Sunday Thoughts

 Not much going on in these parts of the world... 

Time: 8:33 am

Scene: 32*, real feel 23 and partly sunny. Calling for rain.

Drinking: My first cup of Finger Lakes Canandaigua Coffee with sweet cream

What's Up Today: Today is my day off. We will be heading over to Elmira to visit Popeyes Chicken, yep. There is a Popeyes in Elmira (an hour drive). Hubby also wants to visit the Field and Stream store to see if they have Ammo (LOLOL---NOT Ammo is hard to find). ANY restaurant visiting one must drive a distance. Still can't eat in though.

Pondering: March comes roaring in. We won't get warmer weather in these parts until May.

 

Have a beautiful day, friends. smiles

Saturday 9; Bills, Bills, Bills

 Stepping into the Saturday 9. Thank you all for the kind comments from yesterday.

BILLS, BILLS, BILLS (1999)

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

1) This song is about a cheating boyfriend. Unlike most songs, where the lover deceives by seeing another, this one squanders his girl's financial resources. She sings that he's ruined her credit. Do you know your credit score?

Yep. Hence why I have a new car...now working on getting a home loan.

2) How often do you pay your bills? 

Once a month on the 3rd, same with mil (we have court ordered care of her)

Do you handle them as they come in, or do you pay weekly, bi-weekly or monthly?

Pay them by the 3rd each month, so when they come in.

 Or are you lucky enough to have someone else handle your bills?

Ha, would never trust anyone to do so. Since I am the court approved "official" for my mil, I pay her bills and manage her accounts.

3) Destiny's Child had a hit with "Bills, Bills, Bills." This girl group got their start in Houston, TX. During the recent, bruising storm, lead singer Beyonce sent food, money and water to her home state. Have you spent much time in the Lone Star State?

No passed through. Short time at Lackland Airforce base.

4) Beyonce is the breakout star of the group and went on to have a highly successful solo career. Can you think of another star who began his/her career as the member of a group?

Diana Ross?

5) "Bills, Bills, Bills" was performed a cappella by the kids on Glee. That Fox show ran for six seasons. Were you a fan? 

Nope

6) In 1999, when this song was on the charts, SpongeBob SquarePants premiered. The show remains popular among the younger set. Have you ever seen it?

Yes and its annoying.

7) SpongeBob has become an industry, spawning movies, a Broadway musical, video games and both coloring and comic books. Once considered children's amusements, today coloring and comic books enjoy a following among adults. Have you recently enjoyed coloring or reading a comic book?

I have several coloring books, but I have not colored lately.

8) Also in 1999, Walmart expanded to the United Kingdom. Do you shop at Walmart?

I am employed at Walmart.

 

9) Random question -- We've all met people who aren't exactly as they present themselves. Are you good at spotting a phony?

Yes and you'll know how I feel about you in a split second.

Have a great day, friends.

Friday Photos

 Nothing exciting to show. No Earth shattering sky or beach events (grin). So, how about a look into my mundane every morning get to make lunch for work?

Wegmans Chicken Salad on Rye/Pumpernickel Deli Swirl, with a bag of Cape Cod Kettle Cooked chips and a fruit cup and a can of Pepsi (neither not shown). My husband, "That sure is a boring lunch you take." Shrugging, its ok.

I got home from work at 1:45 today, so I think I will enjoy my second cup of Italian coffee. I only drink one in the morning. Hope you are having a beautiful Friday afternoon. It is presently 41* and sunny here.

Thankful Thursday-Retail Therapy

 Pre posting this for Thursday. My spirits were lifted today (Wednesday) as the temps reached 50* and it was quite sunny all day until about 3 ish then the skies opened up. Welcome to near spring time in NY where the temps and weather change on a dime. I did manage to get my hair cut, still shoulder length, longer layers.  My son also got his haircut and he no longer looks like a  hippie. We both walked in the house at nearly the same time and he goes, "Wow, Mom, looks nice, no more shaggy d.a. huh?" Same to you. grin...and that is how we roll. grin

How about some silly Thankful things?

While on lunch break the other day (Ok, truth be told, I had enough of the gossip in the break room, grin. So, I finished my lunch and took a walk), I happened upon the Clearance aisle (ok, my favorite aisle). I found Nail polish; Pink Like a Girl and Grey Suede. Each were under $2. I'll take it.

So, I painted my nails the Grey Suede. I like it. I probably should of painted them the Pink Like a Girl shade,  you know, to boost my mood. Maybe soon. No amount of lotion is keeping these hands from being dry, thanks Covid where handwashing and hand sanitizer are a must or in my case, have to wear gloves because I am allergic to hand sanitizer (have to wear gloves to hand out masks and deal with customers). Old hands/fingers are looking old...sigh. Oh wait, they are old, will be 54 next month.

