October 2nd: Friday Focus

 

Happy Friday and October!  They both got here fast, but always welcome!

Yesterday was Bible study with our Pastor.  We are working through the Gospel of John.  Digging in has sparked some good conversations.

Last night, dinner out was nice at Glory Days.  There were only five of us this week.  Still always a nice time.  When I got home, I spoke with Anne, who is still in New York with her kids.  I also spoke with my sister, Patti.

There were four birthdays this week, including grandson Tristan's tomorrow.  My friend Cheryl's birthday is next week.  I'm taking her to lunch.  She has a new dog that I'm anxious to hear about.  She named him Bozzy, and here is the picture she sent me... adorable!

I'm off to a doctor's appointment this morning, and not much else is going on through the weekend.  I'm a greeter at church on Sunday, though.  

I've started some Christmas shopping.  I remembered that I also need to do a little Halloween shopping.  There are Halloween elves here in Mas Verde, and one of them always leaves a "Boo Bag" at my door.  That requires me to prepare a Boo Bag to surprise someone else with.  It's a fun little exercise to look forward to, since we don't have kids begging in here.  There will also be a decorated golf cart parade.  

I've mentioned before that I have a makeshift "catio" in the little screened-in breezeway between my back door and my shed.  The cats enjoy being out there in the mornings.  One day this week, I sneaked a look and had to take a picture of Casper.  He was totally sacked out...

 And speaking of cats, I was running out of swans to "color" with my Happy Color App when I noticed a new selection of cat pictures!!  This one screams Fall!!  I'll be doing cats AND swans now.  I enjoy the coloring puzzles!

Thanks for your visit!!

Peace and Hugs!!  Happy weekend!

For The Beauty of the Earth, Verse 3

--Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864

For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child, Friends on earth and friends above, For all gentle thoughts and mild. Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise.

October 1st: Whimsical Fashion Fun

 

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

Check out the outfit and help her decide which shoes/boots to wear.

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

Photos are from the Storybook of Dreams and Beauty!

She appears to be ready for Fall!!  Which pair of shoes/boots should she choose for her outfit?  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!!  

My thoughts: I would wear this if I still lived up north!  There is not much need for a suede jacket here in Florida.  So, I'll pretend she lives above the Mason-Dixon Line and will pick the suede boots, #3.  What are your thoughts?  Thanks for playing along!  It's only dress-up!

Thanks for your visit!!  Happy October!

Peace and Hugs!

Blessed Be Your Name, Chorus

--Mark and Beth Redman, 2002

Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise! When the darkness closes in, Lord, Still, I will say, Blessed be the Name of the Lord, Blessed be Your Name! Blessed be the Name of the Lord, Blessed be Your glorious Name!

September 30th: The Wednesday Hodgepodge

 Thanks to Joyce for today's questions!  Be a Hodgepodger by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 673

1. When you think of autumn, what sounds come to mind?  Autumn in Florida is more a state of mind than anything happening outside.  Our temps drop a bit, and the humidity drops a lot, so both of those things find us enjoying the outside more.  We put up with four months of heat and humidity for the eight months of sweet sunshine and dry breezes.  Yes!!

2. Is a trip to the mountains something you enjoy? What's your favorite mountain?  My cousins used to have a log cabin in the Pigeon Forge area, and we were invited to enjoy staying there a few times.  The Smoky Mountains are beautiful.  I've not been to the Rockies for comparison, so the Smokies are my answer.  This is the only photo I could find: Cousin Bob and his wife, Patti, a very long time ago, but good memories!  

3. What's something that once felt like a mountain but is now just a molehill?  Gosh, I say that now and then, but nothing really comes to mind right now.  I try to NOT do that and move on.

4. Let's play this or that-fall foods edition. Yes, you have to choose. 

• pumpkin spice latte or chai latte - chai
• apple cider or hot chocolate - cider (and I just bought some!)
• stew or chili, - both, but I'll make chili before I make stew
• sweet potato casserole or green bean casserole - both, but I'll make sweet potatoes before the green bean
• butternut squash soup or creamy mushroom soup - yum to mushroom 
• cranberry sauce or gravy - cranberry sauce, but gotta have gravy too!

5. Sum up your September in a sentence or two.  There were several birthdays to celebrate, a roof leak to fix, and ridiculous hot temperatures to endure.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I am SO excited to share a new BLOGGER with you all!!  My long-time blogging (and in-person) friend, Kris, has been away for nine years, but she is back!!  We were blogging on Multiply before it closed down, and we both moved to Blogspot.  Her kids were still in high school back then, and now they are married and have given her and her hubby five grandchildren!  They live in Michigan.  Some of you might remember her.  We have remained connected on Facebook.  Please visit Sweet Chaos and Campfires!  She is one of the first bloggers I met in person.  This was back in 2012, when the family was over at Disney, and she slipped into Lakeland for lunch with me.  Welcome back to Blogger, Kris!

