Sunday Chat

 

Time: 8:25 am

Scene: 69*, Humidity 86%, Dewpoint 64*. Under a tornado watch until 2pm. Yep, in central Florida. Just some odd weather for these parts. We have had some real thunderboomers and I can't help thinking it's just not natural.

Drinking: My second cup of 

When we were at Marshalls last weekend, I splurged and bought Caribbean coffee. It's getting harder to find New England, not complaining, but I am willing to try new brands. My husband said my palate is way too strong and I am a coffee snob. LOLOLOL.

Thinking:

--So, I stopped taking 2 certain supplements that the dr. prescribed a month ago. Since I refuse to take a statin, which is also on my mind. My numbers are nowhere near to have to take a statin, but the dr. said it's for preventive because of my age (have you ever heard such a thing? Going around and around with the northern doctor and the southern dr.). Yeah...no. ANYWAYS, we (meaning the husband) have narrowed my stomach issues down to these 2 supplements. I quit taking them Thursday and I have to tell you, I feel so much better. He did extensive research and found each of them can cause serious issues. He honestly believes I was having a reaction. And you know what, I think he is right. He is madder than a wet hen at the dr. I better leave it at that. He wanted me go at least 48 hrs and then see how I felt. Yep, feel 90% better. Much clearer headed, no belly/gassy/bloated pain etc. It was rough...he also thinks perhaps the heat and humidity has been playing in all this. And to answer a question, not sure if our party had issues or whatever from eating at the restaurant. I know Kim was not feeling well, but like me, these dr.'s tell us one thing etc.  Honestly, just because one is a certain age and of the female species, doesn't mean we are all built the same, just saying. I want these dr.'s to actually listen to us i.e. females.

Going? Since I feel so much better, we are heading out today. Need to go to the grocery store, and perhaps to the thrift store. He also asked me if I was well enough to get Italian for lunch. I think I am, I kept everything down yesterday, so yeah...

Still have...to iron clothes for the week. The bed lines are in the wash etc. 

The week: Working. Pay the mortgage etc. Training one of the new people who started last Thursday. I hope she works out-she is a little skittish about working behind the prison gates. There are many security issues/rules involved, none that I can write about. Not sure when the other person is starting. 

Simple Woman's Daybook...

 The Simple Woman's Daybook, here we go...

Thinking: 

1. I am a little under the weather. Actually, been under the weather since last Saturday when we ate at a famous restaurant for breakfast (met friends). Been fighting this stomach thing...anyway, I left work at noon yesterday. I should have known better than to eat and then go out and about in the humidity.

2. It has been thundering/ lightening/ storming in the afternoons, glorious, beautiful rain. Of course, my cynical mind thinks weather modification because it sure has been coming down. NOT COMPLAINING. Hopefully it will ease the drought.

Thankful for: so many things. No word on the husbands' test results. But nonetheless, its ok.

One of my favorite things:

Coconut lotion and soap

and 

Now, if only I can find perfume. LOLOL

I am creating: a summer wardrobe. We are supposed to dress business casual and are allowed to wear clamdiggers etc...so it's a fine line...but nonetheless, no one dares to say to anything--as we do live in humid Florida. I have invested in 2 pairs of linen trousers/clamdiggers and 2 soft silk like short leave blouses. Actually, my wardrobe consists of a lot of silk like material--I hate the feel of cotton in the summertime. Especially since I have to walk a long way to my office in the sun and heat. I think I shall invest in a umbrella too LOL. My husband claims my closet is looking like Imelda Marcos.

I am reading: 

I am listening to: 

--the husband although he should not be talking (he is sore from the procedure on Wed.) **thankful the dr. who called Thursday and yesterday to check on him. Told him to keep the talking to a minimum.

--the floor fan is on...it is hot back here in the 2 nd bedroom. Hubby said he is going to figure out why today--the ac vent is open...

I am hoping...it will rain again...it is supposed too. We have had some awesome storms roll in.

In the kitchen: Hubby made soup yesterday and it was good. Neither of us have felt like eating much. 

Going...I don't believe nowhere today. Neither of us really feel like venturing out. Prob. tomorrow. I know he gets bored, but I still think he is recovering from Wed.

