Sunday Blessing...

 

Peace & Hugs!

Saturday 9...

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

Promises, Promises

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 are today's questions!

Saturday 9: Promises, Promises (1983)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
I have never heard this song or this group, but here we go...

1) In this week's song, Naked Eyes lead singer Pete Byrne admits he believed his girl's promises, right from the start, but now he knows he should have been more careful with his heart. Do you consider yourself more trusting or skeptical?  I tend to be too trusting but I don't think I am gullible.  I always want to trust people and am not disappointed too often.

 

2) He looks back on when he and his girl laughed like kids. When did you recently literally laugh out loud (as opposed to keystroking LOL)?  I laugh out loud every day (or most days). I work with fun people, I have fun neighbors/friends, and I do laugh out loud at things the cats do.  Making people laugh was Joe's mission in life and I still laugh in his honor!

 

3) He accuses her of not being able to finish what she starts. How about you? Do you finish what you start, or can you think of projects that you're unlikely to ever complete?  As long as we aren't talking about cleaning the house, I do finish things I start.  I am project-oriented most of the time.
 

4) Naked Eyes was a British New Wave band that had four Top 40 singles, including "Promises, Promises." They never toured 40 years ago because it was difficult to recreate their synthesizer-driven sound onstage. Is there a band or singer you would have liked to have seen perform live, but never did?  I've said before that I don't care for concerts with crowds of people and traffic and finding parking and then finding your car after the concert.  No one is on my list... sorry.

 

5) While "Promises, Promises" is about an untrustworthy lover, Peter Byrne says he and bandmate/cowriter Rob Fisher worked well together because they knew they could trust one another professionally. By sharing honest assessments of creative ideas, they knew Naked Eyes would never put out "rubbish." If you want an honest opinion on something important, where do you turn?  It used to always be my Joe.  Now it depends on what I need another opinion on as to who I might ask. Sisters are a good source of honesty, and so are my sons.

6) Madonna was a Naked Eyes fan. Are you a Madonna fan?  Nope. I've never been a Madonna fan.  I'm the wrong generation.  I AM a fan of Mary, the mother of Jesus though!

7) In 1983, when this song was on the radio, the Lotus 1-2-3 program made it easier for PC users to build spreadsheets. Are you answering these questions on a PC or a Mac? Laptop or desktop? Android or iPhone?  HA!!  I used Multiplan for spreadsheets before there was Lotus 1-2-3 but I also used Lotus long before Excel.  Blast from the past!!  I am using my Chromebook right now.

 

8) Also in 1983, America West Airlines took off for the first time, taking passengers from Las Vegas to Phoenix. Where did you go on your first flight? What about your most recent flight?  My first flight on a commercial airline was to Boulder, CO, on a business trip.  My first single-engine flight was with my brother after he got his pilot's license.  I would rather drive if I have the extra time to go on the road trip. That said, I think the last time we flew was for our nephew's wedding back in 2017.  

9) Random question -- Finish this statement: If I knew then what I know now, I would have probably done everything the same.  I'm where I'm supposed to be doing life as it is preordained for me. God is so good.  Could I have been smarter about some things? Absolutely but it is what it is.

Peace & Hugs!

On earth is not His equal!

Friday Fotos...

 

Thank goodness it's Friday!!  I don't have any new photos but thought I would share a few photos I downloaded that spoke to me.  I don't know who the photographers are but the photos are beautiful.

That's it.  Do you have a favorite? 

Wishing you a great weekend!!

Peace & hugs!!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Whimsical Fashion Spree 2023...

 

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 is all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty!

Elegance. Oh my!!  Check out the ridiculous shoes and pick the one you like best for the dress.  Count down 1-2-3 and let us know which ones you choose.  It is all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  The color. Oh my goodness, that turquoise/blue satin is beyond gorgeous.  It is not a dress I could wear (even if I could afford it!) but I think it is so classy and elegant.  As for the shoes... yikes!  But if I have to choose, I will go with #2 just because they look elegant.  Which shoes do you like best?  Where can this dress be worn?

