Saturday What's Up...

 Good morning from the Sunshine state. Not much to report, I left work at noon yesterday (and never looked back, lol) and won't return until Tuesday. 

Time: 8 am

Weather: 75* and sunny. Another humid day is on tap for here.

I am thinking...I need to get around because I have to go to the bank.

I am creating/in the kitchen... Chili in the crockpot. Today starts college football. I know, I know...it's hotter than hades, but chili sounds good.

I am wearing...black pj shorts and a gray tank (still in pj's).

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to...nothing much. Nothing but reruns on tv at the moment.

A moment from my day...

Was thinking...how we moved back here and stayed with friends and had no place to go etc...and when we bought this place and we had just one car...now we have 2, mortgage, dog, etc. 

I need to take a new photo of Lilybelle, as she has gotten quite healthy now. ANYWAYS, just thinking how far we have come from a broken couple who just lost their son, to a somewhat not so broken couple to a thriving 2 people 1 dog family (and a squirrelly cat who lived here before us).

Closing Thoughts...Labor Day weekend. No plans here. 

--anyways, quiet weekend. Last day of August. Where has the time gone?

Tuesday Meme

 Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  Toni loved to have people open their minds and think about things .. think into things.  Let's try that this week, okay? A popular trend in home décor and mood background music is called Dark Academia and it is based on novels set on old university campuses that have secrets, love affairs, mystery and the scenes and mood these novels evoke. Velvet sofas, old books, wallpaper, deep high back chairs, antique photos and paintings, candles, romantic lighting and classical music.

1. Does this picture evoke any feelings in you? If so share what they are please. What is the mood you feel?

Oh, I wish I could visit there...it just looks so nice, rainy fall crisp evening, spooky even. It makes me happy; I can picture myself in a raincoat, hat, gloves, rain boots.

2. Put yourself into this scene.  Where are you going?

Nowhere...just for a walk and window shopping.

3. In this picture are you just out for a walk or is there a destination in mind?

Well, maybe to go have coffee somewhere, maybe a desert too and sit by a fireplace.

4. Using your imagination describe who and what you find inside the foreground building.  Is it a restaurant, library, academic building, a home? 

I open the door, and the door chimes a sweet little chime, much to my surprise it is a bookstore full of new and used books, historical, cozy mysteries, and so on. "Hello? anyone here?" No one answers and I proceed to walk in further and I see a sign telling me to browse as they will return shortly. Up and down the aisles I go, browsing at the beautiful bewitching oak shelves, the musty smell of books, the walls covered in deep purple damask wallpaper and paintings, the lovely leather sofas, comfy high back chairs, little side tables with lamps that are here and there, that is taking me back to my childhood of old libraries. The bewitching thought of all these books is too much to take in, I had places to go, people to see, didn't I? But the temptation of getting lost in this magical bookstore and the tempting spell it was casting on me was way too much. This beautiful place with dimly lit nooks and crannies, a lovely staircase and it also had a large walk-in fireplace. So, I sat down at the round table in front of the fireplace and took in this beautiful place. Soon, the owner returned, what a lovely older man dressed in brown slacks and a red button-down sweater, dress shirt and a tie wearing a warm smile. He apologized and welcomed me and asked me if I was looking for something in particular. "No, no, I was just walking by", I replied. He offered me some fresh coffee and we walked among the shelves where he pointed out this and that. This extensive bookstore had every topic imaginable, even old maps. It soon became closing time, and I had to leave as he was closing up for the evening. I thanked him and he in return, asked if I would like to come back tomorrow and perhaps since I loved this place so much, would I be willing to work part time? "Oh yes!", I replied. "See you soon", he said.

Thank you all for the kind Monday comments. To answer a few...

--why yes, a gecko in the house and I have no idea where he went. sigh.

--yes, the hubby and dog are waiting for me. Every.single.day. rain or shine.

