Thursday, April 30, 2026

April 30th: Whimsical Fashion Fun

 

There isn't a linky, and there aren't any rules.
Take a look at the dress and tell us which shoes you like best.
It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!
Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.


Summer weather is here for some of us!  This dress and the shoes have a vintage flair that makes me happy!  Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which shoes you like best and why!


My thoughts: 
I wish I could wear this dress because I think it is FUN!!  The shoes are all fun, too, but I'm choosing #3 for no real reason other than that I'm drawn to it.  What are your thoughts?


Peace and Hugs!

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

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I am so far behind in reading and commenting on your posts.  Please forgive me!!  I will catch up.  Jo Anne leaves today.  We had a fun time shopping on Tuesday and seeing Tarpon Springs yesterday!  Pictures tomorrow!!  xo


Wednesday, April 29, 2026

April 29th: The Wednesday Hodgepodge

 Thanks to Joyce for today's questions!  You can join the Hodgepodgers by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 651


From this Side of the Pond


1. Are you feeling more reset, restart, or full speed ahead as we move into May? Tell us why. Full speed ahead!!  My sister-in-law is here this week, and in another week, my great-niece Jackie will be here!!  I have been having lots of company and have been loving it!

2. Painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, cinema, theatre, music...what's your favorite form of art? Elaborate.  Of those listed, I'll put painting first - but I really love photography, especially the vintage black and white photos.  My favorite photographer is Herman Leonard.

3. What time is dinner at your house? How do you feel about leftovers?  Dinner is usually lupper (lunch/supper) at 4:30 or 5:00.  If I cook, there will be leftovers, and I will eat them three times, but not four.

4. What's the last thing you fell down a rabbit hole investigating?  See Herman Leonard, above.  I had to keep looking at all the links for his work, loving his photos all over again!  And then decide which one to share here.  I have a couple of his books, and we had exhibits of his work a few times while I worked at the museum.  I've also been to the gallery in New Orleans that features his art.

5. And now for a question from the book Marilyn (Memphis Bridges) gave me...

At what are you self-taught?  I was going to say cooking, but I learned the basics from my mom, and Joe's mom taught me Italian cooking.  I did not take an accounting course, but learned that by doing it on the job and asking Joe lots of questions.  Is there really anything we just teach ourselves with no outside help or insight?  I'll be interested in reading others' answers!!  

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Jo Anne and I are off to Tarpon Springs today!  She has never been there, and it's been a long time since I was there.  Pictures will follow on Friday!! 

Peace and Hugs!

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

April 28th: The Tuesday 4

Thanks to Annie (and Pam!) for today's Tuesday 4!  You can join the fun by clicking HERE!

Your Jobs

Hello!  It's time again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4, and I am happy you stopped by to join in.
This week's idea for questions came from Pamela Steiner, and it's all about your occupation and work.

I think that's a great idea, so here are questions for you to ponder.

1. What did/do you do for work, and how long did you work in that position?  I have most often been a business manager/accountant/human resources manager/and operations director.  Yes, I wore all of those hats for the last 20 years of my working life at Polk Museum of Art.

2. Of the jobs you've had throughout life, which was your favorite?  The museum.  If no favorite, which was the worst?  The worst was cleaning rooms at a motel, part-time right after high school. Tell us why you loved/hated your job.  I loved the job at the art museum because I wanted to be an art teacher at one time.  Working in an art museum was the next best thing!  The cleaning job was just nasty.  Some people are just pigs. (Sorry!)

3. What did your job entail?  Did it require a special education?  #1 kind of answers this question.  I did get my BA degree in Organizational Management, but that was after I was hired at the museum for my experience in business and non-profit accounting.

4. List all the jobs/occupations you have had.  
Baby-sitting; 
dipping ice cream at an ice cream parlor; 
cleaning rooms at a motel; 
front office of a furniture store; 
accounts receivable at Nationwide Insurance; 
accounts payable at a plumbing & electrical wholesaler; 
accounts receivable at a sports accessories manufacturer; 
several jobs for the Justice Department; 
several jobs for American Red Cross Blood Services; 
office supervisor for a government contractor; 
I had my own business for four years; 
business manager at a Catholic High School, 
see above for Polk Museum of Art; 
part-time office assistant for a doctor; 
part-time staff assistant at Florida Fish and Wildlife.  
Wife, step-mom, etc., etc.  
Whew!!  Happy to be retired!


Peace and Hugs!

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.