I am learning: to take it day by day. I am so thankful for a job with the state who promotes healthy living; spiritually, physically, mentally and who are generous with sick and vacation leave/time. Every pay period we get 4 hours.  My mom, "One doesn't work for the state or government for the pay, Linda. One works for the benefits." Yep...so learning that. My one-year anniversary is fast approaching.

A quote:

Have a beautiful day friend.

Wednesday Chat and Tuesday Meme...

 

Time: 11:08 am

Scene: 78*, humidity 77%, dewpoint 67* and we are under a marginal risk for sever weather today. Boy, did it come down yesterday...we sure need it in these parts, as we are under a drought.

Why am I home? 

Hubby had surgery...well...he was supposed to have his Esophagus stretched yet again with the stomach lining/tissue being used---but they ended up NOT stretching the esophagus again and NOT needing tissue from the stomach lining. However, they did pull 2 polyps out from his stomach and will get it analyzed. He does have a small ulcer, but they are not concerned with it. He is fine, up and talking, what a difference from the last time, makes me wonder did NY really know what they were doing. We got home about an hour ago. He went in at 7 am.

Drinking: a second cup of Starbucks Morning Blend with Italian Cream. I can actually relax etc. knowing he is ok etc.

On my mind...

Not much...just going to relax and go back to work tomorrow.

So.. let's talk about topics and conversation. Tuesday Meme

1. What subjects do you find you enjoy most in conversations? 

Anything but politics. Right now, I just detest the political scene. I say, since the two-party system isn't working, just burn it down and start over. That.is.where.Iam. Also, I refuse to discuss the state of which our education system is in. Ok, enough of that.

2. What topics do you try to avoid with friends or with family or even with strangers?

See above...I also will not discuss the hot topics of trans, Karen's of the world, whatever. Sorry, I am too closed minded. As a matter of fact, no, I am not sorry. I am a Christian, period. Un apological so.

3. What topics are difficult for you to talk about? Would you like that to change?

Kinda answered that, LOL. No, not really. 

4. What topics really can get you going for good or for bad?

See above. LOL--I can sit all day long and talk about History (duh) and enjoy all kinds of Historical topic, tv shows etc.

As always, your ideas for topics are more than welcome.

Hodgepodge on a Sunday...

 Just because I have nothing...lol. 

1. Last time you drove/flew 500 miles (ish)? 

Flew? Prob. when I flew to San Diego from Ocala like 40 yrs ago. Drove? When we moved here from NY to Florida a year ago. And honestly, at times it seems we never left all those years ago.

What's a place you'd like to visit that lies approximately 500 miles from your current location? 

532 miles from us is Cuba. I like to visit there again, this time legally. LOL

2. Tell us about a time recently it felt like you were 'racing against the clock'.

Every single day, working in a stressful environment...last week I had to cover for someone else in a diff. department and came back to my desk/office late Thursday afternoon with a mess on it...what can I do? There are only 8 hrs and so I do the best I can do.

3. Have you ever attended any really large sporting events? What was your impression of the experience?  

Talladega and may other NASCAR related events as my husband was in the raceway ministry and we had all inclusiveness (there is nothing like that experience--and for the record, I don't exactly understand the process, but when you see it on TV, the camera speeds it up--it actually takes a long time for the cars to come around-again hard to explain and I remember my son asking a certain known announcer this very question and they showed him, of course it is way above my understanding). Of course, baseball and football events. There is nothing like the Florida Gator Nation or Alabama Roll Tide college football in person.

4. Are you an iced tea drinker? If so, do you drink it year round, or only in the spring and summer months? Do you make your own or buy it bottled? Sweet or unsweet? Flavored? Lemon or no lemon? How about a Long Island Iced Tea?

All the above...although I can't have much alcohol. And it has to be Sweeeeeeeettttt.

5. April 20th is Volunteer Recognition Day...do you volunteer in some way? Tell us about it. If not, tell us about a volunteer you appreciate. 

Do you remember those candy stripers in hospitals? ANYWAYS, there is a ministry group that comes into our prison, and they are great. Actually, DOC (Dept. of Corrections) just held a volunteer appreciation dinner and over 300 people showed up Friday night.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Can you believe, we didn't find any cupcakes yesterday? (ok, none that he liked or wanted) So, I told hubby to pick out a mix and he did; French Vanilla with Buttercream. So, yeah, its cupcake day here...have a beautiful day all.

