August 31st: Monday Musings

 

Hello blogging friends, and happy Monday!  I want to tell you about my weekend!!

On Friday morning, Anne and I went to Brandon so she could return a pair of shoes to Macy's.  She did find another pair that she liked even better!!  We shopped at Macy's and then walked to JCPenney before grabbing some lunch at the 'eatery' in the Mall.  Anne wanted Chinese, so I'll introduce her to Portillo's another time.  We got back home in time for Susan and me to go to the museum for the opening of our Sheriff's photography exhibit!

We arrived early enough to get seats in the auditorium, which has 150 seats.  There was overflow seating in another gallery, with TV streaming. 

When he finished his talk, we got some food, some punch, and then went upstairs to see his photographs.

It was fun connecting with former co-workers and a few other friends I don't see often, while we wandered around.  Then we got in line to say hello and get our picture with the Sheriff.  I'm so glad Susan went with me!  We are so lucky to have him as our Sheriff, and I don't like to think about when he might retire.

On Saturday, I got some much-needed cleaning done in the morning.  We didn't walk, but I got my steps in with the dusting, vacuuming, and mopping!  Susan had an appointment, and Sandy isn't back yet.  Yes, yes... I could walk by myself, but it's not nearly as much fun.  

Yesterday, I went to church, and yes, I got my laundry done.  I have a laundry closet, and I took this picture to share!

Anne popped over for a bit.  She had been shopping and was proud that she didn't buy anything!  She LOVES to shop (unlike me), so I applauded her for resisting.

So, let's see what this week has in store... First thing this morning, the roofing guy is coming to check on a leak I am still having in my back room that shares the carport roof.  I think the horrid heat of these past few months has just shrunk the sealer and allowed some moisture to leak through.  Fingers crossed that it isn't worse.

There is nothing on the calendar until Thursday's Bible study and dinner out.  On Friday, Shirley and her son are coming over for her little birthday pizza and cake.  So, an easy week ahead with no excuse for not getting a few things done.  I have a stack of clothing to donate, so I need to get that done.  I do have a few more things to look at and decide on whether to keep or pass along.

Thanks for your visit today!!  Have a blessed week ahead!

Peace and Hugs!!

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

--Will Lamartine Thompson (1847-1909)

Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling,

calling for you and for me;

See, on the portals he's waiting and watching,

Watching for you and for me.

August 29th: The Saturday 9

Thanks to our Saturday 9 Hostess!  You can join the fun by searching for it on Google.  Sorry, but I couldn't open it again, so I had to copy it from my Feedly Reader.  I do love the old Shirley Temple movies!!

 Animal Crackers in My Soup

Saturday 9 by The Gal Herself / Aug 27, 2026 at 2:17 AM

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: Animal Crackers in My Soup (1935)

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

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

1) Do you eat soup all year round, or do you consider it a seasonal dish?  I eat soup now and then in the summer, but much more often in the cooler months.  I do love soup!!

2) Gazpacho is a popular cold soup. Made with water-rich tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, it's considered a good choice for hot weather because it's hydrating. What are your favorite summertime foods?  Here in central Florida, it's summer most of the year.  I  do tend to wait for cooler months to make casseroles and stews.  Just for the record, I don't care for "cold" soups, like gazpacho.  I will, however, drink a cold V8 juice.

3) This week, Shirley Temple sings of the delights of having crackers in her soup. How often do you add crackers to your soup: always, sometimes, never?  Never, now, but in my younger years, we always had saltines with soups.  I will put oyster crackers in clam chowder if they are offered.

4) "Animal Crackers in My Soup" was the big musical number in the 1935 movie Curly Top. Shirley played Elizabeth, who helps her older sister find love with a handsome millionaire. Have you ever played matchmaker? If yes, were your efforts successful?  No, I've never tried to play matchmaker.

5) Gertrude Temple, Shirley's mother, was her daughter's on-set hairstylist, creating the famous "curly top" with pin curls. What's your hair care regimen? Wash it, dry it with a towel, comb it, and go.

