Happy and Sad.....

I'll do the sad first.  Many of you have already seen this news on Facebook.  Our sweet cat, Onyx, died last night.  He was 15 years old and we have had him since he was two.  He is the last of our older pets, and that is sad, too.  Onyx was friendly with everyone. He helped 'keep the peace' between our other cats. He was low-key and loving.  He slept most nights on my pillow, curled around my head.  I will miss him.  Our three remaining kitties will spend the next week or so figuring out a new routine, and the top cat position will have to be decided, now that their elder head cat is gone.  Those of you who know cats, understand what I'm saying.

RIP Onyx.  You were a great cat!

Now for the happy news.  Our intern, Bubby Johnson, is a senior at Florida Southern College.  FSC is only a block from the Museum (where I work) and we have interns from there all the time.  Great for us and good for the students.  Bubby just also happens to be one of the star basketball players at FSC (#4 on his jersey), and they just won the Division II National Championship!!  We are so proud of them, and especially of Bubby, since we all have gotten to know him.  He is such a nice young man!!  We decorated his desk area yesterday, before he came in, and one of my co-workers even got a cake to add to the celebration.  It was fun hearing him talk about his experience, and it was cute that they were having a contest (of sorts) in the locker room, after the game....who got the most text messages (in the 70s and 80s and even over 100!) congratulating the team.  It has been (of course) front page news here in Lakeland!  We got these photos yesterday....

 

 Bubby's desk (school colors are red and white).

 

 Bubby with co-workers (and two of Lisa's daughters)

 

Me, with Bubby....he is 6'5"!!!  I told him he makes me feel short! LOL

Losing a pet isn't like losing a person you love, but it does leave an empty spot in your heart.  We have learned that life does go on and we need to be happy about the time we had and the memories we made, whether it's a person or a pet.  Life goes on, until it's our turn for the next journey, and then life still goes on!!  Make a difference, love fully, and tell those around you that they are loved. Be kind to people AND animals!

Thanks for stopping by today!  I appreciate our friendships here, and really do offer my peace, love & hugs!!

Monday, Monday....

Mondays sure do roll around fast these days!  Where did the weekend go?

Do any of you have trouble sleeping on Sunday nights?  I have a feeling when I am finally able to retire, it will stop, but I find myself waking up every couple of hours.  I'm not worrying about anything, and work is going fine.  I'm not dreaming (that I remember).  It's just a thing I do on Sunday nights.  Then, I am never ready for the alarm to go off.  I think I am so tuned to doing this, that nothing will fix it except not having to go to work on Monday morning!

I finally spoke with my sister, Tammy, last night.  They have had non-stop visitors since Bruce got home.  She said he did great on Saturday!  When they left the hospital and got out of Valdosta and headed home, Bruce started saying things like....  "This is mine."  "I know this."  When they got home and she  parked in front of the house, she started crying and so did he.  He looked at the house and said "beautiful".  When they got inside, she pushed his wheelchair into each room, so he could see the house.  Then the kids and grandkids started to arrive.  Food was brought in.  She said by the time everyone left, they were both exhausted.  The home nurse came by yesterday, and they are getting the VA involved so his medications will be less expensive.  He is doing fine walking around the house with the walker.  There is still a long way to go, but PRAISE GOD for how far he has come in three months!

We have a sick cat.  Onyx, our 15-year old, has thyroid problems and is just skin over bones.  I noticed yesterday that his belly is tight and bulging.  He is still eating and purring and jumping around, but something isn't right.  I'll be calling our Vet this morning.

I didn't mention before that while my car was parked at the Leadership Forum, one of the students driving a golf cart shuttle from the parking lots, ran into my back bumper.  He left a note on my car with a phone number to call.  The crease he left is pretty bad and actually made a hole.  The school called me before I had a chance to call them.  It seems they had taken photos of the damage, including my license tag and they found me through my tag.  Very nice of them to go to that much trouble to find me and make it right.  So, I need to take my car to the dealer this week, to get an estimate for a new bumper.