Then I found boxes of hair color for $4. Eureka! I might have bought 8 boxes. What? ((grin))---so probably Friday evening I will color my hair and wash the gray out. I just haven't felt like doing so...

Then while at the hairdressers, she always use this 'magic elixir' that leaves my hair feeling soft (for baby fine thin hair, you would think I have soft hair, nope), finally I had the nerve to ask her what it was. She told me and also told me that my employer sells it, yep...so ordered it online; $10. Another Eureka.

So, my 30 year old Lasagna pan/dish bit the dust. Broke, sadly...Went to the Corning Outlet (since I have my mothers Corelle bakeware and dishes) and nope, no one has Lasagna pans/dishes. So, back online to Corelle (the Portofino one was out of stock and I did not want Pyrex as they stain) and off to online Walmart. HA-found a nice one at Walmart, so you can get it personalized; mine will say The Conley's Kitchen; $54 but with my discount it was only $40.  Yikes...I'll have to work 2 jobs... 

My husband, "You feel better now?" Why, yes, yes I do. grin---no, not really, very rarely do I buy anything for myself and I do feel guilty.

Sometimes, you just have too.

Meme Wednesday...

 Still falling behind...sorry about that. How about a Meme filled Wednesday?

Welcome to Tuesday 4 kept up in memory of our friend Toni Taddeo who began it several years ago.  She would be so pleased to see people keeping up with it!

1. How far away are you from where you grew up?

1,126 miles to be exact or a 17 hour drive.

2. Families sometimes move all over the country. Do you feel that a family should try to stay close together?

I use to think that families ought not live close by, but now...not so sure...I think families should be close by.

3. How many times have you moved in your life and would you like to share when and where you moved?

Too many to count. From Chicago to Fl. when I was like 7 yrs old. From Ocala, Fl to San Diego (when I was 18-living with my husband when he was in the Marines), from San Diego back to Ocala, from Ocala to Vero Beach (married by then), from Vero Beach to Walkill, NY, From Walkill to Hudson, NY, from Hudson to Tuscaloosa, Al, from Tuscaloosa to Northport, from Northport to Samantha, from Samantha, AL to Hornell, NY. AND now, thinking of moving again.

4. What brought you to where you are living now and are you happy there?

School, and my husband is from here/family ties, all his family is buried here. Was until the shutdown started last year and continues. Now, I am ready to get moving, literally.

----on that note...trusting the good Lord...and also, He also knows I am having a hard time in doing so. Hey, just  keeping it real.

Thanks for joining in!!

1. Your favorite cleaning product?

Mrs. Meyers 

Do you clean your own house or hire out?

Hire out? HA, I'm not rich.

 Most disliked household chore? 

cleaning toliets

What one chore do you not mind so much?

folding laundry 

 2. It's Canned Food Month...do you use a lot of canned goods?

Canned vegetables

 What are the three canned items you purchase most often?

Corn, green beans, peas

 Last thing you made using a canned ingredient? 

Hubby did use a can of tomatoes for the Spaghetti Sauce.

 3. Can of worms, anything can happen, can you imagine?, as best I can, kick the can down the road, more than one can take, no can do, not if I can help it...choose an idiom and tell us how you currently relate.

Can of worms? Prob. My employer is opening a can of worms--there is talk of ordering employees to wear double masks. That would be a NO, Alex, due to my asthma. I guess I won't have a job then. Working 8-9 hours in a mask is hard enough, you want us to wear two? Nope.

4.The last Tuesday in February is National Spa Day. Are you someone who enjoys a day at the spa? Last time you visited a spa? Do you have a favorite spa? Are salons open for business in your area? Have you made changes to your hair and nail routine since Corona hit? In what way? 

Haven't been to a spa in over 20 years, again, I am not rich. I have my haircut every 4-6 weeks (today is the day) and colored too. I paint my own nails.

 5. Believe it or not this is the last Hodgepodge of the month. In one sentence sum up your February. 

I'm tired of winter/snow.

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

No Bail Money needed Sunday Salon

 So many fish in the frying pan, so to speak...day of rest here. Although it is partly sunny right now, another winter storm heads in tonight and then warmer weather in the low 40's and rain is heading in.

Time: 8:44 am

Scene: 20, real feel 18*, partly Sunny.

Drinking:

second cup with Sweet Cream.

What's on tap for the day? 

Updating my resume

Looking / cost at getting recertified for OSHA

Looking at houses/states, employment

Cleaning off my desk (HA!)

Coloring my hair? (HA!)