--working in a prison is not for the faint of heart. Even in a women's prison like I do. Women are just as ruthless and probably more cunning than the men.

--AND we live in a 1,500 sq ft. mobile home in a semi-retired community.

Daybook...

Sitting here Sunday evening trying to come up with something to say for Monday.

AMEN. That is the whole truth.

Outside...at nearly 7 pm it is 85* and real feel is 95*.

I think...not so much thinking, but like, it's Monday, yet again. These weekends sure go fast.

Grateful...for so many things. Too many to list.

Husband

House

Job

Friends and so on...

In the kitchen...we already ate. But I made him ham steak (eww) and I made a homemade pizza (with olives, mushrooms and pepperoni).

I'm dressed in...so, since my parents weren't around, we went and got gas in my SUV for the week and promptly came home where I quickly got in my pj's: gray tank and black sleep shorts with moons and stars on them. WHY? Because I can. And I washed my face of the war paint, so liberating. LOL--my husband, "Wow, that was fast!"

Hoping...for a good work week. I see we have 60 new inmates coming in for the week.  A slow week due to the upcoming holiday.

In the house...a Gecko/lizard has appeared. But hubby reminded me that they eat spiders and creepy crawlers, so leave him alone, sigh.

A movie...we watched earlier today "Nobody". It was alright...about a guy who was special forces etc. and retired etc...and well, you know the plot. Actually, the actor who stars in it, had a home invasion happen to him, and he wrote the script based on that, wanting to be a bad a$$ because he was so upset by the treatment from the police in regard to his home invasion.

One of my favorite things...coming home safe and sound each and every workday. Actually, I should say it this way without being so melodramatic:

I am so happy to when I safely make it out of the many security gates, happy that I am alive and physically safe. I thank the good Lord for another day. And when I make it to the car, again, I thank the good Lord. Then, when I am pulling in the driveway and I see the husband and dog standing there waiting, I thank the good Lord yet again. Life is sweet...no matter how much I complain about the finances.

A place where I like to be... (bawaaaahhahaaaa--don't we know it!)

A quote...

Have a beautiful day all!

Currently...

 

this would be nice. lol

Currently...

Time: 8:20 AM

Scene: 75* mostly cloudy.

Seeking Clarification: I am not stressed, I am just "ugh". We have essentials, just not extras like we use too. For instance, Florida's insurance has gone up close to 150% since we bought this house. I won't mention the regular utilities, food etc.

--also, speaking of a pay raise... this will happen probably by Oct. I will be moving into a totally diff. department/diff. career within the DOC. I am not at liberty to state what yet, as the final paperwork hasn't been signed nor will it be until sometime in Sept.

Did a thing last night: So, hubby has been wanting to switch the dining room and living room because he doesn't like walking directly into the living room. I finally had had enough of listening and at 8 last night, I told him let's get moving. I didn't think to take before photos. I should have because it was a mess.

So... I am not sure of this because of the kitchen...

I'm not sure of this...but I shall keep my big mouth shut. Because he likes it. We still have things to put away, straighten up etc., but this is the gist of it. It. is. def. different.

Drinking: fixing to get my second cup of coffee.

Doing or will be: 

--Have to go see my mom today, it's her 77th birthday.

--folding laundry and putting it away.

--possibly ironing

--have to get gas for the week in my car.

Dinner? Hubby bought these ham steaks, which I find absolute gross. So, he will get those, I will find something else.

Making me laugh: (trying to psych myself up)

why, yes, I am a magnificent little sunbeam, thank you very much.

Lord knows I have the stubbornness and the whole lotta weird.

Have a beautiful day all.

Just some Memes...

 Good morning from Florida...where it promises to be another humid day. I wish I could say we were on the downslide to fall, we're not. We are however, entering the rainy season. Afternoon thunderboomers have become the norm...ok so enough of this talk. How about some memes that were the topics of this past week? Questions here and there...Hodgepodge and Tuesday Meme.

