Near 7 am Post...

 Near 7 am post. Yikes, the rain/wind bands have started/been going on since 3 am or so. Heavy winds and rain. Stepped out to take the wreath off the front door earlier. Yikes #2, the noise from the wind is something else. The tree is leaning ever so much on the power lines let's hope it doesn't fall as it will land on the back of the house.

Looks like we will be on the 'dirty' side of this storm. The tornado sirens just went off (tv and phones). The storm will hit as a Cat. 4. Anyways, that's all I have for now. Wishing you all well and keep all of us in prayer, especially those folks on/along the coast. It's really coming down now.

Currently on a late Tuesday Evening...

 Currently on a late Tuesday Evening....

...It's 8:40 pm and it is 76*, humidity is 93%, dewpoint is 73*.  The rain bands from Hurricane Idalia have started, buckle up folks, it's going to a be major rain maker here in Ocala. We had a doozy of a nasty storm around 6 pm. Wow...that is all I am going to say about that. It left both of us with our mouths hanging open.

...Watching nothing at the moment. Hubby is watching Jesse Waters. I just did watch the updated hurricane models on the laptop. Just for prospective purposes: we are 70 miles inland from Cedar Key, 98 miles from Tampa, 30 miles from Gainesville, 60 from Daytona. We are dab smack in the middle of this thing. My husband, "And you want to retire to Cedar Key, why?" Yeah...don't look like much will be left of my favorite place when this is all said and done. 

...for the first time EVER my employer has decided to NOT have us come in. I am an essential employee; we are all shocked. The governor has ordered all government offices closed tomorrow and Thursday is a wait and see.

...Feeling a bit overwhelmed. Not sure if that is the correct word...we already have a huge tree limb on our powerline. And if that tree limb falls, it will crush our roof. Have I mentioned before that we are STILL on a 6-month waiting list for the electric company to come out? Yeah...moving along.

...Grateful...for so many things. The good Lord for one. I was feeling a little blue today thinking about our son, out of nowhere came this feeling...perhaps because all of sudden Sweet Home Alabama played on the radio. I just had this feeling he was like, "It's gonna be ok guys, hunker down." Weird. Just keeping it real.

Yes...He sure does. I know this 100%. I have been up since 3:30 am, had to work until 4pm. so, I am little tired. Have a good evening, all.

Sunday Chat...

 Sorry y'all, I never made it to other blogs yesterday. My intentions were good though.

Time: Nearly 8 am. Yep, I slept in. I did get up at 5 and looked at the clock and was like, "Yeahhhhhh nope." lol

Scene: feels like 73*, humidity is 96%, dewpoint is 72*. Sunny.  Yep, balmy.

Drinking: My first cup of coffee; Community Breakfast Blend with Italian Sweet Cream.

Thinking/Pondering:

~watching the Gulf. It looks like Idalia will hit Wednesday along the Gulf Coast. Looks to be a rain maker for us. 

~so, this will alter our grocery plans. Hubby doesn't want a full fridge/freezer just in case the electric goes out. NOT anticipating that, but one never knows. He will go over and pick up a friend's extra generator tomorrow or so-the rain is supposed to start Tuesday.

~We didn't make it to the store or haircuts (probably will wait on the haircut) yesterday. Visted the folks, stopped and got priced for windows (we currently have the metal single pane), doors and awnings priced etc. All depending on the weather situation now. 

~Stopped here and there thrift stores (bought some glass pumpkins things to decorate for fall), TJ Maxx (bought to 2 pairs of shoes, Nellies laundry detergent (my favorite)) and a blouse for work.

~Had a late lunch/early dinner at Piesanos. Large sausage pizza and a Greek salad.

~We realized it was near 5 and we figuratively ran out of go go juice...the heat wiped us out.

(Oct. Nov. here)

So, I did notice while out and about yesterday, every single store has fall stuff out. EVERY.SINGLE.STORE. PEOPLE ITS A BILLION -ZILLION DEGREES HERE. LOL-just saying. It is NOT feeling very fallish here and it sure seems funny to me. So, yeah...although I did buy some fall items, but they will not go out until say Oct. or Nov. Just saying. lol

Memes...

 Good morning! Hope this Saturday finds you in good spirits.

Hey! Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we ask just 4 questions each week to give you something to blog about, something to think about and a reason to visit other blogs!

