Currently...

 

Currently...

Weather: 70* and balmy at 9 am. Summer is upon us here in Florida. 

Health: It's ok...the humidity is affecting the joints/arthritis especially the feet. Praise the good Lord, no sicknesses to which seems to be going around...which brings me to the thought, peoples immunity abilities or lack of. I'll just leave it at that.

Reading: Bought a new book from Ollies yesterday

Watching: Still binge watching Midsomer Murders-starting Season 10 on Brit Tv.

Feeling: Not surprised by worldly stuff...we all know who wins in the end. I am just personally done with 1% 'ers of the world.

Thinking: 

The rising costs of everything...sounding like a repeat parrot. 

Happy to see the Univ. of Florida set parameters and rules for the protestors. While out yesterday we saw, on State Road 200 (Hospitality Road), there were protestors. Sad reality. Never thought I would live to see the day where our own government is anti Isarael.

Grateful: For a group of Christian women at work who aren't afraid of the 1% 'ers  and will pray and lay hands on you.

Making me laugh:

ha. Sometimes

Oh oh that's me. LOL

Every.single.day. It took me literally 7 hrs. to reply back to that email from a 1% er who is complaining / how offended she is about the daily Motivational Meetings --and she don't even attend them. I actually went to the department supervisor/duty warden, and she told me what to say. Because I really wanted to be rude and say what was on mind, but I figured I better be politically correct.

Have a great week everyone. 

Sunday Chat...

 

Time: 8:40 am

Weather: 68*. Another warm one today...oh wait, its Florida...stepped out at 11:30 last night to let Lily Belle out and it was just "ug"-icky. It hadn't cooled off.

Drinking: Finishing my second cup of coffee.

On my mind...Thinking:

--The cost of groceries. Actually, everything really. Thanks Biden Economics for crushing us folks. The government is screwed up, giving aid to foreign adversaries before shoring up our own borders. Shutting down the Alaskan pipelines etc. Shameful. Gas aka petroleum byproduct as my husband says is expected to be near $6 a gallon this summer. Here, yesterday it was $3.60 something-everyday it fluctuates. Gonna need a horse and buggy soon. Rising cost of everything--insurance, gas, food, utilities...are house insurance and car insurance went up big time...Our premium is $2,500 a year for the house alone.

**enough of that thinking-gonna make folks mad and become argumentative**

--I need to work on my fingernails and toes today...I was so lazy when we got home yesterday, I binged watched Midsomer Murders again...on Season 9 now. 

--Prepping both cars for the hurricane season. My husband keeps a bag/backpack in each car just in case, water, snacks, spare clothing, baby wipes and other items. I need to keep in the car anyways, because if a hurricane comes, I will be at work--being an essential employee and all.

--I hadn't taken one photo for the past couple of weeks. Shameful. lol

--really, don't have much to say and contemplated NOT posting today.

--at least for me they are. That is the closest thing to being barefoot, lol.

Meme Filled...

 

oh yes...summer has hit, early, lol.

Welcome to another of Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 and this week we will use one from November of 2018...

1. Food: ~ Do you buy brand names or go for the cheaper store name brand?

It depends really. For instance, I buy Mueller's Pasta. I grew up on that and one can only get it in the south i,e, pass the Mason Dixon. Actually, since being back in Florida, I have gone back to what I was raised on and only can get here. SO, name brands. BTW, if you look at certain chain store/big store generic brand labels, they are being bio engineered.

2.   Clothes: ~ Wear designer jeans/slacks with a brand name or regular department store jeans/slacks?

Since I work in an environment that requires business casual, and shop at upscale thrift stores, I buy name brands or look for name brands. I usually can buy Donna Karan, Cynthia Rowley, Kate Spade, Alfred Dunner among others for pennies on the dollar. I usually can walk away with 4 blouses for $32 or 2 pairs of slacks, capris for $36. Actually, I am going on a hunt today for short sleeve blouses because its quickly turning into summer.

