Checking in...

On this last day of February, I thought I should post a catch-up before heading off to church.  Joey is going with me!  

Joey and I have been busy, which is good. He spent yesterday pressure washing the house. Did a great job. We usually have it done in March so it was ready. Bless him for that hard work.

While he did that I did two loads of laundry, sorted through some of Joe's things, went to Helen's house to help Cheryl get Helen off the floor in the bathroom where she had fallen.  Elaine went with me and was a great help.  Elaine has a nursing degree from Ohio State and she calmed Helen down and made sure she hadn't broken a hip.  We were able to get her up and she walked with her walker from her bathroom to the family room.  I am sure she was having some fall-out from her COVID vaccine.  She only weighs 100 pounds.  Cheryl said she slept most of the day but woke up in time for some dinner.

Speaking of the vaccine (which we got on Friday - our second injection), I am only suffering a very sore arm that travels up my shoulder and into my neck. It is nothing I can't endure.  I expect it to go away soon.  Elaine said she and Jim both just had really sore arms.

I spoke with Kori, from our church, who is in charge of the dessert reception after Joe's memorial.  She is so sweet and I told her I trust her completely to make it nice. 

I made a pot of ham and pea soup (from scratch with dried peas) for our dinner. It cooked all day into a delicious thick soup (if I do say so). Joey enjoyed it and the cornbread I made. 

So, I am staying busy and I am trusting God and I am honoring my Joe as best I can.  I also have a phone interview with Rita Staffing on Tuesday morning. 

I feel the love from family and friends and that includes everyone here. Thank you for your continued prayers.  I need them. 

Peace & hugs! Jesus does love us!

Thursday Update...

 

The outpouring of love and prayers and kind thoughts from my wonderful family and amazing friends is overwhelming. I am running out of room to display the cards that keep arriving daily.  Many are from my blogging friends here, for which I am so appreciative and grateful.  I do feel the love here so thank you from my heart.

Friends continue to come by.  Our former neighbors, Bob & Sharon (who moved to NC) were back in town for a doctor's appointment and they stopped in yesterday.  So good to see them.

Our son, Joey arrived yesterday afternoon and is already working on his dad's client information.  Such a load off my shoulders.  My hope is that the file drawers will be empty and I won't have to give the CPA business another thought when Joey goes home. 

Our youngest, Jeff and Kali arrive on Tuesday so I am looking forward to having both of our 'boys' here under the same roof for a few days.  The Memorial Service has been finalized and will go smoothly.  It will be live-streamed on our church's Facebook page if anyone wants to peek in on Thursday the 4th, at 2:00 pm.

https://www.facebook.com/redeemerlakeland

I am doing okay.  My heart is broken and I'm not sure how anyone without faith can get through times like this. I rely on our wonderful Savior every minute and know that He is in control.  I don't worry because I know this is all part of my life's plan and that it will all work out as it is supposed to.  I am still here for a reason and this will all work out.  I am still having my moments of tears but I'm not asking why. Someday I will understand.  Until then... stay calm and carry on.

Thank you all for your prayers and kind words.  Many have been through this and have walked this path I am now on.  Your strength strengthens me. 

Love & hugs!  Jesus loves us!

PS:  2:30 pm.  We did just get back from picking up Joe's ashes and the death certificates. It is all final and so real now, not that it wasn't before.  Made arrangements while at the funeral home to have the ashes interred on Friday, the 5th.  Still so hard to believe.

Saying hello...

I  wanted to pop in with an update.  Our son has been delayed by a day or so, which is fine.  He has his wife, his job, and the horse sanctuary up there in Georgia that required some extra attention today.  I am doing okay.  He will be here tomorrow or Thursday for sure.

The memorial service at church is all sorted.  I approved the order of service and the cover for the handout. The church ladies are doing a dessert reception after the service so I have no worries there.  

I have friends stopping in daily.  Mornings and nights are still hard but I am being kept busy during the day.  I feel the love and prayers all around me and know it is well with my soul, as it was with Joe's.  That is one of the songs I chose for his service, by the way... It Is Well With My Soul.  Also Blessed Assurance.

Thanks again for your prayers and kind words!!  Love to all!!

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!

Checking In...