♫Summertime and the living is easy says the song.  So how is summer going for you? Let's talk about it.....

1. How has it been so far? Hot and humid. Then again, it is Florida in August.

2. What have you been doing this summer? Not much, been to the beach a few times, we go down to the Villages twice a month that is about it.

3. What are you going to do? Any plans? Nope. We will probably head over to the beach next weekend, weather permitting--we have a storm heading into the Gulf, watching that very closely.

4. It's been hot in most of the country but here on the Jersey coast it's been perfect so far. Not too hot, not too cool but just right with breezes.   How are you weathering the heat. Any tips on staying cool on hot, humid days?  Clothing, food, drinks, fans, air conditioning? Let us know your secrets to keeping cooler.

Clothing: I wear linen for work (wrinkly, yes but oh so cool), air conditioning is a must here in Florida, however, we have been without it at work for weeks now & its M-i-s-e-r-a-b-l-e. When not at work and we are staying home, mainly pj shorts and a tank and when we go out, shorts and a t shirt. We also eat very light, no heavy foods, we also have ceiling fans here at home and I have a desk fan at work. Water is a must as well. Stay hydrated. I have limited myself to 1 soda a day.

1. What's your earliest memory?

My brothers pushing me down the stairs when we lived in Chicago, I was about 5 or so.

2. What's something about you today that the old you would find surprising?

How resilient I am. 

3. Do you like to fish? It depends on what it is. Are you a fish eater? It depends on my mood. Favorite fish (to eat)? Blackened and Cajun seasoning. 

4. What's your biggest first world problem?

**and I know I will get dinged from some readers for this...but who cares. I speaketh the truth.

This One World Order nonsense; America turning into a communist and or socialist state.

5. What one word would you use to describe your year thus far?

Resiliency 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

There is tropical development heading into the Gulf this coming week. So, here we go again...which means keep our eyes on the weather. I had wondered why my employer was asking for updated info; phone, address, how long does it take to get to work etc. (since we are considered "essential"). Then my mom said last night there was a storm approaching, goes to show you I was not/am not paying attention. I am reminded we do live in the tropical part of America, and it is heading into September. I have become complacent as far as the weather is concerned. ANYWAYS...that's

here in Florida and perhaps why our home insurance rates keep going up and up. Have a great day all! We are heading out to visit my folks, grocery store, haircuts, etc. I will check in later. 

Sunday Stealing...

 Joining in on the Sunday Stealing.

Name Your Favorite…

    Place: The beach

     

Color: I like the colors of autumn but prefer to wear jewel tones. All these women at work like to wear black, no thanks, the cameras/security can see me coming a mile away, just saying, grin.

    Smell: The beach/ocean. Nothing like salt air to clear up what ailes you, lol.

    Magazine: Have you seen the cost of them? No thanks. I used to like Martha Stewart, it just got too expensive.

    Texture: The beach? I don't know.

    Thing to do when bored: Watch movies and play on the computer.

   

    Precious stone: Since I was born in March, I like the Aquamarine. Although, I won't turn down any precious stones except the opal, bad luck to have one if ones not birth month is October.

    Animal: 

    Time in history: Don't have a particular one.

    Font: It's called Dancing Script

    Sound: Laughter, the ocean 

    Fruit: Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, 

    Vegetable: Corn on the cob

 

    Store/shop: I prefer thrift / secondhand stores.

    Quote:

    Historical figure: Don't have one.

    Letter: Don't have one.

    Memory: Trying to hold steadfast on memories of our son. Just keeping it real.

    Dessert: Tiramisu

    Candy: Lindt/Lindor

    Restaurant:

The Cuban; pork, ham, mayo, mustard, pickles. We stopped at Tom's Cuban Cafe yesterday.

 

Don't have one. I like living back here where Cuban, Jamaican and Puerto Rican food is the norm.

    Language: English

    Thing to learn about: Patience, I have very little.

    Thing about yourself: I am brutally honest and that often causes issues.

We are headed out to friends, another friend has a carport (the house is being sold) and the guys are marking it, taking it down and will get here to our house eventually-sometime this week. Have a beautiful day folks.

Saturday Chat...

 

Time: 7:30 am

Scene: A sunny 75*, humidity 96%, dewpoint 74*. 

Drinking: Second cup of Community Breakfast Blend with Italian Sweet Cream.

