February 28th: The Saturday 9

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

Farewell, Amanda

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: Farewell, Amanda (1949)

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

 

1) The record begins with a long instrumental interlude, and when the lyrics kick in at about the 1:00 mark, they bid Amanda "farewell, adios, addio, adieu." Of course, you recognize "farewell" as English. Without looking it up, can you identify the other languages?  Spanish, Italian, French 

2) Can you say "goodbye" in a language not represented in question #1?   Sayonara

3) The lyrics reference a night full of stars. When did you last take a moment to check out the night sky?  We looked at the moon and Venus just two nights ago.

 

4) This song was written for Adam's Rib, a comedy starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. The movie is about husband-and-wife lawyers who square off against one another in court. Have you ever served on a jury?  Yes, once and I'm glad never again.

 

5) "Farewell, Amanda" was composed by Noel Coward. Though best known as a playwright, he also wrote more than a thousand songs and was a director and an actor. His epitaph reads, "A talent to amuse." How would you like to be remembered?  Kindly, please.

 

6) There's even a book of Noel Coward paintings. It was published after his death, in part because Coward considered himself only an amateur painter. When did you last pick up a paintbrush?  Last week, to do some touch-ups on the baseboard and outside in a few places where driveway paint was splashed on the siding.  That was not to do a landscape painting, however!

 

7) In 1949, when audiences first heard "Farewell, Amanda," Americans began playing Clue. What's the last board game you played?  I have a marble and card game that is very much like Aggravation.  We play it often when company comes.  Mali and Danon really enjoy it.

 

8) The best-selling novel of 1949 was Point of No Return by John P. Marquand. Tell us about the last book you finished.  I am almost finished with Designated Disrupter, by Troy Anderson.  I am also reading the first book of seven, called The Seven Sisters, by Lucinda Riley.

 

9) Random question: Growing up, did you share a bedroom?  No.  I was lucky, I guess.  I was the oldest of four, but didn't have to share with my brother.  My two youngest sisters had to share a room, but it was the biggest bedroom of four. They are six and nine years younger than me.

Peace and Hugs!

Verse 3

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,

Bound to Him eternally by love's strong cord,

Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,

Standing on the promises of God.

February 27th: The Friday Focus

 

I freely admit that it has been hard to focus on anything but enjoying my company this week!  Friday got here fast (again).  We've been shopping, eating, visiting, and doing a little sightseeing. Elaine has also joined our morning walks!

Sweet Bella girl has been getting lots of love and attention.  

The cats are just wary.

We paid a visit to the art museum, where I used to work.  

Last night, the Mas Verde Dinner Group went to Fish City Grill.  Jim, Elaine, and I all had the crab legs and shrimp boil.  SO GOOD!!  These 'skins' are mine and Elaine's...

No pictures, but one day was spent cleaning out Joe's shed in the back of my house.  Jim knows what all of that stuff is that I had no clue about.  We sorted and cleaned, and have a bunch to toss next week on trash day (pickers will get some of it, I'm sure), and he is taking some home to put in their garage sale this Spring.  Praise God, and what a load off my shoulders!!  Elaine carried stuff back and forth until she must have holes in her shoes.  That shed was the last place I had to clean out and get organized.  There is still work to be done, but the rest is easy peasy.  Who else is blessed by friends who work their butts off while on vacation?  

I will leave with this photo of a mural at our Lakeside Village.

Peace and Hugs!

Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God.

February 26th: Whimsical Fashion Fun

 

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

Take a look at the dress and help 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.

It's still winter, but Spring is coming.  She'll need some shoes to wear.  Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which ones you like best for the model.  It is all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  I'm not really sure why I was attracted to this dress, but I was.  It is not one I would have worn or would wear, but it is lovely on the model.  I wouldn't wear any of the shoes, either, but I'll go with pair #2 because they look more comfortable than the other two.  What are your thoughts on this chilly February morning?

Peace and Hugs!