3.   Handbags: ~ Buy a designer bag or look for a less expensive copy?

Well, I have two Coaches and one Michael Kors. So, I would say brand. I never used to be, but I figured since I work and have a job, why not buy what I like? But never full price.

4.   Shoes: ~ You get the drift, designer or a cheaper copy? 

Since I have bad feet, I wear Sketchers or Coface. And since its turning into summer, I buy their sandals. I have several brand heels/shoes but can't wear them. I also might get looks from coworkers, sorry but umm, my feet hurt 24/7 and I am not squishing my feet into uncomfortable shoes. Sandals or flip flops are close to being barefoot.

1. What's a skill you think everyone should have? 

Basic home economics such as how to sew a button on, how to balance a check book/financial, cook. These young folks now, are just to entitled (sigh, reading the news etc).

2. Do you have a special place or organizational system for gift wrapping? Do you still buy 'real' cards to send for birthdays, anniversaries, get-well, etc? 

Do you know, I have cards waiting to go out or even snail mail...frankly, I have been really procrastinating...sigh...

3. It's National Banana Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite thing to make with bananas or, if you're not a cook, your favorite thing to eat that contains banana? 

Banana pudding.

4. Do you believe in second chances? Elaborate. 

Yes...but I also adhere to a second chance doesn't mean anything if you didn't learn from the first time. It really just depends on the situation. I try really hard to give folks the benefit of the doubt, but if they are still making the same mistakes, it's hard to give it a second or more chance.

5. What is your idea of fun?

Since I work in a demanding and stressful environment, just relaxing on a beach, Peace and quiet, lol. Or even just relaxing at home at this point. I don't need bells and whistles to make me happy or funnness.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

So, my job has implemented a new (nice btw) thing a few weeks ago...every morning for 10-15 min one is invited to join in the 'Motivational Roll Call'. It has quickly grown into a regular thing and now, even Bible quotes are being used. We actually had to move into a larger area due to the crowds (administration & officers) that are showing up. It's not mandatory, or implied, just show up. I was skeptical at first, but you know what, it's a nice way to start the day. There are no set rules etc. just whatever is on your mind...I like to think of it as a "God thing"--the good Lord is moving through...anyways, someone suggested I be in charge of delivering the motivational quote...so, yeah, every morning, I give the motivational thought. So out of my element, but you know what, when something is put on your heart, just do it. One kind word can change someone's day, just my thought.

the big supervisor stopped me yesterday and thanked me for the quotes. I think folks' attitudes/moral in the workplace are changing...it's been nice.

Sunday Thoughts...

Time: 7:51 am

Scene: 51*, humidity 91%, dewpoint 49*. No worries, it will be humid and 85* by 11 am.

Drinking: First cup of coffee with Italian Sweet Cream.

Agenda for the day: 

My husband asked me last night did I like having Saturdays off i.e. staycations. Yes, Yes, I do...if I want to lay around all day and do nothing (i.e. binge watch Midsomer Murders), that is what happens, I did go out and play with Lily Belle and thru the stick for a while. He said he thinks having a 'mental health' day is good. I quite agree...but today is back to reality. We really need to get gasoline in my car for the work week & head over to Publix. 

Laundry...all though he did most of it yesterday. He won't touch the whites also known as lingerie/underwear and bras. I was quite upset because he did the laundry, which is my job on the weekends. He told me to get over it, LOL.

What's for dinner?

Since he has been cooking outside BBQing a lot, I decided that a good dish of Goulash is needed.

An old photo from when we lived in NY. I don't even have that plate(s) anymore. 

. 

It will make a nice Sunday dinner and leftovers for work.

Weather this week: 

It looks to be in the 90's and no rain. The month of May will be upon us soon, as will the extreme humidness.

