Thanks to Annie for today's questions!  You can join in HERE.

Tuesday 4

December Arrives...

 Hello and welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 kept in her memory.  We give you 4 things to think about each week and hope it spurs you to blog, connect with fellow bloggers and just stop and reflect!

December is a month filled with religious significance for so many. Christmas(Dec 24-25) and Chanukah (Nov 28-Dec 6). Christians speak of the light coming into the world at Christmas and

Chanukah is the festival of lights when the light was returned to the  newly cleansed temple in Jerusalem. So they have a common connection.

Let's talk about December and what it has in store for you...

1. How much importance do you place on the December holidays?  Do you plan and prepare? Is that part of the fun for you or would you rather dispense with it?  Christmas is important because it is when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.  First and foremost, He is the reason for the season.  I do plan and prepare and am blessed to be sharing it this year with my sister, Tammy.  It is fun for me (therapeutic this year) and I don't go as crazy as I used to.

2. Food is a big part of the holiday season.  Which foods and treats do you most look forward to having?  Christmas dinner is always ham.  The treats would be all the candies, cookies, and red velvet cake!  I don't bake cookies often, except at Christmas.

3. It is a season for family, friends, guests, and giving.  Would you write a bit about how it all comes together for you in December?  This year it will just be Tammy, Cheryl, (hopefully) Helen, and me.  The decorating is done, the meal is easy... it just comes together.

4. Life changes and traditions alter due to those changes. Has anything changed for you and if so how? If not, would you mind sharing your traditions with us?  This will be my first Christmas since 1983 without Joe in my life so everything has changed and new traditions will evolve over the next few years. 

Thank you so much for keeping this meme alive. If you have topics or subjects you would like to see here, let me know and I will be happy to accommodate you. I don't ever want this to become dull or boring and that can easily happen. Your input is important and your participation means so much to me.

Peace & hugs!

Jesus is the reason for the season

(and so much more!)

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

The weekend has come and gone much too fast!  

I went to work on Friday and got a couple of things done. The rest of the staff had the day off but my boss came by to bring me my roaster that they borrowed for the turkey.  When I got home, I brought in the Christmas decorations and started putting the fall things away and putting out some of the Christmas stuff.  I will do it over a few days.  I need to get some new Advent Candles and some cheap/fake poinsettias to put outside.

Saturday dawned early because I was heading north, stopping to pick up my friend, Kalisa, who retired from the museum, too.  She is an accomplished horsewoman and won lots of awards in her younger years.  I couldn't wait for her to see the World Equestrian Center, up in Ocala.  You may remember that Barb (Sweet Tea & Sandles) took me there a few months ago when I went up there to visit.  It is an amazing place and it is all decorated for Christmas now.  Just beautiful!!  Kalisa was blown away by the enormity of the place and the money required to participate.  Being 'horsey' takes a bunch of money these days.

The hotel lobby.

Gingerbread village that looks like the hotel.

Can you see the price listed on this ribbon?  Yes, $15,000...

...for this rocking horse (in the hotel toy store). 

 There was another one for $20,000.

I fell in love with this lion!  He was animated and also growled and purred.

No price tag. Perhaps a 2nd mortgage?

The main outdoor arena as seen from the hotel.

One of the indoor arenas.  Some younger girls were practicing.

Kalisa with one of the horses we saw...

I swiped this picture from Kalisa's Facebook page.  

This is her (a long time ago) but she and her horse looked fabulous!

More decorations.

Looking across the main arena at the hotel.

Kalisa

When we left WEC, we went to visit with our former boss (and friend), Claire, who lives just outside Micanopy.  We had a great visit with her for a couple of hours before heading back to Lakeland. Made it home before dark!

Yesterday, I attended Sunday school and church.  I made a pot of 

Williamsburg Turkey Soup when I got home.  

While it cooked, I did some more decorating.

This is my new table-top Christmas tree.

I like it.  It is just right for me, right now.

I am happy that I got to talk with my son Joey over the weekend and I also spoke with my niece, Sara, and her hubby Matthew.  They had joyful, happy news to share!! A new baby is due in May!! Praise God! I am so happy for them and for my sis-in-law, Jo Anne, who will be a first-time grandma!!

I will do a little shopping after work today and then will keep working on the Christmas decor.  Tomorrow my church small group is meeting for dinner at Livia's house. I am glad we are back to socializing!!  I will see Helen on Wednesday this week.

