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Another Birthday

Yes it is another birthday…

happy birthday 3d GIF by Michael Shillingburg

but not merely another Birthday

This is an

EPIC Birthday

For starters I am

ON A WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE

No cooking, No laundry, No WORK…

behaving like a Birthday Girl should.

The [birth] day begins with breakfast.  And though on this day breakfast is not eggs Benedict or pan-seared steak with béarnaise sauce, it is a treat, it is low carb, and it provides the necessary fuel to launch me into the excursion that LB has planned for the day.

It is scrambled eggs and sausage

[while he enjoys pancakes]

🥞

The adventure began at the Puerta Maya Cruise Ship terminal in Cozumel Mexico this morning

After which we took a taxi to Chankanaab Beach

🚖where a visit to the Dolphin Discovery would introduce us to a new friend

Marina

She allowed us to pet herto give her kisses

and go for a swim with her.

Marina gave each of us a dolphin propelled boogie board ride across the cove.

LB tried to get her to come home with us

But she had other obligations.

After our visit, as we climbed back up to the boardwalk, I was amazed to see that there was a baby dolphin following close by her side.  Marina’s trainer explained, “Oh that’s just Chico” as if it was no big thing.

🐬

And if that wasn’t enough of an adventure, in a separate area at Chankanaab, LB and I were able to go snorkeling [that’s right people… no makeup] We saw different forms of ocean life and a statue of the Virgin Mary.

🐠

There was more swimming involved than I am used to and I was happy to have a break lounging on the beach.LB enjoyed it just as much, if not more.It was very relaxing

Soon Carmen was standing before me asking if I would like to visit her spa.  She insisted that I allow her to give me a two minute sample of the deep tissue massage that I would receive.  How could I say no?

But alas, there was not enough time for more; LB and I would need to be heading back to the Carnival Paradise.

🛳

Just in time to get dressed up for dinner show off my new jewelsand blow out the candle on a tiny cake after enjoying an international serenade

Thanks to Imade and Richmond.

🎂

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

 

Valentine’s Day

Do you remember this scene from the movie You’ve Got Mail…Kathleen Kelly: I love daisies.

Joe Fox: You told me.

Kathleen Kelly: They’re so friendly. Don’t you think daisies are the friendliest flower?

~

When I laid eyes on my Valentine’s Day flowers, my first thought was “daisies are the friendliest flower”.

Thank you LB!

There was an attached card which read…

“You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. And wish from this day forth never to be parted from you.  Your LB”.

~

If you are a fan of classics and romantic movies, you recognize that line from Pride and Prejudice.

As I’ve mentioned before, I will watch this 2005 version of that movie just to enjoy that single scene and the lines delivered by Matthew Macfadyen.

Included with the flower arrangement was a “Happy Valentine’s Day” balloon.

Sadly, I lost my balloon.

Apparently it wasn’t tied down well (or at all) in the flower arrangement.  When I leaned into my car to place my arrangement on the floor, the balloon tapped the car door and was floating away before I knew what had happened.  It was a sad moment and I pouted all the way home.

~

LB and I will enjoy dinner and a show at the Alhambra a few times during the year.

Last February we saw Little Shop of Horrors which was, strangely enough, the featured Valentines Day show.  You can read that post here.

This year for Valentine’s Day the Alhambra featured an Elvis impersonator in a sold out show titled Elvis Aloha.

“Elvis” did a great job

The Chef

did an excellent job!

The Tuna Poke Salad was good, the Kahlua Pork was good, the Peanut Butter & Banana Pie was SO good. 

The treadmill would be beckoning after this meal.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Keep Me Entertained

Because TBB ASKS every first Monday of the month, I’m responding with some answers…

~

Book(s) you have read multiple times

This Present Darkness by Frank E. Peretti.  The book is Frank E. Peretti’s first published novel for adults.

I’ve read it three times.  This is a big deal for me.

~

Favorite book/author of all time

This Present Darkness is the story of the town of Ashton which is on the verge of appropriation by a New World Order.  This New Age corporation is planning to unleash its evil plan beginning with the small town.  In the story are two characters who dare to oppose the corporation. Marshall Hogan is the owner of a newspaper and Henry Busche is the pastor of a small church in town.  When both are arrested on false charges they meet in jail.  Each of these men discover that they are not only at odds with the large and powerful corporation, but are also in the midst of great spiritual warfare.  Fighting alongside the protagonists are spiritual beings, Angels who are portrayed as unique individuals with endearing personalities, interact with the story’s physical characters, while battling the demons who attempt to destroy them.

If this book sounds like it is sensational, that’s because it is.