Monday, April 27, 2026

April 27th: Monday Musings

 












I sure wish that when Mondays roll around, I would have an amazingly exciting weekend to "muse" about with you here!  It's been a while!

I walked with my walking buddies on Friday morning.  They all had something to do on Saturday, so I took a pass and slept in as late as the cats would let me (maybe 30 minutes longer than usual).

Church on Sunday.

Okay.  I did cleaning on both days.  The guest room is ready for company. I did laundry.  I got my bedroom cleaned under and around the bed because my new bed is coming today!!  There was cat hair under my bed that could cover a naked cat.  How does that happen?!  My excuse is the king-size bed and a very heavy TempurPedic mattress (over 100 pounds!).  I just can't move the bed by myself (and there really isn't room to move it anyway).

I washed all of the old bedding and all of my new bedding.  I'm going from a king-size bed to a queen-size bed.  There is a queen bed in one of my guest rooms, but it is green.  My room is blue.  No mixing!!  That's my excuse (but it really doesn't matter).  LOL  (My second guest room has two singles.)

I have to go to Publix for a prescription refill today.  Of course, with my company coming, I have a few more foodie things to get.  Jo Anne, my sister-in-law, will be here around dinner time.  She is with her son and daughter-in-law, up in Tallahassee right now.  She rented a car and is driving down from there. It's about five hours, if the traffic is good.  I'm looking forward to catching up with her and her kiddos.

This was two years ago, at Mike's wedding.  L-R, Mom of the groom Jo Anne, Mike, bride Megan, daughter Sara, Ezra in Mathew's arms.  Ezra is a big brother to Andrew now.  We aren't allowed to post pictures of the littles. They are adorable, however!


My friend and neighbor, Anne, is doing okay.  She is a little rattled with all the paperwork that goes with losing a spouse, but those of us who have been there know that it all shakes out and gets done.  It's hard, though. She is going to New York for a bit, and Paul's service will be up there, where all the family is.  Her daughter is flying down so she can go back with her.  Her three kids are taking good care of her.

Thanks for your visit!  
Peace and Hugs!

Humble yourselves therefore
Under the mighty hand of God
That He may exalt you
In due time.
Casting all your care upon Him;
For He careth for you;
He careth for you.
1 Peter: 5

Saturday, April 25, 2026

April 25th: The Saturday 9

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

Good


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: Good (1995)

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

1) This song begins with a guy realizing he's home alone. Do you enjoy being all by yourself?  I don't mind being alone, which is good since I'm alone now that my best friend and husband of 36 years died five years ago.  I'm comfortable with myself, but also love having company!

2) He watches the sun throwing shadows on the floor. Which room in your home lets in the most sun?  The rooms on the east side of my house get more sun.  The west side has the carport blocking the sun.

3) He sings that he may write a letter to his ex. If you were inspired to send someone a handwritten message, do you have stationery or notecards on hand? What about first-class postage stamps?  Yes, I do have stationery AND notecards on hand, as well as a roll of stamps ready to post!

4) This week's band, Better Than Ezra, got their start in Baton Rouge. All the members attended LSU and played their first gig at Murphy's, a bar near campus. When you were in your early 20's, where did you and your friends go to socialize?  I was an old married lady in my 20s (married at 19).  I call that part of my life "my other life".  We did not socialize, and I had no friends.  That's all I'll say about that.  I worked full-time.  Divorced at 29. My life got so much better!! 

5) While the band refuses to disclose the origin of their name, many assume the "Ezra" they refer to is poet Ezra Pound. Do you often read poetry?  Nope.  I have a great-nephew named Ezra, though!

6) In 1995, when this song was popular, Michael Jordan "unretired" and returned to the Chicago Bulls. Tell us about a decision you wish you could undo.  God is in control.  Every decision I have made has led me to where I am today, along the path God has put before me.  Hard things and mistakes have made me wiser and stronger.  It's all gonna be okay.  It is okay!!

7) Also in 1995, Phoebe Buffay first performed "Smelly Cat." Do you recall what show she sang on?  I loved "Friends" and watched it every week.

8) Legendary New York Yankee Mickey Mantle died in 1995. How is your team doing so far this young baseball season?  I've never been a baseball fan, but I followed the Phillies when Joe was alive.

9) Random question: What's in your garage, besides your car (lawn tools, holiday decorations, old paint cans, etc.)?  I don't have a garage at this house.  My carport has my trash cans, stackable lawn chairs, my grill, and my car.

Peace and Hugs!