Late Saturday Chat

 

Time: 4:54 pm

Scene: 86*, dewpoint 60*, humidity 42%. It is quite balmy out...

Drinking: Nothing.

Been:

Out and about today. Met friends for breakfast, then we went here and there: Lowes (bought more pavers), Ollies (bought 2 books), 2 thrift stores, Marshalls (bought 2 pairs of linen clamdiggers, 2 summer blouses for work), odds and ends for the house such as my favorite detergent:

I saw hubby literally running down the aisle practically screaming my name. Thrilled he found this. I know, one can buy it online, but there is nothing like finding it in a store. ((grin))

 and finally, we stopped at Target for groceries. 

Feeling: Sick...I knew better than to eat breakfast on a hot humid day. Going here and there, in and out of the car did me in. Took a cold shower and put on fresh PJ'S. Just keeping it real. I keep telling hubby with the high blood pressure med I am on; I simply cannot be doing this (going here and there in this heat). 86 might not seem much, but with the humidity, the car said 95.

Looking at: Awnings for the house. Which is another reason why we were out and about. Our house faces the sun and the 4 windows we have that do face the sun --it's just miserable even with the room darkening shades/blinds/drapes. 

In the kitchen: Nothing right at this moment. I am going to bake/make cupcakes. Hubby said he was going to grill some hotdogs. I asked him to wait a bit, the heat (I became overheated) is just too much--although the central ac is on etc.

Wishing you all a beautiful rest of the day. 

Tuesday Meme.

 Pre-posting this on Sunday, grin.

How are you doing?  It's great to have you back here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday4.  

 Music is something most people truly enjoy but some find it annoying at times.   Some listen at home, some in cars, and music is played in restaurants, shops, you name it, music provides a background for many activities.

1. What kind of music appeals to you?

Rock and Roll

What kind can you do without?

Rap  

2. Do you consider music an important part of life? Why or why not?

Yes, music is very important and relaxing. It can also soothe the soul and mind.

3. What's on the radio as you drive or what is on at home, and do you find music in restaurants and shops soothing or off putting?

Every morning when I drive to work and drive home its set at Wind FM 95.5 the rock station. I cannot stand elevator music, it's a big turn off.

4. Would you tell us some of your favorite songs and singers please?

Doobie Brothers, Allman Brothers, Kiss, Nirvana, ACDC, Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd etc.

One of my favorite songs is Thunderstruck by ACDC and Sweet Home Alabama by Skynyrd.

Thanks so much for joining in!  Please, if you have ideas for topics let me know in comments here or on Cottage by the Sea blog.  

Simple Woman's Daybook

Out my window: 67*, balmy and partly cloudy hopefully we will get rain today. We are in a drought here in Central Florida. Supposed to be near 90* today.

I am Thankful: For a house with central ac and ceiling fans (grin).

One of my favorite things: That first cup of coffee.

I am creating: I like Saturdays as we go to all these thrift stores, anyways, since we live in Florida where the humidity can be quite much (yes even in a house with central ac), I have been looking for tall or fat glass jars to put pantry items in. Found 3 jars yesterday and paid only $12 (I am so not paying retail and decided NOT to go plastic). Sorry, no photos because my phone has decided not to sync all of sudden. Times like these, I need my son, grin. I should have paid attention when he showed me, but figured you know, he would always be around. ANYWAYS--creating a clean streamline pantry.

I am wearing: pink pj shorts with owls and a blue tank. How inappropriate for a 56 yr. old, but who cares. LOL

In the kitchen: Hubby has a pork roast marinating (lemon pepper) and will put it in the oven later. It smells good.

A thought:

HA!

Closing Notes:

We went and visited the folks yesterday, been trying to make it a point to do so (as they have been showing up here-last week they dropped off more pavers-my brother is redesigning around his pool and got rid of all the pavers). Then we went to a couple of thrift stores, had lunch, went to Aldi and came home by 3. The laundry and ironing are already done. Today will be strictly a stay cation. It sure seems though; time is just flying by.

Saturday Chat...

