Happy Birthday

 Wishing my son a Happy 28th Heavenly Birthday today. He was such a blessing to us.

I simply cannot believe it will be 4 years, that cold December day brings much heartbreak and pain...but we know that he is up in Heaven preparing our forever home.

He could brighten up any dull day with his smile and "Hey Honey!" and his bear hugs. He was a fierce defender of his parents/us and any friend. He so loved God with all his heart and would often preach the word, being ridiculed for doing so. He detested all the hate going on this Earthly plain and would rather preach love and forgiveness, lessons we all could learn. We miss him every single day and not a moment goes by when he isn't thought of. 

Hope y'all have a great day. 

Share Four Something: March 30

 Can you believe March is almost over with? Nope, nor can I. So, I am stealing this from Jennifer. and Jenn. 

Some things I have loved...Well, I can count the beach, right? Although it was very windy and later, we both were windburned. Nonetheless, it was a nice day. I am looking forward to the end of April, hubby said, and I repeat, "Shall we try again next month?" I about fell out of my chair. I will hold him to it. LOL

Some things I have learned...all in the span of this month: I am not a young spring chicken anymore. It just takes longer to get things done, from even carrying things down to the beach, getting up in the morning with aches and pains I never knew I had (stop laughing), it is just taking longer to recover from whatever. Not pin pointing one thing, just saying. Turning 58 has been really well, shocking really.

Some things that went well...hmm...I gotta think on this one. 

--Well, no real issues heading to the beach. Except one minor thing, one has to pay now to park--all the previous FREE parking, one has to pay now. $20 from sunup to 11 pm. Yep. They are busy getting ready for the upcoming hurricane season and repairing from last season. I am not going to complain, because where we park, right next door to the Lifeguard headquarters, there is the Splash Pad and public restrooms/bathhouse. So, yeah, I/we will pay whatever. And its relativity safe.

--Our birthdays. Turning 59 (him) and 58 respectively...although I would like to forget that fact, lol. Our son would have been 28 tomorrow, March 31. Hard to believe it will be 4 yrs since he passed away. It just still seems so surreal. I 1/2 expect him to text me or come walking thru the door. Just keeping it real folks.

Something I need to let go of...just anger about things I cannot control.

Nope. Truth. I keep saying this, hoping it's sticking; I am not the person I was all those years ago growing up here in my hometown, and thank the good Lord, I am not. Only by the grace of God. 

P.S. I really want to thank those who sent snail mail birthday cards. It truly did make my day when I came home from work and saw those.

Have a beautiful day all.

Cutting it short...

 Good morning from a sunny and very warm Florida.

Cut the mini vacation short due to wind burn and with an approaching storm coming in this weekend, we packed it up. The temp was great at 85*, however, the wind was blowing about 25 mph and rip tide warnings were up --still though, a great day. Going to take the rest of my mini vacay to relax (p.s. yes, there was a crazy fool out there trying to surf-you can see it to the right of the flag-the lifeguard kept blowing the whistle at him).

Had a great early dinner at Landsharks. We had the perfect views of the ocean.

Great food and service.

I had fish and chips. Very good.

The hubby had a shrimp po boy, he said it was really good.

Regardless of being windburn, everyday should be a beach day, just saying.

CYA next month beach (don't you know the hubby is rolling his eyes, lol).

Springing into the Hodgepodge

Good morning, thank you for the kind comments...apologies, I haven't posted and missed yesterday's Tuesday Meme...

1. Spring has officially sprung (in the northern hemisphere anyway) ...did she roll in more like a lion or more like a lamb in your neck of the woods? More like a lion with storms. 

What needs more of your attention in terms of a good spring clean this year-your house or your garden/yard? Ugh...the house. Prob. Sunday when we get back.

2. What's put a spring in your step lately? Ugh...well, to make a long story short, I am on the move yet again. One of the other teachers took a position at another facility and gave no notice. So, off I am again...until they hire another teacher. So, my hours are changing as well as the position. My current program/class will be put on pause. Funny how all these folks think I can handle whatever is thrown at me. So, when I get back from the mini vacation...

