Wishing everyone a blessed day as we think about all the men and women who lost their lives in service to our great country. Those brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms. They are not forgotten.
Peace & hugs!!
Jesus loves us!
Monday, May 31, 2021
Sunday, May 30, 2021
It's Sunday...
I am taking a pass on the Sunday Stealing questions. I arrived in Brunswick, Georgia yesterday, in good time and with no problems. Praise God. It is so good to see Joey and Darlene AND we had dinner with blogging (and Facebook) friends, Pamela (Sparky), and Steve!! What a fun time we had!! The food was delicious and the company lively! We laughed a whole lot!! Here are a couple of pictures I couldn't wait to share!
I am off to the horse Sanctuary today with the kids. They have some new donkeys and a couple of goats I haven't met yet!! More pictures to come! Have a blessed Sunday, dear friends! Meeting blogging friends in person is so fun!! I highly recommend it!!
Peace & hugs! Jesus loves us!!
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Saturday 9...
Thanks to Crazy Sam WInters for today's questions! You can join in HERE!
If You're Reading This
Saturday 9: If You're Reading This (2007)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle.
1) Memorial Day was introduced after the Civil War. War memorials, as well as graves of veterans, are to be decorated with flags and flowers this weekend in a show appreciation. Is there a war memorial in your neighborhood? We do have a Veterans' Park with memorials and ceremonies. It is not in our neighborhood, but Lakeland is my neighborhood!
2) Here at Saturday 9, we regard everyone who served -- veterans and active military -- as heroes. Have you, or has anyone in your family, worn the uniform of our armed forces? We want to hear about them. My Joe, my dad, both of Joe's brothers, and my nephew, who was just promoted as a Major in the Marine Corps. Proud and thankful!
3) Similarly, we're grateful to those who served on the front lines during the Covid 19 pandemic. Tell us about anyone you know who was an essential worker, a first responder, or administered vaccines. They deserve a shout-out, too! I pray for the nurse, Ryan, who was in Joe's room on his last day. He made it so I could spend Joe's last hours with him, on the COVID floor where no one is supposed to visit. I was so blessed to be with Joe in his last hours. Ryan made that possible.
4) Memorial Day is the traditional kick-off of the summer season. Have you packed away your winter clothes yet? Not really a chore here in Florida.
5) What's your favorite picnic food? I'm not big on picnics anymore but I guess the usual potato salad, burgers, hotdogs, chicken...
6) As you answer these questions, is there a fan or an air conditioner cooling your room? Absolutely. Both AC and a ceiling fan.
7) This week's song is about a heartbreaking situation. The lyrics are a letter from a soldier to his family, which was only to be sent in the event of his death. What's the saddest song you have ever heard? Oh my gosh. I had the theme song from Romeo & Juliet in mind but Googled sad songs and found out I don't know any of the more current artists. So - A Time For Us it is:
8) This week's featured artist, Tim McGraw, has a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. It's near those honoring William Shatner and Julie Andrews. If you could have lunch with one of those luminaries -- Tim McGraw, William Shatner or Julie Andrews -- which would you choose? Probably Julie.
9) Random Question: Think of the last thing you bought. Was it a wise purchase? No, but I couldn't resist a half-price purse. It came and I love it.
Peace & hugs! Jesus loves us!
Friday, May 28, 2021
Friday Foto Fun...
I actually have some new photos to share this week! Wow!!
My new boss had me visit the office on Wednesday afternoon so
he could show me around and I could turn in all the paperwork
I had to fill out. Tons of paperwork, including my college transcript
he could show me around and I could turn in all the paperwork
I had to fill out. Tons of paperwork, including my college transcript
which I had to pay $8.50 for because I can't find the one I was given back in 2002!
He drove me all around the parklands and told me lots of facts I
don't remember. There are 22 lakes on the 8,300 acres. There are
fishing lakes, boating lakes, an ADA lake for the physically challenged.
There is a lake just for bank fishing and one for kids only.
Seven miles of hiking trails; seven miles of horseback riding trails.
All of that while driving on rough dirt roads in his 4-wheel drive truck.
The only place we got out was at Lake Coronet.
This lake is "full of gators"... his words. We did see one swimming
but you can't see it in my pictures.
Permits are required to use the park but they are only $3.00 per person.
The park is only open to the public from Friday - Sunday.
I am so excited about working there!! The office is far away
from this lake full of gators and most of the others, but near the shooting range
and the hiking trail. I imagine I will try the hiking trail after work one day.