Smelly cat, smelly cat
what are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smelly cat
it's not your fault!

Friday, April 24, 2026

April 24th: Friday Focus

 


Happy Friday, blogging friends!!

I've had a quieter week, but not necessarily a boring one!  If you read my blogs earlier this week, you know that I bought a new bed on Tuesday and it will be delivered on Monday.  I saw my primary physician on Wednesday.  He was happy with my lab work and was pleased that my UTI was being handled by the urologist.  He was pleased that the heart holter thing I did the week before showed nothing concerning.  I also got my annual medicare work-up.  Always fun.  I passed.

Thursday was Bible study.  We continue with the Gospel of John.  The Mas Verde group went to my favorite Italian restaurant, Il Forno.  There were eight of us this week.  A couple of the ladies wanted to go to Marshall's after we ate, so we piled into my car and went shopping for about an hour.  I purchased a couple of cute outfits for a baby shower next month and a pair of capris for me.  That was fun!

Today I need to do a little cleaning and go grocery shopping.  My sis-in-law, Jo Anne, will be here on Monday for a few days.  I don't have anything planned yet.  We can play it by ear.

I will end with a few photos...

My walking buddies yesterday morning...


Vinny, hanging in the living room with me one evening...

Casper, also hanging in the living room with me...

For some reason, I was thinking about the house we lived in when I was four to nine years old.  It is in Washington Court House, Ohio.  It didn't have that tan siding on it when we lived there.  Interesting to see it now.  Do you ever explore your former homes?  When we lived there, Dad rented out the upstairs apartment.  There were three bedrooms downstairs, where we lived.  It looks like the stairway on the left that led up to the apartment is gone.


And this is the pond and fountain in my community, taken
on one of our walks this week...

I will leave it there.  Wishing you all a blessed weekend ahead!!  Thanks for your visit!

Peace and Hugs!

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father,
Praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit,
Three in One!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thursday, April 23, 2026

April 23rd: Whimsical Fashion Fun

 

There isn't a linky, and there aren't any rules.
Look at the dress and help decide which shoes she should choose!
It's all for fun, and just a whimsical thing!
The photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.


Summer is coming!! Count down 1-2-3 on the shoes and tell us which ones you like best for her look!  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  This dress looks comfortable, and I wish I had a young body to get away with wearing it while on vacation or just out for some fun on a summer day!  I will choose shoe #2 for the more comfortable heel, and I love the green color with this dress!  For ME it would be a green canvas flat, but #2 for her.  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

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.

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

April 22nd: The Wednesday Hodgepodge

 Thanks to our hostess, Joyce, for today's Hodgepodge!  Click HERE to join the fun!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 650


From this Side of the Pond


1. April 22nd is Earth Day...what's the most 'out of this world' place on earth you've ever visited? Tell us something about it.  Any of the theme parks are pretty much "out of this world" (as far as I'm concerned, anyway).  We enjoyed them when the grands were little, but I have no interest in going to any of them now.  I just don't see the fun anymore, or that they are worth the expensive ticket prices.  Crowds don't interest me these days.  Bah humbug.

2. A favorite quote, verse, or song lyric with the word earth in it?  Carole King's

Whenever you're around...

3. What's the most trivial thing about which you have a strong opinion?  Leaving dirty dishes in the sink.  Rinse them and put them directly into the dishwasher!  Thank you.

4. What's your most commonly used kitchen utensil or tool? What's the last thing you made using that tool?  The microwave and a knife, I guess.

5. Marilyn (Memphis Bridges) gave me a great book of 3000 questions, and I'm going to try to use one in our Hodgepodge every week. Here is today's - 

What is your greatest extravagance?  Currently... I just bought a new bed yesterday, and spent more than I wanted to, but...  My current TempurPedic is beaten down and no longer comfortable.  It can't be flipped over like a normal (old-time) mattress could be, to extend wear.  I also don't need a massive king-size bed now.  It's just me, and it's time.  Well, the cats will have to adjust to less room on their side...

In my lifetime, other than buying homes, our trip to Italy was an extravagance.  We really couldn't afford it, but I wouldn't change going on that trip for anything.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  My sister-in-law, Jo Anne, is coming for a visit next week!! She arrives on Monday and is here until Thursday.  We stayed at her house when Joey and I went to Ohio last September to deliver my mom's cedar chest to my niece.  That's also when we went to the Sweet Corn Festival.  I'm looking forward to spending a few days with her!!  

son Joe, me, sister Patti, brother-in-law Greg, sister-in-law Jo Anne

Peace and Hugs!!