~

Favorite TV show to binge

I used to be addicted to Survivor, but never have I binged on the series.  The only time I have binged on a TV show is while I’m on the treadmill where I will watch recorded episodes of Today with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.

yahoo tv GIF

If I tire of Kathie Lee and Hoda, I will watch an episode of The Kitchen.

~

Favorite new-ish TV show

You know… I’m perplexed about what happened with the reboot of DALLAS a couple of years ago.  I began watching it when it began and it is the last series I was interested in.

~

Favorite movie of all time

You’ve Got Mail

~

Movie you are looking forward to watching

Bird Box.

I cannot explain why.

~

First concert you attended

The first real concert I remember attending was at the St. Augustine Amphitheater and the star performer was

Toby Keith

~

Ultimate concert (even if it can’t happen)

The Bee Gees.  At one time it was Barry Manilow.  When I finally saw him I was [sadly] disappointed.

If I could go back in time, I would’ve seen the Bee Gees in concert while I had the chance.  Now I have my mind set on seeing the Backstreet Boys.  I hope we can make that happen.

~

Favorite music artist/band

Well that would have to be Hall and Oates!

~

How do you listen? (streaming? CDs? vinyl?)

Pandora Radio, CD, YouTube, and [of course] “Alexa, play…”

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

 

The Bucket List Blog post

A “Bucket list” can be defined as a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.  Since it is possibly derived from the English idiom – ‘to kick the bucket’ we can also call it a list of things to do before you die (source).

To keep from feeling overwhelmed by such a great list of things to do, accompanied by the feeling that the unchecked items are looming, reminding me of all the things I haven’t done,  I have include items on my list that I have already accomplished.

After reading others’ bucket lists, I realized that there are so many things that I have had the opportunity to do; things that others have not been able to accomplish.  Adding these items is an exercise in gratefulness as it reminds me to

Appreciate the Accomplishments!

Even the little ones.

One blogger calls this The Reverse Bucket List and explains it this way:

“it is a relatively new phenomenon that’s been growing in the past year or so.  It changes your focus and your mindset.  Instead of focusing on the things you haven’t accomplished (yet) it has you focus on the things you have done” (source).

For a lot of people, the reverse bucket list has been embraced as a mindfulness exercise. It’s a way to look at being grateful for all of the things you have done.

If you’re looking for bucket list ideas, some interesting ones can be found here and here.

Achievement

  • Earn an associates (AA) degree
  • Earn a bachelor’s degree
  • Earn a master’s degree
  • Start a business
  • Start a blog
  • Write (and illustrate) a book
  • Create a piece of art (and sell it)
  • Start an herb garden
  • Be on TV
  • Be in a commercial
  • Solve a Rubix Cube
  • Earn a design degree
  • Achieve my ideal weight
  • Run a 7 min mile
  • Run a 5k
  • Run the Gate river run
  • Run a half marathon
  • Run a marathon

Adventure

  • Go parasailing
  • Ride on a Ferris wheel
  • Ride a scary roller coaster
  • Go ice skating
  • Go on a picnic
  • Go snorkeling
  • Go skydiving (preferably indoors)
  • Go zip lining (preferably not over a reptile farm)
  • See the sun rise over the ocean
  • See the sun set over the ocean
  • Drive route 66
  • Tour Biltmore Estates
  • Tour the US capitol
  • See all the Washington DC monuments
  • Go biking on the beach
  • Dance in the moonlight
  • Dance on the beach
  • Swim in the ocean
  • Drive a jetski
  • Pet a dolphin
  • Ski a black diamond trail
  • Go on a cruise
  • Dine in a celebrity owned restaurant
  • Attend a small town festival
  • Climb a lighthouse
  • Go on a spontaneous road trip
  • Ride in a gondola
  • Play racquetball
  • Pitch a game of softball
  • Rollerblade

Education/New Skills

  • Learn how to play the guitar
  • Learn to speak French
  • Learn a line dance
  • Master a video game
  • Learn Archery
  • Learn to play chess
  • Learn Kung-FU
  • Learn how to cook
  • Learn how to bake
  • Learn to change a tire
  • Take a ceramic class
  • Attend a woodworking class
  • Learn how to meditate
  • Take piano lessons

Entertainment and Events

  • Attend a Jazz Festival
  • Attend a Parade
  • Attend a Vegas show (Rod Stewart)
  • Place a bet on a Horse Race
  • Go to a Blues Bar (BB King’s, NY)
  • Go to a dinner theater (Alhambra Theater and Dining)
  • See a pro Football Game (Alltel Stadium)
  • See a Broadway show (Jersey Boys)
  • See a Cirque du Soleil Show (Beatles LOVE)
  • See Barry Manilow in concert
  • Dance in a club  (Ziggy Mahoney’s)
  • See the changing of the guard
  • See a Nascar race (Daytona International Speedway)
  • See a major league baseball game ( Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves)
  • Attend a Grand Ole Opry show (Ryman Auditorium, TN)
  • See the Backstreet Boys in concert

