Tuesday Meme

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

Nearly 5 years later...God is bringing us through the most difficult time...

Happy 29th Heavenly birthday to my/our son. You are missed and very much loved. I know you are up in Heaven preparing our home, one day, son, one day...

Disclaimer: I am too tired to take photos to fully participate.

1. What will we find on top of your refrigerator? Nothing is on top of the fridge. Dust bunnies?

2. What will we find on your nightstand? A clock, some nail polish, a book, a lamp.

 3. What is in your purse or handbag? A wallet, make up bag, pens

***and for the record, I am not a allowed a handbag or wallet in for work. So, the wallet stays in the car.

4. What will we find on your coffee table or side tables? Lamps, An Android Tablet, a candy dish, a key chain that has the push button/remote to turn on the outside lights. How about your kitchen or dining table? An Easter display of flowers and glass eggs on the dining table and on the kitchen table, a basket of napkins, salt and pepper.

P.S. Imagine my shock when leaving work Monday and I saw the price of gas $4.28!!!!!!

Currently Sunday

 Good morning!

Start of the Holy Week, I do believe.

Currently

Weather...64* cloudy. We actually turned the ac off last night due to the winds were blowing around 20-40. It was quite refreshing, but the humidity has popped back up so the ac is back on.

Thank you...for your kind thoughts and comments. I am trying so hard to not be a Debbie downer. I also know there are others out there in the big bad world who are suffering at their jobs as well and would love to just give the five fingers discount.😁😉

Listening...the dog and hubby are both snoring as its only 7 am.

Watching...hubby put on You tube yesterday and we have been watching beach homes for sale up and down the Florida coasts. And we have been laughing our heads off, lol. Unfortunately, I will not be one of those folks who can afford to buy a beach house. sigh. I am but a poor pauper and that is sad.

Thinking...

--I need to iron clothes

--I also need to get lesson plans done for the next ten days. I probably should put that as number 1.

--I need to quit daydreaming about owning a house on or close to the beach. LOL (no never)

--repeat thought: since when did housing get so expensive and out of touch for the common man?

--Seco and other companies have been out in the neighborhood pruning trees off the power lines getting ready for the hurricane season, which will begin shortly.

Making me smile

and

Have a great day!!!

So....Currently

 Good morning. I have very little mental energy to deal with writing a post...so here we go--just keeping it real, because if it's something that I am, it's honest. No fluff around here. 

Currently

I have edited my workplace issues...I just don't have the strength to post about it.

I digress...Currently

Weather...62*, cloudy and very foggy.

Listening...nothing much. All is quiet. Even the hubby who at the moment has run out of steam concerning the above--issues at work and so far, I have kept him from getting involved.

Looking at...for the record, yes, folks, I have other job feelers out...and it might involve a move to another part of Florida. It truly is in God's hands...as I am so gently reminded. I think honestly, for whatever reason, the bad has to happen first...and wherever it lays, it lays. If that makes any sense.

P.S. I have not been fired --no, but I have filed a workplace hostile work environment report.

Thinking...I need to get my life back. Period. drop that mic. Hey, can I sell seashells by the seashore? Just saying. 😂 

Dr. visit...she actually took me in within 15 min. this time. I did tell her how unhappy I was etc. Anyways, all the numbers are good etc. Again. WITHOUT MEDICATION. Modifying this or that. Drop that mic.

P.S. Also, I had an EKG done months ago, why I am just now getting that report back. Everything is fine considering the very fact how much stress I am under.

Enjoyed...hubby packed my lunch yesterday and it consisted of 2 hard boiled eggs, 2 Hawaiian rolls, a pack of cookies and small bag of M&M'S. It was very delightful. Since, I really didn't get lunch because of above issues...but I walked around my classroom while class was in session and ate...poor students, I did feel a tad bit bad. 

Making me laugh...

ah...sigh...so very true. LOL

Have a great day all.

Springing into the Hodgpodge

 Good morning.

1. It's officially spring in the northern hemisphere. Does it feel like spring in your part of the world? If you're in the southern hemisphere it's officially autumn where you live. Does the weather say autumn? Which do you prefer-spring or autumn? Why? 

