Hodgepodge on a Thursday...

 Sorry y'all. I simply have not had time. The new teacher started Monday afternoon, and I am in the middle of still running classes and training her. Yesterday, I left her in charge while I got caught up on paperwork, writing Disciplinary Reports etc. She has asked me and the boss to keep me on for at least 2 weeks'-so I won't be starting my new job anytime soon.

ANYWAYS...

1. How do you define beauty? 

Beauty comes from within. It comes from one's attitude, confidence, etc. Sure, there are attractive or pretty people, but a lot of them lack the true beauty. Also, some people have a natural disposition that it shows no matter what (beauty) and then there are others who have that disposition in life, no matter how one looks or feels etc., they just have a nastiness about them. (shrugging)

2. Have you ever taken a trip by train? Yes If so, where did you go and what did you think of the experience? We went to Birmingham and New Orleans. We loved it. 

3. Shell shocked, bombshell, bandshell, shellacking, in a nutshell, walking on eggshells...choose one and tell us why you chose it, or how it relates to your life in some way currently. 

Eggshells--been walking on them...especially the last couple of days. I was threatened and this time, it really shook me. Being threatened is nothing new...it happens every single day...but this time, this time it shook me. It took 15 or so officers to bring a girl down-physically...and each of those 15 or so officers took the time to make sure I was ok. It took less than a minute for those officers to get to me. And I was "man handled" to make sure I was ok. I was urged very strongly to go speak to the staff dr.

P.S. Some of you might think that is excessive use of force, unfort. when someone is on drugs, it takes all hands-on deck. And on the previous thought, I have no idea where those officers had come from--less than a minute...wow. 

4. Tacos, pistachios, oysters, clams, eggs...your favorite food on the list that comes in/with a shell? Tacos and eggs. Love them both. 

5. Are birthdays a big deal in your house? They used to be...but now that our son is no longer on this Earthly plain, it has sort of just went to the side...sigh. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Have a great day.

Tuesday Meme...

 Sorry folks, didn't get a chance to post yesterday. How about the Tuesday Meme?

1.   What things do you enjoy doing when you have time on your hands? I enjoy Antiquing and "junking"...and some days I just prefer to sit and enjoy the tv or YouTube.

2.   Last minute company coming tonight for dinner! What do you cook? We can grill out or maybe make Lasagna or Spaghetti and of course a desert--probably an Eclair Cake.

3.   You've got a day to do anything, and the weather is perfect outside, how are you going to spend the day? I prefer to spend it at the beaches or in the pool...lol

4.   It's morning and you are asked out for breakfast. What are you ordering? Usually it's either pancakes or crepes, sometimes its 2 scrambled eggs with fried potatoes and bacon (see that question was easy lol).

This is all I can come up with on this balmy humid early morning. At 5 am it is already near 80* and we had some severe storms roll in last night around 5:30. Gotta get finished for work. CYA later.

If you know... into the Hodgepodge

 Joining in with the Hodgepodge.

1. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?  

On a scale of 1-10 how much of a fan are you? (10 is never miss a game and 1 is I'm just here for the snacks). 10. Yep, ready...and can't believe it's time for football already. 

Who's your team? Florida Gators (because I was raised in Florida) and Alabama Crimson Tide (because our son was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, and it was in his blood, just saying--if you know, you know.)😄  

2. What's something you currently have a game plan for managing? Managing??? I feel that since we got that slap in the face this past Sunday with the lesson in Hebrews, I really ought not tell the good Lord HIS plans. Want to make him laugh? Tell him your plans. In all seriousness, I can do all the managing, planning, saving etc. in the world, but in the end, it is up to the good Lord, not me. One thing is for sure, we can't take all this Earthly stuff with us, can we? (and if you know, then you know).

...AND on that note, I am no longer going to sweat all this crap at work, I realized it has been affecting my mental well-being. So, I can manage my mental health which also affects the other stuff too.

3. Do you like chicken wings? Hot, mild, or some other flavor? I love chicken wings...all flavors the latest is Mardi Gras that Publix makes and I also love Parmesan Cheese. 

What's a must have food for you on a tailgate menu? Chicken wings, subs, chips. 