What's for dinner? 

Spaghetti and meatballs.

Listening to: 

Not much. The furnace kicked on. Hubby went to have breakfast with his brother. They are plotting something (you know, you just know, just saying, LOL) ...I am sure wherever we move, the brother won't be far behind.

Pondering:

Good night at work last night. Then again, the Customer Service Manager that was on duty is a good person/one. While walking back to take my dinner break at 7, something stopped me and told me to turn around and make it right (the other day while she was on duty, she was told to tell me I could only take a 1/2 dinner break and no two 15 min breaks (for a 8 1/2 work shift, which makes for a very uncomfortable no bathroom breaks, just saying because there is no one to cover me), that started a snowball affect which got me a "talking down" too by upper management; how dare I complain and I had no right to be 'pissed', I'm lucky to have a job, so what the others got their hour breaks etc. So high school.

ANYWAYS, I told her I was not mad at her, I was mad at the circumstance and I know she was just caught in the middle. She stopped what she was doing and thru her arms around me (whoa nelly) and burst out crying. Thankfully, the good Lord knew what was needed. Thankfully, we are good. She was so worried I was still ticked...which I am, but not by her or from her...

NOT all management are good folks, some prefer to be back in  high school and gossip like little girls. Lesson learned. I will no longer trust the upper or certain Customer Service management to handle a situation like we are suppose to do/go too, sad to say. Do my job, keep my mouth shut, go home. Makes for a very harsh reality. But then again, my employer likes to create a unworkable situation, another harsh reality. Saw that in plain light/sight when I did go to management (but it was to late to shut my mouth) and got the reverse than what was expected-which caused angst...hey, also why have rules and mandates and you yourself are not following them? Oh, I wasn't suppose to challenge that either. Ok then, moving on.

Was almost there...almost...grin. Just keeping it real. Because someone somewhere out there in the big wide world knows exactly what I am saying and can understand it.

Saturday 9

 Apologies, falling behind yet again. I'll just say, nothing has been decided on where to move too...but I did snap at my husband the other day and I informed him my feet weren't made for snow boots or shoes or the never ending snow; they are made for sand and flip flops. He hasn't said one more word to me about NOT moving (he was laughing at me waddling to the car -on the ice)...I'm just at the end of the proverbial rope; combination of the never ending shutdown/mask wearing for 8-9 hours a day, weather, job related etc. I also own up to the fact I need an attitude adjustment. Just keeping it real.

oh how appropriate, grin.

Saturday 9: Cry (1952)

Unfamiliar with this song? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Johnnie Ray assures us we'll feel better if we cry. Do you agree?

Sometimes. After a rough 24-48 hours, I wanted to cry and briefly did (at home). But honestly, I was not going to allow my employer the pleasure of seeing me do so and I didn't.

2) He also mentions waking from a dream, believing it was real. Has that ever happened to you?

Sure.

3) Because this record was such a massive hit, Johnnie Ray was nicknamed "The Prince of Wails." Without looking it up, do you know who is currently the Prince of Wales?

Sure, Charles, the Queen of England's son.

4) To cash in on the success of this single, 20th Century Fox cast Johnnie Ray in a big-budget musical, There's No Business Like Show Business. Today it's best remembered as a Marilyn Monroe movie. Have you seen many of Marilyn's films?

Yes, I love Some Like it Hot.

5) After graduating from high school, Johnnie worked at low-paying jobs, including bus boy and soda jerk. He found he made better tips when he began playing piano in restaurants. Have you ever worked for tips?

Nope

6) In 1969, Johnnie was in the news a lot again because he performed with Judy Garland during her European tour and was best man at her wedding to Mickey Deans. Tell us what you wore to the most recent wedding you attended.

I haven't been to any weddings --maybe 15 or so years now. It was a flowerly 2 piece chiffon dress and pink mules.

7) In 1952, when this song was a hit, Mr. Potato Head made his debut. It was the first toy advertised on television. What TV commercial have you seen recently?

It was a Dominos commercial. Funny thing is, we don't have a Dominos here. The city won't allow competition.

8) Also in 1952, chlorophyll was all the rage for banishing bad breath. Colgate led the way by adding it to their toothpaste. Do you use gum, mints, mouthwash, or breath strips?

I chew gum everyday-Since I have to wear a mask for upwards of 8-9 hours. Every single person at work chews gum. That's a fact, Jack.

9) Random question -- Congratulations! You won a free three night/two day weekend for two in Las Vegas! The weather is predicted to be sunny and 65º each day you're there. It's 12:00 noon on your first day. Are we most likely to find you: a) gambling in the casino or b) having breakfast in bed or c) outside, enjoying the sun and the sights?

