Saturday, June 29, 2024

The Saturday 9...

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


People

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 memes, however, and here is today's meme!


Saturday 9: People (1964)

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

1) In this song, Barbra Streisand sings that pride can get in the way of happy relationships. Have you found that to be true?  Not personally but I can see how it could be true.

2) The photo on the record sleeve was taken on Chicago's Oak Street Beach, as Barbra watches the sun rise over Lake Michigan. Have you been to the beach yet this summer?  No.

3) Barbra performed "People" more than 1,350 times when she played Fanny Brice onstage in Funny Girl. She also did it in her Oscar-winning turn as Fanny in the film version. She performed it in her first TV special back in 1964 and in at least 510 concerts since. That's a lot of "People!" Can you think of another performer who has/had a song that is so identified with them you can't imagine seeing them in concert without hearing it?  Willie Nelson, Whiskey River.  Bette Midler, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Dolly Parton, Coat of Many Colors & Nine to Five. Frank Sinatra, New York New York...

4) Barbra got her first pet, a poodle named Sadie, as a gift from the Funny Girl behind-the-scenes crew when she was 23 years old and she's had dogs in her life ever since. Did you have pets when you were growing up?  We had a dog named Happy and several cats through the years (Puffy, Charlie, Ringo, Spunky).

5) Barbra has always taken her Jewish faith seriously, beginning with her days at the Yeshiva of Brooklyn. 70 years later, her old school is still there. How about your grammar school? Does it still stand?  Kindergarten was at a private church school.  I went to grades 1-3 in the same building my mom was in for high school.  The building is still there and is being preserved (had to look online).  I have no idea about the school I went to in 4th grade (Eastside Elementary).  It was a LONG time ago.  The school I attended in grades 5-12 is still there, but is now elementary and junior high.  A new building houses the high school (on the same property).

6) She tried marijuana a couple times but didn't like it and the only alcohol she drinks is the occasional beer with her Chinese food. Are you like Barbra and generally abstain? Or do you enjoy pot and/or alcohol?  I have never smoked pot or taken any illegal drugs.  I have never been drunk, but I do enjoy a glass of wine or a mixed drink now and then.  Beer - not so much.  Early on, I saw friends get silly drunk, and sick from from too much partying.  I've never wanted to be that out of control.  Not a goody-goody... just a control freak and didn't want to be that ugly sick, ever.  I am always the designated driver.

7) Barbra's favorite lunch is a bowl of Campbell's condensed tomato soup. If we were to peek into your pantry, would we find any canned soup?  Not tomato but chicken noodle is always on hand.

8) In 1964, when this song was popular, hats were, too. The Sears Spring/Summer catalog devoted six pages to ladies' hats and two pages to men's. Are hats part of your wardrobe?  I look ridiculous in hats.  I love them but can't wear them.  If you can, I'm jealous!

9) Random question: Which of your personality traits has gotten you in the most trouble?  I try to not get into trouble but I am 'contrary' and hard-headed and set in my ways.  Not sure how Joe put up with me for 38 years (almost 36 married) but so blessed that he did! 

Peace and Hugs!

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save me from its guilt and power.


Friday, June 28, 2024

Friday Fotos!

 


I have some photos to share today!!

I chuckled at this play on words...
Oughtabiography
The things you should have done.

Duke Energy has been clearing an easement on Tenoroc's property and have exposed a pretty lake (not ours) on the other side of the fence that we couldn't see.  I drove down the road to find it because the guys have all been talking about it.  It was wet and soggy so I didn't want to stop and get out of my car.  I will go check it out in a few weeks.  Here are a few views from my car window...






And here is Casper, stretched out with me on the recliner.  
This is his favorite snuggle.  
On my lap but not really on my lap!!

The Mas Verde group went to our favorite Italian restaurant last night.  Il Forno has great food.   We won't go out next week because there will be a July 4th cookout at our Clubhouse.  I'm taking the day off so I can join in this year!

Tomorrow, Monika is having a dinner party at her house.  It will be a nice time with her, Danon, and Mali.

Happy Friday & Weekend!

He walks with me and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own!


Thursday, June 27, 2024

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

There isn't a linky and there aren't any rules.
Check out the dress and pick the shoes you like best.
It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing.
Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.


A favorite color for many of us.  This one is a more mature glamorous gown, perhaps.  Count down on the shoes 1-2-3 and pick the pair you like best for the dress.