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,

Through eternal ages let His praises ring,

Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,

Standing on the promises of God.

February 25th: The Wednesday Hodgepodge

Thank you, Joyce, for another fun Hodgepodge!  Y'all can join in by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 642

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston, SC, and the 'historic triangle', which includes Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown, Virginia. 

Of the cities listed, how many have you seen in person? Of the cities listed, which would you most like to visit this year? Any plans to do so? What's one place in America you think everyone should see? If you're not American, what's one place in the US you'd like to see? 

I have been to Philadelphia, New York, and lived in the metro DC area for 12 years.  I have also visited Williamsburg, VA.  I don't have plans to visit any of those this year.  DC is amazing to visit.  So is Philly!

2. Three sounds you love to hear?  Babies laughter, cats purring, and my boys saying 'I love you'.

3. Three sounds you hate to hear?  Babies crying, doctors saying you have cancer, and anyone (or any animal) in pain. 

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan?  Yes. With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain, please?  Any or all of those. Do you like nachos?  Not crazy about them. With what on top? Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips?  Taco salad.

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile?  Blogging friend Mari and her hubby are coming to visit!!  We are meeting up with a couple of other blogging friends for lunch while they are here!!  Meeting blogging friends in person always makes me smile!!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  We had a very fun evening last night with my neighbors here for a pizza party.  There were 12 of us and lots of talking and lots of hugs, and guess who didn't take one picture!!  Me. :(

Peace and Hugs!

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.

February 24th: The Tuesday 4

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

Grocery Shopping

Hello friends, and welcome to Tuesday 4 in honor of Toni Taddeo.

Here are some questions for you on the topic of shopping.

1. Where do you like to buy your groceries, and do you buy by the day, week, or month?  I shop at Publix.  I do one BIG shopping trip a month, but am usually there once a week or so, for one thing or another.  It is also where my pharmacy is.

2. What foods would we always find in your kitchen?  The usual staples, I think.  Eggs, bread, lunchmeat, yogurt, milk, orange juice, salad, baking staples (flour, sugar, etc.), snacky things, coffee, etc., etc.  I keep pork, beef, and chicken in the freezer.

3. Do you buy anything online, and if so, what kinds of things are you most likely to buy there?

When we had Kroger delivery, I did order from there online, but they are gone now.  I do order some things from Amazon, but that's mostly cat food.

  4. Do you shop with a list on paper, on your phone, or do you just shop without a list and maybe come home with things you never planned to buy?  I keep my shopping list on my phone, but there are always things that end up in my cart that weren't on it.  Funny how that happens.

Peace and Hugs!

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior, all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior, all the day long.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I am enjoying my company!! We all went shopping yesterday morning, and then Elaine and I went shopping in the afternoon. Just chilling a bit. I am hosting a pizza party tonight, with all of my immediate neighbors. Two couples haven't met Elaine and Jim yet. Looking forward to the camaraderie!! I will be late catching up on posts (again).

💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

February 23rd: Monday Musings

 

My friends arrived safely yesterday afternoon!!  They even got through Atlanta in record time, early in the morning on a Sunday!!  I only have one picture, so far, and it's of sweet Bella. She is happy to be out of the car, and so are Elaine and Jim!

My weekend was spent cleaning and grocery shopping.  We had my rice, chicken, and broccoli casserole for dinner, and I had fresh strawberries and shortcake for our dessert. We have already discussed places to go, things to do, and where we can eat.  This picture is from last year...  There will be new ones from this year!!  Elaine and I have been friends since we were 10/11.  She is like a sister to me.  Lots of history here.

Olympics:  I am happy the USA won the gold for men's hockey (and the women!!).  Loved the gold medal skate of Alysa Liu!!  She was amazing!  We are watching the closing ceremony (on replay).  Nice.

That's all for now!  Thanks for peeking in today!  

 

Peace and Hugs!

Chorus

So I'll cherish

The old rugged cross

Till my trophies

At last I lay down;

I will cling

To the old rugged cross,

And exchange it

Someday for a crown.

