The Saturday 9 on May 31st...

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

Too Shy

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: Too Shy (1983)  

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

1) This song laments vulnerability and self-consciousness in social settings.  Are you often "too shy?" Or are social gatherings easy for you?  I am okay if I know at least some of the people.  I do a lot better now than when I was younger.  Probably because I'm old, retired, and don't really care about making a "good impression".  LOL

 

2) In the lyrics, a girl self-censors, telling herself, "hush hush." Have you more recently shushed someone, or were you shushed?  I can't remember hushing or being hushed in a very long time.  See my answer above.

 

3) Band member Nick Beggs recalls that they called themselves Kajagoogoo because it sounded like something that would make a baby laugh. It is fun to say. Can you think of another word that you just enjoy saying?  How about cacophony!   (kuh kaa fuh nee)

 

4) This was the only US hit for the British band, earning Kajagoogoo the title "One Hit Wonder." Can you think of another artist or band who had one really popular song and then just kind of disappeared?  The Safaris did Wipe Out, and I loved that song!!  That was in the 60's, by the way!  The percussion is amazing!!  

 
5) Though fame was fleeting here, Kajagoogoo remained popular in England. Lead singer Limahl recalls the adulation as "overwhelming," and he was shocked when he stepped on stage in Cornwall to see row after row of fans wearing their hair like he did. Have you ever handed a photo to a stylist and said, "Make my hair look like this?"  Yes, and it's still on my phone and none have really accomplished it for me. Of course, the color is wrong, the age is wrong, and my hair isn't quite that curly.  I can dream...

 

6) In 1983, when this song was popular, the Lotus 1-2-3 program made it easier for PC users to make spreadsheets. Are you answering these questions on a Mac or PC? Laptop, phone or tablet?  My laptop.  I don't have a PC anymore and can't type this much on my phone.  I do, however, remember Lotus 1-2-3 and was proficient in it before Excel came along.  Those were certainly the early days!

7) 1983 saw Abbey Road Studios open their doors for the first time for public tours. During the first two months, 22,000 tickets were sold to fans who wanted to see where the Beatles made their magic. What's the last ticket you purchased?  Does an airline ticket count?  Then yesterday!!

 
8) Also in 1983, McDonald's introduced Chicken McNuggets. When was chicken most recently on the menu at your home? How was it prepared?  It has been a few months.  I keep rotisserie chicken frozen for use in casseroles, though, and a favorite is with broccoli and rice.

 

9) Random question: Have you ever forgotten where you left your car in a parking lot?  Yes, and more than once.  I am much more attentive about that now and appreciate when parking lots have numbers or letters marking the rows.  Thank you, Publix!

Peace and Hugs!

AI wrote a poem for me...

In the city’s bustling symphony,

A cacophony of sounds runs free,

Honking cars and chattering feet,

A wild embrace of noise and heat.

Amidst the chaos, life sings loud—

A noisy, vibrant, bustling crowd.

Friday Focus on May 30th...

  "Focus on the good and the good will get better." 

Fridays sure roll around fast some weeks!  This is one of them!

On Memorial Day, I joined other residents at the clubhouse for a potluck.  It was well-attended by permanent residents.  When our snowbird neighbors are here, the room is twice as busy.  The food was good, and my eyes were bigger than my tummy.  I did not eat all of the food on my plate...

I mentioned last week that there is a table set for our fallen soldiers.  It is behind our 'hostess' as she read to us a short history of Memorial Day and why it is celebrated.  When she finished, an echo taps was played, and grace was said.  It was very moving.

It was all good, but I couldn't eat it all!

On Tuesday, I had lunch with my friend, Mali, at the new airport restaurant.  It was good.  We both enjoyed our lunches.  I had my first Smashburger, but the best part of the meal was the crispy fries.  They were SO GOOD!! I only ate half of the burger and half of the fries, but was comfortably full.

Wednesday was a lazy day, and I should have gotten something done, other than my one load of laundry.  I've mentioned before that I am excellent at procrastinating.  My bathroom is still waiting to be painted.    