It's Florida and right now it's the pollen, we really need a couple days of rain. I prefer Autumn, but Florida really doesn't get a true Autumn season. smiles

2. What's your favorite thing about spring? Seeing everything turn green and flowering.

3. Spring into action, spring in your step, spring to life, spring to one's feet...which spring idiom currently applies to your life in some way? Explain.  

Sigh...I really don't know. The only spring I have in my step is the fact that I do walk rather quickly to where I have to go at work. LOL

4. Which spring food from this list is your favorite? What's a dish you like that includes your favorite spring ingredient? 

asparagus, strawberries, salad greens like mesclun, artichokes, spinach, eggs, peas, spring onions

Yummmm strawberries. My husband has been buying me Strawberry parfaits from Publix. It's strawberries, cake and vanilla yogurt with granola. Yummy, good.

5. What's one task on your spring-cleaning list? Do you actually have a list? 

Ugh...windows...they really need to be washed. No, don't actually have a list. But we do know things need to be done; windows, staining of the front porch etc.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I don't know who unknown is, but Happy Birthday! And thank you all for the birthday wishes and snail mail. Thanks for making me smile.

Tuesday Meme...

 They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. 

  March 29-31 are the "borrowing days" when weather is traditionally rough or stormy  and the month was named for Mars the god of war because March was the time for the start of wars.

1.  What brings out the lion in you? Liars. I simply cannot deal with a person who lies. What brings out the lamb? Babies or children.

2. What are you enjoying in terms of TV, movies or books right now? I like a lot of stuff on YouTube such as Kirsten & Jorge, a lot of Ireland and Scotland stuff. I have been keeping away from the news as it's so slanted against America, period.

3. It's Spring now... are you happy to see it come?  Sure. Will you be going out more? Umm...right now its pollen season and that icky yellowish greenish stuff is everywhere and my eyes are itchy and the nose running, yeah...no. LOL

4.  Create an ideal weather scenario for each season...the perfect weather for summer, spring, autumn and winter. A perfect day is a day that is 70-75* and no humidity and clear blue skies. The only thing I would change is the humidity here in Florida oh and the hurricanes, other than that, Florida is pretty cool to live. We were just discussing this the other day--we are afraid though the political climate will change at some point. We enjoy many freedoms down here from a tyrannical DC/government such as open carry, and other things. I only can hope and pray whoever replaces the governor will also be a good governor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you all for the birthday comments. Yes, my husband is a keeper. Wishing you all a beautiful day. 

Happy Birthday!

 Good Morning.

I am not one to celebrate my birthday, various reasons on why. But here it is, 59 years on this Earth. Where have 59 years gone? My husband totally surprised me yesterday with various gifts--as he simply couldn't wait 24 hours.

A mermaid sign, a Coach makeup bag full of makeup, Youth Dew (which instantly took me back to my grandmother because that was her favorite), another Pandora bracelet to put my charms on, another Coach wallet and a cute, beaded Mary Frances clutch.

He said, "I saw you looking at it the other day and no, I didn't pay what she was asking for it. Every girl should have a pretty purse." (hate to correct him, but it's not a 'purse' and where in pray tell am I going to use this?)---he goes, "Oh to the opera? The Theatre?" (pronounces it like he's high class) LOLOLOLOLOL --oh Lordy, he just cracks me up. shaking my head.🤣😁😉

So, let me tell you a quick story about the makeup bag. The other day (last week?) I noticed my makeup tray was messed up and things out of order. He tells me yesterday, "Oh I thought I was busted when you mentioned that." He had taken all of my makeup to Target (which he hates) and asked a sweet older lady to match all my makeup. Because he knows, I will use it until dries up and hmm and haw over it. He even thru in a very expensive Urban Decay makeup stick. FLOORED and very speechless yesterday. He goes, "Geeze, the bracelet and the sign have been in the safe since Christmas, surprised you didn't see it."

I better stop before I start crying again in regard to the gifts...wishing you all a beautiful day.

Currently Sunday...

 Good morning, the humidity has been holding off, but we all know that will change, it has been 'ticking' up a little bit.

Weather...54* with dense fog at 8:24 am. We are warming up to 85* today. 