I thank you for stopping by, and I wish you a good week ahead!  Peace & love!

Sunday Stealing - The Dirty Dozen

The Dirty Dozen 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 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!!!

The Dirty Dozen Meme

(Stolen from: The Archives)

 1. This weather is really.....Beautiful today!

 2. You think you've seen it all, you should see me....eating shrimp and crab legs!

 3. I'm sure you would still love me even if...you saw me eating shrimp and crab legs! (At least Joe does!)

 4. I think I have finally realized...I need to stop procrastinating and clean out my closet.

 5. Since the last time we linked up...My brother-in-law got home from the hospital!!

 6. I get super embarrassed... I don't embarrass easily anymore. It is what it is.

 7. I really thought by now...there would be a cure for cancer.

8. If I thought no one would read it, I would write about... no clue!  I don't have any secrets anymore!
9. I knew I was in the wrong place...  can't think of anything - sorry!

10. I am so not above... anyone!

11. Let's pretend...  I'm too old to pretend anymore.  

12. Just you wait...  This lovely weekend weather will go away fast and summer will be here again, by Wednesday..

My answers are pretty lame today!  I'm really not good at this kind of meme.  So, I will tell you that we had a lovely dinner with Helen and Cheryl, on Friday night.  We came back to the house and had her birthday cake.  Helen turns 87 today.  She is amazing and healthy as can be. God bless her.  She and her husband (who died 2 years ago) were the first friends we made here in Lakeland, almost 26 years ago. She is "extended family" to us.

Last night, after Mass, we met Teena and Randy at Longhorn Steakhouse, for dinner.  We had a great time and laughed a lot.  I love laughter!  And I loved our dinner, too. So good.  No photos of Teena and Randy, but Teena brought us a little Easter gift, that she made in a crafting/scrap-booking group. They are SO cute!!  I got the basket and Joe got the carrot with the rabbit on it.

We are SO proud of Lakeland's Florida Southern College Basketball Team, who won the National Championship NCAA Division II.  Bubby Johnson (#4) is an intern at the Museum, in our public relations department.  He is such a nice young man, and we are so proud to know him and that our terrific FSC got the championship!

Brother-in-law Bruce got home yesterday. Tammy texted me that they had company all day and into the evening, so I am waiting for a phone call today, to hear all about his homecoming. I'll share what she tells me!

I wish you a blessed Sunday!  Thanks for stopping by my page!  Peace & love.

Saturday 9: Thinking Out Loud

Thinking Out Loud 

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: Thinking Out Loud (2014)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. (Good song!)

1) This week's featured artist, Ed Sheeran, was discovered by Elton John. Tell us your favorite Elton John song.

Oh my goodness...there are so many!  Crocodile Rock, Rocket Man, Candle In The Wind, and who doesn't like to sing along to Bababa-Bennie and the Jets?!!

2) Ed's arms are covered in tattoos, so clearly he doesn't suffer from trypanophobia, or the fear of needles. Do you get nervous when the doctor gives you a shot?

Hated it when I was a kid. My childhood family doctor had a sadistic nurse who came at you with a needle like the shower scene in Psycho....but now, I would rather have a shot and get that medicine in me, than take pills for 10 days!  Not nervous anymore.  Have had lots of needles.

3) One of his tattoos depicts a Heinz Tomato Ketchup label. What condiments are in your kitchen right now?

Ketchup, mustard (several kinds), mayonnaise, relishes (several kinds), hot sauce (a couple of kinds), steak sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce.....maybe it would be easier to list what I don't have!!

4) Spotify named Sheeran the most-streamed artist in the world for 2014. Do you use Spotify? Pandora?

I quit using Pandora because it keeps stopping to ask if you are still listening. Drove me crazy!!  Spotify doesn't do that, so it's Spotify all the way for me.  I use the free versions, by the way.

5) Ed celebrated his success by purchasing a farm near Suffolk, England. Would you prefer to live in a rural, suburban or urban area?

