Timeless Treasures Tuesday...

Something new to try on Tuesdays!  Anything that seems TIMELESS.  Scripture, recipes, photos, stories.....


“It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge and my job to love.” 
― Billy Graham


Instead of judging people, we need to pray.

Joyce Meyer

1 Peter 4:8-9   Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." --Blessed Mother Teresa.

I chose these quotes about judging because there has been an awful lot of judging going on in the media and social media.   I have my opinions and because you know I am a conservative and a Christian, you can surmise what my opinions are.  But, I also agree with the quotes I chose to share.  It is not for us to judge.  We have to trust in our faith, make the right choices when it comes time to vote, and pray.  We need to remember and practice the one rule that covers all 10 Commandments.... Love one another as you would be loved.  Treat others the way you want to be treated.  It's that simple, and that complicated, but all you really need is love.


Thanks for coming by today!  Peace & LOVE!!

Monday Mishmash....

Good Monday to you.  I hope everyone had a good weekend.  Mine was pretty layed back, just like I like it.   Sunday, I either messaged with or spoke with lots of family members.  We are getting everyone's arrivals nailed down so we know when to expect people.  Some arrive on Sunday, others on Monday, but all are looking forward to a fun week!  Have I mentioned that I am excited to see so many family members all together in one place and for a FUN occasion?!

 Bobby, Pam and Jim will all be there (and me).

Vicki, Lana, will be there - Bobby (again) and me.

Lana and Vicki have a younger sister, Tysa, who lives here in Florida, about three hours north of Lakeland.  She will be down for at least one night.  They just lost their dad a few months ago.  He was my mom's 1st cousin and the last of that generation.  We're the older generation now.  How did that happen?

I will be taking lots of pictures and will hopefully collect all the ones the others take.  I want to do a Shutterfly book for us that everyone can buy if they want a copy.  I'm disappointed that my pin kits are not the right size for what I wanted to do. I don't think I have time to find more and get them done.  This week will be too busy.  At least the Shutterfly book will be a nice keepsake if anyone else wants one.

I was making breakfast yesterday morning, and as I was scrambling the eggs I started thinking about my mom.  Scrambled eggs are the first dish she taught me to cook.  I can still feel her standing behind me, telling me to push the eggs to the center as they get firm.  What is the first thing you remember cooking and who taught you to do it?

Thanks for stopping by today!  Peace & hugs.

Sunday Stealing Meme.....

Thanks to Kwizgiver for this fun meme.  

Unusual Things

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!!! 

Unusual Things

Stolen from: My Random Randomness

1. Who was the last person of the opposite sex you laid in a bed with?  My husband.

2. Where was the last place you went out to eat?  Olive Garden

3. What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed?  Can't even remember. Probably wine.

4. Which do you prefer - eyes or lips?  Eyes

5. Medicine, fine arts, or law?  Fine Arts

6. Best kind of pizza?  Thin crust with pepperoni and lots of veggies

7. Is your bedroom window open?  No! This is Florida!

8. What is in store for your future?  Retirement

9. Who was the last band you saw live?  A local band at Studio B

10. Do you take care of your friends while they are sick?  I'm there if needed and can get there.  Many friends live too far away to be of any physical help.  I do pray for them though.

11. Any historical figures that you envy?  None that come to mind.  I don't envy anyone, actually.

12. How many songs are on your iTunes?  None. I listen to Spotify.

13. What brand of digital camera do you own?  My point-and-shoot is a Nikon, but I use my phone now. It's a Samsung Galaxy S5.

14. When was the last time you got a good workout?   1983 (snort/giggle)

15. Are you experienced?  In many things, yes.  In others, heck no.

16. If you need a new pair of jeans, what store do you go to first?  They have to be "tall" so I order them on-line (usually). Can sometimes find some at Avenue.

17. Are you a quitter?  Not usually.  I do know my limits, though.

18. What are two bands or singers that you will always love?  Harry Connick, Jr. and Ella Fitzgerald but there are many I enjoy.