Yesterday, I went to Bible study at the church.  It is the last one before our Pastor leaves for the summer on his much-deserved sabbatical.  He will be missed!  Last night, our Mas Verde Dinner Group went to Cheddar's, and we celebrated Sharon's birthday.  There were seven of us, and I was happy to be able to use a gift card that I've carried around for a few months now, and kept forgetting it was in my wallet.  Nice!!

Today and tomorrow... nothing on the calendar, so who knows what I'll get into!!  Have a happy weekend, and thanks for your visit here!!

Peace and Hugs!!

"Matthew 4:4: 

"But he answered, 'It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, 

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Whimsical Fashion Fun on May 29th...

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

Check out the dress and decide which shoes go best with the dress.

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

Photos are from the Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

She'll need some shoes to wear with her 1950s cocktail dress... That's what the caption for this dress said. Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which shoes you like best for her night out. It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  I'm not sure I would call this a cocktail dress, 1950s or not, but it is pretty and I do like purples.  As for the shoes, I'm going with #3 this week.  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

In nothing be anxious; should Jesus delay

His strength will be thine till the end of the day.

His arm thou canst lean on; His Spirit will cheer;

Then, wherefore be anxious, press on without fear.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge on May 28th...

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

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 604

1. What's your favorite room in your house and why?  My living room!  It's where my life happens these days.  My recliner is my "nest" and is where my laptop lives, the TV is here, my dining room is here... visitors join me here, meals are enjoyed here, conversations, laughter... 

2. What's something that will instantly annoy you?  Stupidity - my own, in a book, on TV (the news, especially), or in someone else...  don't be stupid!  For the record, ignorance and stupidity are two entirely different things. 

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...will you celebrate? How do you like yours? If you're not cooking at home is there a favorite place you like to go for a burger? Did you ever work in a fast food  restaurant?  I won't have a burger.  I rarely do.  If I do, I don't eat the bun.  I never worked in a fast food restaurant.

4. What are three scents you like?  Coffee!  Vanilla!  Yeast bread baking!

5. What do you miss most about being a kid?  My parents and my little brother.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I had a text from granddaughter Lauren over the weekend.  She sent me a "save the date"!!  They have set the wedding date in December, and closed on a new house last week.  I already secured my room for two nights at a Marriott Resort in the Keys.  It's a black-tie wedding and the welcome dinner the night before will be on a beach.  Sounds pretty amazing.  Now... what to wear!!?

Peace and Hugs!

Jesus loves us, this I know!!

The Tuesday 4 on May 27th...

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

Summer Books

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 which is not limited to Tuesday by any means.  You can join in whenever you want to!

Will you be reading this coming summer?

When the weather gets hot and humid so many stay indoors to keep cool and studies show that people read more in the summer.

How about you?  Let's discuss it.

1. Do you have a favorite kind of book that you like in the summertime? What kind is it? Mystery? Bio?...  I have lost my reading mojo.  I just finished a book that started out keeping my interest, but 2/3 through, the author just blew it (in my mind).  It doesn't matter the time of year (this is Florida).  I know some like beachy romances, etc., but I'll stick with a good mystery any day.  I also like historically correct stories from yesteryears.  The book I just scanned through the last few chapters on was called Between The Cracks: A Woman's Journey From Sicily to America by Carmela Carttiti.  I was so disappointed in the ending.  It started after WWI, in Italy.  I will add that this is book one of a series, but I won't be purchasing the rest of the series.

2. Is there a book you return to again and again and if so why?  Mysteries, detective stories, comedies...  A book just has to grab me by the end of the first chapter or I most likely won't finish it.

3.  What book is better than the movie and what movie is better than the book??  I have never seen a movie that is better than the book.  A few are close, like Hunger Games, and Harry Potter, but most movies just don't capture the story the way the book does (in different ways, yes, but movies usually miss things).

4. Do you have a list of books you are looking forward to reading this summer?  I have over 1,200 books on my Kindle.  I just don't read like I used to.  I hope my reading mojo returns because I do miss a good book.

Peace and Hugs!

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,

  Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;

Streams of mercy, never ceasing,

  Call for songs of loudest praise.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,

  Wand’ring from the face of God;

He, to save my soul from danger,

  Interposed His precious blood.

