August 17th: Monday Musings

 

Hello and happy Monday, dear friends!  How was your weekend?

I am so pleased that my new small group from church met here on Friday evening.  There were to be 13, but two couldn't make it because of an unexpected family arrival, one was sick with a migraine, and one was babysitting a grandchild and couldn't come.  Nine of us had a wonderful evening (if I may say so).  I didn't take one picture, but we enjoyed the salad buffet dinner I had planned and the angel food/pineapple cake I made for dessert.  

After dinner, we gathered in the living room.  We were each supposed to talk about a song that meant something special to us.  We ended up singing several of them, and it was a goose-bump time for me.  I told one of the ladies at church yesterday that we need to end each meeting with songs like that!  She said she sang songs all the way home!  What was to be 5:00 to 7:00 didn't finish until nearly 8:00!!  I'm already looking forward to next month!

On Saturday, the local handyman (who did my floors) came to change batteries in Anne's three smoke detectors.  When I let him in on Friday to turn her water back on, one of the detectors was beeping.  I only had one 9-volt battery, so he said he would come back Saturday when I could get two more batteries.  That's all done, and she gets in late tonight.  I put the last of her mail that I've been getting for her on her kitchen island.  It is piled high with nearly three months of mail, and I've been tossing advertisements (at her request).

My BFF, Elaine, called me, and we talked for nearly an hour.  It was great catching up with her and Jim, but she had sad news, too.  Her mom (my "other" mom) is in hospice care now with dementia.  It's so sad to watch.  Lift a prayer for them, please, if you think about it.

Yesterday I went to church.  I decided to treat myself to Chinese takeout and have enough leftover for another day, as well.  Not to worry... I got my two loads of laundry done, too!

Today, I am going to a late lunch with a friend/neighbor, Cindy.  Her husband is in memory care.  She goes there every day to spend time with him.  Her birthday is tomorrow, so lunch is my treat at Cheddar's.  

On Wednesday, I'm going out with Susan, Sandy, and Judy to explore a new Amish store in a little town south of Lakeland.  We are planning to have lunch while we are out, and maybe find something else to see while we are making a girls' day of it.  Always fun.

I am having an early dinner with Cheryl on Friday, so another foodie week for me, because I'll be going out with the Mas Verde dinner group, as usual, on Thursday.  Good golly!

That's all I've got right now.  That's enough, actually!  God is so good!!

Thanks for your visit!!  Wishing you all a happy week ahead!

Peace and Hugs!!

Sweet Hour of Prayer, Verse 3

--William W. Walford, 1842

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear To Him whose truth and faithfulness Engage the waiting soul to bless. And since He bids me seek His face, Believe His Word and trust His grace, I'll cast on Him my every care, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

August 15th: The Saturday 9

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

Blueberry Hill

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: Blueberry Hill (1956)

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

This month, Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) Fats Domino sings about a hill named for blueberries. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, blueberries can grow just about anywhere in North America, as long as they have plenty of direct sunlight. Do you have a garden?  I do not have a garden.  I don't like yard work or garden work.  I do, however, appreciate them and the talented gardeners who work tirelessly in theirs.

2) Blueberries are low in calories and rich in fiber. Are they a regular part of your diet?  They aren't "regular," but I buy them once a month or so and enjoy them with yogurt or in cereal for the few days a container lasts.

3) They also have a high moisture content. Staying hydrated is important to human health. Do you drink the standard recommended 8 glasses of water every day?  No, I'm sure I rarely drink that much water in a day.

4) Fats originally had a big hit with "Blueberry Hill" in 1956, and then enjoyed the record's renewed popularity in the mid-70s, when "Blueberry Hill" was often referenced as Richie Cunningham's favorite song. Without looking it up, do you remember what show Richie Cunningham was on? (Extra non-existent Saturday 9 points if you can also name the actor who played Richie.)  Happy Days and Ron Howard.  It was a favorite.

5) Born Antoine Domino, he took the name "Fats" not just because of his physique. Growing up, jazz pianist Fats Waller was one of his heroes. If you were to adopt the first name of someone you admire, what would we call you?  I can't think of anyone I admire enough to want their first name.  I DID take Joe's last name, though, and loved him to the moon and back.

