November 29th: The Saturday 9...

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

Thank You 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, here are today's questions!

Saturday 9: Thank You Girl (1964)

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

1) Who were you talking to the last time you said, "thank you?" All of my Thanksgiving guests who brought delicious sides for dinner.

2) Paul McCartney recalls that "Thank You Girl" was inspired by all the female fans who had written them fan letters, pledging undying love. Have you ever written a fan letter? If yes, did you receive a response?  A very, very long time ago, young girls could write to their favorite movie stars and request an autographed photo.  My mom did it and gave me her collection, so I wrote a few of those letters and got photos back in the mail. The only one I remember is Shelley Fabares.  I gave my mom's collection and my photos to my niece, Sara.  Mom's really were signed by the stars.  All of mine were printed signatures.  

3) Recording engineer Geoff Emerick remembered that John Lennon was easily winded while recording this song. John had a bad cold and went back to bed when they were done for the day. We're in cold/flu season right now. How are you feeling?  I feel fine.  Colds are going around, though.

4) "Thank You Girl" is this week's song because November 27 was Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year?  Everything. I am beyond blessed.

5) While the big meal is referred to as Thanksgiving dinner, most Americans enjoy it earlier than they usually serve dinner. 3:00 PM is the most popular time for the holiday feast. When did you have dinner on Thursday?  Everyone came at 2:00, and we ate close to 3:00.  Worked for us!

6) Cranberry sauce has been a Thanksgiving staple since the late 1800s. Was it on your menu this year?  It sure was.  My neighbor/friend, Dee, brought cranberries.  Yum!

7) The Thanksgiving Turducken is said to have originated in New Orleans. Chef Paul Prudhomme is often cited as the first to stuff a deboned chicken into a deboned duck into a deboned turkey. Prudhomme's recipe has more than 85 individual steps and takes a full day to prepare. Did you face any challenges while cooking your Thursday dinner?  No.  It all went quite well.

8) Leftovers are popular after Thanksgiving, especially turkey sandwiches. Some cooks recommend serving cold, sliced turkey on wheat bread, but white bread, pitas, and flatbread are also popular. When you head into the kitchen to make a sandwich, what's your go-to bread?  Yesterday I used some leftover rolls for a sandwich.

9) The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and sales. Black Friday got its name in Philadelphia back in the 1950s to describe the traffic clogging both highways and side streets as consumers raced out in search of bargains. When was the last time you were stuck in traffic?  Fortunately, it has been a very long time.  I do my best to avoid rush hour times and interstates. 

Peace and Hugs!

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

Shall come to you, O Israel.

November 28th: Friday Focus (after Thanksgiving)...

 

I'm writing this on Thursday night.  I'm happy to be sitting in my recliner with most of the kitchen put back together and the dishwasher on.  Everyone wanted to help clean up, but it is so much easier for me to just get to it after everyone leaves.  I know the hows and wheres, and it just always seems easier to do it myself.  Am I the only one who turns down help?  I had everyone take leftovers before they left, so most of the food was gone, and it was easy to finish putting away what was left (still enough for me to eat the next four days!).  Everyone brought food to share, and it was all delicious!

I took a few pictures but didn't get a group photo, and just realized I didn't get one of the two pies we had for dessert (pumpkin and pecan).  It was all so good, thanks to many hands.

The dining room table, set for six.

The buffet where I put the pies.  One on each side.

The kitchen table, set for five.  I called it the kids' table.

The 21-pound turkey carcass, after I finished plating it.

I set it all up buffet style. Everything was so good!

I will finish putting the Fall decorations away today, and will begin to get the Christmas decorations out.  Shirley is coming over on Saturday to watch Cindee's memorial service on Facebook with me.  We will have turkey sandwiches for our lunch!

That's all I've got for today.  I look forward to reading about your Thanksgivings!  

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!

November 27th: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

(Comments turned off.  See you tomorrow!)

November 26th: The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

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

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 630

1. Do you feel like you have a 'full plate' at the moment? In what way?  My plate is full of wonderfulness!!  I am blessed with friends, family, and fun things to do. 

2. How did you learn to cook? If you have children, did you teach or encourage them to cook? Do you like to follow a recipe, or is your cooking style more 'let's wing it'?   I am the oldest of four, and my mom relied on me to help in the kitchen, which included cooking.  Both Mom and Dad worked full-time. My boys were 16 and 20 when I entered their lives.  I did not teach them to cook.  My cooking style is more winging it, but I do follow recipes if it is something more involved than just tossing things into a pot.

3. Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate.  I don't remember a time that threw me off.  I know myself and respect my limits.  I learned to say "no" years ago.