The sad reality is I just got paid yesterday, but I am already broke. No beach trip, not even next weekend.

What's the last thing you completely overreacted to?

I feel I don't overreact. I do, however, respond and blow off...how's that for an answer? It ticked me off when my husband called me on my lunch break yesterday and said the bills have been paid and I was broke. I might have  did go off on him. Ok, to be fair, I know inflation is a real thing, everything is going up and up...I get it...truly I do...but there are things that I personally needed...haircut, shampoo, etc. Things that are a little costly at the moment. I think since I work, gone from sunup to sundown, I should be able to afford some simple things. Why am I working so hard and have to give it right back? Ticked me off. I think he is staying clear of me at the moment, still. We have seen the steady inflation going up and up...there is no room for extras. And I am sick of the media/government just a lying about it.

What are you best known for in your family or among friends?

Actually, I think my family doesn't think anything of me--and my dad often says, "Out of sight, out of mind." My friends, on the other hand, know me for being brutally honest, loyal to the core. I will defend you to the death. Now, if you lie to me, then you're done, just keeping it real.

 Your top five snacks? 

Hmm...well...probably at the moment: 

Chex Mix

I am really not a snacker. But I do buy a big bag of the Chex Mix (that has pretzels, bagel bits etc.) and that lasts all month. I really have to watch the sodium intake. I take a small round bowl to work and will snack on that during the day.

What smell always brings back some type of memory? Elaborate.

My mom always had a Buttercream candle burning and she totally surprised me this past Christmas and bought me a large jar candle of this. I don't know why, but it just makes me happy.

What's something you learned from the last book you read?

To not wait to make your dreams come true. Alias, I have not learned this yet. If I could figure out a way to make money being a beach bum, I would. LOL

What's the next thing on your to-buy list?

Well, right now, everything is on hold for the next 2 years until the generator gets paid off, then we can start planning for a new kitchen and the garden tub has to be taken out of the master bathroom. And on the other hand, I am thinking, why not just sell this and buy a new house. HA!!! Gosh, I am so funny and don't live in reality (So, my husband tells me, LOL).

Will you make that purchase before the end of the year?  HA!!!!!! NOT.

 Would you rather take a drive in the country or shop in town on a day off?

Both, take that drive and stop in small town and shop. Window shop, that is.

Insert your own random thought here.

Not meaning to sound like a Debbie downer. The realities of life are just plum sad. I am not really in a position to place judgement on others --but it does make me sad to see others doing home improvements, taking vacations, living the high life's and I wonder, is that really reality? Or are they just living paycheck to paycheck like the rest of us a lot of us. Needless to say, 

Indeed, I am...and sometimes, I have to remind myself of this very fact. Until next time, my friends...

Nellies & Dove...

 Here it is late on a Sunday afternoon and I thought I would discuss something I mentioned earlier.  I wanted it noted, I am not getting paid for this, this is just my own personal opinion.

I have gotten quite a few questions & emails about Nellies. We found Nellie's while living in upstate NY (Nellies is a Canadian product), and since I have sensitive skin, I/we thought we would give it a try. Nellies is hypoallergenic and does not contain any harsh chemicals, contains only 4 ingredients and there is no expiration date (unlike other brands). Yes, it's a little pricey, but well worth it.

Dove is also a lifeline for me. My beauty regime changed when we moved back here to the land of flip flops. I also use Paul Mitchell hair products; I think I have mentioned all this before.

Ha! On one last point...and it might make some folks upset...but I rather choose the bad orange convicted man than the socialist woman and her weird vp choice to run this country. In the end, does it really matter? Probably not. Why? Because as a Christian, I know where I am going. Period, drop the mike. And as one of my favorite singers sang about...

I'm standing on my morals about political freedom. Life will be very hard when the socialist and weird person get in, and that is not ok. Think whatever you may about the bad orange man, but he is def. for America, I can't say that about the socialist and the weird guy. 