       Thanks for your visit today!  

Peace and Hugs!

Be Thou My Vision, Verse 5

--Irish Hymn - 8th Century

High King of Heaven, my victory won, May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

September 29th: The Tuesday 4

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

The Cozy Pastime of Reading

 

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we give you 4 questions to think about each week.

People make reading lists for the various seasons, and many mention how cozy it can be to cuddle up in a favorite spot to read.

1. Do you have a list of books you'd like to read?  I have hundreds of books on my Kindle.  I don't download one unless I think I'll enjoy it.  I've just sorta lost my reading mojo.

2. Where do you get ideas for books you want to read?  What kind of books catch your interest?  I like cozy mysteries.  I like books I don't have to think too hard about.  Reading is entertainment for me.  I want to be intrigued, and I don't want to figure out the ending too soon, but the ending needs to be a good one.

3. What have you read lately?  I started a cozy mystery set called The Isle of Man Ghostly Cozy Collection.  I'm on book 13 and just found out there are 26 books in the series.  Each one is just different enough that I can stay engaged, and they are an easy read.  I "borrow" them on Kindle Unlimited.

4. How do you find time to read, and where do you make yourself cozy and comfy to read?  I read a few chapters when I go to bed.  I have my books on my phone, so I can also read in waiting rooms.

Peace and Hugs!

The Church's One Foundation, Verse 1

--Samuel J. Stone, 1866

The church's one foundation, Is Jesus Christ her Lord; She is His new creation By water and the Word. From heaven He came and sought her To be His holy bride; With His own blood He bought her And for her life He died.

September 28th: Monday Musings

 

Good golly, wasn't it just Monday a couple of days ago?

I did my weekly synopsis on Friday, so I'll start this post with Saturday. I had my annual mammogram at 9:15 a.m.  It went well.  The technician didn't have to readjust or take extra pictures, so that was good.  She said they are behind by a few days because the system was down a week ago, and they are catching up.  That said, the results won't be on My Chart until sometime this week.  She said they also compare this year to last year, and since I had them done at a different clinic last year, they have to request the pictures.  

I still had another t-shirt pillow to make.  I got it done on Saturday, too.  Here is a photo of it, and then the other two I did a week ago, in case you missed that picture.  They are all 18" x 18".

It feels good to actually get a project DONE!!  I also went outside since the weather is delightful now and for the next couple of days (fake Fall) to clean out some weeds from around the AC unit and the backdoor, which I rarely use.  The lawn service I have doesn't pay much attention to the back of the house because no one sees it.  My house backs up to the concrete wall that encloses the south side of our community.  Out of sight, out of mind, I guess.

Yesterday was church, my two loads of laundry, I wished my sister-in-law a happy birthday by text, spoke on the phone with my sister, Patti, and then with my friends, Danon and Mali.  Danon is facing some quite serious surgery on Tuesday, so if you would add him to your prayer list, please pray for him and the surgical team.  Mali will keep me posted.  

Saturday was DIL Darlene's birthday.  I spoke with Joey last night, but Dar was still at the horse sanctuary.  He has my hug to give her.  She and I texted, and she got the card I sent.  I also texted with my son, Jeff.  He lives near some of the flooding in Virginia.  I wanted to make sure they were not in harm's way.  Jeff is a meat manager at Safeway (grocery), and he said his store is not near the flooding, which was good news. 

My neighbor, Susan, is feeling better and will be walking this morning!!  We will enjoy the cooler weather for a couple more days before the heat and humidity return.  The week ahead is another quiet one for me!

Thanks for your visit today!!  How was your weekend?

Peace and Hugs!

Be Thou My Vision, Verse 5

--Words attributed to Dallan Forgaill

Irish Hymn - 8th Century

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

September 26th: The Saturday 9

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

Don't Take Your Love from Me

 

 

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: Don't Take Your Love from Me (1956)

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

1) In this song, Doris Day sings about what happens when you take a petal from a rose. When did you last get or give flowers as a gift?  Since I don't care to get flowers as a gift because I have no place to keep the cats away from them... I don't give them as a gift.  It is always a nice gesture, but I throw them away before I go to bed (or give them to a neighbor).

 

2) This song is about a woman who fears losing her love. What's the most recent thing you lost? (Hopefully it's not as consequential as a great love. It could be as small or unimportant as the back of one of your pierced earrings.)  Sleep is the only thing I thought of.  One night last week (I think I posted about it), I had too much caffeine and just could not get to sleep.

 

3) Doris was known as The All-American Girl Next Door. Who lives next door to you?  My dear friends, Susan (and Chuck) on one side and Sandy (and Bob) on the other.