19. What of the seven deadly sins are you guilty of?  Gluttony.

20. Did you just have to google the seven deadly sins to see what they were?  Nope.

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The Funeral Mass I attended yesterday morning was lovely.  Maybe it sounds awful saying a funeral was 'lovely', but this one was.  There weren't many people there, but those who were loved Helen and honored her family by coming.  My friend, Fran, who many of you have been praying for (breast cancer surgery last week) was there, so it was good to see her.  She actually did one of the readings.  Praise God.  We went to our usual Vigil Mass last night and are sleeping in this morning!

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

Saturday:9 Time....

I have to say that I've never heard of this artist or the song, but I did enjoy answering the questions.  Thanks to Crazy Sam to posting this meme each weekend!

I Miss 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: I Miss You (1997)

... because Smellyann suggested it

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

1) In this song, Bjork knows what she's looking for in a mate, she just hasn't met him yet. If you are/were still looking for The One, what two qualities would you hope he/she possessed?  A sense of humor and respect for me (and I am blessed to have it!).

2) The lyrics ask if you believe "that a dream can come true." Do you believe that dreams come true if you wish hard enough?  I don't think just wishing is enough, but I do believe you can make your dreams come true if you work at it.

3) Bjork turns 50 this year. Do you treat "milestone" birthdays differently? Or to you, is your age just a number?  I think every birthday should be celebrated, but especially those milestones. Life should be celebrated.

4) Bjork was always highly musical. At the tender age of 6 she began studying classical piano and flute. Sam is impressed because, at the age of 6, she was still trying to master tying her shoes. Do you consider yourself musical?  I played trumpet in school and was pretty good, but not the best.  I sang in chorus and made "All County" one year. I can read music, but I don't consider myself especially "musical".

5) She was born and raised in Reykjavik, Iceland. While the city is known for its bar scene, beer was banned there until 1995. How often do drink beer?  Maybe twice a year.  I don't like beer and have never been able to acquire a taste for it.

6) 66º NORTH is one of Iceland's biggest employers. This clothier makes quality outdoor wear and this time of year they sell a lot of durable rainwear. Do you have a raincoat?  Yes, I do, but it's always too hot to wear a coat of any kind here in Florida.  I use a golf umbrella on a regular basis. It is big enough to cover my booty and anything I am carrying.

7) In 1997, when this song was popular in clubs, Titanic was popular in theaters. Sam saw it and yes, she cried. How about you? Have you seen the saga of Jack and Rose?  Yes.  Did you enjoy it?  Yes, I enjoyed it and we own the DVD, but I've not watched it since the first time (didn't see it in the theater).

8) Also in 1997, singer John Denver died. Name a John Denver song.  Country Roads

9) Random question: If you had the opportunity to skydive, would you take it?  No, no, and no.

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 coming by today!  Happy weekend!  Peace & hugs.

Funny Friday....

Happy Friday!!  I really have nothing new, so thought I would share this little ditty that I found on Facebook yesterday.  Most of them are true and made me smile!

20 Things People Say When They Find Out You Are From Florida

And 20 sassy responses.

Maya Weinstein in Humor on Jun 21, 2015

1. So, you must be used to the heat?

Yeah, I prefer to be outside when it is 102 degrees, it’s really relaxing when I am covered in sweat and can’t breathe. We just use air conditioning…

2. How far are you from Miami?

Because this one time you went to Miami for spring break, so you can use that piece of information to pinpoint where I’m from?

3. Do you go to Disney, like, all the time?

You have probably gone to Disney more than I have…

4. Do you go to the beach every day?

Ain’t nobody got time for that. As much as I would love to, the afternoon storms and the tourists (you) tend to get in the way of making that a reality.

5. Florida is not really southern, right?

Maybe not where you have vacationed, but the rebel flags in my high school parking lot would argue otherwise. So will the excessive amounts of sweet tea and grits- not that I’m complaining.

6. Oh, my grandparents live there!

I am sure they do. Please recommend that they retake their driver’s tests.

7. Wow, so hurricanes must be really scary.

When they hit, the answer is yes. The great thing about hurricanes is that we get a pretty big warning about their arrival, and then we stock up on snacks.

8. My friend lives in Florida!

Okay....

9. Have you ever seen an alligator?

Yeah, I have. No, I would not attempt to “wrestle” one of those horrendous dinosaurs.