February 21st: The Saturday 9

 Thanks to Crazy Sam for today's nine questions!  Y'all can join the fun by clicking HERE!

With or Without You

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: With or Without You (1987) 

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

 

1) "With or Without You" is about the pain of love. What song reminds you of an old romance?  LOL - The theme song from Flashdance!  Is it about the joy of love or the pain?  It's all about love and is the first song Joe and I danced to.

 

2) U2 lead singer Bono has admitted that, when the group recorded this song in the 1980s, he was wrestling with his real-life commitment issues. He was trying to resolve the responsibilities of being a husband with the demands of his career. He worked it through, and decades later, both his marriage and his career are still going strong. Do you feel you have been more successful in your personal or professional relationships?  Joe and I had been married for almost 36 years when he passed away.  We had a great relationship and were still laughing and having fun.  I had a great job for 20+ years as the Administrator at Polk Museum of Art.  I believe I was successful as the accountant, head of human resources, and supervisor of operations, retail, and visitor services (yes, I wore five hats, but had successful managers who did great work).  

 

3) Bono credits his wife Ali with helping him through a tough period of writer's block, saying she put the pen in his hand each morning. What time of day finds you the most energized, productive, or creative? Morning.  I've always been a morning person, but I have realized how nice sleeping in can be, now that I'm retired!

 

4) Bono likes to pedal around town when he's not onstage. What do you do for exercise?  I have been walking in the mornings with three of my neighbors who are also dear friends.  We walk every day, but Sunday, and not all of us make it every day, depending on appointments and other commitments.  It's great fun, though, and sure is good for us!

 

5) Bono is U2's lead singer, backed by three very talented bandmates: The Edge, Larry Mullen, Jr., and Adam Clayton. Bruce Springsteen is a big fan of U2's concert performances. If Saturday 9 were to bestow upon you a free ticket to any see any band or performer live, who would you choose?  Gosh, I don't know.  I like music from the 60s and 70s, and prime country from the 80s.  I don't care for crowds now, but I would like to attend The Grand Ole Opry once before I'm too old to get there.  Nashville is on my bucket list.

 

6) U2 got together 50 years ago, when they were schoolboys in Dublin. Have you ever visited Ireland? If not, would you like to go?  I have not visited Ireland, but would love to visit there and Scotland.  My maiden name is Kelly, but I'm more Scottish (Cameron & Anderson) than Irish.  I doubt I will travel to Europe now.  Joe and I visited Italy back in 2007 and loved it so much!  I will be renewing my passport this summer, though, just in case!!  :)

 
7) In 1987, the year this song was popular, Cher won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her most famous line was, "Snap out of it!" Without looking it up, can you name the movie that made her an Oscar winner?  Moonstruck is one of my favorite movies.  I have the DVD and have seen it at least a dozen times!

 

8) Also in 1987, the first Starbucks opened. What's your standard Starbucks order?  I'm not a big fan of Starbucks.  First, it's WAY too expensive, second, I just like plain old coffee, and third, I don't understand the lingo!!

 

9) Random question – Which self-help book would you be more likely to pick up, the one designed to improve your body or your mind?  If it were a puzzle book, for the mind.  At this time in my life, I'm not too excited about self-help books!!

 

Peace and Hugs!!

(Verse 4)

To the old rugged cross

I will ever be true,

Its shame and reproach gladly bear;

Then He'll call me someday

To my home far away,

Where His glory forever I'll share.

February 20th: My Friday Focus

 Happy Friday to you all!  Friday already?!!

I don't have a lot to focus on.  I've been catching up on projects this week.  I cleaned out both freezers and the pantry.  I've been preparing for friends who arrive on Sunday.  The bed is made.  I've been putting off cleaning until Saturday - cat hair! LOL  (IYKYK)

I went to Bible study yesterday morning, and then went to Mister Carwash down the street to have my car washed and cleaned inside.  They always do a good job, plus I had a $5.00 off coupon!