 Dear Friends,

I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I am doing okay.  Today was a better day... not great but better.  I am getting lots of things done and I am humbled and blessed by cards, gifts, food, prayers, and all the love coming my way.  Thank you.  Your prayers are especially appreciated and needed. Thank you.

God is in control.  I am placing my trust in His hands and know I will get through these weeks, months, and years without my Joe because my God is an awesome God. 

Our son gets here on Tuesday so I have been getting the guest room ready and have been cleaning and thinking ahead about what needs to get done while I have his help.

I have been reading your posts here and there but not commenting much. Please bear with me. My love to you all.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!!

Negative!

 Jim, Elaine, and I all went today for a COVID test.  I was exposed to Joe and they were exposed to me. I am thrilled that our tests were all negative!! Praise God!  We get our second shot next Friday. Being careful, still. 

Joe's cardiologist called me today to express his condolences.  He is such a good man.  He explained that our first vaccine doesn't really protect us until around two weeks.  Joe got sick around the 8th day after the vaccine.  We still have no idea where he was exposed.  The doctor also told me that with Joe's other health issues, the COVID cells just overwhelmed his body.  

There is no "what if" because that won't bring Joe back, but he did tell me that if you get medical help within the first day, not longer than the second day, they can give antibodies that help with the fight (that is what President Trump got).  So I am telling you this so if you think you might have it, don't wait.  Joe was always stubborn about getting help and he had been sick for about four days before he agreed to get help. Don't be stubborn!!

Thank you all for your kind, sweet words and especially for your prayers. This is a difficult journey but one that I have to travel.  I love you all and Jesus loves us more!!

Making Progress

 The outpouring of love and care and prayers is overwhelming. I am so blessed by your kind words, good advice, and love.  Thank you.  I am humbled.

I am working on a list of things that have to be done and getting the obituary done was at the top of the list. I will copy it below so you have the service information if you want to peek at the live-streamed service.

Thank you again for your love and prayers!

I tried to describe Joe and honor him...

Joseph (Joe) Nicholas D’Orsaneo, 83, passed away at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and walked into the arms of Jesus on February 16, 2021, after a short and devastating battle with COVID-19.

Joe was born on September 5, 1937, to Nicola D’Orsaneo and Julia (DiJoseph) D’Orsaneo, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.  Joe graduated from Norristown High School in 1955, and from Villanova University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics.  Joe was a Veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves and trained with I Company of the 3^rd Training Regiment at Ft. Dix, NJ.

Joe moved to Lakeland, Florida, in 1989, with his wife, Terri, and had his own accounting firm, Joseph N. D’Orsaneo, CPA.  He was proud to have served as the President of the Polk County Chapter, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, in 2004 – 2005.

Those who knew Joe knew laughter.  He told silly jokes, made silly comments, and always had a silly come-back, at which he always laughed the loudest. He loved making people laugh and it was usually at his own silly self.  He loved his family fiercely and was a loyal friend. Joe never knew a stranger.  He was kind, smart, and always a gentleman. Joe also loved his Philadelphia sports teams and could usually be found in front of the TV watching his beloved Eagles, Flyers, Phillies, and the Villanova men’s basketball team.  He took losses personally, as most Philly fans do.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife and mother of his sons, Loretta (Del Gesse), his younger brother, Nicholas D’Orsaneo, and grandson, Steve Immendorf. 

Surviving Joe are his wife of 35 years, Terri, sons, Joseph (Darlene) D’Orsaneo, Jeffrey (Kali) D’Orsaneo, his brother, Louis D’Orsaneo, grandchildren, Lauren D’Orsaneo, Tristan D’Orsaneo, Rita Immendorf, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were all loved and cherished by him more than they could know. 

A socially distanced (masks please) memorial service will be held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA), Lakeland, Florida, on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.  It will also be live-streamed on the Redeemer Presbyterian Church’s Facebook Page for those who aren’t able to attend. Visit https://www.facebook.com/redeemerlakeland  a few minutes before the service will begin. Joe’s ashes will be interred at Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Garden at a later date.

Wednesday Update...

