Hodgepodge

 Good morning, still no measurable rain or any rain, sigh.

1. Are you feeling more reset, restart, or full speed ahead as we move into May? Tell us why. Always full speed ahead, although I will be resetting once the pool opens, LOL. He is being cautious about filling the pool due to the extreme drought since the water table is low (we have well water). Well, we don't know for sure if it is but just being cautious.

2. Painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, cinema, theatre, music...what's your favorite form of art? Elaborate. I guess I like all of them, especially art museums. 

3. What time is dinner at your house? My husband is retired, so he always has dinner on the table when I walk thru the door at 4:15. On the weekends, it's usually by 7. How do you feel about leftovers? I love leftovers and usually take them for my lunch because my husband doesn't care for them.

4.What's the last thing you fell down a rabbit hole investigating? Sigh...it's so easy to fall down that rabbit hole, LOL. 

5. And now for a question from the book Marilyn (Memphis Bridges) gave me...

At what are you 'self-taught?' Hmm...patience because we all know, that is not one of my virtues, LOL.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Answers are short today...I am little late in posting and really need to get in gear, sigh. Wishing you all a beautiful day.

Tuesday Meme

 Good morning. Time for the Tuesday Meme.

This week's idea for questions came from Pamela Steiner and it's all about your occupation and work.

I think that's a great idea, so here are questions for you to ponder.

1.What did/do you do for work and how long did you work in that position? I have been working for the state of Florida for 4 years now, well, will be on May 15. I started off coding/Classification and moved to Education. And before anyone says anything, yes, I had and do use my education. All that research etc. came in very handy. 

2. Of the jobs you've had throughout life, which was your favorite?  If no favorite, which was the worst? Tell us why you loved/hated your job. Shrugging...probably when I worked for Walmart during Covid. It's not a nice place to work---well, where in NY I worked at wasn't nice, I shouldn't say Walmart itself.

3. What did your job entail?  Did it require a special education?  Yes, I have a 4-yr degree in History and an undergraduate in Geography, Political Science and Childhood Management, and I am lacking 3 credits for my Masters. I need to get in gear and start back to school soon. Because the state requires it. I do have a 5 yr. license to teach-with 4 years left on it.

4. List all the jobs/occupations you have had. Goodness...retail, education, owned a landscaping business, being a mom and wife...plenty of jobs.

Thanks, Annie, for the Tuesday Meme!!!

Back to Work...

 Ugh, is it Monday already? The weekends are just flying by...

We got a 5 minute hard pouring rain yesterday evening...not that it made a difference in anything, it's just so dry here. Wishing you a lovely day.

Currently Sunday

 Good morning...Currently

...Sitting here at nearly 8 am on a Sunday morning trying to come up with something to write about and trying to drink the growing cold coffee.

...Had no intention of staying up late, but then we switched over to the White House Correspondence Dinner and wham...yeah...and I am to the point where I am thinking, "Either you are for America or you're not." The hate being spewed on social media, especially from my husband's one remaining brother who is an Army vet. I snapped and said that to him last night when they were talking on the phone, "Look either you're for America or you're not, period." He went dead silent and then changed the subject. It's sad folks, no matter how you feel about that one man who is the President, stop. it. Period. Anyways, by 12:30 I couldn't hold my eyes open anymore.

***yep, this is bothering me...

...dinner last night consisted of the leftover Subs and chicken wings from Publix on Friday. I have no idea what's for dinner tonight.

...needing to iron and wash a load of whites. I was so lazy after we got home yesterday and there are dishes in the sink, yep. Shocking.

...Thinking how happy I am that those of you who live in Florida are getting rain. HOWEVER, us here in south Marion County have not gotten one drop. Funny, folks in downtown or out near 200, got rain. Not here. Bone dead dry. That is Florida for you. It could be raining on one side of the highway and not the other. Yep.

...Seriously, after last night's news coverage etc... incident, does one call it an incident? Whatever, I don't have anything funny to post.

...not funny, but I did manage to snap a photo of the blouse I was wearing Friday, maybe it's not paisley after all. It stayed crinkly/wrinkly all day long. 