6) Despite his warm and friendly stage persona, Fats was shy around strangers and hated giving interviews. Tell us about something you did only because it was part of your job, not because you enjoyed it.  I disliked having to attend Board Meetings and give the financial reports every month.  There were 24 people on the Board, and that is about 20 more than I like speaking in front of!! 

7) In 1956, when this record was topping the charts, the Olympics were held in Melbourne. Have you ever been to the land down under?  No, I haven't.  I do know three people who have been there, and they loved it.

8) The star of the 1956 Olympics was Austrian Toni Sailer, who won all three gold medals in Alpine skiing. Do you prefer snow skiing, water skiing, or just watching other people ski?  I have actually done both and am happy to never have to wear skis ever again!!  Water skiing was a lot more fun than snow skiing.

9) Random question: Do you believe everyone has a jealous streak?  I really have no idea.  It's not something I've ever given any thought to.

Peace and Hugs!  Thanks for your visit!

I'm sorry I fell behind on reading blogs yesterday.  I'll catch up!!

Come To Jesus (Rest In Him), Verse 1
---Jordan Kauflin & Matt Merker

Are you weary, heavy laden?

Come and lay your burdens down.

Jesus calls you, Jesus draws you,

Rest in Him.

He is gentle, He is lowly,

He delights to bring us peace!

Tender Shepherd, mighty Savior,

Rest in Him.

August 14th: Friday's Focus

 

I've had a crazy week, and on top of that, I have to wrap my head around it being MID-AUGUST already!  How can that be?

I warned you that I would report on my trip to the Podiatrist on Wednesday.  It wasn't as bad as I was anticipating, praise God!  My nasty toenail turned gray and felt loose.  I did try to kind of pick at it myself, but it hurt.  Dr. Calvo took some snippers and just started trimming it down and revealed a brand new nail already starting to grow (which is why it felt loose).  Now, I have no toenail to polish, and she said it will take a year or so for it to grow in.  I'm glad summer is nearly over, not that I really care about how it will look with sandals on.  Take a look...

I went from there to Publix to pick up a prescription.  I seem to visit Publix about three times a week.  I call our Southgate Publix "my Publix".  Folks here in Lakeland know exactly what "my Publix" means.  We all have the one we like best, and Southgate is also where I use the pharmacy.  It's a smaller, older Publix, and I know exactly where everything is.  I do go to the bigger, newer Oakbridge Publix now and then, but I end up walking aisles I don't need to visit because I can't find what I'm looking for.  IYKYK

You might recognize the iconic arch above.  Edward Scissorhands was filmed there (the beauty shop scene), and so was The One and Only Ivan.

Wednesday evening, Gregory (friend & former co-worker) brought his dog, Colby, over so I could take care of him while Gregory did a sleep test at the clinic.  Colby is spoiled and doesn't like cats or other dogs.  My boys were not happy.  I broke up two fights between Colby and Casper.  Vinny just hid under my bed.  Casper lost a front claw and dripped blood on the floor and counter.  It was not a happy night.  

I had to shut my boys in my bedroom so I could sleep in the recliner and hold Colby.  He barked at the door until I came out to be with him.  It was not a happy night, and I didn't get much sleep.  Gregory came at 8:30 a.m. to pick him up.  Colby walked with Sandy and me in the morning and did his morning poop.  (TMI) We at least got that sorted before Gregory came.  I took this picture Wednesday evening while we were catching up on museum stuff.  He still works there.

Yesterday, I went to Bible study.  From there, I went to Sam's Club to pick up an order I placed.  I ordered chicken salad (they have delicious chicken salad), a broccoli salad, and a Southwest salad to serve my small group tonight.  I am also doing deviled eggs, rolls, and a pickle plate.  I'm making angel food cake with pineapple for dessert.  There is lemonade, iced tea, and water for beverages.  I think I'm almost ready.  With most of the food prep done, I will be cleaning today, shifting furniture for seating 12 ladies, and setting the tables with six in the dining room and six in the kitchen.

Later this morning, I am meeting a local handyman over at Anne's house.  He will turn her water back on, and she asked me to set the thermostat at 77.  I'll take the rest of her mail over to join the pile on her kitchen island.  She gets home on Monday!  It will be hard for her to get adjusted to being there without Paul now, but she is strong and says she is ready.