Peace & hugs!

Sunday Stealing...

 Thanks to Bev for today's questions!  You can join in HERE.

Conversations

Hi! I'm your host Bev Sykes of the blog "Funny the World". . Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and was published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. Cheers to all of us thieves!

 

 

Stolen from intelligence

 

 

 

1. What is the craziest, most outrageous thing you want to achieve?  Can't think of a thing at my advanced age.

2. Have your parents influenced what goals you have?  They probably did but I lost them more than 25 years ago and I have very few goals now.  I'm just cruising now! LOL

3. What is a fashion trend you’re glad went away.  I don't think leisure suits have come back but most everything else seems to be "new" again. Bell-bottoms are coming back, mini-skirts are back, Maxi-dresses are back...

4. What word or saying from the past do you think should come back?  I always liked saying something was "groovy".

5. What do you bring with you everywhere you go? My phone.

6. Is there such a thing as a soul?  Absolutely.

7. Is there life after death?  Absolutely.

8. Do you think there will ever be a third world war?  Most likely.

9. What smell brings back great memories?  Chlorine at a swimming pool.

10. How would you like to be remembered?  As kind and caring.

11. What kind of music are you into?  I'm not really "into" music. I like music. Probably the music that makes me happiest is marching bands doing shows at halftime. 

12. What is the biggest surprise of your life?  Being a widow.

13. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Pasta.

14. Where is the most awe-inspiring place you have been?  Italy.

15. Describe your life in six words.  Blessed, blessed, and blessed beyond words.

Peace & hugs!

Jesus is all the world to me!

Saturday 9...

 Thanks to Crazy Sam for today's questions!  You can join in HERE!

Black Velvet

Welcome to Saturday 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so to speak. We encourage you to visit other participants' posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme! 

Saturday 9: Black Velvet (1989)

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

1) This song was chosen because yesterday was Black Friday, the traditional day of sales. Have you begun your Christmas shopping?  Kinda, sorta.

2)  Was there an adult beverage served with your Thanksgiving feast?  Nope.
 
3) Did any pets enjoy scraps from your Thanksgiving table?  Yes.  And also a raccoon who ventured out of the woods to see if there was something for him.

4) Are there any Thanksgiving leftovers in your refrigerator right now?  Yes, there are!

5) Football is a popular Thanksgiving weekend pastime. Will you be watching any games over the next few days? If yes, which team(s) are you rooting for?  Nope and don't care.

6) This week's song is by Canadian Alannah Myles. She was born Alannah Byles (with a B) but changed her name to differentiate herself from her father. He was influential in Canadian broadcasting and she didn't want to be accused of riding his coattails. Have you ever received a professional leg up from a relative?  No.

7) In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Instead of pumpkin pie, Canadians traditionally enjoy butter tarts for dessert. What dessert was on your Thanksgiving menu?  Pecan pie and key lime.  

8) "Black Velvet" is a tribute to Elvis. Songwriter Christopher Ward said he was inspired by a trip to Memphis, long after Elvis' death, where he spoke to The King's fans and was touched by how much they still loved their favorite singer. Who is your favorite singer?  I don't really have a favorite.

9) Share a memory from Thanksgiving 2020.  We had a very quiet day with just Helen and Cheryl to share our meal.  Of course, Joe was here.  Three months later, he wasn't and four months later, Helen had to move to assisted living.  We sure just never know what is ahead.  Hold fast and keep your hearts open.  Love.

Peace & hugs!

Amen!

Friday Fotos...

 

Oh my goodness, I ate entirely too much yesterday but don't regret a bite! LOL  As mentioned before, my boss and his wife invited me to join them for the day.  I contributed pumpkin bread and a Jiffy corn casserole.  My boss's sister, a nephew and his wife, and one of his daughters were there too.  I felt right at home and welcomed.  It was lovely. I didn't take pictures of the people but did capture my plate full of goodness.  They served dinner outside. The weather was just beautiful at 76° and could not have been better for an outside celebration of giving thanks!

At work on Monday, one of the guys noticed a red-shouldered hawk hanging around on a wire outside the office.  I went out to take some pictures. He posed for a while but I got too close and he flew off. So majestic.

This old oak tree with so much moss is creepy and beautiful.

