Sunday Stealing

 

My shortened version...on this last Sunday in July.

1. What are your plans for August?

Seriously? No plans, just keeping my job (no danger of losing it, just saying) and my head above the proverbial water (utilities, mortgage, car payment, insurances etc.) Oh yes and surviving any hurricanes that come this way.

2. Your midyear resolutions or goals?

Working on myself is always a goal and keeping my big mouth shut.

3. Are you good at taking care of plants?

Yes, I think I am okay. We have a tree in our office area and "Rodriguez" likes to be watered and talked too every single day, our orderlies/inmates that clean for us actually have been kind enough to heed our warnings about that (talking to him). lol

4. What makes you feel nourished?

 That I can home every day out those prison gates...wait, is nourished the same as blessed? --In all seriousness, I have taken a different approach to my mental & spiritual-working in a prison is not for the faint of heart. And every day before I go in, I pray and every day when I get out, I pray. That in itself is both a mental and a spiritual battle. So, what makes me feel nourished? My prayer life.

5. Which animals do you see most in your area?

Deer, foxes, frogs, geckos/lizards, snakes, alligators, horses.

6. Projects you want to tackle this summer.

Well, I would love to paint the kitchen cabinets, unfort. this Generac is taking up money--so that will have to wait. I have already started cleaning out my closet.

7. Which summer snacks are you excited to enjoy again

This is Florida...so I get to enjoy whatever all through the year. I am on a 30-day challenge right now, no soda/pop. And I can tell you, I am actually getting my water allotment in. But I do like the occasional Sweet Iced Tea and Frozen Dailys. (frozen alcohol)

8. Something that would be out of character for you

Not expressing my opinion. And not being bossy. I was told at work the other day, that is one of my enduring qualities, on second thought, maybe not so. LOL--Actually, I corrected the person and said I am ASSERTIVE not BOSSY! lol lol

9. Your favorite free / cost effective ways to have fun

We go antiquing or to the thrift stores or even the beach.

Random thoughts...

Setting new goals i.e. 30-Day Challenges. After coming off not feeling so well last week and dealing with the extreme humidity that we have here in Florida, it was time to make changes. I haven't a clue on what next month will bring or what the challenge will be. I'm not quite ready to cut all sugar out yet. Keeping it simple. 

...and to try not to harm the husband who has decided to turn the ac up to 79* due to the rising cost of electricity, LOLOLOL. Our bill went up $6 last month and he about had a cow.

Saturday Chat...

 

ain't that the truth.

Currently...

3:30 pm on a Saturday afternoon and it's 85* and pouring rain.

...on this thought...

This is what we saw on the way to the store earlier. The Sahara dust has been awesome, awesome sunrises and sunsets and awesome storms. Below was taken from Flagler Beach -I took it off someone's website.

yesterday

every single day we get these storms. They have been very intense, to say the least. BTW, you see the wooden walkway? That is where we park when we go to Flagler. That area was devasted during the last hurricane. It truly is unspoiled beauty, as I like to call it. Moving along...

I'm reading/watching...nothing much. Very disappointed disgusted in the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.

I'm thinking...now we are really in debt. We had the Generac folks come out...anyways, nearly $7,000 later, we will have a portable generator (18,000 w) that will power the house if and when the electricity goes out during a storm, hurricane/tornado. We had no room for gas lines/a 250-gal tank. So, house poor we are now...sigh...it's never really ending. But I think it will be well worth the investment. The electrician will come out and do whatever (we have to have a permit). So, no more going out to eat, clothes shopping etc.

I'm feeling...ok. glad this work week is over with...onward to another week Monday.

I'm enjoying...Gelato...it's a little treat.

Laughing...

well...now, this is the truth.

In reference to this current 'season in life'...

and lastly, now you know where I stand...and unapologetic as well.

Boom, drop that mic.

Tuesday Meme on a Wednesday...

 

Good morning from the swamp. lol

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. She would be delighted you are here to join in and so am I. As buildings go, she is a masterpiece of great workmanship, The photo is the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey.  It is the largest cathedral outside Europe. Not only is it beautiful inside and out but has a magnificent pipe organ Its cornerstone was laid in 1899.