Listening to...Hubby is in the kitchen putting another corn beef. potatoes and 🥕 in the crock pot and I can actually hear the highway traffic today. SECO Energy was out this past week trimming all the trees off the power lines etc. with the anticipation of hurricane season. They do this every season.

Watching...not the news, that is for sure. I simply cannot understand the disdain and hate for America and that is coming from Americans and the media. We did watch a cute movie last night Leap Year from 2010 filmed in beautiful Ireland.

P.S. BTW, I think there must be something wrong with me, because when the President made that comment about Pearl Harbor, I about laughed my head off. BTW, the Japanese PM, she rides motorcycles and plays the drums, so, honestly, I don't think she was too bothered by the comment. LOL

Eating...we finished off the last of chicken noodle soup for lunch yesterday and late yesterday evening, funny thing, we had Totino's Pizza Rolls in front of the tv, just like kids. LOL

Surprise! No sooner than we got home from haircuts and running around yesterday morning, my folks made a surprised unannounced visit (and that is fine, our home is always open to visitors etc.). They wanted to drop off birthday cards/gift certificates, which was really odd...because in all of my adult life, they have never done that.

They also wanted to see the kitchen progress. My mother giving tips etc. and their wishes for us to move into a "stick" house...and then, I saw it...and it hit hard...my folks are slowing down. Being nearly 82 & 80 years old. My mom has breast cancer again...and... well, I will just leave it at that.

Thinking...time really keeps going and going.

Feeling...not tired, but tired. If that makes any sense. Have been on the run all last week and today, we are just staying put.

Need to be doing...

need to iron and get my work clothes ready for the week.

need to get lesson plans going for the week...oh wait, no classes on Thursday due to the monthly Teacher Mandated Development (which is really getting on my nerves, just saying). Every Monday at 2 -3pm and then once a month for 8 hours. So, 4 days of classes to get ready for. I am really trying to keep an open mind, about all this teacher development stuff, but honestly, its redundant.

need to give myself a pedicure since its flip flop season. 😁🌴🏖️

Making me smile...all the Easter stuff in the stores. All the bunnies, chicks, candy, pretty colors...just makes me smile.

not my photo

Wishing you all a beautiful day.

Just some fun things...

 Good morning, and just like that, the central ac in back on. We were pulling out of the driveway yesterday and the dr. office called asking us to change to the Brownwood location, which is in the Villages. Gladly...so off we went and after, we headed over to McDonalds for breakfast...yes, McDonalds. Sad but true, as the hubby loves their big breakfast of pancakes, eggs and a sausage biscuit. I got the Egg McMuffin, I am not a breakfast sort of person...anyways...

He suggested, since he was feeling and seeing so much better perhaps, we could over to the Wildwood Antiques store just a short drive from Brownwood. Sure thing.

My little eye (ok, 4 eyes, lol) spotted this cute tree. All decorated in blue.

And this sign...I couldn't help but laugh. I should have bought it but didn't. Then, we went to a couple more antique places and then stopped in Oxford (still the Villages) to go too Marshalls. Where I did buy a few things:

My favorite Anti-Aging Cream. I was looking at the "new wave" Korean beauty products that I have been reading about but decided to stick to what I know. 

and slippers. I usually don't wear slippers, as I am barefoot most of the time here at home. But I am finding myself the need to get comfy after being on my feet all day. Hubby did get a fancy towel holder for the kitchen countertop and some bamboo drawer organizers. Other than that, it was a pretty good day.

No "Seas" the day. These spring breakers/young folks have been a menace in Daytona and our beaches--it's been in the news.

We have to head to the post office to return an Amazon order, get haircuts and the dreaded Walmart. Wishing you all a beautiful day.

P.S.

All is good...

 Good morning. I hope this post finds each of you well.

Thank you all for the prayers, the hubby is doing well. All is good. He said he can actually see colors and objects now (me rolling eyes--how/why did you think "cloudiness was normal?") he can't see longer distances yet, the dr. said it could be a couple of weeks. We actually have to head back down to Leesburg for his follow up this morning. They originally told us an hour that I would be sitting there waiting, and it was 4 hours. I'm not complaining...just saying. I was speaking to the receptionist there and was retelling my story about the day before (waiting an hour) and she said, "Oh that's normal in Ocala." Hmm...and grr...No, sorry not buying it.