3. When you were a kid, what was the best snack to find in your lunchbox? Bolonga sandwiches was the best thing, my mom made sure of that. My husband packs my lunch box now, and he usually sneaks candy or an extra bologna sandwich in my box. 

4. In what area of your life are you planting seeds? Every day, I plant seeds in these women's lives that education is key.

5. Why do you live where you do? Umm...well, its Florida. Seriously, when our son suddenly passed away, my husband thought best to move me/us back here and he was so right. 

Would you consider living somewhere else? Hmm...on the coast. Somewhere, maybe Maine. 

Why or why not? Umm...it's the coast. LOL 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

One more day and we will be heading over the bridge to the Atlantic Ocean (short 45-mile drive). Woohoo...and then we are off to cross back 80 miles from the Atlantic to the Gulf. Heading to Tampa and then Clearwater. Have great day folks!!!

Day after...

 

The day after my birthday finds me...

Alive and well. LOL---in all seriousness, how about a recap?

Oops, I made the hamburgers way to big, no worries, we will have leftovers tonight as there were 2 a piece and I will take my other half for lunch today. Hubby did great grilling them and he made homemade fries too---they were soooooo good. He kept saying, "Are you sure you don't want to go out to eat?" Nope---so we ate around 1:30.

Probably will leave the cattails/Pompas grass in the containers for now. The nursery guy said they can stay in there. We had a few mornings of darn right cold weather. So, they took a bit of a shock.

These will also stay where they are. As they are full sun, and they will grow to be about 3-4 feet.

Lilybelle was unfazed about us yelling at the tv yesterday. The Florida Gators basketball team have reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017.

And Huey Louie was just being Huey Louie. Lazy too. Just like his people, LOL.

and for the birthday wishes. They did make my day. Hope each of you have a lovely day.

Currently, in Birthday Mode

 Currently, in Birthday mode...going to start this Currently backwards, I guess.

Thinking/for the record/Celebrating...I am not a birthday person...for others yes. I have never been the one to celebrate my own. I do believe it has something to do with my childhood--and a traumatizing event, I know, grow up already and quit blaming whatever. ANYWAYS, thank you for the birthday wishes on FB, truly it does make my day. 

Thank you to my husband for the birthday presents. Candy, flowers/plants, cupcakes, a lovely card. I have no idea how I can eat all these cupcakes. Scratching my head on this, LOL.

Watching...last night we stayed up until like 1 am watching a movie called

"IF" Is about a girl who can see everyone's imaginary friends and she has to reconnect them to their people. What a beautiful, bittersweet movie. I love movies that delve into one's imagination. My husband said and I quote, "What an incredibly sad movie." Yes, yes it was.

Listening to...my husband on the phone with his sister-discussing birthdays (his and mine).

Loving...the nice warmups in the afternoons.

Feeling...just...melancholy. I really detest don't like this day. It amazes me how the brain works, and all the bad things come up. I AM NOT GOING TO BE A DEBBIE DOWNER. Just keeping it real.

Grateful...for my husband who doesn't listen to me regarding my birthday. Yep, I am grateful. Because I know he means well and knows the backstory, so he makes it special.

Looking forward to...

Soon, 4 days and counting. And my feet will be up and sitting in my beach chair in a sweet little place on the beach where we will be staying. Again, thankful and grateful for my husband who puts up with me and the beach.

The weather...49* at 8:50 am, it is supposed to warm up to 85* today.

Giggling at...

Ok...lol...wishing you a very beautiful day!!!

Saturday 9

 I have no earth-shattering news or photos to share, so I will just join in on the Saturday 9.

Saturday 9: Photograph (1973)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Ringo stumbles upon a photograph that reminds him of a lost love. Are there any photos displayed in the room you're in right now?

Of course, I sit at my little white rolltop desk and on top are photos of my son and husband.

2) While there are approximately 180 published songs credited to Lennon-McCartney, this is the only song written by Harrison-Starr. When you think of Ringo's old band, the Beatles, what's the first song that comes to mind?

