Sunday Chat

 Good morning to you all.

Time: 8:15 am

Scene: 71* cloudy, dewpoint 69*, humidity 94%.

Drinking: Fixin' to get another cup of New England Breakfast Blend with Italian Sweet Cream.

Thinking/Pondering:

Oops, sorry did not make a post yesterday. We did NOT go to the beach for my post birthday weekend. We ended up going to Gainesville-42 miles north.

yep, it was one of those humid partly sunny days. I just love the palm trees.

Ah, home. The Univ. of Florida Gators football stadium. I find it so odd that most southern states college football stadiums/campuses are dab in the middle of town. Our son was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and was a diehard Alabama fan. Not me, I bleed orange and blue, grin/lol. 

not my photo

The real reason we went was to shop at Celebration Pointe-a very high-end open shopping. I like the Sketchers Outlet store they have. Since I got somewhat disappointing Orthopedist news on Monday: I have no cartridge left in any foot. Eventually I will have to have surgery-rods put in. I have severe arthritis. ANYWAYS...moving along...I bought 3 pairs of Sketchers-1 sneaker and 2 lovely sandals. Since I have permission to wear sneakers to work now. They were on sale, and I only paid a total $120. Yes, still pricey, but my feet thank me. No more cheap shoes...sigh.

Paynes Prairie. Heading back to Ocala/home. Paynes is a conservation /preservation/wetlands home to alligators, wild horses and over 300 species of birds. 

I will be making this today. I really wanted a birthday cake from Publix, none had Buttercream frosting...so, I am going to make this from a box and put on Buttercream frosting.

I think Florida has skipped spring and went straight to summer, just saying, LOL. Thank you all for the kind birthday wishes, cards, IM'S, FB timelines etc. They really brightened my day. 

Brrrrrrr Sunday Chat

 Jumping right in...and thank you for the kind comments/words on yesterday's post.

TIME: 8:00 am

SCENE: 47* but feels like 44*. Boy did the rain come down yesterday and overnight and sure has cooled it off here in Central Florida. Today's high is projected to be only 64. No worries, heading back up the high 80's with humidity by Tuesday.

DRINKING: Fixin' to get a second cup of New England Breakfast Blend with Italian Creamer.

THINKING:

1. Today is my husband's 57th birthday. We have known each other for 42 years. Where has 42 years gone? Seriously.

2. Thinking about Donna's comment on yesterday's post...which brings me to this.

3. While visiting the folks yesterday, my dad asked did we get the pavers to get a walkway going. No, too expensive. He leads us to the back of the shed, and he tells us to take the pavers he had. So, my husband loaded them up in my dad's truck and the folks came over. Which brings me to Donna's comment --further.

4. My folks have been to our house like a half dozen times, never really setting foot pass the living room. Yesterday, was just one of those weird days when Mom decided she wanted to visit...ok...while showing her the roll top desk, she asked me what the other rooms on this side of the house and she proceeded to walk into what would of have been our sons' room. Mind you, there are like 40 totes still unpacked, but his desk and bed are in there (like truly, what am I going to do with all this stuff?). She apologized. It's ok. truly. I don't think he would of have minded. I can tell you the guilt is weighing on both of them. I don't even want to call it that...anyways, they/the folks stayed for a long time. She was busy redoing our kitchen (not a problem, I really needed her input). 

SO BACK TO DONNA'S THOUGHT...we are NOT trying to revel in sadness, but I do keep it real. Some days are not good, but it is getting better. We firmly believe Liam would not want us to be sad etc. We also believe he would have wanted peace with my folks. He was like that, you know...although he had many of my traits, he ultimately was a peace maker. Which brings me further on Donna's comment:

5. Decorating...we have so much stuff in those totes...and honestly, it's probably time to get through them and donate or toss it. Like I told my mom, I am probably going to sell the depression glass at some point because there is no one to leave it too now. While visiting their house (NOT the house I grew up in), my mom is also purging and asked me did I want this or that---I have always been the recipient of those castoffs...she has excellent taste-she and my dad didn't have much when they first got married 58 years ago and raising 3 kids etc...but the things she did amass all these years, have been bought by all those years of hard work. She did say, "Your dad and I are now 78 and its time to let it go." Ok...well, I will be 56...she laughed, thought that was funny until she realized what I was saying. grin. yeah...makes you wonder why us humans hang on to material things, right? Especially when one can't take it with. Just a thought.

