Sunday Salon

 A little late this morning...been up since 7:15, but honestly, been sitting here with coffee wanting to just zone out, grin.

Time: 9:18

Scene: 53* and cloudy. Under a wind and rain advisory until tomorrow morning. Looks like it wants to come down, and probably will.

Drinking: My second cup of 

with Sweet Italian Cream

On tap for the day/Keeping it real: Prob. nothing...although, hubby is threatening to head out to Home Goods and TJ Maxx in Horseheads/Elmira. sigh. He won $4 on the Powerball and wants to go get another ticket. Hey, just keeping it real. PERSONALLY;

sounds good to me. BUT I do need to work on my resume and get it updated. OH, It seems homes/property down south seem to be a little out of price range...we are talking about that too. Knowing that we have to get out of NY is weighing heavy on us.

What's for dinner? Who knows...the good Lord knows the freezers and the pantry are full. A nice bowl of soup and grilled cheese sound good, oh we would have to go out and get bread...(looks like hubby might be winning on to go out).

Thinking/Pondering...thank you all for the kind comments. Falling behind seems to be the norm. But know, I do read the comments and try to visit y'all.

Just a funny to leave you with:

Some Thoughts...

 Again, thank you all for the kind thoughts on past posts. Skipping ahead with some thoughts from this past week...so, let's just keep it real.

Started off Tuesday with that very powerful thought about Not allowing anyone to steal my joy. Tried very hard...truly I did.

A co worker had this on her FB page and I stole it. You see, our employer is famous for stealing joy, simple and true statement. During a terse conversation yesterday, it dawned on me certain forces are holding me back from changing the job position. Why? "NO ONE IS STEALING OUR FRONT END PEOPLE ANYMORE!" is the comment I received. Excuse me, are we all not employees of the #1 retailer here? So, you are holding me back. I find that so frankly, disturbing.

My husband, "Linda, I have been in the back of the store and one can hear you loud and clear with that southern mid-west dialect; your friendly, love to laugh, make folks feel comfortable etc. Has it not dawned on you that perhaps certain people are jealous of your personality? I have also heard certain management hate you because of this."

I think folks truly underestimate me. I had one customer call me a "Mask Nazi with a fake southern accent." Oh truly...rolling eyes.

I might have replied to the person, "Goodness gracious and Thank you Kindly." Only exacerbating the situation worse than it should of been. I might mention, it has been 6 months this past Wednesday that I have been employed there.

Oh yes, the pesky devil. Every.single.day. Oh, where I am going with this...I have no idea. I often wonder if this continuing shut down and mandates is bringing out the ugly in folks. No, folks, even with the vaccine you will still have to wear masks and social distance (which brings up a serious question, Why get the vaccine then?). ANYWAYS, where was I? JOY!

How many of us for whatever reason can not or will not refrain from "slinging back" (raising hand)

Personally, I recite the mantra, "Your not stealing my joy!" I might have said that out loud too, in front of that certain customer who called me a Mask Nazi. Then, I got a talking too...I started to laugh. Seriously, maybe this job isn't for me. Getting a talking to about this or that, every.single.day. Just.keeping.it.real...because someone out there is going through the same thing or something similar.

Every.single.day. So much evil in this world...folks, lighten up. Your negativity has affects on everyone, and I include that (negativity) in myself.

So, onward...today I work 1-10. Yep, hours changed. 

grin

Birthday Reflections

 

Just some reflections from my birthday yesterday...as much as they tried, my employer wasn't allowed to steal my Birthday Joy. Oh they tried, believe me they did. I was so blessed with certain regular customers who came in and sang Happy Birthday, 

a certain  young employee who dropped in on her day off with a Birthday Cupcake and regular employees who made their way and said Happy Birthday (our birthdays are listed on the Walmart In store Community Board). Very sweet. Nor did they steal my joy when I got out 20 minutes late...I am sure I will hear about it tomorrow, because the two stockmen who were pushing carts in wondered why I was still there and one decided to take over for me until a suitable person can be found...both men felt bad I was still there (my employer is famous for not filling my position at my quitting time). While I was leaving, my manager and a store manager were questioning the young man, and gave me the nastiest look. HA, "Thank you Rich" (to the young man) is what I said (He was grinning, "Sure thing Linda! Anytime" (he was taking the talking too in stride, much to my delight). Today is my 6 months of employment, fire me. Please do, I will make more on unemployment, wink. They won't--they will make it more difficult. HA! Linda is no quitter. ANYWAYS...MOVING ALONG.