6) Bartenders are still called upon to create the non-alcoholic Shirley Temple, made with ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and grenadine. What's the most recent alcoholic beverage you drank?  Probably wine, but it's been so long ago that I can't really remember.  I'm not much of a drinker.  It's too expensive in restaurants, and my company doesn't usually want alcohol.  I don't open a bottle of wine just for me.  I do keep beer in the fridge, and there are other options available for guests.

7) In 1935, when this song was popular, Amelia Earhart flew from Honolulu to Oakland, California. Are you a nervous flyer?  No.  Once I'm in the plane, I'm fine.  I loathe the airport crowds and cattle-truck feeling.

8) Also in 1935, the Hoover Dam was dedicated. Today it's a popular tourist attraction, with more than 7 million visitors each year. Have you ever been to Las Vegas?  No, it has never been a place I wanted to visit.

9) Random question: You get a spur-of-the-moment invitation to a meal with your best friend. Could you go wearing what you have on right now?  Here in Lakeland, yes.  Capris and a nice blouse will take you most any place in Polk County.  We are laid back and casual.

Peace and Hugs!!

German Melody, 1677 Fairest Lord Jesus, Verse 1 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 28th: Friday Focus

 

Happy Friday, blogging friends!  I hope you have had a good week!

I met my friend, Shirley, at Fish City Grill on Wednesday.  We have lunch every month, and have for years and years.  I always treat her to lunch for her birthday, and she treats me to lunch for mine.  Shirley turns 90 on September 4th!  We both had the shrimp dinner, and it was good.  I didn't get one picture, but she and her son are coming here on the 4th for pizza and cake.  I'll get some new photos to share.  This was last year....

We didn't have Bible study yesterday, but I spent a couple of hours at Anne's house helping set up her security cameras.  Done and done.  Last night, the Mas Verde group went to Mellow Mushroom for pizza.  There were six of us.  Larry and Sharon are still under the weather, and Sandy is visiting family in North Carolina.  We all brought pizza home!  Yum.

Today, Anne and I are venturing down to Brandon, where there is a Macy's still open.  She ordered something from Macy's and wants to return it, but it's less expensive to take it to Brandon than to mail it back.  We plan to get lunch at Portillo's while we are there.  The pizza will have to wait!!

Tonight, Susan and I are going to the art museum for the Members' Opening for Sheriff Grady Judd's photography exhibit.  I hope I have some pictures to share on Monday!!

The coming weekend is pretty chill for me.  Just church and laundry on Sunday!  It's hard to think that September is here already.  Our first "ber" month of 2026 is upon us!!  Are you ready?

Peace and Hugs!!

To God Be The Glory, Chorus

--Fanny J. Crosby, 1875

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

August 27th: Whimsical Fashion Fun

 

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

Check out the dress and help decide which purse she should carry.

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

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

She is heading out for a special evening of fun and needs a purse to carry.  Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which one you like best.  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  I love the color, and I wish I had a place to wear this dress, but it is not in my closet.  I think all of the purses would be fine, but I keep looking at #3, so that's my choice today.  What are your thoughts?

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 26th: The Wednesay Hodgepodge!

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

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 668

1. How do you feel about the transition from lazy summer days to a busier fall routine?  My summer hasn't been any lazier or busier than any other season, though I am traveling in October, so I have that to look forward to.

2. Your favorite cookie?  Homemade sugar cookies, macadamia nut & white chocolate chip cookies, homemade chocolate chip cookies, or a Scottish shortbread to dunk would be in my top five favorites list.  I also love those Mexican wedding cookies covered in powdered sugar!  They might be at the top of the list!! 

