Photo Overload...

Good morning.

Photo overload day...grin

...sitting here at 7:20 am on a cloudy Saturday humid morning drinking my first cup of coffee. Looks to be a stormy day expecting 64% chance of rain/thunderstorms.

Thought I would share what's been going on here in. Excited that the doors and windows are in:

Before and after

hubby is going to eventually stain the deck white.

Lot quieter. And economical as the central ac doesn't come on as often now. Below is the before of the backdoor.

he also put up the privacy fence on both sides of the house. 

He is also going to extend the back steps/deck to the grill area.

 after back door

inside of the backdoor. (below)

Before Carport/windows doors -below

after carport. 

He has been very busy; the privacy fence came from neighbors who were tearing down it to put up a white vinyl privacy fence and it didn't cost anything but labor. The carport came from friends who were selling their home and decided not to keep it/the carport. Free but labor intense. The doors and windows were professionally installed and cost a pretty penny. 

I think we have come a long way from a year ago--actually it will be a year on Oct. 31 since we bought this place and moved in...it certainly has been a rollercoaster, that's for sure...with Liam suddenly passing away on 12/11/21, packing up, living with friends, the ups and downs of finding a place etc...one thing is for certain:

Wishing you a beautiful day. 

No Beach...

 A day off and no beach time...it looks to be a rainy day here inland and coastal. So, how about I bore you with the

1. It's officially fall y'all. In the northern hemisphere anyway. Any signs of it where you are? 

No, not really...just the rainy season. The evenings are pleasant, but the days are still humid.

What's your favorite thing about this time of year?

It used to be the changing of the leaves/seasons. Now, since we have been back in Florida, it's the less humid days, well, come November, hopefully. I still have to sort of pinch myself as we can wear flip flops year around, except for that week or month of chilly weather.

2. Have you visited any 'falls' in person? Tell us about one of your favorites? Of the following top ten famous falls (according to this site ) which would you most like to see in person-

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia), Igazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil), Niagara Falls (US/Canada), Angel Falls (Venezuela), Yosemite Falls (California), Dettifoss (Iceland) Kaieteur Falls (Guyana), Plitvice Waterfalls (Croatia), Gullfoss-Golden Falls (Iceland), or Sutherland Falls (New Zealand)

one of my favorite photos of our late son and his dad/my husband. They were in heavy conversation about Tesla. Liam was a fountain of information; his brain was like a sponge...he took everything in. That kid amazed me. On a sad note, he knew his time was short on this Earthly plain. We all knew his time was short and yes, I did take it for granted, sadly. Not quite believing the news when he had his open-heart surgery at age 6 and the dr. said he could only give him 10 yrs... that 10 yrs. lasted 18. We were so blessed to have him that long...

Niagra Falls, loved it...not quite what I expected though, lol.

3. What's something you'll miss about summer? 

HA! It's summer 11 months out of the year here in Florida...I am looking forward though to less humidity.

4. A favorite fall recipe?

I love soup...but honestly, it has been too hot for soup. My husband did make homemade Beef Stew the other day and it was good...but still it's not fall weather here.

5. Something you enjoy but lately have allowed it to 'fall by the wayside'?

Insert your own random thought here. 

---wondering what's going on with The Cutest Blog --the page isn't coming up and I am wanting to change backgrounds etc.

--Thinking I really ought to take some photos of the before (I have those) and after of the windows and doors. 

--Thinking what kind of mischief one can get into today, grin.

Thinking...watching the live Beach Cam awaiting daylight.

Thinking...I might make a trip to Sam's Club today. Not that we really need anything...but I am wanting Cheesecake. LOL

Hmm...maybe I ought to plead the 5th on that, LOLOL. Just.Keeping.It.Real. Have a great all.

Tuesday 4...

 Joining in on the Tuesday 4.

Hi friends.  The weeks go by quickly and summer has turned to autumn so fast its amazing.  It is time for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. 

We have an invitation for a weekend at our friends estate...