If you can read the sign below, Joe's Tax Service, I had to chuckle because
so many people in town would ask my Joe if that was his office. Not.
But it IS my current boss's accountant and I talked him into going
there yesterday to meet with John and get his help in finishing the work
I got started on straightening out the books. I have most of the answers
for him and hope he can make the changes that still need to be made.
There is a new person starting today (my last day) but I have some
reservations about her QuickBooks experience. Fingers crossed
because I really care about Ed and his business. It has been a
gruelling month and I am ready to move on to something a bit more fun.
Last Tuesday, I went to dinner with my old neighbors,
Bob & Sharon (next to me) and Tim and Judy.
Bob and Sharon were back in town to pick up a new puppy.
I got to meet little Poppy, too, but don't have a picture.
Dachsund babies are so cute! It was fun catching up with them.
I am so proud of our nephew, Julian, who just became a Major
in the Marine Corps. This is him with his sweet wife and
their two handsome little men.
Julian is the son of Joe's younger brother who died last year,
during COVID (but not from COVID). If you remember from
my posts, you know Nick's wife, Debbie (Julian's mom) is
also fighting cancer. She is not doing well but I am so happy to
see that she got to join them for the celebration.
This is at Nick's grave, in Arlington. He was also a Marine.
Julian is stationed at Quantico right now.
AND.... guess what!!! I am having dinner tomorrow night with blogging friend Sparky and her hubby!! They are meeting Joey, Darlene, and me at a steak and seafood restaurant that they like. I am always so excited to meet blogging friends in person!! There will be pictures!! If you aren't familiar with Sparky, you can visit her blog HERE.
Prayers, please, for...
Peace & hugs! Jesus loves us!!
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Whimsical Fashion Fun 2021...
There isn't a linky and there aren't any rules.
Check out the dress and let us know which shoes you like best with the dress.
Have some fun! It's just a whimsical thing!
Photos always from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty.
Gosh, even when I was thinner I couldn't have worn this dress but
I do think it is kicky and fun!
The shoes are also fun, even though they would never be on my feet.
Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which one you like best!!
My Thoughts: The model looks a bit like a young Sophia Loren. I love vintage looks and this one is reminiscent of days gone by. The shoes are all fun but I'll pick #3 for the dress. What do you think?
Prayer Request: My sister, Patti, called today to let me know she has a melanoma on her back that has to be removed surgically. Their vacation and our sister reunion have been postponed (we hope) until later this summer. She asked me to let you all know and to ask for your prayers. She sees an oncologist on June 9th. Luckily they got their deposit back for the house in Orlando. I can cancel our pedicure appointments. I'm a bit sad about all of this and especially that Patti has this worry now. Thanks for your prayers for her!! I will keep you posted. She doesn't want this on Facebook, for now, so thanks for keeping your comments here.
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Wednesday Hodgepodge...
Joyce gives us the hodgepodge of questions each week and we link up with other Hodgepodgers to have some fun! Thank you, Joyce! Join in HERE!
Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 421
1. We're approaching Memorial Day Weekend in the US of A...will you mark this in some way? If so tell us how. According to a list found here some things you might do in honor of Memorial Day would be-shop in a Veteran owned business, learn to play a patriotic song, watch the Memorial Day concert, take a virtual tour of the White House, write a letter to a soldier or a soldier's family, fly a flag, attend a Memorial Day parade, donate flowers for a soldier's grave, put together a care package for a soldier, and take a moment of silence at 3 PM (the National Moment of Remembrance)....of the ideas mentioned are there any you will try? I fly the flag every day. I will be visiting family.
2. What's something recently that made you 'come to attention? Working again requires my attention, especially trying to find answers for problems I keep finding.
3. In what area of your life do you need to 'soldier on? Living life without Joe.
4. As a long weekend approaches and summer draws near, what's a favorite food from your childhood you think about adding to the menu? Summer always meant a lush and productive garden and fresh veggies on the table. I would love to add home-grown tomatoes to my menu but I did not inherit my dad's green thumb.
5. Your favorite patriotic movie? For the 4th of July, we always tried to watch "The Patriot" and also "Independence Day". I will probably still seek them out!
6. Insert your own random thought here. I made appointments today for pedicures with my two sisters while they are here. It is my birthday gift to them. Should be fun and I don't think Tammy has ever had one. I will make sure someone takes our picture!
Peace & hugs! Jesus loves us!
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
The Tuesday 4...
