A New Year's Eve Tuesday 4...

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

New Year's Eve

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 and the eve of 2025. Growing up New Year's Eve was one of my favorite times of the year.   Everyone would come to our home for snacks and drinks before heading out to parties.  And I do mean nearly everyone we knew.  

All dressed up in formal clothing they would join in the fun.  My father would play ragtime on the piano, our German friends played German music and everyone would dance to it.

My mother made hors d'oeuvres on tiny bread rounds and crackers... bayberry candles burned down for luck. Guy Lombardo was on the TV in the background.

                  

1. What memories of New Year's Eve do you have?  Guy Lombardo was on TV and we made fun of the "old" couples dressed up and dancing.  My dad's brother and his wife and kids often came for NYE.  The folks were in the kitchen playing cards and talking.  My cousin and siblings usually played Monopoly in front of the TV in the living room.

2. Do you go to bed early or stay up until midnight to ring in the new year?  I usually stay up for the ball to drop but I don't enjoy the 'entertainment' they feed us these days so I watch something else until it's about time for the countdown.  Then it's off to bed.

3. Do you have special foods or customs for the New Year?  Here in the south, it's black-eyed peas, collard greens, pork, and cornbread. I don't have company coming so will leave the customary food to others.  We are having a pot-luck at church on the 12th and there will be ham and Hoppin-Jack (rice & black-eyed peas), cornbread, and greens.

4. Will football and New Year parades be on your agenda for New Year's Day?  I will put the Rose Parade on and may actually get to watch it since I won't be in the kitchen preparing for company.  I enjoy the Rose Parade.  Football - I might peek in on a game if it's a team that will interest me.   I have no idea what teams are playing.

Peace and Hugs!

Should old acquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot

In the days of auld lang syne?

Monday Musings...

 

I've been thinking of this as "the week between".  I posted about my Christmas on Friday, so won't write about that again.  

On Friday, I saw my cardiologist and he cleared me for my foot surgery next month.  Yay!!  I posted about that on Saturday, so it's not new news for some who popped in for my Saturday 9.

I also got all of my Christmas decorations put away on Saturday.  I don't think I've ever put it away that early, but it feels pretty good. The cats even seem happier to have everything back in proper places.  LOL

Church on Sunday (no Sunday school this week or next), my usual two loads of laundry and I'm eating the last of the Christmas leftovers.  Are you yawning yet?  

There is nothing on my calendar this week, other than the Rose Parade on TV New Year's Day.  No plans, no parties, and I am not going to the clubhouse.  They have a NYE  DJ and bring your own everything (eats & drinks).  The TV there will have the ball drop.  I will be at home in my PJs and might make it to midnight.  Another yawn!! 

Last year I did not choose a word for the year.  I've not really been thinking about it for the coming new year but one jumped out at me a few days ago.  This is it...

Mindfulness is embracing God's promise of abundant life—living life fully by being entirely present in each moment. Being present in each moment as it actually is rather than insisting that it be something different. Accepting our experience in each moment as a gift from God.

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.

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December 30, 1995.  We lost our sweet mom on this day. It's been 29 years and she is still missed.  I noted losing Joe's mom on December 27th (1999) and my dad on December 10, 1989, so I had to note the passing of my mom. Through the years, December has been full of love, laughter, and also tears.  I am mindful that it is all a part of life, though. 

The Saturday 9...

Before we get to Sam's questions, I want to let you know that my cardiologist cleared me for surgery.  My stress test and the echo were just fine, as was my most recent EKG.  Many thanks to my fellow prayer warriors for lifting this in prayer!!  As he was leaving, he said "See you in a year".

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

Goodbye

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: Goodbye (1969)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

This song was chosen because it's time to say goodbye to 2024.

Thanks for participating in Saturday 9 this year.

1) In this song, Mary Hopkin asks her lover not to let her sleep too late. Did you wake up this morning on your own, did someone wake you, or were you jangled awake by an alarm clock?  I always set my alarm, but usually wake up before it goes off.  I also have cats that don't let me sleep too late.

2) The lyrics reference "a lonely song." Can you name a song about loneliness?  Alone Again, (Naturally) by Gilbert O'Sullivan (telling my age).