I know tailgating isn't as big of a thing outside the US of A as it is inside the US of A, but you can also answer the question this way-what's a must have food for you at a sporting event viewing party? same as above. Wings, subs and chips.

4. Teams typically have strict playbooks they follow. What is one unwritten rule or piece of advice in your 'life playbook' you think everyone should know? Don't ever forget your morals and values and where you came from and for whatever it is worth, don't become part of the world. Wrong is wrong, period. If you know, then you know.

5. This is the week we remember and mourn all that was lost and changed on September 11, 2001. I always include a spot for bloggers to share anything they'd like to share about 9/11. Share as much or as little as you like. I always tell this story and now, since our son is no longer on this Earthly plain it has become important. I was getting our son ready for preschool that day and hubby walked in from work and told us that we were not going anywhere and told us why and turned on the tv. All three of us sat there and our son kept on saying, "Oh no, Daddy, oh no." Even a 3 yr. old-nearly 4 yr old could comprehend what was going on. 

...and I find it absolutely abhorrent there is a muslim running NYC and there is a socialist movement going on in the USA. Again, if you know, then you know.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I titled this post If you know...because a lot of this is If you know, then you know. I apologize to Joyce if this post took a dark turn, it was not my intention. Alot of this stems from serious discussions we have been having etc. on retirement, where we will be living, expenses, life in general and death and taxes etc...etc..just general things.

I will end this in a happy note:

Tuesday Meme...

Time for the Tuesday Meme.

1. How do you observe Labor Day and were you aware of the background of it? Yes, I am aware of it. We don't do anything special. There was a break in the weather and we got to get in pool for a couple of hours.  By 5 pm, it was storming, that is an understatement. 

2, Many holidays become just a day off rather than a real commemoration of an event. 

How do you propose we can remedy that? Honestly, I have no clue. When we lived up north, that small town would celebrate everything.  But then again, there goes that tradition, morals, values question from the other day. Sadly, families are splintered now.

3. What is the most labor-intensive job or activity you have done? When I worked at Wegmans when we lived up north, the guys were great in the warehouse, ran the forklift, moved pallets etc. I loved that job.   

4. If your income was cut by 30%, could you still survive? Sigh, we have been discussing this, and no, couldn't. Everything is up; property taxes, house insurance, food, gas etc. We actually had a heated a discussion about this the other day. My brain knows I have to keep it going for another 4 -5 yrs, but my heart and body says otherwise. It just seems that life is hard...want some crackers with that wine? What would you do? Sigh...this is why I work and really want to retire...and I just dream of a better way. Just keeping it real.

P.S. I have no idea when I will start the new position-I heard a rumor the new teacher will start today, who knows.

Have a great day everyone.

Late Evening Hodgepodge

 Good evening, I hope all is well with you all. Here, at 6:50 pm, the skies are rumbling and a threat of another storm is on the horizon. How about the Hodgepodge?

**please excuse any typos, I am very tired.

1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing? More beach time, of course. LOL 

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? I preferred to sit in the back when I was younger, then when I went back to school at 50, I sat in the front. If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be? I really should of have paid attention to shorthand, so, yeah, that.

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)? Funny...because I had to bring my boss in this morning and he spent an hour and half defending me and laying the law down aka "come to Jesus" moment and he had an inmate hauled out of there in cuffs and thrown in confinement...I thought for sure he was going to blow a blood vessel, sigh. The level of disrespect some of these women have, is just unreal, hence, why I called him in to have one of his famous talks. And now, he knows what we teachers go through every single day. We work in a very dangerous, uninviting and hostile environment.

Anyways, a teacher should have honesty, courage, kindness and patience of Job. Which we all know patience is not one of my virtues. ANYWAYS, teaching and working in a prison takes a special person...that is all I will say...and probably a bit of cuckoo for cocoa puffs. Which I will own up too. 

4. September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Yes, Are you a fan? Yes, if so, how do you like yours? I love me some cheesy grits. I am allergic to shrimp, so no shrimp. Would people describe you as 'having grit'? Yeahhhh...well, my late fil used to say I had gold kahunas...yeah, we will leave that one alone. LOL

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy? a good glass of cold chocolate milk. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I have made it to my 5-days off...Sigh, it looks to be a rainy day tomorrow so the beach might have to wait until Friday. I will make it there before Monday. That is for sure. have a great evening all. 