3. What's something you've learned from a culture different than your own?  Just try the food!!  You might be amazed!!

4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic...which hat would you most like to wear? Tell us why.  I would fail at all of them because I like what I like, and what I like wouldn't necessarily be fair to how good something might be for someone else, just because I didn't like it.  Makes sense to me!!  LOL

5. What's a small, random thing from your childhood that you still remember clearly?  I have a memory from when I was three years old.  It isn't tainted by photos or my parents telling me about it because there are no photos and they weren't there.  I had my tonsils out when I was three years old.  We had to be in the hospital for three days.  I distinctly remember being in a baby crib in the children's ward (wide open with kids in beds...).  I was upset at being in a crib.  I wanted to be in a "big girl" bed.  I also didn't like having my temperature taken in my behind.  I wanted it under my tongue like a big girl.  I had a new baby brother at home, and he was in the crib... I was a big girl and not happy about being treated like a baby.  I can still see that room, that crib, and the nurses all dressed in white, who probably couldn't wait for me to go home!   I also remember the ice cream, and that part was good!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  There are a few YouTube (free) subscriptions that I am really enjoying.  Thought I would share them here in case one or all of them might interest you!

Jacob Harrell and his wife are renovating an ancient English cottage in the Cotswolds.  Their dog, Muddy, is really the star of the show (and they just had a baby girl named Bonnie).  They are so "real," and I enjoy them so much!!  

I am following Ruth Aisling, who is Scottish and takes you all over Scotland, usually in her red camper van.  The most recent posts are of her and her brother here in the USA for the soccer games.  They traveled from Maine to Miami in a huge RV, and their first visits to a Walmart, South of the Border, and a Buc-ee's were pretty funny!  

The last one I'll mention is Tia Weston, who renovates abandoned homes.  Her dad works with her, and she is working on her second house now.  She is living in the first one she did.  I just like her so much and look forward to her weekly Sunday posts.  She lives in North Dakota.   

There are many more I'm following, but these are three of my favorites!  

Thanks for your visit today!! Happy Hodgepodge Day!

Peace and Hugs!

Only A Holy God

--City Alight Michael Farren, Jonny Robinson, Dustin Smith, Rich Thompson

Chorus Come and behold Him, The One and the Only! Cry out, sing holy! Forever a Holy God. Come and worship the Holy God.

August 25th: The Tuesday 4

 Thanks to Annie for today's questions!  Click HERE to join in.  

Sorry that I couldn't copy her banner this week.

Rainy Days and Mondays

 Welcome to Tuesday 4

Many seem to have trouble with Mister Linky, but I don't, so sign up below!

We've had a lot of rain recently, and it got me wondering about some things.

Could we discuss it, please?

1. Do rainy days and/or Mondays really get you down? If so, why?  Nope, not anymore!  I'm retired now!

2. Do thunder and lightning frighten you at all?  How about your dog or cat, and what do you do to help them out?  Copied from Google:  Florida: Historically known as the lightning capital due to intense sea breezes and a long wet season, it still maintains high flash density and the highest number of lightning fatalities.  My cats don't seem to be bothered by thunder or lightning.

3. If you are at home on a dark, rainy day, what do you do with your time? Some find it a good day to cuddle up with a cuppa and read or watch TV.  What is your preference?  Any day is a good day to cuddle up with a cuppa and read or watch TV!!  Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain... we still need it badly!

4. Ever been caught in a downpour, or has rain ever ruined your plans?  Yes, and yes.  It's part of life living in central Florida.

Bonus question: Why do Mondays seem to be so unpopular with so many?  I'm retired now, so Mondays no longer mean going back to work or school after a nice weekend.

Peace and Hugs!!

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms, Verse 1

--Elisha A. Hoffman

What a fellowship, What a joy, divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms; What a blessedness, What a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

August 24th: Monday Musings

 

My weekend was not exciting, but it was also not bad!  The best thing I did was to meet Cheryl at Sonny's BBQ for an early dinner.  It's always fun catching up with her.  She hasn't gotten a new dog yet, but I think she is open to beginning to look. She still has some health issues that are beginning to turn around and be controlled.  I like Sonny's pulled pork, and I purchased a bottle of their sweet sauce to bring home with me.  Yum.

