gasoline for $1.96 a gallon now. Hope it lasts awhile.

The Museum's big fund raiser, The Gala, is coming up the last Saturday of February.  It is THE social event of the year for Lakeland.  Black tie, fancy dresses, and this year...Masquerade!!  The last couple of years, I've just purchased a new top to put with my long black skirt, and have done the same for this year.  I found this on-line, from Macy's and ordered it.  It came last week, and I am thrilled with the fit and the look. It is much more glitzy than the picture shows.  Full of sparkles.  And under that is the mask I found on-line.  The colors match perfectly.  I went to Hobby Lobby Friday evening, and found some fuzzy, angora-like yarn to glue around the mask. It needs something else and I think the black fluff will be perfect.

It is always a good time, and I am blessed that Joe can attend with me.  Management staff are invited, though I do have to work at the end of the evening, when we check people out for the silent auction.  We still get to enjoy a 5-star meal, some great wine, good music and playing dress-up!  Tickets are $375.00 each, and we usually have more people wanting tickets than we have space for.  The Gala committee transforms the Museum with some amazing decorations. My long-time blogging friends have seen several Galas posted here.

This was two years ago. The theme was "Alice in Wonderland".

It's hard to believe we are in our last week of January! I have a Board meeting today. We are always happy when it is over.  We have a good Board and my financial report is favorable, so it should all go well.

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

Sunday Stealing Meme....

Easy A-Z

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.  

Cheers to all of us thieves!!!

Easy A-Z Meme 

Stolen from: FYeah Surveys

A. What are your favorite smells?  Cinnamon, vanilla, fresh air, citrus...

B. Can you go a whole day without caffeine?  I can, but why would I want to?

C. Who knows more about you than anyone else?  Joe (husband)

D. What song did you last listen to?  I don't remember.

E. Do you wear socks to bed?  No.

F. Can you change a car tire?  Yes.

G. If you could choose one color to wear for a whole year, what color would you choose?  Black.

H. Do you cook often?  Not as often as I should.

I. What’s your least favorite season?  Summer (in Florida)

J. Can you sew?  Yes.

K. What is your favorite fruit?  Citrus (Halos or Grapefruit)

L. Are you health conscious?  Conscious of it, yes....

M. Do you think you’re very conscious of the feelings of others or more self oriented?  I hope I am conscious of others' feelings.

N. Do you curse a lot?  No.

O. Do you remember lyrics easily?  If I like the song, yes.

P. Can you roll your tongue?  No, and it makes me crazy. Both of my sisters can.

Q. Is there a certain food you often crave for no reason?  Salt...something salty.

R. What was the last book you purchased?  My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey  by Jill Bolte Taylor Ph.D, for my sister, Tammy.

S. Where was your last vacation?  If visiting family is vacation, it was to Ohio, for my sister-in-law's 60th birthday party.

T. Last movie you watched? Imitation Game  Did you enjoy it?  Loved it. Very good.

U. Think of your oldest friend. If you met them now do you think you would still become friends?  I'm pretty sure we would.

V. Paris, London and New York… which one would you live in, which would you visit for a day, which would you visit for a fortnight?  Pass on Paris. No desire to see France. I've been to NYC but wouldn't live there.  London would be nice to visit and perhaps I could take it for a fortnight, but there are lots of places I would rather go than any of those.  No big cities anymore, please.

W. Do you usually sleep with your closet door open or closed?  Closed, to keep the cats out!

X. Have you ever broken a bone? If so, how did it happen?  Yes.  Broke my left humerus trying to stand on my hands when I was 13 years old.  Broke my left wrist (in 7 places) trying to catch myself from a fall.  I was an adult when that happened.

