Saturday, April 30, 2022

The Saturday 9...

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


As Time Goes By

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 to answer the questions, however, and here is today's questions!


Saturday 9: As Time Goes By (1958)

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

1) This song begins with, "You must remember this." Do you often write things down to help you remember?  Yes, I am a list maker and a scribbler.
 
2) The lyrics tell us that moonlight and love songs are never out of date. Tell us about something else that seems timeless.  My weight. FB showed me a 'memory' photo yesterday morning from 11 years ago. I was wearing a shirt that is still in my closet today. Good grief.  Maybe I should say my wardrobe is timeless. Shameful.

3) Originally written in 1931, "As Time Goes By" is best known as the love theme from the 1942 film, Casablanca. According to the American Film Institute, there's only one song from a movie soundtrack that's more expressly identified with the film: "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz. What song reminds you of your favorite movie?  I have lots of favorite movies but how about "Sweet Home, Alabama"... the song & the movie. 
 
4) This version is from The George Sanders Touch, an LP recorded by an Oscar-winning character actor. There is scant evidence that it sold well. Tell us about something you thought was a good idea at the time, but looking back would have done differently. It seemed like a good idea to keep the white carpets in our guest bedrooms rather than putting in vinyl/wood.  The cats have decided those rooms are the perfect place for hairball throw-ups and it is SO HARD to get the stains out.  Some day, those carpets will be gone for good!
 
5) This album was really something of a consolation prize for George. He worked with a vocal coach, hoping to win the romantic lead in the film version of South Pacific, but alas, the role went to a younger man. He had fun making this record instead. Have you recently taken lemons and made lemonade?  I can't think of a thing, literally or figuratively.  

6) He usually played suave but unsympathetic characters. That's why he gave his autobiography the self-aware title, Memoirs of a Professional Cad. What would you call your life story?  Blessed Beyond Measure.
 
7) The night he won his Oscar, George Sanders accepted the statuette, bowed deeply, and then, safely behind the curtain and away from cameras, surprised onlookers by crying. Have you ever cried tears of joy?  Lots of times.
 
8) George Sanders wed perennial talk show guest and occasional actress Zsa Zsa Gabor in 1949. Sixteen years after their divorce, he married Zsa Zsa's less famous but also glamorous sister, Magda. After a month, George and Magda thought better of it and had the union annulled. Sam thinks this is one of the oddest romantic tales she's ever stumbled upon while researching Saturday 9. Have you ever known anyone who divorced one sibling and then married another? (Hallmark movies don't count.)  No, I have not.

9) Random question: You're in a line of 25 people at the post office. How many of those other 24 are more patient at waiting than you are?  Probably all of them. I would not have waited.  Lakeland has four post offices within easy reach, one a bit farther away, and I know which one is the least busy most of the time. That patience thing I battle with ...


Peace & hugs!
Romans 12:12...Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.





Friday, April 29, 2022

Friday Fotos...


I did make an effort to get some new photos for today but I'm afraid 
they are not too interesting.

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

Do you see that head sticking up?
I took this from my desk, looking out at the parking area.
That lizard stayed there forever waiting for a bug to get close.
They are so funny.  I got tired of watching him and missed him going away.


Last night, our usual 20 people or so going out to eat, was back to three of us.
The snowbirds have all flown north.
Tim, Judy, and I met at Fish City Grill for dinner.  It is located in our
shopping center called Lakeside Village.
I had flounder stuffed with crab and shrimp.  Judy had shrimp tacos,
and Tim had black beans & rice with sausage.  All good!!

So the following are just more pictures around the center of
Lakeside Village.  The fountain wasn't on - bummer.  It is so pretty.





There are quite a few stores there, including Kohl's, Talbot, Chico's, Belk, Bed Bath & Beyond, Books a Million, lots of others, plus a cinema with 18 theaters, and lots of restaurants.  There is a big Target across the street from Lakeside. It is all within walking distance from Mas Verde (if there wasn't so much traffic to get there safely),  I love where I live!!