Thanks to Annie for continuing Toni's Tuesday 4! You can join in right HERE.
Spending Time...
This week let's talk about spending time
1.Are you currently reading a book you'd like to tell us about? Maybe a TV program you can recommend to us? I am reading a 10-book Cozy Mystery 'Apple Orchard' series by Chelsea Thomas. It is a fun read. I am on book four. Predictable, like all cozy mysteries, but still well done and I am enjoying the characters. I have been watching the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries series on AcornTV. Not as predictable as the Cozy Mysteries. Love me some Phryne Fisher!!
2. Are you a Jane Austen fan? No. So many seem to be. If you are what is your favorite book and who is your favorite character. If you aren't a fan, is there an author you especially like to read? I always buy the next Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum book. Favorite character..etc? Stephanie Plum, of course, with Ranger a close second!
3. How do you spend your time during the day? I am working part-time again so the mornings are working. Do you set apart time to read, watch TV, study? I run errands, do cleaning, and laundry in the afternoons, and then spend the evenings at home watching TV and blogging, Facebook, etc. The laptop is usually on my lap with the TV is on.
4. Have your beliefs changed in your lifetime? I have always believed Jesus Christ is my savior. That's how I grew up. New religion.. new politics? Yes to the new church/religion. I have been and will remain a conservative Republican (with some Libertarian leanings) believing in small government and individual freedoms. .Or are they the same as they were growing up? (My parents were Republicans, too.) I was baptized in the Presbyterian Church, raised in the Methodist Church, became Catholic when I married Joe, and we both left the Catholic church and joined the Presbyterian Church (PCA) two and a half years ago. I love my church family, and it truly feels like a family. I haven't had that in a church in a long time. Do you spend time thinking over the important things of life to take stock in your life? I don't "spend blocks of time" thinking about those things but I have spent a good bit of time taking stock of my life now as a new Widow. That just happens at any time and usually not planned. Things happen, things come up...
(Something silly... spelling/Grammarly keeps wanting to change widow to window. I had to capitalize it.)
Peace & hugs! Jesus loves you and me!!
Monday, May 24, 2021
Monday's Weekend Update...
The weekend just flew by for me. Good golly!
Backing up to Thursday, I went to my annual eye doctor appointment right after work. My eyes have changed BIG TIME. Just my left eye (for distance) was 3.0 and is now 4.5. The right one changed too, but not that much. No wonder I am having trouble with distance (I am near-sighted). I went to dinner with Mas Verde friends that evening - to Shells again. Always good. I had shrimp.
Friday, after work, I went to Eyeglass World to order new glasses. Since I didn't have Joe to help me decide on new frames, I just asked a sweet couple who were also looking at frames which of the two I picked out they liked best on me. They chose the same one the staff person liked so I went with that one. Now I can't wait to get them!
Friday evening, I had dinner at Glory Days with my dear friends, Heather and Shirley. This was Heather's first time in a restaurant in over a year so we were happy she decided to venture out and join us. Shirley and I had the Friday fish special and Heather had the salmon. Shirley and I have been meeting once a month for lunch since restaurants re-opened. I posted this picture on Friday, but here it is again... (We are all widows, by the way.)
On Saturday, Cheryl (Helen's niece) and I met at Helen's house to meet with people from a company called Treasure Hunters. They do estate sales and do all the work for you. They went through the house and took some pictures and Cheryl agreed that we should let them sell the contents of Helen's house. I wanted to make sure Cheryl had everything she wanted from the house before I made any major decisions like this one I signed the contract.
I have some history with this company and know they do good work. A patron of the Museum where I worked left her home and contents to the Museum so we had to liquidate it. Treasure Hunters did that sale for us and it went flawlessly. I have also been on their email list for years, where they advertise the sales. They work all over the county and mostly for the wealthier folks (makes it worth their time) so I was pleased when they agreed to take us on.
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Treasure Hunters is one of the oldest Estate Sale Companies. in Central Florida, starting in the 1960's and with present owners since 1993. R. N. "Nancy" Huff, ISA AM is an accredited appraiser and Treasurer of The International Society of Appraisers, Central Florida Chapter. Kent Estes is a standing member of ISA (International Society of Appraisers), Central Florida Chapter.
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So, Cheryl and I need to plan a Saturday to get all the drawers cleaned out and papers taken away - any personal items that shouldn't be left when the public comes in to make purchases. The sale will likely be toward the end of June. They do three days, usually Friday-Sunday. Anything left can be donated or they will make an offer.