 

Time: 8:15 am

Scene: 63*, partly cloudy. Dewpoint 61*, Humidity 93%. It will warm up to near 90* today.

Drinking: First cup of Starbucks Morning Blend with Italian Creamer. Yep, Starbucks, which Publix had on sale: BOGO $8, good price considering it usually more than that. 

--survived 4 days of intense auditing. Central Office (i.e.. Tallahassee) made a surprise trip to our fine establishment. Every one of our 1,275 files were pulled and gone through. Was even questioned, which was fun because I knew the answers, of course I did, I am the vault keeper. LOL (evil laugh-grin)

**On that note, I think it would be fun to travel and audit. I give kudos to that group.

I am learning above. I am also learning that its ok to have opinions that don't agree with others. For the record, I take my job seriously, too bad other don't (and it shows and got noticed) I am strictly by the book while at work, if not, that could lead to some serious consequences especially within the environment I am employed in.

--other than above, not much else is going on around here. Just work, work, work.

Yep. everyday. Sketchers makes some really nice ones, just saying...my feet need comfortable shoes. My Fitbit tells me I do 10,000 steps a day and my heartrate is remaining steady, the blood pressure is good etc. Have a beautiful day all, I will get caught up on blogs later today.

Happy Easter Chat...

 

TIME: 8:10 AM

SCENE: 57*, Cloudy, Humidity 94%, Dewpoint 58*. Still NO rain.

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

What's for?

Breakfast: Eggs and Sausage

Lunch: Leftover pizza and wings

Dinner: Ham, potato salad, baked beans

Doing?

--It's Easter Sunday...but I still have laundry to do and iron for the week.

--we did our grocery shopping yesterday. The alarming rising cost of everything...sigh.

--visited friends yesterday. With the rising cost of groceries, no one is doing anything today. Gas is now at $3.59 a gallon here in Centra Florida. It is expected to go up a $1 soon, thanks to Saudi Arabia cutting production.

Pondering:

Let's just keep it real...

Hmm...interesting discussion(s) at the dinner table tonight. "Rules for me but not for thee and Plenty of money for war, but none for the people." More topics, have you noticed the price of groceries? Gas? Health insurance, Car insurance, etc. going to a credit system now. How about this trans nonsense? Crime? Inflation? The U.S. dollar decreasing. We had Geico for nearly 25 years and we dropped them due to the rising cost of insurance (and they want to charge us $40!!! to drop them). We now have Progressive that offered a much cheaper rate due to me working for the state...another thought, and yet, folks keep voting the wrong folks in... then I have to wonder, does my vote really count? Hmm...ok, moving along...

Watched a real cool show last night on HGTV called Houses with History. The show is set in the New England area. I love old houses and the history of New England/ eastern seaboard.

Wishing each of you a beautiful Happy Easter.

Slothing into the Memes...

Just saying...grin

 Hello!  This is Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we ask just 4 questions each week in an effort to get you blogging, thinking and learning about others.

Maybe we can discuss the town you live in.  It might be nice to find out more about where you live and why you live there. Sometimes we just fall into a place and other times we \choose. 

1. What are the good points to living in your town? Could you interest us in moving there?

our downtown has gone through a major revitalization through the years since we were gone.

Not sure about interest or telling you to move here...Well, let me tell you, the slow Ocala I knew growing up is long gone...it now takes 30-45 min. to get anywhere. Marion County has really grown...but with that said, God has placed us back here for a reason. Everything from shopping to the wide variety of eateries to dr.'s are nearby. And the weather, let's just say I do NOT miss the snow. Ask me come next month when our heat and humidity are too much, but then again, this past week, it has been in the mid 90's...and it's creeping up there humidity wise. 

So, yeah, the weather is why you would move here. The beach is only an hour drive-45 min. on a good day.

2.  Are the things you need convenient to your home? (shopping, library, schools, entertainment?)

Yes, all in a 3–5-mile radius, although we live tech. in horse country.

3.  Did you choose your town, or did you just end up there?

After our son passed away, it just seemed natural to move back to our hometown. Don't know why the good Lord has places us back here, but I have since just learned to just go with the flow of things. We have been back here for a full year now and honestly; it seems like we never left 30 years ago.