3) "Goodbye" was written for Mary by Paul McCartney. He was the one who signed her to her first record contract and produced this and all her Apple Records, including her first big hit, "Those Were the Days." Looking back on 2024, who is someone who gave you a helping hand when you needed it?  Most recently, my neighbor Dee came over when I had that kidney stone and called 911 for me.  Her hubby, Bill, fixed my leaky roof earlier in the year.

4) This video shows Mary performing on The Ed Sullivan Show while wearing a miniskirt. Minis were very popular in 1969. Did you embrace a fashion trend in 2024?  No.  I don't even know what a fashion trend was in 2024.  Too old to care now.  I did have a couple of miniskirts, though, back in those crazy 1960s.

5)  Also in 1969, the Colts lost to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III. The game is famous because of all the hype leading up to it, including Joe Namath "guaranteeing" the underdog Jets would win. Do you have a special sports memory of 2024?  Nope.  Watching sports was fun with Joe because he loved it so much but it's not much fun watching by myself.  I didn't even enjoy the Olympics. 

6) What's the farthest from home you traveled in 2024?  From Florida to Ohio.

7) What was the biggest purchase that you made in 2024?  New floors in the whole house (except bathrooms).

8) What was your favorite book of 2024?  Janet Evanovich's latest Stephanie Plum book Now or Never (#31).

9) What are you looking forward to most in 2025? One more project in my house (a guest bathroom re-do), friends visiting, and perhaps a little travel that lets me check in with some of you!!

Peace and Hugs!!

All hail the power of Jesus’ Name!

Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem,

And crown Him Lord of all,

Bring forth the royal diadem,

And crown Him Lord of all.

Friday Fotos...

 

The Christmas candle was lit, and Advent was completed. I enjoy lighting the candles and counting the weeks until the celebration of the birth of Jesus. We all know He wasn't born in December, but this is when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, and I'm all in for it.  My birthday cards are saved and presented as shown here, too.

I was invited to dinner, on Christmas Eve, by Anne and Paul.  They live across the street, to my left.  Anne made ravioli and meatballs in red sauce.  She had a delicious salad and bread, as well.  I said I would bring dessert.  Paul requested an apple pie.  I also took ice cream and we enjoyed it after letting dinner settle a bit. I didn't think to take even one photo.

Christmas day started with meal prep.  Anne and Paul, and Cheryl, were coming at 2:00.  I had ham, mac&cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, a pickle dish, rolls, deviled eggs, and Anne brought sweet potatoes.  Cheryl brought red velvet cake for dessert. We had a very nice time talking, reminiscing, laughing, and feeling blessed.  Anne and Paul left around 6:00 and Cheryl left around 8:00 (we watched some TV).  It took me a couple of hours to clean the kitchen and put things away.  A lovely day, from start to finish.  I took a picture of the table before anyone arrived and then didn't take another photo all day. 

Yesterday, I got up and decided to start gathering "Christmas" to be put away.  I don't usually do it until after the new year.  The tree is still in place and my "Merry Mail" is still hanging on the wall.  Everything I gathered is on my dining room table.  Do any of you gather things to one central location and then put them in boxes/bins?  I've done it that way for years and years.

I have my cardiology appointment this afternoon.  Hoping he will decipher the test results for me and give me an okay for my foot surgery on January 14th.  Fingers crossed.

One more thought. On December 27, 1999, Joe's mom passed away. She was a remarkable woman who loved to laugh, loved her family, and could cook like a three-star chef. Oh my goodness!! The whole family was together, earlier that day, at Joey and Kathy's house in New Jersey. It was like she saw everyone and knew she could go. Her heart was full. I took a picture of the picture, but she is front and center, with Tristan on her lap. She was loved by all, and I was holding her when she passed. She had an aneurysm and it burst.  

Mom and Tristan on the 23rd, a few days before above.

I'm looking forward to reading about your Christmases and wish everyone a blessed new year ahead!! Have you picked a word for 2025?  I haven't even thought about it yet.  Hoping it comes to me!!

Peace and Hugs!

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow...

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

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

Check out the dress and pick the purse she should carry for her evening out!

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

The photo is from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty!

I think she is ready for an evening out on New Year's Eve!  Dinner and dancing at a nice hotel in the city, perhaps.  Count down on the purses, 1-2-3, and tell us which one you choose for her.  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!!

My thoughts:  I love this dress! I like purse #1 the best and hope it has a hidden strap.  If there isn't a handle for #1, I'll go with #3 because I can see the chain.  What are your thoughts?  Just for the record, I'll be wearing my PJs at home on NYE but there was a time, maybe 30 years ago, when I would have loved being out on the town for a NYE celebration, in a dress like this.  How about you?

Peace and Hugs!

For auld lang syne, my dear

For Auld Lang Syne

We'll drink a cup of kindness yet

For the sake of Auld Lang Syne

(Christmas photos and Christmas talk tomorrow!)

Merry Christmas To All...

 

The Tuesday 4 on Christmas Eve...

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

Christmas Eve

It is Christmas Eve.    Where will Christmas Eve 

find you?  At friends' for dinner, then home.

1. If you have a tree up what is on the top?  An ornament, this year.

 

2. White lights or multi-colored? White

3. Church service? Candlelight service, bell choir?  My church has a service, mostly singing Christmas carols.  I am not attending this year since I've been invited for dinner at the same time.

4. What is on the Christmas Eve menu?  I think she is planning ravioli and meatballs.  

Merry Christmas to all!!

Monday Musing...

 

Christmas week is here!!

I completed my echocardiogram last Thursday and the stress test on Friday. The results are posted in "My Chart," but I don't know what all the medical jargon means. I see my cardiologist on the 27th. I hope it is all okay and I can move on to getting my outpatient foot surgery back on track.  

Saturday was the Christmas Potluck at our clubhouse.  It was well attended (over 100) and I enjoyed sharing a table with Tim and Judy, Larry and Sharon, and Joe and Martha.  There was also a man named Richard, who came with Joe and Martha.  It was so good to have Larry and Tim feeling so much better.  Thank you to those who prayed for their healing!

This was my plate.  I took a corn pudding casserole (on top of my ham, below).
There were TWO tables full of desserts but I didn't have room for any.

Tim and Judy

Larry and Sharon

Joe and Martha, and Richard
I mentioned before that Joe and Martha Nemechek live here.
They are the parents of the racing Nemecheks.  I don't follow car racing, but do
know the name and that it's a big deal.

(Richard was a sour-puss and complained a lot.)

Just one section.  There were over 100 folks!

It was a nice kick-off to Christmas week.  Yesterday was Sunday school and church.  Dee and Bill had a little gathering in the early evening.  Another neighbor, Deborah, was there too.  It was nice having a glass of wine and some good conversation.

I am having lunch today with Mary Jane (friend and cat-sitter).  We are meeting at Cheddar's.  Some of you may have noticed that my sister isn't here.  She was very anxious about holiday traffic and being on the road for 5-6 hours.  I told her to just stop stressing about it and let's plan to get together in January.  She decided to come a couple of days before my foot surgery so she can be here with me for that.  We will celebrate Christmas then.  It's all okay.  I have Christmas Eve dinner plans with friends and will still be cooking Christmas dinner for Anne and Paul and Cheryl. 

Some of you are taking time off from blogging.  I want to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!!  Enjoy your family and friends!  Let there be peace on earth!!  Love and hugs to all.

Peace and Hugs!!

All glory be to Christ our King,

All glory be to Christ.

His rule and reign we’ll ever sing,

All glory be to Christ!

Saturday 9...

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

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 From the archives

1. As you can see, when Sam Winters was a little girl, she loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. If you could ask Santa for anything at all, right now, what would it be?  A new car for my sister.

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?  I hope I'm on the nice list.  I do my best to be kind.

3. Are you traveling this Christmas? If so, are you going by car, plane or train?  I am not traveling.  If I was traveling, it would be by car.

4. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If yes, which one traveled the farthest?  I did send a couple of small things... to Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, and South Florida.

5. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?  Of course!!  LOL

6. Which do you prefer: candy canes or gingerbread?  Gingerbread.

7. Close your eyes and tell us the first carol that comes to mind.  Silent Night.

8. What's your favorite winter beverage?  Water - no matter the time of year.

9. Share a memory from last Christmas.  My sister was here and we had a lovely Christmas dinner with neighbors and friends.

Peace and Hugs!

Silent Night, Holy Night

Friday Fotos...

 It sure seems like yesterday was Monday but Friday is here!  I do have a few photos to share with you...

Granddaughter Lauren called me this week and then sent these pictures!!

I couldn't be happier for them.  No date yet.

She did say the wedding will probably be in the Keys.

He proposed in the boat at sunset...

My Mas Verde Thursday dinner friends went to Reececliff last night!  Tim and Judy, and Larry and Sharon!!  The men are feeling much better and they looked great.  

I took a longer route home last night.  It wasn't really dark enough to see Christmas lights but I was stopped at an intersection and took this one real quick.  It doesn't show very well, but those trees have lights all the way up to the top of them.  Not sure how someone got that done.  Beautiful!!

This is Casper.  He was looking handsome, 

trying to stare me into giving him a snack.

I am off to have a stress test this morning.  Got the echocardiogram done yesterday.  Just hope I pass well enough to get this foot worked on next month.  I didn't go through this much for two knee replacement surgeries, for goodness sake.

We have a Christmas potluck at the Clubhouse tomorrow (Saturday).  I'm sitting with Tim & Judy and Larry & Sharon.  Christmas Eve dinner at Anne & Paul's house (across the street), and Christmas dinner at my house with Anne & Paul and my friend, Cheryl.  

My son, Jeff's girlfriend Kali, will be at her parents' house in Clermont. I hope we can connect for lunch while she is here (we did last year). Jeff can't get away because of his work. Son Joe is still out of the country, and Darlene can't leave the livestock. 

Peace and Hugs!

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play

And mild and sweet their songs repeat

Of peace on Earth, goodwill to men

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

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

Have some fun picking the prettiest ugly sweater to wear on Christmas Eve!

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

The photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty!

I couldn't resist!!  Count the large photo as 1, and then down the side 2-3-4.  Which one are you going to wear on Christmas Eve?  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!!

My thoughts:  It just might be cool enough for a sweater on Christmas Eve, here in central Florida!  All four of them make me smile but I'm choosing #1.  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten

And children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow, oh, the snow

The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

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

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 582

From Joyce: Hello Hodgepdogers! I hope you're enjoying this most 
wonderful time of the year. 
Please note: There will not be a Hodgepodge next week 

(December 25th) since Christmas lands on a Wednesday this year. 

1. What's one thing you want to get done before the calendar flips to a new year?  The only thing I can think of is to put the Christmas decorations away for another year.

2. What's something that brought a smile to your face this year?  My nephew's wedding to his lovely Megan is one of many things that made me smile.  My great-nephew, Ezra, is going to be a big brother!  My great-niece, Jackie, drove to my house on my birthday and took me to dinner!  Each day is a blessing!

3. What do you like on a cracker? Do you have a favorite cracker variety?  I like Townhouse or Ritz.  I like cheese on a cracker and sometimes put a pickle or olive with it. 

4. Do you have plans for ringing in the new year in a fun or special way?  No.  Are you typically awake at midnight on the last day of the year?  I stay up for the ball to drop most years but it's not a big deal for me.  The years come and go so quickly now.

5. What are three words that describe your 2024?  Sweet. Blessed. Brilliant!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I made Reindeer Bait today to give to friends (and keep some for me!).  Two cups each of Rice Chex, Corn Chex, small pretzels, and M&Ms.  Melt white chocolate (2 bags or about 20 oz.) and pour over everything.  Mix it well, spread it on parchment paper, refrigerate for an hour or so, break it apart, and put it in bags/boxes for gift-giving.  SO GOOD!

Peace and Hugs!

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
With news of joy foretold,
"Peace on the earth, good will to men
From heaven's all gracious King."

The Tuesday 4...

 Thanks to Annie for today's four questions!  Y'all can join the fun HERE!

Holiday Thoughts

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 which you can do any day of the week you want! No time limit.   It's frigid across Canada and America and winter is early this year.  

There are only a few days left until Christmas...how are you spending this time?

1. What are you up to in preparation for the holidays?  It's pretty much done.  No more shopping and the ham is in the fridge.  I will dust and vacuum again before the big day.

2. What is your absolute favorite holiday movie?  There are so many!  While You Were Sleeping, The Holiday, It's A Wonderful Life....

3. What are your hopes for this coming season?  Safe travels for all who are traveling.  Good family time.  Remembering the reason for the season.

4.  Tell us your view on the great tea/coffee/hot chocolate debate and do you want it with fruitcake or cookies?  Come on own up!!  I'm unaware of a debate but I would choose coffee with cookies.  

Peace and Hugs!

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.