I appreciate being close to shops and restaurants, but love our quiet little cul-de-sac neighborhood, so I guess I'll go with suburban, though I'm a country girl at heart and could be quite happy in a rural setting again.

6) In this song, Ed sings about kissing "under the light of one thousand stars." Were you able to see the stars last night? Or was it it too cloudy or overcast?

It was cloudy last night, with rain coming in ahead of a cool front that will settle here this weekend.  It should be quite nice, actually!

7) Ed is a natural red head, a trait he shares with only about 2% of the population. Does red hair run in your family?

Yes, it does. My paternal grandmother (Granny Kelly) had red hair, as does my sister, Patti.  Red tones can be found on my head, though I am more blonde.  My brother's hair was a little more strawberry blonde than mine.

 8) One of Clairol's most popular shades is a red (Nice 'n Easy Natural Light Auburn). Have you/would you dye your hair?

To cover the gray, I have been coloring for years!  Now I have three tones and get the foils about every four months - helps to blend the gray.  With my natural curls, the roots don't show so badly as it grows out.

9) Random question: Look at the windows in the room you're in. Are they covered in curtains or blinds?

There are blinds on all of the windows here at home, AND on my office windows, so wherever I am working on this meme, there are blinds on the windows!

Thanks to Samantha Winters for another fun Saturday 9: meme!!  You can find her post HERE if you want to join in!!

Happy weekend!!  Thanks for stopping by my blog today!  Peace, love & hugs!

Friday Five...

• We are taking our dear friend, Helen, to dinner tonight, to celebrate her birthday (which is Sunday).  I baked a cake last night so we can come back to our place for dessert, and she will have candles to blow out!  

• Saturday, after Mass (Palm Sunday Vigil), we are meeting friends (Teena and Randy) for dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse.  Two nights out in a row, and lots of fun to be had!!  

• No plans for Sunday!  It has been a busy week, at work and at home.  Sunday will be a blessing! 

• Speaking of blessings, we did hire The Cleaning Authority and they have done two deep cleans for us (which is how they start, splitting the house up in two sections), so furniture has been moved, baseboards have been cleaned, the kitchen is spotless.  Now they will come every two weeks and do general cleaning. I don't know how long we'll be able to continue (financially), but the price is really good and we will keep them as long as we can!  It's a blessing to not have to clean every weekend.

• I got the shots in my knees yesterday afternoon.  Week two of three.  The PA told me that I might actually start noticing a difference in a week or so, now that I have two injections in each knee.  That would be nice!

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

Throwback Thursday Photos....

Yesterday's Hodgepodge had a question about Easter traditions, and I mentioned how we always got dressed up for Easter, with new shoes, a hat, etc.  Dug out these old photos to share, along those same lines....

 I would have been a year and a few months old in this 1953 Easter photo.  Sitting on my grandparents' front porch, with my cousins, Bob, Pam and Jim.  They will all be at our July Beach Vacation/Reunion this summer, and I can't wait to see them again!!  I saw Bob last year, but haven't seem Pam or Jim in several years.  Pam is Justin Chambers' mom, by the way, if you watch Grey's Anatomy.

This is Easter, the next year.  Also on Grandma's front porch.  I would have been two and a few months in this picture.  Grandma lived right next door to the Presbyterian church, where I was baptized.  Yes, baptized Presbyterian, raised in the Methodist church, and am now Catholic.  I still maintain that is doesn't matter where you worship, as long as you believe!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Happy Friday Eve!!  I will be getting the second of three shots in my knees this afternoon.  Fingers crossed that they will work.  Peace & hugs!

March's Last Wednesday Hodgepodge!!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 214

Thanks to a very busy Joyce for giving us another great list of Hodgepodge questions!!

And you know the drill...hop back here tomorrow to join the fun and add your link to the party.

1. This coming weekend is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. Do you celebrate Easter in your home? What was your favorite Easter tradition as a child?

