Saturday Post...

 

That has always been the ongoing joke in our house. Who knew at our age we would look forward to getting new underwear/under garments? LOL

So, poor Ms. Lilly Belle (the intrepid German Shepherd) was having a field day yesterday with the poor Amazon driver who kept dropping off packages. Was pleasantly surprised to see one of those packages got delivered a week early, you rock Amazon!

The front door awning came in. Hubby spent a few minutes (ok, probably a 1/2 hr.) putting it together. It really kept the rain off the door, we shall see today with the sun.

Until we can decide (if) what we are going to do with the place (sell), we will continue to make little improvements. We will get more awnings for the other windows. Then, he was kind enough to finish the Christmas tree.

We have never had a full white lighted tree before. This tree is my mothers. I stayed out of Hubby's way -that is his thing, decorating the tree, not mine. Him and our son would spend the day doing this. I simply have never had the patience. However, I did this

decorated the center of the dining table, again, my mothers. That is about all I have patience for, as my husband states, "The little things." Yep. And then I took the heart wreath down and put up a Christmas one.

Then I set out the small ceramic glass tree...I have always wanted a "real" one...but have you seen the cost? I have seen them in Antique stores for well above $75-300.

Then I hung the Peacock wreath on the inside of the front door, on second thought, since hubby put up the awning, I might try it on the front or hang another wreath.

So, that is the extent for decorating for now...I did roast a small turkey yesterday and it was good. We have some other things to set out for the holiday...but we have to make the dreaded grocery store run today. Oh, before I forget, my friend Kim gifted me this bowl cozy.

She said, "When I saw the seashells, you automatically came to mind" LOL. Whoever thought of this idea of a bowl cozy, genius! I love it. just place the bowl in there and place it in the microwave, no more burning one's fingers, genius! I see Amazon has like a pack of 4 for 20 something dollars. Who knew this existed? Again, genius.

Wishing you a beautiful Saturday!!!

Friday Daybook...

 

Ok, truth be told, friends, its 6:47 pm Thanksgiving. But I thought I would check in and post as tomorrow is a busy day, hubby put up my mother's Christmas tree a few days ago, and Friday he will drag out more of the ornament totes...thank you for the kind words yesterday and thank you for the snail mail that was warmly received (you know who you are, smiles! I did NOT send out Thanksgiving cards, but I truly wished I had. Incoming Christmas cards though, smiles). 

Anyways...

The weather...it was rather warm today at near 82*. Right now, at 6:48, it is 69*. No worries, friends, the temp is supposed to drop overnight, and tomorrows high will be 60 and rainy.

As I look out the window...well, truthfully, its dark. I do see over the privacy fence our neighbor's porch light is on.

Tomorrow morning...hubby will drag out the remainder of the totes and we will go through ornaments. Picking out the select few that will grace this slender tall tree. I don't have the heart to tell hubby I prefer our tree...but it is ok. I prefer many multiple lights and my mother's tree has white-that is the only reason. But change can be good, right?

last year.

Lately I have been thinking...something that my boss said. He made some inquires on if I knew the two people in our education dept. were retiring and he told me to read between the lines. Only, he talks in riddles telling me to get ready for some changes come January. After reassuring me I am not getting fired or being put back in my former job, he said he can't discuss this any further, but he wanted my opinion of the what ifs of the what if I was given a choice on where or what I wanted to be in within the dept. He told me not worry. Ok, and nor am I. If I mentioned this the other day, forgive me.

What I am wearing...green sleep shorts with blue daisy pattern and a hot pink tank. Yeah, real mature. LOL

Around the house...transitioning from Thanksgiving/fall decor to Christmas.

My to do list...I really don't have one. Since I carry around a day planner at work, that is pretty well written in, I don't really keep lists here at home-it's all kept in my big head, lol. I do keep a working financial ledger. But my to do list is that I will make the turkey breast sometime this coming weekend and get my haircut Sunday.