Sunday Morning Chat...

 

Time: 8:30 am

Weather: 74* and sunny. Humidity is 93% and dewpoint is 72*. We had 2 days of nice non humidity. It's back again, with a vengeance. 

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

-Hubby is asking me about the coffee pot; Cuisinart and how many years have we had it because it has been turning itself off even during brewing. I say it's probably 10 yrs. or so old. Maybe it's going.

- I do need to get around and head to the store and get gas for the week in my car. I suppose we should have done this yesterday, but we just wanted to get home.

-Having chicken wings for dinner, yes for Sunday dinner. It is cheaper to buy them already made from Publix.

-Thinking about the ever-rising costs of groceries, gas and so on.

-I have not taken photos in so long. No reason, just plum laziness.

-This humidity is just playing with my hair; flat as flat can be. No amount of hair product is making it Texas size hair for nothing, lol. That is one bad thing about Florida, either your hair is frizzy or just plain flat.

-On the other hand, since being off soda/pop my clothes fit better, and not as sluggish. I can't quite give up sugar, but not drinking soda/pop will remain.

-Also need to get around and fold laundry, get my clothes around for the work week and make an Amazon order for Nellies (clothes detergent).

Every.single.day. My parents are aghast that I wear flips flops or sandals to work. They can't be that plastic beach kind, but we are allowed to wear flip flops or sandals. I am pretty much the only one who takes liberty at that. Sorry, my feet aren't going into regular shoes until like December. And then it will be flats or ballerina type shoes or even Sketchers. 

Random Fact:

Did you know? Australia imports sand to Saudi Arabia.

Now that I have blown your brains (lol), have a great day friend.

Currently...a late Saturday Post

 

Currently...a late Saturday Post...

Weather: 83*, real feel 88* at 8:45 pm.

Late Post...we went early this morning to help our godson, and his wife move into their new home out in Citrus Springs. I am thankful for his fellow friends/deputies from his work (sheriffs dept) who showed up to also help. All the furniture is moved, just the little stuff now. We left around 3 pm after all the big stuff got moved. Combination of the heat/humidity, being hungry etc. It was time to go. It was nice to get a big bear hug and a I love you Mama 2 (he has always called me that since he was a toddler). Full grown man (39 yrs old) and still needs his 2 mamas (his real mom (my boss and the folks who took us in-our friends for 41 yrs.) and me). That boy --I'll tell you has given me such joy since being back here. 

Stopped at: Publix and got some sub sandwiches; Ham and cheese for the husband and Italian for me. 

Watching/Reading: Nothing at the moment. Hubby is watching The Dukes of Hazzard movie yet again, stupid movie. Just saying.

Thinking: a 3-day holiday is coming up soon. Thinking it might be time for this:

Daytona

of course, it is all depending on the weather. Late August into Nov. are the hurricane months. So, we shall see. I have NOT run this by hubby yet. Honestly, the way inflation / gas is right now, money is just plum stretched thin. Of course, (tongue in cheek), Kamala is going to save us all. Talk about sad...the sad realities in this week's political comics.

Making me laugh...the sad realities...

Thanks, now I am singing "Bad Boys, Bad Boys, whatcha gonna do...?" from the tv show COPS. lol

I need to remind myself that...keep going. It will be ok...Have a beautiful evening all.

Hodgepodging....

 

1.What was the best (or one of the best) summers of your life? Tell us why. 

Well, when we were kids, we were shipped off to our grandparents in Chicago. Then our grandparents would take us to the family farm up in Michigan then to Ludington to North Bayou --

Yep, that would be the cabin we stayed in all those years. My dad has always wanted to buy the campground and live the summers up there, my mom, not so much. And that is where I learned to swim-my dad thru me off the boat/skiff. Yep. Sigh, those years were great. Then, the summer I turned 14 it all stopped. I had to get a job and grow up.