PONDERING:

Indeed...relationships/life in general is not easy, is it? But I will tell you, if it wasn't for our Faith and the Lord, we would not be able to survive, period.

Which leads me to the many thank you(s) that each of you bring; from the comments, IM'S, Email and to the Snail Mail, each of you are special. I might not always reciprocate, but I do want you to know you are much loved.

Tuesday Meme on a Saturday

 Filling this post up with the Tuesday Meme on this soon to be rainy Saturday in central Florida. Hope you all are well.

It's time once again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

Since Saint Patrick's Day was yesterday, March 17, it might be nice to talk about it.

1. Do you celebrate the day and is it more secular or religious for you?

When our son was alive and he got to be of age, he/we would enjoy the festivities that our former town would have; dancing, bar hopping etc. (all in walking distance from where the house was-our former town was all about the wearing of the green/Irish). None of us would drink, or maybe have one whisky, but we would just enjoy ourselves. Now, it's just us and living in a different state, honestly, I have no idea where the bars etc. are here. Plus, by the time I get home from work, bone tired is the word.

2. Americans eat corned beef and cabbage but it's not traditional in Ireland at all.   In my house its Colcannon and Beef Stew or Cottage pie (shepherds pie made with beef instead of lamb).. which is more realistic and far less salty. Do you make special meals for holidays? What will you make for St. Patrick's Day?

My husband made corn beef, carrots and potatoes yesterday. I don't know, but I think he bought the wrong cut of corn beef, it was tough. It was still good, but it just wasn't like usual. He made it in the Insta Pot.

3.  Do you have much green in your wardrobe? Does the color look good on you?

I have a couple of chiffon type blouses that I wear for work. I personally don't like the color, but folks tell me they like the color on me. 

4. In school we put up giant green shamrocks and Leprechauns. We made green paper chains to decorate our classrooms.  What do you do to decorate?

Well... I have this wreath. But, umm...sad to say, we still have totes to unpack and it's probably somewhere in one of those totes. We/I didn't decorate this year. I really need to get it together...it's just not the same after our son passed away.

I did decorate our office area at work with shamrocks and such. But since there are no cell phones allowed in the big house (grin), I can't show you. I will be decorating for spring and Easter next week. Since my office sits in the vault, I suppose I ought to do something in there. I haven't decided yet. I just don't think most folks care etc. Although, I have received some nice comments, they especially love the question of the day on the white board--this past week it was silly jokes about St. Patrick's Day. Since this is still Women's History Month, I think I will go with "bad girls" of history. I can't help myself, being a history major and all, grin. Even the Colonel is coming down to our area and taking notice of the white board, "CONLEY!!!! WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THIS? I'M NOT IN SCHOOL!" ha lolol.--I have notice that the question or whatever somehow ends up on his white board area. Uh huh...hmmmmmmmm. grin---it's just something to pass the seriousness of working in a prison. If I can make one person smile or go "hmm", then ok. grin.

HA! It was one of those weeks...we are down 2 people (still), and the 1 person who was hired a few weeks ago, is probably leaving...rumor has it she got another job in our fine establishment. I already run around with my head cut off. I must be crazy to do this job, just saying. Oh, I did make the Dept. of Corrections Newpaper, my promotion was listed. Nice...and hubby goes, "And this why you make the big bucks." (In ref. to all the hard work)--I will say the 8 hours goes pretty fast. On the thought of those big bucks, yeah, but the cost of living isn't what it used to be, sigh...everything is so expensive.

Spring Foward Sunday...

 Springing forward on this Sunday Chat.

Time: 8:00 am

Scene: 50*, it is back up to 85 today. This week is supposed to cool off though, we shall see.