Looking forward to meeting up with blogging friends Linda (Just Simply Linda), Barbara (Sweet Tea and Sandals), and Pamela (Closed Doors, Open Windows) tomorrow!!  Barb, Pam, and I have had several meet-ups and now we are pulling Linda in with us!!  We Central Florida gals have to stick together!!


Peace & hugs!
Our God is so good!!



Thursday, April 28, 2022

Whimsical Fashion Review 2022...

 

There isn't a linky and there aren't any rules.
Check out the dress and pick the shoes you like best for Carol!
This is all in fun and just a whimsical thing!
Photos from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty.



I have always loved Carol Burnett and polka dots are back in style (at least I see lots of them in the stores and catalogs).  Her 89th birthday was this week, on the 26th. Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which shoes you like best for her outfit.



My thoughts:  Well, I think #2 is the cutest.  I think #3 is the most stylish.  But I think Carol would agree with me that pair #1 is the most comfortable! What do you think?


PS:  Speaking of Carol Burnett, I finished the book Kelly Conway wrote about her dad, Tim Conway. It started out being interesting and funny, but about halfway through, it turned sour.  Family feuding over Tim's care when he got sick took over the book and it seemed like Kelly was protesting too much and was trying to settle an old feud with her book.  I was disappointed.  Have any of you read it?





Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Hodgepodge Wednesday...

 Thanks to our Hodgepodge Hostess, Joyce, for 460 Hodgepodges! WOW!!
Join in and be a Hodgepodger HERE!

#460  Hodgepodge Questions

From this Side of the Pond

1. What does the word values mean to you personally?   Without giving it too much thought, the first things that come to mind were morality, integrity, respect, and trust.  Where did your values come from? My parents but also just living life and paying attention to what matters. What are some of the values that have guided you throughout your life?  The same ones mentioned above and also faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

2. Your favorite vanilla flavored something?   Sugar cookies, perhaps.  I'm more into chocolate!! LOL

3. What's something you've seen/done recently that you found to be very difficult, very confusing, very helpful, very interesting, or very special. Elaborate.  It was a few months ago but having to say goodbye to my very sweet Lucy kitty was very difficult.  We know losing a pet is never easy, but we also know when it is time to end their pain for them. They trust us to do that, I think. She knew it was time and so did I.  It is still always difficult.

4. Something you own and love that is violet in color?  As much as I love purples, I don't have anything that comes to mind, closet or shelves, that is violet.  Perhaps I need to go shopping!!

5. Do you have vacation plans on the calendar this summer?  Not really.  Tell us more. I have a couple of family visits planned but (as much as I love family) visiting family really isn't a vacation.  To ME, a vacation is a nice hotel, meals in restaurants, all in a fun and/or beautiful location.  It's been a while and will be a while.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  The wife on one of my coworkers has some serious health issues and on top of that, she just lost her mom.  My coworker came in on Monday with some ceramic cat things that were her mom's.  They don't have cats - they have dogs, so she asked him to see if I wanted these things that were dear to her mom.  Of course I said yes, and then found a windowsill in the den/craft room where they can reside.  I was touched that she thought of me.  They look cute in their new home.



Peace & hugs!
God bless!!

PS... so sorry to have gotten behind in visiting your posts.  Small group was last night and I just didn't get to everyone.  I will catch up today!! xo


Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Tuesday 4...

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

Tuesday 4

Blast from the Past

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...  We are glad to have you here!

1.   If you had one million dollars to spend only on yourself, what would you spend it on?  I can't even imagine spending that much money on just myself.  I couldn't do it.

2.   You can do it again. What decade are you going back to and why?  No blast from the past for me.  I am okay right where I am.  What's the attraction?  My God is in control.  