Monday Musings...

 

It's been a good weekend as we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.  Humble before their ultimate sacrifice and also the sacrifices their families endure/d.

I mentioned last week that Cheryl's (Sunlit Pathway) son and his family were coming for dinner on Friday evening.  It was a very fun evening and they seemed to enjoy the baked ziti and meatballs I served, along with garlic bead, tossed salad, and we had ice cream for dessert.  Justin and Angie have six kids, including two sets of twins.  The three oldest girls went on a mission trip to Mexico and were excited about their experiences.  The kids are interesting and lots of fun.  They came around 5:00 and didn't go home until after 10:00.  The house was full of conversation and laughter.  Here they are...

Saturday was just a catch-up day.  I went to Publix for another prescription and a few more BOGOs and worked on a couple of projects.  On Sunday, I went to church and then I stopped at Lakeside Village for a craft fair where the woman who made my mom's green tomato relish had some ready for me!!  I did open one of the two jars I bought from her.  It is good and turned out better than when I tried to make it, but I don't think it will ever taste like my mom's.  She just had "the touch" and I know you know what I mean by that.

Today I am going to Mas Verde's Memorial Day potluck.  I'm making Jiffy Corn casserole. It will be a nice time and the food is always good.  We have some good cooks here in our community! They always set an empty table for our brave men and women who gave their lives in service to this great country.  They will be remembered in the prayer before we eat.

Peace and Hugs!

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;

He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat:

Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!

Our God is marching on.

The Saturday 9 on May 24th...

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

American Soldier

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: American Soldier (2003)

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

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors men and women who served and died in the United States Armed Forces. We want to make sure that message is not lost this weekend.

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? Do you know anyone who is active military? We are grateful and want to hear about it. I am not a veteran, but my Joe was.  His two brothers served, and a nephew served.  My dad was a veteran. I don't know of anyone who is currently serving in the military.

2) In this song, Toby Keith reminds us soldiers "work straight through holidays," even this one, and we are grateful for that, too. Have you ever had to work on a federal holiday? If yes, did it make you sad to be on the job when everyone else was celebrating?  Most of my working years were for non-profits and we always got holidays off.  I always had to work Mother's Day weekend when I worked at the art museum because that was Mayfaire.  I did work a few holidays when I worked for Florida Fish and Wildlife because I was part time and didn't get paid if I didn't work.  It didn't make me sad.

3) The video for this song was filmed at Edwards Air Force Base. This site was chosen to make it easier for off-duty soldiers, reservists and their families to appear. Have you ever visited a military base?  Yes. Ft. Belvoir, in Virginia.

4) Toby Keith never served in the military but often performed for the USO. While the USO is best known for providing entertainment to our troops, they also have a "Canine Comfort Crew." Local USO centers make dogs available to troops who long to see a wagging tail. Are you a dog lover?  I do love dogs, but it has been a long time since I had a dog.  Cats are easier when you are working full time.  Now I am retired but cats are still easier.

 
5) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food?  The question should be "pot luck" instead of picnic, at this stage of my life!  LOL  I am taking a Jiffy Corn casserole to the clubhouse for the Memorial Day potluck.  

6) Let's welcome summer with ice cream. What's your favorite flavor? Cone or cup?  These days, it is a toss-up between chocolate and mint chocolate.  I have cones in the pantry, but also like it in a bowl.  No preference.  There are no dishes to wash when I use a cone!

7) This marks the weekend when Americans step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the winter months. For example, when is the last time you applied mosquito repellent?  I don't remember the last time I used mosquito repellent.  I don't go outside much, and certainly not at night when the mosquitoes are out.

8) Or swam?  It has been years since I was in a swimming pool.  I stay out of the sun because of melanoma risk.  

9) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on?  Both!  This is Florida.

Peace and Hugs!

O beautiful for heroes proved 

In liberating strife, 

Who more than self their country love 

And mercy more than life! 

America! America! 

May God thy gold refine 

Till all success be nobleness, 

And every gain divine! 

Friday Focus on May 23rd...

 "Focus on the good and the good will get better." 