...ok how about a photo of Ms. Lilly Bell, the intrepid German Shepherd who is laying at my feet. The startling realization is she is nearly 40 yrs old in dog years. She has been with us now for 3 years. ANYWAYS, it's most definitely flip flop wearing time of the year and I am so happy that I live in a place where that can happen usually 10 months out of the year.

Have a great day all.

Home & Garden Show...photo overload

 Good late Saturday afternoon. We decided to go pick up our friend Kim (her husband is down in Leesburg for Bike Week) and head over to the Home & Garden Show at the World Equestrian Center.

It was being held at Expo 2, plenty of things always going on at the Equestrian Center, the other Expo Hall had stuff going on as did the arenas and stadiums. Front row parking because the hubby was early-45 min. early. That is what happens when one doesn't listen to the women, LOL. But since he was kind enough to drive both Ms. Daisy's around, we decided not to say anything. 😁😉 

Cute skunk metal yard ornaments. Just plum cute. I did not nor did Kim buy them. We all pleased to see this year, they placed plush carpeting/rugs in the whole building, very nice and easy to walk.

Such cuteness. Love love this idea.

Plants were plentiful. Hubby did get 3 Hawaiian Plants/flowers/ Frangipani's cuttings- 2 Jasmine and a Coconut Plumeria. Sorry, he took them outside and planted them in containers already.

Kim and my husband (in orange/peachy color) checking out a greenhouse ($10,000!)

Above is called Shrimp plants. Native to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. We all loved them--but we all decided they were out of our price range. I think it was 2 for $75 or something like that.

Ha my husband would love a tiki kitchen bar like this...yeah, like $30,000. Yeahhhhhhh....umm...not.😉

Love love Orchids, but Kim and I decided way too much work...so we passed. And we spotted El Bells--a nice florist here in town, I pass it every day to and from work.

such a nice lady and such a hippie, LOL. We loved all her items, --she allowed us to try the chocolate honey and it was sooooooo good. We meant to go back and get some and forgot. Yes, chocolate honey. Weird, but so good.

However, our eyes spied the Nothing but Bundt Cakes, hubby bought 4 little ones. Me and Kim both got Red Velvet, my husband got Strawberry's & Creme and then he bought the extra - a Lemon Blueberry. I offered to share it or give it to Kim and she said no, because its Gluten Free. 

in our fridge

LOL---We laughed because hubby picked up the wrong one, that is fine. I actually prefer gluten free items due to ongoing issues, tmi.

Then hubby treated us to Five Guys. We all got hamburgers and shared a large fry, which if you ever went to Five Guys you know that a large fries will feed like 10 people, lol. And then we stopped at our favorite consignment store Renaissance Lady. Where I got two blouses for work at $7.50 a piece.

...and I am proud to say, Kim splurged and got her first Coach handbag--I know she is feeling guilty.

from the Coach website

 Hey, it was a good deal a used bag for $65-they usually run $200-300 for the new Coach. So, that was our day...and now we are home and just resting. I need to get the Easter items put away.

yes, a bunny runner from Hobby Lobby and glass eggs with a egg wreath.

and set out something summer or for Memorial Day.

Have a great evening!

TGIF

 Thank goodness its Friday...and I am just done with all this drama at work. Like I told the second and third in command, "YOU WILL NOT USE ME TO GET BACK AT OUR BOSS." I also might have said something along the lines GROW UP. Sick of these people. Yeah, I might had said that too. 🙄😁 ANYWAYS...

Today is purple day for victims of Domestic Violence and I am wearing a paisley purple blouse with black capris. AND my phone is out in the truck, so yeah...no photos. Sorry. Wishing you all a beautiful day.

Hodgepodge...

 Good morning, plenty of forest /wildfires here and the sky/air is filled. It is so dry and we sure could use days of rain.

1. April 22nd is Earth Day...what's the most 'out of this world' place on earth you've ever visited? Tell us something about it. Gosh, we have been to a lot of places...and really can't think of just one. I think, probably when we lived in NY and we could walk across the bridge to Canada. That was pretty neat and surreal. Both sides of customs were cool--the Canadian side was pretty funny and cool. Nice people.

