Monday's Weekend Recap...

Weekends go fast. Whooosh!!  

Backing up to Thursday, the Mas Verde gang went to Il Forno for Italian.  Always one of my favorites!  The waiter took our picture...   Clockwise:  Sharon D, Sharon P, Tim, Judy, and me.  Sharon D's Larry didn't feel well so didn't go.  She took a dinner home for him.

On Friday, after work, I stopped at Winn Dixie on my way home for a few things.  I do better, price-wise, at Winn Dixie rather than Publix.  I LOVE Publix, but they are more expensive than the other grocers.  They just are.  

Saturday was a good day to get laundry done and some cleaning.  I usually do laundry on Sunday, after church, but Tim and Judy invited us to their house for dinner on Sunday afternoon/evening.  I felt good about getting things done, including some weeding in the back of the house.  Weeds were growing under the back door (which I rarely use) so I got that cleaned up.  My roof is still leaking a bit, but my neighbor is still working on it for me.  Bless him.

On Sunday, I went to church and it felt good to be there after missing last week.  There are still quite a few people out sick, with either covid or the respiratory thing that's going around.  I had that nasty cold a month or so ago and it was not fun.  We had a nice time at Tim & Judy's house.  She made baked chicken, tiny potatoes, a broccoli salad, and a pasta salad.  She had peanut butter pie for dessert.  All delicious and always fun company.  I picked Sharon P up and then dropped her back home by 7:30.  I hadn't been home too long with my BFF Elaine called to chat.  It was fun catching up with her and Jim.  They are heading to Ohio later this week for a week or so with their kids all together in a vacation home they rented.  I look forward to pictures and stories!

Before I sign off, I want to share a picture my sister sent to me.  She said the back of the photo says 1986.  My dad photo-bombed it!!  I don't think he knew we were taking a picture, but we got him in the picture too!  My sister, Patti, my brother, Randy, my sister, Tammy, and me in that very colorful sweater.  Joe probably took the picture since I think I see Mom's hand in the back, as well as Dad.

Peace & Hugs!

Crown Him the Lord of life, who triumphed o’er the grave 

Who rose victorious to the strife for those He came to save

Sunday Stealing...

Thanks to Bev Sykes for today's questions.  You can join in HERE.

Stolen from SwapBot

1. Does love come from the brain, the heart or elsewhere?  All of the above.

2. Have you ever given a shot?  Yes.

3. Can you lick your elbow? (Come on, didja try?)  No, and didn't try.

4. If I was going to be talking to you for 10 minutes, what would be something really interesting you know a little bit about but would like to know more??  What do you do for a living is always a good place to open a conversation.

5. What do you think of the Sopranos?  I enjoyed the series but the final episode was awful.

6. Have you ever had a crush on your teacher?  No.  How about your boss?  No.

7. Have you ever seen a movie in 3D?  Jaws 3D.

8. How difficult do you think it is for immigrants to come into your country?  Way too easy.

9. Do you have what it takes to go live in another country, maybe for years, where you don't speak the language as your first language?  Nope, nor would I want to.

10. Have you ever died in your dreams?  No, but I rarely remember my dreams.

11. What book should our political leaders read and why?  I have a book with the Constitution in it.  They all need to brush up on what the federal government is really supposed to do for the citizens of the USA.

12. What is your favorite glass object?  I have a few glass objects made by artist Susan Gott.

13. Do you like to window shop?  No.  

14. Are you more likely to buy one really nice expensive outfit or a couple of cheap outfits?  I can't afford expensive outfits and even when Joe was alive, I only splurged for a fancy event, like the Museum's Gala or a wedding.  I buy on sale only, even for those more pricey outfits.

15. If you could, would you wear everything once, throw it out and buy something new? No, not even if I could!  I read once that Oprah only wears her panties once and throws them away. Ridiculous.

Peace & Hugs!