The Mas Verde Thursday Dinner Group went to Metro Diner last night.  There were seven of us.  I had eggs and hashbrowns for dinner.  It is always good to catch up with friends over a meal!  

I am still walking with Susan, Sandy, and Sharon each morning. It's good exercise, and we always have something to discuss!! 

Today, I'm off to Publix and Sam's Club, and I'll do a little more puttering around the house.

That's all I've got on this lovely Friday at nearly the end of February.  I already have St. Patrick's Day decorations sitting out, here and there.  Time is flying.

Peace and Hugs!

In the old rugged cross,

Stained with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see;

For 'twas on that old cross

Jesus suffered and died,

To pardon and sanctify me.

February 19th: Whimsical Fashion Fun

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

Look at the dress and tell us which shoes you like best for the model.

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

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

I was looking for an Easter dress.  This screams Spring, so let's decide which shoes we like best for the dress.  Count down 1-2-3 and let us know what you think!!

My thoughts:   The dress is lovely and is one I would wear (if it came in my size).  I'm not crazy about any of the shoes this week, but since she can't go barefoot, I'm choosing #2 because it's more classic than the other two.  The lavender shoes would make a better complement, though. Maybe I could dye pair #2 a deeper purple, like we see in the design of the jacket.  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

Oh, that old rugged cross

So despised by the world,

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For the dear Lamb of God

Left His glory above,

To bear sin on dark Calvary.

February 18th: The Wednesday Hodgepodge

 A big thanks to our hostess, Joyce!!  You can join the fun by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 641

1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season?  I was raised attending the Methodist church, and I have no memories of doing anything different.  My very small hometown had one church, and it was United Methodist.  Now I am Presbyterian (PCA).  We do have special devotionals for the Lenten season, and Ash Wednesday is mentioned as the beginning of the Lenten season, but we don't do ashes on the forehead.  I don't give something up, but I do the extra readings and spend more time thanking Jesus for the sacrifice He made for us.  It's not taken lightly.  The crucifixion and resurrection are the basis for Christian beliefs.  For God so loved the world... John 3:16

2. Pancakes...are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add-in? Are pancakes on your menu this week?  Pancakes are not on my menu this week.  I do like pancakes and have them with lots of butter and sugar-free syrup.  Plain are good and so are pancakes with blueberries or strawberries.  I am not a fan of bananas, and chocolate chips don't go with pancakes on my plate.  I have put a soft-cooked egg on top of pancakes, though! 

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt 'spread too thin'.  Gosh, it's been a long time since I felt that way.  I'm retired, I love my family and friends, enjoy company, and my life is good and not usually rushed.

4. What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? Emeralds, rubies, and I don't have any of those!  LOL In terms of your wardrobe, would we find more gem tones, pastels, black-and-white, or primary colors?  Gemstone colors are my favorite colors, but you will find all of those colors mentioned in my closet.

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge?  Finding the right balance for projects and allowing your team to have ownership.  I am happy being in control and doing things myself.  Just let me do it.  Not a good way to lead and teach.  I am only in charge of myself now (and maybe the cats), but I do have trouble asking for help.  Always a work in progress.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Not really random, but I spoke with my sister last evening, and she told me that Kelly's initial phone interview went well.  They are still culling through candidates and told her it will be a week or so for the next round of in-person interviews.  My sister and I both thank those who offered prayers for her.  Please keep her on your prayer lists!!  Kelly is a brilliant graphic designer and has done billboards and bus wraps for advertising, as well as creating content for websites, pamphlets, etc.  This is a worldwide company, based in Columbus, Ohio, and would be a perfect placement for her.  Thanks!!

Peace and Hugs!

On a hill far away

Stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame;

And I love that old cross

Where the Dearest and Best

For a world of lost

Sinners was slain.

February 17th: The Tuesday 4

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

And thanks to everyone who commented on my post yesterday, for your sweet words regarding Joe and the 5th anniversary of his death.  