1. What are some beautiful buildings in your neck of the woods?

Landmark Building. My brother had his wedding reception there.

 It is done in an Art Deco style. Built in 1911. It is quite lovely inside.

Not just one building...We have the Ft. King National Historical Landmark Fort, The Ocala Historic District, the Ocala National Bank building and so on. Ocala is former Seminole territory.

2.  What buildings of renown have you experienced or would like to experience? The Louvre? Maybe Versailles? Things closer to home perhaps? None of those, but I would love too. I have been to the Sears Tower (now Willis), Chrysler Building etc.

3. What do you think of the current trends in modern buildings? Eww, no thanks.

4. If you could choose any style home you would like, what would it be? Victorian, Farmhouse, Craftsmen, Ranch, Georgian, Tudor, Cape Cod?  All the above. I prefer a Farmhouse on land though...but like all of them.

Yes, please. smiles

or...yes please. lol

Sunday Chat...

 

Time: 8:10 am

Scene: 77*, hazy. 94% humidity and dewpoint is 75*. The Weather Channel stated to expect 'dirty rain' today from the Saharan Dust that has come over us here in Florida. I rolled with laughter on that statement, just so you know. LOL

Drinking: Second cup of Maxwell House Breakfast Blend with Italian Sweet Creamer.

Wearing: Although I have showered every day, I have managed to stay in clean pj's the last 4 days. Back to reality tomorrow. Hopefully the ac is fixed/working at work.

Random Questions from Blogland: 

What is an unusual fact about you? I always know when one is lying or bs'ing me.

What shoes do you wear the most of? Umm...flip flops (Sketchers Orthopedic)

What part of society would you like to change? I say burn the whole system (2 party system) down and start over. Neither side is good. For the record, I am not a Republican, Democrat or Libertarian. I am a registered Constitutionalist.

What is an adult problem nobody prepared you for? 

Getting old and all that comes with it.

Let's give our brains a rest and do a little summertime this or that...beach or pool? Beach but pool to swim in. 

Ice cream or snowcone? Actually, Italian Ice, it's like a snow cone.

 Amusement park or camping? Neither. 

Burger or hot dog? Both. 

Watermelon or strawberries? Both. 

Get up early or sleep in late? Since I am usually up by 3:30 am during the week, I usually sleep in on the weekends to 6-7 am. 

Sunrise or sunset?  I always see the Sunrise every morning during the week, its glorious over the prison compound.

 

...so, that is about it. I really need to dig through the fridge/freezer to see what would be for dinner later. Have a beautiful day folks.

Friday Five on a Saturday

 

Rain-Every evening (or so it seems) we get thunderboomers, heavy rain with thunder and lightning. Yesterday evening, it knocked the power out. I'll tell you; Florida gets some awesome thunderboomers. 

The Husband-Who has been awesome since I have been "down and out" these last couple of days. He went to the grocery store, put gas in my car for next week and even stopped and got pizza yesterday-which was a surprise. He said, "Are you feeling better now? Can you keep things down now? Can you breathe? (lol) because I bought a surprise". Thank you, Lord, I am feeling better. Thursday was rough, but I do feel so much better. Thank you to modern medicine i.e. Cetirizine. I no longer feel like my head is going to explode or throw up (sorry). Which brings me too...

Air Conditioning and Cable TV--For the 1st time since we moved back here, I am wondering if we made a mistake (because of the extreme humidity). After discussing this, hubby goes, "I am thankful for air conditioning because I remember growing up without it." He is so right; we didn't have ac until we were in middle school (or even cable tv). Unfort. the ac has been out at work, and I think that contributed to my sickness. ANYWAYS...

David Bromstad--hear me out, LOL. Yes, friends, I know he is an openly gay man...hear me out...Since I have been home and laid up, I love the show My Lottery Dream Home. He featured quite a few homes from Florida. I so want to move to Anna Maria Island or Cape Coral. But of course, knowing this will never be true unless I win the lottery, LOL. The coast is always calling me. And of course, my husband quips, "Until the hurricane(s) hit." We lived in Vero Beach all those years ago when we first got married...he said, "Maybe just a vacation home on the coast then. Not that we could afford it or the insurance. Well, we could if we won the lottery." LOL--he is the practical one, not me. When it comes to the coast, I am a dreamer. Perhaps I was truly a mermaid in my former life, LOL. A mermaid who can live out of water, LOL. As I dislike swimming in the ocean. I just prefer to see it, smell it, sit all day. Which is good for one's mental health. 