We do celebrate Easter, and I am cooking Easter dinner (usually do) for us and friends.  My favorite childhood memory of Easter is (of course) hunting for my Easter basket.  Dad always hid them good, and we really did have to work for them!  LOL  We always got dressed up for Easter Sunday services at the United Methodist Church.  New shoes (patent and shiny), new lacy socks, gloves and a hat to go with my new dress.  It was a really big deal.  My grandpa always made sure the girls in his life had a corsage to wear to church, too.  That was also a much anticipated big deal!   I miss those days, and the people in my life back then.  All gone now (except my two sisters!).

2. George Weinberg is quoted as saying, 'Hope never abandons you, you abandon it.' Agree or disagree? Share your own thoughts on the word hope.

Oh my, without hope, what do we have?  You just can't give up, but sadly many do. I think I have to agree with Mr. Weinberg.  AND, one of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

3. Weigh in with a yay or nay on the traditional Easter candies. A solid milk chocolate bunny? YAY! Cadbury Creme Eggs? YAY! Peeps? nay Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs?  YAY! Jellybeans? black and red ones - YAY! Coconut Cream Eggs?  nay Of the candies listed, which one would you most like to find in your Easter basket?  Black & red jelly beans, and anything Cadbury!

4. When did you last feel 'like a kid in a candy store'?

Ha!  Actually, it was in a candy store!!  We have one called Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shops, and the owner of Lakeland's franchise was on "Undercover Boss" awhile back.  We visited it when my BFF Elaine, and her hubby, Jim, were here.  I went a little nuts buying over-priced candies from my childhood days.  It was great fun!!




5. What's something you know you do differently than most people? Does that bother you? Does it bother other people?

I'm sure practically everything I do is different from how other people do things.  I tend to over-do some things and ignore others.  I know I drive my husband nuts most some of the time.  Set in my ways, I am, and bull-headed too.  It doesn't bother me, but I'm sure I bug the heck out of others!

6. Palm Springs CA, Palm Beach FL, or the PALMetto State...of the three mentioned, which sunny spot would you most like to visit right now? Which have you visited at one time or another?


I have never, ever, had a desire to visit California. Ever.  I have been to South Carolina, and it's nice, but I live in Florida and see palm trees daily. Love it here. Don't need to go anyplace else.

7. If you could change the length of a day would you lengthen it or shorten it? Tell us why.

You know, God created the light from dark and separated them perfectly.  What I WOULD shorten is the work day, from eight hours to three.  How does that sound?!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I was listening to an "oldies" stream on Spotify yesterday, at work.  A song came on that made me stop and close my eyes to listen.  It took me back to when I was 5-6 years old, in my mom's kitchen.  She was singing with the radio and I was watching her "dance" while working at the counter. It is so vivid.  Tears came to my eyes as I listened to the song and thought of her.  Wow.  One of "those" moments....

 Do you have a song that takes you back?  Tell me about it, please!

Thanks for stopping by today!  I look forward to reading your posts today!  Peace & love.

 

Tuesday Thoughts....

Feeling blessed today!

Thanks for checking in!

Peace, love & hugs.

Mash-up Monday....

Monday always rolls around, doesn't it?!  I guess it's a good thing, when you consider the alternative.  (I'm grinning!)

My Sunday was supposed to be kind of lazy, but I ended up getting a lot of things done, which is a also a good thing!  After a breakfast of pancakes and eggs, I went out back and got the pollen-covered pool deck all hosed down and looking pretty again.  I changed out Valentine wreaths on the front (French) doors for something a little more Easter-like/Springy.  I used the blower to tidy up the front, getting rid of leaves and pollen worms.  I scrubbed the area carpets with the carpet machine, and got the laundry done.  I made some pasta (gravy) sauce and we had spaghetti with sausage for dinner. Joe worked on tax returns for clients.  It is tax season, and he still has quite a few clients he does work for.

Today will be busy at work.  Since I was off on Friday, for the Forum, there is plenty to catch up on.

I have two doctor appointments this week.  The first for my regular check-up with my regular doctor.  The second for the week two shots in my knees.  Saturday, we are meeting friends for dinner, at Longhorn Steakhouse.