3.   What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Alternatively, what's your current favorite song?  Songs don't usually get stuck in my head and I really don't have just one favorite. 

4.   What items do you miss from the past and wish they were still around?  Perhaps my skinnier clothes and wished they still fit!! LOL

Peace & hugs!
God is in control.






Monday, April 25, 2022

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 


Mondays sure have a way of showing up faster than I would like them to.

After work on Friday, I stopped in to see Helen.  She was in her wheelchair, in the TV room, sitting by herself at a table.  I pulled up a chair and started trying to engage her in conversation.  She started talking after I held her hand for a bit.  It was the usual nonsense but I smiled and nodded.  It is hard to stay long.  I got up to leave after about 20 minutes.  She thanked me for coming and said to come again.  She always says that or similar when I am leaving.  Makes it harder when all of a sudden, she makes sense with her words. Just shows us that she always had manners and she understands what's going on.  I almost got a smile from her...


I slept as late as the cats would let me on Saturday then got up and spent a few hours after breakfast cleaning the house.  Not as good as it needs, but vacuuming, dusting, and mopping.  At least it looks like someone cares now.  I caught up on last week's Chicago trio (Med, Fire, & PD).  I've been streaming Finding your Roots and Monk

Sunday found me in Sunday school (still studying Romans) and church.  I got home and did a couple of loads of laundry.  I grilled a steak in my Forman grill and had a big salad with it. I tidied the den a bit. Took some things to the shed that I want to keep and then settled into my happy place (my recliner), in front of the TV. 

On Sunday evening, I heard from an old friend of mine who lives on the east coast of Florida.  We worked together way back in the early 70s at Brohl & Appel Plumbing & Electric, in Sandusky, Ohio.  Lots of changes in our lives through the years but we stayed in touch. She visited once at our old house here in Lakeland, and is coming for a long weekend at the end of May!  She lost her husband to Guillain-Barre syndrome a couple of years ago. I am really looking forward to catching up with her!

My week is not too busy.  My small group meets for dinner on Tuesday evening and dinner out on Thursday with whoever is left here in Mas Verde to get together. So many of our northern neighbors have headed home.  On Saturday, there is to be a blogger friends lunch up in Ocala with Florida's newest resident Linda, Pamela, Barbara, and me!!  Yippee! It is finally going to happen. Pictures will follow, for sure!

Peace & hugs!
Jesus paid it all...









Sunday, April 24, 2022

No Sunday Stealing...

 I wasn't up for the questions in the Sunday Stealing meme today so will just wish you all a blessed Sunday and week ahead!!  Peace & Hugs!!  God is so good!



Saturday, April 23, 2022

Saturday 9...

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


Dancing in the Moonlight

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 to 
answer the questions, however, and here is today's questions!

Saturday 9: Dancing in the Moonlight (1972)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
 
1) The lyrics tell us the moon is big and bright. Do you often take the time to watch the sunset or look at the moon?  I am rarely outside for a sunrise or a sunset, but when I am, I do take time to watch the beauty and also to photograph it.

2) The lead singer of King Harvest, Dave "Doc" Robinson, tells us that everyone feels "warm and right." How would you describe your mood as you answer these 9 questions?  I am doing this on Friday evening and I'm feeling pretty good because the week is done and I don't have to set my alarm in the morning.

3) He sings that his friends don't bark or bite. What about you? Is your bark worse than your bite?  I don't bark very often but when I am moved to raise my voice it is definitely worse than my bite.  I have mellowed in my old age.
 
4) He believes you be unhappy when you dance. Do you agree?  My dancing might make those watching unhappy but if I'm dancing it's because I am happy, not unhappy.
 
5) King Harvest was not the only name the band used. They once performed as E. Rodney Jones and the Prairie Dogs. If you ever played in a band, tell us what it was called. If you haven't, make up a band name.  I played trumpet in the Millersport Lakers Marching Band (high school). 