 

4) As a young girl, Doris Day was passionate about dance. She recalled that concentrating on her lessons helped distract her from the pain and embarrassment of her parents' divorce. When you want to escape from what's troubling you, what do you do?  I'm not troubled very often, but I guess I would be here, or reading, or watching TV.

5) The maitre d' at one of Doris' favorite restaurants wanted to ask her out. Knowing how she loved her dogs, he impressed her by handing her a bag of meat scraps and bones to take home. They began dating, and in 1976, he became her last husband. What's the best way to your heart?  Joe could make me laugh, and he was kind, honest, respectful, and cared for me above and beyond.  There will never be another Joe. 

 

6) Over her long career, Doris received Golden Globe and Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was also inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, honored for being one of the most celebrated women to have been born there. Name a famous person born in your home state.  Doris Day!! Also, Bob Hope, Dean Martin, John Legend, Martin Sheen, Neil Armstrong, and Steven Spielberg, to name a few!! I was born and raised in the beautiful state of OHIO!  Yes, I'm a Buckeye!

 

7) She was frank about her financial difficulties, yet some people are uncomfortable discussing money. Are you one of those people?  I'm not uncomfortable discussing money in general terms.  I'm a retired accountant and was married to a CPA.  I don't talk about my finances, other than to say I'm not wealthy and have to pay attention to where my money goes (don't we all!)  When someone would ask Joe where we invest our money, his standard answer was "in groceries"!! 

8) In 1956, when Doris released this song, The Wizard of Oz was shown on network TV for the first time. What movie have you seen multiple times?  The Wizard of Oz, Gone With The Wind, Nonnas, Moonstruck, Pretty Woman, Solo Mio.... let's just not get into Christmas movies!!

9) Random question: Would you rather have a chef or a chauffeur?  Definitely a chef.  I don't mind driving. I don't mind cooking either, but it always tastes better when someone else cooks.

 

Thanks for coming by today!

Peace and Hugs!

Not What My Hands Have Done, Verse 5
--Horatius Bonar, 1861

I praise the God of grace; I trust His truth and might; He calls me His, I call Him mine, My God, my joy, my light. 'Tis He who saveth me, And freely pardon gives; I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives.

September 25th: Friday Focus

 

Happy Friday, friends!!  Another week behind us, and God willing, another one ahead!

It's been a very quiet week for me.  My walking buddies and I have been walking in the mornings.  We missed Tuesday, and Susan is a bit under the weather, so it's just been Sandy and me most of the week.  It is always good to start the morning with friends and some exercise!

Yesterday, I had my CT Scan.  The results are posted, but I don't know the jargon, so I will wait until I hear from my doctor.  It doesn't seem like there is anything to be concerned with. (Google image.)

The Mas Verde group went to Longhorn Steakhouse for dinner last night.  It is always good.  There were only five of us this week.  

Tomorrow (yes, a Saturday!), my day starts with my annual mammogram. I'll just be glad to get it over with for another year.  

I've busied myself with some mending and some cleaning this week.  Anne was over nearly every day, but she is off to New York to visit her kids now.  I'm getting her mail for her while she is away.

I'm watching Dancing With The Stars and The Voice, new seasons for both!  I'm following my YouTube subscriptions and feeling like a slug most evenings.  Are you watching anything new on TV?

Thanks for your visit and for getting this far without yawning!!  Your comments are always appreciated!  

I'm still enjoying the Happy Color app...

Peace and Hugs!

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Verse 1

--Words: Henry Van Dyke Music "Ode to Joy" by Ludwig van Beethoven

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, Opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!

September 24th: Whimsical Fashion Fun

 

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

Check out the outfit and help her choose the right purse to carry!

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

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

Country, vintage, and FUN!  Count down on the purses, 1-2-3, and tell us which one you like best for her!  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts: I love this look, and it could be in my closet!  I also love the purses and will choose the sheep on #1, just because it is so fun!!  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!!

Thanks for your visit today and for playing along!

Have Faith In God, Verse 1

--B. B. McKinney, 1886-1952

Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely, He sees and knows all the way you have trod; Never alone are the least of His children; Have faith in God, have faith in God. Chorus Have faith in God, He's on His throne; Have faith in God, He watches o'er His own; He cannot fail, He must prevail; Have faith in God, have faith in God.

September 23rd: Fall into the Wednesday Hodgepodge!

 Thanks to Joyce for today's hodgepodge of questions!  Join the fun by clocking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 672

1. Fall arrives this week in the Northern Hemisphere. Does it look/feel like fall where you live?  No.  What's something you love to do this time of year that makes you feel it's officially fall?  Here in Central Florida, we have to wait a few more weeks for cooler temperatures and lower humidity.

