Wednesday's Hodgepodge!!

Joyce is our hostess with the mostess and you can join in HERE!  Thank you, Joyce!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 486

1. Sum up your November in ten words or less.  Busy, friends, family, food, thankful, Magic Kingdom, fun, disappointed, covid, blessed.

2. Are you hosting any holiday parties this year?  Yes!  Attending any? Yes! Party pooper, party animal, or the life of the party...where do you land when it comes to parties?   I'm not really any of those.  I will say I would rather host a party than go to one and many times I am the first to leave a party but I enjoy being with friends and feel blessed to be invited.  Smaller parties are always better than big, crowded parties for me.

3. Do you purchase holiday clothing of any sort (sparkly tops, Christmas jammies, Santa suit, etc).  I don't buy holiday clothing every year.  I don't have a big clothing budget and I would much rather buy something I can wear all the time.  That said, I do have a few Christmas sweaters and t-shirts.  My favorite is a red t-shirt with a Christmas tree made out of cats. 

4. What's your go-to recipe when you're asked to bring an hors d'oeuvre to a party?  Hors d'oeuvres at my house are cheese and crackers or bruschetta.  No fancy recipes.  I do have an alligator cracker holder that makes the crackers taste much better!!  LOL  

5. December 3rd is National Play Outside Day...what might you do to celebrate?  I need to pressure spray the house and I've kinda targeted Saturday to get it done.  Not really playing but I will be outside!!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  If you didn't see it on Facebook, my covid test Monday night came out negative for covid!!!  Last Thursday, I was still positive.  Didn't test again until Monday night... day 8.  So glad to put it behind me!! 

Peace & hugs!

Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.

 

A Holiday Tuesday 4...

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

Tuesday 4

Holiday Time

 Hi. Welcome to the continuation of Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  Just 4 questions to get you thinking, talking, and visiting other bloggers.

This week it might be nice to focus on December and it's traditions.

1.   The 7th is Pearl Harbor Day when a terrible sneak attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii destroyed many ships in the American fleet and convinced Congress to declare war.    

President Roosevelt said,  "Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."    Yes, it should be infamous forever.    How do you honor the memory of the men who died in this cowardly attack?  I think about the brave lives lost.  Do you put out your flag on that day to remember the servicemen killed?  My flag flies all the time.

2.  Many people begin baking, buying gifts, and decorating for the upcoming holidays of Chanukah and Christmas.    Do you bake or buy?  I do both.  What cookies and cakes are your favorite this time of year?  I love the round cookies covered in powdered sugar. They go by several names but I will grab one of them first. Got a recipe to share?  No. I just get recipes online.

3.   December 15 is Bill of Rights day. The 18th begins Chanukah the Festival of Lights during which the light was rekindled in the desecrated temple in Jerusalem.  The temple was cleansed and the light reentered it.  The 21st is the Winter Solstice or the first day of winter.    What traditions, days, etc. have meaning for you in December?   Christmas, of course. Dare I mention my birthday?  How about advent.. does it hold meaning for you?  Of course, it does. I have an Advent wreath and use it with readings, and prayers.

4.  Christmas music is being played in stores during these December days.  Does it play in your home?  I don't usually play music in the house.  I do play it in the car.   How excited are you for the upcoming holidays?  Not as excited as I was when we had little ones in the house (or we visited in their homes) but I still love the meaning and the joy and the love and sharing all of that with family and friends. 

Peace & Hugs!

And there were shepherds in the same country 

abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. ...

Monday's Weekend Recap...

Good golly. Where did November go?!  I am ready to move on to December.  During my quarantine last week, I got my Christmas tree up, my pink flamingo yard decoration refreshed with poinsettias, the entryway trimmed, and a stocking hung for my sister and me...  It looks a lot like Christmas.  More pictures later.

My little tree...