For my waking breath, for my daily bread 

I depend on You, I depend on You 

For the sun to rise, for my sleep at night 

I depend on You, Yes I depend on You

The Saturday 9...

 Crazy Sam gives us the questions!! Thanks, Sam!  You can join in HERE!

I've Got Your Number

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've Got Your Number (1965)

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

Chosen in memory of Tony Bennett, who passed away on July 21.

 

1) In this song, Tony sings that he recognizes his lover's insecurities because she's a lot like him. Are you unsure in social situations? Or do you meet new people easily?  I am not unsure but admit to being a little uncomfortable when I don't know anyone.  I meet new people easily, especially now that I am older and not concerned about what someone might think about me.

 

2) While singing was his livelihood, painting was Tony Bennett's passion. What hobby do you participate in with the greatest enthusiasm?  It used to be making jewelry. Now my hobby is watching TV. 

3) Tony was a proud son of New Jersey. Many singers hail from The Garden State, including Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and Frank Sinatra. What heroes, heroines, or celebrities hail from your home state?  My "home state" is Ohio, home to Joel Grey, Paul Newman, Justin Chambers, Clark Gable, Hal Holbrook, and a bunch more. From Florida, Gloria Estefan, Pat Boone, Tom Petty, Delta Burke, Sidney Poitier, and a bunch more.    

4) Though Tony dreamed of becoming a commercial artist, he had to drop out of school in his teens to help support his family. Looking back on your teen years, what did you want to do for a living? Is that what you ended up doing?  I wanted to be a beautician, an architect, an art teacher, or own a horse ranch in Colorado.  No, I didn't end up doing any of those things!! LOL

5) During WWII, Tony served in Germany. The first time his voice was broadcast was during an aircheck for Armed Forces Radio. For the occasion, he sang "St. James Infirmary." That was Tony's first. Let's contrast it with your last. What's the most recent song you sang?  I sing in church and I sing with the radio.  I really don't remember the last one I sang with on the radio.  

6) After the War, Bob Hope saw him perform under his real name, Anthony Benedetto. Hope told him that, no matter how great his talent, his name would hold him back because it was too long for a marquee. And so, Tony Bennett was born. Tell us about a marquee in your town. Is it announcing a movie, play, or concert performance?  We have the historic Polk Theater in downtown Lakeland and they run old movies on the weekends.  I haven't seen the sign in over a week.  I post photos of the sign, with silly sayings, at Southside Cleaners often.  

Not my photo...

This IS my photo...

 

7) In 2006, he recorded his Duets album, partnering with a variety of singers he admired. Tony said he enjoyed working with Paul McCartney at London's Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles created their classic recordings. If you vacationed in London, what would you be sure to visit?  I would ask my blogging friend, Wendy, where we could meet for a cuppa.  She lives in London and I would love to meet her in person!  I've really never been interested in visiting London, though I do enjoy "Escape to the Country" on BritBox.  It is people who want to move out of London to the countryside.

 

8) "I've Got Your Number" was performed by Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore on The Dick Van Dyke Show. According to Dick, they were so believable as a married couple that he received glares from a hotel clerk while checking in with his real-life wife, Margie. What TV or movie couple do you feel had "chemistry?"  Dick and Mary, for sure. My favorite would have to be Edith and Archie though!! 

9) Special summertime random question: Would you have more fun at a pro baseball game or an art museum exhibit?  Definitely the art museum.  Baseball is not a favorite.  

Peace & Hugs

Who has held the oceans in His hands? 

Who has numbered every grain of sand? 

Kings and nations tremble at His voice 

All creation rises to rejoice

Friday Fotos from the Archives...

I have nothing new to share so I wondered when I started joining in on Friday Fotos...  I visited July 2013, 2014, 2015, and finally found it in 2016!!  It was fun reading through the old July posts from 8-10 years ago.  I was getting ready for the annual audit at my job and it made me feel so blessed to not have the stress of an annual audit now!! The audits always went well, but it was a lot of work and was stressful.  