Taxes:

Tomorrow is Tax Day...or as I like to call it squeeze every last drop of pennies out of me day. Ridiculous. Death and Taxes are a reality, which shouldn't be (taxes I mean). I did go up to HR at work and had an expert take a look, come to find out, I was in the wrong bracket. I now claim 0. Stupid tax laws change every so often. 

Making me laugh:

I am personally just below the $50,000 threshold. Sad, truly it is...not even that amount is enough at times.

Harsh realities.

Currently...

 

Currently...

The weather-53* and sunny. After a couple days of severe storms, all is quiet here in central Florida.

Work-

We passed the state review/audit and are number 1 in our region. Plenty of hard work, stepping on toes etc. to get it done. The normal number for mistakes etc. is 40 and we had 19. Outstanding. Still a way to go, but all in all a good review. Next up is the ACA review on Monday, that's accreditation standards.

Feeling-

Tired. Been a rough week. When isn't it? Especially the profession I work in. Lately, court documents are coming in from counties that are just plain hard to read and out of order--I have written several verbal docs to the courts and Tallahassee this past week. There needs to be an overall standard for the courts to follow-I realize each 67 counties are different, but there ought to be a standard to which needs to be followed. At least when there is an Interstate Compact, the feds have it going on, lol.

Thinking-

I guess we will wait to go out tomorrow to fill up my car and do a little grocery shopping.

I really need to get the taxes done, sigh. Money grubbing IRS. They sure go after the little guy. Me thinks I pay enough in everyday taxes and then owe the government $500.  Yeah...

I really need to clean up my home desk, papers etc. everywhere. Hubby has been setting his mother's bills on my desk, time to pay those. Simply can't believe it's the middle of April already.

Laundry...need I say more?

Wasn't feeling any of the weekly memes this week, apologies.

Enjoying 

this Florida weather. I wish it would stay this way, but we all know the summer humidity and hurricane season will be upon us soon.

Looking forward to

Just staying in today...or maybe go outside for a bit.

Making me laugh

I plead the 5th lol.

don't be offended...but I might have said this. LOL

that would be epic. lol

OK, I have enough entertaining my brain with the minions. I hope each of you have a beautiful day.

Sunday Chat...

 

thinking I forgot to welcome the new month in.

Time: 8:20 am

Scene: 48* sunny. Supposed to be only near 80.

Drinking: First cup of Maxwell House with Italian Sweet Cream.

Random Thinking:

--Ms. Lily Belle has been with us since Friday and has adapted well to us. Actually, she adores my husband. The vet said she is underweight and has to put on 20-25 lbs. But overall, she is in good health physically and mentally (except for the inherited cat that was here when we bought the house-they do not like each other).

-- I really need to get around for the day...laundry and all.

--hubby finally sorta figured out his pizza oven and made delicious pizza yesterday for lunch. I made a pot roast and vegies for dinner.

--tomorrow and Tuesday the state auditors are coming down. I have to be into work by 6:30 am. Good thing, get to leave by 3:30. Nonetheless, it's always 45 to 60 min. drive there and back. The Ocala I grew up in, is no longer Slo' Cala.

--squatters. We have some living in an abandoned/ boarded up house on the corner-no electricity etc. Not sure what can be done-DeSantis signed a bill into law taking affect July 1 against squatting.

--Liking the cabinet. My husband took the photo, I haven't taken any photos...anyways, plenty of storage and the drawer pulls out to make a workspace.

Thinking...earthquakes, war, weather and other political nonsense. Me thinks they are all related.

On second thought, I might just spend some time outside today. I never did catch up on blogs...sigh...Have a beautiful day all.

Meming It...

 

Ms. Lily Belle the 7-year-old former service dog aka German Shepherd arrived in our home yesterday, and has settled in nicely, except for the cat. That cat doesn't like the dog. Period. And Huey is just going to have to deal with it, period. Huey decided to be stupid and jump on the dog hissing and clawing. Yeah, we are not having it. He literally goes after the dog every time. Sigh, onwards to the week's memes...

