Sunday Salon and an Excursion

 Good morning from Florida and offering up apologies. I have not answered any comments or emails yet again--these 5 days off have not been relaxing at all, sigh.

from our friend's vacation, he/Bob was sending photos of their campsite at Flagler Beach BEFORE the hurricane that took this area out.

TIME: 7 AM

SCENE: According to the Weather. com it is 70*, humidity 96%, dewpoint 69* and 66% chance of rain today.

Drinking: My first cup of coffee with Italian Creamer.

What's for Dinner? Leftovers

Thinking/Pondering: So, we had to go back out to our friends Bob and Kim's yesterday to get our lawn equipment (funny, my husband came down here with no lawn equipment and he has since collected a fortune in this equipment). SO, Bob goes, "Hey, you all want to go over to the end of the Earth?" (Huh?)---I shouted, "OH! CEDAR KEY!" (He knew I would get it --we have the same dry humor, lol) so off we go. Cedar Key is only a short 68-mile drive AND has about 1,000 year around citizens.

I did pinpoint our location.

Just give you a perspective on where Cedar Key is.

taken off the internet

Yes, it does feel like you're dropping off the face of the Earth. Cedar Key is a little island on Florida's west coast on the Gulf of Mexico.

They have public parking, the rest you walk. Over the walking bridge we go.

It was an overcast day, nonetheless, it was 75*, beautiful, a little nippy at times, but it was nice.

I couldn't quite capture the charm. It has been like nearly 40 years since I have been here--NOTHING has changed grin. That would be Kim photobombing me--she likes to walk fast--me, I prefer to walk slow and enjoy the Gulf breezes and the smells of the Gulf. ANYWAYS---she was waiting for me; the guys were in the public restrooms. You know, I have to say, I like that about Florida, there are public restrooms, nice ones at that.

We had lunch at Steamers. I had fish and chips, and it was very good.

That would be Kim and Bob. My husband is standing under the sign. Now you know where our Godson gets his size from; his dad, lol.

Our son would have gotten a kick out of the sign (Liam and Madis). He actually knew a girl named Maddie, LOL. 

So, while they went to get ice-cream (later in the day), I sat here in the boat parking lot and enjoyed the bay. If you look --you will see the walking bridge, we walked to get onto Cedar Key.

Needless to say, we did NOT get to the thrift stores yesterday. Grin

P.S. I still can't wrap my head around the very fact while some of you are wearing sweaters and jackets, we are still wearing shorts and flip flops. I might have said this a few times yesterday, it sure seems surreal. lol

Saturday Morning Post...

 Good morning from a balmy central Florida. It looks to be another warm and humid day and it seems so odd to me to be wearing shorts, flips flops and or bare feet and still having the central ac on.

I am trying to get into swing of things i.e. the Florida lifestyle which most def. does not require jackets and mittens. 

Our Godson Bobby and my husband. 37 years with that boy, watched him grow up from a naked child running around in the backyard to the fine man that he is. He followed in my husband's footsteps and joined the Marines. Now he is a Sheriff's Deputy. My husband took his duties as Godfather very seriously, lol.

Yesterday's Thanksgiving feast with our friends was very nice. She served turkey, ham, bacon wrapped asparagus, green beans, carrots, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade bread and the most delicious homemade cheesecake I have ever had. Kudos to Kim who can rock the kitchen, just saying.

Ha, maybe. We will be off shortly today is thrift store 'window shopping'. Since my husband threw out all my Christmas wreathes when we moved, I do need one for the front door. Thank you for the kind comments it truly warms my heart.

The Day After...

 I hope each of you had a lovely Thanksgiving. 

The good Lord knows it has been a struggle these past 11 months. Who knew that last Thanksgiving would be our sons last; within 2 weeks he would suddenly pass away.

Anyways, onwards to this year. Since we forgot the fruit for inside the turkey, I found a recipe online, a little Butter, Slap Ya Mama Cajun, Bells, Orange and Mango seasoning inside and outside the bird made for a really nice moist bird. 

Since we are still unpacking, my husband decided to put up the tree early. Funny story, last yr. I came home from work and asked them to redo it as there weren't enough lights on it. And our son said, "I told you she would make us redo it." Our son usually helped his dad to drag all the Christmas stuff up from the basement etc.

It's a bittersweet holiday season...nonetheless, we are getting through it. Like I was telling a friend, we are battling demons. Not one call or invite from family for the holidays-and battling insensitivity of others. I know life goes on, but you know, it is what it is. I know to trust in the Lord and his plans, and I ought not worry about others etc. and the whys etc. It's been a spiritual battle, just keeping it real.