On Sunday I went to church which still feels just a bit awkward without Joe but it is getting easier and I always have friends from my small group to sit with.
Cheryl came over to my house at 1:00 so we could go through Helen's jewelry. Helen gave it to Joe and me months ago (a bag full of boxes) and asked us to sell it for her. Most of it is costume jewelry (high end) but there are several expensive pieces that need to be appraised before we allow Treasure Hunters to include them in the sale (they also do jewelry). I wanted Cheryl to see what I had and we looked at each piece. She did know some of the histories behind a few of the pieces. We kept out several to get appraised so we know the values. I'll get that done some afternoon in the next week or so. We have a jeweler we have used for years and one of the men there had been a client of Joe's so he always greeted us when we went there. I will visit him for this task.
So - it was a busy weekend and here we are heading into the last of May and Memorial Day. Hard to believe it is nearly June! This is my last week at American Compressor Service. I'm kind of sad to leave because I really like Ed and his part-time helper, Chris. It is what it is. I'm excited about working for FFWCC.
Peace & hugs! Jesus loves us!
Sunday, May 23, 2021
Sunday Stealing...
Thanks to Bev Sykes for today's stolen questions! Join in right HERE!
A to Z
A - Annoyance: Being late to arrive or people who are always late.
B - Bestest Friend[s]: Elaine is my bestie from more than 55 years ago. I am blessed with wonderful friends.
C - Car: My car is a 2017 Ford Escape.
D - Day or night: Day
E- Easiest person to talk to?: It was Joe, but I find most of my friends are easy to talk to.
F - Favorite Month: December (my birthday and Christmas!)
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Not fond of either but I know the kids like them.
H - Hair Color: Was blonde. Now it is white, gray, blondish...
I - Ice Cream: Chocolate.
J - Jewelry: I am still wearing my wedding ring and Joe's. I wear a watch and earrings every day.
K - Kindergarten: Yes, but it was a private one in a church. Public schools didn't have kindergarten 'back then'.
L - Longest Car Ride: Ohio to Florida or Ohio to Ontario, Canada. Not sure which is farther.
M - Most missed person: My sweetie, Joe.
N - Number of Siblings: two sisters and one brother (deceased)
O - One regret: I try not to regret anything. God is in control.
P- Part of your appearance you like least?: the fat...
Q- Quote: Relax, God is in control!!
R - Reality TV Show: Swamp People (no reality show is really real, though!)
S - Shoe: Comfortable.
T - Time you woke up: 8:00 a.m. I can sleep in on weekends now!
U - Unpredictable?: Me? Not too unpredictable. What you see is what you get.
V - Vegetable you hate: Okra
W- Worst Habits: watching too much TV
X - X-Rays: I have had way too many.
Y - Year you were born: 1951
Z - Zoom: Hopefully never again!! I am SO tired of zooming.
Peace & hugs!! Jesus loves us!!
Saturday, May 22, 2021
The Saturday 9...
Thanks to our hostess, Crazy Sam Winters, for today's questions! Join in HERE!
The Way You Look Tonight
The Way You Look Tonight (1936)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) The lyrics tell us that no matter how low the singer feels, it will raise his spirits to recall the way his lover looks tonight. Share a special moment in your life that brings a smile to your lips, no matter what. The day (May 11, 1985) that Joe and I said "I do" in front of our families and our Priest, Fr. Fasano. The happiest day of my life. Not only did I get to marry a wonderful man, but he also gave me two sons on that same day. I was and am so very blessed with many happy days that put a smile on my face but that one is right at the top!
2) This song was introduced by Fred Astaire in the 1936 movie, Swing Time. It won the Oscar for Best Song. What's your favorite movie song? Oh my gosh. I LOVE Fred Astaire movies and all the songs in them, this one included.
3) Though today Fred is revered as a Hollywood legend, producers had to be convinced to give him a shot. The initial notes on his screen test were: "Can't act. Slightly bald. Also dances." Tell us about a time when someone underestimated you. I've never really thought about it. I imagine I have been underestimated numerous times but have also proven myself worthy more times than that!! I am woman, hear me roar!! (LOL)
4) Fred's legion of fans includes Jackie Chan. The martial arts star says Astaire's movies influenced the way he choreographed the Kung Fu fight sequences in his films. Mr. Chan is one of the most popular film stars in the world. Have you seen any of his movies? I am sorry - I recognize his name but don't usually watch kung fu movies.