10. You are not that tan!

I’m sorry I failed you.

11. So global warming…

…Is definitely a thing.

12. Your state is so screwed up with elections.

Don’t hate on the individuality of my state.

13. Don’t you just want a white Christmas?

We have one every year! It’s called sand.

14. Do you get annoyed with tourists?

Yassssssss.

15. What are those bugs called that get all over your car on the interstate?

Lovebugs. The next time you say Florida doesn’t have comprehensive sex ed, please reflect on these creatures and the education many of us have gained from them.

16. Does everyone have a pool?

Pretty much.

17. Spring Break must be so convenient!

It is, except for the fact that my plane ticket home skyrockets because you want to get wasted on the beach.

18. Are you a  [insert random sports team here] fan?

We have a lot of sports.

19. Do you wear flipflops everywhere?

Honestly…yes…

20. Have you heard of Florida Man?

Are you trying to embarrass me?

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

Florida Man is our version of Big Foot (by the way).  

One of the women from my church women's group died.  Her funeral is tomorrow morning, at 9:30, so no lazy sleeping in for me.  Her family requested that we do an honor guard for her and I am happy to be part of it.  She was 92 and lived a long and faithful life, but she will be missed at our meetings.

Wishing you a good Friday!  Thanks for peeking in today.  Peace & hugs.

Throwback Thursday....

My Throwback (and thankful) Thursday photo is of Joe, relaxing on Folly Beach, SC back in 2009.  That was the last time we had a family beach vacation, and it was only some of my immediate family.  Next month's family reunion beach vacation includes cousins too and is on our beautiful Gulf of Mexico St. Pete Beach!  Love the beach, wherever we find one!

The thankful part of my Thursday post is that Joe is feeling better.  We went out to dinner with our neighbor, Sheila, and had an enjoyable meal at Olive Garden (her choice).

Thanks for your visit today!  Peace & hugs!

Hodgepodge Wednesday!!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 225

Our hostess, Joyce, posts the Hodgepodge questions and we answer as best we can!  Join in the fun HERE!

1. June 23rd is National Pink Day. What's your favorite something pink?  I have a pink jacket made from a lite wool that I can wear during our Florida winters.  I always get compliments when I wear it.

2. What did you enjoy most about gym class when you were in school? I really didn't care for gym class, but I did run track.  Volleyball was fun when we got to play it during gym.  How about the least?   I hated being sweaty and having to put my clothes back on to go to class. We didn't have a proper locker room.  I think there were maybe two showers, but we weren't given time to shower.  Wiped off was the best we could do. Yuck.

3. What memory is brought to mind by the smell of roses?  Nothing, really.  

4. Do you prefer to read or write?  Read.

5. Sam Keen is quoted as saying, 'Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.' Would you agree? Is laziness ever respectable? How will you be lazy this summer?  I think when we get to be "senior citizens" we should be allowed to be lazy.  I think lazy can certainly be respectable.

6. The Florida Keys, Disney World, or a resort somewhere on the Gulf Coast...which Florida destination would you choose (and why) if the trip were today?  Been to all, and I'll take the Gulf Coast beaches any day.

7. What question do you hate to answer?  How much do you weigh?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  Joe has been under the weather the last couple of days.  We went to Urgent Care on Monday night and got some medicine.  He seemed a little better last night.  Hoping he will be up to going out to dinner tonight, since we invited Sheila, to celebrate her birthday. Nothing serious, just out of sorts.

Thanks for coming by the Hodgepodge today!  I'll look forward to reading your posts!  Peace & hugs!

Tuesday Tidbits...

• I was sad to learn that Bruce did not get to go fishing with his son, David, on Sunday.  He was a little under the weather again, but was better yesterday and talking about going fishing.  I think the fishing trip will happen, but it wasn't in the stars for Father's Day.

• I heard from my friend Fran, by email yesterday.  She went to the doctor and got the tubes out and the binding off so she is feeling a little better.  Having been off some of her meds for some other health problems, she is a little out of whack and still not feeling like company.  I completely understand and I think anyone who has had major surgery understands. Your prayers are appreciated for her and for KS!