In the week ahead, I have a couple of lunches scheduled with friends, but not much else! Yay!!  How has your week been?

Peace and Hugs!!

Because He Lives, Chorus

--Bill & Gloria Gaither

Because He lives,

I can face tomorrow!

Because He lives,

All fear is gone.

Because I know

He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

August 13th: Whimsical Fashion Fun

There isn't a linky and there aren't any rules!
Check out the dress and help her decide which shoes to wear!
It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!
Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty!

Small waists, polka dots, and full skirts remind me of the 1950s fashions.  Count down on the shoes, 1-2-3, and tell us which ones you pick for the dress.  It's all for fun and a little whimsy!!

My thoughts:  A perfect dress for a summer garden luncheon.  Given that, I'm picking shoe #2 for walking on the lawn, and would put a red belt on instead of that navy/black one.  It is not a dress that would be in my closet now, but perhaps 50 years ago!!  (Ouch, that sounds terrible!!)  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

Because He Lives, Chorus

--Bill & Gloria Gaither Because He lives, I can face tomorrow! Because He lives, All fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth living, Just because He lives! 

August 12th: The Wednesday Hodgepodge

 Thanks to our hostess, Joyce, for today's numberless questions!  Join the fun HERE!

This Week's Hodgepodge Questions

Last week was Volume 665, and next week will be Volume 667. 
You're welcome : ) Thanks!

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this: ' The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while." 

Time is crazy, isn't it? So...what were you up to in the year 2002?  In May 2002, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Warner University with my BA Degree in Organizational Management.  It was my 50th birthday gift to myself.  I was asked to do the Call To Worship at graduation (it is a Christian university).

2. "Me? I'm scared of everything..." What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway?  I am terrified of public speaking, so that picture above is of me being very brave before a crowd of around 4,000 people.  Joe told me I did great, and he was proud of me.  Never again, though!!

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite—watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew?  Of the watermelon food/beverages listed, which would you say yes to...  I love watermelon and would try any of those, but I much prefer just a slice of ice-cold seedless watermelon, sprinkled with some salt.

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate.   I am the first-born and fit the pattern perfectly.  I was a standard first-born before I read about first-borns, so I am sure there is something to it.  Parents seem to expect more from the first-born.  They were stricter with me and expected more from me.  When I asked my mom once why my two sisters got away with things I didn't even think about doing, she just laughed and said she was tired of yelling.

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain.  I think it would depend on who was giving the party, how well I knew the people there, and what the circumstances were.  I'm not good at or comfortable with "small talk," but I don't have trouble when I know who I'm talking with.  Sorry to be wishy-washy.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I'm off this morning to the podiatrist and will probably come home minus a big toenail.  Ouch!!  My friend, Gregory, rescheduled his sleep test for tonight (or his doctor did), and he will drop off his dog, Colby, around 6:30 tonight and will pick him up in the morning around 8:30. Colby doesn't like cats (or other dogs), so my babies will not be happy.  This was Colby when he stayed over last March....

Peace and Hugs!

Fairest Lord Jesus, Verse 1

---German Melody, 1677 Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature, Son of God and Son of Man, Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thou, my soul's Glory, Joy and Crown.

August 11th: The Tuesday 4

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

The "Ber" Months

There are just 3 weeks left until the "ber" months begin.  September, October, November, and 
December.  Fall/Autumn begins in September and ends in December.

Autumn begins in September, and is called that until leaves begin to fall, and then it's called "fall". 

Sept means 7, Octo means 8, Novo means 9, and Deca means 10, but the numbers are off since the calendar was changed long ago from 10 months to 12.  Ber is an adjectival suffix of Latin origin meaning "month".

Let's discuss it.

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4, where we ask just 4 questions each week to encourage blogging and enjoying the ideas and work of fellow bloggers.

1.   What foods make you think of the autumn months ahead?  We are already hearing about pumpkin spice, but I don't care for it.  Cooler temps make me want homemade soups or stews, and comfort-food casseroles.

