Share Four Somethings...

 

Good morning from an already balmy Florida. The temperature is supposed to reach a high of 95* today. So, it's the last Sunday of the month (how did that happen?) --Jumping into the Share Four Something Meme. Jenn is talking about some things we loved, some things we learned, some things that went well, and some things we let go of this month.

A. I loved...Change can be good, right? Changing out the Easter decor for summer.

Before and after

Also, I bought a new rug for the front door:

B. Some things I have learned...

1. Who knew? 

Can you believe you can teach an old dog new tricks? I learned that YouTube has great videos for teaching math such as Fractions and Decimals. YouTube has complete Math Channels and since I have a Smart Board in my classroom, I will be utilizing this. 

2. I learned that not all restaurants will make things right...case in point, we went back to Sammy's yesterday as hubby wanted lasagna. To make a long story short, the owner was there, an old New Yorker guy. My husband had an issue with the lasagna (there was no pasta in it! -How can you make lasagna without the pasta?) ...the owner was darn right nasty and called my husband a liar. Sorry, Sammy, you lost a customer. As much as I love your pizza, you did him wrong. Maybe Sammy's was having a bad day, I don't know, but they could have done things different to remedy the situation. They did nothing. After reading reviews, a lot of folks are complaining about the pasta dishes and lack of whatever. 

3. Not all phlebotomists are the same. I will be saying something to the dr. when I see her in May. Not that really will make a difference.

C. Some things that went well this month...

1. I had to go to Live Oak Suwannee Correctional Thursday (an hour and half northwest between Jacksonville and Tallahassee). Surprisingly, the drive and conference went well. Three other coworkers rode with me and even paid for gasoline.

2. Going through security has been smooth...well...it should be at 6 am. Not many people show up to work at that time in the morning.

D. Some things I let go...

Letting go of teaching old ways...time to embrace technology. 

Another work in progress, going through things in storage, trying to purge...honestly, what do I need 4, 5, 6 lamps for? Why do I need a dozen different drapes/curtains? etc... let it go, Linda--and quit buying new stuff. Seriously, just keeping it real.

Last thoughts...still letting go...

The signs above my Keurig. Definitely feeling the Sea Hag, maybe because we were out and about yesterday in the elements. This humidity just wears me out. Yes, that's a cow:

The cow and coffee signs are tin. Yeah, I know, mixing genres. Oh, maybe I should show the other wall...

Whatever...anyways, looking to redo the kitchen...since housing is still too high--we are discussing (Still letting go topic) of just staying put and investing in a new kitchen...and discussing of taking a day trip to Orlando to the Ikea store---which is way cheaper than these kitchen design places. SO, letting go--- the thought of selling and moving. It is what it is.

It is nearly 9:30 am...and frankly, not feeling Sunday at all. Wishing you all a beautiful day filled with love and laughter.

Memes

 Good morning from an already warm central Florida. Skipping right over spring, I think. Just memes for the post today.

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4/

Spring has sprung as they say and sights and sounds of winter have given way to those of springtime. With each season even the feel of the sun and wind changes and people may also have a change of attitude or a change of heart.

1. Many of my neighbors have chickens. Have you ever raised them for fresh eggs or is the grocer your go to for them? We had chickens when we lived in Alabama. I do miss having land and farm animals. We buy organic brown eggs from the grocer. I do see signs for fresh eggs but never stop. I should. Also... would the sound of a neighbor having them bother you? No, someone around here has chickens and a rooster.

2.  How does the change in seasons effect you personally? Anyone who knows me knows I am not a summer person and actually I get pretty mental about it. Are you happier in some seasons, do allergies get to you, do you perk up or down due to weather? I do have allergies. I perk up when the weather is not so humid.  

3.   This week our youngest family member is in France.  She will see Paris, Provence, the Riviera, all very exciting for a young teen. Most of us don't ever do anything that big...but even the smallest things can have a big effect on us.  What experience do you think stands out most for you in your memory? When I was a kid, we were shipped off to grandparents in Chicago and then the family winery/vineyard/farm in Michigan. Such fond memories.

4.  What do you look forward to in each of the year's seasons? Spring-the flora and fauna here in Florida. Summer-the beach, that is all I got to say about summer. Fall and winter-the humidity starts to drop off some. I also change out the decorations in the house.