Life milestones

  • Prepare a will
  • Get a tummy tuck
  • Vote in an election
  • Donate blood
  • Attend a high school reunion
  • Make a cake roll
  • Make a blooming onion
  • Go to the movies by myself
  • Get a bob (hair style)
  • Go blonde
  • Participate in a wine tasting
  • Cook thanksgiving dinner
  • Build with Habitat of Humanity
  • Read the entire bible
  • Learn to snow ski
  • Learn to water ski
  • Take swimming lessons
  • Learn to surf
  • Build a snowman
  • Adopt a pet
  • Stand under a waterfall
  • Witness a solar eclipse
  • Be a bridesmaid
  • Take an art class
  • Take pictures in a photo booth
  • Work on a pottery wheel
  • Sew an item of clothing and wear it
  • Write a poem
  • Audition to be in a play or choir
  • Visit Disney World
  • Visit Universal Studios Orlando
  • Visit an art gallery
  • Have no credit card debt
  • Have my own business cards
  • Learn to use chopsticks
  • Make ice cream
  • Build a sand castle
  • Go canoeing
  • Have a collection
  • Plant a tree and watch it grow
  • Load and shoot a shotgun
  • Drive a tractor
  • Plant a garden
  • Take a dance class

Travel

  • Visit all US states 50 States, 50 Landmarks, 50 States of Bucket List Adventures
  • See Mount Rushmore (South Dakota)
  • See the USS Arizona (Hawaii)
  • Visit Yosemite (California)
  • Visit Branson (Missouri)
  • Visit Denali (a/k/a Mount McKinley in Alaska)
  • Visit Deadwood (South Dakota)
  • See the ALAMO (Texas)
  • Visit Gettysburg (Pennsylvania)
  • See the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (New York)
  • See the Vegas Strip (Nevada)
  • See the Grand Canyon (Arizona)
  • Visit Yellowstone (Wyoming)
  • See Stone Mountain (Georgia)
  • See Glacier National Park (Montana)
  • Stand in the Southernmost Point in the Continental US (Key West, FL)
  • See Ernest Hemingway’s house (Key West, FL)
  • Walk through Grand Central Station (New York)
  • Walk in central park (New York)
  • Climb a tree in Central Park (New York)
  • Stand in Times Square (New York)
  • Be on TV during the Today show (New York)
  • Ride on a subway (Boston, New York, and Washington, DC)
  • See Plymouth Rock (Massachusetts)
  • Walk on pink sand beaches
  • Venture out of the country
  • Visit the Parthenon (Greece)
  • Visit Puerto Rico
  • Go on a Caribbean cruise

I’ll be adding to this list.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

Last Friday was my Favorite of all Fridays because I enjoyed the start of a staycation that lasted until Wednesday, December 26th.

Now I am back to work.

Alas.

But what a great Christmas holiday!And although being away from the office for 5 days was the best gift ever, I have some other favorites that I want to share today.

Favorite # ONE

While LB and I were Christmas stocking shopping last Saturday I was reminded of the bucket list that I have been adding to [and have yet to share].  One of the bucket list items is to try each flavor of

Pringles

This idea came to me when I was looking for items to add to my bucket list via google search.  I read in another blog that there are 29 flavors, but I count 22 on the Pringles website.

There were about 12 different varieties on the store’s shelf and I proceeded to add one of each to the buggy.  We walked around the store for about a half an hour before I decided that it was a bad idea to take so many Pringles home with me at one time.  So I put them all back.

We’ll tackle that bucket list item slowly.

Favorite # TWO

Sunday night LB and I experienced

Elf the Musical

at Alhambra Theater and Dining

Dinner was great.  I ordered the parmesan crusted salmon (which was SOOO good) and LB had the Holiday feast.  While Elf the Musical doesn’t compare to the Charles Dickens story, it was a very good show!

And as always, LB and I had a great time.

Favorite # THREE

In addition to the spectacular giraffe jammies presented to me by Stephanie, I also received a pair of ENORMOUS silver hoop earrings.  Richard thought it would be a good idea to try them on and LB caught it on camera.

This Photo

is definitely a favorite!

Favorite # FOUR

Friday’s

OOTD

Straight from Macclenny’s  Classy Crossroads Boutique

I wore this Merry Christmas outfit to work on Friday, so my blouse wasn’t off the shoulder as intended.  It can be worn comfortably both ways.  I love it and the jeans are very comfortable.

Blouse // Jeans // Shoes

 

Favorite # FIVE

 Holiday Hoopla

at Mama’s house!

I love it all!

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

PARTY TIME

This month The Blended Blog Asks about Party Time.