Lovely gifts awaited me when I got home (and Terri, please do not look at the card that was never sent, sigh...I am so far behind).

A charm bracelet and Yellow Tulips from my husband. The two round charms are my birth stone (Aquamarine) and the other one is my Birthday/March Zodiac Constellation. Can't quite grasp the loveliness of it. And the other one is called a Tree of Life, its actually two charms; the second one behind it has my name,  husbands and son names and a Bible verse (Proverbs 13:12).

Chick and mug from my son. The mug came from my favorite boutique; Harmony Blue.

and a "gag" Death by Chocolate cake. The gag is the fact its like my last year to turn the numbers around; next year its is double nickels and downhill from there, lol.

Indeed, I am vintage and rare (lolol). And probably dare say, original (more laughter). No, we didn't go anywhere after work. I did make  Goulash.  

All in all, it was a beautiful day. Actually, perfect...because No One was allowed to steal the Joy and perhaps, I ought to make that my motto from here on out; YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO STEAL MY JOY! That dawned on me while working yesterday, perhaps I am allowing that to happen.

One of the older ladies that started our prayer group at work keeps telling me, "Look, missy, don't let them steal that beautiful Joy you have, that is the only way to survive this job!" Yes, ma'am. It was sort of weird...when I decided to not let anyone do that yesterday, a nice calmness came over me. So from here on out...you're not going to steal that Joy.

Sunday Stealing

 Thank you all for the kind comments yesterday. Joining in on the Sunday Stealing.

1. An unforgettable day in my life.

The day I was married and then the birth of my one and only child.

2. My favorite snacks

I like Cape Cod Kettle Cooked Chips

3. My biggest fashion accessory

Earrings

4. My biggest celebrity crush

Never really had a crush

5. One Hobby I would like to learn

Knit. But I tried, just can't do it.

6. My OCD habits

Not really OCD, but I have to have things in order, straight etc. Maybe it is OCD. Drives me nuts to come into work every morning and see the shelves around me (where I stand) all messed up. Hello, night crew, this area is the first thing customers see.

7. If I could eat one last meal

Pizza

8. Working on my fitness

Seriously? I stand in one place all day long, on a rubber mat. You try standing still for 9 hours. I do stretch and at times help the stockman bring in carts, which gives management a fit (ohhh don't talk to them, Linda, don't this or that---seriously, we work in a small confined space and you want me to be quiet and still all day? NOT GOING TO HAPPEN-its sad how certain folks try to control a situation/person they have no business controlling). Communication is key to where I work (in that small area).

9. What I spend money on

Utilities, food, makeup, clothes, shoes, car payment, student loans, good shampoo

10. My favorite recipe

I don't have one favorite

11. The best part of each season

Spring: The daffodils come up and the rain makes everything so green. The snow melts and everything looks new again. The birds are chirping and the Canadian geese are back.

Summer: The green grass and trees. I am not a summer person, I  do not like humidity. Luckily, where we live, summer truly lasts about 4 weeks. Lawn mowers and hedge trimmers are the sound.

Fall: Folks start turning on their wood stoves or fireplace in late Sept. The cool crisp air, sweater wearing, hot coca and so on. The air smells and feels different.

Winter: The first snowfall. Wearing of parkas, gloves, scarves etc. I do like winter, however, this winter seems to be dragging on. Things seem more quiet.

 

12. A life lesson I’ve learned?

To never ever lie and be who you are. God made each and everyone unique. Just saying.

13. My inspiration to blog?

To leave a small footprint in this big world.