2. A favorite quote, verse, or song lyric with the word earth in it? I feel the Earth Move by Carole King.

3. What's the most trivial thing about which you have a strong opinion? Driving and talking on the phone. Pay attention people. The other day, I passed someone who was literally watching a movie while driving, no lie.

4. What's your most commonly used kitchen utensil or tool? Hmm...spatula? What's the last thing you made using that tool? Probably when hubby took the pizza out of the oven and used it to plate it.

5. Marilyn (Memphis Bridges) gave me a great book of 3000 questions, and I'm going to try to use one in our Hodgepodge every week. Here is today's - 

What is your greatest extravagance? Wow...well, having 2 new vehicles, redoing the kitchen...probably a whole list of things. Hubby reminds me daily if it wasn't for me working and the salary I make, we wouldn't have these things. Thanks, no pressure. 🙄

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I really don't have much to say. All this smoke outside is hard for someone like me who has asthma. When we were passing thru the Ocala National Forest this past weekend to get to and from the beach, the air was just so thick and remains so. We are so dry here and sure could use days of rain--yes days.

 This week, the State is celebrating Victims' Rights, and we are to wear certain colors for certain days. Today is green for victims of sexual assault and tomorrow is black for victims of murder. This has been surreal / humbling considering where I work.

Tuesday Meme

 Good morning, plenty of forest fires around here...sad really.

Welcome to another Tuesday 4 by Toni Taddeo.

Let's talk about light, okay? You light up my life...shine a light in the darkness, Miller Light. All kinds of light but how about at home?

1. Are you afraid of the dark? No, not really, just cautious. Is night or day your favorite time? My dad always says nothing good comes out of dark thirty, LOL.

2. Do you have night lights in your home? Yep, two in the kitchen, one in the laundry room, 1 in each bathroom.

3. How low do you set your air conditioning? It is set at 76*. Do you adjust it through the day? It depends how humid it is outside. Usually, we keep it between 75-76.

4. Do you keep any outdoor or indoor lights on all night? Hubby has outdoor lights --one in each corner of the house and the front and back porch lights stay on. We have no streetlamps, so he likes to keep the lights on. He also has various motion sensor type lights.

A good day...photo overload

 Good morning, another warm, one on tap for today. BTW, gas on the East Coast is $4.38. Highway robbery, but you didn't ask, so I will refrain further.😉

Getting into Ormond Beach--we take State Road 40 all the way from Ocala-making the right turn onto A1A.

Driving down A1A to South Daytona

Arriving at our destination at the Lifeguard/Sheriffs Headquarters in South Daytona at 8:30 and the parking lot was already full. Hubby said he doesn't think we have ever come to the beach in April, usually we wait until after Memorial Day.

Found a spot, set up.

By 10 it was getting pack. Listen people, there are 18 miles from Ormond to Daytona, why do you have to pack it in like Sardines?🤣--my husband said, "I don't have to move to another country, as all languages are spoken here." So very true.

None the less, I enjoy watching children play. There was a pod of dolphins that came close to the shore, but I didn't get any photos. Sad to say. Sad to say I also did not get any photos of the Jeep Parade, I had forgotten until the end of April the beach is open to driving on the beach, anyways, it is Jeep Week and there is a big event at the NASCAR International Speedway. Jeeps of all sizes, shapes, colors, etc.

It was red flag day which meant the tides were pretty swift. I did manage to get in waist high--shocking I know--the water was chilly at 73*. But it did feel good. 

By noon, we were hungry and packed it up and walked next door to Crabby's for lunch. Our view from our table. We elected to sit inside, as it was already pretty warm out.

Lobster Bites with Key Lime Sauce

I had pretty much forgotten to take photos until we were almost done.

