Hodgepodge...

 Good morning. How about the Hodgepodge?

1. What was your after-school routine like when you were a kid? 

Depending on or not if we had sports/practice or work/job after school. But usually, home and my mom would leave a list for us kids to get done like laundry, make dinner etc. Both my parents worked.

2. January 26 is National Green Juice Day ( I guess it's true everything really does have its day). Do you juice, as in make your own in an attempt to get healthy? Nope 

Do you do the green juices? Eww nope. It's green, why would I do that? lolol

What's your favorite kind of juice (home blended or store bought, either one)? Simply Orange Juice.

3. What's something trivial about which you have a strong opinion? 

Respect. There seems to be a lack of respect nowadays. Oh, and folks who don't turn on their lights at dust or even when its dark out. Drives me mad cuckoo for cocoa puffs.

4. What do you need more of in your life? Umm...the beach. Less of? Work -having a full-time job. lol

5. Give us three adjectives to describe your January.

cold, cold, cold

(by Florida standards)

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The last couple of days have been beautiful. High in the mid 70's. I hope we don't have any more cold weather as I am over it.

Then I will be complaining about the humidity, LOL. On a nice thought, my former boss (duty warden) saw me leaving last night and he walked me to my car. But then again, he was leaving too. How nice of him...he said if his wife ever found out he didn't, he would be toast. lololol

Tuesday 4...

 Welcome to Toni's Tuesday 4 friends!  

It's up early due to a busy weekend.

Dream, when you're feeling blue. Dream, that's the thing to do. Just watch the smoke rings rise in the air. You'll find your share of memories there. So, dream, when the day is through. Dream, and they might come true. Things never are as bad as they seem. So, dream, dream, dream

                           by Johnny Mercer

 

1. As evenings are long, temperatures drop and we have more time to dream and ponder, are you pondering or dreaming of anything right now?

I am dreaming of warmer weather and beach time. Ok, ok, when I am not dreaming of beach time? lol

2.  Day dreaming, singing, humming even, can lift your mood and change the entire state of your health.   Do you daydream or sing during the day? Again, beach lol.

Looking forward to warm weather so we can enjoy it.

  Now that you know it can improve health will you try it? Mentally? Beach. LOL--the beach cures all, just saying.

3. Fess up friends! When you window gaze is it because you are nosy or because it's just so lovely outside?  We will still love you no matter what the answer. 

LOLOLOL. This is what I see when I look out the 2 front windows...so, gotta open the door...because it's so bright.

we really don't have a view thanks to the privacy fence AND when I opened the door on this fine Sunday morning, it was very nice and warm like 60*. Joyful and gleeful.

4.Daydreams can become reality if they stir us to action.  Were there any times in your life when dreams came true? 

Hmm...probably...can't really think of it though. I/we had been dreaming of moving back south before our son passed away, and then he passed away and that dream became a reality...and I wouldn't really call it a dream. More like reality hit us in the face. And now, reality has really hit us, with being outpriced in the housing market. It has to crash sometime, right?

Oh yes, please. LOL--after a day like yesterday.

Share 4 Somethings...P.S. Answering some questions from you all...

 

Sharing 4 Somethings on this Monday...

Some things I have loved...all the cozy things these past 2 weeks. Walking into a warm building (because it has been so cold here). Comfort foods such as chili, Progresso soups, homemade pizza, homemade pot pie. And lastly, coming home after a long day. Nice warm cozy heavy sweaters. Warm house, warm husband, warm dog, just plain warm. lol

Some things I have learned...the previous week, although it is bitter cold by Florida standards, I will not die from walking here to there at work, although it sure felt like it, lol. I also have learned, I no longer like cold weather. AND nor will I like the humidity ...but at this point, I rather have the heat/humidity.

Some things that went well...well, it certainly hasn't been my attitude. Ok, so probably when the Colonel and Major came down to Alpha dorm and spoke to me about various situations that happened on Wednesday (my first day of class) that required their immediate attention. We have some kinks to work out (I say we, but it is really security related, not mine--well it does pertain to my safety.). Thankfully the good Lord gave me common sense to deal with those issues.

P.S. On that note, the males that work in the new area, were unhappy about me working in an environment that security were unaware of me working in. Which produced the Colonel to come down and talk to me. Although I was a bit peeved about these males, I am smart enough to know how to get security etc. Now, I have an overabundance of security. (rolling eyes)---again, NOT looking a gift horse...