Y. How do you like your eggs?  I LOVE eggs most any way but raw! 

Z. What was your last argument about and who with?  I don't remember. I really don't.  It's been a long time.

Thanks for stopping by today! Happy to say my house is clean!!  (I ate the frog and spit it out!)  Spoke with my sis yesterday morning. She was headed home.  Bruce's kids were on weekend duty at the hospital so she could go home for a break.  Your prayers are still appreciated!

Peace, love & hugs!

Saturday:9 The Best Thing...

The Best Thing About Me Is You

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: The Best Thing About Me Is You (2010)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.


1) What would you say is your best quality?  I asked Joe, and he said I am compassionate and kind, and then added reliable.  Gosh!!

2) In this song, Ricky sings that he's "allergic to tragedy." Do you suffer from any allergies? I am allergic to wasp venom.  It doesn't affect my breathing, but I swell up. Last time I was stung on my thumb, my arm puffed up past my elbow. I avoid wasps and bees.

3) Benadryl, the popular allergy medication, is sometimes used to treat insomnia. What do you do when you can't sleep?  Ha...I take Benadryl!  Seriously, I do!  It works great.

4) The lyrics to this week's song encourage us, "Don't wait until mañana." Are you a procrastinator?  I CAN procrastinate, but for the most part, I tend to get the worst or biggest thing done first and then be done with it.  Of course, I didn't clean house last weekend.....

5) Ricky Martin is a judge on The Voice ... Mexico, aired on Mexican television. When you watch competition shows like The Voice, Dancing with the Stars or American Idol, do you usually agree with the judges? Or do you think you could do a better job?  I don't watch any of those, but did use to watch DWTS.  I would sometimes not agree with the judges, but I'm not an expert and they supposedly are....

6) Ricky tells interviewers that when he was very young, he'd sing in the family kitchen, pretending a wooden spoon was his microphone. Crazy Sam admits to lip synching into a black Magic Marker. When you gave imaginary concerts, what did you use as a microphone?  I don't remember ever pretending to give a concert.  I was in band from 6th grade.  Not really a singer.

7) Ricky began working at the tender age of 9, performing in commercials. How old were you when you received your first paycheck?  I had a summer baby-sitting job when I was 13, but got paid in cash, not by paycheck.  I was probably 17 when I received a check in payment for work, but I worked every summer from age 13.

8) Ricky does yoga to stay in shape. Have you ever tried yoga?  No.

9) Ricky is of primarily Spanish descent, with a little French mixed in. When you think of French cuisine, what comes to mind?  Pastries - chocolate croissants.  Is French Onion Soup really from France?

Thanks to Samantha Winters (Crazy Sam) for doing this fun meme every Saturday.  Check it out HERE and join in the fun!!  


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

Thank Goodness It's Friday!!!

Well, I am so happy that it's Friday.  This has been a long week for me.

We don't have plans for the weekend, other than that I have to clean this house. I was lazy last weekend so there is twice as much to do this weekend.  I should have "eaten the frog" last weekend, because now I have to eat two!! (Hodgepodgers will understand!)

The workshops, yesterday, were good. Not great, but worthwhile.  I met a couple of new people, and enjoyed a good lunch.  I did slip out about 20 minutes before it was "officially" over.

I understand that our weather, next week, is going to be cold (for us). It is going back down into the 40s at night and not much past 60° during the day.  I'll be able to wear some of my sweaters!!  Will it be colder where you are, next week?

My sister was able to take Bruce outside, yesterday, in a special chair, for a 'walk' around the hospital building!  She said when they got outside, he lifted his face, took a deep breath and got the biggest smile on his face!  So different from SGMC.  Thanks again for your continued prayers!!

Today would have been Dad D'Orsaneo's 104th birthday.  We lost him in 1991, but I am remembering him with love on this day of his birth.

Wishing you a good day!  Thanks for coming by! Peace & hugs!

Thankful Thursday!!

Well, prayers are being answered, and yours are appreciated so much. Please continue to keep Bruce on your prayer lists.  The new hospital is going to be so good for him (and Tammy).  She reported the following things, via text messages to me, throughout the day, yesterday (their first day there)....