1. We have a choice of skeet shooting, horseback riding, a sail on their lake or games on the lawn like lawn tennis, croquette, etc.  Are you interested in one or will you stay at the house reading or talking with friends?

Ohhhhhhhhhh I shall choose all the above, smiles

2.  In the afternoon there is a hayride to enjoy fall colors and pumpkin or apple picking.  Which one suits you best?

ALL the above...see how easy I am? grin.

3.  In the evening there will be a choice of movies in their screening room.  What movie gets your vote?

Hocus Pocus.

4.  Our last night there is a costume ball. What will your costume or character be?

I just want to be a princess for a day...

 I shall be dazzling in this beautiful gown with a lovely tiara.

and Emerald earrings

Thanks, Annie, for such fun.

Sunday Chat

 

Time: 7:40 am

Scene: 61*, sunny, 93% humidity, 59* dewpoint. Not to bad out...not cool enough to turn the ac off, just saying. The days are still pretty warm.

Drinking: A big cup of New England Breakfast Blend with Italian Creamer.

Thinking: 

I never got around to visiting Blogs or emails yesterday and it looks like I have a voice message from the folks too. Oops. grin

Went here and there yesterday, our usual Saturday things. Left at 9 and didn't get home until 4:30 or so. We had leftover pizza, watched the last 1/2 of the 'Bama football game, called it a day and stayed up until 1 am watching this British show called Monarch of the Glen, actually we have spent the last few Sundays watching. 

I need to take photos; I have the before photos of the windows/doors and need the after transformations.

Flagler Beach, Fl.

I have a 4-day week, decided to take a vacation day and so therefore, we are heading to the beach for the day on Friday. My husband mentioned Dayona, we shall see where we end up. Of course, the weather might be an issue, as we are in hurricane season. SO, we are watching that.

Thinking I need to get around, forgot a few things from the store yesterday, I suppose we need to venture out today, again.

That's all I got. Thank you for the kind comments yesterday. grin.

Hodgepodge on a Saturday...

 Busy work week folks...by the time I get home, all I want to do is crawl into bed.

1. If your life had a theme song for this past year, what would it be? 

Three Chords by Goodbye June: 'Give them 3 chords and the Holy Ghost'...needing a good revival in general.

 2. Chocolate cake, chocolate milkshake, chocolate ice cream, chocolate truffle, chocolate mousse, chocolate candy bar or a fudgy chocolate brownie...of the chocolate treats listed, which one is your favorite? Which one have you tasted most recently? Or maybe you don't like chocolate???

I saw this on that that show Millionaire Dollar Listings...anyways...We went to one of our favorite restaurants last night; Piesanos and I had an Expresso Martini.

Vodka, Expresso, coffee liqueur, chocolate syrup.

Oh my goodness...the best thing I have had in a long time. 

3. What has surprised you recently? 

People in general. I better leave it at that, I don't get surprised ---but lately, I am dumbfounded between the political scene, and just people in general...how stupid folks really are.

4. September 19th is National Voter Registration Day in the US. Are you registered to vote in whatever state or country you happen to live in right now? If not, why not? Not counting a political race, what's something you've had to vote on recently?

Yes. But honestly...I'm not feeling anything to go out and vote. Why? Why would I? Does my vote really count? Just saying. 

Not counting a political race, what's something you've had to vote on recently?

Something at work/an issue. And the vote was overwhelming for this issue. And yes, I did vote that way/majority.

5. Do you like to hike? If so, when's the last time you went hiking and where'd ya go? If you're not a hiker are you a walker? Is walking (for exercise, etc.) part of your daily/weekly routine? 

Not anymore...I do like to hike...but honestly, I kind of lost my mojo. Below is a a few years back. Not far from where lived in NY---Stony Brook. Who would have known that Liam/our son would pass away a year later.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The doors and windows got installed. I haven't taken a photo of the backdoor yet...this is off my husband's phone.

The installers did a really good job, well worth the extra money. We are off...need to get the oil changed in the SUV, run around and look for another porch light. grocery shopping etc. Have a beautiful day all and thank you for the kind comments/words from Tuesdays post.

Tuesday Meme...