4. When did you last say 'the more the merrier' and mean it?  This week!  Thanksgiving!!  We went from six to 11 for dinner, and a couple more would be fine.  I always say 'the more the merrier' and always mean it.

5. Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S.  I'm not good at it, so I asked AI:

• Treasuring every moment shared with family and friends.
• Happy people enjoying special times together.
• All the small kindnesses that make a difference.
• New opportunities for growth and learning.
• Knowing that we are loved and supported.
• Simple joys, like a warm home and good food.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I will just tack on here that I'm not doing a Whimsical Fashion Fun post for tomorrow.  Just a Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating!

Peace and Hugs!

Be thankful, always!

November 25th: The Tuesday 4...

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

We Gather Together..

 Welcome, welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day, when we gather together to ask the Lord's blessing, as the song says.  What are your Thanksgiving Days like?

1. Do you celebrate with family, friends, or by yourself?  Lots of dear friends this year.  It's been a long time since the family came down for Thanksgiving.

2.  Do you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from Macy's in New York City?  The appearance of Santa at the end signals the start of the Christmas season.  What does the day hold for you?  Yes, I watch the parade (or at least listen to it). The day holds good food, fun with friends, and lots of memories remembered and new ones made.  I have so much to be thankful for in my life, and I know how blessed I am every day.

3. What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving Day for you?  All of the traditional foods!  Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, deviled eggs, pickles, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, rolls... 

4.  We say grace before and after meals. Is grace a part of your Thanksgiving meal?  Definitely.  

Peace and Hugs!

For the beauty of the earth

For the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,

This our hymn of grateful praise.

November 24th: Monday Musings...

 

Happy Thanksgiving week to all who will be celebrating!!  I am preparing for ten guests and am so excited about having a houseful of dear friends.  The only thing better would be if some of my family were here, as well.

Jumping back to Friday, I had lunch with my friend, Shirley.  We made plans to watch our friend, Cindee's, memorial service here at my house, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Shirley will come early so we can have some lunch, and then I will hook my computer to the TV so we can watch the service that will be streamed on Facebook.  I ordered flowers and sent my regrets, but told Cindee's daughter we would be watching from Lakeland.

Friday evening was so fun!!  My neighbors, Chuck and Susan, have a daughter, Kim, who homeschools their kids.  The homeschool co-op has a drama activity, and they put on the play for two days, with three performances.  Friday evening was the first performance, and I was able to ride over with Susan and Chuck to see them perform.  Two of the kids, Violet and Levi, were in this year's play.  It was held in a beautiful Baptist Church, over in Plant City (the next town east of Lakeland).  The kids did great!! Kim was one of the directors, and she did great as well!

We arrived early and found good seats!  We got to see Kim before the play started.  I think she took this picture.  Her hubby, David, joined us a little later.  Left to right, Chuck, their son Jake, Susan, and me.

This one includes Levi (who was a donkey in the Nativity scene at the end) and Violet.

On Saturday, Susan, Sandy, and I were off to another Christmas Craft Fair at our civic center (called R.P. Funding Center).  It was HUGE and took up two expo centers!!  We all made some purchases, and just before we left, look what we did...

Santa took the selfie with us...

... and then "Mrs. Santa" came over and took this one for us!

I wore a Christmas shirt and my red shoes!! LOL

It was after 1:00 when we left (we had arrived just before 10:00), so we decided to have lunch at a little diner called Athena before heading home.  I am so blessed to have such wonderful neighbors who are also dear friends. 

When I arrived at church on Sunday, the sanctuary had been beautifully decorated.  I cropped out people so I could post this picture of just the flowers...

I popped into Publix on the way home from church.  I still needed a few things ahead of Thanksgiving.  I put the turkey in the fridge to start thawing.  I also did my two loads of laundry.  

Today, I am having lunch with my friend, Cheryl.  We are meeting at Cheddar's.  I am excited to watch the 30th anniversary special for Everybody Loves Raymond, on CBS at 8:00 p.m. EST (I think).  Should be fun to see!

That's all I've got, except to thank you for stopping by today!!  

Peace and Hugs!

This is my Father's world, and to my list'ning ears,

All nature sings, and round me rings

The music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;

His hand the wonders wrought.

November 22nd: The Saturday 9...

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

The Lady in Red

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 the posts of other participants 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: The Lady in Red (1986)

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

 

1) Is red a color you often wear?  Yes, it is.  I like red.

 

2) In this song, Chris De Burgh is thrilled to be dancing with the woman he loves. Do you recall what was playing the last time you stepped onto the dance floor?  Nope.  Sorry.  Not much of a dancer anymore.

 

3) Chris says he wrote this song about the first time he saw his future wife, who wore a red dress when she came to see his band perform. Tell us about a memorable concert-going experience.  Most recently (a couple of years ago), I went to see Sean of the South in Georgia with my sister Tammy.  It was a great concert and a fun time.