14. What’s inside my closet?

15. Let me brag a minute.

I have a pretty good kid; he doesn't smoke, doesn't stand on the street corner like a lot of hoodlums do, he doesn't do drugs etc. Folks say they like his manners. He better have manners, or I'll  hunt him down (grin) just saying.

Yesterday was 60, today the same and the rest of the week. Don't be fooled, we are known to get walloped by a snow storm --even in May. I  think we are going on a flower/mulch/seed hunt today. I refuse to go to my employer, so he/husband will have to find mulch etc. somewhere else.

Currently...

 Currently...I am still behind in posting, visiting and commenting and answering emails and snail mail. Apologies. 

Linking back to Stacy.

Our weather...been a roller coaster ride this week; rain and snow and very cold temps. Right now its 27* and sunny. Suppose to warm up this week into the 50-60's.

Listening to...all is quiet. Oh, hubby is on the phone trying to find an installer for his mothers shower (and to tear out the old one). Long story short, neither of them are bathing because they can't get into the bathtub, so we/they (whatever- since we are in financial control) invested in a stand alone shower. So far, no luck or they are backed up 6 months. Getting ridic. Thanks Pandemic. Not even Lowes does this anymore thanks to the pandemic.

Watching...we were stuck on watching last night of Beach Hunters/Renovations on HGTV.

Feeling...tired. Bad attitude...I am just getting to the point where I don't want to be here in NY anymore, I am done with the pandemic and its nonsense. 

Celebrating...not really celebrating but hubbys 55th birthday was yesterday.

Since our favorite pizza joint still doesn't allow in dining, we ordered out. He wanted fish and the Boy Wonder and I had pizza.

I sent out the Boy Wonder to go get cupcakes (The Birthday Boy did not want cake).

Looking Forward to...my day off tomorrow. Like I said, my attitude needs a major adjustment...so many things going on at work and this stupid pandemic is really causing issues. I think we will take off and take a drive.

Pretty much...the ever changing idot Fauci and his minions.

Tuesday Four and Hodgepodging Through...

 Thank you all for the  kind comments --I am so far behind in posting and commenting. And to answer Vee's thought; my mil might have to move with us. Courts are still closed or backlogged here due to the pandemic. Hence the hesitance about moving or where to move here...the court might not allow it since we have guardianship etc. Reality sucks. If that is the case, we will have to find a mil's quarters...and we are looking into combining income etc. It's a mess.

Welcome to Tuesday 4 which we keep going in memory of our dear friend Toni Taddeo.

1.  What is the most valuable kitchen utensil you have or one you use often and could not live without?

hmmm...probably the spatula.

2. Do you have any fancy gadgets like air fryers, etc in your kitchen? How are they working out for you?

supposedly hidden from view prior to Christmas, lol.

No air fryer. But I do have a stand mixer and a hand blender and a Magic Bullet. All work great.

3. Do you have any step or labor saving ideas that make cooking and meal preparation easier?

I clean as I go. It makes it so much easier.

4. What is your favorite recipe of all time? Would you share it with us?

My moms Chocolate Eclair

Graham crackers

Vanilla pudding

Whip Cream

Homemade Choc. Frosting

and I am not allowed to share it either...sorry. It's been in the family for ages. There are plenty of recipes out there, but none come close to my mom's recipe.

1. This week's Hodgepodge lands on St. Patrick's Day. 

Last years celebration at the Elks. Sorry, no celebrations this year per Cuomo's orders.

Will you wear green?

Yes. I have a green sweater and green nail polish on my nails.

 Eat corned beef and cabbage? 

Yes, already in the oven.

Drink green beer? 

Nope. But I will have a Guinness. Love Irish beer. 

Have you ever been to Ireland? Is it on your travel 'bucket list'? 

On my bucket list...but will never go because of the vaccine order to which I am not getting. My husbands family is from there and Scotland.

2. Something you think is 'worth its weight in gold'?

Family and Friends

3. Something that makes you 'green around the gills'?

Because I like keeping it real; Current Government 

4. What puts a 'spring in your step' these days?

A paycheck 

5. Write a limerick using one of the following as your theme....March, St. Patrick's Day, Covid, 2020 and/or 2021, the color green, or life lately. Yes, you can do it.