Home--

or in my case, barefoot and pj's...for the last 2 days. Just keeping it real and not one word from the husband about it. And I plan to stay this way until Monday. Period. Actually, the husband said, "On my orders you will NOT being doing anything. Dang girl, you had me worried."

I will try to catch up on the blogs.

P.S. I don't know what is going on with Willy Weather (the app on the right side of my blog) It is NOT raining, it is oppressively hot and humid and sunny. Already like 80*.

Currently...

 

Currently...

The weather: 89* and sunny at 9 am. Calling for 62% chance rain-our usual afternoon thunderboomers.

Watched the last night of the RNC. Although I feel Trump did ramble on, all in all, he spoke well. He really moved me when spoken of Saturday. I know it had to be difficult for his wife to hear, my understanding is she is having a hard time dealing with this (according to news reports).

--contrary to popular belief, Joy Reid and others, there are rampant economic, social issues and other hate filled things going on here in America-and the majority of it comes from the media who fuel it.

Feeling: Alot better. Thank you very much for your kind words and prayer. Still took today off. Much surprise to my coworkers. Usually, I am a workaholic.

Thinking:  Yesterday was 1 yr. since my husband's one brother suddenly passed away and we went back to NY to bury him. Can't believe it has been a year. It will be 3 years since our son passed away in Dec. Time just keeps going...

Celebrating: Nothing really. No birthdays, important events.

Making me smile:

Just print more money, it will be ok...lol--you know, like the government is doing now.

I better stop. Wishing you all a beautiful day.

Tuesday Meme...

 Good afternoon, I came home from work this morning not feeling well...perhaps also because the ac is broken in the office. Anyway, been in bed and taking tomorrow off as well. Thank goodness for 200 hrs. of sick time...

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we strive to interest you with 4 questions each week. What about your problems?

1. Do you think that you handle problems well over all? Yes. I like to think of myself as a problem solver.

2. What kinds of problems send you into a tizzy or downright scare you? Maybe some just exasperate you? Office politics and politics in general. 

3. We always have God in our corner but besides him do you have a reliable back up system to go to for help with car trouble, home repairs and maintenance, or any troubles that may arise for you? Let's hope nothing ever happens to my husband, ok...but if something does, then I will have to go search for another guy, LOL. When I came home at 9 am this morning, he promptly put me to bed, turned the fan on and let me sleep until 3, until my boss called to check on me. He also went and picked up a prescription for me too. As for household etc. he takes care of it. Since he is retired, and I am not.

4. I love the idea that a lovely cupcake can fix anything at all. "Oh, you are sick? Just eat a dozen of these delicious cupcakes and you will be right as rain!"  What foods, places, music or whatever can make a problem seem easier to handle?  I guess we are talking about what brings you comfort in the way of material things. Well, right now, I have a splitting headache, so not much. But usually music. My husband actually just suggested if I was feeling better perhaps some salt air will do wonders...but honestly, right now, no thanks. (gosh, she must be sick, you all are wondering). He called the dr. and she put me back on Cetirizine for my allergies, apparently Florida is being hit with some sort of Sahara Desert something another. I have been out of sorts since Tuesday, not having ac in the office etc...I am just too darn old to deal with the nonsense...anyways, I feel a little better now that I took a pill. Amazing, a pill...its prob. time for another allergy shot. The dr. told him to keep me indoors until this dust settles Monday.

One last thought...

I know none of my readers/friends have...but my husband's brother and his wife that have said awful things. I know I have some friends / readers here who disagree with politics etc. and that is fine. I don't take issue with that.

Ta for now...

...and there it is

 

...and there it is...you tried to bankrupt, jail, and now tried to take his life. That photo alone, is worth a thousand words.

Currently

The weather: 85* at 8:30 am. 

