Sunday Chat...

 

I will start off this Sunday by saying this administration is just plain evil and blasphemous in declaring Transgender Day of Visibility. Every single person should stand up against this, but they won't. I have voiced my opinion and called it out and stand by it. As for our home, we abide by Joshua 24:15.

On a more sober note, today marks our late sons 27th birthday. We had 24 lovely years with this wonderful young man, not all days were easy, but all in all, he was a wonderful young man who loved Christ and wasn't afraid to say so. This one photo also brings sadness, as my husband's one brother (to the left) is also gone now. Happy 27TH Birthday in Heaven Liam. But much sadness brings me to Ms. Lily Belle who waltzed into our life yesterday as if she already belonged here.

On Thursday night I received a text from a coworker...only I didn't see the text until Friday morning and when I got to work, she had sent an email to my work email with photos of a former service dog that her dad had known the human people who were looking to rehome her, her being Lilly Belle. They were moving into a small beach condo / deeded condo down in Venice Beach/Sarasota, FL, and they couldn't take her etc... well, Ms. Lilly Belle will be rehomed with us next Friday (she is being neutered this week). She has already picked her person (my husband). She is kind, gentle, mannered and well trained. And honestly, I think my husband needs a 4-legged companion. It is funny how life works...wasn't sure if we could ever open our home again...and yet, here we are. Please keep her human people in prayer, it's so hard for them to let her go...I did tell them they have visitation rights, and we would send them photos etc. 

Did I mention Ms. Lilly Belle likes to carry a stick? She doesn't chew on it, just likes to carry it around and sets it down by herself. Ok then...its ok. Unfort. Huey the cat doesn't care for her, but Ms. Lilly Belle, she could care less about the cat. 

I have tomorrow off (taking it off) and so therefor, I will post an updated photos of the outside etc. I didn't mean to post all this...smiles

My husband already has the ribs on (in honor of our son) and my folks will not be coming by. Their choice...and I am afraid Mom won't be coming by now at all due to Ms. Lilly. My mom is afraid of big dogs, thanks to being bitten once. We shall see and pray about it.

Saturday Memes...

 Good morning! I do have lots of news to share, but that will have to wait until tomorrow's post. Sorry, but I have not taken one photo of the work being done around here, nor the cabinet that got delivered. I did have to work yesterday on Good Friday, the state does not observe Good Friday, although I think they should. I will also have news of a new a family member ((grin))-who is a former retired 7 yr. old service dog. So many things happening this past week...until then, Memes.

1. What is your favorite sandwich? Bolonga on French bread with mustard. Butter: salted or sweet? Butter? I like both--I usually get Kerry Gold (Irish) or Land O Lakes. Butter is something I don't skimp on.

2. Do you have a favorite soup? Yes Do you make homemade soup often? Every once in a while. What kind? Vegetable, Beef Barley, Tomato or Chicken Noodle.  What's your favorite store-bought soup? Progresso brand.

3. What kind of cheese should be on a grilled cheese sandwich, and should it be served with tomato soup or some other flavor? It doesn't matter what kind of soup; soup always goes well with a sandwich. I usually use 3 diff. kinds of cheeses; Gouda, Cheddar and Mozzarella.

4. Is it a Hoagie, a Sub, a Zeppelin, a Grinder, or a Hero or maybe a Dagwood?  We call it a Sub here...it just depends on what region of the country your living in. What's on it? Oil... vinegar, onions, peppers, mayo? All the above...I love a good Italian--hold the tomatoes though.

1.What do you love about your life right now? 

Things seem to be running smoothly...although the economy stinks i.e. inflation and the government etc... Which.is really. depressing. 

2. March 26th is National Spinach Day...are you a fan? If so, how do you like yours prepared/served? Yes, in a salad.

3. In this current season would you say you need to spend more time looking inward or that you need to get out of your head? Tell us why. Hmm...hard to answer this. I miss our son, yes, the pain has lessened, but that void will never be filled. But life has to go on. And I know this. I prob. ought to get out of my shell more--professional speaking that is happening--not so much personally.

4. Are you following the 'March Madness' madness? (That's US college basketball in case you're out of the loop) No, not really. Once the Fl. Gators fell out, but I know hubby is with Alabama. What's something that feels like actual madness to you right now? Life in general. So much chaos going on in the world...so many lies, scams (especially with our government and law) etc...I am so happy to be able to retreat back here at home where there is no madness. Well, there might be madness with a new family member, but I doubt it, lol. I think both of us need a 'companion'--the loneliness of losing our son and his dog...sometimes, the pain can be so unbearable. We know nothing can truly replace either or...but we believe our hearts are ready to bring in a new family member. It sorta  kinda happened/ fell into our laps...or as my friend said, "It's a God thing." 