Something that I need to let go of...due to some other issues at work, I do know this is being worked on...but I personally need to let the office situation go (another discussion with the Colonel and warden) for the time being. It has been sent to Tallahassee to be rectified. With that said, the teacher that is in the area/portable that I have been assigned too has been very kind. I walked in on Friday, and she had totally redone her office to include another desk, work area and a file cabinet for me. And she said I can use her computer until mine gets there (she has put in a work order). I was floored! And I almost cried. I am ok now (regarding office space)...she leaves at 3:45 and I am in there from 3-6. so, its ok. I am so deeply humbled by this person who opened her office to me.

Well, this is certainly very true...so I am finding out. My new job has many hiccups and such...no guidance whatsoever...like my boss said, just run with it. Ok then...

P.S. 

NO, new job (from Stacy)-However, since I did switch jobs within the Dept. of Corrections to the Education side, I have to be re- fingerprinted from the Dept. of Ed. although I am still employed with the Dept. of Corrections. It's way beyond stupid.

ALSO, I would love to buy my folks house when they pass away, but unfort. it is priced 1/2 million dollars. (from Susan)

The plan was to move into a brick/stick home and get out of the mobile home...but it looks like we will be stuck here due to the high prices.

Sunday's Catch-Up Post...

 Sunday's Catch-Up Post...

Apologies friends...I simply wasn't visiting any blogs yesterday. By the time we got home, I was just too knackered to care and that is the honest truth.

~~~~~~

We started off running over to the Post Office to get my fingerprints done. What a process! Had to do the background check online, pay etc...so, got there and guess what? The man who does this isn't in until Monday. So, I will take a 1/2 day tomorrow and track this down and get it done. The Dept. of Education (this is how stupid and crazy this is) doesn't recognize my Dept. of Corrections fingerprints. Yep. $76 later...here we are.

~~~~~~

Then, we stopped at Florida Prehab homes to look at modulars. Seriously folks, $295,000 for a modular? Yeah, no. They had a few that were well over $400,000. Then we stopped at some mobile home places. Wasn't happy with any of those either.

~~~~~~

By that time (1pm) we were near my parents' house, so we rode over there and visited with them. They told us about some up and coming neighborhoods/ affordable housing (Dad has been keeping his ear to the ground for us). 

Mom gave me another cookie jar...

So, we left there after an hour and found said neighborhoods...ugh...I do not want to live in a cookie cutter planned community that has HOA fees, no thanks. And what is "affordable?" I refuse to be house poor. All this left me deeply troubled and sad.

P.S. It is hard to see my folks getting up in age...they are slowing down. Dad is 80 and Mom is 79, many health ailments etc. that have popped up.

~~~~~~

 SO, by this time it was like 4:30 or so and we headed home. Where I promptly put on pj's, made that blog post, hubby made a homemade pizza, and it was good, I did 3 loads of laundry and then I fell on the couch and sat there until 9:30 and slept until 8 am today.

P.S. Our neighbor across the street gave us some lemons off his tree. Huge Meyer Lemons.

Hubby said he is going to make lemonade.

 SO, that is the extent of Saturday. Much to ado about nothing. It actually felt like nothing got accomplished. Today I am going to make a homemade pot pie, relax and do nothing. Although, I will say, the sun sure felt good. It wasn't cold or warm, it was just right.

 

It looks to be back in the mid 70"s this week and lows in the 50's. Hallelujah! I used to look forward to cold weather, but these past couple of weeks have been darn right cold, too cold for us here in Florida. Where even the panhandle got like 8-9 inches of snow. Crazy!

I will hopefully get caught up on your blogs. :)

Currently the Saturday Edition...

 Currently the Saturday Edition...apologies for the lateness of it. 

The Weather...61* and sunny, well, the sun is starting to set...nice day. One more night of cold weather, so says the Weather Channel.

And due to this...I wish Florida would stay this temp. It is actually very pleasant, not cold, not warm...just perfect. One thing I have learned this week (thanks to the cold weather), I DO NOT MISS THE NORTH! NOPE! I am done with this cold weather as my feet i.e. arthritis.

Reading...not anything. Can't seem to focus or stay awake long enough.

Listening to...the husband is watching FOX News as we got home a little while ago from this and that in town and visiting my folks.

Loving...being home.

Thinking...I need a major attitude check/adjustment. This I know...working on it.

Feeling...

Grateful...for President Trump and all he has accomplished this past week. Now, Mr. President, how about lowering these gas prices, please?

Laughing at...

Ok, I better stop. Have a good evening.

Hodgepodge Wednesday...

 Good morning from a frigid Florida! Where at 7:25 am it is currently 35* and real feel is 26*. You will be happy to know we did NOT get snow; however, it rained (poured) all night, and I am sure the roads are just a mess. 