Lots on my mind: 

Stayed up past 1 am watching the various news programs regarding what happened. And this came across the news:

This woman is Bennie Thompsons staffer from Mississippi, and he called for Trump's Secret Service to be stripped. My sil and bil both said this by the way (wasn't a good shooter as he missed), my husband hung up on his brother. Disgusting. But this is what we are fighting folks, HATE. The hate for one man is more than the love for one's country.

Thinking...also...

--I prob should just shut up now regarding this...so onward...

--I made one 'mean' pizza last night...our neighbor also bought over homemade Empanadas-thanking my husband for cutting his grass, come to think of it, where did those 6 Empanadas go? I think I was robbed. (lol)--in all seriousness, hubby ate them, it was a hard choice between the pizza and that--well, not really a hard choice, LOL. As he dislikes pizza.

--Thinking about the random questions online:

What's your favorite summertime scent?

The ocean/beach

What kind of a/c do you have -central, room, fans only, chillers, none and what temperature do you set it to?

Central AC, ceiling fans in the 3 bedrooms and living room. And the ac is set at 78*.

What do you see when you look out your front door? We have a privacy fence, but on the top step of the deck, you can see our neighbor, Jose's house. 

How about out your kitchen window or back door? My kitchen window has a stained-glass privacy window covering but if one would take that off, you would see the back yard and the privacy fence, and a fire pit and the backdoor looks out directly to the outdoor kitchen.

What's one thing you should toss right now, but just can't? I have several garbage bags of old clothes...I should have dropped it off yesterday at Goodwill when I was out and about but forgot.

How often do you get takeout? Not much anymore...actually hubby told me to order out for pizza last night...but honestly, it's gotten so expensive-it was cheaper for me to make it. What's your favorite? Chinese or pizza.

Making me laugh...

Not much right now...after what happened last night...just in complete sadness and utter disbelief. But I will offer this up:

The weekends sure seem to be going faster and faster. 

P.S. I am far behind in playing catch up with your blogs...I offer this up

Have a great day all.

Currently...

 

Currently...

The Weather...for the sake of sounding like a repeat parrot: hotter than hades. 76* at 7:30 am.

Watching...the current sad state of affairs in regard to the current occupier of the White House. Whomever his handlers are, you are doing a great disservice. That is called elder abuse, period. 

Feeling...worn out, just plum tired. I believe it's a multi factor thing. The weather, the 'children of the corn'/circumstances at work, traffic etc. Just multiple things. I get so tired of having to deal with the children of the corn, it's wearing me out. If you haven't seen the movie, just google it. I often say satan is roaming free, which prompts me to remember this

Every day, every single day...the knives are sharpened and at my back every single day. It does get wearisome. Just keeping it real, folks. Dealing with folks/coworkers who don't believe in Christ and who are open atheists who are just mean girls. 

Looking forward to...pizza today. I told hubby today has to be pizza, I need pizza. LOL

Thinking...pizza? LOLOL

--was not up to any of the memes this week, sorry...

Making me laugh...well...sad really

Sad but true...he said Trump was his VP during his big boy press conference. It's sad, really...elder abuse is real, Jill. 

Have a great day all!

Just Currently...

 

Back to work...I have had a relaxing 4 days...but it's probably time to get back to reality.

Currently...

The Weather...hotter than hades, perhaps? I wouldn't know what hades is up too, nor would I. 77* at quarter to 7 am.

Watched: Finished watching all 24 seasons of Midsomer Murders. Also finished Living a Country Life for Half the Price, both on Brit. TV. Beautiful country in England.

Feeling: Why do they say water is good for you? Seriously...the dr. said I had to drink more water due to certain numbers being low.  ANYWAYS, feeling more like a water buffalo than anything with the headaches to match. JUST.KEEPING.IT.REAL.

Thinking: I would like to move to Wales or Scotland. Beautiful. Earning for a debt free living. 

Speaking of...so, hurricane season is upon us here. Grant it, we are in central Florida; heavy rainfall, tornadoes etc. will rule. I so would love to be debt free. But inflation/rising costs are just a way of life right now. We decided, grudgingly, to go ahead and splurge and get a Generac put in. Of course, there is nearly a 45 day wait for an electrician. Of course, the hubby is like...do we want to go in that much debt? Well, since we survived Hurricane Katrina all those years ago; 2 weeks with electricity in 100*+ temps, I am personally NOT willing to do that, sorry. So, there is that factor. We are frightening so unprepared for any weather event manmade or not. 