I didn't go anywhere, all weekend, after I got home from work on Friday.  Did some cleaning, got laundry done, used up some leftovers, and decorated as said above.  Talked with friends and family on the phone, catching up.  It was nice not setting the alarm.  

But back to work today.  It's a busy week, but good busy... 

After work today I am having lunch with my new friend, Suzette.  If you read my post about the picnic at Tenoroc for my friend, Wendy's church, you might remember that I met a woman there and we bonded over being widows and had other similar likes and experiences.  It will be nice to get to know her better.  I told her about my covid and offered to change the date. She said to keep the date. 

I'll be working some extra hours on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Tuesday afternoon, someone from Bartow Ford is coming to the house to replace a part on my car that is in a recall.  I had no idea they would make a house call but I am happy I won't have to drive down to Bartow and sit in a waiting room while they do it. It must not be much of a fix.  

Tuesday evening is my small group dinner at Cindy & Ken's house. They wouldn't let me decline either. Thursday I have a hair appointment and our supper group will be going somewhere (haven't heard where).  Friday is my boss's 45th anniversary of working for Florida Fish & Wildlife.  The brass is coming from the Regional Office to take the entire staff out for lunch to celebrate with him.  How nice is that?!

My former neighbors and dear friends from Canada, Jill & Murray, will be back the following week and I have invited all of my immediate neighbors for brunch on the 10th to welcome them back.  I need to be thinking about the menu.  On the 11th (my birthday) my grandkids, Lauren & Tristan, have invited me to our lunch spot in Punta Gorda for a birthday lunch.  How nice is that?!! I'm excited.  Tristan will be home for the holidays from his job in Washington, DC, so I will get to see them both!! 

Peace & hugs!

Praise God from Whom 

all blessings flow!

Sunday blessings...

I wasn't feeling the Sunday Stealing questions this week.  I feel fine.  I am through my quarantine.  Stayed home from church today just to make folks more comfortable.  Back to normal tomorrow.

Wishing you all a blessed Sunday and week ahead!! 

Peace & Hugs!!

Saturday 9...

Thanks to Crazy Sam for today's questions!  Join in HERE! 

Two Black Cadillacs

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: Two Black Cadillacs (2011)

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

1) This week's song is about two women who share a very dark secret. Are you good at keeping secrets?  Pretty good.  Depends on who, what, when...

2) Carrie Underwood's favorite author is Stephen King. In fact, she credits King's Christine as an inspiration for this song. Have you read much Stephen King, or seen movies based on his books?  I used to read all of his books but got tired of them a long time ago.  I think I've seen a movie or two but don't remember. It got so the "outline" was the same - just different names and different gore.

3) Carrie first came to America's attention when she won on American Idol. Prior to competing on that show, she'd never been on an airplane. Crazy Sam takes at least one round-trip flight every year and pays using the miles she accumulated from credit card purchases throughout the year. Do you try to earn miles, points, or cash back when you make purchases? Cash back.

4) Black is this week's signature color because November 25 was Black Friday, when retailers historically have slashed their prices and the holiday shopping season begins. Have you begun your gift shopping?  I have a couple of little things and a few in the works.

5) Black Friday began as a local event initiated by store owners in Philadelphia back in the early 1960s. When you think of Philadelphia, what comes to mind?  Joe.  That's where he is from.

6) Black Friday always comes after Thanksgiving, a day of feasting. What was the best dish at your holiday table this year?  I didn't have a holiday table but had delicious leftover pork loin and sides.  Crockpot meals last three days for me, usually, if not more.

7) Thanksgiving is also a big day for watching football. Did you watch any games?  Nope.  I watched a few movies.

8) What are you thankful for this year?  Faith, Family, Friends, Job...

9) Random question: You're in a public restroom and have a choice between paper towels and a hot air hand dryer. Which do you choose?  Paper towels.

Peace & hugs!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!

Friday Fotos...