Thanksgiving dinner...was nice with our friends. Our Godson (their son) was there, without his wife who had just came off a 24-hr. shift at the hospital (she is a nurse, and he is a sheriff deputy) and politely bowed out. Kim had cooked a 10 lb. turkey, a small ham, mashed potatoes, carrots, green beans, cranberry sauce, gravy and homemade bread. It was all good and I made a Coca Cola Cake and only bought home 2 pieces/slices. There weren't many leftovers and that was a good thing. If you left there hungry, that was your fault. I DID NOT TAKE ONE PHOTO, NONE OF US DID. By the time we realized this, it was too late, LOL. I also had a Coke a Cola--bad Linda, because it/the caffeine/sodium does affect my arthritis, but it's all good, we have no plans to go anywhere until Sunday.

So, that is about it. Hopefully I will have photos come Saturday of the tree. Wishing you all a great Black Friday. Stay safe.

Just a thought...

 

I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope each of you have a beautiful day filled with much laughter and lots of love. For us it is sort of bittersweet, 3 weeks from today, that gosh awful day nearly 3 years ago, our only child would suddenly pass away. but whatever you do, cherish those moments you have with your family. Love them, forgive them, hug them etc. Because you just never know...with much love to you, Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Eve Hodgepodge...

 Good morning from central Florida! How about a Thanksgiving Eve Hodgepodge?

1. Talking turkey...are you cooking the turkey this year? Well, no, not tomorrow, but I will probably buy a small turkey breast and cook it before Sunday. We are going over to our friends tomorrow and I am making a Coca Cola Cake. Does ham belong on a Thanksgiving Day menu? Yes, of course. When it comes to gravy do you pour it over your whole plate, skip it altogether, or land somewhere in between? Only the potatoes. Cranberries-homemade or jelled right out of the can? Homemade. Oh, Publix makes a really good Cranberry Orange Relish.  Do you look forward more to the main course, the savory sides, or the desserts? All of it. I love turkey and can eat it all the time and I often take a turkey sandwich for work.

2. Holiday movies...tell us your favorite and what it is about the film that makes you love it. Is it the film itself or a memory it stirs? 

My dad and I use to watch it when I was growing up. It always makes me cry. It is indeed a wonderful life.

P.S. 

my personal photo

We visited Seneca Falls where Frank Capra got the idea to write/direct the movie. The bridge is littered with bells for the lost souls who jumped off the bridge. If you ever get to visit Seneca Falls, please do. The movie is adapted for Bedford Falls, but it was really taken from Seneca Falls. 

3. A favorite way to give back and help others? 

We used to participate in Samaritans Purse in Altana and for a soup kitchen...but since being back here, we haven't done much. My husband though will often pay for a senior citizens or military members items/food etc. and often he hands out $1 bills to children. We have had so much help in our lives, this is how we pay it back. We also give to Toys for Tots.

4. Name a place or setting you encountered this month that made you feel grateful. 

Every single day I am grateful for coming out of the prison alive, safe, mentally, spiritually, physically ok, I say this a lot and I mean it. I am also grateful to parents who cared enough for us kids to make sure we didn't end up in the system (prison or otherwise).

5. Knowing what you know today, if you could redo yesterday what would you do differently?

I would have probably would have started a career earlier...but recognizing that, God placed me where I was needed, being a mom (for 24 yrs) and a wife/homemaker. And it's all good. How blessed I was to be a mom to a wonderful young man for 24 yrs.

6. Spill your own random thought here. How about random thoughts? lol

--I did quite a bit online Black Friday shopping already...remember when Black Friday was only on Friday? I can remember going with my grandmother to JC Pennys and standing in long lines for white sheets aka door busters...oh the memories. Now, white sheets are prevalent, who knew? lol

--My Keurig died yesterday at work...so that was started this whole thing. Then, I found Hubby's Christmas Present.

an overhead door awning. Our house faces the sun all day and since the front door is glass...I will order 4 more for the front windows. That will have to wait until he gets me the measurements. Because there are 2 big windows and 2-bedroom windows. ANYWAYS, 50% off at $42 on Amazon. Eureka. The sale will last until Dec. 31. Yeah, he knows, because he has to keep an eye out for the package, LOL. I do have another gift to buy but have to actually go to Atsides Restaurant Supply here in Ocala. He has had his eye on these certain steak knives. The steak knives we have -they have been sharpened so much; they are dull.