Making me laugh...

I don't know about y'all, but I sure would like to meet those folks who put these sayings up.

Saturday Chat...

 

Time: 8:15 am

Scene: 85* (already!!!!), sunny. Another stormy afternoon is on tap.

FYI: We spent the afternoon yesterday getting the 3rd bedroom cleaned etc., changed the sheets on the twin beds, dusted, mopped the floor. I guess y'all are wondering ---my sil called late yesterday evening and announced they weren't coming. My husband is relieved actually. It was one excuse after another, my husband figured she wanted money...

Thinking: 

--never made it anywhere yesterday. It was so hot and humid, we just decided to stay in. Maybe venture out later. Who am I kidding, NOT. :)

--Hubby is presently putting on the ribs (in the smoker). He took them out of the freezer yesterday (thinking that was what he was going to feed them). I don't eat ribs, so he will out on chicken breast for me.

-- Thankful for...so many things-air conditioning, a house to call home, 4 days off (boohoo on Monday -lol), the afternoon thundershowers/boomers. So many things to be thankful can't name them all.

Some Questions from around the blogosphere:

What's your favorite color? shades of pink (pink)

What's your favorite scent? I actually have a candle wax called Peony & Blush and I also have a candle Waikiki Beach Coconut.

Both smells are quite lovely. But my all-time favorite is 

My mom got all three for me. The candle wax/warmer is on the kitchen counter, The Coconut is in the living room, and the Buttercream is on the buffet in the dining room. Anyone who visits always comments on how nice the house smells. When we lived up north, I use to alternate scents according to seasons, but since Florida really doesn't have seasons...

Hubby is Thinking...(standing here talking to me)

 Hubby mentioned power washing the house, but since it's going to rain later today, he will put it off (until Nov. was his wise crack). It has thunder stormed/dropped so much rain, there is sand everywhere. Driving him mad. We have grass in the front and side yards. Sand in the back. But since the trees are down now, hopefully he can get grass to grow. 

--He is asking me to make homemade brownies. So, I prob. will do that.

lololol. Have a beautiful day all.

Friday Chit Chat...

 

TIME: 7:45 AM

SCENE: 77* misty, and darn right balmy. Supposed to have more thunderstorms today.

DRINKING: Second cup of Maxwell House Breakfast Blend with Italian Sweet Cream.

WEARING: Still in pj's (fyi green flowered sleep shorts and pink tank)

SO...

--Yesterday topped off at 109*.  Hubby promptly came in at 11 proclaiming he was done chain sawing. The neighbors stayed out there until the thunderstorms started--like 5:30. They still have our backyard to finish cutting up the downed trees (sorry, I am too lazy to take photos of all the downed trees).

--had another bad thunderstorm yesterday--it lasted until like 8 pm. Wow, was it rocking and rolling the whole time. I guess when it's over 100* and humidity to match, the air was so thick.

--I did manage to boil hotdogs for lunch (was not sending hubby back out in the extreme heat). Later on, I did make Ziti with Italian Sausage. A little bit different menu wise for the 4th of July.

--I did manage to clean the house, not perfect, but it is what it is.

-- hoping his/Hubby's sister and her husband don't visit tomorrow. I really don't feel like dealing with a chain-smoker and a belligerent acholic. I better leave it at that. My husband, bless him, even offered to go out there (of course I am game, because they are less than a mile from the beach) But, nope...

--I did manage to get in a few episodes of Season 21 Midsomer Murder.

--We didn't go to the Drone show last night, our neighborhood was ablaze with fireworks-until after midnight.

-- I have no idea what the plans are for today...I think we have to go to the store. Not really knowing what my sil is expecting from us. It is an off week for me financially--I get paid next week. And the mortgage has already been paid, so b-r-o-k-e is the word (for extra things). Just keeping it real folks. Couldn't stress that enough to sil. I don't know what she expects. And that has left me out of sorts.  JUST.KEEPING.IT.REAL.

MAKING ME LAUGH: 

I can't stress enough that Florida is one heat wave after another, LOLOL.

BAWWWWWWWWWWWWW. I better stop...I hope you all have a beautiful day!