 

I have an excuse for no new photos... covid.  But I am much better and have gone to work today.  It is a holiday for everyone so I won't be spreading covid.  My quarantine ends after today, anyway.  I haven't seen Helen in two weeks and won't see her until toward the end of next week, just to be extra careful of everyone in her facility.  She has had her three boosters, too, but no one there needs to get this cold-like thing I've had all week.  I feel much, much better.  The coughing has subsided as has the congestion.  No fever and no flu-like symptoms.  Just a stupid cold that carries covid. I guess we just need to get used to it.

While sitting around, I dragged out a box of photos I hadn't been through yet.  I found some that I had been looking for and was happy to digitize them  Now you get to see them, too!!  LOL (sorry)  This isn't even half of them.  It was quite a day-long project!  Not in any order.

My dad at the fishing camp where we vacationed 

every summer when I was a kid.

Joe and me.  Not sure where but I love the photo.

Our childhood pet, Happy!!

Gr. Aunt Phemie, Gr. Aunt Emma, and my Granny (Leota)

Joe, his mom Julia, and me.

We were at a wedding.

My dad. An Army Veteran.

Bathing beauties... my cousin Peggy and me.

My BFF Elaine and her hubby and three boys

 (one of the guys had a friend there).

Joe with Lauren & Tristan

I think this was at Cypress Gardens.

ME!  I'm not sure where this was taken.

Easter.  Me, Patti, and Randy

My sister, Tammy.

Son Jeff with his VW Bug.

That was their house when Joe & I were dating.

Me, first day of first grade.

Joe and me sitting on the diving board at our pool.

Our cat, Amber, who loved to sit on the very end of the 

diving board.  Yes, she fell in a couple of times.

Me and Tammy at a wedding.

My handsome Joe.  We must have been over at the Cape.

My dad in front of half of his garden... it continued on by

that much again off to the right. The cornfield wasn't ours.

Granddaughter Lauren with Southern Belles at Cypress Gardens.

They were caroling (Christmas) and invited her to join in.

That's me on the end at the right.

The two of us are in front of Joe's office window.

We were gussied up for a wedding.

The Virginia snowstorm that was the last straw for us.

We moved to Florida the July after this!!

Most talented seniors... Terri and Mike

He is beside me in the concert picture above.

Speaking of talented...

That is our son Joey playing drums in his band called

Inside Out.  They were good enough to open for 

a few better known bands a few times and made two tapes (records).

And this is our son, Jeff, who is a really good juggler

and did birthday parties... Patches 

Joe's mom teaching my niece, Sara, how to make gnocchis.

Sara just had her first baby, Ezra.

If you made it this far and aren't yawning, bless you!!  

It was a lovely way to fill a quarantined day.

And so was this... Casper the Tank has
started cuddling with me!!

Peace & hugs!!

God is good!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

The Whimsical Fashion Review 

will return next week.

Happy Thanksgiving!!  

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

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

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 485

1. Have you ever been on a cruise?  Yes.  If so where did you go and how did you like it?  To the Bahamas and it was not a good experience.  If not, do you have any desire to take a cruise someday?   I doubt I will ever go on another cruise.  Maybe a river cruise on a smaller boat.

2. Tell us about your Thanksgiving plans...are you hosting?  I was, but not now; cooking? sadly, no, not now; eating out?  no;  turkey or some other main? would have been turkey; is it stuffing or dressing in your house? dressing; homemade cranberries or cranberries in a can?  I like homemade but Joe liked the jelled kind in a can (go figure!); are pies on the dessert menu? would have been! what kind? Cheryl was bringing pumpkin and pecan; what are your 'must have' sides?  mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, green beans, cranberries... Tell us one thing you're especially grateful for this year.  My list is so long but I am grateful for Jesus in my life; for family and friends; and more recently for antibody infusions to help kick covid's butt.

3. If someone approaches you and asks for money do you give it to them?  No. Do you drop money 'in a tin cup' that belongs to a person on the street? No. Do you have a specific charity you support during the holiday season and/or year-round? Yes, a few.