5. How will you celebrate the Easter/Passover holiday this year? 

My folks haven't gotten back to us, although they showed up this past week out of the blue...so said my husband. Which I know to be true because my mother left a beautiful green depression candy dish (more on that tomorrow). ANYWAYS, hubby is going to BBQ ribs and chicken, and I am going to make Potato Salad.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I was thinking this yesterday. I have been part of/facilitating these Re-Entry Seminars (a state mandated program for inmates to be reintroduced into society i.e. dealing with real life situations-those who are leaving our 'care' soon--part of new job responsibilities). They are done twice a month and even the Warden participates. Yesterday, we had one for our department/ no inmates. What an eye opener. Not that I am turning soft or ultra-liberal; but it def. has changed my heart. I think our system is set up to fail...and the old adage, once you're in the system, you're in it...yeah...that is so true. I am really disappointed in my fellow coworkers/officers who took part in yesterday's simulation. For one, take this seriously (they did not), and for the second point, most of them would turn to crime to make a living. The inmates who take part in this, the majority of them take it seriously. Unfort. we have a residual factor of 82% of inmates returning to prison. Life is hard, it sucks at times... yes, it sure does. I can tell you, one young lady who works in my office really surprised me, she kept coming back to my table (the Social Services Office) and she said, "This is really hard!" She kept on trying, and she even stood up in the end and said how hard it is and asked a million questions. I told her how proud I was of her, because she got "it". She got the point of the whole game. 25 years old and yet, the older folks my age, who have gotten soft and cushy real jobs, they didn't get it.

With that said, I better get going, Ms. Lily Belle will be here later this morning. Her handler is bringing her up from Sarasota. Oops, said too much. lol--we are beyond excited to have her in our lives. I am not sure if Huey i.e the cat who was here before us, will like the changes...we shall see.

Sunday Chat...

 Thank you for the lovely birthday wishes my friends...it sure made me smile.

TIME: 7:46 AM 

SCENE: 57* Sunny and supposed to be only 73* today.

DRINKING: My first cup of Maxwell House with Italian Sweet Cream.

THINKING:

--Should of have not stayed up until 2-binge watching Midsomer Murders. Because the alarm went off at 7 as hubby had to go over to a neighbor, the neighbor chopped down 2 cherry trees and hubby wanted the wood. He will use to it to grill/smoke/cook with. So, that is what he is doing right now him, and the neighbor are emptying out the back of the truck.

 (I can hear them).

--Speaking of which, Easter Sunday next week. It will be low key, invited the folks over for a BBQ (will they come? Who knows). We decided to be different and not have ham or do the traditional Easter dinner. Plus, our son would have been 27...he would have liked a BBQ. 

--Speaking of... hubby has been busy getting the outdoor kitchen/backyard around. We went yesterday to Lowes and ordered 60 red cobblestone pavers-it will be here tomorrow. Wait, did I get cobblestone? Not sure...I can't remember which ones I we agreed upon, LOL. Oh well, it will be a surprise. So, hubby will be busy this week setting those. I haven't taken one photo ---perhaps I ought to sometime today. He also planted a small container garden of green beans, tomatoes, peppers. Out front he planted an herb garden and wildflowers.

--It is unbelievable/unconceivable to me how far we have come in just 2 yrs. since we moved back here (April1) ...sometimes it feels like whirlwind. Who would have ever thought we would be living in a senior community, owning our home/paying a mortgage, have a second car, working for the state etc. 

--We went to Publix yesterday to get a birthday cake and I was carrying around a Raspberry filled cake...and then I saw the cupcakes with Buttercream frosting...guess who won out? Yep, the cupcakes. lol. I also made a homemade chicken pot pie last night, which will also be dinner tonight.

--Laundry...need I say more? lol

Well, I am moving pretty slow...lol. Have beautiful day and I will try to check in with your blogs.

Just a Simple Post...

 Just a simple post on this Saturday.