I have to share with you something that happened with my brother-in-law, Bruce, this week.  He had what Tammy was afraid was another stroke or seizure.  It scared her so much that she called all the kids to get there as fast as they could.  She really thought it could be the end, it was that scary.  Bruce came out of it, and his sight is better, his speech is better, and he is thinking more clearly.  They did tests and more tests..MRI, EKG, EEG, blood work.  Everything came back negative for anything that could have happened.

When he came out of it, he told Tammy that "the man was holding him down and kept holding him down, then he let him go".  Tammy said "what man" and Bruce immediately responded "Jesus".  The doctors are calling it a "spell" but Tammy knows it was divine intervention.  Bruce is still scheduled to go home this coming Saturday.  Praise God, and please keep him on your prayer lists!

Thanks for stopping by!  Peace, love & hugs.

Leadership Forum...

 Well, I changed my mind, and decided to write about the Leadership Forum today, rather than do the Sunday Stealing Meme (sorry Kwizgiver!).

This article was on the front page of our newspaper yesterday, and I was happy to be able to copy the photos, with the article, since I didn't get photos at the event (no cameras allowed this year).  It is written well, and says it better than I could....

Fiorina Blasts Washington for Veterans' Woes

By Khristopher J. Brooks
THE LEDGER

Published: Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 12:46 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 12:46 a.m.

After spending so many years in business, Fiorina said, she learned a few things about life, including that most people have far more potential than they realize and that even people at the bottom of an organization can make a major impact.

"So my advice to students is don't worry about getting the perfect job, just get a job, because every one will teach you something ... about yourself," she said.

Fiorina was one of five national speakers who spoke about leadership at the forum organized by the private, Christian university.

‘LONE SURVIVOR'

The Southeastern forum also featured business consultant Jon Gordon, psychologist Daniel Goleman, communications expert Nancy Duarte, and Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell.

Luttrell's name hit the national scene after his four-man team was attacked by Taliban fighters in 2005.

He was the lone survivor and went on to write a book about the experience.

The book was the inspiration for the movie "Lone Survivor."

A fifth-generation Texan, Luttrell fought back tears as he told the audience how many times he was knocked unconscious during the assault.

He watched his friends die, broke several bones in his body and eventually was saved and sheltered by local villagers.

Although he was recounting a grim and sad tale, Luttrell lifted the audience's spirit with his wit, sarcasm and humor.

"I'm an unconventional speaker," he said. "Usually when people bring me into these things, it's to put a perspective on what a bad day is."

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

Southeastern University's campus is just beautiful.  It is a Christian university, and this sculpture and fountain are my favorite place to visit.  The school stresses living a servant life, and Jesus washing feet is such a great visual for living as a servant.

The Forum took place while school was in session this year.  In previous years, it was during Spring Break.  Because of that, our lunch was a box lunch, under these tents, instead of in the cafeteria. Luckily, the weather was beautiful.  However, they did not provide a vegetarian selection for the box lunches (only ham or turkey), and we couldn't eat meat on Friday, during Lent.  Joe and I went to the cafeteria, and paid for our meal there, which was delicious, and we were probably more comfortable than those under the tents.  Lots of people are vegetarian these days, so we really thought we'd be okay with a free box lunch....not.

They always have great speakers, and this year was no different.  In the article above, I did link the speakers' names to their websites, so you can learn more about them, if you want to.  They all stress the importance of faith, and most talked about how God was working in their lives. I will say that Marcus Luttrell's talk brought tears to my eyes.  He endured more pain and heartache than most people could endure.  If you saw "Lone Survivor" you know how awful their situation was on that mountain.  He told us how the movie differed from reality, and reality was worse than anything depicted on the big screen. God bless our service men and women!!

It was a good day!  I will say that my knees were done, though.  It was a lot of walking.  We skipped the opening reception, at the Museum.  I just couldn't spend any more time on my feet, and the floors at the Museum are marble.  Unforgiving marble.