P.S. Also on that note...he has to learn how to hide things on Amazon and quit using my account. I also know what I am getting and how much it cost (from Pandora-more charms for my bracelet). He said I can't have them until Christmas.

--Hubby has to get tooth capped today (the cap fell off) and then we have to head to Walmart. Then friends tomorrow for Thanksgiving. There will be no beach trip due to it only going to be 50-60* this Friday (and rain) and weekend. I am ok with that. 

hubby put my mother's Christmas Tree, and I haven't had time to take photos...partly because we haven't decorated it yet. She also put in other items into that huge tree box as well...shockingly she told me to keep the items. I have said this before, she has excellent style. Probably when we get home later or Friday, we will finish decorating and will show photos. 

Wishing you all a beautiful day!

Last Week's Memes...

 Well, I meant to do these yesterday, but I was busy getting my lesson plans done for Monday (I am pre posting this on Sunday).

Hey... you're back!  It's nice to see you again and you are so very welcome here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. While Miss Kitty dreams by the fireside, let's do some November Day Dreaming of our own.

1. Of all the places you have been is there any place besides where you are now that you would like to live? 

Well, I have never been to Scotland or Ireland, and I subscribe to a couple of channels on You Tube, so I would say the countryside of Scotland and Ireland.

2. If you could dream a place into existence, what would you be dreaming it is like for you?

Isle of Skye

or a farmhouse

3.  Do you daydream often? What thoughts are usually in those dreams?

See above or even by the sea.

4. What song or kind of music is perfect for day dreaming?

I don't know...maybe classical? I really don't need music to daydream. LOL

1. What was your favorite part about growing up in your hometown? 

I grew up right here in Ocala. We rode our bikes everywhere, really can't do that anymore due to the high volume of traffic everywhere and one can drive out to the country and it would only take 10-20 min. Now, it takes an 1/2 an hour to an hour to get anywhere.

2. Do you prefer 'material' gifts or 'experience' gifts? If you answered experience, tell us about one you've received and truly enjoyed. 

I will answer it this way, I like to see folks open their gifts and the surprise on the faces. It means so much to me to see the joy. So, I guess I can say I rather give than to receive.

3. Is brown a color featured prominently in your home decor? Let's just say the word neutral is a word I would prefer to say. Your wardrobe? I do have some browns or tans in my wardrobe, but I prefer jewel tones. What's a favorite brown thing you own? hmm...probably my brown cashmere sweater. Of the brown foods listed here which one is your favorite and/or most often consumed... brown sugar, brown rice, pretzels, coffee, dates, cloves, German chocolate cake, whole wheat bread? brown rice, pretzels, coffee

4. Which 'Charlie Brown' character do you relate to most? If you're not sure, you can take a fun quick quiz by clicking here-Which Charlie Brown Character Are You?  

Hmm...interesting.

Sally

You’re super sweet and optimistic, and you're always down for an adventure. You usually act before thinking, though.

or the one found here-Charlie Brown Quiz.  

Hmm..interesting

You are Charlie Brown, an ambivert.

As an ambivert, you're both introverted and extroverted, depending on your mood or the situation. You're gentle and lovable, determined and hopeful. You mean well and care deeply about your friends

5. What's a favorite item you've purchased this year? Hmm...my day planner?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

So, in case you are wondering, I will be teaching 2 classes on the Constitution, since they don't seem to know or understand the concept. I might had a talk with the wizard aka bossman about this-the lack of knowledge regarding history. I was a bit perturbed Friday when we played Jeopardy...and I am so glad I had a great upbringing...some of these women, seemingly did not. The GED composes of 25% history/basic knowledge and every inmate must have a GED or their high school diploma before leaving our care. I might have also suggested perhaps a class in history or the topics from the GED. He seems open to that idea.

ALSO, this is the last week of November, how is this possible?

Yes, I am feeling much better. I had just gotten so cold Saturday and couldn't get warm.

Late Saturday Chit Chat...

 I am actually writing this on Saturday evening.

So, Currently....

The weather... at 7:10 pm and the warmth of the day (like 60*) is fading fast and its currently 53*. Another brisk night is on tap. Near 35*-39* so the weatherman states.

