Friday Foto Friends...

Friday took its time getting here this week.  Usually, the weeks fly by but this week has dragged for me.  Not sure why but here we are - finally!  I have some new photos to share! 

We get horseback riders most weeks and I love seeing them.
I actually saw them riding by from my office window on Monday.

Our staff has been working hard this week, preparing our Derby Lake for this year's Fishing Derby (for kids).  You might remember when I held the alligator last year.  Our boss, Danon, decided we needed to have a staff cookout for lunch yesterday.  I brought baked beans and he got the burgers.  There were about 14 of us.  A nice time in a beautiful environment.

This dock will be full of kids fishing tomorrow.

The pavilion with Norman cooking burgers...

The building in the distance, almost the center, is our office building.

That is an osprey nest on the pole and mamma osprey was not happy we were there.

Restrooms and a view of Derby Lake.

Norman and his wife live nearby so Valerie came too.  She brought their dog, Sam, with her.  Sam is a HUGE Bernadoodle.  He isn't a year old yet.

And we saw this heron on the dock before we finished our lunch. 

I really am blessed to have this job.

I have to work tomorrow, checking families in.  It will be a long day since I have to be there at 7:00 a.m. but it will be fun seeing the kids having such a good time.  They each get a free fishing pole and tackle!! We will also serve hotdogs and chips for lunch.  Pictures will follow!

Peace & Hugs!

For God so loved the world...

Whimsical Fashion Spree 2023...

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

Check out the dress and choose the shoes you like best!

It is all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

I was looking for what could be my new Easter dress.  This one struck my fancy and I can see a pretty Easter (old-fashioned) corsage clipped to the left shoulder to complement this royal purple dress.  As for the shoes... count down 1-2-3 and tell us which ones you like best with the dress and why!  It is all just for fun! 

My thoughts:  I would normally pick pair #1 because of the lower heel, but for this dress and not for my feet, I really like pair #2.  What are your thoughts?

Peace & Hugs!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow...

Wednesday's Hodgepodge...

 Thank you, Joyce, for today's Hodgepodge!  Become a Hodgepodger right HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 497

1. Why do you blog?  I began blogging back in 2007 on Yahoo360.  Joe and I met a family (Mom, Dad, Carolyn, and Genny) from Philadelphia while we were in Italy and Genny became a dear friend.  She visited us here in Florida and we met up with her and her sister when we were in Philly.  She was an amazing photographer and was the Director of a homeless shelter in Philly.  She blogged on Yahoo and posted photos there and she is the person who got me interested in it as a place to share my life and to use it as a journal.  Yahoo360 went away and many of us (including Genny) moved to a platform called Multiply.  Multiply went away a few years later so some of us moved to Blogger.  Genny passed away in 2019, much too young and still with so much to give.  Carolyn contacted me to let me know.  Genny's obituary defines her well and is still found online HERE.  A few of you live in PA and might even be familiar with her efforts.

Have your reasons changed over time?  I continue here and still consider it a "diary" or journal that I can look back on.  My Blogger history goes back to 2012.  I have met so many wonderful people here and many of you in person. Genny was the first "in-person" blogger and I continue to make in-person opportunities happen whenever I can.  Such a blessing!

2. What's a typical Friday night look like at your house?  Typical, yawn... happy because I usually don't have to set the alarm and can stay up longer than 9:00 p.m.!!  That means streaming even more TV...

3. Do you like donuts?  Yes.  Your favorite kind?  Custard-filled; cream filled; glazed; pretty much any kind!  How often do you treat yourself to a donut?  Joe called donuts his favorite food group.  I don't have them often anymore.  Jim and Elaine bought some when they were here.  I think that was the last time I had a donut.  Have you ever made homemade donuts?  I have not.

4. How do you feel about shopping?  Ho-hum.  Are you an online shopper?  Yes. Catalog shopper?  Yes.  Brick and mortar shopper?  Rarely.  Do you order groceries online or prefer to select items with your own two hands?  I have ordered groceries online and it is convenient but I do enjoy the BOGOs available at Publix and Winn Dixie.  