It is right beside the office so I took the picture when I was looking at the hawk.

My dermatology appointment went well. 

The doctor didn't find anything else to biopsy or be concerned about.

Praise God!

Last week I posted about the Fisheries folks building "trees" to sink in the

lakes to create a place for little fish, etc.  Here is a closer look at them.

I will be getting the Christmas decorations out this weekend.  Happy my sister is coming!!  I didn't intend to put a tree up or do too much but now I am motivated to be a bit more festive. I gave away the pencil tree I had for the last two years so I bought a little table-top tree for this year.  I think it will be perfect going forward.  Pictures next week!!

Peace & hugs!

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Whimsical Fashion Fun 2021...

... AND Happy Thanksgiving!!

There isn't a linky and there aren't any rules.

Check out the dresses and tell us which one you would wear!

It's all in fun and just a whimsical thing.

Photos always from The Storybook of Dreams & Beauty!

 

Aren't vintage fashions fun!!  Best of all - they have their shoes on and 

they look somewhat sensible!!

Which one would we find in your closet?  Tan, Red, or Green?

My Thoughts:  Oh my.  My mom made most of my clothes all the way through high school.  These remind me of those days.  I really like the tan dress best, except for the white piping.  Take it away and  I choose the tan dress.  (It's probably the pockets!)  What are your thoughts?

Peace & hugs to you and yours on this 

blessed day, when we pause with purpose to offer 

thanks for so many blessings!

Tuesday 4 on Wednesday...

I logged on Tuesday morning and found that Annie did post a new Tuesday 4 so I am doing it today.  There isn't a Wednesday Hodgepodge, so here is the Tuesday 4 on Wednesday...

Thanksgiving

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...

Thanksgiving is the subject.

1. What are you most thankful for this year?  I am thankful for family and friends and for my job.  My church, my faith, my memories...

2. Company or just immediate family?  I will be the company at my boss's house.

3 Cooking or catering?  I am making a corn casserole and pumpkin bread to contribute to the meal.  Home or eating out?  At the boss's house.

4. What's for dessert?   He told me yesterday that there would be pecan pie and pumpkin pie.

I wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving.  I will post a Whimsical Fashion Fun 2021 in case anyone is vegging at the computer after dinner.

Peace & hugs!

God bless you and yours!

Tuesday 4 From Last Year...

 It is nearly bedtime and I haven't seen a new Tuesday 4 yet so I scooted back to last year at this time and this is the Tuesday 4 from a year ago...

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

The Tuesday Four...

 Thanks to Annie for today's four questions!  You can join in HERE...

Tuesday 4

The Language of Flowers

 

1. Yes, the simple daisy.

2. My birth month flower is

and the state flower for Florida is the orange blossom.

3.  There is no plant I enjoy inside or out. I am not a plant person.

I like seeing them in other peoples' houses & yards, but I don't do yard work.

4. Tomatoes. I would plant tomatoes. I miss garden-fresh tomatoes.

We arrived home safely from our long weekend trip to Georgia.  It was so great seeing the kids and all the changes made at their horse sanctuary.  We had breakfast with them yesterday, at Denny's, and got home around 4:00 yesterday afternoon, sad that the weekend went so fast but happy to see our kitties and know that we would be comfy in our own bed. Now... on to Thanksgiving!!  The turkey is in the fridge, starting to thaw!

Peace & hugs!  Jesus loves you!

Wishing you all a blessed week and Thanksgiving.  There won't be a new Hodgepodge for tomorrow so I will probably look to the archives again.  

Monday's Weekend Recap...

 

Backing up to Thursday...

The staff had a Thanksgiving pot-luck at our Regional Office at noon on Thursday.  Oh my gosh, the food was amazing and I met a few more people.  Now, I don't usually eat lunch so when I went out to dinner with our group from Mas Verde, I just ordered a bowl of soup and a side salad. I couldn't finish all the soup. It's that time of year though... right!

On Friday...

 I started working five-hour days to make up for having Thanksgiving Day off.  So happy to be able to do it that way.  I totally forgot about going to the Clubhouse to play Nickels.  I need to get back into the groove!  It's been so long without the camaraderie of friends in our clubhouse - but things are starting to hop again!  

Saturday morning...