My thoughts:  A lovely dress that would not flatter my figure but looks lovely on the model.  I would also have to safety-pin that slit so that not so much of my leg would be showing.  As for the shoes, I'll play it safe and choose #1.  What are your thoughts?
Peace and Hugs!

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, 
Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, 
Gentleness,  and Self Control


Wednesday, June 26, 2024

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to Joyce for today's fun questions!  You can be a Hodgepodger by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 557


From this Side of the Pond


1. What do you think has remained the same about you your whole life?  I'm tall and have big feet!  LOL  How has your perception of yourself changed over time?  I don't care what people think anymore.  I don't take myself too seriously.  Like Popeye says... I yam what I yam, and dats all what I yam.  

2. What was the first thing you learned how to cook?  Scrambled eggs.  Do you prefer to cook or bake?  I had my own baking business for four years (cakes) but I like cooking better than baking.  Baking is a close second though.

3. What are some of your current priorities in this season of life?  To stay healthy and intact!  Elaborate.  In no particular order... Slow down, don't fall, don't ignore twinges, and keep those regular check-ups!  Trust your doctor.  Have fun.  Laugh.  Pray.  Trust Jesus!!  Keep love alive in your heart!  Did I say pray!

4. How much time do you spend on your hair each day or, put another way, what's your hair care routine?   This naturally curly/frizzy mop just gets washed each morning and I use a little gel in it for curls.  Do you get it cut regularly or just whenever the mood strikes?  I get a trim every 5-6 weeks.  Do you go to the same stylist every time?  Joe and I went to the same barber for years and years.  I recently switched when Teena had knee replacement and was out for six weeks.  I've been to Laura, at a shop closer to home, three times.  Think I'll keep her.  I didn't "ghost" Teena.  We have communicated and she is fine with my decision.  (Her hubby retired and I think she will be retiring soon anyway.)  Do you tell your stylist everything?  More with Teena over the years but I'm still feeling out Laura.  Small talk.  Any other beauty treatments you indulge in throughout the year?  I love a good facial but it hasn't been in my budget these past few years.  I need to get one scheduled.  If you haven't had a facial, get one.  It's amazing!

5. What is the most awe-inspiring place you've visited?  Italy.  Mouth open, chin on my chest for the entire 12 days.  I'm so glad we had Italy!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  When did nail polish go from $2.49 a bottle to $8.99 a bottle?  Good grief!!  Polish doesn't last long on my nails.  I'm too hard on them so I don't usually bother with them.  But I thought I might have a mani-pedi before I go to Ohio in September for my nephew's wedding.  I like to take my own polish so I can touch up chips and scratches (am I the only one who does that?).  I saw a quiet neutral color I liked the other day, at Publix, and bought it.  Revlon.  $8.99.  Good golly!

Peace and Hugs!!

“If I'm not me, who am I. And If I'm somebody else, 
why do I look like me?” ― Popeye the Sailor Man

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Tuesday 4...

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

Childhood



Welcome to Toni's Tuesday 4 and another chance to learn more about yourself and your fellow bloggers.

This week is all about you  …

1. Were you an adventurous child at all?  I think my answer is yes.

2. What were some of your favorite places to go as a child? Amusement parks, movies, restaurants, zoo. etc?  In the summer, I went to the city swimming pool, but we moved to Millersport when I was 10.  To this day, Millersport has less than 1,200 citizens.  We played on the railroad tracks, in the woods, and once a year got to go to an amusement park. We had big yards, rode our bikes, good climbing trees, a lake to ice skate on in the winter and swim in the summer... and found lots of fun with friends in those days before computers and cell phones.

3. What games did you play outdoors? indoors?  Badminton, neighborhood ball games, we played Monopoly, but we were outside as often as we could be (see above).

4.  Where did you grow up and do you think it affected who you are today?  Central Ohio (30 miles east of Columbus) in a very small farming community.  Of course, it affected who I am today. It was a great place and a great way to grow up.


Peace and Hugs!

2 Samuel 7:29
Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord God, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”


Monday, June 24, 2024

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 


I rarely have photos for Friday, but seem to always have a few from the weekend.  On Friday, I had lunch with my friend, Shirley.  We went to Glory Days and both had the Friday fish special, with six shrimp added!  It was so good!


The following photos are not mine but I got permission from my sister, Patti, to post the photos she shared with me of her freshly painted and spruced up deck.  She and Greg live in eastern Ohio, which is full of hills, rivers, and beauty.  She is newly retired after 44 years of teaching.  She got the green thumb gene...