1. The Hodgepodge lands on National Picnic Day...will you celebrate? Nope. Although, Thursday I did have to drive up to Live Oak-Suwannee County (an hour and half) for an Education Conference and they did serve us lunch. I guess you can call it a picnic. I had a roast beef sub, and it was good.

Do you enjoy picnics? Yes Dining out of doors picnic or otherwise? Well, I will tell you, hubby has made a nice dining area outside, however, the humidity is upon us, and I refuse to eat outside. So, indoors it is. What are three or four things I'd find in your picnic basket? Potato salad, chicken, lemonade.

2.  A time recently where you felt 'antsy'? Recently? Hmm...probably the drive to Live Oak, I 75 and then I 10 are something else. More like taking one's life in your own hands.

3. As the saying goes...'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Do you like lemonade? Yes, I love lemonade. When did you recently need to make lemonade out of lemons, figuratively speaking? Yesterday. I have a couple of new students who have very bad attitudes and refuse to do math because they don't want to. So, I worked with them as a group. Tried to smooth things over etc.

4. Recently five 'celebrities' made a brief (ll minute) foray into space aboard Jeff Bezos Blue Origin rocket. Did you hear about this? Yes Your thoughts? Fake If money were no object is this something you'd like to do someday? Nope

5. Favorite thing about the 'space' you're sitting in right now? My roll top desk from Pamelas son, Benton when they owned Dixie Cottage in Interlachen. Benton and Rose don't own the shop anymore, but they do have another business.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It's been a busy week with meetings here and there and cancellation of classes because of it. But I will say, once my feet hit the ground, I am running and before you know it, it's time to go home. I have expressed my thoughts about staying in this present position, and we shall see where it goes, if it goes...he has not given me any indication on where or what I am doing.

Have a beautiful day all.

Three Things from the Weekend...

 

I saw this over at Jennifer's, and I thought it would be nice to copycat and link it back to her. You know, friends, it's nice when your blogs spur on a blog post. Seriously...truly it is. I thought I would start the week with Three Things about the Weekend and One Thing I Might Change. 

 Wishing you all a beautiful Monday.

One...

Easter weekend bought some down memory lane topics. While visiting my folks Saturday, topics such as jobs, moving, traveling, family, future plans (including burial/funeral), inflation, politics and so on. I can remember when gas was .80 cents a gallon. ANYWAYS, one thing is for sure, things are a changing and not all for the good. My parents were very talkative the whole 2 hours, odd. Usually, they are not. It was a good day. However, with that said, In the three years since we have been back here, still have not seen my brothers or their families. I don't even know my nephews. Sad really. My parents have no plans to facilitate that either. So, onwards to can't fix something if I don't know what I did. I have no further plans to reach out either. As all that have met with muteness as well. I simply do not have enough energy or time to deal with issues.

Two...

Easter dinner plans changed and that was ok too. We had originally planned on ham sandwiches. Hubby BBQ Ribs and Chicken with baked potatoes and Mexican Street Corn. For the first time in 37 yrs. of marriage I did not cook, nor had family/friends over, nor did we go to friends for Easter. Trying to adjust to just us two has been hard. 

Three...and maybe change...

Out with the old and in with the new. Ever since we bought that Depression Uranium cupcake platter, it had sat on the dining table holding various things (see above photo). Hubby wanted something different. Since we do not have a chandelier (and no place to put one because there is no ceiling outlet) ...

The vase is tall (one of my mother's blue vases--yes, I know it looks black, it's not, it's blue with blue and white trim on the bottom) and the flowers are huge.

 

I told him we need to go back to Hobby Lobby and get more flowers. One bunch is not doing it for me. I am just not liking it. But that is what he wants...sigh...maybe I can find some clip-on bees. It just needs something--he said to let it be and notice the sign and goes, "Hey, is that directed at me?" LOLOL

Then I took the Egg wreath down and put this one up.

Not really liking the yellow. I am just not a yellow person.

We are in talks to paint the whole house including the wainscotting/bead boarding white. One day...So, that is the Three Things from the weekend.

Wishing you all a beautiful Monday.

Saturday Recap and Happy Easter

  I am writing this Saturday evening as I wanted to catch up on the blogs, plus there really wasn't much on tv (grin).

Wanted to do a quick recap on todays (Saturday) activities. So, we drove down to the Villages with the anticipation of doing the grocery shopping there. Well, you know, things just didn't happen that way. We stopped here and there, including Hobby Lobby because hubby and I were having a discussion about what kind of table setting we wanted for the remainder of the summer months. Because he simply can't remember where this or that is (my check pink drapes) ...