I met up with a friend from my church small group for breakfast. D's husband has been sick for a while with some issues that haven't been totally diagnosed yet and they are frustrated with their doctors.  She also just lost an older brother and her son is recovering from Covid.  I was happy to give her a little respite and an ear to listen.  

Saturday, early evening, was our Thanksgiving dinner at the Clubhouse.  They did it as a take-out but we could eat in the Clubhouse if we wanted to.  I picked mine up and brought it home. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a yeast roll. Oh, and apple pie or pumpkin pie for dessert. It was good. Our HOA Facebook page showed that they served 250 residents! It is nice to have more folks returning. Standing in line, I got several hugs - always nice!

Sunday...

Church.  Sunday school was canceled because of the holiday week so I did sleep in an hour later than usual on Sunday.  I love my church and my church family. Our Pastor finished up his sermon series on Isaiah.  It is hard to believe that this coming Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. Oh my gosh, the time is so swiftly passing.

I made a pot of chili for my dinner (and dinner tonight and tomorrow!). Cornbread on the side was also good. 

Today, after work, I have my six-month check-up with my dermatologist.  Since I had a pre-melanoma removed last time, they just want to check again.  It's all good, I'm sure.

Wishing you all a blessed week full of thankfulness!

Peace & hugs!

 

Sunday Stealing...

Thanks to Bev Sykes for today's questions!  You can join in HERE! 

Thanksgiving

 

Hi! I'm your host Bev Sykes of the blog "Funny the World". . Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. Cheers to all of us thieves!

 

 

Stolen from Daily Good

1) What teacher are you most thankful for and why? Oh, I am thankful for all of my teachers (and teachers everywhere!)  God bless them!  What did you learn from him or her?  My all-time favorite teacher was probably my music teacher, Mr. Hoeltzel, or Mrs. Buskirk, my art teacher, or Mrs. Finke, my science teacher....then there was Mrs. Everhart, my 2nd-grade teacher, and Mrs. Gablehouse, my 4th-grade teacher... I loved school and didn't really have a teacher I didn't like.

2) What’s the season you’re most thankful for, and what’s your favorite part of each season?  Well, I am thankful for every season of the year and for every season of my life, but if we are talking about THIS time of year, I just lump Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year holidays all together and call it a most wonderful time of year.

3) What electronic device are you most grateful for, and what does it add to your life?  My computer.  It keeps me informed and in touch and that includes the friendships formed with all of you, right here on Blogger!

4) What musician or type of music are you most thankful for?  I am not a fan of rap, heavy metal, or opera.  I can handle a little of them, but not for long. Other than those, I like music and listen to country, jazz, oldies, and Christian music.  I don't necessarily have a favorite muscian.

5) What are you most grateful for that brings beauty to your daily life?  The people in my life, both family and friends, bring all the beauty I need in my life.  Thank you all!!

6) What philanthropic cause or organization do you feel thankful for?  I am thankful for my son and daughter-in-law's horse sanctuary; for the art museum where I worked for 20 years; my church is a non-profit that feeds my soul...

7) What foods are you most thankful for?  Pasta, spicy Mexican, and delicious Vietnamese food. But, really I am just thankful that my pantry and freezer are full.

8) What local store or restaurant are you most grateful for?  How does it contribute to your quality of life?  See #8.  Il Forno Italian, Tapa Tios Mexican, and Gosh Vietnamese.  As to the quality of life?  My quality of life isn't dependent on stores or restaurants but I am always pleased to have meals at any of them.

9) What book are you most grateful for, and why? The Bible, hands down. I don't think I need to explain why. It speaks truth and gives us all we need to get through a day, a week, a month, a year. Faith, hope, and love.

10) What act of kindness has made the greatest difference in your life?  When Joe died earlier this year, so many people were so kind.  I especially have to mention my BFF Elaine and her husband who were here for me and made a huge difference for me in so many ways that I can't even put them into words. I am so very blessed.

11) What challenging experience has ended up changing your life for the better?  My divorce back in 1981. Enough said.

12) What vacation are you most grateful for?  Our trip to Italy in 2007.

13) Name three days in your life that you feel especially grateful for.  My birthday!  When I met Joe on August 1, 1983, and our wedding day on May 11, 1985.

14) What product do you use on a daily basis that you most appreciate?  My Keurig coffee maker.

15) What, from this year, do you feel most grateful for?  That I am getting through it.  Praise God!

Peace & hugs!!