 Preposting this on Sunday afternoon. Joining in on the Tuesday Meme.

1. Are you artistic in any way and if so, how so? 

Knitting-Nope, Crochet-Nope, Drawing-Nope Painting-So so, I love to paint rooms. Writing lovely word art-So so. Home décor-Yes. I like to create warm living spaces and I know when I walk into an area if its right nor not. Lovely meals?  If you mean home cooked, yes. Not fancy. Although I own several cookbooks, I prob. could master fancy. 

2. Does any art hang on your walls - Yes. Actually, since we live in a mobile home, our walls are a bit different, but hubby found a clever way to hang things. Or grace your tables or shelves at home? Yes, on each of the side tables their things books candy dishes. How about your front door or windows. No, the living room and 2 of the bedrooms face the sun all day and the windows get hot. But we are looking into options-the shutters that had been up, fell apart during the hurricane a few weeks ago. What about your yard? Well, we do fly the American flag, USMC flag and I do have a garden Halloween / pumpkin flag. There is also a metal American flag in the yard.

3. Do you have a favorite artist or artists and do you have a favorite piece of art?

I have 2 watercolors that I picked up at an estate sale when we lived in Alabama: The Gorgas House and the Presidents Mansion from the Univ. of Alabama.

We also have 2 paintings from a Cuban artist that my husband had worked with.

(a) where Sam lived in Cuba.

(a) a bench I had that was overgrown.

4.  Home décor can be art. When you bought things for your home did you plan out the décor or did it all just fall together. Was there a theme?

We are pretty eclectic. I had planned on a coastal theme when we moved back here, but hubby decided while I was at work to put up all the country art/tins in the kitchen. I was overruled. The kitchen walls are now covered with them.

taken prior before he finished hanging whatever.

Have a great day all!

Sunday Stealing...

 Since The Cutest Blog on the Block has been down for days, I can't change the blog look, if anyone has blog design websites, please share. Until then, I will do a Sunday Steal.

P.S. Update 12:50 pm. YAY, The Cutest Blog is back up. 

1. What is your favorite book?

I don't think I have met a book I truly didn't like. I like books, period. So, I am not going to choose.

2. Are you afraid of the dark?

No, although I was bought up to believe that nothing good comes out of being out past dark thirty.

3. Are you mean?

I suppose I am, in my head...although, I did let a coworker fry on Friday. She was sleeping at her desk, again (multiple warnings etc). The big boss came in and at first, he didn't see her, and I might had nodded over to her area. She was sleeping so soundly she didn't even hear him, and he wasn't speaking low either. He simply came in to tell us lunch was ready (it was our monthly staff luncheon-Taco Bar). SO, I suppose I was mean, and on purpose. We are all fed up with the behavior she has. It is not my job to wake her or warn her etc. For someone who is only 24, she sure has a lot to learn.

4. Is cheating ever, OK?

I think it depends on the situation. Are lying and cheating the same? Everyone (including my employer) knows I am brutally honest. SO, really, I have a hard time, personally doing both.

5. Can you keep white shoes white?

I don't know...I don't wear white shoes, LOL. In all seriousness, when I do, I like them dirty, it doesn't bother me.

6. Are you currently bored?

Nope

7. Would you change your name?

I did when I got married. I haven't been my maiden name since 1988. It sort of bothers me this new thing where brides don't take the husbands name. Oh, I get it, but still. 

8. Do you like the subway?

It depends. NYC no way.

9. Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with?

My husband.

10. Dumbest lie you’ve ever told?

I told this story; it was 46 years ago, and I was 10 yrs. old. I forged my dad's name on a history test that I failed and that got rewarded with a trip to the sheriff's office and the morgue. Which resulted in me being brutally honest for the rest of my life.

11. Do you sleep with your door open or closed?

Front door? Shut and locked, duh. Bedroom is always open. I can't stand it shut.

12. Favorite month?

All of them? I do like the 'Ber months. But since living down here now, we just don't get the cold or semi cold. lol

13. Dark, milk, or white chocolate?

Milk? I like dark, it doesn't like me LOL.