YouTube...so the "guy" was running behind and never came-he did mention this or that. But isn't YouTube great? Hubby quickly figured out the problem with the central heat. And finally, by 9 am we had heat. It was nothing big etc. It was a comfortable 74* in the house once the heat came on and stayed on all day...however...

Feeling---I stayed and remained in sleep/yoga pants, a t shirt, a long sleeve shirt and a sweater with a blanket over my legs and slippers as I caught quite a chill this morning and it still is lingering. I just couldn't shake the chill. I feel fine, just got chilled. 

Meals...

Breakfast...I made raspberry muffins from the Jiffy Mix, and it warmed up the kitchen, albeit not for long as it was 59* in the house and 38* outside.

Lunch: Hubby made egg salad sandwiches. They were good, they always are.

Dinner...was delightful. Hubby put on a pot of Tex Mex Chili with white beans and kidney beans.

We did not...go to the Light up Ocala event downtown. I simply wasn't feeling it, and he promised we would go Thanksgiving evening to look at all the lights.

Christmas...

My mother last Christmas decided she didn't want the Christmas tree, so guess who inherited it? That is right, me. I get all the hand-me-downs, because my two sisters-in-law's (my brothers' wives) are snobby and refuse to take hand-me-downs (aren't I something?). Me, I love my mother's style, and I am not too proud to take whatever off her hands. So, here it sits, in all its glory, still in the box and our ornaments in totes. I am trying to talk hubby into at least setting it up and letting the branches fall etc. and air it out. He gave me the evil stink eye, LOL. I have decided not to put up the extensive village(s).

P.S. The drapes will come down for Christmas. The 2 front windows will be bare, not that one can really see in, because the way our house sits, and plus we have a privacy fence.

Watching...just got caught up my favorite You Tube videos. Since I sat on the couch all day and watched college football with my husband.

Thinking...it was nice to have the drapes and blinds open today to let the sunshine in. Our house faces the South-East and gets full sun all day and the summer heat can be just a bit much, that is why they stay closed most of the time.

Thinking...it's probably time to put a pot of coffee on.

Making me smile...have you seen the new Target commercials? Genius...just my opinion.

That is one hot Kris Kringle, just saying and I got admonished from hubby because I said so. LOLOL

and a German/foreign one below...no subtitles needed...just watch.

I am going to try to get into the Christmas spirit, maybe that should be my new 30-day challenge. Have a beautiful day!!!!

Saturday Thoughts...

 

Good morning from a very chilly 38* central Florida. Went to turn the heat on as the house says 60* and the house alarms went off. So... we are waiting the "guy", everything is under warranty, thank goodness for that. So, what else is going on?

Currently at 6:45 am...

Listening / Watching...nothing really. The dog is snoring, does that count? lol

Thinking...

Since we are still having issues with the electricity in the one back bedroom, hubby decided to move the office into the bedroom that has electricity, so both roll tops, an easy chair and tv are back here now. That means I don't have to sit at the kitchen table anymore to be on the laptop.

How the last couple of days have been rather brisk. No worries, it will be back in the 80's by Monday.

I have Wed., Thursday (Thanksgiving) and Fri. off. I also get to leave an hour early Tuesday to start the few days off-I get to leave early due to an unexpected meeting with the bossman aka the wizard. I might add, I think a beach trip is in store. We will be going to friends for Thanksgiving.

Tonight is the Light up Ocala event.

hubby wants to go...we shall see. They closed State Rd. 40(that goes all the way to Daytona) yesterday-so I noticed while driving home from work, I will have to look online for alternative route/parking. Downtown is closed due to the event. I think he is a bit cuckoo to fight those crowds, lol.

Feeling...sort of tired. Since I had to teach 2 classes down at the other end of the compound, my feet hurt and I might add, it was freezing. Yep, I said it.

Enjoying/Grateful...to be perfectly honest and I say this a lot...I enjoy walking out of work/the prison every single day. I am so grateful to have had great parents who cared enough to correct us kids when we were growing up.