Drinking: My first cup of New England Breakfast Blend with Italian Creamer.

What's for??

Breakfast: Don't know-I ain't got that far yet, lol.

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: I think my husband is grilling out.

What's on Tap for the Day?

--its Staycation Day (grin)

--Laundry and ironing and I have some pants to hem.

Thinking:

About yesterday's big purchase. I cajoled hubby to go to Goodwill and lo and behold found another roll top desk.

It was only $40. $40!!! SO, hubby was kind enough to give up the roll top we bought from Dixie Cottage (fellow blogger Pamela's son and daughter in love own the shop in Interlachen). He does not want it painted.

Finally got the desk back. Nice and neat.

Sunday Quote:

We were discussing this very thought yesterday. With all the turmoil going on in the world and everything so upside down...from trans this or that, boys in girls' sports, the government lies and so on...all I can say is "Yep".

Yep. Scary world we are living in... with the prospect of a nuclear WW3 on the horizon, but we know who wins, right? Hang on folks.

Yes. By the blood of Jesus Christ and saved by Grace. That's all folks. Have a beautiful day!

(Don't) Pass Me By...

 Good morning from a dark Central Florida--well at least when I started writing this it was.

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: Pass Me By (1965)

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

1) In this song, Peggy Lee tells us she wiggles her toes in the sand. Have you been to the beach yet in 2023? Do you expect to wiggle your toes in the sand when you're on vacation this year? 

last June at the Atlantic

No, not this year...but we are in discussion to head over to the beach for my birthday or possibly over to St Augustine-the Gulf is 45 min. the Atlantic depending where is an hour-3 hrs. If you want to go further like to Vero beach or Miami 3-5 hrs.

2) She also sings that contemplating nature can be fascinating. What flora and fauna can you see from your window as you answer these questions?

The blinds and drapes are still closed and it's still dark here, but I do know we have trees. lol

3) With this song, she's telling everyone to take her as she is or leave her be. Does that reflect your attitude? Or are you a "people pleaser" who worries what others think of you?

Me a people please? Umm... not. I'm a leader not a follower. I'm at that age where I could care less. I will be 56 soon...

4) These lyrics were written by Carolyn Leigh. She began her career as an advertising copywriter but, since she showed a flair for poetry and rhymes, she was urged by a music publisher to write lyrics. Have you ever tried your hand at poetry? 

When I was in school.

5) This song was composed for the 1964 movie Father Goose, starring Cary Grant. Are you a fan? Do you just vaguely know the name? Or are you wondering what a Cary Grant is?

I liked that actor and the movie.

6) This was a top-20 hit for Peggy Lee. As a girl in North Dakota during the 1930s, Peggy lived above the train station where her father was depot agent. Today that depot is home to a museum which features a Peggy Lee Exhibit. Have you recently visited a museum?

Nope. But we are in discussion to head over to St. Augustine in 2 weeks. But it might just be too expensive, and I told him I am ok if we go back to Cedar Key, which is on the Gulf side. I just know I am strongly urging him we need to do something-we live in Florida where it's warm pretty much year around and let's get out and do things. Life is short dude, spend money etc. as one can't take it with you. Just saying.

7) Designer Bonnie Erickson was also grew up in North Dakota and used her girlhood idol as the inspiration for her most famous creation: Miss Piggy. A diva with flowing blonde hair and jewelry, the puppet was originally called Miss Piggy Lee. As the character gained in fame with The Muppets, the name was shortened to Miss Piggy because Bonnie didn't want to offend Peggy Lee, whom she genuinely admired. Tell us something you have done recently to spare someone's feelings.

Sense I have a "tone" (according to the young coworkers, rolling eyes) I have to watch what I say as to not offend them. Which is stupid. ANYWAYS, I refuse to play these political games and my employer knows it. Come to think of it, if you know me as in family or friends, you know I am not going to be politically correct to just appease you. Is there a difference between politically correct and sparing feelings? I have a very dry wit that often gets mistaken for a "tone". Maybe. For the record, I would never ever intentionally hurt you.

