Wednesday's Hodgepodge...

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

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 536

 

1. January 29th is National Puzzle Day. Do you enjoy puzzles?  Not really.  What kind (crossword, jigsaw, sudoku, etc)?   I have done sudoku but not in a long time.  I don't mind working on a jigsaw but can't do it here at home because the cats would have to "help".  How often do you work on a puzzle?  Not often, if at all.

2. Something you currently find 'puzzling'?  How "we the people" are putting up with the crazies running this country. 

3. What's your go-to dish to take to someone who needs a meal (new baby, bereavement, etc)?  I pick up a rotisserie chicken at Sam's Club and a bag salad.  It can be used now or later and in many ways.  That is easier than trying to figure out diet restrictions, allergies, etc.

4. Do you watch any HGTV and/or The Food Network? If so, what's your favorite program there?  I watch more HGTV-type shows on Discovery+ but also watch British TV on BritBox and Acorn.  I really love Escape To The Country and most of the home makeover shows.

5.  Wrap up your January in five words, with a five-word phrase, or with a five-word sentence.  It went by very fast!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I'm looking forward to lunch with my friends, Wendy and Suzette today.  We are going to KeKe's Breakfast Cafe.  I haven't been there since before covid so am looking forward to it.  It is only open for breakfast and lunch which doesn't work into my work schedule.  I have the day off for an eye doctor follow-up and jumped on the chance to suggest KeKe's.

Peace and Hugs!

Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness

Take it to the Lord in prayer,

 

No Tuesday 4....

It's almost my bedtime and there isn't a Tuesday 4 posted yet so I will share a photo and a story...

This isn't my photo.  I got it from dear friends Elaine and Jim.  This Norfolk Pine was in a planter that I received when Joe passed away, three years ago.  You all know that I do not have a green thumb so I was happy when Elaine said she would take it home with them.  This is the latest photo.  

It makes my heart happy to see it growing and looking so beautiful!!  Thanks, Elaine!

Peace and Hugs!!

A time for every season...

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

Now don't be laughing, my friends from the north!!  It's all relative... and it's cold here for the next few days!!  No boots or mittens, but still cold for us!

I have very little to write about the weekend.  Friday after work, I stopped at Publix Pharmacy to get the first Shingles vaccine.  After seeing my neighbor go through such pain with shingles a month ago I decided I needed to follow my doctor's advice and get it done.  My arm was sore for a couple of days but not worse than the flu shots I get every year.  The second one will be in a few months.

No alarm on Saturday morning and the cats even let me sleep in until after 8:00.  I puttered around doing a few things here and there but didn't leave the house.  I went to Sunday school and church and was a greeter for the church service.  I enjoy passing out the bulletin and getting hugs and smiles.  Laundry was done when I got home and not much else.  I watched the movie "Miss Congeniality" with Sandra Bullock.  Cute movie.  I have the DVD but it was free on YouTube.

I'm working all day today because I have an early morning eye doctor follow-up appointment on Wednesday and decided to just take the day off.  Scheduled an early lunch with my friends, Wendy and Suzette!!  Yippee!!

Peace and Hugs!!

Have a blessed week ahead and thanks for the visit!!

Sunday Stealing...

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

Sunday Stealing

 

Stolen from League of Extraordinary Penpals

1. What are your plans for February?  Just keep on keepin' on.

2. Did you ever have or go to sleepovers as a kid?  During Jr. High, we had lots of 
slumber parties.

3. Which books would you pick for a book binge?  I could read the Harry Potter books

again, or Outlander, or The Hunger Games.

4. What features do you love most about your home?  I love my big kitchen and the

walk-in pantry.

5. How often do you try something new?  I'm usually game when something new comes up.

6. What type of sushi is your favorite?  I don't eat raw but enjoy cooked.  

7. Do you prefer to relax or go on adventures during vacation?  A mixture of both.

8. Which colors look best on you?  I get compliments when I wear red, pink, or greens.

9. Do you like brunch?  I do like brunch.

10. Do you get stage fright?  Yes.  Please don't put me on a stage for anything.

11. Which podcasts do you like at the moment?  I have never listened to a podcast.

12. One thing that immediately makes your day better.  Waking up in the morning!!

13. Which family members are you closest to?  Sisters. Sons. Grandchildren.

14. Something you practice often.  It's been a long time since I practiced anything.

15. Are you a light sleeper or a deep sleeper?  I am a light sleeper.

Peace and 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

The Saturday 9...