1. What's a winter memory you treasure (can be from any winter in your lifetime)?

 Our winter when we moved to upstate NY, we got like 5 feet of snow overnight. WOW. Shocking...and I thought at the time, "What fresh hell was this?" Just keeping it real.

2. Tell us about the last time or a recent time you were caught up in red tape. Does it send your frustration level off the charts or is it something you've come to expect when dealing with any sort of bureaucracy?

I still have no office and today starts my first official day of holding classes and I still have no key to the padlock that keeps the gate locked. AND I am frustrated because I have to go back and forth carrying my things and it's freezing out. I might just need an attitude adjustment.

3. Do you eat/like fish? It depends. Do you cook fish at home? My husband does, grills it. What's your favorite fish dish? Cod or catfish. Ever been ice fishing? Yes, and I loved it.

4. Did you watch any of the US President's Inauguration coverage on Monday, Jan 20? On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being not at all and 10 being very very) how interested are you in politics in general? Probably 8, more than usual...just useless stuff in my brain really. Do you follow/keep up with/ get involved with local politics? Nope. Although, the governor is my boss, and I did like him saying yesterday the Gulf of America. LOL

5. What's the coziest thing you own and what makes it so? 

I still kept my northern sweaters, and they have come in handy, lately.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Folks, it is cold, and I do not look forward to driving into work. PLUS, I do not like my news hours, and they will probably have to be adjusted to later as well. I do not like getting home at 7pm. Yesterday, it took me 55 minutes to get to work...and work is only 19 miles. Yeah...NOT HAPPY.

Unfort. I do not have time for another, I need to get my lunch made and head out the door. Have a great day all.

Tuesday Meme

 

Hello ...This is Toni's Tuesday 4 where we strive to get you thinking and blogging and connecting with others.

 The saying used to be on my blog as a description: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

This was important to me when my spine went south on me.  I was born disabled and became a dancer.  Now I am disabled again. Que sera, sera, whatever will be will be.   But we keep on going. and turn the lemons to lemonade...or we should, I think.

Let's talk about it because we have all been there, done that.

1. What/who is your rock through the storms of life? Jesus Christ and my husband.

2.  Do you take precautions for bad storms? Well, we do live in hurricane alley...so yes, water and we each have a "go bag" i.e. backpack of clothes, socks, hygiene, MRES MEALS etc. What precautions do you take? Well, our mobile home is strapped down (that is a law here), we have water, matches and fuel (filled in 10 gal portable canisters), MRE'S. I keep saying I am going to invest in hurricane lamps, but we do have rechargeable battery station and flashlights. Also, make sure your important papers and ids are stored in plastic sandwich bags, trust me on this, folk. 

3. The Sheep are caroling in the snow... do you sing during the tough times? I wouldn't call it singing, more like humming.  What things, what activities pull you through? prayer, period.

4. Whatever we do, we should be there for others in the difficult times.

What advice can you give to those who are going through a difficult time now? Give your life over to Jesus, honest. Knowing the peace, I have with my relationship with our Lord and Savior, it's something that is unmeasurable. Also, make sure you have a good base of friends and/or even family. 

Yesterday was the Inauguration of the 47th President. I will tell you; I did cry tears of joy. I really didn't think it would happen. I am sickened though by the pardons that Biden did, and I am happy about the pardons of the J6 folks that 47 did, as the majority of them have been sitting in jail with no trial dates. Some who have been in confinement without trial dates. It's a sad sad world we have been living in. Hopefully, all will be righted.

Currently...Happy Inauguration Day

 

Currently

...just because I have nothing else to say on this Monday.

The Weather...38* but real feel is 31* at 8:00 am. Temps. dropped bigly overnight.

Listening to...hubby telling me the latest Biden pardons; Fauci, Milley, J6 Committee members. Hmm...one has to ask, why? Interesting. As they were never charged with anything...so this is preemptive? Wow. Just shocking.

Loving...sleeping in these last few days.

Thinking...nothing in particular. I am praying for the incoming president. So, I should probably retitle this Praying instead of Thinking.

Feeling...tired and restless. Tossed and turned most of the night.

Celebrating...not really celebrating but happy today is a dawn of a new era. At least for the next 4 years--at least I pray it is.

Grateful...for so many things...people, places, things...and lastly my Lord and Savior.

Making me smile...

p.s. Middle class is $52,000-155,000. (as of 2024)---I fall in-between that and lately, it's been a real struggle because of inflation issues.

Well, pretty much. lol---wishing you all a beautiful day. 

Stay frosty my friends. Things are about to get very interesting.