 

4) Chris' father worked as a diplomat for the United Kingdom. Former US ambassador Robert D. Blackwill believes a diplomat should possess strong writing/speaking skills, meticulous attention to detail, historical knowledge, and stamina. Do you have any of those attributes?  I am a 'jack of all trades' and master of none.  

 

5) Chris' family owns Bargy Castle, a 15th-century fortress in County Wexford, Ireland. Bargy Castle has been converted into a hotel. What's the last hotel you stayed in?  It was an Airport Holiday Inn in Grand Rapids, MI.

 

6) Chris is a wine connoisseur who sold a collection of vintage reds for over $500,000. If you suddenly came into $500,000, what would you do with it?  I would use some of it to help a few people, but most would go into the bank.

 

7) In 1986, when this song was popular, singer/actress Lady Gaga was born in Manhattan. Have you been to New York City?  Yes.  Once, a very long time ago.  Senior class trip in 1970.

 
8) Also in 1986, NHL Hall of Famer Jacques Plante died. Are you a hockey fan?  I do like hockey, but I don't watch much anymore.  It was more fun with Joe.

 

9) Random question – You just slid behind the wheel and are about to embark on a long road trip. Which of these famous Williams would you choose as your navigator: Willie Nelson, Bill Murray, or William, Prince of Wales?  I wouldn't choose any of them.  I'm pretty good with directions and navigation.  I would have Willie's Roadhouse (SiriusXM) on the radio, though.

 

Peace and Hugs!

We'll join the everlasting song,

And crown Him Lord of all!

November 21st: The Friday Focus...

 

Last night, the Mas Verde Dinner Group went to Mellow Mushroom.  We hadn't been there in a few years, so it was fun to revisit.  There were nine of us, so it was a nice group!  I got a medium pizza so I could bring some home for another meal or two.  It was yummy!!

The usual gang:  Larry, Sharon, Judy, Tim, me, John, Ginny, Sandy, and Bob.

Yesterday afternoon, I went to Bible study at my church.  I enjoy it and always learn so much.  Our Pastor is finishing 2 Peter this week, and our Advent series will be on Luke.  Advent already!!!

I am having lunch today with my friend, Shirley.  I know we will talk about our friend Cindee.  I haven't decided yet if I'm going to drive down to Palmetto for her memorial service, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  There is so much going on.  I think I will see if Shirley wants to go together for flowers, and we can watch the service on Facebook, where it will be streamed. 

Tomorrow, Susan, Sandy, Anne, and I will be going to another Christmas Craft Fair at our local civic center.  We had fun last time.  This is a different group with around 90 vendors.

This evening, I am going with Susan and Chuck to see a play their granddaughter is in.  It is over in Plant City.  Should be fun!!

Sunday will be church, laundry, and putting the turkey in the fridge (from the freezer) so it can begin the four-day thaw for Thanksgiving!  I'll be cleaning next week and planning seating arrangements and table decorations, etc.  Full speed ahead!!

Thanks for your visit!  Have a great weekend!!  

Peace and Hugs!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

November 20th: Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

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

Take a look at the gown and decide which shoes you like best.

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

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty!

The holidays are coming.  I was drawn to the color.  But where is she going?  Maybe the Opera?  Count down on the (more sensible) shoes, 1-2-3, and tell us which pair she should wear!  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  Y'all probably know which pair I am picking!  The lowest heel, #1, for sure.  This is a very formal gown and not one I could ever see myself wearing, but it is lovely.  Where do you think she is going in that dress?  

Peace and Hugs!

Softly, deftly, music shall surround you

Feel it, hear it, closing in around you

Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind

In this darkness, which you know you cannot fight

The darkness of the music of the night

-Music of the Night, Phantom of the Opera

November 19th: The Wednesday Hodgepodge...

 Thanks to Joyce, our Hodgepodge hostess!  Join the fun by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 629

1. Let's do our gratitude question first this week...what's the best thing about your home, and have you taken time to enjoy it lately?  I enjoy my home all the time. The best thing about it is the location.  I have the best neighbors, live in a great town, have room for guests, and feel comfortable when it is just me and my two cats.  It isn't elegant.  It is lived in and loved.

2. Do you like squash? Of the varieties listed, which one's your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Is squash of some sort on your Thanksgiving menu?? 

acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti, zucchini, crookneck (yellow squash), patty pan

I don't care enough about any squash to buy it and prepare it.  If it is served to me in a restaurant or at a friend's home, I am happy to enjoy it.  I've had acorn, butternut, spaghetti, zucchini, and yellow.  Never heard of delicata or patty pan.  Squash is not on my Thanksgiving menu, but if someone brings it, I will eat some and be thankful.