So, here is a Friday Foto Friends post from the end of July in 2016.  Nothing has been changed.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Friday Foto Friends....

Linking up with Debbie for Friday Foto Friends!  Stop by Breathing In Grace to join in....

I've mentioned before that I pamper myself every four weeks with a facial.  Dawn has been my aesthetician and friend for over 10 years now.  I even got Joe to go several years ago and he goes every four weeks now, too.  Dawn actually has quite a few male clients (mostly for waxing, which Joe does NOT have done! LOL).

Dawn rents one of her rooms to Richard, who does massage therapy.  I personally think the facial is more relaxing (for me) than a massage.

This is the entrance and reception window but Dawn doesn't have a receptionist.  Her daughter is studying to be an aesthetician and may start working there soon. 

This little cutie greets Dawn every morning and in the evenings because she always has a snack for him.  He greets me too and lets me pet him.  He lives just across the alley from the building Dawn is in, and sometimes brings a tabby friend with him.

This is where the magic happens. I always get a deep cleansing and then moisture. It is an amazing facial. If you've never had one, I highly recommend it!!

Our photographer, at work, was doing new 'head shots' for staff yesterday.  Mine turned out okay.  It was fun doing it outside, with the trees as the backdrop.

The auditors finished with the field work yesterday!  Hooray!  They said it went well and they didn't find anything out of place.  Thank goodness it's Friday!  Thanks for your visit!!  Peace & hugs.

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

I haven't had a facial since Joe died.  It isn't in my budget anymore but I am still in touch with Dawn.  If I skipped a few weeks of going out to eat with my Mas Verde friends, I could schedule a facial.  Maybe one of these months!!  LOL

Peace & Hugs!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!

Whimsical Fashion Spree 2023...

 

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

Check out the dress and pick the bouquet she should carry for her wedding!

This is all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

Photos are always from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty!

I don't think we've ever picked a bridal bouquet so something different this week!  The dress is beautiful and struck me as something different and (perhaps) for a more mature bride!  Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which one you pick for the bride and why if you have an opinion!!  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  the neckline is a little low for me but it does look nice on her.  As for the bouquet, I will pick the red roses for this more mature bride.  Nice contrast and red roses mean love!!  What do you think?  

Peace & hugs!!

Love divine, all loves excelling,

joy of heav'n to earth come down,

fix in us Thy humble dwelling;

all Thy faithful mercies crown.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to our hostess, Joyce, for today's Hodgepodge!  Become a Hodgepodger HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 513

1. July 25th is National Merry-Go-Round Day. Do you call it a merry-go-round or a carousel?  Merry-go-round.  When was the last time you rode one?  A long time ago.  Did you enjoy that?  Yes.  Metaphorically speaking, what's something in your life right now that feels like a merry-go-round?  No merry-go-round for me these days.  Life is pretty easy.  There are perks to being older!! 

Lauren, Tristan, and Joe

at Cypress Gardens a very long time ago.

2. What word do you have a hard time pronouncing?  Accompanist and accompaniment.  What word do you have a hard time spelling? Both of those! What's your favorite word in another language?  Capiche?  (Italian for understand?)  Don't judge... I say this to the cats frequently when telling them to stop whatever they are doing that they shouldn't be doing (scratching furniture or starting to fight, for instance).  Vinny/ Casper... STOP!  Capiche?!!

3. What's a phrase or cliche you use pretty often and find to be true?  God is in control!  (Not cliche!!)

4. When it comes to grocery shopping what is your most dreaded chore-menu planning, the actual shopping and paying, or the unloading/putting away?  Paying for sure but unloading and putting away seems to take forever.  How often do you shop?  Once a week or ten days.   Do you use any of the pick-up and/or delivery services?  Kroger delivers here in Lakeland and offered $15.00 off your first three deliveries.  I've used those up and most likely won't have them deliver again because they charge $9.95 to deliver.  It was nice, though.  I've never done the pick-up thing.  I do like going to the grocery and finding the BOGO bargains.