Hodgepodge on a Friday Evening...

 Good evening. Apologies, have not felt like posting all week, let's just chock it up to l-a-z-y-n-e-s-s. How about the Hodgepodge on a Friday evening?

1. How do you feel about the transition from lazy summer days to a busier fall routine? Hmm...honestly, since I work a full-time job, there really is no difference to me. It is all the same to me-I hit the ground running at 3 am when I get up and then hit the hay at or by 7 pm during the week. 

2. Your favorite cookie? Oatmeal Raisin or Snickerdoodle. Love then both equally. My mom, she makes the best Oatmeal, I don't know what it is or what she puts in them to make them so special, but they are.

3. What's something you've learned from a culture different than your own? Recipes

4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic...which hat would you most like to wear? Tell us why.  Hmm...art or book critic, that seems like a fun job to have.

5. What's a small, random thing from your childhood that you still remember clearly? Hmm...many memories...let's see...the time my brothers pushed me out of the 'boys only' treehouse that sat 20 feet in the air and landed on my mom's rose bushes. Many years later, unknown to all, those headaches were a concussion. Yeah, that wasn't found until years later when I was a young adult. No, my parents never took me the dr. "I got what deserved because I knew better than to go into my brothers treehouse." is what was told to me.

6. Insert your own random thought random thoughts here. 😛 

I am taking next Thursday-Monday (Labor Day weekend) off--weather permitting, we will be going to the beach. I have way too many Annual Hours on the books...so, what better time, right?

Also, the new teacher was supposed to start today and get acquainted...well, she didn't. I suppose I will get an explanation on Monday when the boss gets back. No idea when I will start the new position/job...more on that description later, because it looks like I will stay teaching. Thanks to an abrupt up and quit 'retirement' of said person. I also said goodbye today to one of the best coworkers, Mr. H. he is an Aussie, he actually took retirement-2 kids in Univ. (one at Florida State and the other at the Univ. of Fl) and he is ready to just have an easier slower life. He and I shared many common interests such as the beach, he is a surfer. He became a citizen 20 yrs ago and just had his 65th birthday. What an amazing person. I am going to miss him. He is used to bring me Aussie cookies (Tim Tams). Yes, I know he got them from Publix...but what is better than getting them from a real Aussie? 😄

The weather...wow have we had massive awesome storms each afternoon. I actually let my class go a 1/2 hour early today. See, once it starts to thunder and lightning, there is no movement on prison grounds until said weather clears. The sky was a very weird color, and I told the students/inmates to go. Thankfully, I did because the weather got really bad.

...and if there are any typos of any kind, just ignore them...I am tired. 

Tuesday 4...

 Good morning. Joining in with the Tuesday 4. We have had some monster storms rolling in these past few evenings.

Could we discuss it please?

1.Do rainy days and/or Mondays really get you down? If so, why?

Rainy days--nope. Because Florida is the Sunshine State, any rain we get is welcomed. Although, it does not cool the atmosphere down, lol and we have been getting some doozies of thunderstorms, wow.

Mondays--sigh...I have to go back to work...so, yeah, it gets me down because I deal with crazies. Just keeping it real.

2. Does thunder and lightning frighten you at all? Nope...well...not so much frightening, but it does cause some "Oh!" The thunder and lightning here are plain weird and at times awesome.

How about your dog or cat and what do you do to help them out? Ugh...we have a big German Shepherd who has big ears and the sound just drives her mad. We do have a vest we put on her, and she just sits close to us.

3. If you are at home on a dark, rainy day what do you do with your time? Some find it a good day to cuddle up with a cuppa and read or watch TV.. what is your preference? I like to watch tv and sometimes read a book and sometimes take a nap I mean doze. LOL

4.Ever been caught in a downpour or has rain ever ruined your plans?

Yes, on downpours, here in Florida between say June-Oct. downpours can happen at any time. I have since learned to check the weather every single morning and be prepared because one certainty cannot wear flip flips if it's going to rain, we do have puddling and heavy rain that cause sudden flooding here. BTW, just because the weather state 3% chance, it really means 100%. Just saying.