2. When you have a trip coming up do you make a list and check it twice to ensure you don't forget anything? Or are you a 'throw whatever you can think of into the suitcase at the last minute' kind of packer? Throw caution to the wind, seriously-I pack a few things and just learn to let it go/live with it. When returning from a trip do you unpack immediately or leave the suitcase right where it lands? Unpack right away.

3. What's your favorite food or beverage made with lemons? Lemonade or lemon bars. Is that a flavor you enjoy? Yes, and I enjoy limes too.

4. When was the last time you had to make lemonade out of lemons, figuratively speaking I mean?

Every.single.day.  It is just getting harder to financially survive in this world. And I am so sick of hearing there's no inflation, because there is. Even with a good job, it takes every single penny.

5. Did you like school growing up? Why or why not? Nope, hated it. No reason, I had better things to do, LOL.

6. Insert your own random thought here. Thank you all for the kind words/comments. The husband is fine, the procedure took like 10 minutes, and I might had said something to the dr. office about needing a driver, he did not need a driver--NOT complaining, I enjoyed spending the day with him...I really don't like that dr. office--they treat these old people (oh gosh, I am old!!!) like a child. ANYWAYS, all is good, he had a floater and has to wait 10 days to get glasses. So, we got done, went to some thrift stores (gosh it was already nasty humid out at 9:30), didn't buy anything and came home-was home by noon. I couldn't wait to strip off these clothes, LOL. tmi, SORRY. And that was the day, nice day off, just hot. I also spent some time rotating the clothes in my closet and I have another bag to go to Goodwill. Funny, why did I bring all these clothes down from NY? They don't fit anymore anyways, Since I have been off soda (pop) for 21 days now, things are def. looser. With my arthritis, I have been reading labels and such, being careful. Too much salt or sugar, will affect it. 

pretty much. LOL

Tuesday 4 Meme...Tea Party

 

Welcome back to another of Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

For my southern friends. I pray the weather lightens up on you all.  I know it's been a very rough summer heat wise.  Let's pray together for a solution.

This week could we talk about your personal thoughts?

1. Do you find yourself daydreaming about your situation and things you would love to do if only...? 

Every.single.day. I am off to a tropical island. I just want the simple life without inflation, government / politics in my face, etc. 

2. If you are having tea/coffee, a little break in the day does your mind wander off to other thoughts and meditations.

I usually have a cup of coffee mid-morning, and no, I don't let my wander off, I work in a prison, that could be very dangerous to do.

3. Do you find yourself meditating or revisiting in your mind a scripture, verse from a book you've read and it's impact on you?

Is one of my favorite verses...and it is always in the back of my mind.

4.  Do you find yourself sometimes replaying conversations with others?  Sometimes Are their books or movies that stay vivid in your mind? No, not really. I watch movies and books to escape reality and don't dwell on it. Now, there are some podcasts and such that will stop me and make me think and ponder and will stay with me.

I am off today due to my husband having a small eye procedure. It's all good, he is no danger etc. And then he /we will be off to get new glasses. He just needed a driver to drive him around like Miss Daisy :). 

Nope, sure isn't. It is hard to realize that we are no longer young teeny boppers. Coming back home has been a little difficult to deal with/come to grips with...just keeping it real-I was thinking this while driving to work yesterday morning, how my hometown has changed and all that comes with it and then on the other hand, it really hasn't changed...or have I changed? Hmm...see pondering life's big questions. Have a beautiful day all.

Tues. & Wed. Memes...

 Good morning from a swampy Florida. I missed the memes this past week...so let me go back and do them.

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  With just four questions each week we hope to change the world!  

Well, okay, we can't change the world, but we do hope to help you have something to blog about, think about and talk about. I hope everyone in Florida is okay with the storm Debby! Be safe friends.

So, let's take our tea or coffee and sit down together and have a friendly chat about life........

So, I am probably taking a different approach to the answers...