This is the present table setting and I know come tomorrow, I shall take it down, pack it away etc.  Stay tuned for the updated setting. We did settle on some flowers and a yellow table runner, and for the record, I am not a yellow person. I really wanted the whole display of Bee things but settled on just the runner. 

Then we drove back and stopped at my favorite consignment store, and we were hungry...hubby knew of this little place in Jasmine Plaza as he was over there the other day at the DMV getting our tags updated--can't believe it has been 3 years already--all set for another 3 years. Anyway, he stopped over there for lunch.

NOT my photo, took it off the internet.

What a wonderful place, don't look like much from the outside, but it's beautiful inside. I did not think to take any photos, sadly.

NOT my photo, took it off the internet. However, we sat in that table right by the post on the left.

Hubby had a sausage roll that was huge/filled a pizza pan and I had a small pepperoni and sausage pizza, both of us had to bring the rest home. The coolest thing, it wasn't that expensive, and we knew it was ok because it was filled with old folks, LOL. I shouldn't say that, because we are old too. What wonderful NY / Brooklyn pizza. We were happy campers. Sammy's is a full Italian kitchen and it sure beats Olive Garden any day. Just saying.

Then my mom called, and we went over there and by the time we got to the dreaded Walmart it was 4:30. UGH, wall to wall people and screaming kids. We never go that late. The Easter candy was picked over and it was just plain miserable shopping there.

Hubby also decided to change plans for Easter. He will BBQ ribs and a chicken breast for me, baked potatoes and Mexican street corn. Wishing you all a beautiful day filled with love and laughter.

Happy Easter to you and your family.

Currently...Saturday

 

Currently Saturday...

The weather...60* and the sun is starting to come up. Another warm day is on tap for central Florida.

Listening to...the crows outside. Other than that, it is all quiet on the Florida front.

Thinking...

* Can one really call Florida the south? Although yes, it's the southern tip of the USA, but is it really truly the south? Bloom where your planted comes to mind.

* Did those women really go to space? Me thinketh not. Fake comes to mind or as my husband said, "Pulling the wool over one's eyes."

*Making a list of items needed from the store. Marshmallow eggs are on my list, just saying. wink

* Not very happy when I had my annual fasting blood work done the other day. The girl was new, and she left marks on both arms. I told her if she didn't get it done soon, I was walking. She informed me I would not, and I said, "Watch me." Another person had to come over. Ridiculous.

*Hand feels better...just aches.

* Why did I have to work yesterday on Good Friday? Schools were closed but not the Education program at work. Although the bossman was out, as were his minions and the majority of supervisors.

Grateful...for another day.

Feeling...ok. Just the hand aches. 

Celebrating...can you believe for the first time in 30 something years we are not doing anything for Easter. Nope. Not cooking, not going anywhere, wasn't invited anywhere. NOTHING. I asked hubby did he want me to bake a ham, and he goes, "How about we just buy deli ham and fixings and make sandwiches?" Wow. Ok.

Reflecting...on what Easter means.

Smiling...

Have a beautiful day.

Just Memes...

 Good morning from central Florida. How about some memes on this Palm Sunday morning.

Howdy... welcome to Tuesday 4 which was hosted originally by Toni Taddeo and which we keep going in her memory. Teen-Age Romances was a comic that ran from 1949 to 1955. It cost 10¢ a copy. Used magazines now can be bought by collectors from hundreds of dollars to almost $2000. for a copy.

1. Did you have a teen-age romance? I was 14 when I met my husband, he was 15 and we were freshman in high school. Not sure if you call it romance or not, but I can remember carnations, beach days, and such.

2. What made it romantic? Ah, young love. lol --see above. Not a care in the world. Neither of us could wait to leave Ocala...and now look-back where it all started.

3.  What were dates like when you were younger? What did people do... where did they go? Cruising up and down Silver Springs Blvd, the movies, Lorito's Pizza (no longer there, the iconic sign is and its now Francos Pizza), the beach, cruising Paddock Mall.

4, What kind of things, places etc. do you find romantic? Walks in the park, beach, dinners.