Yesterday, we made it to the two funerals/memorials, and then went to church (our 4:00 Vigil). We sadly watched Villanova get beaten by North Carolina, ending their chance to move on in the tournament.  Joe is heartbroken.  (Joe is a Villanova grad, as is our son, Joe, Joe's younger brother, Nick, and our nephew Julian - lots of D'Orsaneos are Villanova alums.)

Today, no plans other than tidying up and getting the laundry done.  My usual. Thanks for making it this far!  I appreciate your time and your friendship!  Peace & love!

Saturday 9: It's Not Unusual....

Thanks to Crazy Sam (Samantha Winters) for another Saturday 9:!!  Visit her HERE to join in!

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: It's Not Unusual (1965)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Check here.

1) In this song, Tom sings that "it's not unusual to go out at any time." Will you be "out and about" this weekend?  Yes, we will.  Unfortunately, we have two funerals to attend today, and we go to church on Saturday (Vigil Mass).  I don't think we have plans for Sunday, though!

 2) Before his music career took off, Tom supported himself and his young family by working as a vacuum cleaner salesman. Could the room you're in right now benefit from a thorough cleaning with a vacuum?   Ha!  Our entire house could be vacuumed every day, and would still need it an hour later! We have four cats and three litter boxes....

3) You can purchase a verified Tom Jones autograph on eBay for $299 (or the best offer). When you were growing up, did you collect signatures and sayings from your friends? (Autograph book? Yearbook? Cast?)  We had friends sign our yearbooks, so yes.  Thankfully I never had a cast that friends could sign.

4) At the height of his popularity, female fans would throw their panties onstage at Tom Jones. Sam can't imagine doing this, and not just because she's not that crazy about Tom Jones. She'd be embarrassed because her underwear drawer could use a serious refresh. If you could choose one new article of clothing to add to your wardrobe today, what would it be?  Well, my underwear could also use a serious refresh.  As to what article of clothing I would add to my wardrobe....new slacks.

5) "Tom Jones" is also the name of character in a famous 18th century novel. Tell us about a character from a book you wish you were friends with in real life.  Oh my gosh, I've "met" so many great characters in books I've read.  How could I begin to pick just one?!

6) When this song was popular in March 1965, Sarah Jessica Parker of Sex and the City fame was born. Do you share your birthday with anyone famous?  Rita Moreno (December 11th)

7) Also in 1965, when this song was a hit, Americans were riveted by the Gemini space program and children all over the country wanted to be astronauts. Think back to your childhood: When you were in first or second grade, what did you want to be when you grew up?  A beautician. 

8) Fifty years ago, the most popular headache reliever was aspirin, and you could buy a bottle of 200 tablets for just $1. Do you have any aspirin in your medicine chest right now?  Yes, baby aspirin.

9) Random question: You've just entered a public restroom. Would you rather find a paper towel dispenser or hot air hand dryer? Paper towels, unless the hot air dryer is one of the new really good ones.  Just wish they weren't so loud.

The Leadership Forum yesterday, was great!  I'll write more about it on Monday. Photos weren't allowed during the speakers' presentations, so I didn't get any.  A friend took a few anyway, and she said she would send me one of Marcus Luttrell.

Wishing you a good Saturday!  Thanks for stopping by!  Peace & hugs.

Friday Five....

Thank goodness it's Friday!!  

• I got my knees shot up yesterday, with my first of three injections of Orthovisc.  My doctor hopes it will give me some relief, just in time for our 30th anniversary vacation to New Orleans. I'm supposed to give it 4-5 weeks to "kick in" after the last injection.  I hope, more than the doctor, that this will work!!  The PA told me that if I'm not feeling it, she will give me the cortisone shots a few weeks early, to help me enjoy our vacation.

• Joe and I have tickets for today's Leadership Forum, at Southeastern University.  We have been going every year for awhile now, and really enjoy the speakers, the Christian conservative tone of the day, and learning something new while there.  I'll have a few photos to share, I'm sure.