4.  Is your town known for any special foods, activities, places or people?

Ocala is a melting pot of diversity. Our neighbors for instance are from Puerto Rico-which is a US Territory. I thought I would have a hard time getting use to the different dialects, my husband calls it/Ocala "Little Havana." But, nope, I quite enjoy hearing the different languages spoken and I am quite sure our son would have as well.

1.What would you say is the most difficult task when it comes to spring cleaning? Have you completed that task this year? Any plans to get it done?

Since we are fairly new homeowners, it seems that this never truly finished/cleaning etc. My husband has been doing a lot to spruce up the joint, grin. I really need to take photos.

2. Your favorite pastel color? Favorite thing you own in a pastel shade?

I love pastel colors, but really don't wear them. I have a painting my mother gave me of a front porch with a rocker that is pastels. I have not hung it yet though...trying to decide where.

3. Do you like ham? Do you fix ham year round or is it mostly just a 'holiday food'? Baked ham-ham and eggs-ham and cheese sandwich-scalloped potatoes and ham-Hawaiian pizza....what's your pleasure? 

Ham has really gotten expensive, and it really has become a holiday thing. I like ham and can eat it anyway etc.

4. Do you celebrate Easter?

Since our son passed away, no, we really don't. We are more reflective really. Last year we were still living with friends and had dinner with them. This year, I think we are by ourselves.

What did Easter look like when you were a kid? What are your plans for Easter this year? 

See above...my folks stopped the other day to drop off a bag of screws (my dad is cleaning out his garage), anyways, they were going out of town for the holiday. So, it looks to be just us, our friends haven't said anything about dinner etc. So, I am going to presume were on our own. Speaking of my dad and mom, I think they are looking for excuses, grin. They randomly show up during the week while I am at work, and my husband is like, why? I told him to just go with it. grin

P.S. when I was kid, there were always family and friends over etc...my mom use to make a big deal etc.

5. Something that makes you feel hopeful amidst all the chaos and confusion this world brings? 

Our Lord and Savior. Period. Knowing one day I will see our son...that keeps me going.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

FOX NEWS

I am not sure if anyone is following the news...but Marion County had a horrific murder that involved teenagers. Anyway, our sheriff is amazing, just saying. I am quite sure these bleeding hearts are going to try to cancel him. He was spot on discussing guns. BTW, one of the suspects was found in our neighborhood...quite disconcerting I might say. Ok, enough talk about this.

Ok, this sloth needs to get going...we have to do our grocery shopping and hubby wants to drop by our friends. I will check the blogs etc. later. Have a great day all.

Palm Sunday Chat...

 

Time: 8:00 am

Scene: 70*, Dewpoint 69*, Humidity 99%. We desperately need rain here. It is so dry here.

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

What's for?

Breakfast: Hmm...haven't a clue.

Lunch: Leftover Ziti

Dinner: Homemade Tacos (yes on Palm Sunday)

Doing/Going to Do:

Just put the bed linens in the wash.

Need to iron.

Have a burn pile ready to burn, but it is really too dry out.

Thinking about:

--we met friends for lunch yesterday at the re grand opening at China Lee's. Yeah, I wasn't impressed, really don't understand what the hype was about that place. The food was good, but it's like any other buffet place. By the time we left it was standing room only and they were lined up out the door into the parking lot. AND it was pretty expensive at $10.99 a person, even with the lunch special and no senior discount.

--Then we went over to the new Ocala Mall in the old Kmart Plaza where there is supposed to be 140 vendors. I agree with my mom, not impressed. I think folks just moved over from the I 75 Flea Market. And whoever the main point person is really ought to have done a makeover of Kmart, just saying. I remember shopping there at that particular store...again, not impressed.

--By this time, it was nearly 3 and we decided to head over to our Walmart on Easy Street. Needed to get some supplies; Paper products, tortillas, salsa, sour cream, cheese, baked beans, ice-cream. It was just cheaper to pop in there--well, honestly, not much cheaper than Publix. But if I went to Publix, then I would spend way too much time and money in their lovely aisles. $75 later--- Like 15 items. The prices are outrageous, just saying.