6) Even though this was a major hit, King Harvest's record label, Perception, went bankrupt in 1974. This decade has been hard on many businesses -- especially restaurants -- and many closed their doors due to covid. Tell us about a shop or restaurant that closed recently, and that you miss.  We have been blessed here in Lakeland. Not many restaurants had to close (none that I can remember) but our Golden Corral closed recently and is going to be an Aldi which is good news as far as I"m concerned. I wasn't a Golden Corral fan.

7) This very upbeat song came from pain. While vacationing in St. Croix, songwriter Sherman Kelly was the victim of a vicious gang attack and was left for dead. He wrote this song during his long recuperation and it helped him envision joy. Is there a song that reliably lifts your mood? (Yes, you can say this song. Mr. Kelly is right, it IS joyful!)   Clap along...

 
8) In 1972, when this song topped the charts, Wrangler jeans were America's best-selling blue jeans. Do you often wear denim?  As often as I can.  I'm blessed that denim is welcome at my part-time job and I love wearing it.

9) Random question: Which of these is completely, 100% UNTRUE of you: Greedy, lazy, or jealous?  I don't think I am greedy or jealous. I am lazy a good part of the time and procrastinate when I shouldn't.  Let's see how much cleaning I get done today, for instance.

Peace & hugs!

1 Chronicles 16:34 - "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for 
He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!"





Friday, April 22, 2022

Friday Fotos...

 


Not many new photos today...


One of my co-workers went fishing on his day off and caught this big bass!!  It made our local newspaper yesterday!!  He let it go after the picture was taken.


I was exposed to covid last weekend.  I actually feel that just stepping outside the house exposes me to covid but, even though I feel fine and have no symptoms, I did a home test on two different days, just to make sure.  Praise God both were negative and I still feel fine.  I am so happy we have home tests now.  The two friends who are quarantined for this week are doing okay.  I'm dropping off some chicken soup for them today.




Lilly was watching me eat breakfast earlier in the week 
and I snapped this picture of her.

This picture of my great-great-niece and pen pal, 
Maya was sent to me by her mom.  She is such a cutie!!

Peace & hugs!
Jesus is the way...


Thursday, April 21, 2022

Whimsical Fashion Review 2022...

 
There isn't a linky and there aren't any rules.
Check out the dress and pick the shoes you like best for the model.
It's all in fun and just a whimsical thing!
Photos are always from the Storybook of Dreams and Beauty!


Yes, it's purple and yes, there are pockets! What's not to like?  As for the shoes, count down 1-2-3 and tell us which ones you like best for the dress!

My thoughts:  As mentioned above, it's PURPLE and it has POCKETS!  Two of my favorite things, purple and pockets. LOL    As for the shoes, you know I'm picking #2 because I might be able to walk in them!  What are your thoughts?







Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Wednesday's Hodgepodge...

Thanks to Joyce for today's Hodgepodge!!  You can join in HERE.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 459


From this Side of the Pond

1. What's something you wish you had spent more time doing when you were younger?  Piano lessons.  Explain.  I would love to play the piano.  I took lessons but didn't start until I was in junior high and I was impatient.  I wanted to play Fur Elise instead of Snug as a Bug in the Rug.  There's that patient thing I still have trouble with.

2. Who inspires you to be better. Tell us how.  Joe always did.  He was my best friend, my mentor, and always had my back.  He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.  I was extremely blessed by him in my life.

3. Share a money-saving tip with us. I am the wrong person to give that kind of advice.  Save!!

4. It's National Garlic Day...are you a fan?  Yes, indeed! Your favorite dish that includes garlic?  LOL... I always say garlic and butter can make anything taste better!!  

5. Would you describe yourself as decisive or indecisive. Elaborate.  I am decisive in all things but "where do you want to eat". (wink)

6. Insert your own random thought here.  My dermatologist, on Monday, found another basil cell cancer to remove (from my arm) but she didn't find any more pre-melanomas, praise God! She still wants to see me again in six months. Fine with me. I am staying out of the sun!