On my mind:

~Thursday bought me into a new whole job. The job I was originally promoted too and it about blew my little brain. Just saying ((grin)). I am now a coder; I code all the files that come into the prison from the courts. 

~Yesterday was much better, since we don't have intakes on Fridays, I pulled random files from the vault, sat at my desk, figured out how to code --there are certain things etc. Since I am a hand on visual learner, repetitiveness is the key. Eventually it will be alright. My new boss seems happy that I caught on--it's a learning experience. I am so grateful for a coworker and the boss who gave me cheat sheets etc. and sat with me. I know I can be a bit of a "pill" to deal with, their patience is forever gratuitous. It will eventually click; I don't think anyone really thought I would catch on in 2 days. I am more comfortable with the job, yesterday. Thursday, I wanted to go screaming through the halls. LOL

~On that note, my arthritic feet thank me. My Fitbit tells me my daily step count are cut in 1/2. I am ok with that.

~The pineapple upside down cake was very good, sorry forgot to take photos. There is only 2 pieces left. We are such piglets. (((grin)))

~Need to pick up the husbands' prescriptions, head to the grocery store, get gas in the car today.

Just a hmm....

Yep, pretty much. I hope y'all have a great day. Hopefully I can get caught up on blogs later. 

Hodgepodging...

 So, the internet/phones were down-will be down until probably tomorrow, so they sent us home at 1. I personally can only file and audit so much. lol

1. What motivates you to work hard?

My mortgage? LOL

2. It's been said "Ignorance is bliss"...is it? 

Sometimes, it depends on the situation. For instance, I walked in a conversation this morning, I certainly did not like hearing what I heard, and I let it be known. Unfort. folks are going to be like that. And it was about me...jealously is a bitter pill something I do not understand.

3.Would you rather be stuck on a broken elevator or a broken ski lift? Explain. Have you ever actually been stuck on either? Of the common fears listed here what's your #1-

Both and neither were pleasant experiences.

heights-enclosed spaces-snakes-public speaking-the dark-flying

Nasty things-snakes. No thanks.

4. What's something you like about the town or city where you live? 

Although it is currently hotter than hades here in central Florida, I sure like the abundance of shopping and restaurants. Although technically we live in the country, we are like only 4-5 miles from everything. it's nice...and I like the modern convivences of it all. AND we are only like 60 min. from the Gulf and 60 min. from the Atlantic in either direction, its nice.

5. Life is too short to be ...miserable. Be happy. Eat dessert first, use the good china etc. etc.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

photo a few yrs. old.

So, since I am home 3 hours early. I will be making a pineapple upside down cake. Hubby is going to make meatloaf for dinner, I am so special to have a husband who cooks, grin. AND apologies, I just couldn't think on the Tuesday Bird meme. grin.

Late Memes...

 I had forgotten all about last week's memes. Bad, Linda, Bad ((grin)) Somebody lost my mojo, LOLOL.

Tuesday 4

1. Do you like music in the background or is quiet more suitable for you?

It doesn't matter, I can do either or. Although I will say, it depends on the time of the day or my moods.

2. What kind of sounds or music annoy or bother you?

There is a new girl at work, she doesn't have any phone etiquette, and we are constantly correcting her. That annoys me. We work in a professional office, act like it. She is loud, belligerent at times, and refuses to listen to instruction. So yeah, the sounds of rudeness, belligerence and such. No need to act like a thug. Just saying.

There is a radio playing rock n roll in the vault. It doesn't bother me. Although, I am usually the first one in the morning and won't turn it on. I am though annoyed at today's country music and refuse to listen to it.

3. What kind of sounds do you find enjoyable, peaceful or uplifting?? What sounds are most annoying?

The beach/ocean are the most peaceful and enjoyable for me, I even have my sound/clock machine set to it. I also find gospel music uplifting and enjoyable, rain and thunderstorms are also enjoyable. The most annoying are folks who constantly are belligerent and curse. Really people, there is no need for it. The f word should never be used and wiped out. Just saying.

4.  Do you play an instrument, or would you like to learn to sing or to play an instrument? 

I would really like to learn how to play the drums. Wouldn't that be grand? lol

1. August 8th is National Cat Day. Do you own a cat? 

No, the cat came with the house. So, he owns us. Just saying. "Huey" has become quite possessive of his people. Just saying.