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

Joanna

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: Joanna (1983)

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

1) The subject of this week's song, Joanna, is described as someone who never lets you down and can always be counted upon. Who in your life is like that?   Joe was that person for me and I miss him and that security.  My sons can be counted on.  My sisters can be counted on.  My nieces and nephews can be counted on.  My dear friends can be counted on (over and over).  I am blessed by people in my life who care for me and are there for me and I don't take them for granted.

2) Kool and the Gang vocalist James "J. T." Taylor sings that he will do his best to do what's right for her. Reflect on the last week. What did you devote special effort to?  It sounds silly, but I had to talk myself into going out with friends on Thursday.  I love them dearly but when I get home from work, it is really hard to pry myself out again. I am always glad I go but it does usually take a little effort to get myself out the door.

3) This video was filmed at the Colonial Diner in Lyndhurst, NJ. Still open 40 years later, the Colonial is known for their Boom Boom Shrimp, aka fried shrimp in sweet chili sauce. Think of your favorite local restaurant. What menu item would recommend?  Bang Bang Shrimp at Bone Fish Grill.  Same idea and delicious!

4) Kool and the Gang's biggest hit was 1980's "Celebration," which is popular today with disc jockeys at wedding receptions. Are you likely to get up and dance at a wedding reception?  Yes.  Or would we find you enjoying the party from your seat?  I actually love to dance but haven't been to a wedding since my knees were fixed.  Not sure how crazy I can get but I do enjoy dancing.

5) Kool and the Gang are proud of their NJ roots. Group founder Robert Bell was given the nickname "Kool" by his Jersey City friends because he was so "laid back." Do you think your friends would describe you as "laid back?"  I am pretty laid back and am more 'chill' than in my younger years.

6) One of the Jersey City's biggest employers is Evergreen, a transportation and shipping company with offices in Evertrust Plaza, a high-rise near the waterfront. What is the tallest building you've ever been in? Were you there for business, or to enjoy the view?  Probably the Empire State Building when I was there on my senior class trip.  That was 1970.

7) In 1983, when "Joanna" topped the charts, Vanessa Williams became the first African American to be crowned Miss America. Today, Miss America is still among the most popular televised pageants, along with Miss World and Miss Universe. Do you watch beauty pageants?  We always watched when I was a kid still in school.  I always especially liked the talent part of Miss America.  I don't watch them anymore and haven't for many years.

8) Also in 1983, superstars Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson joined forces for the #1 song, "Say, Say, Say." Each man began his career as part of a group but went on to have success on his own. Can you think of anyone else who started out in band or group but also scored as a solo artist?  Frankie Valli. 

9) Random question: Have you more recently eaten bread sticks or carrot sticks?  It's been so long since I had either, I don't even remember.

Peace and Hugs!

Create in me a clean heart . . . 

O God and renew a right spirit within me 

Create in me a clean heart . . . 

O God and renew a right spirit within me

Friday Fotos...

 

I do have a few new photos.  I went out for dinner last night with the Mas Verde group.  There were only five of us this week.  We went downtown to MoJo Federal.  It is in a building that used to be a post office and that's where the Federal part of their name comes from.  It is a fun building and they advertise that they are a whiskey bar.  The BBQ is okay.  It isn't the best, in my opinion, but it was fun being with my friends, Tim & Judy and Sharon & Larry.  We always laugh a lot which I love.

I parked on the street, which was fantastic.  Downtown parking is usually difficult but I got a spot right on the corner and beside the Heritage Plaza which is where the attorney is, who is helping me with Helen's estate.  I have become familiar with this corner.  They do have a parking garage, though, which is where I usually park when I have to go there.

That's all I have for today.  I'm looking forward to the weekend with nothing on the calendar until Sunday school and church.  I'm a greeter this Sunday.

Peace and Hugs!

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross

The emblem of suffering and shame

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

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

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

It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!!

Photos are from the Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

The color drew me to this one and it's good for a special event during this time of year.  Count down on the purses, 1-2-3, and tell us which one you like best for the dress.  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!!

