Sunday Chat...

Greetings...

Time: 8:40

Scene: 77*, 91% humidity, 74* dewpoint. Yeah, already balmy at 8:40am.

Drinking: Second cup of New England Breakfast Coffee with Italian Sweet Cream.

What's On Tap for the Day?

only because we didn't stop yesterday.

--CVS

--grocery store

Thinking/Answering some Questions/Comments:

--Jugo's explosion (according to the paper) was caused by a gas leak.

--I didn't buy anything yesterday while out and about-hubby did buy 2 golf type shirts and he got a few 32-inch flat screen tv-yep free-he had enough points on an account from a local thrift store. So, we put it in the back bedroom-we are fixing up for guests. Someone dropped off a almost new tv and it works great. I can't help it but older folks they just throw things away or they pass away, and family give it to the thrift stores etc....seriously. My dad, "How can you live with yourselves taking advantage of people?" LOLOL--Florida and this area have been great to us. Just saying. We have managed to replace things that we sold before moving here. The thrift stores around here are great, and some places are just stunning with the number of beautiful things they have.

---Oh wait, I lied. I ordered these from Amazon.

2 twin white down comforters to go into the Duvets coverlets that I have for the 2 twin beds in the guest room. Amazon had a great sale and I got them for total of $51.

--Hubbys test results have not been announced yet. We do know though, thankfully, after the echocardiogram that his heart and esophagus are inches apart. That is not supposed to be like that and perhaps that is why he is having trouble.

--he did have 2 more teeth pulled. He has no back teeth and is being measured for plates/bridges. He prob, would be mad that I posted that, lol. I have been on "David watch" for 2 days now, making sure he doesn't lift things etc. for the fear of blood clots loosening etc. The last time he had teeth pulled he had a stroke...but that was 13-14 yrs ago.

Pondering:

We were discussing this thought yesterday. I think what drives me to work a job I no longer like, is the fact that I don't want to be homeless etc. I have a mortgage etc...and it's a scary thought to take that leap at my age. My husband was kind enough to help me with some more job applications with the state...we shall see. My husband, "Have you noticed that they only promote the lazy or trouble workers? You have been passed over twice now-fixing to be 3 times." (yeah I have)---and it my current job wouldn't be so bad if supervision would actually have a game plan etc... they don't. I pretty much have written my own job description with little input from supervision. Because NOONE knows what is going on and because we are so shorthanded etc. And the sobering fact is no one wants to work this job because we do a lot for little pay considering what others get paid etc.

So, back to keeping it simple...grin. Have a great day all. Thank you for the kind comments etc.

Just Some Thoughts...

 Good morning from a very soggy Central Florida.

Ha...just a twisted humor...but yeah, gonna need a boat soon. I have had to alter my drive to work twice now this week thanks to flooding, sinkholes etc. 

Like my new umbrella? I ordered it off Amazon and it finally arrived yesterday-it was supposed to have arrived last Monday, but the severe weather hampered that delivery.  It is one of those reversible umbrellas-folks from work swear by them. I have broken 2 umbrellas this week thanks to the bad weather. I think my next buy will be a poncho. It's no fun staying wet throughout the day, just saying. Since no extra clothing is allowed in, I might just invest in that poncho.

not my photo

Then I saw in the paper this morning, Jugo, a Tropical Cafe, exploded yesterday evening. I pass by this place every single day. I actually see this view everyday coming home. (above)

not my photo

I also thought to myself, wow, how lucky folks are --no injuries etc. I always stay on the right-hand side when going through town and Jugo sits right on 301/Pine Ave. 

I sure lead an interesting life, lol. Speaking of interesting...I have become increasinginly uncomfortable with something going on at work. My fears were confirmed yesterday with a discussion with the head supervisor that I initiated. I will say, there is a dark force in keeping me at my current job "because I am that good at what I do" (so what I am told), that dark force is refusing to allow me to flourish elsewhere. Perhaps it is time to get out of classification. But you know, perhaps I am not supposed to move ahead or whatever...but my husband's favorite saying is, "Wanna make God laugh? Tell Him YOUR plans."

Yep...sure does. If that is something I have learned these last 18 months...yep.

Thankful Thursday

 SO, firstly, no news on the husband's scop/test. Although, the spot that was in his stomach has disappeared...however, they are concerned about the esophagus being so close to the heart. I guess the powers that be will discuss this and get back with us. So, we wait. 