Hamburger and fries. Hubby had a grouper sandwich. The food was pretty good. I also picked up this t shirt:

Because you just can't go to the beach and not get a t shirt. My dresser drawers are getting full of various beach t shirts. Hubby, "So, I was looking at a house across the street from the beach, and you have to get a second or third job, LOLOL."😉--where there's a will, there is a way, just saying. 

Sadly, it was time to leave. Then back on A1A and Granada Blvd. to State Road 40, getting ready to cross over the Halifax River Bridge/Intercoastal. Goodbye see you next month.

Wishing you all a beautiful day.

Tuesday Meme...

 Good morning, I am running ever so late in posting...sigh...thank you all for the kind comments on yesterday's post. Apologies, I am falling behind also in visiting your blogs etc.

1. What was the best thing you have ever bought? Hmm...well, I am going to say, right now, as in last year, I am going to say the pool. Hubby has not opened it yet for the season and I am like, "Dude! It's 90*!!! Open the pool." LOLOLOL---he has been busy planting palm trees around the area...he said he wants to make it more tropical, LOL.

       

2.   What was the best book you have ever read? I have read so many books...and do not have a favorite. I will say though, I like to read for fun and let my mind wonder away.

 3.   What is the best trip/vacation/holiday you've ever had? We were just discussing this the other day---I was walking into work and saw the sky and realized Space X went off early that morning as the beautiful night sky looked so halo'ish. 

not my photo, from the newspaper in Palm Coast. But this is what I did see.

Since moving back here, I love seeing the various space craft that get launched...anyways, when our son was like 11 or so, we made the trip down here for his birthday saw the next to the last space shuttle launch at the Cape. Oh man, the look on that kids face, priceless...the smell, the feel...just priceless. I have a photo somewhere, just can't find it right now.

4.   What was the best movie or TV series you've ever watched? I have watched so many movies...Top Gun Maverick was really good...anyways...I can't pick one.

My brain is already there...yes, friends, we are making the short trip to Daytona tomorrow. Surprise! Hubby is like, you need to get unstressed. LOLOL--tomorrow will be near 90 and winds to the southwest at 10-15, the Atlantic Ocean is at 70* perfect.

Have a great day all.

Hodgepodge on a Thursday...

 Good morning, long times no see. Apologies. Yes, I am feeling better, I just wish my ears would "pop". Let's get moving with the Hodgepodge on a Thursday.

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? Yep...been done, which is how we could afford the kitchen redo. What's something you've found 'taxing' lately? Dealing with all these different personalities at work. From the inmates to coworkers. It just gets overwhelming at times.

2. When it comes to travel are you a last-minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? It depends on where we are going. Do you struggle to pack light? No, not really. Share a packing tip that has worked for you. Roll your cloths, don't lay them out flat. Most hotels or whatever have irons, use them.

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? Yes. What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level? Basil on top of the bread, add just a touch before grilling it. Trust me. 

4. There's a well known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd  

Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? Yes. Absolutely. So much now, after realizing some things etc. these last few weeks. My private life is my private life, work is work. Keep it separate, period. I no longer do work from home, I no longer check emails, texts. Set priorities and maintain boundaries. Period. You will thank you me later. I simply 1. do not get paid enough to work 24-7, 2. Work issues can wait, period. Constant growth and self-reflection are a must, trust me. Its ok and it will be ok.

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

• daffodils or tulips Both
• lemonade or iced tea Both
• gardening or hiking Ugh...do I gotta do either or---really don't like it? lol
• ladybugs or butterflies Ohhhh,...both
• umbrella or raincoat raincoat
• floral patterns or polka dots both---which I have both in my wardrobe. My coworkers get a kick out of my bright blouses. Even in professional meetings where I know black is the norm, look folks, listen people, life is short, wear that tacky blouse. OK? OK. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Guess what?

yep. Saturday my friends. Saturday. Thank you all for the emails, and texts and the random checking on me, I truly appreciate each and every one of you

Currently...

 Deep apologies all, I have been down for the count since Thursday. I have been unable to keep anything down nor keep my head up etc. I went to an education meeting on Wednesday, and I was not feeling well then.  Anyway, whatever it is it will have to pass...thank you for the emails and the texts...sorry I am slow getting back to you all. 