The view...

  She sent me this one a while back, taken from her kitchen window.  Nice view!!


Wishing everyone a week ahead filled with blessings!!

Peace and Air Hugs!

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul


Saturday, June 22, 2024

The Saturday 9...

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


I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive


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 memes, however, and here is today's meme!


Saturday 9: I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive (1952)

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

1) In this song, Hank Williams sings that his fishing pole is broke and the creek is full of sand. OK, so he can't spend his Saturday fishing. What are your Saturday plans?   No plans other than a little cleaning.

2) He regrets how shabby his shoes are. Do you shop for shoes online, or do you prefer going to the store and trying them on?  I wear a size 12 wide.  No stores carry my size (except in the men's department).  If they look generic, I admit that I have bought men's sandals and sneakers, but I order my shoes online 99% of the time.

3) This was the last Hank Williams song to be released during his lifetime. Though he was only 29 when he died, he left an enduring mark on American music and is considered one of country music's greatest singer/songwriters. Who is your favorite country music performer?  I listen to Willie's Roadhouse and Prime Country on SiriusXM.  There are many country singers I like, but I'll say Alan Jackson, Patsy Cline, and for a group, Alabama. 

4) Elvis was a big fan and his favorite Hank Williams song was "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." What's your favorite Elvis song?  I've never been a big Elvis fan but do like 'I Can't Help Falling In Love'.  

5) Johnny Cash was a big Hank Williams fan, too. He performed Hank's gospel song, "I Saw the Light" often in concert and during his guest starring role in a 1974 episode of Columbo. Did you watch Columbo, or do you stream it or catch it in reruns?  I loved Columbo and watched it every week.  I have tuned in for reruns now and then.

6) Hank was a prolific songwriter, composing songs on his guitar and then printing the lyrics by hand on notepaper. He never learned to read music. Can you read music?  Yes.  I started playing trumpet in fifth grade.  I also took piano lessons for half a minute.  My biggest problem with piano was/is that I can read treble clef great but bass clef slows me down.  After just reading treble clef for trumpet, I had trouble reading bass clef fast enough to play piano.

7) When he was a teen, Hank sang and played his guitar on the sidewalk in front of a local radio station, making a little money and hoping to be discovered. His plan worked and he was occasionally invited in to play with the radio station's house band. Were you a hard-working teen?  Firstborn. Yes.  I had summer jobs from junior high through high school and was also responsible for babysitting my siblings after school and starting dinner.  Mom and Dad both worked full-time. 

8) Hank suffered from a congenital spinal condition and began self-medicating with alcohol during his teen years. He was warned against this early on by country superstar Ray Acuff, but Hank was unable to deal with the pain without liquor. Can you recall wise advice you wish you'd taken, but didn't?  No, I can't recall advice I wish I had taken but didn't.

9) Random question: What's your favorite Mexican food?  I usually order a taco salad or burrito in a restaurant. I like my homemade tacos and (don't cringe!) I love Taco Bell's premium hard tacos.


Peace and Hugs!

I saw the light, I saw the light
No more darkness, no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord, I saw the light


Friday, June 21, 2024

Friday Favorite...

 No photos again but I thought I would share one of my favorite Bible verses today...




Peace and Hugs

Happy Weekend!!

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

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's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!
The photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.


Another lovely gown for skinny models (smiling), but it IS lovely and struck me as worth another look when I saw it.  Count down on the shoes, 1-2-3, and tell us which ones you pick for the gown.  A sorority event, Jr. League fundraiser, a debutante cotillion... what do you  think?   It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!


My thoughts:  I think it's a soft, pretty color and is different from the dresses I've posted recently.  It is not a dress I would or could wear and same for the shoes, but I will choose #3 this week.  What are your thoughts?  Where is she going?

Peace and Hugs!!

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
- Audrey Hepburn

 

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to Joyce for today's questions and fun!  You can be a Hodgepodger HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 556


From this Side of the Pond

1. It's National Splurge Day...what's something you might splurge on today? What have you splurged on recently?  No splurges today.  The last splurge was at Publix... groceries.

2. Do you have a beach bag?  I have lots of bags that have been to the beach.  What's in it?  Nothing.  Is a trip to the beach on your summer bucket list? Nope.   Do you have a summer bucket list?  No summer bucket list.  As for the beach, these days (I'm old) I only enjoy the beach if I am staying "at the beach" and don't have to schlep umbrellas, sunscreen, water, snacks, towels, etc.