I did some cleaning on Saturday, including the bed linens.  I visited Anne for a bit.  She had a couple of things she needed help with.  I went over on Sunday afternoon to finish one of the projects we started.  She is getting settled and also had the handyman come back for a couple of things, too.

Church was great.  I got my two loads of laundry done, ran the dishwasher, and ran to Publix to pick up two prescriptions.  Are you yawning yet?

The week ahead isn't especially exciting either, other than having lunch with Shirley on Wednesday.  Her 90th birthday is coming up.  I invited her son, David, to join us for her special day, for pizza and cake on September 4th.

Thursday is Bible study and dinner out with the Mas Verde dinner group, and on Friday, Susan is going with me to see the photography exhibit at the Museum of our Sheriff's photographs.  We all love our Sheriff Grady Judd!!

I'll stop!!  Thanks for your visit, and I wish you all a wonderful week ahead!

Peace and Hugs!!

Trust and Obey, Verse 1

--James H. Sammis, 1919

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there's no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

August 22nd: The Saturday 9

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

Shoo Fly Pie (and Apple Pan Dowdy)

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 answering questions; here are today's questions!

Saturday 9: Shoo Fly Pie (and Apple Pan Dowdy) – 1946

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

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

1) Shoo Fly Pie got its name from Shoo Fly the Boxing Mule. After the Civil War, the mule who could box was such a popular circus attraction that a molasses manufacturer started featuring him on their packaging. Since molasses is the key ingredient of this pie recipe, homemakers just began referring to it as "shoo fly pie." If we looked, would we find molasses in your kitchen?  There is Steen's syrup in my fridge, so yes!

2) Apple pan dowdy is another uniquely American recipe from the 19th century. It's like apple pie, except it only has a top crust, which is broken up. Apples are a good source of fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. Do you consider nutrition when choosing a dessert? Or are you just all about how it tastes?  I am all about how it tastes!!  LOL

3) The lyrics describe these two desserts as the ultimate comfort foods, able to make "the sun come out when the heavens are cloudy." Do you find that the foods you crave change with your mood?  They change with the seasons, more than my mood.

4) Singer June Christy pleads with her mama to whip up this "wonderful stuff." Did your mother have a dish you often requested?  My mom was a great cook!  Her vegetable soup was the best ever.  She made homemade noodles that were to die for.  If she touched it, it was delicious.

5) June was born in Springfield, Illinois' capital. Have you been to your state's capital city?  I have driven by Tallahassee a few times, but never stopped to visit it.  Tally is about a five-hour drive from Lakeland.

6) June spent years singing with Stan Kenton's Orchestra. At one point, she gave 38 performances in 35 towns in 35 days. That's a busy schedule! Do you thrive on activity? Or do you find yourself rejuvenated by quiet time?  I enjoy being active, but don't thrive on it, at least anymore.  Quiet time is treasured now.

7) In 1946, when this record was popular, bikinis were first seen in Paris fashion shows. How often have you worn your swimsuit this summer?  Not once.  It's been at least three years since I wore my swimsuit.  I've had two pre-melanomas removed and do my best to stay out of the sun now.  Factor 70 is my best friend, but I don't trust it.

8) Also in 1946, Elias Tupper invented Tupperware, a plastic container with an airtight top that's great for preserving leftovers. Are there any leftovers in your refrigerator right now?  There are always leftovers in my fridge, and I even have leftover Tupperware in the cupboard.

9) Random question: Is there a day of the week that goes by faster than the others?  The entire week flies by for me.  I wake up on Monday, and the next day is Friday.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Happy weekend!

Peace and Hugs!

Lead Me To Calvary, Chorus

--Jennie Evelyn Hussey (1921)

Lest I forget Gethsemane, Lest I forget Thine agony, Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary. 

August 21st: Friday Focus

 

Happy Friday!!  Another week has sped by!

Wednesday was our girls' day out, and I had such a good time with my friends who are also neighbors.  We were headed to a new "market" that advertised Amish products.  It is located in Mulberry, which is a very small town south of Lakeland.  It was a bit of a disappointment, but we all found something to buy.  It is very small and very expensive.  A small round sourdough bread was $8.00 and might make five slices of bread.  Tasty, but expensive.  I also bought a spice mixture and some sea salt.