Currently Happy Easter....

 Good morning...wishing you all a beautiful Happy Easter.

Currently...

Wonderful news/Thankful...What a lovely day to wake up and see the news that the missing USA pilot was found alive and was extracted from Iran.

Thankful #2...hubbys eye is healing and he has been cleared to resume normal activities, which means the ankle high grass will be cut tomorrow--hopefully the pool will be going up soon--hubby is discussing another option, but that is another cost and I am not keen on it. 😁

Weather...64* at 6:45 am and the humidity is 97%.

Did not...get a ham yesterday. Why? The cost of said ham was ridiculous. For the first time in many years, we will not have a traditional Easter dinner. Nope. No sweets or treats either...I did look at a Bunny cake, but, yeah, nope.

**the way folks were acting in that candy aisle, shameful. sigh

Thinking...perhaps a breakfast casserole will be made instead or the leftover homemade chicken pot pie hubby made last night that was so good. 

Listening...hubby discussing the Florida Gators Baseball team.

Watched...a whole bunch of YouTube when we got home. I think the term should be couch potatoes. 😁😉

Feeling...

...and I still have laundry and ironing to do.

Will be...painting the kitchen and the cabinets soon-another weekend. Have I mentioned the cost of things? It will require much patience from both of us to do so. I told hubby to just take the cabinet doors off and everything off the walls, I will paint. He detests painting.

Paid...$4.09 a gallon for gas yesterday, it came down 20 cents. Was very happy to see that.

Currently...how's that 2026 word?

 Good morning from Florida.

Currently...How's that 2026 word coming along?

Listen...listen Linda...that is how it's coming along. L-I-S-T-E-N LINDA!  My boss and I have had 3 days of deep productive conversations (and not getting any work done--especially when he knocks on my office door and goes, "Are you ready to talk? Can we talk? Seriously Linda, can we talk") --when he called me by my Christian name, I just sighed and said OK. I needed to be reminded at times for the word of the year, which is Listen. and sometimes, the air should be cleared; good, bad and the ugly. Funny thing is, I know I should listen and sometimes that stubbornness clicks in and then the good Lord kicks me hard. Yeah, keeping it real.

Enjoyed...got off of work an hour early yesterday...odd how administration folks don't come in to work on Good Friday, just saying. 

Temps...65* and fair. Another warm one on tap near 90* again.

Watched/Reading...nothing in the reading department and I am so disgusted by the news...why are you people voting America to fail and not succeed just because you hate one person? I simply don't understand. On that note, keeping the military in prayer. There is no easy solution to the Iran issues...none. Well, there is, but you really don't want my thoughts on that.🙄

Thinking...I really need to get around as we have to:

--get dog and cat food today (Tractor Supply)

--get gas in my truck for the week.

--head to the dreaded Walmart and then Aldi---and ham is so expensive so need to figure out what we are having for Easter dinner.

Making me laugh...

Have a great day all.

Friday Thoughts...

 Good morning...nothing Earth shattering to report on.

Sheep...as promised. I am reminded of Habakkuk 3:17. The passage talks about hardship, and one must remain in constant Faith. Sheep, funny thing is, hubby woke up the other morning and he goes, "Did you hear Him?" (me???) He swore he heard our sons' voice "Tell Mom there's no sheep." He said it was the oddest thing he has ever experienced. Then I get to work and a discussion was had about No Sheep and this Bible verse that my office mate said out of the blue. It was definitely an odd day.

“Though the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls.” KJV Habakkuk 3:22

So, somewhere in the universe, something is telling me I better get on board and be that sheep or leader and stand forth with conviction, just like we use to tell our son when he was being bullied for standing firm in his Faith. 

With that said, with the renewed spirit and courage, because the good Lord knows, I have been avoiding dealing with stuff...anti Christians/ agnostics and wiccans at work and it's hard. Especially where I work, don't know why I was placed where I was, but here we are...I will leave you with this:.

P.S. Yes, we did see Artemis. What a beautiful thing...what a blessing to live in Florida to see such wonders.