Well, I have made it to 57 years young today. Another year, where have 57 years gone? I surely don't feel like o.l.d. (spelling the word out). But I am. No pity party, it's just that simple. 57. I took yesterday off and had plans to head down to Caladesi State Park, no go as it was pouring rain. so, we changed gears and headed down to Oxford i.e. Lake Sumter i.e. the Villages in the pouring rain. Yep. Decided to be adventurous. 

Spent time at Traditions Antique Mall--where my husband and friend of 41 years -(one 1/2 of the couple who took us in) Kim (who's my boss btw) were up to no good-more on that later. Then we went over to 

Then we went to Metro Diner where hubby treated us to lunch and we took Kim over to the Goodwill and Walmart (she has never been to either-that Goodwill and Walmart at the Villages are upscale, lol). Then we headed home and, on the way, to dropping her back home in Dunnellon, we stopped at Renaissance Room, which is another consignment shop, again, those two were up to no good...

The reason why they were up to no good...the photo doesn't do this justice. Since I collect Green-Uranium Depression Glassware, they bought a cupcake stand. I saw it, but walked right by it because it was so expensive. Shocked. I tell you, shocked they bought this. My husband also apparently while he was out and about last week, he bought me Clinique Happy Perfume, he said he noticed I was out. Also, apparently while at the Renaissance Room, my husband bought a Hooser type cabinet for the kitchen, I did not take photos as it won't be delivered until Tuesday. So, all in all, today has a been a good day...well, folks, I need to get around...hope you all have a beautiful day. 

St. Patricks Day Chat...

 

Time: 7:45 am

Scene: 70: mostly cloudy, 92% humidity, 68* dewpoint. 

Drinking: Trying to get down my first cup of Maxwell House coffee with Italian Sweet Cream.

oh....I don't know...I stopped completely yesterday, lol.

Trying: to get the cobwebs out of my head, lol. We did nothing yesterday; hubby wasn't feeling well. He overdid it the other day moving the fence and lifting a heavy sink for the outdoor kitchen. I spent all day and evening on the couch watching 3 seasons of Midsomer Murders on Brit TV. ANYWAYS, I told him he wasn't getting any younger, he will be 58 on Tuesday. He hasn't slowed down, anyways, he reactivated the hernia he has. TMI

Thinking:

Still have laundry in the dryer that needs to be folded and put away and whites in the wash.

Need to get the corn beef and such around to put in the pot to cook.

Sometimes I need to get around today and get gas in my car for the week, stop at the store.

Tomorrow is my annual physical. I had blood work 2 weeks ago. Oh joy, the joys of getting old. There is nothing like seeing a dr. and being admonished for whatever ails or not ails you. I always leave there feeling like a 2 yr old. no matter how much I hype myself up. With all due respect, no one lives forever, I refuse to eat cardboard for the rest of my natural life. There goes that 2 yr. old tantrum. :)

No, to answer to a question that was asked --we have not found a church. We have church here at home.

Yes, we can carry an umbrella, but the tip of it has to be blunt not pointed. I have one of those reversible umbrellas. Let's see, oh we carry see through totes/bags and every morning, it has to be emptied out, one also has to have clear see through containers, no silverware only plastic, and only 6 water bottles. AND once you bring in a coffee mug, unscrewed lid, (you can't bring in open drinks) it stays, that goes for anything you bring in, sweater, decorations etc. OH, and to bring in such items as a sweater or decorations you must have written permission. Yep...we get treated sometimes worse than an inmate. I get it...truly I do.

Oh wait...I did get through another unpacked box and put the St. Patrick's Day wreath up, a little late. 

What's for Dinner?

Corn beef, potatoes, Kimchi, carrots. Have you ever had Kimchi? Its fermented cabbage.

I think I need another, lol. I should have never stayed up until midnight :). Wishing you all a beautiful day...that's all I got.

This Weeks Memes...

 Good morning, sharing the weeks memes.

Thanks Annie...

1. What kind of weather makes you feel you need to dress up warmly? Autumn. Not that we really have this down in Florida. It usually gets cold in Jan-Feb. This year I think it lasted for like 3 weeks, lol.

Do you get chilled easily or does it take a lot to get you shivering? The office area I work in is usually bone chilling cold and I wear a light jacket all day (my Dept. Of Correct. jacket). Usually, it takes a lot to get me shivering.

2. How is your weather so far this month? It has been in the 80's. Yesterday it was 88* and humid.  Are you happy with it or how would you improve it? It has been a rainy start, but all in all, not going to complain. 