**speaking of employer, I have not been posting on FB, they have been watching what folks say, they don't want us saying anything political against our employer i.e. DeSantis. So, yes, they monitor free speech. I was told to watch what I post. Yep...and they have ways to monitor even when one has it set to private.

8) While Peggy Lee often changed her hairstyle with the times, she was always a blonde. She considered those lustrous locks her trademark. Are you having a good hair day today?

I just woke up like an hour ago, so no. But I will, as I am getting my hair cut today. lol

9) Random question: What's the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon?

Strolling through Antique and thrift stores...oh, wait, I do this every Saturday, LOLOLOL.

Facts about my state:

1. Its nickname is the Sunshine State

2. Florida's motto is God in We Trust

3. The Orange Blossom is the state flower.

4. The state has major crops; citrus, sugarcane, peanuts, peppers, potatoes and snap beans (thanks to the warm tropical climate).

5. Florida is a peninsula; the Gulf is on the west; the Atlantic is on the East. And Cuba is 90 miles off of Miami.

6. Florida's climate: in the north and cental is humid, subtropical, hot and humid summer and cold to mild winters. Southern Florida is tropical with a wet and or dry season.

7. Jacksonville is the largest city pulling in over a million citizens. Where I live, Ocala, we have close to 400,000 citizens. Florida is the #2 retirement place (New Mexico is the #1).

8. I won't mention the 10 theme parks and will focus instead on the beautiful beaches, grin.

9. The ocean might just claim Florida once again; we are known for sinkholes. Florida is also home to hurricanes.

10. Florida is quite conservative when it comes to politics.

me and a dead fish back in June when we were in Palm Coast. We have not been back to the beach since June. My husband assures me it's still there--he hates the beach and doesn't find it all that great. He simply doesn't understand what I see in it. lol

the last hurricane we had; it destroyed this area in Flagler. The ocean will always win, just saying. Have a great day all. smiles

P.S. The dr. visit was ok. I see an orthopedist on March 20 for the arthritis in my feet. Other than that, all is well...the blood work came back ok. My cholesterol is up a tad, but I refuse to be put on statins. Nope, no thanks. Not that she suggested that--it's not up enough to be put on anything.

Tuesday Meme

 I have a dr.'s appointment this morning, so I will be heading into work later. ANYWAYS, time for the Tuesday Meme.

Time flies and weeks just seem to fall by the way side faster and faster.    We all have time on our hands at some point and we all find that time gets away from us at other times.  It takes a lot of work to manage your time because it seems to be at odds with freedom and creativity in some ways.  

Perhaps we might talk about time and how we use it.

1.  Early to bed, early to rise?  Do you have usual times to go to bed and get up in the morning? How do they work out for you?

I am in bed by 8 every night during the week. I have to get up at 4 am and leave the house by 6:15 am because of traffic. Exception of today, I slept in to 5:45. I will be fighting the noon traffic today.

2. Ecclesiastes says, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven."

How much time is devoted to work, housework, hobbies? What about religious pursuits like study, prayer, services? In other words, how is your time apportioned?

Yikes. I have a full-time job that consists of daily prayer (especially driving to and from). I do have a workplace devotional on my desk and take time throughout the day to refresh. My husband is retired so he takes care of the household stuff--I have learned to just let it be. Hobbies? I am too tired, lol.

3. Do you think you manage your time well or would you like to improve? How would you improve?

Most def. improve.

4. Do you think time travel is possible? Why or why not?

I'll refrain from answering that.

Every day I have to remind myself this. Have a beautiful day all.

Sunday Morning Chat...

 Not much going on here...so how about a Sunday Morning Chat filled with useless stuff?

((snort)) wishful thinking. grin

Time: 8:00 am

Scene: nearing 70*, sunny. Another warm day (on second thought, it is Florida, right?).

Drinking: Fixin' to get a second cup of New England Breakfast Blend Coffee with Italian Sweet Cream.

What's for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner?