Welcome to the first of Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 of April 2024.

1. What spring flowers/trees are your favorites?

This is Florida where Pine, Oak, Cypress, Dogwood, and Palms, Impatiens, Bird of Paradise, Beach Sunflowers, Wildflowers and such grow year around. I like all trees and flowers with the exception of Pine, as I am allergic too.

2. Do you ever bring home bouquets for your home? 

Sometimes

3. If you are married, what flowers were in your bouquet? I really don't remember...I know I had Hobby Lobby make the bouquets. 

4.Do you check the weather forecast for an upcoming month?

 Yep, pretty much sums it up. LOL-We are heading into storm season, so if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes. LOL

1. What's a talent you wish you had?

When I grow up, I want to be like Animal from the Muppets and play the drums. LOL

 

2. In one word, what's your state of mind right now? 

3. What's the next major purchase you need to make? To finish the pavers and put up the side fence.

Will it happen this month? Prob. not. Have you seen the price of things? This year? Prob.

4. Tuesday (April 2nd) was National PB and J Day...did you celebrate? No. Is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich something you eat weekly or more? I don't eat it a lot, but I do like it. What's your favorite kind of jelly? Blackberry.

5. Are you easily intimidated? LOL NO. Who or what intimidates you? Not much. Actually, folks (especially at work) will prob. tell you I am sort of a bully. I don't put up with crap from no one and I will let you know about it too. For instance, security has been pushing my buttons lately over security issues in the morning and the nick picking that is done. But when security told me that my food item had to have a clear top on the container, I asked where in policy does it state? (it doesn't). Security was going to take my lunch and the contents of my clear bag (lipstick, sealed store-bought candy in its bag, my umbrella, keys, food containers, some desk decorations with a note from my superiors for permission); I simply shrugged and told them take it and place it in the Control Room and I would pick it up later. Oh, they gave me my bag back and its contents etc. I didn't have any contraband, and they knew it. They are always hassling us administration and that particular morning; I wasn't having it. It was pouring rain, making me stand in bare feet on a wet slippery floor, giving me one heck of an invasive pat down and you except me to just stand there? Not. Oh, I get I work in a prison but when you have others such as Medical or Security personnel walking in with McDonalds bags (big no no) or WAWA / 7-11 cups with something in it (big no no) then I take issue. Ok, so I decided to be a smart alec and bought in a clear top container the next day and you know what they did? OPENED MY CONTAINER AND SMELLED MY FOOD! I simply told them they better get someone down here fast. They did and I filed a complaint on the spot. Yeah, so now I am on the colonel's radar because we were exiting the other day at 5 pm and standing with one another and he goes, "Just so you know, your top containers have to be clear (he was being smart) and I said, "And where does in policy does it state, because it doesn't because code so and so (I stated the code) does not mention it." He looked at me and shook his head and said, "Ms. Conley, why do you have to push my buttons? Ah, so it did reach him (my incident). Interesting. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

 I gotta get around and head to the store and hopefully will catch up later with the blogs. 

Monday Morning...

 

Ha. Good morning from Florida where the sun is starting to come up. I have taken today off, no reasons...I actually thought we would go to the beach this past Easter weekend, but alias, it did not happen. So, here what has been going on around here.

A pallet of pavers arrived last Monday. And hubby set out to get the ground ready.

Florida is known for their sand, everywhere, even 45 min. from the beach. Yes, its sand, not dirt.

the Jasmine is really taking off and it smells great.

He started laying them down.

He still has to finish laying the perimeter down. But all in, happy so far. It might not be the Taj Mahal...but it's ours.

Well, that is it for now...I hadn't taken photos of the cabinet yet. I hope you all have a great day, I am doing nothing today, well, I will be stripping the bed linens and throwing them in the wash and ironing my clothes for the rest of the week. How exciting, lol.