5. Something you need or want to do before July comes to a close?  I can't think of a thing.  Only days to go and my calendar says same-old same-old.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I confessed to taking the month off from my diet.  I further confess that I bought ice cream cones and have been enjoying two dips of frozen yogurt in a cone for my "bedtime" snack.  Sigh.  I might miss that more than pasta when I get back to carnivore/keto/low carb.

Peace & Hugs!

Yes, we’ll gather at the river

The beautiful, the beautiful river

Gather with the saints at the river

That flows by the throne of God

The Tuesday 4...

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

Friendship

".,,there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" psalms 18

 It's time once again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

 Let's talk about friendship.

1. Do you have or have you had a special or best friend or do you consider all your friends the same?  Joe was the best friend I ever had.  I write about my BFF, Elaine, often.  We became friends when we were 10 or so.  I am blessed with many friends but I don't consider all of them the same.  There is a stronger bond with those who knew my parents and know my siblings.  The bonds are stronger with those who are part of my personal history.  My immediate neighbors are friends who I care about (and they care about me) but they don't really know me...  I dare say my long-time blogging friends probably know me better than my neighbor friends.

2. Many in the past had close relationships and fell in love through letters.  What do you think of online friendships... are they real?  Definitely!!  Are there friends who last a lifetime?  Absolutely!

3.  Are there stories, movies, or TV programs that you enjoyed because of the friendship or relationship portrayed in them?  Yes!!  I just finished season 3 of Sweet Magnolias on Netflix.  An excellent portrayal of friendships that last a lifetime.

4. What does friendship mean to you?  Trusted, respectful, fun, caring, understanding, confidante, supportive, considerate, dependable, kind...  all of that and more!

Peace & Hugs!!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow...

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

Make that cheat MONTH!!

My weight loss stalled around the first of July (at 20+ pounds) and I just got frustrated and I gave up for the month.  I will get back to it come August.  I will say I have been enjoying my comfort food again (pasta, mainly).  That said, the past few days have all been about food, glorious food! LOL

On Thursday evening, the Mas Verde group went to Tapatio's Mexican Restaurant.  I had beef tacos with refried beans and rice.

On Friday, I met my friends, Livia and Wilma, at Il Forno Italian Restaurant.  I had spaghetti.  It was a fun evening with my friends from church.

On Saturday, I had my boss, his wife, our friend Monika, and my friend Sharon over for dinner and then we played the marble board game we all enjoy.  Danon made strawberry pie for dessert.  I made the Cheesy Chicken Penne casserole.  They all liked it.  Sharon took some leftovers home and asked for the recipe.  I also had a big salad and some garlic bread.

I started getting text messages on Saturday, from members of my small group.  Four or five have covid and our meeting this Tuesday is canceled.  I haven't seen any of them (other than Livia and Wilma) since last Sunday but I decided to skip church yesterday.  Livia did too and I think Wilma did as well.  I did do a covid test and it was negative.  I wasn't concerned but decided to avoid the gathering.  I can't miss a week of work in quarantine  It was really nice that three different people checked in with me to see if I was okay since I wasn't in church. Blessed.

It is hard to believe we are almost to August.  School will be starting here in just a few weeks. Good golly!

Peace & Hugs!

Are you thirsty 

Are you empty 

Come and drink these Living Waters 

Time unbroken 

Peace unspoken 

Rest beside these Living Waters

Sunday Stealing...

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

Stolen from SwapBot

Would you rather...