14. Tea or coffee?

Both. But I drink coffee in the morning.

15. Night or day?

Either / or. 

Currently...

 Linking back to Stacy for the Currently meme...Honestly, I cannot think straight to do the Tuesday 4 meme or the Wed. Hodgepodge. 

Currently...

...Sitting here at my desk trying to come up with things to say on this Saturday morning.

...The weather is Fair and 73*, humidity at 97*, dewpoint at 72*. Looks to be another warm day calling for rain later this afternoon.

...So, I was injured at work Monday. I know the majority of you saw it on FB. But a freak accident happened; caught 3 fingers in the one of the heavy metal air locked doors. One of the fingers got broke. After a visit Thursday to the Orthopedic dr. it was determined NOT to have surgery. The bleeding has finally stopped and will heal in about 4-6 weeks. I have not taken any time off for workers comp, nor will I much to the chagrin of my bosses. I am.not.that.person. Plain and simple. I have also decided NOT to show the photo again, it's just to gross and frankly, I am over it. Bandages have been taken off due to possible nerve damage. Or I should say trying to prevent it from happening.

...The doors came in and 3 of the 7 windows.

However, they cannot be installed, awaiting the permits--yes, one has to have permits to install doors and windows. Stupid Florida law thanks to the all the hurricanes and insurance laws/rules. AND one has to have an affidavit from one's mortgage company yep. I can see why folks tell the gvt. to go find themselves...who knows when the permit will come in. I find it all ridiculous as it's my house. Or like hubby said yesterday, "Is it our house? The government seems to think they own it." Yes, they are all hurricane rated, again, they have to be.

...Which brings me to another subject...did you know due to the amended Patriot Law, one cannot use, withdraw, charge/debit anything over $2,500 in a single day/ Yep. I'm no criminal, but I am tired of being treated as such. My/our money is from a small inheritance that my brother in-law left. Hence why only 3 windows are here.

...feeling a little tired and out of sorts. It's been a rough week. Fighting bureaucratic nonsense is not for sissies. I can see why (for the second time saying this) that folks tell the government to go find themselves. 

...I am grateful though for that inheritance, grateful for friends, grateful for a job etc.

...We are going out and about today to look for door handles/locks. That is if we ever get going. LOL.

...some Saturday humor ((grin))

Ok, I'll stop now (lol). Have a great day all.

Never Forget

 

Sunday Chat...

 Good morning from Florida!

Time: 7:49 am

Scene: 71* clear, 100% humidity, dewpoint 71*.

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

**side note went back to New England brand as Community was causing heartburn. It was just too acidy.

Thinking/Pondering:

We got haircuts and then drove down to the Villages. Had the nicest breakfast at our favorite diner yesterday, Metro Diner. I had Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes and hubby had Chicken and Waffles. 

We headed across the street to a consignment store, and I found this cute little heavy wrought iron table? plant stand? for $10. And wouldn't you know it, I forgot to get candy for my candy dish.

Then we went over to Goodwill and bought some Halloween items / banners for my desk and a coworker's desk. It was told to us by another coworker she doesn't celebrate Halloween and she decorated the whole office in fall items. Excuse me, I was a bit offended (not really but kind of because she didn't bother to ask). So, the other coworker and I decided to decorate our desks. She promptly gave me some money and asked me to pick things up for her (she knew I was already going to do this as this other coworker was ranting about anti this and that). We discussed what we wanted (nothing scary, just silly stuff). We did seek permission first and the powers that be is allowing it (I probably ought to have mentioned that first, realized I was out of order posting, lol)

Then we went over to the very nice Walmart and grocery shopped.

Then we came home unloaded the groceries and went back out to Lowes. Hubby wanted some Mums. We found one huge mum (sorry didn't take a photo but will) and bathmats for each of our sinks. We are also talking about getting some hibiscus for the front of the house.

Came home and made tacos for dinner (because it was nearly 6 pm and it dawned on us we had been going and going all day).

...thinking it's going to be another tough week at work as we have another 100 intakes this week. 