Breakfast: Eggs, grits and sausage (eventually)

Lunch: Sandwiches

Dinner: Nachos (Tortilla chips, Hamburger, Taco seasoning, Tomatoes, Chedder Cheese, Olives, Salsa, Spanish Rice)

What's on Tap for the Day? Not much. I do need to iron some blouses for the day. My husband and I both agree Sundays will be "staycations". I really need to have a day to just do nothing and prepare mentally to return to work on Monday (Since my new position is in limbo at the moment-the state decided to change folks/everyone's career service job position titles a few weeks ago and it has caused such issues. I have no idea what my job duties are-no one knows because I am no longer a Senior Clerk, but I am still doing that job and some. I have been playing "Girl Friday" and its growing old).

Pondering:

--How much fun we are having deciding what to eat on Saturday's- We have made the conscious effort to try different restaurants on Saturdays. Since we are considered senior citizens now (age 55 and up) lunch meals are relatively inexpensive. Not many folks knew that our son loved to try different cultural foods, so we have decided to honor him by doing this. Ocala does not lack for restaurants that is for sure.

--The end times. Seriously. How many folks don't know the Bible and the predictions/prophecy that are happening:

---Gog and Magog (forces of Satan). Meshech, Tubal, Prince of Rosh...and so on...the main reason that the good Lord encourages us to study prophecy is to lay that foundation for holy living. Our lives need to be cleaned up so we can hear the trumpet. And to answer a question:  Yes, Russia (Gog and Magog) and even China will play a big part. Ezekiel discusses this. I strongly believe it's going to get ugly soon. Russia has nuclear arms in Belarus and in Libya pointed at Israel. If one supports anti-Israel sentiments, you are wrong. Plain and simple. I'm just saying...it's important to know History and the Bible. It's not too late to accept the Lord as your savior. 

----Praying for those who support evil. It goes right to our government and many other global entities. But the Bible tells us who wins, doesn't it?

***But you know, I am just a nut. So, don't listen to me, right? I am sure I will get hateful comments that will be deleted. 

One last Quote:

...I haven't the slightest idea where this rant came from. Something was telling me to post this...so here we are. Someone somewhere needs to hear this. 

Wednesday Meme on a Saturday

 

Late to the party as usual, grin.

1. Hello March! Is it coming in like a lion where you live?

It has been very warm and balmy/ high humidity here. Yesterday we had very high winds. So, March came in like a lion, rip and roaring.

How do you feel when it rains? 

I like the rain. Although here, it really doesn't cool anything off. 

2. What's something you'd like to do differently this week than the last? Explain. 

I really need some beach time. But alias, highly doubtful as its Bike Week at Daytona and traffic is horrendous up and down the coast. 

3. March 1st is National Sunkist Citrus Day...do you drink orange juice? Orange, lemon, lime, tangerine, grapefruit...what's your favorite citrus fruit? A dish you love with a citrus fruit as one of its key ingredients. 

I love OJ and Grapefruit juice. I have to have it in small amounts due to heartburn. 

I love Key Lime Pie.

4. What do you consider to be your culture. Elaborate.

My culture?

I am a God-fearing born-again Christian who was born in Indiana to Catholic parents; parental grandparents were from Yugoslavia and maternal grandparents were from Germany and Denmark, raised in Florida, moved here and there as an adult and now settled back in Florida where we have 'multicultural'; neighbors from Puerto Rico and Cuba. I love hearing the different dialects/languages and the different foods etc. I guess you can say I hold fast to my Christian faith. Luckily, my parents instilled morals and values.

5. Sum up your February in fifteen words or less. 

Just saying. Feb. was filled with new dr. appointments and March don't look any different. That is more than 15 words, grin.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I really like living back in Florida although ask me soon when the humidity won't dissipate. We have had the central ac on since Mid-February. I am quite enjoying not have to put on winter gear. Yesterday the winds were awful, and I hate to see what the wind bought as in reference to our yard etc. But at least we are not dealing with snow drifts etc. Grin. Ok, my husband is giving me the stare down--time to get moving. Its Saturday and he wants to go here and there here in town. Have a beautiful day folks.