Peace & Hugs!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and 

do not lean on your own understanding.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

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

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 501

1.  April 26th is National Audubon Day, honoring John James Audubon, the French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter known for his detailed study and illustration of birds in their natural habitats. Do you have a bird feeder?  Yes, decorative but not used.  Are any birds in your home decor?   See below!  Have you ever owned a pet bird?  No, but my son Jeff did, years ago.  He had two cockatiels.  What's your favorite bird?   I love birds and stop to listen to them singing often when I arrive at work where there are lots of woods.  

An Eagle made from stones.  A gift from my sister.

The saying was a gift from friends when Joe died.  The bird was in an arrangement that I received and I think he looks great sitting at the top of the tree.

2. What's something you took to 'like a duck to water'?  Ice skating, perhaps.  Not fancy ice skating but I loved ice skating on Buckeye Lake in my Ohio home town.

3. Empty nest, nest egg, proud as a peacock, free as a bird, birds of a feather flock together, or the early bird catches the worm...choose one and tell us how it currently applies to your life.  Gosh, I don't really know. I'm always proud of my "boys" and my grandchildren.  Birds of a feather - all of us older folks living in a retirement community.  

4. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds...your favorite seed and a favorite food or dish made with that seed or topped with that seed? Have you tried all the seeds on the list? Any you don't care for?  I guess my favorite would be poppy seeds in poppy seed dressing.  I have had all of them in one thing or another, but I can't say I am really fond of any of them.

5. Something in the past week that made you 'happy as a lark'?  Lunch with friends a couple of different days (and more coming up). Being with friends always makes me happy.  No skin cancers were found by my dermatologist...

6. Insert your own random thought here.   On my mind is just how blessed I am. Yesterday started with a neighbor wheeling my trash cans back in place after the truck went by, followed by another neighbor knocking on my door with some watermelon for me to enjoy, followed by a co-worker looking at my car to help figure out why my air conditioning in the car isn't cooling and finding I just need a new filter (which I purchased and he is installing it today).  I have so many people looking out for me and caring for me. I am truly humbled by the generosity of my circle of friends.  Just wow. 

Peace & hugs!!

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine...

 

Toni's Tuesday 4, by Annie!

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

Topics and Conversation

 Hey.. you're back!!  Welcome.  This is Toni

 Taddeo's Tuesday 4 and I have had a terrible time coming up with a topic this week...

So.. let's talk about topics and conversation
.

1. What subjects do you find you enjoy most in conversations?  I am more of a listener as I've gotten older.  

2. What topics do you try to avoid with friends, family, or even strangers?  Definitely politics.  I've been called names and I've been cursed at by people (even close to me) because we don't follow the same platforms.  It is best to avoid politics unless I know the other person/people are on the same page as me.  

3. What topics are difficult for you to talk about?  See above. Would you like that to change?  It would be nice if mutual respect was possible.  I don't express the passion that others do.  Just respect that I am a person who leans a different way and it's okay.

4. What topics really can get you going for good or for bad?  I listen and I do my best to avoid drama and anger and disrespect.  I won't try to change you, and you can't change me by expressing hatred and being nasty.  So very sad.  Be nice. Be kind.  Maybe my example can stimulate change in some...

Peace & hugs!!
God is so good!!

PS:  My dermatology appointment went well!  She didn't find anything to cut out!!  Good for another six months!  Thank you, Jesus!

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

Lunch with Shirley on Friday was fun.  She has a great sense of humor and we laughed a lot.  She is also thrilled that her only child, David (single), is moving to Lakeland from Texas.  She really needs him to be closer and I am so happy that he is making this move so he will be here to help his mom.  She is 86 and I have noticed some failings.  He will be here this week and will be house hunting.

On Saturday, I went to Lowe's to check out a few things.  I bought some grass seed to sprinkle on my front patch to see if it will take root.  Went to Publix for some Folgers Black Silk coffee. My new favorite and they had the Black Silk Keurig pods BOGO!! Yes!