There is love in my family tree.

I love my family; they love me.

Some were born before me;

Some will follow after.

We are joined together happily.

There is love in my family tree.

As I search in my family tree,

Stories of courage inspire me.

Finding my relations,

Linking generations—

That is what the Lord expects of me

As a branch in my family tree.

There is love in my family tree.

Heavenly Father has promised me

We can be together,

Feel His love forever—

Sealed together for eternity

As a part of His family tree.

Words and music by Janice Kapp Perry

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

April 21st: The Tuesday 4 (and special visitors!)

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


Lights

Welcome to another Tuesday 4 by Toni Taddeo.

Let's talk about light, okay? You light up my life.. shine a light in the darkness, Miller Light. All kinds of light, but how about at home?

1. Are you afraid of the dark? Is night or day your favorite time?  I am not afraid of the dark, but daytime is my favorite.

2. Do you have night lights in your home?  Yes, I do, in the hallways and in the kitchen.

3. How low do you set your air conditioning?  Do you adjust it throughout the day?  I usually have it set about 10 degrees cooler than the highest temperature outside, but it averages about 78° unless it is a cooler winter and I have to put the heat on.

4. Do you keep any outdoor or indoor lights on all night?  I have a yellow "bug light" at the front door that is dusk-to-dawn automatic.  My nightlights are on at night, but no other lights are on.

Peace and Hugs!

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
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You may have seen the photos Jean posted on Facebook, but here are mine.
We had such a good time, but not enough time!!

We went out to lunch at Glory Days Grill

We went to Lake Morton and fed the swans and birds!
We had to say goodbye much too soon.
The visit was not long enough!  Such good people and such dear friends!
Dee, from across the street, met them and offered to take the picture.
They also got to meet Dee's Yorkie, Princess!!

Thanks for coming to Lakeland, Jean and Dick!!


Monday, April 20, 2026

April 20th: Monday Musings

 









I am so looking forward to a weekend without a cold or a UTI.  Yes, double the fun!  Ugh.  

On Friday, I took my friend, Mali, to lunch for her birthday!  We went to the Metro Diner, which is within walking distance for her (from her work).  It was great catching up with her, and of course, I didn't get a photo.  Not one.  She was celebrated well at her job, and Danon and daughter Malory took her to the Chocolate Emporium on Saturday.  It's in Orlando and sounds pretty good!!  I lifted these photos from her FB page.

Her office...
 
Mali and Mallory in the back seat...


Saturday morning found me at Publix for a prescription.  TMI... sorry.  The antibiotic I was prescribed for the UTI made me SO SICK!  I texted the doctor on My Chart and got a new prescription sent in.  Took it and feel much better.  Fingers crossed.  I'm still coughing and blowing with this cold, but I can tell it is waning.  Praise God and thanks for your prayers.

I did get some cleaning done when I got home, then just chilled with my boys.  They seem to know when I don't feel well, and I had both of them on my lap most of the day.  Sweet kitties.

Feeling much better as I write this on Sunday evening.  Church was so good!!  A member who was in a terrible auto accident a few months ago was back in church yesterday!  She was so injured that it was unclear if she would even walk again.  She IS walking and is back at home doing well.  Another member got to ring the bell at the end of her chemo.  Her last scan showed no sign of cancer.  Praise God!!  Then, we had two new members join, and three children were baptized!!  Such wonderful blessings!

Yes, I got my laundry done, did a little more cleaning, and that gets us to TODAY!

Jean and Dick are planning to arrive around noon.  I'm taking them to lunch (not sure where, yet) and then hope they have enough time for a little tour around Lakeland before they head back to their daughter's on the Gulf.  I'm so excited that they are taking time to come my way!!  There WILL be pictures!!

Our airport hosts Sun 'n Fun every year in April.  It's a really big deal for Lakeland.  Lots of visitors and lots of activity in our sky.  The Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels are here flying over (I've never gotten outside in time to take a picture when I hear them).  I DID get a picture of the hot air balloons one morning last week, when I was walking with Susan and Sharon!!  We saw six balloons, but I caught five of them in this photo...


The rest of my week isn't too crazy.  I did labs last week and will see my primary on Wednesday. Bible study and dinner out on Thursday.  Walking most mornings, too.  How does your week look?

Peace and Hugs!

Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?
Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?
For we can fly (we can fly)
Up, up, and away in
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon

(You can hum that all day, now!  You're welcome!)