2.   Are there any songs you associate with the fall months?  LOL... The Monster Mash for Halloween, and how about Over The River and Through the Woods for Thanksgiving?

3.   Are you looking forward to the ber months at all?  Why?  Yes, I am looking forward to lower humidity and tolerable temperatures here in Florida!

4.   School in New Jersey always begins after Labor Day, and before that I would have dreams of going to school in my pajamas!    Did anything similar happen to you?  Did you dread going back to school, or were you happy and excited?  I have rarely ever remembered my dreams, but I loved school, so I was excited to get there and get on with it!

Fall-looking cats from Happy Color!!

Thanks for your visit today!!

Peace and Hugs!

Over the river and through the woods,
To grandfather’s* house we go;
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh,
Thru the white and drifted snow, oh!

Over the river and thru the woods,
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and thru the woods,
To have a first-rate play;
Oh, hear the bell ring, “Ting-a-ling-ling!”
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day-ay!

Over the river and through the woods,
Trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting hound,
For this is Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river and through the woods,
And straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go extremely slow,
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the woods,
Now Grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

August 10th: Monday Musings

 

Another week ahead, and I'm not sure where the weekend went!  Let's see what's been going on...

Not much!  We managed to walk the community each morning this past week, and will walk this morning and tomorrow.  I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday morning.

Friday I had a grocery order delivered.  Casper alerted me to the delivery.  He heard the arrival before I did!!  I had to snap a picture!

On Saturday morning, I went to the Shell station to fill up my car with gasoline, then stopped at Publix for a few things that I didn't have delivered.  

I went to church yesterday morning, then to Publix again for a prescription that wasn't ready on Saturday (but of course, was ready for pick-up on Sunday).  Two loads of laundry, as usual.  I'm still getting mail for my neighbor, Anne.  She will be back next week!!  I've missed her!

I have been watching a few things on BritBox.  Poirot, Inspector Morse, The Coroner, The Hardacres, and Escape to the Country.  I watched the first season of Seeking Persephone on The Angel Network.  I watch one episode of The Repair Shop on Roku before bed each night.  Such a sweet way to end the evening!

I am reading book #6 of the Ghostly Cozy Collection series, The Isle of Man, by Diana Xarissa (Kindle Unlimited).  I think there are 12 books in the series, so I'm happy to keep going.  Easy reads!!

Tomorrow, Tuesday, is the first day of school for the students in Lakeland.  There will be so much more traffic in the mornings and mid-afternoons!  Drop-off lines and pick-up lines are crazy around here.  What happened to riding the bus or walking to school?  I remember the excitement of a new school year!  I loved school and looked forward to it.  I walked to school!!

My doctor's appointment on Wednesday morning is with my podiatrist.  Sorry if this is TMI, but the toenail on my right big toe has turned a nasty gray and hurts like the dickens.  I think she will be cutting it off/out.  I'm not looking forward to it.  I'll let you know how it goes! 

Thursday is Bible Study and dinner out.  On Friday, I have 13 or 14 coming for my new church small group!!  I will be cleaning and preparing food for a crowd to arrive at 5:00 p.m.  I'm excited that the numbers have more than doubled from our first meeting!  I'll be "musing" about it next Monday!

That's enough for today.  Thank you for your visit!!  I wish you all a very happy week ahead!!

Peace and Hugs!

---Song & Lyrics by Rhonda Vincent

Cast your nets aside

And join the battle tide

He will be your guide

To make you fishers of men

August 8th: The Saturday 9

Sugar, Sugar

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: Sugar, Sugar (1969)

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

This month, Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) This week's song is credited to The Archies, a band that never actually existed. The song is performed by singer Ron Dante and studio musicians and backup singers hired on behalf of the five members of the popular Saturday morning Archie Show. Were you a fan of this animated series?  No.  It was after my time watching Saturday morning cartoons, but I am aware of the series.

2) Archie was Archibald Andrews, a character first introduced in the 1941 comic strip. Archie was the linchpin, the leader of the band, and the center of his social group. Tell us about one of the popular kids from your school days.  The cheerleaders were the popular girls, and one of them was always a member of the homecoming court, including the queen.  I am from a very small town with a very small school.  I was in the band, and we had our own group.