Peace & hugs!
Jesus is the way...







 

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Cooking up a Tuesday 4...

 Big thanks to Annie for today's Tuesday 4...  You can join in HERE!

Tuesday 4

Cooking

 Hi.. welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

1. When did you learn to cook?  I am the oldest of four kids and my mom and dad both worked so I helped get dinner started most days, after school and before Mom got home to finish it up.  I was probably 10 or so when I remember mom teaching me how to scramble eggs.

2.  How often in the week do you cook? Order in? Go out?  During 2020 covid, Joe and I ordered out a lot but I don't anymore, just for me.  I (sort of) cook 5/6 days a week and always go out on Thursdays, with the Mas Verde group.

3.  Which foods are absolutely necessary at a cookout?  Steaks require baked potatoes and a nice salad.  Burgers and dogs require baked beans.  Deviled eggs are good any time!

4.  Do you have a meal you are especially good at making? or that people often request for you to make?  I frequently make baked ziti for guests and most folks seem to like it.  My niece, Lexi, wants my Italian tortellini soup when she visits.  Please don't ask for recipes. There aren't any. I just throw it together and it can be a little different each time, depending on what I have on hand.

Peace & hugs!
Jesus loves us!!


Monday, April 18, 2022

Monday's Weekend Recap!

 


After the two previous weekends being somewhat ho-hum, this one just past was pretty amazing!  

On Friday, I got to participate in getting a nuisance alligator removed from one of our lakes where folks do bank fishing.  It was reported that a large alligator was threatening the public.  My boss was off Friday but called me to make a call to the nuisance alligator folks who would get a trapper sent out quickly.  I made three phone calls and within 20 minutes, the trapper was driving by my office.  I did not go to watch (but wanted to!!).  One of our Wildlife Techs was there and he took some pictures which he later shared with me...

The trapper hooked the gator with a treble hook.
I was told that he was fighting and hissing. He was just under 10 feet long.



My co-worker determined that the gator weighed 400-500 pounds.  They actually had to hook the gator to his truck to pull him over the bank and get him taped up and put him in the trapper's cage.

Whew!! That was exciting and I'm just glad no one was hurt.

On Saturday, I was gifted with a ticket to see Van Gogh, The Immersive Experience, down in Sarasota.  Mrs. Boss's birthday is today but she hosted an early celebration with Monika, my boss Danon, their daughter Mallory, and me.  Danon drove all of us women, bless him! It was a lovely day and I sure enjoyed seeing the exhibit which puts you right into Van Gogh's art. We went to lunch afterward before heading safely home.

Mallory wore a Van Gogh's Sunflowers dress.
Several people complimented her on it!











The pictures don't do the exhibit justice.  I did take several videos but if you click on the link above, their video is much better than mine.  You really feel like you are on one of the streets or walking among the sunflowers.  Pretty awesome.

Then came Easter Sunday and the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. I got a little emotional in church. The music, and the lights coming on... just wow.

My dear neighbors, Chuck and Susan, invited me to join their family for Easter dinner. Their son was there and their daughter, her husband, and their five kids were there, plus a new puppy named Daisy. A family friend was included who is visiting from Illinois, and me. It was noisy and lots of fun.  Dinner was delicious with ham and the usual trimmings. I enjoyed it and was sent home with enough leftovers for the rest of the week (well, not quite a week). I am so blessed to be surrounded by caring people. I didn't take any pictures.

Phone calls and texts with lots of friends and family members yesterday helped make a beautiful day.

I see the dermatologist today after work - the six-month follow-up to that pre-melanoma she removed.  I have a hair appointment on Wednesday.  Oh... I treated myself to a pedicure on Friday, after work, and before the Good Friday service at church. My feet were a hot mess. They look better now.

Peace & hugs!
Jesus paid it all!!