 I am so drained and tired but needed to let my blogging family know that Joe passed away yesterday afternoon.  I did get there in time and was able to be with him for his last three hours.  The nurse on duty was a Christian and was compassionate and told me how to get myself into the hospital so I could be with him, in spite of it being the COVID floor.  I was careful and masked.  Joe knew I was there and I held his hand the entire time. Such a blessing for me to be able to be with him.  

My BFF, Elaine, and hubby Jim took me to the hospital and then picked me up when I needed that ride home.  They also made sure I had dinner last night.  I think the stars aligned and our all-knowing Savior planned for her to be here these three months to help me through this. Thank you, Elaine & Jim! 💗

I am busy with notifications and arrangements and feeling everyone's love and care.  Joe used to tell people that he was Mr. Terri and had no friends of his own... but the outpouring I have from people who loved him tells such a different story.  He was loved more than he ever knew!  The memorial service will be live-streamed and I will make that information available to everyone once things are decided.  I am taking a blogging break for a while, except for a quick update now and then. I'll be back in a week or so.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us!!

Thanks to Annie for continuing Toni's Tuesday 4 questions.  You can join in by clicking the title below!

Tuesday 4

About You...

Welcome to Tuesday 4 continued in the memory of Toni Taddeo, its original author

Let's do one of Toni's old questions this week.

1.   What's your favorite thing to do when you have time on your hands?  Read, watch TV, take a ride in the car, or read blogs!

2.   Company coming tonight for dinner what do you cook?  I often make something "Italian" for company but it could also be something simple like meatloaf or burgers on the grill. 

3.   The weather is perfect outside, how would you spend the day?  Now that my knees are new and it doesn't hurt to walk, I could easily go walk on a beach or visit an attraction like Disney Springs or Tarpon Springs and play tourist!  Or just take a walk!  It's been 10 years since I could enjoy those things!

4.   It's morning and you just got up, what do you have for breakfast?  I am writing this on Monday so I made myself a breakfast sandwich on toast with some ham, bacon, egg, and cheese.  Don't forget coffee and orange juice.

Joe Update:  Yesterday was not a good day.  Joe is frustrated and so am I.  I hate that I can't be there to see him and hear about what they are doing to help him.   Six days in the hospital and I haven't talked with the doctor at all.  I finally was able to track down his nurse today but he really didn't tell me much of anything. I was concerned because Joe told me they gave him Dilanten today. Six units of Dilantin.  I asked him if he had a seizure?  No.  Are you sure it was Dilantin?  Yes, that's what he said.  Well, that made my heart start pumping so after being directed to the wrong nurses' station and then to the wrong nurse, I finally got to Jose.  He was very nice (and so was I) and did say that Joe got 6 units of insulin, not Dilantin. Whew!  Even with his hearing aids in, Joe doesn't always understand what is said, especially when talking through a mask.  We are both just frustrated. His vitals are good and his oxygen levels are still in the 90s without oxygen but his COPD makes it hard to breathe, without having COVID and being so isolated. I really need to get him home. For the first time during this, I am feeling helpless.  Prayers, please! I am praying for a better day today.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves you and me!

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

Well, I haven't been laying on the couch but I have been sitting in my recliner a lot more than I should.  A weekend of Duo (android video) calling with Joe three or four times a day and not much else.  I streamed church yesterday and it was nice that they prayed for Joe during the service.  I am also blessed by so many people checking in, family and friends caring and praying for Joe and for me. Blessed.

Elaine and Jim invited me over for dinner last night.  Of course, it was Valentine's Day and also Jim's birthday.  He grilled steak on the grill which was tender and cut like butter.  Elaine had baked beans and homemade potato salad with a birthday cake and ice cream afterward for dessert. Delicious. It was a socially distanced dinner on their screened-in porch and it was nice talking to humans instead of just the cats!! 

Thankfully, I still don't have any symptoms of COVID but there is still a week to go for the 14 days of quarantine from the onset of Joe's illness.  I sincerely believe the first shot of the vaccine is protecting me and making Joe's COVID not as bad as it could be.  So far, his lungs are clear and he isn't needing oxygen.  His heart and BP have been the biggest concerns.  Everyone's prayers are SO appreciated.

Joe is doing better.  His BP is back to normal (for him) and his heart is beating in a more normal range, though not as low as it should be.  Hoping for good news from his doctor today!