C. But you won't ever find me in Vegas. Once was a enough...how about I win a trip to the beach? Any beach will do, including Maine. grin.

Sarma

 I am pre posting this for Thursday. I am Croatian/Yugoslavian, and this was a staple growing up. There is great debate on whom invented it first; the Slavs or the Serbs. Thankfully my grandmother is no longer on Earth; those were fighting words, wink. This is a recipe that I have memorized, so many happy years of seeing my grandmother and mother make this. Some might not like the smell, but it always brings back memories...and my son will actually eat this.

Ingredients

• 1 large head cabbage (steam and de ribbed)
• 1 lb ground chuck/hamburger
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1  to 1/2 cups cooked rice
• 1 large onion
• 1 (32-ounce) jar sauerkraut, drained.
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can tomato soup
• 1/2 tbs parsley
• 1 tsp of cinnamon.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt and pepper
• 1 tbs paprika
• How to make it
• Mix in bowl with a small amount of water
• 1 lb ground chuck/hamburger
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 to 1/2 cups cooked rice (my grandmother use to use raw rice, I prefer to cook it before hand-its just a matter of 'easiness')
• 1 large onion
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt and pepper
• 1 tsp of cinnamon.
• 1 tbs paprika
• Take the cabbage leaves, flatten them out, put a small (about 2 tbs) mixture of above in each leaf.
• Fold bottom leaf over mixture. Fold sides to the center and roll away from yourself to encase completely.
• Heat over to 350* If you have any leftover cabbage, chop thinly. Spread the cabbage on the bottom of the pan, then add the rolls seam side down. Then add the sauerkraut. 
• Mix tomato sauce (add water to thin it) and 1/2 tbs parsley, pour it over top, then add the tomato soup (you can add a little water). Cover the pan with foil, bake for one hour than lower the temp to 325 and bake for another 2 hours.
• Voila. Sarma

Meme filled Wednesday

 Wednesday, which means day off. I am / we are also grieving the loss of Joe, sweet blogging friend Terri's husband. Please keep Terri and her family in prayer.

Welcome to Tuesday 4 continued in the memory of Toni Taddeo, its original author.

1.What's your favorite thing to do when you have time on your hands?

I like to read or just sit with hubby who is usually watching tv.

2. Company coming tonight for dinner what do you cook?

A pan of lasanaga or if its summer, we will BBQ.

3.   The weather is perfect outside, how would you spend the day?

Outside. Those days are rare here in the great white North, currently with snow on the ground and bitter cold. I have to say, I am dreaming of flip flops, warm weather and seeing the ocean looking at houses in Fl.

4.   It's morning and you just got up, what do you have for breakfast?

Its a quick thing at 5 am and lasts me until lunch break at noon or whenever they decide to give me my break. {{ROLLING EYES-Capital letters}}

1. This week's Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday which signals the beginning of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? 

No

If so tell us more. Did you grow up 'celebrating' Lent? Is attending church part of your weekly routine? Are churches open for in-person worship where you live? 

No. I better leave it at that.

2. When is the last time you sat beside a 'real' fire? 

Since we moved from Alabama, 7 years ago.

Do you have a fireplace in your home? Wood or gas logs? 

Nope.

Favorite thing cooked over a fire?

My husband does a "mean" BBQ. ((aka great))

3. Something that's currently got you fired up?

Politics--better leave it at that. 

4. February also happens to be National Cabbage Day. Who knew? Do you like cabbage?

Yes, but only if its Sarma.

 Is cabbage on your menu Wednesday? No

 Of the following cabbage dishes which is your favorite-coleslaw (mayo or vinegar?), sauerkraut, cabbage rolls, cabbage soup, kielbasa and cabbage, grilled cabbage, bubble and squeak, kimchi, or haluski?

My late grandma's Sarma. 

5. Do you hang on to pennies? What do you do with them? 

Yes, we have a Conley Savings and Loan can, ok, 2 cans now. Both are nearing $200-tmi.

 Last thing you purchased for $1.00? 

I accidently broke my glass water bottle yesterday at work, so I bought a bottle of water.

Last thing you purchased for $5.00?

That would be today, once I get around:

for the record, since once again, I was late getting out yesterday, I did NOT feel like getting the soap then. I got the heck out of there. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

For the 1st time in 7 years, I feel the need for change. However, like my good friend, Ann says, "It's due to so many things going on; Covid, Pandemic restrictions, work etc." Probably so. And each day we get closer to making major decisions and to where. My husband, "Linda, if I can find a house with a pool so and so and you can drive to work near the ocean, would that be ok?" Why, yes, I think it would be. BTW, the State of Florida is open for business, just saying. Bigly. Jobs are plentiful. Just saying.