3) The Archies' drummer was Jughead Jones. He was smart, funny, and had a fondness for headwear. Do you often wear hats or caps?  No.  I look ridiculous in hats.

4) Reggie was the lead singer and bass player. He was a gifted athlete who liked to come in first. If he couldn't win with his natural talents, he was not above cheating. Have you ever cheated in a friendly game?  No.  Not that I remember anyway.  I'm usually surprised if I win anything, including a game.

5) Blonde Betty Cooper was on the tambourine. Her hobbies include playing baseball, caring for her cat, and helping Archie work on his car. Tell us three of your favorite pastimes.  Watching TV, being with family/friends, and caring for my cats!!  Not necessarily in that order!

6) Raven-haired Veronica Lodge was the keyboardist and joined Betty for backup vocals. She was a fashion plate, known and loved by Riverdale store owners because of her willingness to spend big bucks to stay on trend. What's the latest thing you've added to your wardrobe?  Capris.

7) The biggest news story of 1969 was one of the biggest stories in history. On July 21, man first stepped onto the moon. Without looking it up, do you remember the astronaut's name?  Neil Armstrong... one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.  I watched it happen on TV!!

8) Also in 1969, Triple H was born, and today he's in the WWE Hall of Fame. Do you follow professional wrestling?  No, but my grandpa Kelly did, and so did Joe's dad.

9) Random question – Would you prefer to be: a) super successful in business or b) a politician elected to an influential office or c) a champion athlete?  I was happy being successful in my career.  I would hate politics and have never been much of an athlete.

BONUS #10: Mister Linky has become extremely hard to navigate, and no one is home at the Help Desk. How do you feel about leaving your link in the comments?  I would be happy to do it if your blog had opened for me.  I had to go in the back door again this week.  Thus the lack of a banner.  Don't know what's going on with Blogger lately.

This Happy Color took me TWO DAYS!  It was hard!!

Peace and Hugs!

Rock of Ages, Verse 1

---Augustus M. Toplady, 1776

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From Thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure;

Cleanse me from its guilt and power.

August 7th: Friday Focus

 

It does go by so quickly these days.  Happy Friday, friends!

One day this week, we saw a rainbow on our morning walk!  It's not easy to see in the morning cloudiness, but here it is!  Susan noticed it first!

I got my hair cut on Wednesday afternoon.  Kelley came to the house and did a great job.  She did Susan, next door, after my appointment, and Susan was happy with her work, too!  She's a keeper, I think!

Yesterday morning, we had our Bible study group at church.  Last night, the dinner group went to Grillsmith.  There were seven of us.  I had some yummy Cajun pasta with shrimp, sausage, and chicken.  It is always a sweet time with dear friends.

My day and through the weekend are clear of appointments.  That means I need to get some things done here at the house!  I have my new small group here for dinner and fellowship next Friday.  I haven't decided on the menu yet, but am leaning toward a buffet of salads, including chicken salad sliders.  It's all women of a certain age, so I think the salads will work.  Not sure about dessert yet.  Any suggestions?

Before I sign off, I wanted to share this photo my friend, Mali, sent to me.  She had AI make it from a picture of me... Do I look like Nancy Drew, all grown up?  Made me laugh!!  LOL

Thanks for your visit!  Happy weekend!!

Peace and Hugs!

Fairest Lord Jesus, Verse 5

---German Melody, 1677

Beautiful Savior!

Lord of the nations!

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor, praise, adoration,

Now and forevermore be Thine.

August 6th: Whimsical Fashion Fun

 

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

Check out the outfit and help her decide which purse to carry.

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

The photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

A cute top to wear with her white slacks.  She needs a purse to carry!  Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which one you like best for her day out.  It's all for fun, and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  I love wearing my white jeans in the summer.  I have white denim capris, too.  The blouse is cute.  I would wear it, but probably wouldn't buy it.  I'm maybe too old for the style.  I will choose purse #1 today.  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

All I Ever Need is Found in Thee, Verse 7

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

Thou my Strength, my Fortress, and my Shield, To Thee, Savior, help me ever yield, Thou art All in All to me, All I ever need is found in Thee. Thou art All in All to me, All I ever need is found in Thee.