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves us all!!

Sunday Stealing...

 Thanks to Bev Sykes for today's stolen questions!  You can join in HERE!

Valentine's Day

  

 

 

 

 

 

Taken from ESL Conversations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What is the meaning of Valentine’s Day in your country/area? What happens on this day?  Valentine's Day is 

what Joe calls a Hallmark Holiday.  Meant to sell cards and candy... but we all know it is supposed to be all 

about love.  Joe and I exchange cards. Sometimes he gets me candy.  This year, I would just be happy to have

 him home!

2. Is Valentine’s Day more for men or women? Explain your answer.  That depends on the people. It doesn't 

mean that much to either one of us.  We just don't celebrate Valentine's Day.

3. Do you have any special plans for Valentine’s Day? What will you do?  We were going out to dinner to 

celebrate the day and Jim's birthday but that isn't happening now.

4. Which traditional gift would you rather receive: chocolates, flowers, or a card with a personal message?  

Chocolate is always good. I don't want flowers.  A card with a sweet note is also nice.

5. Is Valentine’s Day only about romantic love? Or is it a good occasion to celebrate friendship as well?  Every day 

is/should be about love and friendship.  Again, how and with whom you celebrate is up to you.

6. Do you like romantic movies? What is your favorite romantic movie?  I'm not much into soupy romantic

 movies but one of my favorites is always "While You Were Sleeping".

7. Have you ever received a Valentine’s Day card or gift from a secret admirer? How did it make you feel?  Nope.

8. Is Valentine’s Day the most romantic day of the year? If not, what day is? We aren't a romantic couple.  Every 

day is special and sweet when we are together.

9. What is the most romantic thing you have done for another person?  We don't do romantic.

10. Valentine’s Day is promoted by companies whose only interest is making money. Discuss whether you agree 

or disagree.  I answered that above. It is designed to sell cards and flowers and candy and (sometimes) diamonds.

11. Describe your perfect Valentine’s Day date.  We have been married 35+ years. Just going out to eat is great!

12. How should a single person spend Valentine’s Day? What do you suggest?  If you don't have a special person,

 spend time with good friends.  Just have fun.  It really doesn't matter.

13. Do you enjoy playing cupid? Do you try to introduce people in the hope they will make a love match?  No and

 no,

14. Some restaurants charge higher prices on Valentine’s Day. Are you willing to pay more to dine out on this day? 

If all they offer is a "special" meal, then we will go somewhere else or celebrate the day before or after.

15. Is a romantic gesture more powerful on Valentine’s Day or on another day of the year?  I would guess on

 any other day because it is 'expected' on Valentine's Day.

Peace & hugs!!  Jesus loves you!!

The Saturday 9...

 Thanks to Sam for today's questions!  You can join in right HERE!

My Valentine

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: My Valentine (2011)

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

 

1) Paul McCartney sings that he won't let a day go by without remembering why he loves his valentine. What blessings are you thankful for today? UPDATED:  Joe is still in the hospital but his lungs are good, his oxygen levels are good without any oxygen, and we are thankful for that. His heart rate has come down but not his BP which is still too high so they are working on that. Hoping for Monday now.  SO thankful that we had that first shot of vaccine or this could be so much worse.

2) Paul directed the video of Natalie Portman translating his song into American Sign Language (ASL), which is the third most commonly-used language in both the United States and Canada. British Sign Language (BSL), commonly used in EU countries, is very different. Do you find it easy to learn new languages?  No. I know a few words in German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese but only a few and not enough to allow me to communicate in those languages. I wish I had learned a different language when I was younger.

 
3) The song is on Paul's Kisses on the Bottom CD, for which he won one of his 18 Grammy Awards. What compliment or accolade have you recently received?  Gosh, I don't know.  I guess it's been a while but I don't seek either.

4) Paul is an honorary NYPD detective. He was given this designation for performing a charity concert after 9/11. Do you know anyone in law enforcement? Yes. I have a friend who is a retired Sheriff's Deputy; our son is a Federal Agent; another friend was an officer in Chicago, and I used to know the Lakeland Police Chief (retired).

5) Bob Dylan has said of Paul, "I'm in awe of McCartney. He's about the only one I'm in awe of. He can do it all. He never lets up. He's just so effortless." Tell us about someone whose talent you admire.  I admire our friend, Gregory's photography.  Since I retired from an art museum, I do know quite a few amazing artists whom I admire.

This is the last Saturday  9 before Valentine's Day and so this morning we shall focus on the upcoming holiday. 

6) The holiday is also known as The Feast of St. Valentine. Do you have a special meal planned for February 14?  We did have before COVID invaded our home.  I may order something from a restaurant but haven't decided yet.

7) The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" began in medieval times. On Valentine's Day, men would celebrate the holiday by displaying their lady love's name on their sleeves. If you were going to adopt this custom, whose name would you wear?  Joe, of course!

8) Women buy and send more Valentines than men do. Who received the last greeting card you sent? I sent two get-well cards last week.  I do have a Valentine to give to Joe.

9) Men buy and send more roses at Valentine's Day than women do. What's your favorite flower?  The simple daisy!  But please leave them in the fields. I have no place to display flowers in our house where the cats won't get into them.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves you!!

Friday Fotos...

 Continuing with Deb's (Breathing in Grace)  meme to post pictures from our week each Friday...

Well, as you might expect, I don't have much to share this week.  On Monday, before Joe was sick and our COVID journey began, Elaine and I went to a nail spa to have our toes done.  She had never had a pedicure before and I hadn't been for over a year (before my first knee surgery) so it was fun to sit next to each other and be pampered a bit.  My ugly feet at least now look like someone cares about them!!

On Sunday, while Joe and I were watching our church service in his office, I happened to look into the kitchen and saw this...  Vinny loves to get on top of the cupboards to sleep.

And most of you probably saw this on Facebook.  We got our monthly delivery from Chewy and this is what it looked like. A box of canned food was missing and the dog treats were smushed.  They have replaced the treats and the missing food but I may change to Amazon for cat deliveries. Chewy doesn't handle heavy cat litter well.  This isn't the first time but it sure is the worst...

I'm writing this on Thursday night so don't know yet if Joe gets to come home today (Friday).  Sure hope so.  He was feeling good and sounded great on the phone.  Prayers offered and fingers crossed, too.  Thank you to all who are praying.  I heard from so many family members and friends yesterday. We so appreciate all the love and all the prayers! Thank you!

Noon Friday Update:  They aren't letting Joe come home until his heart rate comes down.  He is still breathing okay.  They did another chest x-ray this morning but he hasn't heard about the results yet.  I am concerned about the heart so I texted our cardiologist this morning to let him know Joe has COVID and is in the hospital with an increased heart rate.  God bless him... he called for a consult and they are reviewing the medications to make sure Joe is getting the heart support he needs.  I feel much better knowing Dr. Owen is now involved.  Joe's room got cleaned, he finally has a menu for meals and got a bath and clean sheets this morning so is feeling much more human (his word).  Continued prayers appreciated and thank you for them!!

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves you!!

Whimsical Fashion Fun 2021...

 

There isn't a linky and there aren't any rules.

Check out the gown and pick the right shoes to wear.

Have some fun.  It's just a whimsical thing!

Photos always from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty.

There is no place I would ever need to wear a gown like this.  Red carpet-worthy and/or regal for sure.  I thought a little glamour was needed this week.  Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which shoes go best with the dress.  

My thoughts:  Oh my goodness, I love the color and can only dream about what it would be like to wear this gown. Wow.  As for the shoes, I couldn't wear any of them but for the model, I will go with the ankle bling and pair #1.  What are your thoughts?

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

Update on our woes:  Joe tested positive for COVID yesterday at urgent care.  They wouldn't test me because I don't have any of the symptoms, even though I still have this head cold thing.  My cough is productive and I am blowing my nose.  COVID symptoms are dry cough and no mucus.  I haven't had a fever and Joe has had a low-grade fever for three days.  Anyway, they had me take him to the ER.  They weren't interested in testing me there, either.  We have to quarantine for 14 days.  They kept Joe overnight because of all his other problems. They just wanted to make sure he stays stable. The CT scan showed no pneumonia and no problems with his lungs.  We are blessed that our first vaccine is probably protecting both of us.  At urgent care, the PA did say that you can still get COVID, just not as bad (like the shingles vaccine and the flu vaccines). So Praise God.  He will come home today and we just get to continue with staying home (no going out for a couple of weeks). This we can do. Your prayers are always appreciated that he gets home today and that he won't get worse!!  Thank you!

UPDATE:  They will keep Joe another day because of congestive heart failure (fluid retention).  He sounds great on the phone. I took a bag of undies, his charger, and his reading glasses to the hospital. Had to leave them at the desk to be picked up by a nurse.  Put a love note in with his things since I can't visit with him on the COVID floor.  Hopefully, they will let him come home tomorrow. 

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

Praising God!! Peace & hugs!!  Jesus loves you!

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Big thanks to Joyce for today's Hodgepodge!  You can be a Hodgepodger by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 407

1. Something little you are loving right now?  I love having my BFF, Elaine, and her hubby living next door for a few months this winter!! 

2. Red roses or pink peonies? Red wine or pink lemonade? Red lipstick or pink polish? A cotton candy-colored sky or a fiery red sunset? A book-movie-song you love with the word red or pink in its title?  Pink Peonies; pink lemonade; pink polish; fiery red sunset; and how about...

3. What's something you currently have your heart set on doing-going-seeing-or experiencing?  We just found out our niece, Haley is getting married Labor Day weekend so our hearts are set on making it up to Pennsylvania for her big day and to see our D'Orsaneo relatives and friends for a  happy occasion.  It will also be Joe's birthday weekend!

4. Who would you most like to have a heart to heart with right now? Is that possible?  I often wish I could have a heart-to-heart with my mom & dad again, but it isn't possible right now because they left us in 1989 and 1995.

5. Write an acrostic for the word L-O-V-E. 

Lingering in the misty morning
Over an evening you don't want to end
Very smitten in an old relationship 
Every pore still open to him

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Not random, but we didn't end up going to Bok Tower Gardens yesterday with Jim & Elaine.  They decided to wait until Joe and I feel better so we can go together, even though I encouraged them to go while the camellias are in full bloom.  I am functioning and feeling okay though still coughing and blowing and can't taste or smell.  Joe is dealing with a low-grade fever off and on and really feels crummy.  We both wonder if this is our side-effect from the vaccine, even though Jim and Elaine, and Helen are all fine.  My head cold/sinus stuff started about three days after the vaccine.  Joe followed about 3-4 days after me.  We did go get our labs done yesterday and the nurse told us lots of people are having side-effects from the vaccine. It means your body is working on immunity from the vaccine, which is good, but I sure hope the second shot doesn't make us worse than this.  Of course, it could also just be a stupid virus I picked up somewhere and gave it to Joe. Who knows.  If he isn't a lot better today, I will be a little more insistent that he go to Urgent Care for some help.  Sorry to whine about it, but there it is.

Thanks for coming by!!

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves you!!

 Thanks to Annie for today's questions!  Click on the Tuesday4 below to join in!

Tuesday 4

Valentine's Day

 Welcome to Tuesday 4. I am sure  Toni would be so pleased you are here.

Let's talk about St. Valentine's Day.

1. St Valentine paid for the weddings of poor girls. Today weddings can cost a fortune. What do you think about wedding expenses?  For myself, we spent as little as possible but still had our loved ones with us and made some good memories.  I know younger brides want more, especially these days.  If you can afford a huge wedding event, go for it.  But if that money could be better used to furnish an apartment or for a house down payment, then that makes a lot more sense.

2. Do you or did you send Valentines to people?  I don't send Valentines anymore but do get one for Joe.  Of course, when I was in school we had decorated shoe boxes and everyone got a Valentine. That was always fun.

3. Do you find Valentine's day to be romantic?  I am not married to a romantic guy.  Other than a 
card and profession of love, maybe dinner out, that's as romantic as we get. 

4. Do you do anything special for Valentine's Day with partners or family?  This year will be a bit 

different because my BFF's hubby, Jim, also celebrates his birthday on Valentine's Day so we are 

planning to go out to dinner and come back to our house for some birthday cake.  

Helen and Cheryl are joining us. 

Happy Valentine's Day folks.

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves you!