Are you a 'cat person'? 

No, not really ((shocking)))-I am allergic to long hair cats and tolerate cats and they tolerate me, and we both tolerate each other. I am a big dog person.

Your favorite 'famous' cat?

Garfield?

2. Cat nap-copycat-scaredy cat-curiosity killed the cat-cat got your tongue-like herding cats...which cat phrase applies to your life in some way currently? Explain. 

Like herding cats. Trying to organize folks at work to do the right thing(s). Folks are set in this never ever ending mindset that "This is how it's been done all these years etc." ANYWAYS, I am done, my current job is done. Nearly 10 months into this thing and its done-I knew this going in and prayed everyday about it-and it became painfully obvious when I was gone for 4 days, and it all fell apart just after 4 days, and those folks failed the test. It is painfully obvious that certain folks do not want to change willingly and so therefor, it will be changed for them. It is out of my hands now.

3. What's your favorite or most- often-made one pot meal? 

Pot roast, potatoes, carrots. I also make a killer Shepherd's pie.

4. What do you wish you'd placed in a time capsule fifteen years ago? 

Geesh...newspapers, the Bible, I don't know...there is that saying, "If I only knew than what I know now." Since I have no one to leave anything too now...

5. Your favorite hour of the day? Tell us why. 

Quitting time? Although the drive home is quite unsettling. When did slow Ocala become so busy? I do enjoy though leaving work and heading home knowing my husband will be there.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Yep, sure do. Today will be a 'staycation'. My husband just left to put gas in my car for the week, get gas for the lawnmower and hopefully he remembers to get coffee filters. If not, I will have to go out and get coffee filters, I did forget yesterday...ok, ok, ok, it wasn't on the list. LOL--amazing though, other things that weren't on the list magically jumped in the cart, lol.

P.S. Does anyone really enjoy this high humidity? Just wondering. No, not complaining or not happy etc...I like where I live and so enjoyed coming back home last week. I am looking forward to saying like November when it the humidity will go down some. It is currently 87* at 8:17 am.

P.S. Hey, places have fall stuff out. Hard to get in that mindset when it's a zillion degrees out, just saying, grin.

Currently...

 

Linking back to Stacy.

Currently...

...it is 87*, 94% humidity, 77* dewpoint at 7:30 am on a Saturday morning. Under another heat advisory. It has been over 110* the past couple of weeks.

...Drinking a cup of coffee and out of sugar. Yeah, yick. lol

...Making a grocery list. Need to run here and there today.

(Thinking I really don't want too, but must)

...Thinking of the song A Change is Gonna Come by the great late Aretha Franklin. 

I left my work/job last week I thought, in capable hands. Nope. It is bad and I cannot emphasize how bad it is (and I knew it would be bad-but I didn't know how bad). Nope, I am not in trouble. Actually, the powers that be are quite flabbergasted by what happened. I was in a series of meetings yesterday-was allowed to offer advice and speak my mind/give facts etc....let's just say heads are on the chopping board-not mine... But then the song Feeling Good comes to mind.

I'm feeling pretty good. Come Wednesday I will be in another (my actual job) and the vault will be revamped/shut down temp. Feeling pretty good-a weight has been lifted. Yep, new dawn, new day (and since I have to be careful what I say on social media, it's all good). Oh, did I mention we have mold? Since we have been without ac for weeks now in my section...yeah, mold. Not good. 

...Thinking I better get going...it is so hot and humid here.

yep, how true...sometimes you just have to go thru the bad stuff to get to the good.

Sunday Chat

 Thank you for the kind comments and laughter...at least I like to think you were trying to make light of the blog post(s) from NY.

 

ha, she has been on vacation because I am def. not feeling it.

TIME: 7:35 AM

SCENE: 57* sunny, Humidity 94%, Dewpoint 55*. Suppose to warm up to the mid 80's with increasing humidity and rain.

Drinking: An orange juice, I have NOT had coffee yet. Our hotel has a continental breakfast. I will go to Dunkin in a bit to get a Caramel Latte.

Thinking/Pondering:

 We said goodby to my husband's brother yesterday. It was a beautiful 61* at 10 am. We/the church buried his cremains with his late wife. I finally got meet her family/2 brothers. Very nice people. Their family has a whole plot, and they were kind enough to allow the burial. There was also a Celebration of Life in the late afternoon; finger foods, fruit and veg. trays etc.