Ruin plans...well, sometimes...especially if one wants to get in the pool or head to the beach...again, from June-Oct. be prepared.

Bonus question: Why do Mondays seem to be so unpopular with so many? WHY? Because the majority of us have to go back to work, that's why. The majority of us are not wealthy or retired enough and simply cannot afford to not work...sigh. That is why Monday's get a bad rap.

Have a great day all.

Hodgepodge into Wednesday...

 Good morning...this heat/humidity, y'all, is just a bit much. I ended up collecting my class between 11-11:30, the temperature was 106* and we came in and I just sat there and the class was like...umm...Ms. Conley? Yeah...my brain and body are just friend. On the good note, though, security came and got them shortly thereafter, we went into lock down. Shrugging...so, what did I do? Cleaned my desk and started boxing stuff up. NOT that I am leaving as in leaving, but I am going somewhere else on the compound...anyways, time for the

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-'The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while." 

Time is crazy, isn't it? So...what were you up to in the year 2002? Hmmm...living in Alabama. raising our son etc.

2. "Me? I'm scared of everything..." What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway? Hmm...I don't know...Maybe zip lining.

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to...

all the above.

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

all the above. Although I cannot have tequila, so there goes the margarita. LOL

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child?  Nope oldest and only girl.  Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate. probably as I am pretty bossy. LOL

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain. I rather be a wallflower, period.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I don't have time this morning but remind me to tell you all about my key fob that got washed because somebody who shall remain nameless (😄) left it in his shorts pocket. Wanna know how much that key fob is going to cost? $1000. Yeah...not...I will have to deal with it right now. It was something else on Monday when I pulled into work--the truck alarm wouldn't turn off, I couldn't get out of the truck, yada yada...yeah...I was not a very happy camper.😁

Wishing you all a beautiful day. Apologies for the short answers...like I said, my brain is just fried.

Tuesday Meme-'Ber Months

 Autumn begins in September and it is called that until leaves begin to fall and then it's called "fall". Sept means 7, Octo means 8, Novo is 9 and Deca is 10 but the numbers are off since the calendar was changed long ago from 10 months to 12. Ber is an adjectival suffix from Latin meaning month.

Let's discuss it.

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we ask just 4 questions each week to encourage blogging and enjoying the ideas and work of fellow bloggers.

1. What foods make you think of the autumn months ahead? Apples, Casseroles etc.

2.  Are there any songs you associate with the fall month? Nope

3.  Are you looking forward to the 'ber months at all?  Umm...no difference here because we live in Florida where it stays warm and humid until like December. We are actually under another weather advisory for above 100* temps today. Actually, temps and humidity should reach 108*-110. No joke.

4. School in New Jersey always begins after Labor Day and before that I would have dreams of going to school in my pajamas! Did anything similar happen to you? Not that I can remember.  Did you dread going back to school or were you happy and excited? Probably dreaded it. I dread it now LOL. Actually, if I could afford to retire (lololol) I would. 

So, I let the bossman know I would take the job, and he was shocked and he owes some folks because they said I would take it. He said and I quote, "But, this job is boring and less stress, that's not you." Well, guess what...yeah...I need less stress. 👊

Hodgepodge

 Good morning. Time for the

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer. September, October, November? Cooler weather? lol

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? Ewww...How do you feel about pearls? I own a Mikimoto necklace and earrings, and they are in a safe.

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'. Sigh...probably when I was younger and had no cares in the world. Now, I am settled with debt; mortgage, two truck payments, taxes, house insurance ($2,100 a yr!) yada yada. 😂 

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why? 

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii

Been to every one of them but Hawaii as an adult---I went to Hawaii as a baby and don't remember. LOL--and don't ask me to choose, because MA, MI, TX and Fl are all beautiful. BUT with that said, Key West wins all the time. 😂 

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- 

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month? Look, can't we just move forward to the cooler months? Or even get one good storm i.e. hurricane to knock all this humidity out? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

yeah, probably shouldn't elaborate on that. LOL---the usage of the "f" word in daily conversation is just too much...and I had the afternoon class write out 100 sentences yesterday--spelling out that word...because obviously discipline isn't working, so let's try another way. Grown women acting like children, sigh. Every.single.day...someone cusses me out. Unacceptable.