My thoughts:  Maybe she wore it to a special New Year's Eve event, or it could be a Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom dress. Wherever she went or goes, I love the color and would actually try to wear this one if it came in my size.  The sleeves would help disguise my bat wings! (giggle)  As for the purses, they are all lovely but I'll pick #1.  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!!

What love could remember no wrongs we have done

Omniscient, all knowing, He counts not their sum

Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore

Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to our amazing hostess, Joyce!!  You can be a Hodgepodger HERE!!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 535

1. Do you have a word for the year (WOTY)? If so, and you'd like to share, please share. How do you decide on a word? If you don't have a word are you still on the hunt for one for 2024?  I quit doing resolutions years ago, then started looking for a "word" but I quit doing that a couple of years ago.  Just not feeling it.

2. January 23rd is National Pie Day...will you celebrate? Do you like pie? What's your favorite?  I did not have pie yesterday. I served my small church group fresh strawberries with shortcake and whipped cream.  I like cherry pie and most custard pies, especially coconut custard.  Pie is never my first dessert choice.

3. Tipping. What are your thoughts, expectations, as to who, when where? Do you appreciate a store/restaurant giving a 'suggested amount'? Have you ever left an extravagant tip?  I do tip for good service.  I don't mind that the suggested amounts are offered on the bill.  I can't afford to be very extravagant but do usually do a little more than 20%.  I don't get leaving a tip for carryout or serve yourself places.  I do tip for delivery service.

4. Share with us one household 'tip' that works for you.  Don't leave it until later.  It is so much easier to deal with "it" and be done with "it".

5. Influencers on social media are people who've built a reputation for their knowledge and expertise on a particular subject. Do you follow any influencers online? Have you made a purchase or tried something new because of that 'influence'? If there's one you particularly enjoy tell us who they are and why you enjoy them.  I don't follow any influencers.  I've never tried something because of an influencer.  I do, however, pay attention to my blogging connections and will look for something y'all like or have tried with success.  I also try shared recipes, so thanks for those!!  😃

6. Insert your own random thought here.  My small church group went well last night and everyone enjoyed my chicken and rice casserole.  Dessert was a big hit!  We did the introduction for our new Bible study on Habakkuk.  I'm looking forward to it!!   My next time to host will be in March. Time is flying!

Peace and Hugs!

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart 

Naught be all else to me save that Thou art 

Thou my best thought by day or by night 

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

The Tuesday 4...

Annie gives us the questions every Tuesday!  You can join in HERE!!  Thanks, Annie! 

Books

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  We ask 4 questions each week to get you talking, thinking, questioning and seeing how your friends feel about things too.   It helps us get to know other bloggers.

Let's think about books and reading this week.

1.Do you have a favorite place to read?  In bed.  Maybe you can post a photo of it or describe it for us?  It's just my bed. LOL

2.Some say reading makes a person more educated, more informed.  Do you think novels do this in any way?  I think they can, depending on the subject and genre.   Do you learn things from novels?  Sometimes, I guess.  Would you tell us what you have learned?  Since I like historical novels that are based on true facts, I have learned from them I guess.

3. Are there any books on your list to read right now?  I am about finished with The Firm and will start the sequel,  The Exchange, both by John Grisham.

4, Which books did you like the most and which did you dislike most?  I don't like science fiction or biographies/auto-biographies.  I prefer historical, mysteries, medical, detectives...

Peace and Hugs!

For the beauty of each hour

Of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale, and tree and flow’r,

Sun and moon, and stars of light,

My Weekend Recap on Monday...

 

It is strawberry season here in central Florida!!  After work today, I am trekking over to Fancy Farms for some fresh strawberries to serve to my small church group tomorrow evening.  I will make the Bisquick Velvet Crumb Cake as the "shortcake" for the berries and that will be our dessert.  I'm making a chicken and rice casserole for the main dish.

Backing up to Friday, after work I had lunch with Shirley at Glory Days.  That is always a sweet visit with my dear friend.  When I left there, I went to Publix to get my RSV vaccination and picked up some BOGO deals while there.  I'm planning to get my first shingles shot on Friday of this week.  I was told to not get the two shots together so took that advice.