--our monthly luncheon at work is Good Friday. My offering is baked beans. It should be interesting to see if security is going to allow the various containers/foods in or if we're going to have it elsewhere off the compound. Everything we bring in has to be in plastic see through containers and no silverware (unless plastic). I think we get treated worse than the prisoners. Just saying. Oh, I get it (why)...just saying. 

One last thought:

And I said I wasn't going to jump in on the political fray and since my employer watches the social media accounts of FB, Instagram and Tick Tock-to which I can't post this on FB--I am going to just post this thought:

Because honestly, I think a lot of folks are just feeling the same thing and are just fed up. Ok, maybe one more...another thought about this past week; shootings, bad weather etc...and the darn political scenes/mess we are in as the people of the USA.

As a coworker reminds me every day, "Jesus gots this." Yes, he sure does...that is his promise to us; hence the Covenant. And he is welcoming those children in with open arms-. I better stop now...because all this political stuff ain't good for the heart and soul. 

Amen and in Jesus's name.

Meme Filled...

 Good morning from a swampy Florida. Thank you all for the birthday wishes. I had plans to get online during the week, unfortunately it didn't work out that way. We are still short staffed, and I just come and crash must nights. How about 2 memes?

1. Why do you blog? Have your reasons changed over time?

I started off all those years ago due to homeschooling. I guess it has changed, but since we live in such a volatile consistent state of hate and offensiveness here in America -I rarely discuss politics and prefer to blog just about anything but that.

2. What's a typical Friday night look like at your house?

By the time I get home at or around 6pm, hubby usually has dinner waiting (last night he made baked ziti in honor of our late sons' birthday, and it was really good) and we watch the news and usually I take a nap (since I get up at 4 and out the door by 6 am) then at 9 pm Lottery Dream Home comes on. Usually in bed by 11. 

3. Do you like donuts? Your favorite kind? How often do you treat yourself to a donut? Have you ever made homemade donuts? 

We have a supervisor who brings in donuts every payday. My favorite is jelly or Boston Creme. But usually, I like any kind. I love donuts.

4. How do you feel about shopping? Are you an online shopper? Catalog shopper? Brick and mortar shopper? Do you order groceries online or prefer to select items with your own two hands? 

Since we are like 3 miles from any store, we usually drive to a store. Ocala offers nice stores to shop at like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Target, Publix, the many thrift/antique stores etc. Ocala doesn't suffer from the lack of shopping choices, let's just say that.

5. Next week's Hodgepodge finds us somehow in the month of April, which just so happens to be National Poetry Month. Sum up (or tell us something about) your month of March in the form of a limerick. You can do it!! 

I can remember this one...but honestly, I have brain fog this morning...so here you go. I found it online.

Gosh, how violent I am, LOL. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I do believe Florida skipped right over spring and went straight to summer lol. Yesterday would have been our sons 26th birthday. Thank you all for the kind wishes on Facebook. Today marks 1 yr. since we have been back to the land of living aka Florida (because NY sure wasn't). I am really enjoying the warmer climate, palm trees and the freedoms that Florida offers, and I would prefer Desantis stays right here.

 Welcome!  It's time again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

How would it be if we talk about some things related to home?

1. What styles of décor do you like? Mid Century? Colonial? Contemporary?

I am French Country, traditional and colonial. I prefer to say, 'keep it simple'. 

2.   What makes your bedroom comfortable?

photo taken a few months ago. I prob. ought to update it as I take advice from my mother who decorates according to seasons from the bed linens to the drapes.

Less is best.

3   What do you think makes a home comfortable and welcoming?

I like and prefer the lived in look. There are no pretenses or whatever if you ever visit me. I am a no "foo fu" kind of girl. You might even see dust bunnies. However, with that said, I prefer things to be in place. My husband on the other hand, prefers things to be out.

4. Do you share your home with pets? Would you tell us about them please?

We did, but our late sons German Shepherd passed away last July. There is a cat though, that the former owners left behind, he lives on the front porch. He is rather friendly. No cats in the house though as I am allergic to them.

Yep, pretty much. Lottery Dream Home last night featured a couple from Illinois who moved down to Wildwood, not far from here. It was fun to see that, as I was offered a job at the library down there and it's in the Villages. Never less, the benefits were nicer for the State of Florida. Have a great day all.