Wishing you a beautiful day.

Ain't got nothing...

 Good morning. 

my attempt at humor.

😄Ain't got nothing Sunday Chat...😉

Weather...at 9:25 am 81* real feel 91* mostly cloudy and under a flood watch until 8 pm Monday.

What did I/we do yesterday? Well, we had a little lull in the weather went to the store and got gas in my truck 

Trinity Catholic School-my view while sitting in the passenger seat at 7-11, Publix is also in this shopping plaza. 

and was home by 11 and:

settled in for the day, it had turned dark and stormy yet again.

Absolutely nothing. I need this guy Jonathan Knight (tv show Crashers) to come to our house and fix the backyard. lol---Yep, I sat all day on the couch and watched shows On Demand all day long.

Eating/Ate...what did we have? 

1. Oh, we finally got Pub subs. I had a new sub called Deep fried Turkey with special 1320 Sauce...I wanted it exactly the way the photo showed it--and didn't get it that way. 

2. Later on, late in the evening, I put in a Red Baron pizza in the oven.

3. What's for dinner tonight? I think, Beef tips and rice.

Thinking...

---I really need to get lesson plans finished for the week. I am seriously lacking in anything work related.

---I heard a nasty rumor Thursday we were not going to the state teacher schedule. I cannot get it confirmed or denied. On that note here is my thought (not that anyone cares), that burnout is real. Especially when you are teaching everyday single day 365 days especially in the environment we work in. Well, not 365 days but you get the point. 

**I believe regular schools start back tomorrow.

Feeling...

How in the world does hubby wake up so happy and ready to just talk and talk? LOL

Enjoying...all this rain we have had. It's nice.

Making me laugh...

Have a great day all.

Saturday Chat

 A good 6:30 am from a stormy southwest Marion County Florida. The thunder and lightning woke us up. 100% rain all day, which is a good thing as we need it. 

Weather...76* and raining. And no, the rain has not cooled anything off (just in case you were wondering).

Watched...I tried to watch Lottery Dream Home last night but didn't. Instead, I made a quick post here and went to bed--well, actually post took nearly an hour to write, lol. I slept pretty well (surprisingly because I haven't been).

Listening...to the thunder and lightning. It's really thundering and booming out there.

Ate...leftovers. Hubby made a homemade chicken pot pie Thursday-we finished that...probably pizza at some point today.

Thinking...

It's been a rough week at work...and I will chalk it up to the heat and 3 days of full moons. I had 3 inmates arrested and hauled off to confinement. Since it's been a rough week, this did enter my mind..."She sells seashells by the seashore." lol

Need to get to the store at some point today and also get gas in my truck for next week.

August brings the true hurricane season...August-late Oct. We haven't had a good storm in a couple of years. So, yeah, wondering if this year will be. Both the Gulf and Atlantic are ripe conditions.

hmm...so me thinks Anthony Faucci = Nasty bugger. 😑 (I said what I said)

Feeling...ok

Enjoying...umm...hmm...gotta think on that one. A 48 furlough from work? lol

Thankful for...you and so many other things.

Making me smile...

How can it be August? Wow, did July go fast. have a great day.

Late Friday Tuesday Meme

 Good evening, a quick dip in the pool and the dog even got a nice, refreshing bath...and now we are settling in for the evening. I haven't been able to sleep all week, it just has been so hot, and we have been getting late evening overnight storms, yes, we have central ac and ceiling fans, but it just so hot. Anyways, how about the Tuesday Meme? Thanks Annie, truly appreciate these memes.

1. A movie theme song will play every time you walk in the room... what is it? (consider asking family or friends). Ummm....

Let's Go Crazy by Prince from Purple Rain.

2. What movie are you eager to see... Hmm...nothing at the moment. I keep on wanting to see When the Crawdads Sing-I did read the book. I also want to see the new Practical Magic 2. What book are you eager to read... I have been wanting to get my hands on the new Laura Childs Teashop Books--but I haven't-I'm like 2 years behind in reading that series. What TV program are you interested in most? I like a lot of HGTV...really not one in particular.