5. Next week's Hodgepodge finds us somehow in the month of April, which just so happens to be National Poetry Month. Sum up (or tell us something about) your month of March in the form of a limerick. You can do it!! 

March shows her beauty in yellows and pinks.

Petals in puddles and then what do you think?

The strawberries turn red,  

 we can even eat them in bed.

And strawberry milkshakes are delightful to drink!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I am not a poet!!  LOL

Peace & Hugs!

Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace 

Your mercy and Your kindness know no end...

Tuesday 4...

 Annie is our Tuesday 4 hostess!!  You can join in HERE!  Thanks, Annie!

Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home

Welcome!  It's time again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

How would it be if we talk about some things related to home?

1. What styles of décor do you like?  Mid Century?  Colonial?  Contemporary?  Comfortable.

2.   What makes your bedroom comfortable?  The Tempur-Pedic mattress.  Highly recommended!

3   What do you think makes a home comfortable and welcoming?  A little bit used.  It's okay to eat in the living room and put your feet up.  The kitchen is a gathering spot and a better place to dine than the dining room.  A "make-yourself-at-home" vibe. Comfortable.

4. Do you share your home with pets?  Yes, indeed. Would you tell us about them, please?  I love all animals but share my home (now) with two boy cats.  They are both big boys.  Vinny is an orange tabby and Casper is more blonde than orange but they are sometimes hard to tell apart at first glance.

Vinny with the white feet and Casper.

Peace & Hugs!!

Counting on the Old Rugged Cross!

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

Another weekend is behind us.  They do go too fast.

Friday, after work, I had lunch with my friend, Shirley.  We went to Abuelos (a Mexican restaurant) and enjoyed our time together. I started a low-carb diet last Monday and it is not so easy to get low-carb in a Mexican restaurant, but I did have a nice fajita chicken salad.  I almost laughed when the waitress asked if I wanted ranch or honey mustard dressing. WHAT?  I instead ask for extra salsa.  What is Mexican about ranch or honey mustard dressing?  Anyway, it was more about the visit than the food and we enjoyed our time together.  (And I've lost 7 pounds so far!)

On Saturday, I went out to hose down my car, which was covered still in pollen and dirt. While out, I walked across the street to visit with Dee and Bill. They were on the front porch with Princess, so she got some treats from me.

Sunday school and church were the highlights of my Sunday.  When I got home, I did some laundry and a little cleaning.  Marlene stopped by for a visit.  Elaine called and we talked for a while, catching up. I relaxed with Flea Market Flip and more Lark Rise to Candleford. 

Off to work this morning.  We have our annual Children's Fishing Derby on Saturday.  Some of you might remember this from last year... 

This year, there will be a Clydesdale horse and I am excited to have my photo taken with a Clydesdale.  I will also hold another gator if there is one this year!!  Of course, there will be many young fishermen catching fish (but not me)!

Peace & Hugs!

Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Sunday Stealing...

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

You Tube

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and was 

published on WTIT: The Blog. 

Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. 

Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting 

and intelligent questions. Cheers to all of us thieves

This came from a YouTube entry 

that no longer exists

1. Working on anything exciting lately?  Not exciting, no.

2. What was the highlight of the day today?  Church. I'm a greeter today.

3. What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?  As little as possible!

4. What are your favorite restaurants?  Italian, Chinese, Asian, Mexican...

5. Do you follow any sports?  Not since Joe died.  He was all over Philly teams.

6. What is your biggest fear?  Being a burden to someone.

7. What is your biggest regret?  I really don't have any regrets.

8. When you were growing up, what was your dream job?  To own a horse ranch, 

then to be a beautician, then to be an art teacher.  Didn't do any of them!! LOL

9. Do you say ‘sherbet’ or ‘sherbert’?   Sherbert.

10. Have you ever had a paranormal experience?  Yes.

11. What is your favorite food at a cocktail party?  Whatever is served.

12. Who is a book character most like you?  I haven't a clue.

13. Do you read reviews before you go to movies??  No, but I rarely go to the movies.

14. How do you feel about cilantro?  I'm not crazy about it. 

15. Have you ever cried in public?  Oh yes and more than once.

Peace & hugs!