~~ So... thankful for modern medical technology. He also had an echocardiogram as well. 

~~ Thankful for rain...but...we have so much flooding. I have to remind myself we do live on a peninsula. Just saying. LOL

Off the newspaper

(above) I use to take this route to work. Driving south, our neighborhood is just passing the light about 2 miles.

However, I do take this way (above).

 Yeah...it can be dicey...but then again, all of Ocala can be dicey when it rains... The newspaper is loaded with photos, I just picked these three because I know this area pretty well. And yes, going home on Tuesday was pretty dicey. And no, the heat/humidity has not let up.

~~Thankful for the ability to get items that are needed, clothes, emergency supplies, food etc. Hurricane season is upon us here. Next buy has to be a generator. Thankful our house is 4-5 feet off the ground. Just saying.

~~Thankful for almost the end of the work week, just saying. 

well...not so much in all this rain, LOL.

Memeing it...

 I know Memeing isn't a word, I made it up. LOL--nonetheless I am joining in --I have taken the day off/using my FMLA leave as my husband has another medical procedure/scope. They are needing to check around his heart as he is having some edema issues. And it's going to be another eventful weather day here-we have had these awesome storms. Severe flooding, trees down etc. It is def. not the Sunshine State as of late. Yesterday, the weatherman stated 5 inches of rain fell in one hour. Yeah, that is a lot...and as I type this at 6 am it is storming. Ok, moving along...

Today is a hodgepodge of question for you to ponder from the Tuesday Meme.

1.  What TV programs that everyone else loved/loves did/do you  dislike and why?

Anything news related. My husband could and does sit all day and watches the 24 hr news cycle.

 Conversely, what program did you love while everyone else thought it was awful? (or maybe a song, book..etc)

I love HGTV and the Magnolia Channel. I could watch that all day and he hates it, lol.

2   Do you resent serving without thanks or do you see a higher purpose behind it?

I don't even know what that means, LOL. Rarely do I not serve, and Thanks is not mentioned (did I say that right? lol). My husband is pretty appreciative as I am.

3.  What flavor ice cream is your favorite and how do you like it served? (Sunday, Blizzard, cone, dish?) What toppings make your day?

I like Mint Choc. Chip and Vanilla Bean, plain thank you. Occasionally I will top it with Caramel or chocolate and whip cream.

4. How many pairs of shoes do you own? How many handbags? Do you use/wear them all? Should you weed them out?

Way too many. However, with that said in regard to the handbags, since I work in a prison, one has to use a clear bag. So, my handbags sit in a tote. And since being diagnosed with arthritis in my feet, I prefer my Sketchers.

1. Hello Summer! In the northern hemisphere anyway. What's something on your summer bucket list? Do you have an actual summer bucket list? If not, use your hypothetical list.

Well, right now, it's raining cats and dogs (figurately). However, I am taking some vacation time for the July 4th holiday, and we are heading out somewhere. I don't know where. His sister who lives in Palm Coast wants to meet in St. Augustine. Not sure what we are doing.

2. What for you is the defining scent of summer? 

Personally speaking...

Light and airy. I have several different types of perfume I can choose from and right now its Clinique Happy, Chloe Nomade and Chloe. All florals. And on rare occasion I will wear Channel #5. That is the most expensive of that list. For work, I bought

maybe it doesn't say Hula berry. But I buy the Hula Berry scent.

Hula Berry. Since I work in a Vault with dusty smelly files...I keep those around and the Vault smells so much better. 

But if you're talking foods etc...anything off the grill reminds me of summer.

3. What's a (music, food, wine, or flower) festival happening in your part of the country that you would like to attend if tickets/travel/timing was no object?

None. Well, I would like to go down to the Keys; Key West.

4. Apparently a military whistle blower claims the US has a UFO retrieval program. What say you? Do you believe aliens are out there?

The good Lord says he created the Heavens and the Earth...so who knows. Why not? I think it would be odd that we are the only Human beings on this or any other planet.

5. Besides your wedding day and the birthdays of any children you may have, what are three of your top experiences in life?

Sailing up the Hudson River, Traveling, and becoming a Born Again Christian.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

It promises to be another blustery and stormy day here in central Florida on the first day of summer. Wishing you all a beautiful day.

Memes...

 Whew, we had some bad weather yesterday...ANYWAYS, jumping into the weekly Memes...a few days later, grin.

I sure hope you are enjoying these questions each week.  I try hard to get good subjects and I hope you are not bored or disappointed. So, welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

It is Summer!