Love Those Sports!

Welcome to Tuesday 4 friends!  I am always so happy to have people come and take part.

The Olympics are taking place and we just had the Super Bowl for American football so perhaps we can talk about sports a bit.  Thank you to Diana of  Doodles and Daydreams for suggesting sports as a subject for this week!

So, let's think about sports this week...........

1. Do you enjoy any of the sports from the Olympics, either Summer or Winter? Would you tell us about it?  I like the winter sports better than the summer sports.  I love figure skating and some of the skiing.  

2. What sports have you taken part in, and what good did you get out of participating? If not, was there one you wish you had taken part in?  Did sports help you in life?  I ran track in high school, but not seriously.  My "team" sport was marching band, and learning to be part of a team is a great life lesson, for sure!

3.  Is there a sport you still engage in or one you enjoy watching a lot?  No sports for me anymore.  I enjoy the Olympics, and will watch a football game now and then.  Since Joe died, I've not kept up with his teams.  It's not fun watching without him.

4. Do you have any favorite teams you cheer on? Or perhaps a favorite sports figure? How about both??  I tell people I am a Philly fan by marriage.  I'm from Ohio, so growing up, we were all about The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Here is a bonus question for this week:

What's the most memorable comeback or turnaround you've ever seen in a sports game, and what made it so special?  The 1980 Olympic men's hockey team won gold!!  The Miracle on Ice!! I remember cheering them on and being so excited that we won!  We beat Russia!!  It was a big deal and made us so proud!  That's when I got interested in hockey and started paying attention to it.  I still enjoy watching the Flyers (but it was more fun with Joe).

Peace and Hugs!!

Proverbs 27:17: 

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another".

February 16th: Monday Musings

 

Hmmmm... another weekend has come and gone!

I'll back up to Friday first.  Blogging friend Cheryl and her hubby called to see if I was home, and if they could pop in for one more visit before they begin their travels back to Indiana.  I said, of course!!  When they arrived, they had one of their grands with them!!  Emma is a sweet young woman, and I was very happy to see her, too!  Got a couple of photos before they left.  Cheryl already posted them, but here they are, in case you didn't see them on her blog (sunlit pathways).  We've been 'in person' friends for many years and always get together when they come to Lakeland to visit their son and his family.

I had suggested a while back to my friend, Cheryl (Helen's niece, not Cheryl above), that we should go to the Lakeland Community Theater's production of Jesus Christ Superstar.  She agreed, we got tickets for Saturday.  She came over with pizza for dinner before we left for the show.  We had good seats, and both enjoyed it.  If you know your Bible, you can sift through the loud music and follow the days before Jesus' crucifixion, up to His crucifixion, and make some sense of it all. The talented actors, singers, and musicians were great.  No pictures were allowed, but I snapped this of the stage/curtains...

Sunday was church, and I did my usual two loads of laundry when I got home.  I also did some cleaning out.  My linen closet, in my bathroom, is cleaned out and rearranged, and I got both freezers sorted through.  Today is trash day, so the timing was good.

Last night, I spoke with Elaine and Jim, who will arrive this coming Sunday!!!  I also spoke with my sister, Patti.  Their daughter, Kelly, has an important interview on Tuesday.  Please lift a prayer for her to be considered for a job that will be perfect for her!!  Thanks!!

I will end with a little tribute to my late husband, Joe. Today marks five years since I lost him to covid.  Five years.  He was my best friend, soul mate, and the one who always had my back.  I miss him, but my heart is full.  I'm not sad now, and wouldn't ask him back from Heaven for anything.  Heaven is such a gift for those who believe, and Joe did.  I know where he is and that I will see him again one day.  Here is a link to the obituary I wrote for him, and here are a few photos!! Remembering him is good for my heart.

With me... always laughing!

With the boys...

With the grands...

Thanks for your visit!! Wishing you a great week ahead!!

Peace and hugs!!

It is well with my soul...