For God so loved the world that He gave us 

His one and only Son to save us 

Whoever believes in Him Will live forever 

Whoever believes in Him Will live forever

Saturday 9...

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

Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

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 questions, however, and here are today's questions!

Saturday 9: Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

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

1) In this week's song, BJ Thomas sings that he knows it won't be long until he finds happiness. What are you looking forward to today?  Ha... sleeping in!!  What's going to make you smile?  Having nothing on my calendar today makes me smile.  There are things that need doin' and I may get some of them done... or not. 

2) BJ Thomas met his wife Gloria at a bar. She was there with his drummer, but BJ let his friend know he felt a connection to Gloria and was going to drive her home. BJ and Gloria were married for 50 years, until his death. Have you and a friend ever found yourselves attracted to the same person? If yes, how did you handle it?  No, and thank goodness!

 

3) This song is from Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, which has been called "the most entertaining Western ever made." Do you enjoy Westerns?  I don't NOT enjoy westerns but they aren't a genre that I seek out.  I remember enjoying Butch Cassidy and several others.

4) Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is one of the most popular movies Paul Newman made, but he liked to say his "favorite role is philanthropist." He raised an amazing $500 million for children's charities through his Newman's Own brand. The most popular Newman's Own product is salad dressing. What flavor of salad dressing would we find in your kitchen right now?  I have lots of salad dressings:  Italian, Ranch, Honey Mustard, Poppy Seed, Catalina, Raspberry & Walnut Vinaigrette, and Blue Cheese.  I think that's all.

 

5) Burt Bacharach won the first of his three Oscars for this song. Yet 20th Century Fox originally wanted to cut the song from the movie, maintaining that that song and the famous "bicycle sequence" between Paul Newman and Katharine Ross were anachronistic and made the movie too long. Burt and the movie's director George Roy Hill fought for it, insisting that it helped define the optimistic character of Butch. Tell us about a time you were glad you stood your ground.  Well, I usually stick with my decisions and am happy with the results. I can't think of a specific time to post about.

6) Edith Head also won an Oscar for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. She said that Robert Redford, who played Sundance, presented a wardrobe problem. His jawline is too strong so she had to create special wider-brimmed hats to balance it. If you could magically change one of your physical features, which would you choose?  Fat.  I would have all the fat sucked out!!  LOL  And which feature would you never change?  I like my green eyes and I do like being tall, even though I complain about it when I am buying clothes.

7) In 1969, when this song was a hit, The Beatles played their last concert on the roof of Abbey Road Studios. When did you last climb onto the roof?  It was a very long time ago.  Elaine and I used to climb up on my grandparents' garage roof to sunbathe!!  Yes, we did.  Kids!!  (more than 50 years ago!)

8) Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries sold at a brisk pace at Christmastime 1969. They're still popular today. Were you a fan?  When I was a youngster (12-15ish) I owned all the Nancy Drew books published at the time (52).  I LOVED Nancy Drew mysteries.  I also owned a few of the Hardy Boys books but enjoyed them on TV more than reading them.

9) Random question: Do you consider yourself old-fashioned?  Yes, I am a bit old-fashioned.  I'm old, too!  There is just something missing in society today.  I am happy with our technology and healthcare advances but miss family reunions, family meals, morals, respect, integrity (especially politicians and journalists who have integrity)...

Peace & Hugs!

Sweet Memories! Elaine & I wanted

to be one of those other girls who could solve mysteries!

Friday Fotos....

My blogging friend, Debbie, started Friday Foto Friends quite a few years ago.  She is venturing back to Blogger and mentioned that she just might start hosting this Friday meme again.  I hope so!!  Debbie, if you see this - you have been missed!!  

I don't have much to share for new photos but do have this one...