While waiting, there were two older women talking about their grandkids and Easter. I had to chuckle. Something about oh those kids will find whatever...it truly amazes me how one could be minding her own business playing a game on her phone and people just up and want to talk to you. Tell you their life stories.😉 Then another startling reality, I was sitting there thinking how I was the youngest person there and then it hit me, "Yeah, not so fast missy, your turning 59 almost 60 and your middle age now." Yeah...when did this happen? LOLOL

Hope I put some smiles on your faces, wishing you all a beautiful day. I will try to get caught up later. 

Ramblings...

 Good morning, first I want to say a Happy Birthday to my husband.

60 years old! We have known each other for 45 years now. He was 15 and I was 14...where have the years gone? No celebrations etc. as he is getting his eye done today/this morning. That man made a big pot of homemade chicken noodle soup yesterday and we will continue to eat that. I might stop and get some rolls or something to go with it. Anyways, happy birthday.

you know, I am just done with a couple of things...

---done with this chilly weather. The last couple of days have been somewhat miserable. Tuesday's wind was something else. I just couldn't get warm. Yesterday it did warm up to like 70 and it was nice. I see it will really warm up this weekend back to normal temps.

---done with the unprofessional doctor/provider who kept me waiting for an hour and I ended up rescheduling (just so they couldn't say I left) and will reschedule with another provider in the same building today. I am just done. D.O.N.E. I was so flipping angry yesterday; I almost lost it. Was going to start 'tossing tables'😁...just keeping it real.

Made me sad that I missed lunch with some fellow friends/bloggers who came into Ocala yesterday...one day we shall meet up. I do hope you got to see our lovely downtown while here. Because the good Lord knows, Cracker Barrel out there on St Rd. 200/I 75 is not very pretty, LOL. It's very touristy, it used to be called Hospitality Row. Our traffic is a nightmare. Ugh.

💕Wishing you all a beautiful day. I really need to get going.🌴

Hodgepodge

 Good morning, another cold one...and the furnace is on, sadly. I know, stop complaining because there are folks out there getting tons of snow.

1. St. Patrick's Day lands on March 17th. Do you believe in luck? No, not really...although I do say it or something along those lines. Are there things you do thinking they'll bring good luck or things you avoid because they're considered bad luck? I definitely avoid walking under ladders, but I don't think that has anything to do with luck.

2. Forest-lime-sage-mint-olive-emerald...what's your favorite shade of green? Well, my truck is sage green, but I do love emerald, such a pretty color.

3. In Ireland the meal on this day is often a hearty beef or lamb stew served with colcannon (mashed potato mixed with cabbage and leeks). In the US corned beef and cabbage is the more typical St. Patty's Day meal. Will you/did you mark the day with one of these dishes? My husband made corn beef, potatoes and carrots and cooked it all day in the crock pot with 2 bottles of Guiness (not water) and it was so good!!! Baked-fried-roasted-mashed...what's your favorite way to eat a potato? All the above? LOL

4. What color of the rainbow best represents your personality/mood today? Tell us why. Well, I have been told on several occasions that my aura ranges from rainbow to a bright white light. I really don't have any thought on the matter. I do like pink a lot, but really don't fancy myself as a pink personality, whatever that means, LOL. For some odd reason there are certain people that can see these auras...I cannot, however, I can "see" or more feel if you're a good person or not.

5. Which 'lucky' quote resonates with you. Elaborate. 

 'Luck is not something you can mention in the presence of self-made men.' E.B. White 

'Diligence is the mother of good luck." Benjamin Franklin 

'Luck is where opportunity meets preparation.' Seneca 

'Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.' Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Hmm...probably the above as I pride myself on determination, strong willingness, and stubbornness. I also focus more on self-growth/self-realization, so yeah, probably that one. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. I really don't have much to say. I do have my dr. appointment later this afternoon--which is a reschedule by them, NOT looking forward to that. I am taking off tomorrow and Friday as hubby has his cataract surgery tomorrow. Sadly, I will miss lunch with dear friends this afternoon. That is about it. sigh...life is boring which is fine with me. Have a great day and thank you for your kind comments.💕

Tuesday Meme...