We are heading over to friends this afternoon for a second Thanksgiving feast. Wishing you all a beautiful day and thank you for friendship this past year. 

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving...

 

Wishing you peace and happiness on this day of Thankfulness. 

Shortened Simple Woman's Daybook...

 Thank you all for the kind comments...it truly warms my heart. Grief comes in waves and that is all I can say. Onwards to the Simple Woman's Daybook--trying to remember all the prompts, so it might be a shortened one, grin.

Looking out my window: It's still dark here in Central Florida at 6:30 am.

I am thinking: How life is very precious. Quit worrying about the little things in life; use the good China, let those dust bunnies go, let children be children, take that time off from work etc. For instance, my husband has been using an old jar to keep the sugar in. Like, dude, use the good China.

The sugar bowl I had bought a long time ago for a $1.

Yes, I might have called him dude. I am surprised he thew out the old jar. I also might have said to him, "Hasn't our sons passing taught you anything? USE THE GOOD STUFF." And he might have looked at me like I was cuckoo for cocoa puffs. ((grin))

I am thankful for: so many things; friends, a pantry full of things, fridge/freezer full, a job etc.

One of my favorite things: Getting home and seeing my husband every single day. You have no idea how bad the traffic is here in central Florida.

I am wearing: PJ shorts with owls and a black tank. Yeah, how inappropriate for a 55 yr. to be wearing. ((grin))

I'm reading: 

Boy, how I can relate. I think the universe is trying to tell me something, grin.

I am learning: Albeit it slow going, to smile and laugh again. I keep hearing in my head, "Life is precious and short." I am also learning to quit sweating the small stuff.

In the kitchen: The turkey is almost thawed out. That is about it, I might make some breakfast sausages before we head today.

P.S. I wasn't feeling the Wednesday Hodgepodge. There is no shopping this year. Oh, there might be little things but all in all, no shopping. I have the next 5 days off and I plan on relaxing, hubby said he wants to get the tree up, at least. We are heading out in a bit to get some things done. Have a beautiful day all.

Tuesday Meme

 Joining in with the Tuesday Meme and wishing Annie a very Happy Day After Thanksgiving Birthday.

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day and the day after is my birthday! Hoorah for me. My daughter is the 22nd..Tuesday this year.

Let's talk about the Thanksgiving Feast.

1. Do you celebrate with family, friends or by yourself?

It's usually the 3 of us, this year, it will be one less due to our sons passing 2 weeks later.

2.  Do you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from Macy's in New York City?  The appearance of Santa at the end signals the start of the Christmas season.  What does the day hold for you?

To be honest, sadness this year.

3. What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving Day for you?

I like stuffing/dressing. Hubby likes yams with marshmallows and our son like mac & cheese. This year its low key, however, Friday we are heading over to friends for a Thanksgiving dinner.

4.  We say grace before and after meals. Is grace a part of your Thanksgiving meal?

Saying grace is part of every single meal, including at my lunch.

Whatever your Thanksgiving traditions, I pray that the day is meaningful and filled with love for you whether with family, friends or alone. May God shine his blessing love down on you and yours and make us all truly thankful this year.

Wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving...I am afraid I am a little sad this holiday. It came on all of sudden...we are coming up on a year of our sons passing...2 weeks after Thanksgiving he passed away--just keeping it real.

Sunday Salon

 Welcome to the Sunday Salon on this rainy Sunday morning.

TIME: 7:20 AM

SCENE: 54* AND raining

DRINKING: My first cup of Breakfast Blend with the last of the Caramel Creamer.

PONDERING: 

--We have been invited to several folks' homes for Thanksgiving (and we truly appreciate the offers; fellow blogger/friend Terri) but hubby does not want to travel. So, Publix had turkeys on sale for like 46 cents a pound and I bought a small 12 lb. turkey. Hubby picked yams and marshmallows and I picked stuffing and I also picked up a Marie Calendars Pumpkin Pie--Rolling eyes---hubby does not want me in the kitchen all day cooking he said. I am not making it a big affair. No sense really. Not one word from family. (((On that thought: FROZEN PIE? Who would of thunk it.)))

---our friends, who we stayed with are having Thanksgiving on Friday-their son is a Sheriff's Deputy and has to work Thursday. So, we will go over on Friday.

its light green with white stripes

My "new" chair we got from the Hospice Thrift store for $35. We watched as someone dropped it off-it has a tear on the lower left front. It is like brand new and it rocks/swivels as well. That Hospice Thrift store is pretty upscale-but the prices are reasonable.

--Our house is starting to look like a home--if that makes sense. I will not show you the walk-in closet off the master bathroom. I will spend some time in there today organizing---I started like last week and I grew sort of aggravated with it. I really don't think I will need all this winter clothing.