When we were on the tour of Tenoroc last week, with Joey and Darlene, we saw these five Sandhill Cranes.  It is hard to tell the family dynamics but I was so excited to see five of them together!!

I had my cataract surgical consultation yesterday. Bill and Dee took me since I was told my eyes would be so dilated.  It wasn't any worse than usual so I don't understand the big deal they made of it.  It was nice to visit with my neighbors for the ride over and back, and then they took me out for an early supper.  I tried to pay but they wouldn't let me do that. I am blessed over and over.  

I was given lots of information and an appointment for two weeks when they will do some 'important' measuring and will talk to me about how to proceed. I'm also considering just a change in my glasses to help me cope for a little while yet. We'll see...

Wishing you all a blessed weekend ahead!!

Peace & hugs!

Jesus is all the world to me,

My life, my joy, my all;

He is my strength from day to day,

Without Him, I would fall...

Whimsical Fashion Spree 2023...

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

Check out the dress and pick the purse you like best.

It is all for fun and just a whimsical thing!!

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

 

I found this vintage dress and just had to share it today.  Maybe I'm watching too much British TV!  Lark Rise to Candleford takes place in the 1890s and this dress would fit right in.  Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which purse would look best with the dress.  It is all for fun!!

My thoughts:  You know I love vintage looks and this one is pretty special.  I will pick purse #1 today. They would all work but I like the flowers on #1. What are your thoughts?

Peace & Hugs!

Jesus sought me when a stranger

Wandering from the fold of God

He to rescue me from danger

Bought me with His precious blood.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge!!

Our hostess is back with a new Hodgepodge!  You can be a Hodgepodger HERE! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 496

1. Did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in some way? Not really.  If so tell us how.  I put out some decorations and wore green. Are you a fan of corned beef?  Yes.  Cabbage?  Yes.  The color green?  A favorite!

2. March 22nd is National Goof Off Day...will you celebrate?  I wish I could! Your favorite way to goof off? A day trip to somewhere new, perhaps!  Last time you had a whole day to spend 'goofing off'?  When Elaine and Jim were here, I took a day off for a road trip to the winery with them.  That was fun!

3. Something on your to-do list that has been there for more than a month? Will this be the month you finally cross it off?  The first thing that came to mind was that Spring Cleaning question from the Tuesday 4.  I need to get started moving furniture and cleaning drapes/curtains, room by room.  It has been much too long.

4. In your opinion, what emotion is the most beneficial? Which one is the least useful?  Worry is the least useful, for sure.  There are thousands of songs written about love so I pick love as the most beneficial.  And actually, the Bible tells us so!  

5. What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? Elaborate. I loved to read. I loved to hike in the woods behind the house with Elaine (we also walked the rails of the train track like a balance beam!). I loved school and being in the band.  I was blessed to grow up in a small town and before the internet, cell phones, and only three channels on the TV!  Kids today miss so much!

6. Insert your own random thought here.   I have confessed often that I watch entirely too much TV.  If any of you have BritBox on your smart TVs, I highly recommend a series called Lark Rise to Candleford.  I love British TV and am watching this series from the beginning for the 3rd time.  The first time was more than six years ago and Joe loved it, too.  BritBox has so many wonderful shows.

Peace & hugs!!

1 Corinthians 13:13  But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; 
but the greatest of these is love.

Tuesday 4...

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

Spring

Hello and welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

1. Spring cleaning is a very old tradition.  Some say it began with Passover and removing leaven from the home and the fact that windows begin to be thrown open.  What Spring cleaning do you do?  LOL (really laughing out loud!)

2. Does daylight saving time make any difference in your life for good or bad?  I don't like it at all and wish they would leave it standard time and be done with this folly.

3. Do you have a spring reading/watch list or perhaps a 'to-do' list?  I don't have a reading list or a watch list.  I probably should have a "to-do" list though, to actually get some things done that need doin'.

4. The "peepers" are back here by the water. There are thousands of these itty bitty frogs (the size of a fingernail) peeping like loud birds.  What signs of spring are showing up in your neck of the woods and what Spring flower is your favorite to see blooming?  Spring in Florida starts in February and the strawberries are always front and center!  I am not a flower/plant person but do love the beautiful flowering trees. They are all gone now but were so beautiful...