Back in the U.S.S.R.

 

3) George and Ringo wrote this song while on a yacht in the South of France. They, and their wives, had just attended Mick Jagger's wedding to Bianca in Saint Tropez and decided to take a little holiday together. What are your vacation plans for 2025?

In 5 days, we will be at a little place on the beach for a couple of days.

 

4) At 5'8, Ringo was the shortest Beatle and the only one with blue eyes. How tall are you? 5'0 What's your eye color? dark brown almost black.

5) Ringo gave his first wife, Maureen, a one-of-a-kind birthday gift. Frank Sinatra recorded "The Lady Is a Tramp" with special lyrics, written just for her. Do you have anything that's personalized? (It could be a monogram on a scarf, it doesn't have to be as cool as a gift from Frank Sinatra yes, a casserole dish that is monogrammed in my name, thanks to my mother.

6) Ringo appeared as Mr. Conductor on Thomas the Tank Engine. He recorded the narration for the entire first season in just a week. Tell us what you did last week.

Umm...work and deal with threats against my life, on a daily basis.

7) As a boy in Liverpool, Ringo loved watching American westerns. Do you like cowboy movies/shows?

Yes. I actually like those "spaghetti westerns".

 

8) In 1973, when this song was a hit, former President Lyndon Johnson died. Who was President when you were a kid? Nixon, Ford, Carter when I was a little kid and into my teens it was Bush.

 

9) Random question: When you woke up this morning, did you know the day and date (before looking at your phone)?

Of course, because tomorrow is my birthday--as someone has been reminding me for days now. My husband turned 59 the other day, mine is tomorrow and our son would have been 28 on the 31st.

We are off to go get potting soil.

Lucking into the Hodgepodge

 Good morning...Lucking into the Hodgepodge.

1. I write the Hodgepodge questions, so they'll post on Sunday, which sometimes throws me off in terms of what day it is. St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on Monday, March 17th. Did you mark the day in some way? Nope. worked. Wear green? Yes, wore a gauzy/lacy green blouse. Make a special meal? My husband made a perfect corn beef, potatoes and carrots with sauerkraut and a homemade horseradish sauce. Watch or participate in a parade? Nope. 

2. Do you think luck plays a part in your life? Explain. Luck? Not sure...probably more like hard work and probably at the right place etc. at the right time.

3. Of the 15 green foods listed, which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Any on the list that are a hard no for you? In general do you like fruits and veggies? As a kid did you eat them willingly or did you hide peas in your napkin hoping your momma wouldn't see? 

Asparagus, avocado, broccoli, celery, cucumber, grape, green bean, kale, kiwi, lettuce, lime, 

pear, peas, pistachios, spinach

I really don't care for pistachios or kale. I like most fruits and vegies and my mom really didn't force us to eat most of those listed.

4. What's something that makes you 'turn green'? (with envy or with illness... whichever way you want to run with it)

Hmm...I am lactose intolerant, so milk or cream products make me green around the gills. I am not a jealous person and simply don't understand how folks are.

5. Did you spend a lot of time outdoors as a child? Yep until the streetlight came on. Doing what? Playing, skateboarding, sports, climbing trees. Do you spend a lot of time outdoors now? Nope. It's getting to the humid season here, so nope. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Yesterday was the Women's History luncheon at work. I didn't get to go, me nor Mr. M. who teaches Logistics and I tutor 8 of his students/inmates. Long story short, the luncheon started at 11:30-and his students had to be tested at 1. There wasn't enough time to get back thru security etc... due to count, the inmates didn't test until 2 and fellow employees weren't getting back until nearly 3. Anyways, we weren't happy campers. We shared what we had (me Goldfish crackers and him chips). By the time I got home at 7 last night, I was not a happy camper to say the least. ANYWAYS, whatever.

I'll try to catch up later.

Tuesday 4

 Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we try to have fun answering questions about various subjects. March, they say, comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.  It is called the windy month like Chicago is called the windy city!

1.  Has March come in like a lion or a lamb in your neck of the woods?

It started off like a lamb, but these last few days...more like a lion. The winds have been a bit much. 