The Hip-Hip Hooray is for getting my refrigerator fixed!!  The technician came on Sunday.  I told them I would be home by 12:30 (from church) and he was knocking on the door five minutes after I got home.  He told me to give it 6-8 hours before I move food back but so far, (writing this on Sunday afternoon) it is getting colder and colder!  I put a cup of water in the freezer and it is almost solid!!  So Hip-hip Hooray!!

It's a busy week ahead.  I see my Dermatologist after work today (Monday) and get my hair cut on Wednesday.  If I'm lucky, my new glasses may get here mid-week!!

Peace & hugs!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!

Sunday Blessings...

 Wishing you all blessings this Sunday and in the week ahead!

Peace & hugs!

Saturday 9 Time...

Thanks to Crazy Sam for today's 9 questions!  You can join in HERE!

 

I Won't Be the One to Let Go

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: I Won't Be the One to Let Go (2002)

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

1) Barbra Streisand begins by singing about dreams and wishes. What are you wishing for this morning?  I wish for a quiet Saturday morning and then some productive work done outside after a trip to Lowe's for some grass seed, sand, and weed & feed.  I don't like yard work but my little front yard needs some help.

2) Barry Manilow sings that "anytime you need me, you'll know where I am." If a friend needs you, what's the best way to reach you (text, phone call, email, knock on the front door ...)?  Any of those will work but if it is urgent, a phone call or a knock on the door works faster than texts or emails.

 

3) Both of this week's artists are from Brooklyn. In addition to Barry and Barbra, Brooklyn is home to Coney Island, where America's first roller coaster debuted in 1884. Do you enjoy amusement park rides? If yes, do you have a favorite?  I used to love amusement park rides but am just too old for them to be fun anymore.  My favorite was always the roller coaster!!

4) Barbra and her husband, actor James Brolin, have lived in the same Malibu home for more than 25 years. How long have you been in your current residence?  I have lived in this home for six years.  The house we had before this one was ours for 28 years.   Do you think you'll be moving anytime soon?  I have no plans to move from this home and community.

5) Barry Manilow once lived in luxurious Bel Air. His neighbors were former President and Mrs. Reagan. At first, he thought it would be great to have the Reagans nearby but quickly changed his mind because he disliked the Secret Service helicopters flying overhead. Tell us about one of your neighbors. (No pressure; we don't expect to hear about historic figures.)  I have the best neighbors and have mentioned them often here in my blogs.  My newest neighbors, Dee and Bill, live across the street.  Bill pressure-washed my house one day.  I came home from work and he was nearly done.  That is above and beyond. I say it all the time and mean it.  I am blessed.

 

6) As a teenager, Barbra worked as a switchboard operator. Her job consisted of connecting calls by inserting phone plugs into the appropriate jacks. As telephoning became automated, these jobs were phased out and by 1983, the switchboard operator was obsolete. Can you think of another occupation that used to be common but doesn't exist anymore?  Elevator operator.  "What floor please?"  

7) Loyal Fanilows can subscribe to ManilowTV. For $9.95/month, fans can watch exclusive content, like interviews and concert performances. Do you more often watch live broadcast TV or streamed content?  I rarely watch broadcast TV anymore.  I stream everything.  Commercials make me crazy now!! LOL

8) In 2002, the year this recording was released, the Sears Wish Book offered seven different collectible Barbies. According to Mattel, the doll's manufacturer, there are more than 100,000 Barbie collectors all over the world. Do you collect anything?  Nope. Not anymore.  I just have remnants of a few collections from years past (like cat teapots).  

9) Random question: Are you exclusively an online/ATM bank customer, or do you often go into the branch and interact with a teller?  I went inside my bank earlier this week because the ATM wasn't working and I needed some cash.  I tend to use the drive-thru more than an ATM or a teller inside the bank.  Even more often than that, I get cash when I buy groceries. 

Peace & hugs!!

Magnify the Lord with me 

Come exalt His name together 

Glorify the Lord with me 

Come exalt His name forever

Friday Fotos...

Fridays are when we join Deb, from Breathing In Grace, doing Friday Foto Friends!  She started this years ago and is back on Blogger hosting Friday Fotos again!!  

I have just a couple of photos to share...