Making me smile:

The unexpected meeting with the wizard yesterday bought up the topic of our staff meeting on Dec. 19th. Since I am one of 4 who sit on that committee, he wanted to discuss the plans for our potluck luncheon. One of the other girls walked in and said, "You have to think of others who have dietary issues, Mrs. Conley." It really rubbed me the wrong way, because there is only 10 of us in the Education department--and all of this was discussed in the Nov. meeting, and it was unanimous on the food and exchange of gifts. Admittingly, I really don't like this person...well the wizard was put off by it too and said, "We are all adults here. I think people can make their own minds up on what they want to bring or not." Then the subject of playing the White Elephant or exchanging gifts keeping it under $20 and how would I handle this? Draw names? Play the game? Handling the email, etc. again this person spoke up-she is a wiccan and doesn't celebrate Christmas. Again, he put her in her place by simply stating she didn't have to participate. It's just the little things that make me not want to participate in the holiday season --such as this person. She is generally a very unhappy person and it been taken noticed by many others. I better stop there...

I don't think Florida will get a white Christmas, but one can wish, right? Have a great day all.

Currently...

 

Currently...

The Weather...58* and sunny. Switched the central ac off Friday night and haven't turned it back on.

Listening/Watching...getting caught up on the Scottish Isle

Loving/Enjoying...this cooler weather and the windows open. No worries, we will be back into the high 80's tomorrow into Wed.

Thinking...paying bills is for the birds. Don't grow up, it's a trap, LOL.

Feeling...thankful and grateful for a good job, husband, job with great benefits, food in the house, friends etc.

Random Thoughts...

--I was thinking late yesterday afternoon into the evening that I had dress/work pants somewhere (because I was looking online to order some) so I asked the husband to take the 2 totes down from my closet. So, now I have 3 bags to take to Goodwill. And finally found the pants somewhere else. 4 pairs of Dickies Original 874's (from when I worked for Wegmans)-2 blue and 2 black pairs and they have pockets. Eureka. As we can't have our keys on the lanyards. So, on my end, the final unpacking has been done -finally after 2 years. ANYWAYS...

--after 6 loads of laundry yesterday...because of all the sweaters/long sleeve items I found...not that we really wear sweaters like we did living up north...but I washed them anyway and repacked them away-I might have kept out 1 or 2.

--trying to finalize Thanksgiving. Not sure if we are going over to friends or not. I do know Black Friday we will be heading over to the beach (Hubby's sister lives in Flagler).

--been in this house for 2 years now. Oct. 31 was the anniversary, and I forgot all about it.

--stopped at Publix yesterday for some things and I also bought a Publix Pumpkin Pie. yummy, good.

Making me laugh...

I have so much catching up to do with your blogs...sigh...wishing you a beautiful day!

Hodgepodge on a Saturday...

 Good morning from a nippy Florida where it is presently a refreshing 52*. No worries it will warm back up to the mid 80's.

1. What's something you think is under appreciated. Explain. 

Since it is coming up to the holiday season, I will say gentleness. The world is a mean cruel place and we all can use some gentleness in words and actions. Can you imagine if our world leaders, folks in government, the media etc. would stop their petty nonsense? Not just them, but everyone. Christ should always be the reason, not just for the season. 

2. As winter approaches how do you stay productive? 

Productive? This is Florida where it stays warm pretty much 11 months out of the year. I have no choice but to be productive, I have to work for a living, LOL.  Although I do slow down on the weekends...but that is another story.

3. What's a popular food you don't like? 

Sushi, gross, icky, nasty. Or just raw fish in general.

4. What do you think is more interesting-art or history? Elaborate. 

Umm...you're asking a history major here. But both have really good things, but I will always pick history. Quit dumbing it down folks, and maybe an overhaul of the Education system needs to be done. Totally different subject, well, maybe not.

5. What advice would you give to someone half your age? 

--wear sunscreen

-take care of yourself, period. Mentally, physically, spiritually

-cultivate a grateful heart

-take photos and document your life (journal)

-think for yourself, period. Research, don't take peoples word (and take it with a grain of salt)

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

How many days to Christmas? 39? Imagine my surprise when I came home yesterday (albeit it late because of an education staff meeting--how in the world did I get roped into being on the "Luncheon Committee/Planning?)

and

We don't have any outside outlets...so we are limited on the lights. And he took out the totes and box for the Christmas tree. Quite shocking because he is usually a traditional after Thanksgiving. Looks like we will be using my mother's Christmas tree this year...he said if he can figure out how to incorporate both in the house, he would. But you know, it's been quite a year-the last 3 years...I'll leave it at that.