--It is supposed to be 75* for Thanksgiving. 75* in November.

Listening to:

--Hubby is in the kitchen getting the Beef Stew mixed up and put in the crock pot for dinner later. He is also talking out loud on what he will discuss for a Bible lesson later.

Final Thought:

I'm telling you straight; if it wasn't for Jesus, we would have never gotten through this last year. I simply don't understand how folks can go through life without HIM. 

Another week...another meme filled Saturday

 Another week of not posting. I offer up no excuses, unfort. we are two people down at work. One left for another position and the other, well, she is nonproductive. That leaves me doing the work of 3 people and honestly, I am swamped. More like treading water. They are having interviews starting the Monday after Thanksgiving. But you know, the state takes forever to hire; background checks and all. ANYWAYS...here we are another week. I only work 2 days next week due to the holiday. Our governor is giving all state employees 4 days paid leave. Which is really nice. I am looking forward to down time. Of course, our sons one-year anniversary of his passing is coming up (Dec. 11) and it is on my mind.

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...

Do you love it, or will you leave it? 

1. Coffee flavored or coffee plain? What is your favorite kind?

I am having Harry and David's Breakfast Blend (Ollies had it on sale) with Caramel Creamer. Frankly, I have to switch back to the Sweet Italian Creamer as the other is giving me heartburn.

2. A trip to the Caribbean or a trip to Spain? Why?

Both please. No reason, never been to Spain but been to the Caribbean. Have I mentioned I always wanted to be a pirate and run the seven seas? LOLOLOL

3. Goodies on your pizza or just plain? What toppings would you love or leave?

You can keep the anchovies, ewwwwwww. Every pay day weekend, we go to Loritos for a pizza. Since yesterday was payday, we will head to Loritos for lunch. 2 weeks ago, we had meat lovers, the prior 2 weeks it was all vegetable. Not sure about this week. I have to say, hubby has been very agreeable on trying new foods etc.

4.  Dinner at a 5 star or dinner at Rosie's Diner known for home style cooking?  

Please give me a Diner. I prefer a diner over fancy anytime. Although, I have been to a 5 star--I am not very comfortable trying to figure out what fork to use, grin.

1. When did you most recently need to 'think fast'? Elaborate.

I work for the State and every single day I have to think fast. If you can't multitask and such, you have no business being in administration. My job requires one to go 500 miles an hour-wide open for 8 hours. I deal with many different issues, including the US Marshall Service and the feds for extraditions / detainers/ court related etc. There is NO room for error. NONE.

2. The Hodgepodge lands on National Fast Food Day. What was the last fast food you ate? What's your favorite fast food? How often do you grab fast food? 

I have to think, it was a Wendy's hamburger a few weeks ago. We really don't eat a lot of it/ fast food.

3. Life in the fast lane, get nowhere fast on the fast track, not so fast...pick one and tell us how it applies to your life in recent days. 

See above. Plus, it might only be a 22-mile drive, but it takes 45 minutes one way to get to work. And I am more bone dead tired from driving than anything. I left early yesterday (came in early) and it took me 80 minutes to get home. Ocala is no longer slow Ocala like I grew up in.

4. Are you a fast walker? fast talker? fast worker? fall asleep fast? stay fast asleep without too much trouble? 

All the above--it is what it is.

5. What is one 'hard and fast rule' in your house? 

No shoes, please. Although we have hard wood flooring, no shoes. You ain't tracking in mud or whatever.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

We are starting to get some organization going in the house. STILL unpacking. We are heading out to do some furniture shopping. I need a chair or something to sit in, although I love my rocking chair, I need something a little better to sit in. I also would like an ottoman or something to put my feet up. My husband has been using our late son's recliner, which is fine for him, not for me, as I am short waisted. So, off we are to do some shopping, get haircuts (and a color for me) today. Have a beautiful day all and I will get caught up later.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

 Good Morning.

Today:  It is currently 66* with a 99% chance of showers this morning.

I am thinking: How fast time is moving and how precious life truly is.

One of my favorite things: A nice cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

I am wearing: pink pj shorts with coffee cup design and a pink tank.

I am creating: Does unpacking boxes count?

I am watching: Nothing at the moment. But I am eagerly awaiting this evening because the tv show Yellowstone returns.

I am reading: 

yes, a Christmas book. I have decided to try to get in the Spirit. Ollies always has books for great prices, and I picked up 4 Christmas books to read.

I am listening to: My husbands--he is unpacking his "office" aka 3rd bedroom and has commandeered the roll top desk that we finally picked up from Dixie Cottage/ Pamela's.

I took these photos last night...and hubby has since cleared out the boxes/mess.