I don't always have photos to share on Fridays, so I am changing my Friday Foto blog to Friday Focus.  It can mean a camera focus, an attitude focus, a focus on the days past, and/or on the days ahead, and always a focus on Jesus.  I use my blog as my 'journal' and love being able to look back now and then.  Sometimes it is interesting and sometimes not, but... it is what it is and I'm glad you came by for a visit!

I posted a couple of times about going to the Webster Flea Market on Monday, so I won't go there again.  On Tuesday, I had to go to the DMV, where one usually stands in line for 20-30 minutes and then still has to wait another hour or so to see someone.  Tuesday was a good day.  I was third in line and was called back in less than 10 minutes!  Whoot!!  When I left there, I drove out to Lakeland's airport, hoping to talk with someone from Avelo Airlines, and I also wanted to check out the new restaurant in the terminal.  Avelo doesn't fly on Tuesdays, so no one was there.  I did get to the new restaurant, though, and took pictures of their menus.  They close at 6:00, but are open for breakfast and lunch all week.  The lunch menu is also their dinner menu.  I think Mali and I will try it next Tuesday!  It sounds pretty good! 

The best thing about the airport restaurant is that the entire length of the restaurant is windows looking out at the runways.  It is fun watching planes land and take off.  Lakeland is an Amazon hub, so most of the planes are Amazon planes, and now we have Avelo passenger planes, too!

On Wednesday, I went to Publix for a prescription and picked up some BOGO bargains.  I also went into Bealls to look around.  Bought a couple of things because that's what you do, right?!

Yesterday, our Thursday morning Bible study group was invited to the Baxter's house for brunch with our Pastor.  Pastor Dave is going on a 3-month sabbatical for the summer.  I have not been faithful in attending the Bible study because of all the company I've had these past couple of months, but was happy to join the group for Dave's farewell until September. I do love my church family.  We will miss him! 

Last night was dinner with my Thursday Dinner Group.  There were only five of us, but it was fun.  I carpoolled with Sandy and Bob.  We went to Harry's Seafood Bar & Grill in downtown Lakeland.  Always good!  I brought half of my dinner home and will enjoy it this weekend.

Today, I am having lunch with my friend Shirley at Peking House Chinese Restaurant.  It is always a special time with her.  Then, tonight, I am having the entire Justin Nunn family here for dinner.  Many of you know Cheryl and her blog sunlit pathway.  Her son and his family live in the next town over, and they checked in with me earlier this week to see if we needed to get together.  It's been a while, so I invited them to dinner.  I am making my usual baked ziti and meatballs, so that's pretty easy.  There are eight of them!  Dad, mom, and six kids!!  It will be fun catching up with them!!

My weekend is clear, except for church on Sunday.  Mas Verde is having a Memorial Day potluck on Monday that I signed up for.  So did Sandy and Bob (new neighbors).  We will sit with Judy & Tim, and Sharon & Larry.  Always a nice get-together!

That's about enough, I think!  It has been a busy week!  Thanks for making it this far!  Have a blessed holiday weekend!!  Be safe!!

Peace and Hugs!

O beautiful for spacious skies, 

For amber waves of grain, 

For purple mountain Majesties 

Above the fruited plain! 

America! America! 

God shed His grace on thee 

And crown thy good with brotherhood 

From sea to shining sea!

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

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

Check out the dress and help decide which shoes she should wear.

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

The photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

Perhaps a prom dress or a bridesmaid's dress?   The shoes are crazy high, but they are attached to the dress, so count down 1-2-3 and tell us which ones you like best for the dress.  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!!

My thoughts:  I love the color, and the dress is one I might have worn at one time (years ago)!  As for the shoes... nope.  But since I need to pick, I will choose pair #1.  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer!

The joys I feel, the bliss I share,

Of those whose anxious spirits burn

With strong desires for thy return!

With such I hasten to the place

Where God my Savior shows His face,

And gladly take my station there,

And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

The Wednesday Hodgepodge on May 21st...

Joyce gives us a hodgepodge of questions to answer!  

Thanks for the fun, Joyce!!