1.  If you were or are married, did or do you enjoy being married?  I like being married. I really wouldn't know anything else; we have been married since 1988. It hasn't always been easy, that is for sure. But it is easier knowing one is married to their best friend.

2. What are the best parts of your life today? I have to think about this...I am just in a different season of life, I guess. I really don't know how to answer this. Maybe I ought to have listened to my mother, grandmother and such growing up...growing old is not for sissies, nope, that is for sure.  We did have more money than we ever had, with me working...but the growing inflation has put us back to living paycheck to paycheck...

What were the best things about your life in the past? Honestly, my son. Becoming a mom, raising him to be a fine young man, leading him to Jesus. I also want to say how simple things were...things were never in ones face the way they are now; politics, social this or that, the 100+ diff. genders or whatever. It is just so sad what we have become in this society. 

3.  What more could you add to your life to make it better, or conversely, what could you remove to make it better for you? I sure could do without government interference and the media. I sure could do without the rising inflation, rising costs of home, car, health insurance (the pyramid scheme as I call it) etc... But. we're not supposed to talk about that right? Because according to our government, everything is hunky dory.

4. If you work... are you really pleased in your job or would you like something better?  Sigh...I really don't know how to answer this, again, I hate politics and all that it brings. I like what I do, but some of the women who work there, are just so catty. Just leave me alone and let me do my job...actually, if you weren't so catty, you could get your job done too, shut up Linda. Changes are a coming...again. More on that in the coming weeks...God willing.

1. What's a task you do on a regular (or semi-regular basis) that feels like it should be an Olympic event? Changing the bed lines and making the bed, lol

2. What's in the trunk of your car right now? A spare tire, tool kit, and a go bag in case I ever had to stay at work or need to take off in case of an emergency.

3. Summer foods vs. fall foods...which do you prefer? Well, since it's so blessedly hot and humid pretty much year around, I found whatever foods worked up north, don't work here (for me, personally, my stomach / body can't handle it). So, we eat light. Whatever that is. I actually prefer casseroles and such (fall foods). But honestly, because of the weather, I can't eat like that anymore.

Would you rather-watermelon or caramel apple? caramel apple 

iced coffee or pumpkin spiced latte? pumpkin spiced latte 

potato salad or sweet potato casserole? both 

barbecued ribs or roast turkey? roast turkey 

ice cream sandwich or apple pie? apple pie 

corn on the cob or candy corn? corn on the cob.

4. August 7th is National Lighthouse Day. Have you visited any lighthouses? Yes Do you have a favorite? 

The Athens Hudson that sits dab smack in the middle of the Hudson River in Hudson, NY. I so loved living in Hudson all those years ago (when we first married). But, alias, that part of my life is done now...and shall never return. I simply don't like the NY political scene and the taxes.

Is a lighthouse something you seek out if you're visiting an area known for theirs? Sometimes

5. Light at the end of the tunnel, out like a light, give the green light, a lightbulb moment, in a new light, in the limelight...of the 'light' idioms listed which applies in some way to your life lately? Explain. 

Light at the end of the tunnel, given the green light, a lightbulb moment, in a new light...professionally speaking. I have been in Classification for the last 2 yrs and a light bulb in my brain clicked last week, then the green light went off and I put myself out of my comfort zone- by applying for a different department, and the light of the tunnel is pretty bright, God willing. -----no one saw this coming, not even me. With the current state of affairs concerning government, I might not ever be able to afford retirement, who will? SO, I might as well make it easier money wise and stop spinning my wheels in a current position that is financially not getting me anywhere. Stay tuned--I have already been told the outcome. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. Making me ponder...hmm...

was the misspelling of Build intentional?

idiocy at its best. Stupid.

Ok, I better stop reading all this silly stuff. Have a beautiful day...and in case you are wondering, we never met up with my aunt and uncle yesterday, the universe never aligned to do so. And that is ok.