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

I don't have pictures to share from a pretty ho-hum weekend.  On Thursday, I took Helen to her doctor's appointment.  Her lab results all looked good.  She has lost some weight and the Doc told her to EAT. She should eat anything she wants. No restrictions at 93 years old. EAT. So we took her out for a late breakfast after her appointment. She didn't eat as well as last week, after her fasting labs, but she did eat.

Our Clubhouse was still closed because a couple of folks had COVID, so they closed it down for two weeks again. That said, we didn't play Nickels again this week, but hopefully, we will be back to having some fun again this week.!!  It reopened on Saturday.

Elaine called us to come over there for pizza Friday, for supper.  They have a great screened-in porch and the weather was beautiful for sitting out there to share the pizza. She had salad, too.   It was a lovely evening with friends and good conversation.  Trying hard to not spread our colds to them. One of their sons and his wife are coming down for a couple of weeks at the end of the month and they don't need to be sick. Sitting outside works best.

On Saturday, Joe was feeling a bit punky again and is now letting me share my head cold with him, after all.  I did some laundry and not much else.  We had tickets for a Soup & Sandwich meal done at the Clubhouse.  It was supposed to be two weeks ago but got pushed back until the reopening.  They did it strictly carry out, so I went up and got our meals and brought them home.  We both had the bean soup (turkey noodle was the other choice), and Joe got a grilled cheese sandwich while I had the chicken salad.  Potato chips, a pickle, two cookies, and a bottle of water were included, all for $5.00 each. Quite the deal and it was good.  Well... Joe said it was good. I still can't taste or smell.

We streamed our church service so we wouldn't be coughing and blowing around other folks... masks or no masks. 

Yesterday was, of course, Super Bowl Sunday (the Bucs played great!) but Joe also had a Flyers hockey game on and a Villanova basketball game to watch before the Super Bowl. Both of his Philly teams won their games and we were happy about Tampa Bay.  He was feeling well enough to watch his sports, thank goodness. We are both taking OTC stuff and it all gives us some relief. Just takes time.  

Jim took their dog, Bella, to the dog park during the Villanova basketball game so I went over and sat on the porch talking with Elaine for an hour or so.  It is so great having my BFF next door.  We have a nearly 60-year history!  Our families were on vacation together, in Canada, when we were 16/17 years old... August 1968.

Joe and I both have fasting labs this week and I go to the dentist on Friday for my 6-month check-up. We have some plans with Jim & Elaine on Tuesday that we are looking forward to.  Their time here, as our neighbors, is going way too fast!!  We need to get busy and do some of the things we keep talking about doing or we won't get it done before the end of March.

Thanks for your visit!!

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves you!!

Sunday Stealing...

 Thanks to Bev Sykes for today's stolen questions!  You can join in right HERE!

  

January, Part 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Misc Questions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.Can you eat with chopsticks?  Yes.

2.Could you tell real money from counterfeit?  I know what to look for, yes.

3.What do you think about school uniforms?  I think they are a good idea.

4.What ancient civilization would you most like to visit?  Not something I want to do. I am too spoiled by indoor plumbing and AC.

5.What would make a great new Crayola color?  Aren't 64 choices enough?

6.If an art project is created with the intent of getting rich and famous, does that cast doubt over its significance as a work of art? I don't think so.

7.What do you get in trouble for the most?  I don't get into trouble but I usually buy too much at the grocery store. We go in with a list of 10 things and come out with a cart full.

 

8. Do you blow your nose in public?  When I have to. Consider how ugly it could get if you don't, as discreetly as possible, blow it.  I am living it right now, by the way.

9.If all the nations in the world are in debt, where did all the money go?  Into the pockets of the politicians. 

10.Is it as easy to make you happy now as it was when you were a child?  I think so.

11.Who knows more...you, or your parents?  I am older than my parents were when they died. How do I answer this question? 

12.What instrument would you like to be famous for playing?  I don't care about being famous but I do wish I had stuck with my piano lessons.

13.Would you have sex with a stranger for one million dollars?  Nope.

14.Are you completely in control of your body?  I hope so.

15.What is the coolest web site you know of?  The one I use the most is Amazon.com.

Peace & hugs!!  Jesus loves you!!