Green...is the color of spring

Green...is the color of a crayon

Green...is envy

Green is like a shiny new emerald 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Wishing you each a Happy St. Patricks Day. No celebrations allowed here in NY for the second year in a row, thanks to the pandemic/King Cuomo rules. I already have corn beef in the oven. The potatoes, carrots and cabbage will be added later. I am also off to the DMV this afternoon, must renew the drivers license. By appointment only, per our King's rules.

This and That...or Not Much

 This or that or not much, really. Let's just start with some reality...Every single day I look out my employers windows and think of the beach.

Taken in the fall. 

Somehow, that's probably not living in reality...and probably to be truthful, I think there has to be something better, right? Ok, there it is, right? Do you understand what I am saying? This morning is a prime example, we had 2 days of beautiful warm weather and wham, this morning its 14* and snowing (flakes). Come on Linda, get it together.

My husband asked the other day whatever happened to our house over in Hudson (a 4 hr drive from here). For months we have watched the remake of our beloved farmhouse and former Stagecoach Inn for the Rev. War go under a major redo. The house sits in Elizaville, just a short drive from Hudson in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Have I mentioned its been 30 years since we lived there? Yeah...so much for reality, right?

Yeah, that's what happened. Beautiful. It is also back on the market for over $900,000. {{{Coughing}}}---maybe we should of stayed and never moved to Alabama, right? Since the price of land has gone way up...its not the house, its the land that sits on.

Nothing New here....

So, the true reality is while I am being pulled to a lifestyle of flip flops, the hubby is being pulled to stay up north. And the Boy Wonder? He says, "I'm going where ever you guys go." Ok then...great...because no one knows where we are going. All we know is, we have to move. Living under a year of shutdown and oppressiveness has left us very bitter. More stringent rules and taxes are coming here, so says the King himself. At least come April 1, one won't have to quarantine if they visit out of state and come back from out of state. Of course, if the King has anything to say about it...oh but he is in trouble, bigly. We shall see where that goes...if anywhere.

I know my good friend Vee over in Maine will appreciate that thought, grin. She knows me all too well. Another truth;

Why yes...so very true. Every single day that pesky bugger also steals joy. Joy from seeing what is right in front of you; 

I have no idea where this post is going...but something tells me we all have experienced something in relation to what I am (trying to) saying. So, I better end it here.

Hodgepodging Wednesday...

 Joining in with the Hodgepodge

1. March 9th is National Get Over It Day...what's something you need to 'just get over already'?

I am trying to be politic free on the blog...but...finding that difficult, so I'll do it this way;

The new administration and their crooked ways

Both sides of the political spectrum

Cancel Culture

Tired of the vaccine push. I want to scream...folks trusting the government and the fear mongering. 

Not meaning to offend anyone who has gotten it...just keeping it real.

Tired of winter

2. Something you're currently 'over the moon' about?

The new blackout bedroom drapes. More on that later on a different blog post. 

3. What's something you're 'chewing over' these days? (meaning-thinking over carefully)

Been really chewing over asking to go on the overnight shift (10-7). The store closes at 10, front end and store management leaves, and your left to stock and clean the store. I am dead serious and will discuss this with the overnight management tomorrow and get with HR. They are constantly hiring...a certain someone in that management crew is always asking me to come over to the "dark side". Funny people. I am already fulltime so the hours won't affect me and I would get 2 days off in a row and you get to pick your days off. Since I already like stocking / straightening shelves, I might as well. Not to mention I am OCD when it comes to that.

4. The last thing you cooked or ate that was overdone?

hmm...can't think of anything. 

5. In celebration of hitting volume 411 in the weekly Hodgepodge, give us the 411 on something happening in your life in the next 30 days. 

Can't think of anything...busy working. That is about it. I am dreaming of moving and constantly think of the ocean and sand. Actually got caught day dreaming yesterday at work, was looking out the windows (it was bright and sunny) and thinking about warmer weather. The stockman, "Hey, Linda, you ok? You got a funny look on your face." LOLOL

6. Insert your own random thought here.

If only...lol