 Good morning from a frosty central Florida where the temp is only 42* at 4:50 am. Yesterday we had some severe storms roll through and the temp has dropped a good 45* or so. Oh, and gas is $3.99 9/10. Might as well be $4. Anyways, onwards to the Tuesday Meme.

It is St. Patty's Day here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...

1. Do you celebrate in any significant way? We use too when we lived up north since where we lived was mostly Irish settlers. But, since our son passed away, it just isn't fun anymore. My husband has put the corn beef in the crockpot, and it will cook all day. Other than that, nope.

2. Is it religious to you or secular? Secular. Since I am not allowed to deviate to much from the lesson plans, I seriously doubt I will even discuss the holiday today.

3. Is there any green in your wardrobe? Yes, a green gauzy blouse and black pants with black tennis/Sketchers shoes. I also have an Emerald and diamond bracelet on.

Your home? 

Is it a good color for you? People tell me it is. 

4.March has a lot of things associated with it... The Ides of March on the 15th, St. Patrick's Day and the old saying that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.

How is your March going thus far? It's ok. I am reminded my son would have been 29 this year on the 31st. Yep, it will be 5 years on Dec. 11 that he will be gone. Is it quiet? Usually Is the weather good, bad or ugly?  Yesterday was plain ugly. I swear we had a tornado of some sort. Is it a lion or a lamb? Right now, it's a lamb, not so much yesterday. It was some crazy weather usually found only in places like Alabama. 

Well, that is it for now...Have a beautiful day, I need to finish packing my lunch etc.

Sunday Thoughts...

 Good morning. Can't believe its Sunday...

So, someone lost my mojo. Let's see...reverting to the usual topics. 

Sunday Thoughts

Weather-67* cloudy. We are under a weather threat today for severe storms then the temps drop come Monday evening. Highs for Tuesday will only be 60*. Today will be near 90*. Last blitz of winter for two days.

Yesterday-

One of the iconic Villages signs/ cartways/walkways. We found the eye place/center no problem. And since I always forget to take a photo of one of the many Villages cartways/walkways.

from their website. 

Then we went to Traditions Antique Mall in Wildwood a 20,000 sq ft. mall with over 100 vendors. It's one of our favorite places and one can spend literally hours there. It's an ever-changing look around there. The owners are really nice and greet you and say goodbye etc. After that, we stopped at Steak and Shake and got burgers. I did not take photos because we were so hungry and a tired. LOL

A startling discovery--was made by yours truly. I had talked about this over at Myra's. The very fact I will be 59 in a week or two...and I was caught talking to a mirror saying, "Mirror mirror who's not the fairest of them all?" LOL-An elderly gentlemen overheard me and made a comment that I was indeed still fair. LOLOL---y'all, we all suffer from the "doldrums" at times...just saying. I quickly picked myself and allowing myself a break from feeling so blue about being nearly 60. Who would of thunk it I would reach middle age, when did this happen? JUST KEEPING IT REAL. Thank you to that gentleman who made me have a fit of giggles, LOL.

Then-we stopped at Publix on the way home and got the fixin's to make a cheese pizza about 7 pm or so...oh and hubby got Publix chicken wings. Yesterday was PI Day- 3.14. Did you know that? I did mention that to hubby and he goes, "You are just plain weird." LOLOL

and of course these fell in the cart:

What? Don't judge😁. They were BOGFREE. That's all I am saying. LOLOL

Then--I remembered Tuesday is St. Patrick's Day and hung up the wreath.

Soon, come next weekend, the Easter items come out.

Watched-a cute little Hallmark movie last night, "Nelly Knows Mysteries: All Manners of Murder." I don't watch to many Hallmark shows, but this one was cute. I also watched my favorite You Tube Channels:

Kirsten and Joerg

and

Merrydowns

Doing-I really need to do laundry and iron.

Well, that is all I have for this Sunday morning. Wishing you all a beautiful day.

Currently Saturday...

 Good morning, I hope this post finds you in great spirits.

Currently Saturday

Weather...64* with showers in the vicinity at nearly 8 am.