My weekend wasn't anything to write about.  I did some sorting and some cleaning.  I had Kroger deliver some groceries on Saturday morning.  I joined Kroger's Boost and get free delivery, gasoline points and other deals here and there.  I enjoy getting the groceries delivered.  Publix will always have my business as well, but Kroger saves me some money and I pay more attention to what I buy online.   It's very easy to wander the aisles at Publix and pick up things I think I need... you know how that works, I'm sure.

Sunday school and church were good, as always.  I got home and did my laundry.  I had some more home made split pea soup.  I put in in the crockpot on Saturday so it's good for three days.  I've loved pea soup since I was a kid and had Campbell's pea soup from the can.  Much better made from the dried peas!! Yum.

I spoke with my sister, Patti, my sister Tammy, and my sister-in-law Jo Anne.  Always good catching up with them.  My son Joe is getting over his cold and now Darlene has it.  Hoping she will get well quickly.

That's enough silly chatter.  Wishing you all a beautiful week ahead!

Leaving you with my silly sweetheart, having some strawberry shortcake.

Peace and Hugs!!

Let me take you down

'Cause I'm going to strawberry fields

Nothing is real

And nothing to get hung about

Strawberry fields forever

A Sunday Blessing...

 I wasn't feeling the Sunday Stealing so will offer a Sunday Blessing instead...

Peace and Hugs!!

 Hallelujah, glory be to our great God 

Hallelujah, glory be to our great God

The Saturday 9...

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

Young Girl

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: Young Girl (1968)

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

1) The song is about a girl who is too young for romance. How old were you when your parents allowed you to date?  I had a "steady" boyfriend when I was a sophomore, so 15 years old, but we went to school events or hung out at my house.  Small town, no car, no movie theater...  it was all very innocent.

2) Lead singer Gary Puckett mentions the girl's perfume. What scent do you wear most often?  I can't stand perfume. It gives me horrid headaches.  There hasn't been perfume or after-shave cologne in our house for years and years.  I have to move sometimes, in church, in restaurants, on airplanes.  I can't stand perfumes.  The flowery ones are the worst.  The same for very fragrant flowers like the lily, honeysuckle, and gardenias can put me out.

3) "Young Girl" reached #2 on the charts and stayed there for three weeks, but it never hit #1. It was stuck behind Otis Redding's "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay." Are you competitive by nature?  No.  Or would you be satisfied doing well, but not being #1?  I am happy doing well and don't have to be first or front and center. I'm a behind-the-scenes kind of gal.

4) The Union Gap got together in San Diego, California's second most populated city. Have you ever visited California?  Nope.  If yes, where did you go?  I've never had a desire to visit California. 

5) The Union Gap performed at a White House state dinner for special guests Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Some in attendance that night maintain that President Nixon seemed to be playing matchmaker that night between the Prince and his daughter, Tricia. Have you ever tried to fix people up? If yes, did romance result?  I actually remember all of the talk about Tricia Nixon and Prince Charles.  She was smart to leave it alone!! LOL  I have never tried to be a match-maker.

6) After six Top 20 hits in three years, the Union Gap disbanded. Today Gary Puckett tours as a solo artist on the "oldies circuit" with Peter Noone of the Herman's Hermits. Without looking it up, can you name any of the Herman's Hermits hits?  I'm Henry the 8th, I am, I am.... I got married to the widow next door. She's been married seven times before...  I used to know all the words to that one!

7) In 1968, when "Young Girl" was a hit, Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis. Think about the last wedding you attended. Were you closer to the bride or groom?  Groom.

8) Also in 1968, the most popular movie in theaters was Funny Girl, starring Barbra Streisand. What's the last movie you watched?  My Big Fat Greek Wedding #3.  It was awful and I was so disappointed.  (I also watched several Christmas classics.)

9) Random question -- Come clean: Right now are there more dishes in your sink or clothes in your hamper?  I don't leave dishes in the sink - ever.  I did a load of laundry Wednesday, but there are some clothes in the hamper, so hamper it is.

Peace and Hugs!

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart 

Naught be all else to me save that Thou art 

Thou my best thought by day or by night 

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

Friday Fotos...

 

Friday got here pretty fast this week.  I only have a couple of new photos to share.  When the weather gets cold, the alligators become lethargic and they seek places in the sun.  My boss knows that I love seeing the gators in the wild so he came into my office and told me to come with him, right now.  He was out on the property and saw a 10-foot gator sleeping in the sun and wanted to show me...