• I'm getting very excited for our beach vacation/family reunion!!  I would love to be able to afford to get everyone a personalized beach towel to commemorate our get-together, but since I don't have an extra few hundred dollars for something like that, I ordered button kits to make a commemorative button for everyone.  I don't expect them to wear them, but I will at least have some little thing with our names and the dates on it.

• Our son, Jeff, called on Father's Day.  He is buying a new car (much needed) and he had plane information for us so we can pick him up for the beach vacation.  We are thrilled that he is coming down for it!!  Joe and Darlene are also planning to come. They are driving over with the pups and will have to stay at another hotel since the one we picked for the reunion doesn't allow pets. Did I mention that I am excited about the beach vacation?  There will be 29 of us, which has grown by one just this week.  Who knows how many more....

I think that's it for today.  Busy at work, which isn't all bad.  We are taking our neighbor, Sheila, out to eat tomorrow night for her birthday (which was last week, but she was on vacation).  We will be watching our cat-neighbors' cats this week while they go on a little excursion with some of their family.  We enjoy helping and appreciate their help so much when we travel.  They have three cats too:  Bonnie, Murphy and Millie.

Thanks for checking in!  Peace & hugs.

Monday's Weekend Rundown....

I hope everyone had a good weekend, and that Father's Day celebrations went well for those who celebrated.

Joe initially said he wanted to go to Tarpon Springs for Father's Day, so we did our housework and laundry on Saturday, to have Sunday free.  Sunday morning, he decided he really didn't want to spend a couple of hours in the car (it's an hour+ to get there, and of course that much coming back).  So, we went out to breakfast instead, and then to a movie.

We saw "Spy" and laughed all the way through it.  Melissa McCarthy is SO funny.  We both enjoyed the movie.

After we got back we thought we might get in the pool for awhile, but it started to thunder.  We never got rain, but it sounded nasty so we stayed inside.  It is to be a rainy week, according to the weather report.

I did not hear from my friend Fran yesterday, so hoping no news is good news.  I know she is in good hands and is being cared for.  Please keep her on your prayer lists for healing!  Thanks.  While I am asking for prayers, please keep my friend KS in your prayers too.  She starts radiation and chemo treatments tomorrow (Tuesday) which will lead to surgery for esophageal cancer.  So much evil, horrid cancer in the world.  I hurt so much for my loved ones who are suffering.  The power of prayer is an awesome thing, though!

On a brighter note, I asked my sister how they would be celebrating Father's Day with Bruce and she told me that his son, David, was going to take Bruce fishing!  I can't wait to get a report on how it went and the fun I'm sure they had!

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

Sunday Stealing Plus...

Happy Father's Day Sunday!  My heart always dances with thoughts of my dear dad.  We lost him much too soon to cancer, but the memories live on forever in my heart.  Joyful thoughts of the blessings make me smile today!  Now, on to the Sunday Stealing Meme....

Get It All Down 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!!!

Get It All Down Meme

Stolen from: My Random Randomness

Are you a good dancer?  Passable.  I've had some lessons, but the knees don't cooperate anymore.

Are you a good singer?  Not as good as I used to be.  Thyroid cancer surgery messed up my vocal chords.  They are better, but my range is pretty much gone.

Are you a good cook?  Passable.  If I take my time, I can create delicious, but never as good as my mom or my Granny Kelly.  I'm usually in a hurry or too tired after work.

Are you a good artist?  Better than some, not nearly as good as many.

Are you a good listener?  I think so.

What's your favorite clean word?  Peace.

What's your favorite swear word?  Don't have a favorite swear word.  I say 'Jeeze Louise' a lot.

What's your least favorite word?  Can't.

What was the last film you saw?  We saw "RED" on TV a few days ago. Love that movie!

What football team do you support?  Philadelphia Eagles.  I married into it.

Have you ever been bobbing for apples?  Years and years and years and years ago!

What's your most expensive piece of clothing?  Probably the top I bought for The Gala earlier this year.  It was from Macy's and was $110 (if I remember correctly).  I shop from the discounted racks only, most of the time.

What's the last thing you took a picture of?  I had to look at my phone and this is it...the very delicious Edible Arrangement our niece sent to us as a thank-you for their visit a few weeks ago.

What's the last thing you drew a picture of?  I doodle frequently, so it was probably a doodle.  I don't really remember.