*If you're answering today from the Southern Hemisphere, feel free to substitute spring for the word fall. 

2. What's a small daily task or chore that always seems to fall through the cracks when your schedule gets busy?  I don't blame anything for falling through the cracks when the problem is my procrastination.  Cleaning...

3. What's something you're falling for lately?  Magnum chocolate/caramel ice cream bars.  Oh. My. Gosh!!

4. Pumpkin is a popular flavor this time of year.  Are you a fan?  No.  What's your favorite pumpkin-flavored food or beverage?  I love my mom's pumpkin bread.  The only flavor additive is cinnamon.  It's good.  Pumpkin pie spice is too much!

5. What's something you wish would never change?  No need to explain.  

Treasure the one who never changes.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.– Hebrews 13:8

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I forgot to share a photo of the gift Lauren and Jeremy gave me on Saturday.

The picture was taken at their wedding rehearsal dinner, on the beach at Key Largo.  Tristan, Grandma (me), and Lauren.  The frame is heavy and beautiful, and the gift is priceless!!

Thanks for your visit!!  Happy Wednesday!

Peace and Hugs!

All I Ever Need Is Found In Thee, Verse 4

--Russian Hymn, sung by the persecuted Church in the Soviet Union

Christ revealed His eternal love;
This my soul delights to see;
All I ever need is found in Thee.
This my soul delights to see;
All I ever need is found in Thee.
Can there yet be greater joys above?

September 22nd: The Tuesday 4

 Thanks to our hostess, Annie, for today's fun.  Join in by clicking HERE!

September So Far....

Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.   I hope you are enjoying taking part, and as always, if you have ideas for topics, please let me know here or in the comments on

Hello Friend!

Cottage by the Sea.  

1. How has your September been so far?  Great!  The only thing I can complain about is the heat!

2. What events are coming up next on your calendar, or have there been any special days so far for you?  I'm going to Nashville for a long girls' weekend next month!

3.  How's the weather been in your neck of the woods?  Rainy (we need it) and much too hot.  The rain doesn't cool things off, at all.

4. How can we be praying for you or sending our good thoughts your way?  Prayers for safe travels next month would be wonderful!!

Thanks for your visit!!  Have a happy week!

Peace and Hugs!!

 

I Surrender All, Verse 1

--Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1896

All to Jesus, I surrender; All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all, All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

September 21st: Monday Musings (and fun!)

 

A new week ahead!!  Happy Monday!

This post starts with my trip to Punta Gorda for lunch with my granddaughter, Lauren, and her hubby, Jeremy!  

As usual, we chose to meet in Punta Gorda.  They drive north for an hour or so, and I drive south for a couple of hours.  It has worked as a meeting place for years and years.  When grandson Tristan was still in school, we would meet him there with his stepdad, so we could have him stay with us for a couple of weeks during the summer. Tristan will be 30 next month!  How did that happen?! 

Our old normal restaurant was The Captain's Table at Fisherman's Wharf.  There is a new owner of the shopping center and the restaurants.  The Captain's Table closed last year, and with some major renovations underway, we looked for a new place to meet and found the Laishley Crab House.  A bonus is an ice cream parlor and a couple of cute stores on the same property.  

It was a beautiful day!

The waitress took this one.  It's a bit crooked...

The food is good there.  We were all happy with our meals.  Lauren and I both ordered the blue crab sandwich and sweet potato fries.  Jeremy ordered a wrap and sweet potato fries.  I forgot to take pictures of our food, but you can see above that we had ice cream for dessert!  

We texted with Tristan while we were together, and he said he would be "home" over Christmas, so we will make plans for another lunch while he is here!  Tristan works in Washington, D.C., now.  

Jeremy's dad is turning 70 next month, and they have a family birthday cruise planned to celebrate his big day.  They are excited about that!  It was so good spending time with them and getting hugs.  They are doing well, as are William the cat and Truman the dog.  Blessed!!  Lauren will be 37 next month.  Time goes much too fast.  

This seems like yesterday!

I got some of my Fall/Halloween decorations out last week.  Here are a few...

And I finished two of the three t-shirt pillows I wanted to get done.  I'm not sure where they will "live" yet, but I'm happy with the results.

I have to confess that I missed church yesterday and cancelled my plans to go to the community theater.  I had more caffeine than I am used to on Saturday and didn't sleep well.  I decided at 4:30 a.m. that I was just going to stay home and be kind to my body.  Those 4-hour drive day-trips are not as easy to do as they used to be, and I should know better than to consume that much caffeine (which was the big problem).  Totally on me.

That said, the laundry got done, and I just chilled most of the day.  Thanks for your visit today, and I wish you a blessed and happy week ahead!!

Peace and Hugs!

How Deep The Father's Love For Us, Verse 3

--Stuart Townend

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom.