Monday Musings...

 

That cuppa above is not coffee.  I've been having trouble with coffee lately.  It just doesn't taste good to me anymore.  Black, creamer, sweetened... didn't matter.  Half of my cup went down the drain.  Yesterday morning, before going to church, I turned on the kettle, got out the Earl Grey, and made a cup of tea.  It tasted so good to me.  I drank it all.  I think I will be having tea in the morning, at least for a while.  Have I been watching too much Britbox? Good golly, I'm gobsmacked!!  

This past weekend was a big slug-fest for me.  No, I didn't get the painting even started, past patching nail holes. I did some cleaning, I talked on the phone with my sister, Patti, my son, and daughter-in-law, Darlene.  I texted with a few friends.  I tended to my tomato plants and just yesterday found three new golf-ball-sized tomatoes on one of the plants!! I ordered taller cages for the plants because they are already too tall for the current stakes and netting.  Wow!  They are very thirsty.  I don't know about gardening, but I'm watering every day because they seem to need it.  Help?!!

Son, Joe, did get back down to Interlachin, FL, yesterday to pick up the cedar chest I hired Benton to refurbish for me.  I am giving this family heirloom to my niece, Sara, who lives in the Columbus, Ohio, area.  Joe and Darlene are storing it for us until we can figure out how to get it moved north.  Georgia is five hours closer to Ohio than Lakeland is, so they are hanging onto it for me until we can figure out the next leg of the journey.  The cedar chest was a graduation gift to my mom from her parents in 1948.  I have had it since moving to Florida 36 years ago, and now it is ready for the next caregiver.  Thanks to Joe for the transportation and to Benton for the great work!!  Benton took these photos.  My mom would be so pleased!!

I spent some time planning menus ahead.  That is not something I usually do.  I am hosting my neighbors, Anne and Paul, on the 12th for their 50th Anniversary.  Paul has some health issues and doesn't want a big party, but Anne asked if he would come to my house for an anniversary dinner and he said yes. There will be eight of us, I think. Their daughter, Mary, is here for an extended visit.  I think she might be considering a move if she can find a job.  Anyway, I got a cake topper and will do a small two-tiered anniversary cake for them so we can take pictures. Mary said she will bring the salad.  They are Italian, so I'm doing pasta and meatballs and garlic bread, etc.  We don't do fancy here. 

I am hosting Easter dinner.  Shirley and her son, David, are coming.  I'm not sure about Cheryl yet. I will ask if Anne and Paul, and Mary want to join us, but haven't mentioned it yet.  I don't want Paul to feel overwhelmed.  There will be plenty.

Elaine's youngest sister, Peggy, and her hubby Kirk (and Kirk's sister) are coming for a few days at the end of the month.  I'm excited to see them and meet Kirk's sister.  They have a family wedding (not sure where, but over east of here).  Peggy is lots of fun and I consider her my little sister, too.  No menu plans yet for their visit, but it's on the calendar.

All of that to say, it did take me an hour or so to get a grocery list together and place an order with Kroger delivery.  It will arrive on Wednesday morning.

The most exciting thing is that I am driving Mali and Mary down to Sebring, FL, tomorrow.  Ben and Erin's Hometown Takeover on HGTV is documenting the resurrection of Sebring's downtown.  It was actually finished last year and is just now showing on HGTV.  I will have photos to share and am very excited about getting to see the finished Circle in Sebring.  We will have lunch, see it all (or as much as possible), and then head back to Lakeland. Fun ahead!!

Thanks for your visit!!  Have a blessed week ahead!!

Peace and Hugs!

Holy, Holy, Holy;

Merciful and Mighty!

God in three Persons,

Blessèd Trinity!