Slept in/learning...yep...sure did. I first got up to let the dog out at 4 am and went back to bed until 7:30. I was so NOT getting up. My rationality is its Saturday. So yeah, learning to just say no to getting up early on the weekends.

After an... why does a 20-mile one way drive to and from work take 45 min on a normal day? ANYWAYS, after an hour and half drive home yesterday from work, I am just worn out. Due to numerous accidents and the very fact yesterday was the first day of spring break down here. Ocala sure has gotten ridiculous in their congestion issues. Me thinks because we are main throughway to Disney and or the beaches. Snowbirds, you just got to go home.

😁

P.S. for any soon to be visitors to our city/state, beware of our traffic, just saying.🙄

It was nice...my coworkers were gone yesterday to training, no office mates, the bossman took the day off, it was nice. Peace and quiet. I had my two classes, did much needed paperwork, "babysat" the God Behind Bars inmates that came in (they borrow my classroom for their class/service), kicked them out at 3:15 because I had to leave...all was good. Absolutely no stress.

Watched...well, to be honest, after dinner, I just went directly to bed, with the tv on there...I am sure we watched something--but can't rightly remember what. I woke up around 11 or so and the lights and tv were off and hubby in the other room watching tv. He said I was tired...I guess I was.

Feeling...a tad bit better. Not raring to go, but better.

On tap for the day...we have to make a drive down to the Villages to find the eye surgeon. I can't really remember how to get there or where it is. Then lunch. I really need want a pizza, LOL.

Thinking...not much really...It's like 8:15 am and I really need to get around and get going.

Thursday Thought...

 Good morning! Just a quick Thursday thought.

Trying to trick the mind, lol. Lately, I have thinking...what it would be like to just walk off the job, never done that before...but it's sad that is what I am thinking. Just keeping it real.

Today's outfit bought to you by Marshalls, LOL. White linen blouse with green palm trees, blue capris and pink Sketchers. It has been very hot and humid here. I see though, for 2 days next week, it will only be like 50-60 degrees. I dare for the bossman to say something about my "lack of professional" dress. Go ahead and make my day. Gosh, I need an attitude change. LOL...more like 

Wishing you all a beautiful day.

Et Tu Brute...Hodgepodge

 Good morning, another warm one on tap for the day. It seems summer is upon us, so out comes the capris and the flip flops. I am nearly done in by wearing regular shoes, just saying.😉

1. Are you a naturally trusting person? Nope Is trust built on logic or 'gut instinct'? Mostly gut instinct. Which has come in handy working where I do. Does everyone deserve a second chance? Sure, second, third... but at some point, one has to realize that person will only "change" if it wants too, no amount of one doing for the other will do it.

2. 'Beware the Ides of March'...March 15th on the ancient Roman calendar, these words were made famous by William Shakespeare in his play Julius Caesar.  Caesar was assassinated on March 15th 44 B.C. Have you read any Shakespeare? Yes If so, do you have a favorite? A Midsummers Night Dream Have you ever been to Rome? Nope 

3. Do you like a Caesar salad? Yes, love it especially with chicken breast. If given the choice between a garden/house salad or Caesar which do you order? Caesar Anchovies or no? Hmmm....no. lol What's your favorite salad dressing? Italian

4. Where do you typically work (or blog if that's easier) at home? 

when we first moved in-I can assure you my desk is no longer looking like that (clean), lol.

at my little roll top desk that we bought from Pam and John's son when they had the Dixie Cottage.

Do you have a dedicated home office space? Yes, it's in the 3rd bedroom. Are you happy with that space? Yep---well, hubby has his Marine Corp stuff all over the place now, LOL.

5. Snow drops, daffodils, lenten roses, crocus, hyacinth, or early tulips...what's your favorite early Spring flower? All the above. I like all of them.

6. Insert your own random thought here. Not much. The bruise on my arm has gotten nasty, all purple now. I am not very happy about it. The dr. will get an earful about it, not that will make a difference, but I am just done with going every 4 months, and she can deal with that news. Whatever happened to twice a year or once a year. Crazy. I am starting to think it's all about the money and not my health, oh, did I say that part out loud? lol