Amen...and I will leave you with that thought. Hubby wants to get to Lowes for bricks, have breakfast, I/we need to run to the jewelers to get a battery in my watch, run here and there. So, my catching up on the blogs will have to wait. Wishing you all a beautiful day.

Tuesday Meme...

Thank you all for the kind comments on yesterday's post. Let's see, yesterday was very low key, I did manage to do a load of laundry, got caught up on all my YouTube videos, might have harped on the hubby (like, sit down and take it easy! geesh men.) I also managed to iron and get my clothes around for the rest of the week. How about the Tuesday Meme?

P.S. My mil is not living with us, period. However, at some point, she will have to be moved down here, and her house sold up there.

Hello!  Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

Do you keep busy all the time?  Many people don't take time to smell the roses. What about you?

1. When was the last time you sat down and relaxed and allowed the weight of the world to melt away? 

I usually do on Sundays. But seriously, what is true relaxation? If you mean taking a nap or sleeping the day away, well, it's been a while. lol---which for the record, sounds divine to me, taking a nap.

2. What things do you find most relaxing? The beach...just sitting in my chair. Also, Friday and Saturday nights, we usually sit and watch movies/try to catch up on the movies out there. Usually on Saturdays we watch college football. 

How often do you get to do these things? Not often enough for the beach, that is for sure.

3.  What things wind you up and keep you from relaxing? 

Knowing I have to go back to work on Monday, LOL. The news/politics really winds me up...so I have self-limited that now.

4. When was the last time you treated yourself to something, anything that is special?

Usually once a month, I go to my favorite consignment store and buy something...usually blouses for work. I am also in desperate need to buy dress pants for work--so I will be doing that soon hopefully next weekend.

Currently...Veteran's Day

 

Thank you, Veterans, you are the true heroes!

Currently...

It is 7 am and the weather...fair and 68*. Still humid.

Feeling...tired after spending 7 hours in the ER yesterday. Long story short, found the husband slumped in his chair gasping for air. He is home now. What a scare that was...and for the record, I do not like the one (of many) local hospital here-HCA of West Marion-a teaching hospital. One hand doesn't know what the other is doing and at one point, someone "lost" my husband-family members aren't allowed to sit with the patient. Don't worry, I will voice my opinion at the appropriate time. After multiple tests and CT scan etc. No heart attack, no gallbladder attack etc. The scan did pick up the ulcer and his high hernia and his Barrett's esophagus flaring up. With special instructions etc. we left.

Did get...around 7 last night, they released him, and we stopped at Publix to get a sandwich (because we hadn't eaten since the morning).

Publix Deli Turkey Cranberry Holiday Sub-Boar's Head Turkey Breast, Boar's Head Bacon, Whole Italian 5 Grain, Boar's Head Smoked Gruyere, Publix Cranberry Orange Relish. And it was like eating Thanksgiving only in a sub. I only had a sliver of it and saved the rest for today. I highly recommend it. 

Celebrating...the very fact that the husband is feeling better--still sore from the rib cage etc. But all in all, he is feeling better than he did yesterday when I thought he was literally dying. Not being melodramatic just speaking the truth. What caused this flare up? No one knows.

Thankful for...although the staff annoyed me yesterday, all in all, I am thankful for the hospital.

Thinking...I have a master plan, lol. I am hoping the housing market will return to whatever normalcy and hoping to either improve this house or just sell it or move my mil here and us move. That is my plan, but we all know what happens when we tell our plans to the Lord, right? He probably doesn't appreciate us telling him, right? Right.

Watching...since I had so much time on my hands yesterday...The Scottish Highlands

such a lovely couple who was given a smack down and told to move, but a lovely angel named Susanna has offered them a place to live. So, they are now off for a new adventure in that lovely cottage above.

Making me smile...

...and with that last graphic of the ape, I leave you with a smile on your face and the thought, "That woman is cray cray." lolol-- Wishing you a beautiful day.