Have you ever bought anything from eBay?  Yes.  Most recently a sun hat with my initials embroidered on it  - and it rolls up for packing.  Got it for the beach reunion next month.

Have you ever invented a fairly unique meal or drink?  Nope.  I am not creative in the kitchen.

Do you have any secret family recipes?  None that are secret!  I grew up Methodist and most of my mom's wonderful recipes are in the Millersport United Methodist Church Cookbook!  I'd be lost without my copy (and I also use my Resurrection Council of Catholic Women's Cookbook, where I put some of my mom's recipes)!

Now, on to the "Plus" from my title.  Our grandson, Tristan, was invited to go to Europe with one of his school friends and family.  I heard from Kathy that they arrived safely in Prague and she included these pictures of Tristan and David.  Talk about a fortunate young man!  This is Tristan's third trip to Europe in recent months!

Another "plus":  For those who have been praying for my friend Fran, her breast cancer surgery went well on Thursday though it was pushed back from 1:00 to (finally) 6:30.  An emergency came in and she had to wait it out.  I had an email from her yesterday morning.  She is home, it is not too painful and her husband is taking such good care of her that she told him the hospital may hire him.  Her daughter is there and her sisters are near.  There are meals prepared ahead and she needs nothing but more prayers right now.  She did tell me that the emergency that came in was an eight-month pregnant woman whose appendix burst.  The last she heard, mother and baby came through it okay.

That's all I have for you right now.  We are going to Tarpon Springs today because it is one of Joe's favorite places to visit (and buy bread and Greek food).  It's how we are celebrating Father's Day.

Thanks for coming by!  Peace & hugs.

PS/Update:  Joe decided he didn't want to ride in the car for 2 1/2 hours today after all.  We went out for breakfast and then to the movies.  We saw "Spy" and thought it was hilarious. Loved it.  Tarpon Springs can wait for another day....

Saturday:9 Daddy's Little Man

Saturday:9 is about Father's Day!  Click HERE to join in the fun!!

Daddy's Little Man

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: Daddy's Little Man (1969)
... because it's Father's Day weekend 

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

1) This song is about an afternoon visit between a father and son. What are your plans for Saturday afternoon?  We are planning to get our work done today so we can play tomorrow, on Father's Day!  That means laundry on Saturday!  

2) The lyrics talk about enjoying an ice cream cone. Do you have any ice cream in your freezer right now?  I think there are the dregs of some Publix brand Bear Claw sitting in a container that probably needs to be thrown out.  If it's not there, I can't eat it.  Joe and I both would love ice cream every night.

3) Sam's father hates it when she swears. When is the last time you cursed?  Oh, I try not to and don't very often.  Can't remember, but it was probably on our road trip to New Orleans.  I can get impatient behind the wheel, and let's leave it at that!

4) In a recent ranking of movie dads, Mufasa (Lion King) and Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird) got very high marks. Who is your favorite movie or TV father?  Well, Atticus is a great one for sure.  There are so many fictional dads who portray perfect dads, but none is as great as mine was, in real life!

5) Sam's own father often traveled for business, and always remembered to bring her the little complimentary soaps, shampoos or body lotion he got from the hotel. When you take a trip, do you bring back souvenirs?  Sometimes we do, but not as often as we used to.  I do, however, remember one time when my dad went to Wyoming on business and he brought my brother and me cowboy and cowgirl outfits, complete with cap guns and holsters.  I loved the fringe on my skirt!!  Wish I had a picture to post.  I'm sure there is one somewhere!  He brought my mom a sandstone necklace and earrings, which I have in my keepsake box.  My two sisters weren't born yet.

6) Back when Sam was in high school, it was her father who gave her driving lessons. Who taught you how to drive?  My dad!!  And that also explains the swear words in the car.....  just sayin'.

7) Sam's own father is easy to buy for: every year he wants a new pair of loafers, so every year for Father's Day she gives him a DSW gift card. Would you rather receive a gift that someone chose, even though it might not be just right, or do you prefer a gift card or cash so you can get exactly what you want?  I love getting gifts that someone picked out for me, but there are times when I just can't bring myself to wear or use a gift because it is just not quite right for me.  These days a gift card is so welcome.  I will say that the 'giver' never knows.... I appreciate the thought and the love that comes with any gift.