Earlier this week, I was in downtown Lakeland to stop in at the attorney's office for Helen's estate business, then I went to my bank.  My bank building sits above our beautiful Lake Morton (the swan/bird lake).  I walked around the terrace to snap a couple of pictures...

And this little park is off to the side of the bank building and just across the street from the lake.  My Lakeland is such a beautiful place!!

Thank goodness it is Friday!!  This week has dragged a bit for me for some reason.  I am having lunch with Shirley after work today so am looking forward to that!  We are meeting at Glory Days. 

Peace & hugs!

Jesus is all the world to me...

Whimsical Fashion 2023...

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

Check out the dress and pick 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 haven't posted a wedding dress in a while.  This one jumped out at me as soon as I saw it.  Count down on the shoes 1-2-3 and tell us which ones you pick for the bride's special day! 

My thoughts:  The dress is so fairytale gorgeous.  I'm really not crazy about any of the shoes but will choose pair #3 and hope she has some flats stashed under the table for later!!  What are your thoughts?

Peace & hugs!

God is so good.

 

The Wednesday Hodgepodge Hits 500!!!

 Fireworks and drumrolls for our Hostess, Joyce!!  
Whoohoo on hitting 500 Hodgepodges!!
You can become a Hodgepodger by joining in HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 500

Whoohoo! We've hit our 500th episode here in The Wednesday Hodgepodge, so go us! Answer today's questions on your own blog, then race back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there!

1. Last time you drove/flew 500 miles (ish)?  Joe and I drove to Ohio in September 2017.  What's a place you'd like to visit that lies approximately 500 miles from your current location?   A town in Alabama is almost 500 miles from Lakeland and that is where Myra lives (Respice, Prospice) lives.  That would be one of my stops going north on a road trip when I get to retire again one of these days (please, God).  How is that for inviting me to your house, Myra?!!  (Actually, she has invited me to come...)

2. Tell us about a time recently it felt like you were 'racing against the clock'.   When I got home from work to find water on the floor and my refrigerator dead it became a race.  Sorting and carting the saved food from the freezer and fridge to the extra one in my back room (den/office) was a job.  I'm waiting for the part to come in to fix the fridge in the kitchen.

3. Have you ever attended any really large sporting events?  Joe took me to an NFL game - Eagles vs Redskins.  We have also been to several Flyers/Lightning hockey games.  What was your impression of the experience?   The hockey games were fun.  The football game was scary because of the crazy fans.  I won't go to an NFL game, ever again.

The Superbowl, The Kentucky Derby, The World Series, FIFA World Cup, The Indianapolis 500, The Daytona 500, The Olympics, The Masters, Wimbledon, The Boston Marathon, March Madness, Tour de France, Monaco's Grand Prix, The Open (golf), The Ryder Cup, The Stanley Cup Finals..of the events listed which would you most like to attend in person?  Sorry, but none of those.  Or maybe one that's not listed?  I was a sports fan by marriage. If I had to pick one of those events, it would be Olympic ice skating but I really don't enjoy crowds and traffic... happier watching it on TV.

4. Are you an iced tea drinker?  Yes.  If so, do you drink it year-round, or only in the spring and summer months?  This is Florida. I drink iced tea year-round. Do you make your own or buy it bottled?  I make my own (Luzianne).  Sweet or unsweet? I lightly sweeten it with Stevia.  Flavored? No.  Lemon or no lemon?  No lemon.  How about a Long Island Iced Tea?  I have never had Long Island Iced Tea.

5. April 20th is Volunteer Recognition Day...do you volunteer in some way?  Not as much as I used to.  I've learned to say no as I've gotten older, but I am a Greeter at church.  Tell us about it.  I did seven years of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life as a team captain.  Great fun and such a good cause.  If not, tell us about a volunteer you appreciate.  All volunteers are appreciated and coming from a long career in the non-profit world, volunteers are the lifeblood of organizations.  Couldn't do it without them.  Find one with a mission you can own and sign up to help!!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  It's not random.  I just want to thank our Hodgepodge hostess, Joyce, for keeping up with the Wednesday Hodgepodge!!  Thank you for 500 weeks of questions!  Wow!!  