1. What's a lesson you've learned from a mistake? 

I have told this story many times, but when I was 10 yrs old, I forged my dad's name on a history test...he was waiting for me when I got home. Subsequently, I was locked up in the county jail/booked, then taken to the morgue. That changed my young life forever. So, being brutally honest is the lesson I learned and now look, 48 yrs. I work in a prison. I would call that a 360. I still remember that day and how it scared me, to which was the lesson that he wished to convey.

2. Do you salt food while you're cooking or let diners add their own?  It depends on what it is. What's a food you think must be salted? Potatoes/French fries. Do you like pepper? Yep. Some might consider it to be embarrassing how much pepper I use on my food.

3. What was the last gathering you attended and what did you do there?

Last month's office meeting. Another one is fast approaching, and I need to get going and put the email out, since I am the luncheon committee. We have lunch together and then discuss whatever business that needs to be discussed. 

4. Your favorite shade of purple? It's called Fairy Tale, and it has a light purple undertone to it.

What's your favorite purple flower? I like Lavender, Lilacs, Violets, Phlox's, Hyacinths, Snapdragons.

5. Share a favorite spring travel memory. 

Although we both got windburned and are peeling, the recent beach trip. And to be honest, any day that one can get to the beach is a good day.

6. Insert your own random thought here. You would think since we live in Florida, we would be used to the sonic booms that launches give. Last night around 8:53 pm NASA / Space X launched another Starlink Satellite.

BOOM! The whole house shook. Yep, another launch, which I forgot about. My son so loved these launches --I can remember on his 11th birthday we visited NASA/Kennedy and saw one of the last Space Shuttles launch. It was awesome!!!! We were so close, the ground shook, the smell of fuel, it was so loud, it was just so awesome. The smile that kid had on his face, priceless. ANYWAYS, yep, last night, Space X launched a rocket. They are beautiful to watch, but I missed last nights. 

Something tells me my son is preparing up there in Heaven and I will leave it at that. The start of Holy week. 

Currently...

 

Currently...

Time: 7:30 am on a Saturday

Weather: a pleasant 53*, humidity is 77%, dewpoint is 47*. The windows will remain closed due to the pollen, although that seems to be easing off a bit.

Listening to...nothing really, all is quiet on the central Florida front.

Feeling:

--who stole my blogging mojo? I am just not interested in any of the blogging memes this week.

--so, the arthritis turned into something else...la dee da, blah blah blah, I sprained my left hand. Don't know how, don't really care, but it's painful. It has been wrapped for a few days, and I have to wear a soft cast. Getting old is not for sissies.

Grateful/Thankful... For a husband who did the grocery shopping and announced ordered yesterday afternoon after I got home that I am to just sit and do nothing this weekend. He said, "That is Dr. Dave ordering that." Ok then.

Adjusting... to my new schedule of 6-3. I actually teach two classes: 6:30 am-9:30 and then 11:30-2:30 (I let them out at 2 due to the fact they come early at 11 before the true time to start). That way I can get attendance and lesson planning ready for the next day. I say adjustment, because I have to leave the house by 5 am.

Much happier/Enjoying... this other position. The girls are what is called short sentence. They have less than a 3 yr. sentence and it's a privilege to be in that incentivize program. I have to say, in just a week, my total attitude has changed--and has been noticed by my husband. It's just a bit different mental tiredness.---its also great to have my own office. WONDERFUL is the word.

Loving...not having anything to do today, nowhere to be, don't have to talk to anyone (if I don't have) etc. 

NOT loving...having this hand issue. I have not been able to really fix my hair to my liking, bathe properly, etc. My hair has been flat all week. NOT LIKING IT.

P.S. I have flat straight hair. I have to artificially curl/have body.

Planning on...getting caught up on folks' blogs.

Making me laugh...

In all seriousness folks, I am good. On that note, I need more coffee to clear the brain fog. 

P.S. no one likes a Debbie Downer either, that I am afraid is what I am at this present moment.

Wishing you all a beautiful day!

Sunday Mismatched thoughts...

 

Once again, welcome to the month of April. Not sure if it really matters or not as the weather has been darn right warm here in central Florida and the pollen deep. Just a bunch of mismatched thoughts for today...

Weather...at 8:40 am it is a sunny 72* with 95% humidity. Another 90* day. I had to laugh over the weatherman telling us we will have some sort of cooling down with highs in the 70's-80's. Yeah, ok, whatever.

Thinking...someone asked me where do I find the cute backgrounds for here?