I am hoping: To get through more boxes today. It's been quite an emotional journey.

In the kitchen: Nothing yet. Does coffee count?

Shared quote:

A moment from day:

taken this morning from where I am currently sitting.

Well...we are back to living in a mess. We got busy late afternoon when we returned from visiting Pamela and John.

Post Script: I did not take one photo yesterday. Dixie Cottage is decorated for Christmas and next weekend they are having a Sip and Shop Day.

NOT my photo, took it off Facebook.

Oh, and I do believe the Barbershop is no longer there, grin.

Good Morning...

 Good morning from a very foggy Florida. I had put up the Saturday 9 questions, but honestly, it just wasn't working; graphics etc. were everywhere on the page. So, I deleted it.

So, how about a Saturday Salon (grin)

TIME: 7:25 AM

SCENE: 63* and foggy. The humidity is supposed to hold off for a few days here.

DRINKING: My second cup of Breakfast Blend coffee with Caramel creamer.

PONDERING:

--heading up to see fellow blogger/friend Pamela and her family 

--oh did I not show you the monstrous new fridge?

and it would not fit in its proper place

yeah, so it sits in the corner and a pantry unit now sits where the fridge sits. I have not taken new photos, I will later. We are finally getting organized. And believe me, my kitchen does not look like above anymore.

While traveling down Silver Springs BLVD. yesterday, this bank always has funny signs. Silver Springs BLVD aka State Road 40 takes you all the way to Daytona. And yes, Ocala has Palm Trees-random Palm Trees that up pop up wherever one even sees them on horse farms.

Speaking of Daytona, Wilbur-By-the Sea etc... they suffered immense damage due to the hurricane. There are plenty of photos online and even Fox out of Orlando covered it. Which prompted my husband to say last night (while we were watching the local news) "This is why I never want to live near the ocean because the ocean will always claim it back."

...nonetheless, its mid-November and we are still wearing flip flops and still have the central ac on. LOL

Meme Filled Friday

 Another forgotten week of not posting and I do offer up apologies. I always have the best intention, truly I do. Thank you for the sweet comments, they really make my day. Today is Friday and its Veterans Day

Which means a day off from work. I can finally catch up.

Fall and winter are holiday seasons. This week I am going back in time for one of Toni's first Tuesday 4 questionnaires about holidays. I have changed two questions slightly and I hope you don't mind.

Let's talk about holidays...

1. Which are your favorite Holiday(s)?

I like all of them. I really don't have a favorite.

2.   Favorite Holiday movie or character?

Need I say more? smiles

3.   Favorite Holiday Dish to Make?

I don't know...I like cooking Thanksgiving dinner, but I also like making lasagna for Christmas day. I don't believe I am doing either this year. 

4.   Favorite Holiday Weather You Wish For?

Ha, fat chance of that happening in Florida. This Christmas season will be very different, that is for sure.

1. Last time you were 'dressed to the nines'?

Wow, a very long time ago...like years and years. 

2. Something recently that had you on 'cloud nine'?

It's the little things... getting to and from work safely during the storm yesterday. Something very odd happened on the way home; hard to explain, but I had this very deep thought that my son was there--hard to explain, but for some odd reason, I felt his hug. It was the weirdest thing. He always gave the best hugs. All this came out of nowhere. Cuckoo for cocoa puffs I know.

3. Tell us about a time, circumstance, experience, or decision you made where the saying 'a stitch in time saves nine' proved true. 

Every single day I deal with issues at work that seem impossible to the ordinary person. And the way I explain it to my husband is one has to be able to pivot and able to go 500 miles an hour at all times. Issues have to get dealt with as soon as they happen.  

4. A recipe you make that calls for exactly nine ingredients? 

Yikes...how about my husband's chili:

ground beef

3 diff kinds of beans

tomato paste

tomato sauce

can tomatoes

chili seasoning

salt and pepper

macaroni

5. This coming Friday is Veterans Day in the US of A. Will you mark the day in some way? Are you a veteran? If you live outside the US does your country have a day dedicated to celebrating veterans? 

I am not a veteran, but my husband is.

and the way he tells it, I might as well be, because a being married to him, as I might as well be a Marine. No, I never went to boot camp, but being married to a Marine, albeit it, a former Marine, you better be smart and have your wits about you. Just saying. He certainly is entertaining, LOLOL.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Yes, yes, he is. I can attest to this statement every single day. smiles---boy it seems weird to be living in Florida where it seems time stands still. Truly, I did not even think it was November. Our son has been gone for 11 months now, today. 11 months. Where has 11 months gone? How can it be November? Soon to be Christmas. There are houses here who have put up Christmas lights, Christmas. WOW.