3. What's a song that makes you think of a summer past?  Ricky Nelson's 'Travelin' Man'.  What comes to mind when you hear it?  The smell of chlorine, the city pool, and teen girls playing that song on the jukebox.  What memories does it stir up for you?  Frozen milkshake candy bars on a stick from the concession stand.  I was nine years old and had a season pass to the pool.  I rode my bike there by myself.  Life was safer back in those days.

4. Sushi-yay or nay?  Yay, if it is not raw fish.  Have you actually tried it?  Yes!  If you love it what's your go-to order?  I really like the ones called 'crispy' and California rolls.  I got terribly sick on raw sushi once and haven't been able to eat it raw since then.  I do love cooked rolls and especially love the ginger & wasabi.

5. I own a ridiculous amount of tchotchkes.   

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Nothing random.  Doctor appointment this afternoon (regular check-up), dinner with the Mas Verde group tomorrow.  We are going to Grillsmith.  Lunch with Shirley on Friday at Glory Days  (it got changed from Thursday).  That's all I've got...


Peace and Hugs!

This is my Father's world 
He shines in all that's fair 
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass 
He speaks to me everywhere

My avatars are all from Bitmoji.  Everyone can do it!!

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

The Tuesday 4...

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


Wild Life

 

Tuesday 4 is here once again. 

I was thinking about the wildlife that is all around us.  Summer brings us out of the house and we spend more time outdoors, weather permitting,  and have an opportunity to see animals and birds that live around us.

1. Do you see many animals where you live?  No.  Is your answer a good or bad thing?  My community is bordered by two very busy roads so it's a good thing there aren't too many animals here.  We see an occasional stray cat, squirrels, and rabbits now and then.  An opossum got hit by a car and died under my house.  You might remember me posting about the smell and how much it would cost to have someone go under to get it out ($600!!). I endured for three days.  Dogs are on leash and cats must be indoor cats here in Mas Verde.

2. What kind of animals and birds are around your area?  There aren't many birds here and the animals are mentioned above.

3. What kind of animals and birds could you do without and what kind would you love to see more often?  I see birds and wildlife when I am at work.  There are lovely places to venture out if you need to commune with animals and nature.  I don't need to see them daily.  I enjoy ALL animals and birds but I don't seek them out anymore.  I have my two cats in my house and get my dog fixes from friends who have pups.  That is good for me.  When I am out and about and get to see wildlife, I love it... 

4. Do you feed wild birds or animals?  No.  I don't have a yard here and don't want birds making a mess around my car.  This is a manufactured home 55+ community with homes close together.  I've not seen any bird feeders anywhere.  People have flags and chimes.  




(This is found elsewhere!!)







Peace and Hugs!!

Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this, our hymn of grateful praise.


Monday, June 17, 2024

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 


What a blessing it has been to have a job with no stress and that my boss and his wife have become good friends!  Actually, all of my coworkers are so great and even the volunteers know to come in my office for a piece of candy from my candy jar.  Monika is the "boss" volunteer for Florida Trails.  She and her crew mow the over 20 miles of hiking trails at Tenoroc.  They are on the property every week and do invaluable work for us.

That said, I had Danon, Mali and Monika over Friday evening for dinner.  I made baked ziti with meatballs, salad, garlic bread, and had brownies and ice cream for dessert.  They like to play board games and especially my marble/card game based on Aggravation.  Danon is still on sick leave after his extensive back surgery but he is doing great and hopes to be back at work after the July 4th holiday.  We all ate well and had fun playing the game.  I won one game and Danon won the second game.  I didn't take one picture but here is one from a few years ago when we were all together for the Beyond Van Gogh show that was down in Sarasota.

Me, Monika, Mali, and Danon


I got up early on Saturday to head south to Punta Gorda for lunch with Lauren and Tristan.  Tristan is still looking for a job and has been on a few interviews.  He has more lined up in the coming weeks.  He is lucky/blessed to be able to take his time to find something he really likes.  He told me he wants the next one to be his "career" spot, where he can stay for years to come.  I hope he finds it.