How after 41-42 years in this family, I have realized I am not cut out for this cutthroat nonsense they do. I get why etc...hard life etc. 

Let's see, apparently there is a 'family' BBQ today. We have done nothing but run here and there since we got here. I really wanted to head over (8 miles) to Keuka Lake, my favorite place. I highly doubt it-will make it over there.

taken 2 yrs ago.

I did though, after the burial make it over to see friends and our former landlady. All nice visits. I also needed some retail therapy and my favorite boutique Harmony Blue had just what I needed, and she has mailed off the package and it will arrive sometime next week. More on that later when I get it. It warmed my heart that folks remembered me...I def, have not been feeling the love from his family and it was nice to see old friends etc.

I am looking forward to getting home tomorrow and returning to my job. 

I am thinking superwoman has been on vacation and I am afraid she didn't bother to come with, lol.

Currently...

 

Currently...

...sitting at a desk in our hotel room in the dark. Trying to be quiet and not wake the husband as it is only 5:30 am.

...reflecting on the long 20-hour day yesterday:

the most glorious sunrise from the airplane 30,000 feet in the air. (or whatever it was in the air)

Started off at 11:30 pm, had to leave the house at 1 am, Drive to Orlando, go through TSA etc. Board the plane, got to Rochester and met up with my husband's other brother who flew in from Atlanta, got the rental car, drove down to Hornell, found a hotel 16 miles away in Bath...visited other family etc. Finally got back to our hotel at 8pm. Had a nice sleep. Another busy day closing accounts, paying the funeral director etc.

Rochester Airport. So different than Orlando International which is a culture shock of wonders.

...the weather here in upstate NY. Sigh...not escaping the heat and humidity that is for sure. It is currently 67*, cloudy, humidity 81%, dewpoint 61*. Under a threat for severe weather today.

...Thinking I have to stand up for myself and say NO to all this activity going on here. Yes, time on Earth is precious, I get it...but I cannot do another day like yesterday. I am.not.the.energizer.bunny. Nor do I have the desire to be so.

...I am thinking being back here is like being in some foreign country. I personally must have been cuckoo for cocoa puffs to live here for 8-9 years. And if I hear one more time, "Yous ain't from around here, are yous?" I am going to scream bloody murder. Because...

I am from the south, we have manners, don't outright swear, don't walk around with tats everywhere on the body, not rude etc. Just saying. Seeing things in a different light now. What two different worlds we live in.

...thinking I probably ought to get a life, LOLOL. you know, for being so mean about the lifestyle up here. I can't believe we survived up here...just thinking how good we have it now. Alot of these places up here still have covid procedures set in place and are afraid to change etc.

...thinking I probably ought to get around and shower etc. Its nearly 6 am now...have a full day of having to close bank accounts, move this or that around, settle accounts (running around settling debts of my husband's late brother/estate). Dealing with this or that. The funeral is tomorrow.

Buttttttttttttt do I gotta? Just saying. LOL

Tuesday Meme...

 Good morning from a balmy central Florida where we are in the dog days of never ever ending, lol.

Welcome to  Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we ask just 4 questions each week to get you blogging and thinking and meeting other bloggers!

Rainy Days and Mondays was a song about being down but, not everyone is down on a Monday or a rainy day.

1. Do Mondays get you down or did they ever? How about a rainy day? What makes it better?

Mondays mean a new work week...and stressful situations. So, no, I don't like Mondays and more often than not, its grueling. What makes it better? 4 pm, quitting time, LOL. Soon, I will be back on 8-5 and back in my office-at least one can hope.

2. How do you like to spend rainy days?

I would like to say on the couch reading a book or watching a good movie or tv show.

3.Do you like to take a walk in the rain?

Yes, its soothing.

4.What is your weather like this summer so far? What would make it better or worse?  What is your ideal summer weather?

Florida is the capital of the never-ending summer. Unfortunately, Florida remains extremely humid until late November. But I do like the winter season where it is 70-80* and very little humidness. What would make it better? Not having so much humidness sitting on us like pea soup; thick and heavy. Since we are in the throngs of summer, its hurricane season and presently watching 3 storms out in the tropics. Every afternoon we get heavy rain and sometimes thunderstorms. Funny, one side of the road would be clear and the other pouring rain.