...keeping an eye (distant-not really keeping), lol) on the tropics.

That is, it. I have decided since my arthritis is flaring up, I will not be doing anything today, shower and put on clean pj's. That's all I can muster up. I knew I overdid yesterday, but it was so beautiful out, not much humidity etc.

Thankful Saturday...

 It is really supposed to be a Thankful Thursday post, linking back to Stacy. Unfort. I never made it on the computer this week due to the job demands. So, how about a Thankful Saturday.

Giving Thanks...

...slightly cooler temps. Slightly is the word, lol.

...afternoon thunderstorms, one that was particularly severe yesterday that knocked out power at work (on generator) and zapped my computer which prompted a long call with the Help Desk and a change of passwords, darn it... Yeah, not fun. But nonetheless, happy for the afternoon showers.

...today being Saturday.

...for a very healthy pay increase starting Oct. 1 but it also put me in a high-risk (safety wise) category to which will be listed on my future retirement now (and another tax bracket) which means more money for retirement. Happy that the folks in Tallahassee (legislation) saw this/how we should be considered high risk as well. Every single person should be listed as such. BTW, no matter one's job title or where is one situated, we do work in a prison with some very mean, nasty, hardened folks. And yes, women are just as such as men are. One might be surprised at that. Just saying.

...thanks for this monstrosity (lol) . Hubby and his buddy put up the used carport that they had torn down from another property.

...thankful for living in a nice quiet almost retirement community. Although, the sheriff has visited us twice this month looking for the folks who had lived at our address. Don't know why, no reason was given. 

...for nice smelling fallish candles. It might not feel like fall here in the great state of Florida, but by golly, I can trick my brain, LOL.

...Thankful for all of you.

Tuesday Meme

 Joining in with the Tuesday Meme. I am prewriting this Monday morning.

 

 

 Welcome back friends!

A wise man once said that most people fall into their lives. They don't plan and carry out what they would like to do, they just fall into things through circumstances.  Others plan and prepare for life.  They know the kind of person they want to spend their life with, the kind of family, home or job they wish to have and make a concerted effort to follow through.  

So, what about you?

1. Did you plan to be where you are right now in life, or did you just end up where you are?

Prob. just ended up here. After our son suddenly passed away, we threw caution to the wind and moved back to Florida. Let me tell you a little story I tell the inmates...

...when I was 10 years old, I failed a history test, and it required my parents' signature. Little did I know the teacher had already contacted my parents and I did the unthinkable; I forged my dad's signature. He was waiting for me when I got home. So, he took me down the sheriff's office where I was promptly booked and put in a cell. Then they came and got me and took me down to the morgue where my dad met us. Yeah...traumatizing to a 10-year-old. That was 46 years ago, and I can remember it to this day. Little did I know all these years later I would have a degree in History and be working for the Department of Corrections. So, call it what you will, but it's kind of full circle, don't you think?

2. What plans did you make for your future and what plans do you have for the future now or are you just marking time?

You know, I should have probably heeded advice when I was younger...save money, buy a house young etc. etc. etc...and I did none of those things. Time has flown by...especially these soon 21months since Liam passed away. So, I would say marking time...because one cannot take it with you when you leave this Earthly plain. Ok, so there is another inconvenient truth bomb.

3.  Do you live where you want to live, or would you have done things differently when planning where to live?

I think probably the good Lord placed us in all those places we have lived. As much as I would love to be a beach bum, HE has other plans. grin

4. What is planned for this coming Autumn? trips or plans with family or friends? vacations? holiday plans? Reading list?

Absolutely nothing. I would love to make it to the beach again...but as I am reminded by my husband, we live in Florida where it stays warm 10 months out of the year, grin. I am lucky to totally be living where we live and get to wear flip flops pretty much all year around. Do I miss the fall and winter? Sure...but this where the good Lord wants us, and we are to make the best of it.--I do know the hubby wants to go here and there: Jacksonville, Tampa, Sarasota, Lakeland, Interlachen, Patterson, Georgia etc. We shall see.

Thank you for joining in to make Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 a success.