Jeremy didn't come this time.  His family had been down in the Florida Keys and just got back on Saturday.  It was nice catching up with what Lauren and Jeremy have been doing.  They went with Jeremy's family to the Dry Tortugas and camped on one of the islands.  They went fishing and did a lot of snorkeling.  Lauren said it was lots of fun.  She showed me pictures.  His family really likes Lauren and she is so happy.  Jeremy has been great for her!!  Here is a picture our waitress took...


I feel so blessed that they will give up a Saturday to have lunch with their grandma!  It was a good time!!

I woke up at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning with AFib going on.  It's been a long time since I had an episode. Not sure what brought it on, but this one took about three hours to settle down.  I don't get anxious anymore which helps keep my blood pressure down and I just let it run its course.   BUT, I was very tired and decided to stay in bed and skip church.  I sent an email to my friends who usually sit with me so they wouldn't worry.  They responded with prayers.  I didn't get up again until around 10:00.  The cats didn't know what was going on!! 

Feeling fine. Got my two loads of laundry done but not much else.  This week, I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and lunch with Shirley on Thursday at Glory Days.  That, plus work, is it so far.  Wishing you blessings in the days ahead!

Peace and Hugs!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow...


Friday, June 14, 2024

An Early Saturday 9...

 As usual, of late, I have no new photos from this week.  Since I have dinner guests this evening (Danon and Mali, and Monika) and am heading down to Punta Gorda on Saturday for lunch with Lauren and Tristan, I decided to do the Saturday 9 post a day early.

Thanks to our Saturday 9 hostess, Crazy Sam, for the questions!  Join in HERE!


Wait Till You See Him

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 memes, however, and here is today's meme!


Saturday 9: Wait Till You See Him (1967)


This song was chosen in honor of Father's Day. Hear it here.

1) This is Nancy Sinatra's celebration of her father, Frank. She singles out the sound of his laugh as something special. Do you know anyone who has a great laugh?  My Joe had the best laugh and he laughed well and often!  We are a laughing family and find much joy in silly jokes and poking fun at ourselves.

2) Frank Sinatra recorded this song himself a decade earlier. It was one of more then 1,400 recordings he made over his career. When you think of him, what song comes to mind?  New York, New York.

3) Nancy always called her famous father "Daddy," while her younger sister Tina referred to him as "Pop." How did/do you call your father?  I called my dad Dad.

4) Nancy went on to have two daughters of her own. The girls recall that their grandfather was loving and supportive, even when they went through a punk rock phase with spiky hair, lots of leather, and studs. Frank defended their extreme choices as a healthy means of self-expression. Did you have arguments with your parents over your clothes or hair? If you're a parent yourself, have you always approved of your kids' fashion choices?  My mom was not happy about two-piece bathing suits that revealed my navel.  She also didn't like mini skirts.  There weren't arguments, but she made her disapproval known.  I was the first-born and did not stretch the limits often or very far.

5) Back when our own Crazy Sam was in high school, her father gave her driving lessons. What grade would you give your driving today?  My license says "Safe Driver" and I think I am so I'll give myself an A.

6) For family barbecues, Sam's dad dons his "Kiss the Chef" apron and mans the Weber. What's the last thing you grilled?  If I may call my little electric George Foreman grill, a grill, then it was about a month ago.  Joe was the grill master.  I haven't even tried to start the grill since he died.  Jim did a few times when he and Elaine were here visiting.  I probably should open it up, clean it up, and figure out how to work it!

7) Because he takes his grilling so seriously, Sam once invested in a pair of forged steel tongs for Father's Day. Does anyone on your gift list have a passion that makes them easy to shop for?  No one on my list is easy to shop for anymore.  First of all, I don't see family members that often to really know what they would like.  Second, we gave up buying gifts a long time ago.  Gift cards or a check work for the grandkids.  My sisters and I exchange birthday gifts but that is usually a blouse/top and/or a purse or accessory.  

8) Traditionally the most popular Father's Day gift have been ties, wallets and belts. However experiences -- like tickets to a concert or a sporting event -- are gaining in popularity. Which would you prefer to receive: something to own and hold or an experience to remember?  I always love gifts given because I love the giver.  Experiences are fun.  A Mississippi River cruise would be wonderful if anyone has $5,000 to spend!!  LOL

9) Random question: Have you recently mistakenly called someone by the wrong name? 
Not recently but I am terrible about names.  It's not an old-age thing. I've been terrible with names my whole life.

Peace and Hugs!

You're a good good Father
It's who You are
It's who You are
It's who You are
And I'm loved by You
It's who I am
It's who I am
It's who I am