3. Last time you were 'squashed in' somewhere, or felt squashed?  Probably when three people were seated in a car's backseat.  I think it may have been when I was in Ohio, in September.  Cars aren't made for three adults in the backseat anymore.

4. Have you ever played squash?  Nope.  What about other 'racquet sports' such as racquetball, tennis, pickleball, badminton, or table tennis (ping pong)? Are these sports something you enjoy?  I used to love badminton.  I have played ping pong, but I am not good at it.

5. Something in today's society or culture that feels like a 'racket' to you? If you don't like that one, tell us about a place you've been recently where there was a lot of 'racket'.  I've been getting "offers" by text message lately, telling me I have money waiting to be claimed.  Spam, spam, spam is everywhere.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.  I am still walking most mornings with my neighbors/friends, Susan and Sandy.  Took a picture of our shadows yesterday morning!  Three times a week is my goal, and more is a bonus!

Peace and Hugs!!

 In the shadow of His wings
There is rest, sweet rest;
There is rest from care and labor,
There is rest for friend and neighbor;
In the shadow of His wings
There is rest, sweet rest,
In the shadow of His wings
There is rest (sweet rest).

November 18th: A Late Posting of the Tuesday 4...

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

Starry Nights

Welcome  Friends to another Tuesday 4 started by Toni Taddeo and kept up in honor and memory of her.  Let's talk about starry nights....

 

1.  Have you ever seen the Milky Way or been to one of the designated blackout areas where no light can obscure the starry night?  I have seen what I thought might be the Milky Way and other constellations, but I've not been to one of those blackout areas.

2.  "The heavens declare the glory of God and the  firmament shows His handiwork."  Are you in awe of the starry skies?  Do they inspire faith for you?  I am in awe of God's handiwork all around me and don't need starry skies to inspire my beliefs, though those beautiful night skies can be breathtaking.

3. Have you ever wished upon a star or seen a meteorite fall to earth?  We used to say that "star light, star bright" wishing rhyme when we were kids, but I don't believe in wishing on a star.  I have seen what might have been a meteorite, or just a falling star.

4. Do you think money is wasted on the space program that might be better used on Earth?  I don't think money has been wasted on the space program.  Many things we enjoy in life today wouldn't exist without the money spent on the space program.  Click this link for just some of them!  NASA INVENTIONS

Peace and Hugs!

The bright blue sky above our head,

The soft green earth on which we tread,

The ocean rolling round the land,

Were made by God's almighty hand.

November 17th: Monday Musings...

 

I am musing about how fast Mondays continue to roll around...

To recap the weekend, my refrigerator was repaired on Friday and is still working well.  Thank Mike's Appliance Repair, and the older, well-made Kenmore appliance!!

My Saturday was quiet.  I did a little cleaning after my walk with Susan and Sandy.  I stopped after the first 1-mile trek and left Susan and Sandy to do another lap.  They are younger and don't have artificial body parts!  LOL

After church yesterday, I went to my former boss's birthday party at Grillsmith.  There were around 25 people, and they put us in a party room.  Grillsmith has great food, and our servers were very good.  Danon's daughters were there, his brother and sister, a nephew, Mali's daughter, and a few more of us unrelated friends.  A very nice celebration!  I did take some photos!!

Danon and Mali

I got in this one...

A table full of friends and family...

I borrowed this one from Mali's FB...

On another note:  There was a time when I could create mail merge documents on the computer with my eyes closed (well, you understand).  I do labels for my Christmas cards, and the list I've been using over and over is a mess.  I decided to start over, since I had plenty of time on Saturday.  Oh my gosh.  I had to go to YouTube University to figure out how to do it again.  Good golly, am I that old?  Has it really been that long?  Yes.

I got it done and feel good about it.  The labels are printed, and I even wrote my annual Christmas letter.  My goal each year is to have my cards done before my birthday (the 11th).  Two weeks out is when I like to mail my cards.  I'm on track!!  I have also gotten some of my shopping done!  Feeling good.  It is coming as fast as Mondays do!!

I am walking with Sandy this morning.  Susan and her family are going over to Disney.  She will get her steps in there.  My Kroger order will arrive today.  I'm sure I'll find a project or two to work on.

I have a hair appointment tomorrow, lunch with Cheryl on Wednesday, Bible study and dinner with neighbors on Thursday, and lunch with Shirley on Friday.  Good golly.  Someone at Danon's party asked me how I am enjoying retirement, and was I finding things to do?  I offered a 'yes' and said I am beyond blessed.  I certainly am.

I'll stop here.  Thanks for your visit!!  I'm off to read about your weekends!

Peace and Hugs!!  

Just as I am, without one plea

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.