You can't see him well from this vantage point.  I would have missed him but Danon just has an eye for the wildlife.  This is one of the paddling trails and we were actually on one of the hiking/horseback trails, in his truck.  We aren't open to the  public Tuesday - Thursday.  

I cropped the picture in for a close-up.  The gator wasn't moving.  He was not happy being that cold and seemed oblivious to us watching him.

I'm having lunch with my friend, Shirley, today.  Our friend, Cindee, who moved away a few years ago, called one afternoon this week and we talked for nearly an hour.  She is my friend who has Parkinson's Disease.  She and her hubby moved to Palmetto to be closer to their son and daughter and grandkids.  We are trying to plan another get-together.  Our group of six once-a-month lunch friends is just Shirley and me now.  Melody died, Heather moved to Virginia, Terry moved to Georgia, Cindee is in Palmetto, FL, leaving just two of us remaining in Lakeland.  We have many good memories and always had so much fun when we got together.

Shirley, me, Cindee, and Melody.

Me, Cindee, Heather, Shirley, and Terry.  

Everyone but Shirley worked at the Museum.

Shirley lived next door to Melody and became part of our lunch group.

This is the only photo I have with all six of us in it.

Terry, Shirley, Cindee, Me, Heather, Melody

Thanks for walking down memory lane with me!!  So many blessings!!  

Peace and Hugs!

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness

Take it to the Lord in prayer

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

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

Check out the outfit and pick the boots you like best.

It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

Photos are from the Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

It's winter!!  We are cold here in Florida and I know it is colder than here where most of my readers are!  I looked for something that looked warm.  Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which boots you like best!!  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing.

My thoughts:  Chuckling a bit because there is no way this "coat" is keeping the model warm.  The mittens might have her hands warm but it is cute and a tad bit vintage.  As for the footwear, I will choose #2 because they look more durable and the heel might be easier to wear in bad weather.  Tell us your thoughts and please don't make fun of me for calling this outfit winter wear!!  LOL

Peace and Hugs!

Who else could rescue me from my failing? 

Who else would offer His only Son? 

Who else invites me to call Him Father? 

Only a Holy God 

Only my Holy God

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

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

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 534

1. On January 18th we commemorate A.A. Milne's birthday. Milne is the author of the beloved classic Winnie the Pooh. In many ways Pooh represents innocence and simplicity. His optimism reminds us to appreciate the little things. What are three little things you're appreciating in mid-January?  Little things... A fun new series on Acorn TV called Under The Vines (about wineries in New Zealand); I'm trying Home Chef meals - no verdict yet, but not blown away; life is quiet right now.

2. Piglet teaches us even the smallest of individuals can achieve big things with the proper amount of determination. How do your current responsibilities make you feel?  In balance and not stressed. 

3. Tigger is known for his enthusiasm and energy, his boundless joy and love of life. What's something you're interested in learning more about in this new year? I don't currently have anything I'm interested in that requires more learning.  I am happy just taking things as they come.  Added note this morning... my small group is starting a Bible study on Habakkuk next week and that will run for five or six months.  I am looking forward to it!!

4. Eeyore, while a melancholy character, teaches us the importance of resilience and perseverance. How do you stay motivated and persevere in difficult circumstances?  I have had to learn that it's all up to me right now.  There is no one else here to help, pitch-in, or shield/protect me from difficulties.  It's up to me and I'm getting it done.  And it's okay.  God is in control and He is my strength through each day.  (He doesn't do bathrooms and trash, though, like Joe used to do. Ugh.)

5. What's the last thing you ate that was made with honey?  I don't cook with honey often but do put it liberally on buttered toast and I have locally made honey.  My current bottle is from the Winkler farm (Joe's former ranch client).

6. Insert your own random thought here.  When I was driving to work yesterday, the local rancher's cattle were loose again on State property.  It happens frequently but this is the first time I actually saw them!!  I stopped the car, put the window down and took some photos while telling them that they were naughty and were in trouble again.  They really didn't care...

Peace and Hugs!!

I am Jesus' little lamb,

Ever glad at heart I am;

For my Shepherd gently guides me,

Knows my need and well provides me,

Loves me ev'ry day the same,

Even calls me by my name.