 

Favorite Birthday Party as a Child?

There is but one memorable childhood party, and I only recall bits and pieces.  I believe it was the year of my 12thbirthday, and it was near the end of the Disco era.  WHAT?

Some of the things I remember about that party are:

  • It was set up in the garage
  • Boys were invited
  • Disco Dynamite was one of the awesome records that were played.

The event must have turned out well, because the vague memory always brings a smile to my face.

 

 

Do you like to Entertain? Yes or No?

I like to have people over and feed them.

 

 

What kind of Parties are your favorite?

Dress up parties are amusing!

One year our family dressed as Batman characters to celebrate Richard’s birthday.  Dressing up for Laurie’s Halloween party every year is a lot of fun too.It is good to have a specific event to plan around, like the Super Bowl Party we had this past January. There will typically be something on the TV like a football game (obviously) or my YouTube party playlist to help provide musical entertainment.

If I host a party with family in mind, it will usually involve the pool.

Big or Small Parties?

Both.

Favorite thing to do at Parties?

Eat.

Party Food Favorites?

Finger foods are good!  Dips are great!  Anything that you can dip a cracker or chip into is usually a big hit!

Favorite Flavor Birthday Cake?

I like a cake with buttercream frosting and ‘Happy Birthday Kim’ decorations from a local grocery store bakery.Yes I’ll do it!

Balloons? Yes or No?

Yes, love balloons!  Especially when they come special delivery in a balloon bouquet!

Best Party Song?

Good Question!  There are so many!  Uptown Funk.  Love Shack.  Anything from the 80’s!

As I mentioned before, I have a YouTube Party Playlist.  Accessing the website on the TV delivers party music as well as video.  A fun song like The Cupid Shuffle will provide dance instruction as well!

Do you like to Dance? Yes or No?

Yes, I do like to dance.

No, I do not dance well.

Luckily my partner helps me look like I know what I’m doing.

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites ~ Birthday Edition

June brings with it another birthday for myself and several others in my family (subject for another post).

Because this week has pretty much been all about birthdays, I’m sharing a special edition of my Friday Favorites!

Favorite # ONE

Babies and Birthday Cake

Although my birthday falls on June 1st, the party begins on the evening of May 31st.  This year Mama made good on her promise and prepared biscuits and gravy (as only she can) for a special birthday dinner.

Followed by dessert…Several family members joined us at her home to celebrate.Two sweet babies were among the group.

LB snapped these photos with Rory and Lydia while I opened the gifts that were so graciously given to me.

While Lydia enjoyed seeing Glammy’s Birthday cards and gifts, Rory wasn’t quite as excited.I LOVE that face!

 

 

Favorite # TWO

A Birthday Outfit

(not to be confused with a Birthday Suit)

handpicked by a Fashion Diva.

Stephanie and Amanda will sometimes join forces to give gifts on special occasions.  Stephanie has a particular flair for putting cute outfits together and for taking selfies.

She mentioned that she had picked several outfits and narrowed the prospects down to three.

This one was the winner

Favorite # THREE

A Fancy Birthday Gift

LB took a trip to the St. Johns Town Center this week where he visited the Coach store.

He has such good taste.And he even knows what colors are trending this season.

Favorite # FOUR

A Birthday Vacation

with LB

Beginning with a Friday night concert in the rain and ending with a sunny day on the beach.  Every trip with LB is an adventure!

 

Favorite # FIVE

A Happy Together Birthday Surprise

Since we enjoyed it so much last year, LB made arrangements for us to attend this year’s Happy Together Tour at the Florida Theater.

The concert began with  the Cowsills who are a family of singers that were the inspiration for the Partridge Family.  Just as was the case last year, one of my favorites last night was “I Love the Flower Girl“.

(I knew I knew I knew I knew stuck in my head again).

Next up was Mark Lindsay (the voice of Paul Revere and the Raiders).  I didn’t recognize any of his songs, but I was very familiar with the group that followed.  The Association took the stage and sang quite a few favorites.

Another favorite for the evening was Gary Puckett (the Union Gap) hence the uniform.

Gary Puckett was not part of the tour last year, but such a great addition.  Everyone enjoyed singing along with Gary as he shared a few of his 1967 hits.

Another fun singalong was a former member of Three Dog Night, Chuck Negron, who ended his set with “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog”.

And last but not least, one of the original Turtles, Mark Volman took the stage along with friend Ron Dante (from the Archie’s music).  Ron was standing in for Turtle member Howard Kaylan who was unable to be a part of the tour this year.

The event wrapped up with  all of the artists coming to the stage to share a short clip of one of their previously performed songs and together wishing the audience good night.  It was an evening of great music!

Still stuck in my head today:

https://youtu.be/BiMCTjO_dHI

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

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