Valentines Day Sunday Salon

 Wishing you each of you a very Happy Valentines Day. I had every inclination to send out cards, but time just got away from me.

Time: 9 am

Scene: Cloudy 23, real feel 14. Another impending winter storm is on the horizon; expecting upwards of a foot. Already got a warning. ---sigh, and for the first time I think in 7 years,  I am tired of winter.

Drinking: My second cup of

With Sweet Cream. They were out of my regular Breakfast in the Finger Lakes. So, decided to go back to Italian Roast. 

On tap for the day: Nothing. I asked hubby did he have plans for us, nope. He said and I quote, "You can stay in pj's today. It's too bitter cold to go out and about."  Gotta' love a man who says that.

Pondering: An incident at work yesterday. Unknown to me, someone changed my schedule. Instead of 3:30-10:00, someone changed it to 3-10:30. I was livid. What's the big deal, you might ask? Oh, its a big deal, was docked a point. I didn't know until I was doing the Covid check in. I do believe the whole store heard what I had to say. The store manager will hear about it tomorrow. I AM NOT MARRIED TO MY CELL PHONE AND WILL NOT BE MARRIED TO MY CELL PHONE. I DO NOT CHECK MY CELL PHONE WHEN I AM NOT ON DUTY, PERIOD. BESIDES, MY HOME PHONE NUMBER IS LISTED, NOT THE CELL PHONE AS THE PRIMARY. NOPE, they didn't bother to even call the cell phone or notify me, just changed it/schedule. LIVID is the word.

Thought for the day:

Received a very nice card from my husband and some Lindt chocolate (he has no idea my desk drawer is still holding onto a secret Christmas stash, shh...don't tell him. lol).

Currently...

 Good Morning. Linking back to Stacy.

Currently in  Hornell...Sunny and 10*.

Reading...some "hard line reading"; Brandenburg vs Ohio.

I am Thankful for...a warm house, food in the pantry/fridge, a steady income/hours etc.

Today...work later this afternoon until 3:30-10pm. Hubby has put on a pot of chili and it will be ready when I get home tonight.

Listening to...the furnace kicked on. 

Looking forward to...my day off tomorrow. Hopefully the turkey will be thawed out. That is what Valentines Dinner will be, if not, we shall find something else.

Celebrating...Valentines Day tomorrow. One of my managers gave me a Pink Heart she made ---for Valentines. Said, "I want you to know how much you mean and how thoughtful you are to the customers!" So Sweet. She has one of those CriCut machines. I have no talent for such things, just saying.

Thought for the day...

y'all, I am about done with winter. Seriously.

Meme Filled Wednesday

 Welcome to a Meme filled Wednesday. Day off from work, but still have to do grocery shopping. 

 Welcome to Tuesday 4. I am sure Toni would be so pleased you are here.

Let's talk about St. Valentine's Day.

1. St Valentine paid for the weddings of poor girls. Today weddings can cost a fortune. What do you think about wedding expenses?

Just elope or stand in church just the two of you and the minister and then throw a big party afterwards. Marriage vows should be sacred -just you and God.

2. Do you or did you send Valentines to people?

Use too...the three of us exchange little something somethings.

3. Do you find Valentine's day to be romantic?

I wouldn't say romantic...maybe it should be between couples.

4. Do you do anything special for Valentine's Day with partners or family?

No, not really. We do exchange little something somethings. I have never made it a big deal and I fully expect the guys to do the same (not make it a big deal---the feelings should come within and not expected).

Happy Valentine's Day folks.

1. Something little you are loving right now?

Right this minute? My second cup of 

with Sweet Cream. NOT Italian. It seems none of the grocery stores are carrying that at the moment. 

2. Red roses or pink peonies?

which we have in the spring and summer in our backyard.

Red wine or pink lemonade?

Pink Lemonade 

Red lipstick or pink polish?

Pink polish 

A cotton candy colored sky or a fiery red sunset?

cotton candy colored sky

 A book-movie-song you love with the word red or pink in it's title?

Pretty in Pink 

3. What's something you currently have your heart set on doing-going-seeing-or experiencing?

M-O-V-I-N-G

4. Who would you most like to have a heart to heart with right now? Is that possible?

I wouldn't say heart to heart, more like want to give a talking to these gov. officials. 

5. Write an acrostic for the word L-O-V-E. 

L-Long lasting love is a rarity

O-Obsessive love is a thing

V-Vexed in love

E-Eager to be loved and love

??? not sure I did that right, LOL.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Have a great day folks. Another cold bitter day here.