3. Is there a book/movie/TV program you often think about or that affects you in some way? 

There are many books that affect me, two in particular:

 Just Jones and the Noticer Returns by Andy Andrews-I do have those books. He has a wonderful style of storytelling; those books are based on true events. Of course, movies and tv shows too.

4. OK friend, it's your turn to organize our Blogger Movie Night where we get together as a group for snacks and movies!  What movies have you planned for us tonight and what snacks are we going to have? Practical Magic 1 and 2, and perhaps the Mission Impossible series. Popcorn, ice-cream, pizza, snow caps or Rasin nets would be the food/snacks. Then again, when I am watching a move, I really don't like to eat, I really get engrossed with the movie. It drives the husband crazy because he is all about the popcorn and cola. When we went a couple years back to watch Maverick, yeah...I just like to sit back and get lost in the movie. 

Sunday Chat...

 Well...I ain't got nothing Earth shattering...so here goes. 

Currently @ 7:45 am

Weather...

hotter than hades could be the word. 78*. We got a storm around 5-5:30 yesterday-the thunder and lightning are something else here in Central Florida. 31% chance of late afternoon storms again.

Yesterday...

we got haircuts, got our shopping done by 11 got gas in my truck for the week, home by 11:30. Jumped in the pool for a couple of hours and got out due to the clouds and thunder rolling in. Yes, the storm didn't arrive until 5-5:30-, but nonetheless, I do not fool with thunder and lightning, nope.  It was 109* yesterday and the pool is holding steady at 90*. 90* yes folks, it is refreshing.

Hmm...Great Clips...

been going to this place for 4 years now and the last 2 years has been a revolving door of people. The male barber who had originally cut my hair retired, another person stepped in and she is gone. I am not very happy. The latest, although she was kind and straightened out the bad job before (my hair was longer on one side and not at all what I usually get or what was usually saved in their system), I just don't like this revolving door. I told hubby I guess I will have to start paying salon prices and find a regular stylist. I guess it's time to ask my mom who she goes too...both of us have fine thin hair and her haircut always looks so fresh and nice. 

Publix...

 we saw all these plastic containers sitting outside and hubby was commenting about it, and little did we know the store manager heard us...yes, they got an overabundance of bakery bread. LOLOLOL---Oh Lawdy...anyways, we opted out of Pub Subs, only because it was just so glorious hot out. LOL---you know how it is, when it's/ or your hot, you just want to get your things/groceries and go. 

Today...

Just waiting for the sun to completely come up and then to the pool.

Hubby is putting in a beef brisket in the outdoor smoker (and potatoes and carrots).

Need to get lesson plans done for the week (I am seriously lacking the oomph to do so).

Need to iron my clothes for the week...not that it really matters, the humidity is just ugh and the clothes will just be rumpled anyways.

Trying to gear myself up for the upcoming week and the 50 different personalities that the classroom/people have, lol (blaming the heat and humidity).

Starting August 1, we are going to the 'teacher schedule'; 2 weeks at Christmas and Thanksgiving, and summer vacation. Which means, we will not hold classes--we will have teacher workdays/conferences. or you can take your vacation/ annual or sick leave. 

Watched...

what did I watch? (thinking) -- Oh, a bunch of You Tube videos-some about traveling through Scotland and Europe on trains. Do you know, folks make a living off of YouTube? Wow, didn't realize one actually could. 

Thankful...

for all of you who read the nonsense on here. 😄

Last photo on my phone/Making me smile... 

I took this the other morning while sitting at the light to get onto 301/441 in south Ocala, Ellianos Coffee is almost open.

yep, the car says 79* and that was at 5:45 am.

I told you, nothing Earth shattering...wishing you all a beautiful day. 💗

Hodgepodge

 Good morning, sliding into the Hodgepodge.

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate.

Listen, I know y'all thinking I am being funny...but in all seriousness, my dream is to

and live off the grid and not to have worries, well, we will always have worries, but certain worries like the cost of living. I probably spend way too much time dreaming about this. So, yeah, it probably exhausts me more than it energizes me at this point in my life. 

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? Love it. What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons? Lemonade and Lemon Bars.

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so, tell us about it. 