There is a diner in the same shopping area, so we went there for lunch.  It was priced right and was quite good.  I think we were all happy with our meals.  I had the waitress take our picture.  She only took one, and it isn't great of any of us, but here it is...  Clockwise, Anne, me, Sandy, Judy, and Susan.

There was a community thrift store next to the diner, so we popped in there before we headed home.  It was a fun few hours together.  I said it doesn't really matter where we go; we always have a nice time.  I am very blessed!

Susan and Sandy are my walking buddies.  We get out most mornings.  Sandy is off to visit grandkids this next week, so it will just be Susan and me.

After our walk yesterday morning, I went to Bible study, and later the Mas Verde dinner group went to the Metro Diner.  There were only five of us this week, but again - I always have a fun time with good friends.  

Today, I am having an early dinner with Cheryl at Sonny's BBQ.  It will be good catching up with her.  My weekend will be a bit more restful.  I might even have to cook a meal for myself, if I remember how!!

I quit "coloring" cats and have started looking for swans. 

Lakeland is called The Swan City.  I'm enjoying the Happy Color app!

Thanks for your visit today!  Wishing you a happy weekend!

Peace and Hugs!

Blessed Assurance, Verse 1

--Fanny J. Crosby, 1873

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.

August 20th: 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.

Let's pretend she is in Europe somewhere on vacation.  She needs some shoes, so count down 1-2-3 and tell us which ones you like best for her day out and about.  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  I like the dress and might have worn it before I had bat wings!  Since she chose a brown belt, I'm going with pair #2 today.  They also look the most comfortable to me.  What are your thoughts? 

Thanks for playing along today!!  Happy Thursday!

Peace and Hugs!!

Wonderful, Merciful Savior, Verse 1

--Eric Wyse & Dawn Rogers

Wonderful, merciful Savior Precious Redeemer and Friend Who would have thought that a Lamb could Rescue the souls of men, Oh You rescue the souls of men.

August 19th: The Wednesday Hodgepodge

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

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 667

1. August 19th is National Aviation Day… Do you like to fly?  I don't mind flying; it's the airport mess I can't stand.  Last time you were on an airplane?  July 2025.   The date is chosen in honor of the history and development of aviation and is celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina?  No. The city of Dayton in Ohio (their birthplace).  I have been to Dayton, but not to see their birthplace.  My dad worked at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base a whole bunch of years ago when he and Mom got married.

2. In what area of your life do you tend to 'wing it'? Is this an area you should be winging?  These days, I "wing it" all the time!  LOL  It's working for my retired self.

3. A favorite book, song, or movie that relates to flight in some way?   I wouldn't say it's a favorite song, but the first thing that came to mind was "Up, up and away, in my beautiful, my beautiful balloon"...

4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or good old-fashioned ice cream...what's your pleasure?   Yes, please.  Your favorite flavor?  Chocolate/Caramel/Toffee.  How often do you indulge?  Every day!!  And Joe and I had gelato every day we were in Italy!!  It was so good!

5. I never get tired of spending time with family and friends. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  For those who have been following my friend/neighbor Anne's journey as a new widow, she got home late Monday night.  She spent nearly three months up in New York with her three kids.  They had Paul's memorial service there, she got to celebrate their oldest son's 50th birthday, and she helped their daughter move to a new apartment.  She was ready to come home.  She invited me out to dinner last night, and we caught up while enjoying dinner at Chili's.  She is going with Sandy, Susan, Judy, and me today for our girls' day out!!  I hope I remember to get some photos to share!

Thanks for your visit!!  Wishing you a happy hump day!

Peace and Hugs!

Standing On The Promises, Verse 4

--R. Kelso Carter, 1849-1928

Standing on the promises I cannot fall, Listening every moment to the Spirit's call Resting in my Savior as my all in all, Standing on the promises of God.