Currently...Storming Sunday

 Currently...storming Sunday

The weather...storming, like really really coming down at 8:15 am. Like a hurricane. Yep. No lie. 68* and had to turn the cental ac on due to the humidity. No worries, this will pass in a day or two and we are expecting very cold temps.

Reading...still can't work through

I'm going to have to set it aside, I think. I don't know why, it seems the author has changed her style.

Listening...to the rain and thunderboomers. Wow is it ever coming down. I can't stress enough how bad it is out there.

Loving...having tomorrow off. Plan on watching the Inauguration.

Thinking...about nothing in particular. While grocery shopping yesterday, look at this cute cup.

mermaid tail mug

$2 Walmart (on sale). My hubby, "Boy, does this match your personality." Like I need another cup/mug. I might had squealed when I saw it in the clearance aisle.

New creamer. Love it! At Wally world.

Watching...Just watched Season 23 of Midsomer Murders on TUBI--just sat there yesterday evening...and did absolutely nothing.

Feeling...it is so humid here and my arthritis has flared up. My feet are swollen, great, just great. Been feeling pretty good since it has been cold, yesterday was miserably humid with approaching storm(s).

Celebrating...nothing. Staying home? That could be a celebration, right? I am on a strict NO SPENDING for Jan. and Feb. Oh wait, I broke that with a $2 cup. Still, no clothing or shoes. Property Taxes have to be paid. Period.

Making me laugh...

not very funny. Now I have to call the Help Desk at work because this happened Friday.

I actually prefer the cheeseburger and not all that.

Yep...stay cation. Have a beautiful day all.

Hodgepodging on a Saturday...

 Good morning. Apologies for not blogging this week. From meetings to a coworker issue and to the what if's...life has been pretty hectic. See more below after the Hodgepodge.

1.  It's been said January is 'the month of opportunity, inspiration, and change." Which of the three do you need most right now? Elaborate. 

Change. I was going to say inspiration, but it seems my ITA'S (Inmate Teaching Assistants) are on the job per say. I am very happy to have two great ladies who are helping me and gone above and beyond. They also have taken their responsibilities seriously. So, change...big changes are finally happening this week. Still no office, but my Mandatory Literacy Program begins Wednesday. I have 20 students, and the majority are already in education.

2. Do you consider opportunity as something that comes to you or something you create for yourself?

I think personally, a little of both; hard work, persistence and so on. I think as I have become older, wiser, maturer, its ok to step out of the box of conventional thinking. What is the worst that can happen? Be told NO? OK, then keep moving.

3. The British Museum opened on this date (January 15th) back in 1759. Do you like visiting museums? I love museums. Do you have a favorite? The Smithsonian. I got to see Dorothy's slippers, which really are not made of garnet but sequins. Oh, and Miss Piggy and Kermit, the original Star-Spangled Banner, etc.

4. It's National Oatmeal Month (yes, apparently it gets a whole month as opposed to a single day). Do you like oatmeal? I love oatmeal. How often do you eat a bowl of oatmeal? Not often enough. How do you like yours? I like it creamy with fruit and cream, actually, I prefer Cream of Wheat. What about an oatmeal cookie? Love oatmeal and raisins. Is that a sweet treat you enjoy? Every once in a while.

5.What's something useful you learned in high school? Typing and English (Language Arts). How to form sentences, etc. Not that I really use this when blogging, LOL. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

we all know that I am this mermaid, lol.

***The coworker situation finally came to fruition yesterday. Jealously. Sigh...jealous of me...not getting a straight answer though, but it seems she thinks I am getting everything; big office (hasn't happened yet), starting a new program, taking her teachers etc. I had to remind her I am the one who has been squatting in her office, using boxes as a desk, and squeezed into a tiny little corner for the past 11 weeks or so. And as for the teachers, I was told to pick the best, and I did. My boss and I interviewed a dozen applicants, and I stole one ITA. Knowing full well it would cause an issue...it really is sad. He even explained it to my coworker...all 20 of the students have spoken or visited me and are excited...I even had one older inmate (70 or so) who was bawling her eyes out because someone was going to teach her to read. Anyways, just keeping in prayer. (I also think the coworker is jealous of this aspect as well, I spend the extra time reading/ studying files and that person, getting to know prospective students and what caused them to not be educated--just my opinion, but why wouldn't you do those things?).

***The office situation is still up in the air...however, it looks like I will be getting an upstairs office in Alpha cell block and will be sharing it with the new Health and Wellness Teacher. I do not take issue with sharing an office, as this office is huge. Although, where I will be teaching is on the other side of the compound, but I will have the mornings to prepare etc. She and I will be on the same hours as well. 