• the day nurse was in three times before noon
• the physical therapy TEAM of three sees him twice a day
• there is a chair that the nurses can put Bruce in once a day
• they are using his hearing aids during therapy (they didn't want to mess with them in GA)
• he has had speech therapy already
• he has had occupational therapy already
• the doctor suggested a book by Jill Taylor that I already gave Tammy, thanks to my friend, Karen's suggestion; the doctor has been to two of Jill Taylor's lectures
• the doctor chatted with Tammy for quite awhile last night (the one in GA barely said hello)
• Tammy has a comfortable chair that folds out to a single bed 
• I asked about a pillow (the other hospital wouldn't give her one) and she said they gave her a pillow, sheets, a blanket and towels and washcloths!!
• I asked about meals and she said they are "big" and delicious and very inexpensive
• they are in a room that has a camera, so even while Tammy sleeps, they can be watching Bruce
• the CEO of the hospital is from Bruce & Tammy's town - amazing!!

Of course, his brain has to start making the connections again, so prayers are for those connections, now that he is in a place that can help make it all happen.

Some other happy and thankful news is that my cousins are making reservations for the beach vacation in July!  I heard from two more today!! I am so excited for this summer family reunion!!

I have a human resources workshop this morning, 7:30 - 1:30, and will be participating in three different sections, out of nine.  I hope I picked the right three (and that they won't put me to sleep!).

Thanks again for your prayers and positive thoughts, for Bruce & Tammy. SO much appreciated!  Have a good Friday Eve!!  Peace & blessings!

It's a frog-eatin' Hodgepodge!!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 205

Here are this week's questions to the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with the rest of the Internet. Happy Tuesday!

1. American Idol is back for a 14th season. Are you watching? Have you ever watched? If you were to audition for the show (or were made to audition), what song would you sing?  No, we don't watch anymore. I think the last season we watched was maybe 5 or 6.  It makes me a little crazy now. I also don't watch Dancing With The Stars anymore, but used to be totally hooked.  No one wants to hear me sing anymore!! I might try Happy Birthday, if made to audition. Ha!!

2.  Mark Twain is quoted as saying, "If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first." 

So when did you last have to 'eat a frog'? Or two? How'd that work out?   Well, Mr. Twain was right. I am a firm believer in getting the worst thing done first, and then the rest of the time is easy.  It's pretty much how I tick, and it works out pretty well, most of the time. Do the most dreaded, the hardest, or worst thing first - always.  Just git er done.

3. If you were going on safari, what is the number one animal you'd want to see?  The big cats!

4. January 21st is National Granola Bar Day. I know. Do you like granola bars? Chewy or crunchy? Your favorite flavor? How about regular granola? Let's exhaust this topic in honor of the holiday okay?  I'm not a huge granola fan - but prefer crunchy to soft. I don't eat cereal - yuck.  And with that, I have just exhausted the topic!!

5. If only I could win the lottery and retire!!!

6. You can add one item to your bedroom. What will it be? Keep it family friendly please.  I would buy new bedroom furniture and toss the old, which I hate now. Loved it 30 years ago. Hate it now.

7. What is one thing you've enjoyed about winter thus far? If it's not winter in your corner of the globe, what season is it, and what is something you've enjoyed about whatever season it happens to be?  I enjoy turning off the AC and opening the doors to fresh, non-humid air!!

8.  Insert your own random thought here. It's not really random, but my brother-in-law, Bruce, was moved to the new hospital, in Tallahassee, FL, yesterday!!  We are so hoping this new approach will have him healing faster and responding to the more intense physical therapy!  If he can just start to communicate, and start eating again, it would be wonderful!!  We're hoping for great things. Please continue to pray for him (and my sister, Tammy).  Thanks so much!

Thank you, Joyce, for another fun Hodgepodge Meme!! Always looked forward to!  