3. How do you handle very hot days where you live and what constitutes a very hot day in your opinion?

Except for Jan-Feb. It pretty much stays warm and darn right humid...we are entering the summer months. ANYWAYS--I have dug out the capris and I am changing my work wardrobe now. Not much you can do when it gets humid out. I have a long walk to security from the parking lot and then another long walk to my office once I get into the compound. I do carry an umbrella to keep the sun off of me. I am sure security/officers are like she is cray cray. lol

4.  Is weather an important reason for you to live where you are or would you move to a better climate if you could?

Yes...and I have to say, I only miss the snow certain times...but I am loving the climate here, only not in the months of April-Nov. LOL

1. Thursday is National Pi Day...are you good at math? Nope What was the last thing you had to calculate? Every day I have to calculate prison time that the courts send and Gain time that the inmates get. And sometimes it's so ridiculous trying to calculate, I am just exhausted. LOL. Did you use your head or technology? Technology and a cheat sheet. Last slice of pie you ate? Last night, pizza from Belleview Pizza.

2. What makes a house a home? Love. Period.

3. Your current favorite green thing? Green Beans?

4. How do you define achievement? How does your personal definition look similar to, or different than, society's definition? What's something you think is worth achieving in life? 

Well, let me give you an example...for me it takes courage to stand up for right vs. wrong. Thursday, we had an incident at work (from my department nonetheless) which almost caused the prison to be shut down. I did stand up and said my peace...now, I know my head is on the proverbial chopping block from the 2 people who caused this incident: one a supervisor. And for the record, when the warden, asst. warden, major and 2 duty wardens come down and give a well-deserved butt chewing to the whole department, you better listen. But those 2, nope...blame game. Horrible. And one of them is a young lady who has a desk near me. "Oh, boohoo poor me"-you deserved that butt chewing out young lady. And to tell the powers that be your unremorseful and would do it again, I would have fired your butt. You.can.not.be.trusted. I might have said this to the person whose desk is near mine:

I have no need or desire to deal with her anymore. Period. You put our lives at risk for your activism.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

where was I? (apologies, this incident on Thursday has shaken me to a core--not just me, but the people I directly work with.)  We were supposed to go to Rural King today to get gates/privacy fencing, but alias, neither of us feel like going out. Long story short, we found out the people kiddy corner to our back yard has pigs, PIGS! IN A SENIOR 55+ COMMUNITY! Complaints have been filed, but this Florida and everything moves slow, and the codes say they cannot have them per code enforcement. Nonetheless, hubby had moved our side privacy fence to the back and now, our right side is wide open. So, that's reason to get gates or privacy fencing.

tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day which means corn beef, cabbage and potatoes.

This Weeks Memes...

 Good morning. Always behind, so it seems...this week's memes.

Welcome to Tuesday 4 begun by Toni Taddeo.

It's March and it might be nice to talk a bit about it.

The year is going by quickly....

1. March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion. How has it made its debut in your area? It came in like a lion. Storms and such. And for the record its officially pollen season. Can't keep the cars clean for nothing.

2. Is St Patrick's Day something you observe? When our son came of age, we used to do the Irish bar thing...not drinking but enjoying the music and such. We used to go bar hopping when we lived up north...but since our son passed away, nothing is the same. So, now, nothing. Besides, I wouldn't know where to find an Irish bar here.

3. Do you observe Easter? Yes

4. What will those holidays see you doing this year? Prob corn beef, potatoes and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day. Easter is up in the air at the moment. 

1. Has March come in like a lion where you live? If not a lion then what animal would you use to describe the weather in your area this first week of March? A lion. 

Does the weather affect your emotions? Sometimes. I do not look forward to the Florida summers where humidity and dewpoint rule. When did you last feel 'under the weather'? Hmm...been a while. I am more mentally tired than anything.

2. Do you know what your name means? Yes-it means beautiful, soft, flexible. Does the meaning of your name fit with your personality? No, not really. Do you like your name? I have had it for 56 years, so I guess. If you have children, did you consider the meaning of their names before choosing them? Yes. Liam was originally going to be named after my brothers, but long story short, my husband named him Liam Patrick (I had slipped into a coma soon after the C Section, and he knew I liked the Irish actor Liam Neeson and wanted a good Irish name).

3. It's National Sauce Month...what's your favorite sauce? Anything/everything Italian-red sauce, gravy as some Italians call it. Last thing you ate that used a sauce? Oh, hmm...prob. last week when hubby made goulash.