Yep, that is an accurate picture. LOL--I have little get up and go...but I must get up and go. We are expecting heavy rains this evening into Monday. I really need to get to the grocery store, see my parents and so on. Luckily, I have Monday off. Then Tuesday, preparing for the classes to begin on Wednesday. I am glad I will no longer have to get up by 3:30 am---my hours will change to 9:30 am to 6 pm. Which means I won't get home until nearly 7...but it's all ok. 

Tuesday Meme

 Hello and welcome once again to Toni's Tuesday 4. It's cold in these United States.  Everyone seems to be chilly, and some have blizzard conditions to contend with.

But I think winter is a time for us, as well as animals, to hibernate and takes things slow and easy.  I think many find themselves a bit more sleepy than usual and maybe we are supposed to take the time to rest... Let's talk it over, okay?

1. Do you find yourself a bit more lazy or tired as the nights get longer or does it not seem to do much to you? Well, since my current schedule has me at work by 7 am, I leave at 5:45 am due to traffic...so really, I am tired by 3 whatever. Usually by 6 pm I am ready for bed and is partly due to the fact by 5:30 pm its dark. In general, how are you doing this winter? I am just ok...just tired... plum tired from being it gets dark by 5:30 here. Truth be told, it was so gray and damp here yesterday and rainy in the afternoon, the sun never really came out. Plus, I had to walk down to the library with 25 inmate students in the weather...and that just soured my mood. By afternoon and talking to my boss, he agreed for me to stay in Alpha/cellblock 1. I just had had enough...it has more to do with my coworker than anything, but the weather was definitely not helping.

2. Do you appreciate the extra hours of dark that allow for more sleep, more leisure, less travel and hurry or not? Well, no...see above. If it weren't for the fact of having to work, then maybe.

3. I know I love a hot drink on a chilly evening and the quiet of the streets outside as people stay inside more on cold nights.  I feel more relaxed in the winter.  How about you? Yes, I do.

4. Do you ever gaze out of your window like Miss Kitty in the picture just watching the world go by? Well, one wouldn't see much but a privacy fence from the front of the house and back. I long to have a traditional house with windows that look out to the street. How do you find yourself relaxing on a chilly evening? Watching tv, covered up with a blanket.

above is my last thought...thank you for the kind words yesterday. I gave my boss a list of Mandatory Literacy Program candidates (after extensive research over inmate test scores etc.) yesterday and hopefully by Monday I can start my classes.

Monday...

 

Good morning, it looks like another rainy day here in central Florida. Back to Saturday, we were all sitting there Saturday discussing how long we have been blogging...boy I had to really think. Feb. 2008 is when I started on Blogger. However, I think it's been longer than that. Amazing how the years have passed.

Well, if I could; Dip in glitter that is. But you know, Mondays are just that, Monday...the weekend went by too fast for me. Well, that is all I have. 

Gotta' go fight monsters, goblins, bad things in general. {{grin}}

Currently Sunday...

 

Currently Sunday....

The Weather...36* and under another freeze warning this evening. When I left Barbara's house late yesterday afternoon, it had cooled down quite a bit. NOT enjoying this cooler weather. Maybe if the good Lord could leave it at like 60?

 

Blogging sisters...we had such a good time yesterday and wish we all could get together more. I do believe my husband was a bit jealous, silly as that my seem, but he got a kick out of his phone being loaded with a group chat. Thank you, ladies, for unknowingly doing that, LOLOL. And I finally met Barbara's husband, Gary. Such a lovely person. And I do believe our husbands would get along just fine.

**on that note, I really need to learn how to use my new phone...just been hard adjusting to the 21st century. My understanding is Pamela and Barbara have a photo of yesterday. I have not downloaded it yet, sorry....

Feeling...not really wanting to go out and get gas in my car today (for the work week). I should have done it yesterday, but it was like 3:30 and the sun was already fading, and I just felt the urge to get home.

Grateful...**hubby said he would go...super sweet, thank you.

Watching...tmi... So, I got home and just became a couch potato. Off came the clothes and on came the jammies. So, the husband finished watching a football game, then we watched PBS until like 10pm. Antique Roadshow, Midsomer Murders (new season), Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. 

Listening to...nothing really. The central heat came on.

Breakfast? Hubby said he was going to make bacon and eggs. My spoken thought was, "Can we afford bacon?" Well, bacon is like $9 for a package. But he bought BoarsHead bacon and, in his words, "Life is short, so I got bacon." Ok then, lol.

P.S. Since 2020, bacon has gone up over 20%--yes, you see this correctly.

Making me go hmm: jumping into the fray, so to speak.

Have a beautiful day all.