Peace & hugs!!

Just a closer walk with Thee

Grant it, Jesus is my plea

Daily walking close to Thee

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be

A Musical Tuesday 4...

 Thanks to Annie for continuing Toni's Tuesday 4!  You can join in HERE!

Music, Music, Music

 How are you doing?  It's great to have you back here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  

 Music is something most people truly enjoy but some find it annoying at times.   Some listen at home, some in cars, and music is played in restaurants, shops, you name it, music provides a background for many activities.

1. What kind of music appeals to you?  I listen to soft classic rock on SiriusXM's The Bridge most often.  What kind can you do without?  Rap, opera, hard (loud) rock.

2. Do you consider music an important part of life?  Yes.  Music has always been part of my life.  Why or why not?  I started playing trumpet in fifth grade and played it through my senior year.  Being in the band was lots of fun when I was in school.  Good friends, free football games, and good life lessons in being part of a team.

3 What's on the radio as you drive or what is on at home and do you find music in restaurants and shops soothing or off-putting?   As mentioned above, I listen to The Bridge on SiriusXM in the car but also have Siriusly Sinatra, 60s, and Outlaw Country plugged in. I don't listen much to music at home.  As for restaurants and shops playing music, it's okay as long as it is in the background and not so loud.

4. Would you tell us some of your favorite songs and singers, please?  I don't have a favorites list.  Think golden oldies from the 40s through the 70s and I can usually sing along.

Thanks so much for joining in!  Please, if you have ideas for topics let me know in the comments here or on Cottage by the Sea blog.  

Peace & Hugs!!

There’s peace that outlasts darkness, hope that’s in the blood 

There’s future grace that’s mine today that Jesus Christ has won 

So, I can face tomorrow, For tomorrow’s in Your hands 

All I need you will provide, Just like you always have

Monday's Weekend Recap... Driveway Potluck!

 

Backing up to Thursday, the Mas Verde group (only 6 of us now) went to Tapatios for Mexican.  I had a good Taco Salad.  I picked Sharon up to ride with me.  Sharon and Bob used to live next door to us.  They sold their house almost three years ago to Chuck & Susan.  Sharon and Bob moved to North Carolina.  Well, they bought a house here in Mas Verde and have moved back.  Sharon is from Lakeland and has family here.  None of us understood why they moved and said they would be back. Unfortunately, Bob has been in the hospital for the last three weeks with pneumonia in both lungs.  Sharon texted that she picked him up to come home this afternoon. Praise God.

Friday.  I got home from work to water on the kitchen floor.  My refrigerator died.  I was able to save most of the freezer food and all of the stuff in the fridge.  Got a GE technician to come and the computer board had burned out.  The fridge is ancient, so of course the part had to be ordered and won't be in much before the 25th.  Thank goodness I had room in my extra fridge to get everything crammed in.  Sigh.  The part and labor are less than a new appliance so fingers crossed it will work. It's always something.

Anne, Dee, and I have been talking about a neighborhood potluck for weeks.  I finally said let's do it, so we did - on Saturday in my carport  It was just the immediate neighbors (10 of us, plus a friend of one).  It was great fun and we endured 90-degree temps (with the help of fans)  for nearly four hours.  Lots of talking and lots of laughter and lots of eating.  I'm glad we got it done before Marlene and Duane leave for their summer home in Wisconsin later this week. I think we will be gathering like this often come better fall temperatures.

Dee and Bill came over early to help with set-up.

They brought the smallest corn-hole game 

I've ever seen!!  Too cute!

This isn't all of the food yet!! 

Burgers, brats, corn casserole, baked beans, bean salad, lettuce salad

jalapeno poppers, a frozen minty dessert...

I am so blessed with dear friends who are also my neighbors.

Sunday school and church yesterday.  I did some laundry and finished putting things away from the party on Saturday.  Kicked back for a quiet evening.  I see the eye doctor after work to see if I can get new glasses to help me see better until I decide on the cataract surgery. Fingers crossed.

Peace & Hugs!

Glory! Glory! This I sing—

 Nothing but the blood of Jesus,