(Picture, obviously taken from Amazon.com)

• One of my newer blogging friends suggested a new author in her blog yesterday.  I decided it sounded like a fun read, and ordered it for my Kindle reader.  I must say that I am already on chapter 4 and have giggled and laughed more in three chapters than in a long time!  The author is also a blogger, and I have added her to my Feedly account. Check out Sophie Hudson HERE, and her book :  "A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet: Southern Stories of Faith, Family, and Fifteen Pounds of Bacon"  Her blog is called BooMama and she has a give-away going right now.  

• I spoke with my sister, Tammy, last night.  Bruce continues to improve daily, though there is still a long, long way to go.  He is talking and laughing, and even wrote his name this week. He is working puzzles, and is working on getting to the bathroom.  He is eating good, and jokes with the nurses.  They have still targeted March 28th for him to go home. Tammy said there are still lots of times when he can't find the words to say, but she knows he knows what he is trying to say.  When she does get what he means, he is thrilled, but there is also a lot of frustration.  She is working on moving furniture out/around to make room for him, at home, to maneuver with the walker.  Happy to also say she has been in touch with her employer, and they are keeping her job for her, and want her back whenever she is ready, even if it's just for weekends. God bless Nabisco!

•  Several of my blogging contacts frequently write about menu planning.  I have never been able to discipline myself to actually plan a week of menus, ahead of time.  I was just proud that I remembered to take pork chops out of the freezer and was able to put them on the George Foreman Grill, and made mashed potatoes, corn, and a salad for dinner last night.  That's about the best I do, planning a meal.  We have plenty of food (blessed!) in the freezer and in the pantry, but planning a week of meals, ahead of time, has never been a strong suit.  Do you plan meals ahead?  How far ahead?  Do you also do this...copy and print delicious sounding recipes from blogging friends and Pinterest, then file them at home and never look at them again?  I do it daily. Ridiculous. It's sad.  Kick my rear for me, please! Help me!!

I will work on catching up on blogs when I get home tonight.  No lunchtime reading today.  I appreciate you stopping by, and love reading your comments. Wishing you a good weekend! Peace & hugs!

PS....Prayer Warriors, please add Elaine O'Connell to your prayer lists.  She is the wife of a co-worker and was just diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer.  Chemo starts tomorrow.....

A Book Lover's Meme for Thursday....

Happy Thursday!  I grabbed this meme from Kwizgiver's blog.  She grabbed it elsewhere, but your can visit her HERE.  I know most of my friends here are also readers!

1. Do you have a specific place for reading? I read in bed, but also during lunch, at work. 

2. Book mark or random piece of paper? I read Kindle books on my little tablet, but use a bookmark in my Bible and in my daily devotional.

3. Can you just stop anywhere in a book or do you have to stop at the end of a chapter? I can just stop anywhere, but it does feel good to stop at the end of a chapter.

4. Do you eat or drink when reading? I read while I eat lunch, most days, at work.

5. Music or TV on when reading? Yes, because I actually concentrate better when there is something to shut out.  Perhaps that sounds silly, but I've always been that way - even in high school when I had to do homework.  Silence drives me crazy!

6. One book at a time or several? One book at a time, but I do read my Bible and my little devotional every night.

7. Reading at home or elsewhere? Anywhere!  My Nexus tablet it in my purse all the time.

8. Read out loud or silently? Silently!

9. Do you read ahead or skip pages?  I have to admit that I do, indeed, skip ahead and/or skip pages now and then.  I get bored with pages of descriptions.

10. Breaking the spine or keeping it like new?   I do my best to not break the spine, when I have a book that isn't digital.

11. Do you write in your books?   My Bible is full of underlines and notes, as is my devotional.  Other books, though, I do not write in (and can't, on my Kindle books).

12. Who are you tagging? I don't tag people, but will challenge you to answer three of these in your comments, if you want to participate.

Thanks for peeking in today!  I appreciate your comments and your time!!  Peace, love & hugs.