5) Fred was always fascinated by new things. In the 1970s, when he was in his late 70s, he took up skateboarding and became so good at it he was awarded life membership in the National Skateboard Society. Have you been skateboarding? If not, is it something you're tempted to try? I skateboarded WAAYYY back in the 1960s when they first became popular. Mine was red, wooden, and had metal wheels. I did have fun on it but not like kids do today. It was a thrill to skate down the slight hill from the school's main entrance to the sidewalk, maybe 40 yards downhill. No knee pads, no helmets... we were tough!! Ha!
6) Fred's friends were amused by his passion for daytime soap operas. In the days before video recording, he would call home from the clubhouse at the golf course and ask his maid what had happened that day on his favorite "story," As the World Turns. Is there a show you try not to miss? Not soap operas anymore, though I was hooked, a long time ago, on All My Children, One Life to Live, General Hospital, and Dark Shadows. They were 30 minutes back then and came on right after school was out.
7) In 1936, the year this song was popular, the US patent office issued a patent for the Zippo lighter. Beginning in WWII and for decades after, Zippo lighters were issued to our soldiers. During the Vietnam War, troops had their lighters engraved with personal mottos. What's something you have had engraved or personalized? What did it say? Our wedding rings are engraved with our initials and LOVE. I am wearing Joe's pinky ring that has his initials engraved on it - JND.
8) Also in 1936, a killer tornado struck Tupelo, MS. Have you ever been in a tornado? How about a hurricane or an earthquake? Never a tornado or earthquake (praise God) but I have been through several hurricanes. I live in Florida. The worst ones here were back-to-back in 2004 when Charley, Frances, and Jeanne went right over Polk County. We lost power for only three days but bought a generator soon after. Always prepared, now. We only lost one panel in our pool screen so were blessed by that.
9) Random question -- We're creating an action figure of YOU. What two accessories should we be sure to include in the box? CATS!! LOL
Peace & Hugs! Jesus loves cat ladies too!!
Friday, May 21, 2021
Friday Fotos...
Once again... no new photos. Working has put a cramp in my activities. Some of you would have seen my post on Facebook about my two sisters coming for a visit soon! We haven't all been together at the same time in well over 10 years. We have seen each other, but just not the three of us together. I am so happy they are coming. Patti's hubby, Greg, is on board with it and will do the driving from Ohio to Georgia and on to Florida. Since I don't have new pictures, I dug up some photos, old and newer, of me and my sistas...
Tammy (the youngest and 9 years younger than me) and me...
Patti (middle & 6 years younger than me) and their daughter, Kelly. Had to include Kelly.
She will be down to join them in Orlando after their visit here. I will see her over there.
Patti and me about six years ago...
Patti will kill me for this one (the hair!) but I love this one of them!
We were in Old Town Alexandria and it was over 32 years ago! WOW!
This was probably the mid-1970s. Our grandma made us matching flannel nightgowns
every year. We always had to pose in them by the tree (this was at our folks' home).
And not to leave brother-in-law Greg out since he is bringing us all together for this
visit. They rented a house over in the Orlando area for the second half of their vacation.
Their daughter, Kelly, is joining them there along with Greg's sister, Diana.
I will go over for a day and visit with all of them there.
Greg lived in Orlando (a long time ago) and he loves it there.
That's my walk down memory lane as we look forward to making more memories! Wishing you all a happy weekend ahead!
Thursday, May 20, 2021
Whimsical Fashion Fun 2021..
Welcome to Whimsical Fashion Fun!!
There isn't a linky and there aren't any rules.
Check out the dress and tell us which shoes you pick for the model to wear!
It's all in fun and is just a whimsical thing!
Photos always from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.
Well, I finished all the seasons of Acorn TV's Brokenwood Mysteries (a very good detective series!) and have started watching the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries. I have watched the first three seasons a couple of times and am enjoying them again - mainly because it is set in the 1920s. The clothing is amazing and she is very daring and lives in an amazing Victorian mansion. I think it is also on Amazon if you don't have Acorn. Lots of fun if you like period pieces and the 1920s! Here is Miss Phryne Fisher and she needs some shoes to wear, trying to impress Detective Inspector Jack Robinson. Count down 1-2-3 and let us know which pair you like best!!
My thoughts: I love Phryne and her clothes are amazing in this series. For this outfit, I see her wearing #3, but I actually like them all. What are your thoughts? Have you ever watched the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries? Check out what Wikipedia has to say about it HERE. Thanks for stopping by today! xo
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