Thanks for peeking in today!  Your friendship and comments are appreciated!  Peace & blessings! 

Tuesday Tidbits...

• I am copping out today, because I really don't have much to write about.
• As of late last night, Bruce is still in Georgia. Maybe today for the transfer...
• I got home from work last night and was bone tired. I skipped my church women's group meeting. Just couldn't go back out. Is that awful of me?
• My house is still dirty. Couldn't do that either, last night.
• We have four cats. I start most days cleaning up at least one cat throw-up. How does your day start?  I wouldn't trade them, but it's a good day when there isn't puke on the floor somewhere.
• After cleaning up the cat mess, my day, today, starts with a breakfast meeting of my Human Resources group. Hope the speaker is good...I'm pretty sure the breakfast will be.
• I am so thankful for the volunteer who comes in three-four days a week, to help me with my work. God bless her.  She was with her grandchildren last week, and I really missed her!  She has spoiled me in the three months she has been coming in.

That's all.  Thanks for coming by!! Peace & hugs, y'all!!

Monday's Weekend Wrap-up....

Some have today off, for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.  I'm not one of them...

Joe and I had a good weekend.  I should have done some major cleaning, but lost the motivation for it, so that didn't happen. I did get the laundry done, and vacuumed up a little of the cat hair we are always plagued with.  Should have mopped....

We did grocery shopping Friday night.

We went to the 4:00 Vigil Mass on Saturday evening, then to Deal$ (like a Dollar Store) for a few things.  Church was packed...the snow birds are back.  One of the restaurants we like to go to (Texas Roadhouse), after church, had at least 30 people lined up outside, waiting to get in.  Did I say the snow birds are back?  We ate at home.

Yesterday morning, we went out for a late (10:00) breakfast, then to the movies and saw "Imitation Game", which was EXCELLENT!  What a story, and it is a true story. Amazing and also very sad.

My sister is still waiting for Bruce to be transported to the new hospital.  They really thought it would happen yesterday, but it didn't.  Bruce's daughter stayed with him Saturday night, and his son stayed with him most of yesterday, to let Tammy go home for the night and get some things done. She is packed for a week, since (whichever facility Bruce goes to) she will be two hours from home.

Bruce had a CT Scan on Saturday, and Tammy said the doctor is very happy with the results.  Most all of the blood that flooded his brain during the stroke, has receded.  Great news!  Today is four weeks, and his chances are now better for some recovery.  Getting past the one month mark was the first big step for him.  Now, on to better care and physical therapy twice a day (instead of none at all).  Hoping for the transport to happen today.  Your prayers are still appreciated!!

Wishing you a good week!! Thanks for peeking in today!  Peace, love & hugs!

Sunday Stealing....Favorites!

Favorites Meme

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.  

Cheers to all of us thieves!!!  

Favorites Meme 

Stolen from: FYeah Surveys

Name Your Favorite…

1. Place  Home
2. Person  Joe (my husband!)
3. Color  Green
4. Food  Pasta
5. Smell  Citrus
6. Book  Bible
7. Movie  Too many to list just one!
8. Music artist  Too many to list just one!
9. Thing to do when bored  I'm never bored!!
10. Genre of literature  Mysteries
11. Magazine  Garden & Gun
12. Texture  Chenille 
13. Time of day  Depends on the day.
14. Day of the week  Saturday
15. Thing to learn about  My family's history
16. Thing about yourself   My green eyes
17. Lifehack (a time saving, efficiency technique for life)  I can multi-task well

Update on my brother-in-law:  We think/hope they are moving him today, to another hospital, Select Medical, which specializes in cases like his (massive stroke), where he will get specialized therapy and good care. Not sure if it will be Tallahassee or Gainesville, but we are thrilled that he was accepted into this program.  Please continue to pray for Bruce, and also for my sister, Tammy, who is exhausted.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Sunday!  Peace & blessings!