Crepe Myrtles...

Yellow Poinciana...

(A sight one will never see!!)

Peace & hugs!

God, thank you for Spring and the hope of warmer, longer, brighter days. Thank you for the coming of growth and life and birth. Thank you that things are coming awake in the world. This is what our calendar says, and we do see some signs that it is real.  Amen

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

The weekend went fast.  Good golly.

On Friday afternoon, Joey asked me about my cousin, Justin Chambers, and asked if he was in anything new since he left Grey's Anatomy.  I told him about the Godfather series "The Offer" in which he plays Marlon Brando.  They hadn't seen it (on Paramont+) so we started watching it.  He and Darlene were both interested in it and we ended up watching all 10 episodes - nearly midnight when we finished.  They don't have Paramont+ at home and wanted to see all of it.  I enjoyed watching it again.  It is well done and is behind the scenes for the making of the first Godfather movie.  Really interesting and Justin made a great Brando!

Joey and Darlene and the grandpups left on Saturday morning.  We had a good breakfast together and they got loaded up for the trip home.  Darlene texted that they arrived home safely at the expected time.  

I did laundry after they left.  Straightened up here and there and got outside before it got too warm so I could weed the front bed and add a couple of Easter egg decorations and some artificial flowers to spring things up a bit.  Sorry, no picture yet - it's nothing to brag about, anyway.

While I was outside, I talked to Marlene and Duane, next door, for a few minutes. They have both had a nasty cold since they got back but are feeling better now.  I also walked across the street to talk with Dee and Bill and give Princess some doggy treats.  I am picking up mail for Susan and Chuck, and they asked me to just check inside to make sure I don't hear running water.  They got a new water heater and were just a little nervous about it.  I took the mail I had collected so far into their house and did a quick walk-through.  Nothing was amiss. 

Back in my house, I planted myself in my recliner and turned on the TV.  I was so lazy that I ordered Chinese food and had it delivered for my dinner.  I saved half of it to have on Sunday.  Good stuff!

Sunday was Sunday school (Genesis) and church (Mark). I just love my church family and stood talking with Wilma for 15 minutes after services.  She has been to the Indian restaurant where I took Joey and Darlene so we talked about food for most of the time. I am so blessed by the people in my life.  Y'all included!!

That is all I have.

Peace & hugs!

Ecclesiastes 9:7  Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. 

Sunday Stealing...

Thanks to our hostess, Bev, for today's questions!  You can join in HERE.

One to Ten

I don't remember where I stole this one!

One song that describes my life.  How about "Livin' On A Prayer" (I haven't a clue.)

Two things I wish I had more of in my life.  Laughter (I miss Joe's); a little more

jingle in my pocket... 

Three ways I relax.  Watching TV; Blogging: Reading...

Four of my best accomplishments.  A college degree at age 50; a wife to the love

of my life for 36 years; 20 years at a job I loved; a faithful daughter of Christ...

Five things I am looking forward to.  Retiring again; traveling; new interests;

lunch with Shirley this week; Easter...

Six things I am grateful for. My faith; my family; my friends; my job; my pets; my home; 

Seven facts about me. Organized; dependable; decent cook; faithful; blessed; 

cat mom; did I say blessed...

Eight things I can see from where I am sitting. The TV; two cats; love seat, recliner,

dining room, front door, lamps, magazine basket...

Nine words I would use to describe myself.  Tall, plain, comfortable, green-eyed, 

curly hair, faithful, positive, friendly, pleasantly plump...

Ten little things that make me happy.  Loved ones in touch, a good meal, my cats,

Fred Astaire movies, laughter, babies, Sam Elliott movies; my recliner; toffee; 

chocolate ice cream...

Peace & Hugs

Bless the Lord oh my soul, oh my soul – 

worship His Holy name.  Sing like never before, 

oh my soul – I'll worship Your Holy name