2. There have been some awful storms of late... have you suffered through them, or have you ever suffered through a very bad storm in your life? (if so we wish you well)

We did get some storms Sunday, not as bad as other states. But we will be entering hurricane season soon. So, ask me again say in Nov. LOL---on that thought, back many years ago, we lost pretty much everything in an EF 5 tornado when we lived in Alabama. Hence one of reasons why we moved north...then our son passed away and we found ourselves back in Florida. Swearing we would never ever move back, the good Lord knows best, right?---so yes to both...life is certainty complicated.

3. Spring begins March 20th and ends with summer on June 20th this year.  Any plans for Spring in general? How about the spring holidays? 

I am heading to the beach the end of the month for a mental health rest. That is about it. Haven't a clue about Easter yet.

4.  What are your favorite springtime flowers?  Way too many to list. Florida has an abundance of flora and fauna. Trees or shrubs? Trees, like palm or orange.

How about a song with a springtime theme to it that you enjoy?  "I can see clearly now" by Johnny Nash.

Wishing you all a beautiful day, thank you for the lovely comments.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

 

Not much to report...yesterday we were under a tornado warning starting about 11 am. We got our haircuts, went to Publix and came home, the storms finally rolled thru here about 3 pm. Major thundering and lightening, something that Florida does not disappoint in, that is for sure. 

Wishing you each a lovely day filled with laughter.

Currently Blowing into...

 Currently blowing into...

The weather...at 7:25 am it's 72*, humidity is 88% and the wind is 13 mph. Expecting some nasty weather after lunch. Hence the word Blowing...the wind has been something else. We are under a storm warning.

Watching...indeed, hubby got the new tv up and running, so another binge watching of Antique Roadshow.

Listening to...the wind and the crows outside.

Loving...the new tv. How bright, clear and big. LOL

Thinking...

--we have to go out and brave the weather and get haircuts today.

--what's for dinner?

--did I forget anything at the store?

Feeling...ok. A little apprehensive about the weather. Keeping those that were affected by the storms in prayer.

Looking forward to...going back to bed this evening? LOLOLOL

Giggling at...

actually, the temp will drop after this weather blows out. Tomorrows high is projected at 68*.

All the above is true. Florida is crazy when it comes to rain/storms. That's all I got folks. Nothing much.

Currently mid afternoon...

 Currently mid-afternoon...

In 44 BC, it became notorious as it was the date of the assassination of Caesar.

Weather...86*, 47% humidity, 62* dewpoint at 1:00 pm. Not quite balmy, but close. By 5 it is supposed to be 90*. We are expecting tornados and bad weather to roll through sometime tomorrow into the evening.

Listening to...hubby put up the new tv on the wall. Our big LG tv went out 2-3 weeks ago--which was nearly 10 yrs old. ANYWAYS, that is where we have been, we got up early and hit the sales. He got a 60 inch whatever (Samsung?) for $300 something. Oh, and the tv instructions are talking to him.

Loving...just being home. I am simply finding that the store crowds just don't appeal to me anymore.

oh wait...

My little Keurig that I got for Christmas. It was actually supposed to be for my office, well...anyways, I am just going to use it. My first cup of coffee-Italian coffee-Fili Cori Zecchini--yep at 1 pm. I ground my own.

P.S. One can find this coffee at Home Goods or Marshalls.

Thinking...well...Honestly, not much. I am going to try really hard to not bring work home with me etc. (the idea of work, not work work).

Feeling...ok...need coffee. That became evident about 3 hours ago, LOL. I warned him, sure did.

Grateful...for so many things, places, people etc.

Enjoying...we also stopped at a local nursey by our house. My husband bought the Confederate Jasmine that has now grown over the gazebo from this place last year. ANYWAYS, bought 4 Pampas grass and 2 Coreopsis. Much cheaper than Lowes or Walmart.

Looking forward to...hmm...

a few years ago.

corn beef and hash on Monday.

Giggling at...

Yes, Nancy it does.

Have a great rest of the day, all!!