1. Live on a boat or in a treehouse?  A boat.

2. No computer use for a year or no sweets for a year?  No sweets.

3. Have $2,000 right now or be given $100 every month for the rest of your life?  $2,000 right now.

4. Be an astronaut or an athlete?  Athlete.

5. Have 50 good friends or only one best friend?  50 good friends.

6. Have bright blue teeth or bright blue hair?  Hair.

7. Have the power of flight or the power of invisibility?  I'll go invisible.

8. Have a fun friend who is snarky or a boring friend who is kind?  Kindness, always.

9. Be incredibly rich but without love or be poor but have a happy marriage?  Poor and happy, please!

10. Have a freezing cold shower every day or a pleasant hot shower once a week?  I'll take a hot shower once a week and wash really well from the sink the other days.

11. Be an only child or have many siblings? I'll keep my siblings.

12. Quit video games forever or live in a desert for a month?  Since I don't play video games, I'll quit video games forever.

13. Go on a one-week trip to a foreign country of your choice or a month-long trip in your own country?  I'll take a one-month road trip right here in the USA.

14. Celebrate your birthday every day or go on your favorite holiday once a year?  I'll go on holiday once a year.

15. If fish could talk, what would you ask them?  I haven't a clue. 

Peace & Hugs!

My chains are gone, I’ve been set free 

my God my Savior has ransomed me 

And like a flood His mercy reigns 

unending love, amazing grace

 

The Saturday 9...

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

You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To

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: You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (1943)

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

 
1) In this song, Dinah Shore goes on about listening to the breeze. Is it windy, breezy, or still where you are today?  Still, hot, and humid.

 

2) The August moon is bright in Dinah's musical fantasy. Let's look at your calendar. Is anything special coming up in August (birthdays, anniversaries, vacation getaways ...)?  No celebrations but I do have lunch scheduled with my granddaughter, Lauren.  We will meet in Punta Gorda at our usual meeting place!!  I guess it really is a celebration!!

 

3) Dinah was one of TV's pioneers. Her first show was a 15-minute variety show that ran two nights/week in 1951. What's the most recent show you watched?  I've been streaming the new season of Sweet Magnolias, on Netflix.  

4) She followed that in 1956 with the Dinah Shore Chevy Show. It was an hour long and sponsored by the car company. At the end of every show, Dinah encouraged her viewers to "see the USA in your Chevrolet ..." Today Chevrolets are still the most popular cars manufactured by General Motors. Tell us about your car.  My car is a 2017 Ford Escape.  I traded my Kia Sportage in, after 10 years, for the Escape.  I like keeping my car as long as possible and hope for at least four more years from the Escape.

5) From 1970 to 1991, Dinah hosted daytime TV talk shows and found tremendous success, winning 6 Emmy Awards and repeatedly appearing in the Gallup Poll of America's most admired women. Do you remember her?  I do remember Dinah AND hearing her tell us to see the USA in a Chevrolet.  I'm that old.  I also remember all the hullabaloo about her when she was dating Burt Reynolds.

 

6) Dinah was such an avid golfer that, in 1972, she founded one of the LPGA's major tournaments. Though now officially titled The Chevron Championship, it's still often referred to as "The Dinah Shore" in her memory. Do you golf? If not, would you like to learn?  I played golf back in what I call my former life.  I sold my clubs after my divorce and haven't played since (even though Joe liked to golf).  I was not very good.

7) In 1943, when "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" was popular, so were tablecloths. It was common to have cotton tablecloths for everyday use, fun and festive ones for the 4th of July and Christmas, and linen for formal occasions. Do you use tablecloths in your home?  Yes, I do for special occasions but not every day.

 

8) Beatle George Harrison was born in 1943. Which of the Fab Four is your favorite?  I've never been a big Beatles fan but I'll say John for the sake of the question.  I didn't like Yoko, though!!

9) Random question: Would you rather live on a houseboat or in a trailer?  Some people refer to my manufactured home as a trailer, but it is 1,500 square feet with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms.  No wheels.  If this question is about a houseboat or a travel trailer, 40 years ago I would say the houseboat but now I will choose the travel trailer.

Peace & Hugs

I will not boast in wealth or might – 

or human wisdom's fleeting light 

But I will boast in knowing Christ, at the cross