Usually...because being on this Earth for 59 years and dealing with life in general certainty has given me lemons. Hence why it's probably a good idea for me to do above and get away from people...lol...anyways, just this week, my one inmate aide that teaches the math part for me up and quit--well, she tried to quit and the bossman turned her down and then he fired her because she lied on me. Yeah, go ahead and burn bridges, to which she did. So, yeah, I gotta keep moving and figure this stuff out. Nothing new, just working in that environment. One has to know how to just keep going. I think it's something your born with, just saying or maybe it's the survival of the fittest. Hmm...I will have to ponder on that. 😎

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color? Hmm...what do I have that is lemon color? I really don't wear the color or have anything...oh wait, I do have a table runner that is yellow...yellow is not really my color. Which why the table runner is not out. LOL

5. How would you describe your attention to detail? I am a little obsessed and over the top and everyone including my coworkers know it.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I almost did...several time this week and its only Wednesday. Try dealing with 50 different personalities on a daily basis...my poor boss because he has to deal with my personality as well. 😂

Tuesday Meme

 Good morning, keeping y'all in prayer who live along the Gulf Coast and expecting Bertha.

1. What brand of shampoo do you think works best for you and what does it do for you? I have used so many different brands because of the climate we live in...so, I have gone back to the expensive Paul Mitchell products. I couldn't get them up north, but luckily, I found them here. I have fine limp hair...sigh...no amount of humidity will fix that.

2. Do you use cosmetics and if so, what do you use? Yep. Revlon for foundation and concealer, Revlon #120 Magnetic eyeshadow stick, Revlon eyeliner in black, Clinique Love Pop lipstick. ---so I guess Revlon. 😄

3. Do you use a washcloth on your face? Yep, and I use cotton balls on my eyes.

4. Do you have an all-time favorite perfume or scent that you wear? If you don't wear perfumes, is there a scent that you love in general? I use perfume and pair them according to the seasons...although, my all-time favorite is Clinique Happy, Channel #5 and Youth Dew.

I'm trying, really, I am. LOL

Just a Simple Daybook

Good morning and here we are in the middle of July and sliding into August soon and another scorcher of a summer day here in the swamp lands of Florida.

Looking outside my front door window: 

a bit cloudy but the sun is trying to peak through.

I am thinking...

about all the things that need to be done on this summer day...such as the dust bunnies need to be dusted or swept, ironing and so on.

Yesterday, while at the dreaded Walmart, funny thing happened...just for one brief moment, the mind played a trick. But my husband saw it too, so both of us did a double take. There was a young man picking through the corn barrel who looked like and had the same mannerisms as our son. Had the same goofy smile and all. Doppelgänger. Wow. Yeah, the mind plays tricks---then my brother-in-law calls and said something about having a Grandfather Liam on their family tree (as he was working on their family tree)---I said, out loud, no, that's a Lucas, not a Liam. So, Liam was on his mind too. Oh...and yes, we did pick through the corn barrel and got 4 ears of corn for a $1. 😄

I am thankful for...

48-hour furloughs (aka weekends) from work.

One of my favorite things...

such as yesterday when we came in from the pool, it looked like it wanted to rain (and it didn't), came in, dried off, put on a clean fresh pair of pj's and I settled on the sofa to watch YouTube. Sometimes, you just got to sit still and do nothing...Oh, and what did I watch?

Katie Roams on YouTube. Gosh, I wish I was that adventurous and young. LOL

I am wearing...

still in pj's. Pink sleep shorts and a blue tank.

In the kitchen...

Hubby is preparing a meatloaf and will bake it outside with the corn on the cob (he has a full outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven) and I will put together a blueberry cobbler he can put in the pizza oven too. Yes, folks, the pizza oven can be used for other things than just pizza.

In the school room...

sigh...I know better than to bring my job home with me...but I really need to get lesson planning done and Bell Reviews done for the week.

In my garden...

we don't have a garden, but hubby did plant some Bougainvillea along his shed. They are growing nicely or shall I say that he is training them to grow nicely, LOL.

Closing thoughts...

😄gosh aren't y'all glad I am nearly finished writing this? --I just want to say I appreciate each and every one of you who leave such lovely comments.