1. What memorable times have you had in summer?

I can remember as a kid we would be shipped off to spend the summer with grandparents in Chicago, Ludington, Michigan, and then onto the family farm. They sure were magical.

2. What foods bring back that summertime feeling?

Watermelon, corn on the cob, hamburgers on the grill etc.

3. What music do you associate with summertime?

Hmm...I don't know...usually its rock and roll.

4.Where do you want most to be in the summer if money is no object and you have the time?

I would like to rent or own a little beach cottage. Where one could sit all day and do nothing, have a bbq or whatever. But you know, I am not privileged enough to lead a life of luxury, lol.

1. What does productivity look like to you?

Making the bed? If I was being truthful, I would say keeping my head afloat; keeping the lights on, the mortgage paid, etc. Right now, its just survival mode, keeping it real.

2. What was your fondest (or one of your fondest) memory of High School? 

I hated high school...with the exception of meeting my husband when we were both freshmen when he came up to my locker and put an x on my forehead and announced to the world that one day I would be his wife...yeah, I had no idea who he was, LOL.

3. What did you do the summer after High School? 

I was on my own, had a job, went to college etc...not fond memories.

4. June 14th is National Strawberry Shortcake Day...are you a fan, and if so will you celebrate? How do you make yours? Have you been strawberry picking? If so what do you do with all those berries? 

I love strawberries and I had no idea there was such a thing. So, no, didn't go strawberry picking etc.

5. What's something you always splurge on?

Since moving back here and living somewhat a better lifestyle, I would say groceries. I would also say clothes. I have become pretty good at picking out name brands at the thrift stores and Marshalls; Paying close attention to this and that. My closet is starting to look Ismelda Marcos (The former Queen of the Philippines who loved shoes) threw up in there, LOLOL. I still can't get myself to buy summer dresses though, mostly linen and cooler blouses/silky for work.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We made the 11-mile trek down to the Villages again yesterday to shop. The weather was pretty dicey. Which prompted the husband to say, "Perhaps we ought to turn around?" Nope, its only rain, LOLOLOL. Yeah, so says she knowing full well neither of us could see out the windows. LOL. Welcome to Florida in the summertime.

Nonetheless, by the time we headed back around 3 or so it had cleared...although by 6 or so it had started monsooning again. That is life in Florida. grin. Hope you have a great day!

Friday's Fave on a Saturday...

 Unfort. I looked at the clock wrong and thought it was 6 am --nope. Sigh...oh well, I am up now, grin.

Living to Tell the Story

Joining in on the Friday Fav's on a Saturday...which promises to be another thunderboomer day. We have had some awesome storms roll in. Was praying the drive to work yesterday morning as the alert system kept going off.

~The good Lord saw fit to get me to work safely yesterday morning. The skies were ominous; dark, lightening, thundering etc. The alert system out of Gainsville kept interrupting the radio broadcast.

~Thankful for central ac. I can't mention this enough. It has been so balmy/humid here in central Florida. I even bought baby wipes just in case if needed and keep it in my desk drawer. As one has to run here and there on the prison compound.

~Thankful for a good dr. report concerning my mom. They got all the cancer; she will have to have radiation though. All in all, she is in better spirits. She is healing well.

~Thankful for a husband who fully supports me having a job. I know how lonely it can get being home. He sure let me know that this past week-- Bumps in the road as I call them. I have a habit of shutting down and NOT bringing the job home so to speak and he let me know that was unacceptable.

~Speaking of the job. Someone higher up listed my current job and the Clerks jobs (3) that are open. Yes, we are that short staffed. A certain someone higher up might have pulled me aside and told me to stop 'stressing out', as they are fully aware of what is going on there. SOON I will be pulled and headed over to another different position, less stress, better supervisors etc. I have been doing the job of the 3 clerks, the supervisor who is there, and 1 other supervisor who left. I am thankful for the knowledge I have gained this past year. But it is time to move on --this current position is for a young person, just saying. It is remarkable how I have kept it together, so I have been told. To which is why I DON'T bring it home--to which is why the husband and I had words this past week. I might have told a certain higher up it's not the job it's the supervisor who prefers to stay in the office and make it difficult. Just saying. He/certain higher up is slowly "cleaning house" so to speak. I wouldn't mind the supervisor's job, at some point as I have already been doing her job and then some. He is fully aware of things going on...I better leave it at that. I just don't like walking on eggshells concerning issues...it doesn't have to be this way. I am just too old to play the younger games. And I am perfectly fine in going into another position/office that is full of older/mature folks. It is hard to recognize I am no longer that younger person...not sure how much I will like a sit-down desk job, we shall see. I shall miss the daily interactions of other law enforcement agencies. But alias, it's time to move on...I am looking forward to that day...when it gets here. SOON.

yes, yes, it is...no matter the weather here in Florida, I do NOT miss the snow and cold. Have a beautiful day folks, I will check in later...we have shopping today. Hubby wishes to go back to the Villages, grin. Lucky for us, it's a short drive.