4. Have you started decorating for Christmas? No. Is your tree up?  Not yet.  Shopping done?  No. Wrapped?  No.

5. Create your own acrostic using the word THANKS. 

Time to love 
Health returned     
Angels protecting  
Neighbors caring 
Kindhearted friends & family 
Savior who is in charge of it all! 

6.  Insert your own random thought here.  I've had so many people praying for me (THANK YOU!) and as I am writing this on Tuesday afternoon, I can say the prayers have been heard!  I feel so much better and would have gone to work if I wasn't still in quarantine.  The staff has Friday off, so my boss is letting me go in and work a full day to help make up some hours.  My quarantine ends on Saturday so I will be back at work officially on Monday.  The antibody infusion is a game-changer, for sure. So thankful for our Governor DeSantis making it available in Florida.  The only apparent residual is sore ribs from coughing. Praise God. 

Peace & hugs!

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow!

The Tuesday 4...

A big thanks to Annie for today's Tuesday 4.  You can join in HERE. 

Tuesday 4

The Thanksgiving Feast

 Welcome, welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 ...

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day and the day after is my birthday! Hoorah for me. My daughter is the 22nd...Tuesday this year.

Let's talk about the Thanksgiving Feast.

1. Do you celebrate with family, friends, or by yourself?  This year it will be just me and the cats.  Had to cancel dinner because of covid.

2.  Do you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from Macy's in New York City?  It is usually on and I watch parts.  The appearance of Santa at the end signals the start of the Christmas season.  What does the day hold for you?  Thanksgiving is the start of the Christmas season and my sister is coming again this year so it will be nice to have family with me again this year!

3. What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving Day for you?  Turkey is the star!

4. We say grace before and after meals. Is grace a part of your Thanksgiving meal?  Grace is a part of every meal and always has been.  Even now, by myself, I pray before each meal.

Whatever your Thanksgiving traditions, I pray that the day is meaningful and filled with love for you whether with family, friends or alone. May God shine his blessing and love down on you and yours and make us all truly thankful this year.

Peace & hugs!!

Remember this one...

God is great, God is good. 

Let us thank Him for this food.

Writing this on Monday night. Covid still feels like a bad cold, coughing and blowing.  The coughing is making me crazy. I am blessed to have friends and family checking in frequently. I'm no worse than Sunday but no better.  Slept okay.  Prayers appreciated!!  xo

Monday's Weekend Recap...

I woke up yesterday thinking I was catching a cold.  As I have done over the last nearly two years, when I get a sniffle or feel off, I do a home covid test.   The first one showed positive.  I got out another one from a different company and it told me the same thing.  I can only surmise that I picked it up in those huge crowds at Disney.  When I told my niece, they all did tests and nephew Lou is also positive.  Yep... Disney.

I went to Urgent Care to confirm it and they sent me to the hospital's Fast Trac

to get the anti-body infusion.  Hoping it gives me a 3-4 day jump start on

getting rid of this virus.  

I canceled Thanksgiving dinner at my house. Duh. That hurts me more than having covid.

I also had to fess up and tell lots of people who were around me at the 

Thanksgiving potluck dinner in the clubhouse Saturday.  It was a great time.

I felt fine. Who knew what would happen overnight.

One friend was sweet enough to tell me that we are all exposed every day

at the grocery store, at the mailboxes, etc., and to not worry about it.

No Sunday school or church yesterday for me, but I did get a plate of food dropped off by a couple in my small group.  I am so blessed.  I can still taste and smell and still got the laundry done. I am expecting today to be a little harder.  Hope I'm pleasantly surprised!! Of course, I am happy for prayers lifted!!  I am quarantined for at least this week.  No sick leave or vacation time but I will try to get some things done around the house.  God's got this!

Peace & hugs!

I know God is in control.