8) For family barbecues, Sam's dad dons his "Kiss the Chef" apron and mans the Weber. What's the last thing you cooked on the grill?  I don't cook on the grill, Joe does.  I think he did hamburgers last.

9) Sam's father satisfies his afternoon sugar craving with an almost endless stream of Butter Rum Lifesavers. When you crave a snack, do you usually want something sweet or salty?  Salty.  Sweet never tempts me, but that bag of chips can be so loud sitting in the cupboard!

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 coming by today!  I love seeing your comments and reading your posts!!  Peace & hugs!

Friday Five....

So, with nothing much to really write about today, I'm just posting some cute little funnies I've seen the past few days.  Hope they give you a giggle!

Happy Friday!!  Thanks for coming by!  Peace & hugs!

Throwback Thursday Prayer Request....

This photo isn't too old, taken in 2009, but I wanted to ask for anyone who believes in the power of prayer to please offer one today for my dear friend, Fran.  She is having breast cancer surgery this morning.  It was caught early and the doctor believes they will have a good outcome, but she does have some other health concerns on top of this one.  Offer a prayer for the surgical team too, if you would!

We talked with her and her husband at church on Saturday evening.  She is in good spirits and is a woman of faith.  Thanks for your prayers!!

Peace, love & hugs!  Have a good Thursday!

It's a Hot Hodgepodge Wednesday!

Thank you, Joyce, for this week's Hodgepodge!  Join in the fun by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 224

The Hodgepodge is back in action this week after a short break. I was actually moving house, so using that term 'break' rather loosely. Anyway you know the drill...answer on your own blog, then hop back  here tomorrow to share answers with friends and random strangers. See you there! 

1. June is National Great Outdoors Month. Have you spent any time appreciating the great outdoors this month? If so where, and if not do you have any plans to enjoy the great outdoors before the calendar turns?   I guess you can call our visit to New Orleans and walking along the mighty Mississippi River enjoying the great outdoors, but that was last month, not this month.  It is really much too hot to be outside for too long here in Florida, in June!

2. What's a current hot button issue for you?   Can't think of a thing.  

3. What's a food or treat that 'disappears like hotcakes' in your house?  Cookies.  Joe is a cookie monster.

4. How hot is too hot?  July and August in Florida!  High 90s and humid. 

5. Do you have an artistic outlook on life?   I believe that I do!  What does that mean to you?  My life is surrounded by art and has been for as long as I can remember!

6. What's one question you'd like to ask your father, or one you wish you could ask your father?  I would just like to talk with him again.  How is Heaven?  How is Mom doing?  Have you been hunting up there with Randy (my brother)?  Say hi to Granny & Pawpaw for me!!  Give Bob James and Grandpa Cameron hugs from me!  

7. Something you learned from your father?  How to drive; how to change a tire; how to love; how to laugh; how to drive a boat; how to clean a fish; how to take something apart and figure out how to fix it; how to eat/like hot peppers!  I can keep going.....

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  Father's Day is different when you don't have your father with you anymore.  Yes, we celebrate with Joe by talking with the boys on the phone but it just isn't the same anymore.  My dad has been gone since 1989 and I still miss him.  He was my age when he died.  Cancer sucks.  Missing Joe's dad, too.  If you still have your dad, hug him extra tight - not just this weekend, but as often as you can!!

Well, I sure hate to end a post on a downer!!  Goodness!  Thanks for stopping by and I'll look forward to your Wednesday posts!  Peace & hugs!!

Tuesday Tidbits...

• My boss and I had a conversation this afternoon about Americans retiring to another country.  She is thinking about it because her mom has been doing research on it and has found that rent and health care are much less expensive in many other countries.  My boss is a few years younger than me.  As attractive as "less expensive" sounds to me, since we will have a very limited income when I retire in two or three years, I'm not sure I could leave the USA, knowing I would not be coming back.  Any thoughts on this subject?  Maybe for half a year?  Panama is #1 on the list, linked below....

• HERE is an article from Forbes Magazine with the 2014 List of top retirement countries.