Saturday Recap...

 I know most of you saw this on FB...but I really don't have much to say, so I will do a recap.

So, we visited my folks...mom isn't doing great, both have become very humbled...its saddening to know that my folks are getting up there in age, it's also saddening to know so am I. My aunt/my mom's sister is also suffering through breast cancer and will go back into surgery soon. She is fighting a nasty infection. Please keep all in prayer.

NOT MY PHOTO. I forgot to take photos.

We headed the short drive (11 miles south) to the Villages. A beautiful, planned retirement community. All the buildings are this modern Spanish style. I can't say retirement anymore, as they now have an elementary school. We first stopped at the swanky Goodwill; I found 2 nice dressy blouses and 1 bright electric blue capri for work (which brings me to the thought, most of the folks at work wear black, no thank you, my personality will not allow me to wear black and be subdued, lol--even security is like, "Ms. Conley we sure can spot you on camera, LOLOLOL---hmm...on second thought, I think that is cheeky). Hubby found a bedside table for the guest bedroom. We finally got though all of the 30-40 something totes and decided to just put them in the storage shed--neither of us cannot part with our sons things right now and the other things...ANYWAYS, we are getting the bedroom ready for a visit from my husbands brother sometime in August. I doubt they will stay with us, but nonetheless, we are getting ready. It is time though to get a room ready or even have a room if someone wanted to stay/visit. 2 twin beds will go in there.

 All for $30. Nice. 'Swanky' is indeed the word of the day. Oh, before I forget...

I did splurge on these cute twin sets, LOL--Yeah...I know, juvenile. LOLOL

Then we went to Steak and Shake (so much better than McD's.). Which was also swanky...nonetheless it only cost $20 to eat. Cheap date.

not my photo. Again, I did not take a photo. By this time, the heat/humidity of the day were bearing down on us.

Then we went over to Marshalls/Home Goods. and I bought another pair of linen capris for work these are pink and white stripes. My husband said I am getting quite a wardrobe going...hmm...perhaps, grin.

Then we went to the swankiest Walmart I have ever seen. WOW. My Hubby kept on referring to our Walmart here in Ocala as the ghetto...wow is all I can say. I am left with the feeling these rich folks have it going on...seriously. What a difference between us regular folk and them.

Walmart had all these Better Home and Garden Palm ceiling fans on the shelf for $57. Unbelievable. Yes, it was, all were mislabeled, and they are $129. However, Walmart gave it to us for $57. Which is why I will shop there from now on. The employees were pretty cool-nice. The fan will go in the living room-actually hubby is doing that right now.

On the way home, the back way, The beginning of the 80 miles of the Santos Trail. Ocala is full of nice places to ride bikes, horses etc. We have not walked it yet, or ridden our bikes, but it sure is pretty. This road goes straight to our house.

With all the turmoil of this week's news; I saw this on my sons antique dresser (When I was leaving after taking the little table photo)--I had no idea he had put that there. Yes, I know...the dresser needs love, thanks to the movers, they broke a piece off--although it was wrapped.

No matter how much heartache we had these past 18 months (today marks 18 months since our son passed away)...life has to go on. And that my friends, is where I will bid adieu for now. Have beautiful day friends.

Meme Saturday...

 Good morning from a balmy Florida. We are headed out to see my mom today-she had cancer surgery and looks like radiation will have to be done, waiting and praying. Then we will head down to the Villages to shop. In the meantime, how about some memes?

Another Tuesday has arrived bringing you another Tuesday 4 kept in memory of Toni Taddeo. 

  Let's discuss sweets... candy, cakes, pies, pastries, all manner of confections.

1. What are your favorite candies?

Lindt Candy, Bullseyes

2.  What kind of pie, cake and pastry tempts you the most?

I like them all. It doesn't matter to me.