4. Something you've seen, tasted, done lately that you'd describe as 'awesome sauce'? hmm...well, I had fish and chips yesterday from this place down in the Villages.

and I used Malted Vinegar on my fish. So, yeah, it was awesome sauce.

5. What kinds of things do you love to collect? 

Seashells, depression glassware, candles.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

yes, especially here in Florida.

Sorry folks I have not been around. No reasons, just laziness. I had posted yesterday on FB that a friend and I are heading up to Anastasia Island (St. Augustine) for my birthday (I am taking the 22nd off so I can have a long weekend) ...but plans have changed and now hubby wants to tag along and wishes to go to Caladesi Island State Park off of Clearwater on the Gulf. Ferry fees are bit high at $18 per person. We shall see. None the less, I will be enjoying whatever type of water whether it be Gulf or Atlantic.

Just Mush...blah

 

My brain is just mush...I looked at all the Memes and went "Blah"...mush is the word. Couldn't think of one answer to provide to any of them. Sigh...Just being silly with this post...lighthearted etc.

We made it through February and now its Hello March, it's my birthday month, Turning 57. 57? Where have the years gone? Seriously...

Not much energy yesterday. We did go to a thrift store, and I found a pair of $49 (still had original price tag) capris in sea form green from Caribbean Joes with a price tag of $6, win win. Of course, because of my shortness, they sit just below my ankle. No worries, I can roll them up and iron them. It will be fine. We also did our weekly shopping at the ghetto Walmart. I call it ghetto, because it is. Remember when people use to wear decent clothing to go shopping? Or didn't have piercings and tattoos galore? I suppose I could call myself ghetto, I wear shorts, t shirt and flip flops, it is Florida after all.

We came home and I put in a Screamin Sicilian pizza in the oven. It was good. I also might splurged and bought East candy. Yeah, like either of us need it. :) Speaking of Easter...I decided to be different:

I found the Bunny Runner and Glass Eggs at Marshalls. Both were under $10.

Easter would have been our sons 27th birthday. Again, where have 3 years gone since his sudden passing? It has been such a blur, maybe it's designed to be that way? Grief and life in general I mean. See, I have way too much time on my hands to think such things. :)

While I was standing there at the oven, I was thinking how much life has changed since our son passed away...it hits me at odd times, you know. It's just the two of us, no one to leave anything too. How everything has gotten so expensive etc. I look around and think, how much more can I purge and then I go buy more stuff like above, LOL. 

Coming up on hurricane season (June-Nov.) here in Florida. Last season wasn't so bad...but since I am considered essential at work, and if needed at another prison, I could be placed at another facility no more than 50 miles from home which would mean Sumter or Orlando. Geesh, I already detest driving the 19 miles one way, can you imagine having to drive that distance? I was thinking about the hurricane season last night, we had some monster storms roll through last night into early this morning.

SO, that is about it...nothing going on today. I already did the laundry, already cleaned house...now just to figure out what's for dinner. it's funny how one can go to the grocery store and yet, there is nothing to eat. LOL--I do have to fast after 8 pm tonight, have to get blood work done at 6 am. Yay me, not. LOL

YIKES

 

Yikes...I mean to post this week, honest. 

Time: 7:50 (yikes, I slept in).

Scene: 65* and sunny. Humidity is 100% and rain will be moving in later this afternoon.

Drinking: 1st cup of Maxwell House with Italian Sweet Cream.

Going On's...

Alot at work...was pulled in yesterday, I'm marked safe from the chopping block, can't say that about some others...can't discuss it...and yes, a perm. state employee can be fired. We were all told to ship up or we will be shipped out-hence forth what happened yesterday. Yep. No favoritisms were played.

Hubby let me sleep in--"let" isn't the right word...but now he is pushing me to get around so we can go do 'things'.

'Things': 

get plants for the garden that he / hubby got ready this past week.

need to go to the grocery store.

get gas in my car for the week.

--and whatever else he has planned.

Thinking:

About the firings and who it affects...it means 2 supervisor positions will open and I have no plans to apply. Although, I might not have a choice. Kicking and screaming comes to mind.

I want to:

it doesn't? grin.

or 

ha...and my husband just said,

...I better get around. LOLOL

Thankful for...

My husband who went to my favorite bagel shop yesterday and got a dozen different bagels. He's a keeper, just saying.

I'll catch up later. 

P.S. My brain isn't working for the meme's. LOLOL