 

Designer Blogs  and sometimes from Cute and Cool

Liking...my new toy that cost me $17.

Since I have been buying whole coffee beans for the Keurig, and I have always wanted a coffee grinder. Totally pleased. I might had been giggling like a schoolgirl.

We went to Aldi yesterday. My honest opinion, Aldi is way cheaper like 50%-60% cheaper than Walmart. What we normally spend at Walmart ($200) for groceries we can get nearly the same thing (generic or Aldi brand) and spent only $100. ANYWAYS, I love croissants. Win win and they were only like $3.

Hairstuff/Added to cart...I have baby fine shoulder length hair, and it does take maintenance. ANYWAYS, going thru my box of goodies, I had forgotten I had given away all my hair clips and such. And you know, I am not going thru another summer with this humidity...so, yeah, I did have to go to Walmart and added stuff to the cart---hubby needed to get bird seed, so, yeah, I added stuff.

Normally I get Sebastion Potion 9 for my hair, unfortunately, with the price of everything going up, Pantene will have to do for leave in conditioner. Stay tuned for that yay or nay/review (my husband, "Linda, just spend whatever, get the good stuff." Umm...no. Will I regret it? We shall see.)--I was looking for Dove as I use their shampoo now (and loving it). Thanks to Paul Mitchell products going up, sigh...never ending, is it? I am just not willing at this point and time to pay whatever.

**Hang on folks, it will get worse before it gets better and just my opinion on all this tariff stuff, about time other countries pay their fair share and America quit being everyone's bank. I know someone out there will give me their two cents/talking too on this. 

Somehow...hurt my left thumb joint. Or it just might be the arthritis. Painful as all get out.

BK aka BK Lounge...then we stopped at Burker King because the husband wanted a hamburger. I got the chicken sandwich and a Coke, big regret about that Coke, I know better, because that probably aggravated the arthritis. Yeah, will I ever learn? Nope. But it was so good, perfect on a hot day.

Clay / Terra Cotta pots...we also stopped at the Goodwill store yesterday where hubby found 2 large clay pots/Terra Cotta for the Kalanchoe flowers he had bought for my birthday. Sorry, don't have photos of the clay pots. Anyway, $6 for the pair. I was reading that those flowers love clay pots. Ok, win win. Sure, beat the $30 each pot we were looking at.

Happy that...the Florida Gators are in the basketball championship and will play Houston tomorrow night.

**I did make Nachos last night, ground beef, tomatoes, taco seasoning, baked/heated nacho chips, cheese and salsa and Spanish Rice.

Watching...the Good Witch on TUBI. I'm on Season 4. It's just tv folks, don't get yourselves in a tizzy over the title, LOL.

...and I plan on doing just that. Nothing is on the agenda today. Have a great day all.

Currently...

 

Currently...

thinking I am 5 days late in welcome the new month, lol.

The weather...at 7:30 am: 65*, 93% humidity, 65* dewpoint. Real feel 71*. Yeah, its summer already, LOL. Going to be in the 90's today.

Listening to...nothing really. All is quiet on the southern front.

Looking forward to...hmm...being lazy today? Well, we do have to go grocery shopping.

Feeling...

Came back on Tuesday from the short vacay and hit the ground running. Ran 3 classes: 2 all the way at the other end of the compound and logged in 8,500 daily steps on my Fitbit. I am happy to say from here on or until he hires someone (I am seriously thinking of taking up the offer) I will stay down at the end of the world aka compound and teach Short Sentence GED. Much better acting young ladies. That program is a privilege. I will leave it at that.

Celebrating...well, my husband has been slipping one of these in my lunch bag.

Since the heat and humidity are back, plus there are no trees on the compound and the walk is in direct sunlight...loving it. Water just wasn't cutting it, and I told him that folks might think it funny, but I will be carrying an umbrella now. It is just so nasty to sweat and smell all day, LOL.

Thinking...

--today the Florida Gators play in the Elite 4 against Auburn at 6pm. What to make for dinner?

Grateful/Thankful--About something my boss aka, the wizard first emailed me and then said/reiterated to me when I stopped in on the way out yesterday. He also said it's all about finding my happy medium. I don't know how he knows I'm the one, I have only been down there for 4 days. 

Loving...Florida is back to looking "green" again, all the flora and fauna are blooming. 

Making me laugh...

Wishing you all a beautiful day...it is nearly 8 am and I really need to get going.