Be a Hodgepodger by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 603

1. May 20th is World Bee Day...what's something that's kept you 'busy as a bee' lately? 

I haven't been too busy lately, but just a few months ago, when my new floors were going in, I was a bit crazy cleaning out, reorganizing, and purging stuff.  Whew!  Glad that's over!!

2. Do you like honey? What's something you make or enjoy that calls for honey?  I do like honey.  I like it on my morning toast or a dinner yeast roll.  I don't have a recipe, but the honey butter is sure good at Texas Roadhouse.  When I have a bad cold, I have been known to put a good dollop of honey in a shot of Jamisons to calm my cough, just before bedtime.

3. "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24

What's a proverb you love, or one that speaks to you or has helped you in some way? 

The Bible is full of Proverbs, a whole book in fact, if that helps with your answer. The word proverb is defined as 'a short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice'. 

4. Tell us about a 'sweet' moment in your life recently that filled you with joy, gratitude, or peace.   I am blessed beyond measure by a gracious God.  My life is full of wonderful family, amazing friends, and I find so much joy and peace in all of it.  Thank you, Jesus!

5. When you were a child, what did you want to 'be' when you grew up? How close did you come to that?  I wanted to be a beautician, to own a horse ranch in Colorado, and later I wanted to be an art teacher.  I guess being the accountant and HR person at an art museum is pretty close to being an art teacher.  I was sure surrounded by art!!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I put a 'PS' in yesterday's blog about my trip on Monday to the Webster Flea Market with my friend/neighbor Susan.  We had a fun day, but I didn't take one picture. Not one.  We were at the market for a couple of hours, then came back to Lakeland for lunch at the north-side Palace Restaurant.  We shared a calzone, which was HUGE and very good.  Then we went to Hobby Lobby.  Susan is an excellent seamstress, and she is reupholstering her dining room chairs.  Her fabric is on sale and she needed to get two more yards.  It was a fun day out.  Mali couldn't come with us because of an appointment that popped up.  We missed her!!

Peace and Hugs!

Praise to the Lord,

The Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise Him,

For He is thy Health and Salvation!

All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;

Praise Him in glad adoration.

The Tuesday 4 on May 20th...

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

The Warm Months

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  

Warmer days

Spring has come, and Summer is approaching. Our friend Linda tells me the temps in Florida are already in the 90s, and humidity is through the roof.  But days are growing longer for everyone.  How does it affect you?

1. Daylight is getting longer... what do you do with the extra daylight?  Is it useful, productive, or not?  I don't do anything with the extra daylight.  I actually don't care for it because I don't like going to bed when it is still light out.  I've been staying up later than usual and don't sleep later to make up for it.  Bah humbug.  I don't like daylight savings time and think they should do away with it.

2.  If you live where it's more moderate, do you spend more time outdoors?  If you live in a tropical climate, does it keep you inside?  I don't go outside much at all, no matter the time of year.  Does the extra daylight cause more heat and more use of utilities for you?  Yes.

 

3. How do you cool your home?  How do you cool yourself off in the heat of the day?  I have central heat and AC in my house, and there are ceiling fans in each room.  This is Florida.  It is in the 90s now.  I stay inside or get things done outside in the mornings.

4. Do you enjoy a good barbeque outside in the warmer months, or do you cook outside and eat inside?  I haven't used the grill more than a couple of times.  Silly for just one person.  What foods do you enjoy on the barbecue?  Nothing that can't be cooked inside.  If you don't barbeque, what foods and drinks do you enjoy in the warmer months?  I love watermelon and iced tea, but that's pretty much year-round here in Florida.

Peace and Hugs!!

PS... the flea market was fun yesterday, but because of the heat and the snowbirds being gone, it was about half the size it usually is in cooler months.  I was looking for a few specific things and didn't find them.  Susan found a Vera Bradley purse for $5.00.  She was very excited.  We arrived there around 9:00 a.m. and left just after 11:00.  We stopped for lunch back in Lakeland and then went to Hobby Lobby so she could get some upholstery fabric that is on sale.  She is doing her dining room chairs.  I didn't take one picture.  Not one.  Terrible.