3. How often do you have dessert? Or how often do you bake goodies?

I baked a strawberry cake with Buttercream frosting last weekend. I will make a Tres Leche cake for work this week-its Mexican luncheon on Friday. Every month are department holds a theme lunch / meeting and everyone brings something. The food has been great, no complaints etc. The vote was Mexican food.

4.  Your choice for dessert today:

New York Cheesecake

Tiramisu

Cannoli's

Chocolate Mud Pie 

Creme Brule

Hot Apple Pie with Ice Cream

Churros con 

Chocolate Big Brownie with hot fudge sauce, ice cream and whipped cream.

Which one are you picking from this menu?

ALL THE ABOVE, LOLOL. DO NOT MAKE CHOOSE, Just saying.

1. Tell me something you remember (or if you're not there yet, something you look forward to) about being 35.

That was a long time ago like 21 years ago...our son was 5 years old and entering Kindergarten. Honestly, I really can't remember.

2. Last time you 'burned the candle at both ends'? 

Overextending oneself seems to be the norm...I will say work; since I am doing 3 supervisors' jobs and my own (whatever that is, sigh). It has been taxing and hoping that will change soon. My background / security checks have been done and have been entered and hopefully SOON I will be going into a new department within Classification with less stress. But we are talking about the State here, so who knows.

3. Are you someone with the 'gift of gab'? Elaborate (which shouldn't be a problem if you answered yes teehee).  

Nope I often offend people with my directness, and I am tactless as well. So there.

4. Do you request a special meal on your birthday, and if so tell us what that meal is? Do you want the same kind of cake year after year or will any flavor work? Do you want cake at all? Growing up were birthdays a big deal in your house? Are they a big deal now?

I like and prefer pizza on my birthday, and I like to change it up with different cake--which I did not get on my last birthday. Birthdays use to be a big deal growing up-not anymore.

5. 'Age is just a number.'..agree or disagree? Tell us why. 

I used to think that--but now...I am not so sure. I am having trouble dealing with being 56--where did the years go, has the world always been topsy turvy etc. etc.?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We have a new department supervisor-I like him. He has made a few comments here and there about my current position and is fully aware of who's working and not etc...anyways-one of the new girls got fired yesterday--sighhhhhhhhhhhh which means a certain person is not going to "allow" me to go (over to another department-still in Classification) --and I was told she will have too. Yeah yeah yeah...whatever. Back to the drawing board, my current position cannot keep people-the leadership sucks, just saying. There is NO leadership-the girls sure do alot of work for what they get paid. When I was running the department things ran smoothly and one day the leadership of this department decided it was running too good and I was flatly told I was not a supervisor-so I stopped (ohhhh so you want me to run it-but not really). Period. Nope. And the supervisor for another department with the blessing of the new department supervisor came over and asked me if I would like to join this team. I said YES as one of their people was moving up. Thank you, Lord, for the unexpected blessing. This new position is less stress, and the supervisor is great etc. My job title won't change nor the pay (I am already at the top of the secretarial pay scale), but it sure will be nice to work in a less stressful environment.

I am off...need to get around. Have a beautiful day.

Just Another Day in Paradise...

 Good morning from Florida. Which still seems surreal that we are back here living in the land of flip flops. I was thinking that yesterday sitting in my beach chair. After a much challenging work week we decided to head East.

my view from my chair at 8 am.

I know most of you saw these photos on FB. But we decided to plow ahead on an overcast promising rain day to head to Flagler Beach 20 or so miles north of Daytona. The water was indeed choppy, rip tide warnings were in effect, it was quite windy, and the water was chilly for this time of the year. I suppose because there had been a tropical system out in the Atlantic.

Nope, hubby didn't catch anything.

Nonetheless, we did have breaks in the clouds to enjoy a sunny warm albeit windy day; honestly, it was perfect. By midafternoon it was clear sun. We did drive down to Daytona and to be honest, Daytona has changed so much since I was child. I no longer recognized it and was quite disappointed. I much prefer Flagler, which is much quieter, no driving allowed on the beach etc. BTW, if you were to drive on Daytona, there is a $20 fee. We parked in one of the many public parking spots and walked down to the beach.

Above is one of those live cams of Daytona.

We are going to try to make it a once-a-month thing to visit a beach--the Gulf or Atlantic either way its only 45-60 min. drive. Sometimes a person just needs to sit, think and take or nap (I might have, wink) or fish, grin.

Anyways, back to reality...must go grocery shopping today and get ready for the work week. Have a great day!