• I haven't confessed it yet but have started a change in eating habits (refusing to say the "d" word).  I'm doing low carb, high fat.  My friend Teena has lost over 80 pounds doing it. I'm hoping for that much, but I think 50 will get me on the knee surgery list. Motivated right now anyway.

• Has anyone else noticed that it is beginning to get dark a little earlier already?  Maybe it's just that we have had cloudy and rainy evenings lately, but by 8:30 it is dark outside now.

• I posted this on my Facebook page today, so some of you have seen it.  It really made me chuckle and I hope it gives you a giggle too!

That's all from me today!  Wishing you a good Tuesday!  Thanks for stopping by! Peace & hugs.

Monday Madness!!

Joe's brother sent this to me by email.  I have watched it several times and am always amazed.  Can you imagine having to drive through this crazy intersection?

Most amazing intersection!

You have to watch this several times. Pay special attention to the pedestrians on the right hand side moving from 1 to 5 o'clock positions and then the ones near the top moving from 2 to 10 o'clock positions .
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THIS COULD BE THE MOST AMAZING THING YOU WILL EVER SEE!
No overdone security.
No safety first doctrine.
No rules ...and the result is: Efficiency!!!
Major Intersection, No Traffic Lights.
This is what a major intersection with no traffic lights looks like.
How they are able to avoid accidents is quite remarkable.
In this time-lapse video, we see the intersection at Meskel Square,
the nerve center of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. While the square is a
primary site for the city's large festivals and celebrations,
it is also a chaotic crossroad for thousands and thousands of vehicles daily.
This is organized confusion at its finest.
Pedestrians, walk with care!

LOOK AT THE PEDESTRIANS AT THE LOWER RIGHT OF THE PICTURE!

Hope you enjoyed it!  Thanks for stopping by on this back-to-work-for-me Monday.  Peace & hugs!

Sunday Stealing....

Would You Rather 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!!! 

Would You Rather Meme

Stolen from: Sign Up Genius

Would you rather go to a movie or to dinner alone?  Probably the movie.

Would you rather always say everything on your mind or never speak again?  Never speak.

Would you rather make a phone call or send a text?  Send a text.

Would you rather read an awesome book or watch a good movie?   Awesome book.

Would you rather be the most popular person at work or school or the smartest?  Smartest.

Would you rather put a stop to war or end world hunger?  Stop the wars.

Would you rather spend the night in a luxury hotel room or camping surrounded by beautiful scenery?  Hotel room.  Too old for camping.

Would you rather explore space or the ocean?  Ocean.

Would you rather go deep sea diving or bungee jumping? Deep sea diving.

Would you rather be a kid your whole life or an adult your whole life?  An adult.

Would you rather go on a cruise with friends or with your spouse?  My spouse (he IS my friend!)

Would you rather lose your keys or your cell phone?  Keys.

Would you rather eat a meal of cow tongue or octopus?  Octopus.  Love calamari.

Would you rather have x-ray vision or magnified hearing?  Magnified hearing.

Would you rather work in a group or work alone?  It would depend on the work at hand.

Thanks to Quizgiver for another fun Sunday Stealing!!  You can join in HERE.

We called my grandmother on Friday, to say happy 96th birthday!  Some of the family had been there for a little party.  She said they had pizza!  Her niece posted pictures of her on Facebook.  We sent her flowers, which are the ones she is holding.  This is my step-grandma, but she has been my grandma since I was born.  She was quite a bit younger than my grandpa, and really could not be my biological grandma, but none of that has ever mattered.  She is a wonderful woman and the love-lines are just as strong as any bloodlines.  My folks are gone, but I still have my grandma!

It felt so good to go to our church last night.  We always go to the Saturday Vigil Mass.  Several people were concerned that we had been sick.  It was nice to be missed.  

Our swimming pool has turned green.  With all the rain these past few days, the algae bloom is awful.  Our neighbors are fighting the same, and when Joe went to our pool supply place yesterday, for chemicals, he said it was crowded with lots of people seeking the same chemicals. Maybe I'll be able to get in later this week.  The joys of having a pool....

Thanks for coming by today!  Wishing you a great Sunday and week ahead.  Peace & hugs.