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February Festivities

The festivities began on the 1st day of the month.

Mama’s birthday was January 31st, and she had birthday adventures to attend, so

We decided to celebrate on Saturday, February 1st

We corroborated on our “don’t tell Mema“ group text and came up with a 70’s theme.  Being that this is her 79th year, it seemed fitting.  There was plenty of food that reflected the 1970’s like Hamburger Helper and that glorious ginger ale/pineapple juice punch with lime sherbet.  There was a decade of 70’s music playlist to dance to.

Almost everyone dressed up

including Mama, thanks to an outfit that Gina put together for her.

If you follow her on Facebook, you probably saw the video of her grand entrance.

We had a great time!

One week and a day later, it was

Super Bowl Sunday

Several years ago, LB and I started a Super Bowl Sunday tradition.  We have a small gathering with the friends I refer to as

“Party People”.  Everyone brings game day appetizers, and we hang out together, eating and talking very loudly until the game ends.  We will typically watch some of the game, but it’s easy to get distracted with the noise.

Then, of course, there is

Valentine’s Day

  Our little Rory was born on Valentine’s Day and is celebrating her 7th birthday this year.

Glammy gets to make the cake.  The requested cake was “A chocolate Stitch cake”. 

After we deliver the cake and birthday gifts to the little one, and we take a few photos in front of the shower of hearts, LB and I will be going out for yet another celebration.

LB made reservations last year for February 14th at the Alhambra.

 

We almost always have a great time when we go to the Alhambra.  Sometimes the show isn’t all that great, but this time it was…

and the free champagne was a nice touch… and made for a great picture!

There you have my February Festivities… and we still have another week left to add to the fun!

~

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

I’ve been sick for a month

YES…

I’ve been sick for a month!

The Tuesday after our Saturday date night at the Alhambra, which I posted about here, I came down with… something.

I thought it was a sinus infection, complete with headache and congestion.  But no matter what I took [or how much] I could not get rid of the headache.  It lasted for two days.  Then the fever came, and the coughing, and the inability to sit down without falling asleep.  I had no energy and was unbelievably tired.  My cough was so bad that I thought “maybe I have bronchitis”.

I’ve made it this far in life and have never had the flu, so I was thinking “there is no way I can have the flu”.  Since I have been a successful social distancer, I couldn’t imagine what or WHOM I could have come in contact with that would have given me COVID.  Maybe it was the Alhambra photographer who got strangely close when showing LB and I our photo on Saturday night.  But I still don’t know.

 On the following weekend I slept.  I SLEPT all weekend. I was still sick… headache, coughing, lethargy.  On Monday LB started to feel bad.  On Wednesday he decided we needed to be tested for COVID.  He went alone to Walgreens and submitted a sample.  Since it wouldn’t reveal results for THREE DAYS, he went to CVS and bought a home test kit.  It was a 2fer so we both tested.

And we were both POSITIVE

The next day we drove to the Downtown Public Library and partook of the Monoclonal Antibodies treatment courtesy of our honorable Governor Ron DeSantis.  Four shots… 2 in the back of the arm, 2 in the lower abdomen.

Thank you Governor DeSantis.  You are a hero!

LB started to get better right away.  I [on the other hand] had to call the doctor, who prescribed an antibiotic for 5 days to help with my congestion and cough.  On day six I was thinking it didn’t work.  But today, I’m not coughing much, and my voice is almost back to normal.  It seems to take forever for the symptoms to subside.

Let me quote my sister: “Covid is no joke”

~

I started doing research and found this site with a lot of good information.  That information was derived from this site which has even more amazing information.

Also there is a Covid defense Box (a Physician-Recommended COVID First Aid Kit) you can request from this site.

It includes…

  • Budesonide nasal spray to fight the cytokine storm
  • A pulse oximeter to monitor blood oxygen levels
  • Vitamins C & D3, Zinc, and Quercetin to strengthen immunity
  • N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) to promote bronchial, respiratory, and immune health
  • Claritin (Loratadine) H1 histamine blocker to dry up secretions
  • Pepcid (Famotadine) H2 histamine block to lessen secretions
  • Mouthwash to lessen viral replication in mouth
  • Low dose aspirin to prevent blood clots
  • Melatonin to fortify immune systems, and prevent blood clots

I hope this helps someone!

~

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

 

What Happened?

It has been exactly 2 months since I published a blog post.

There was so much to talk about!  I missed posting about Christmas, New Year’s happenings, The Daniel Fast, and LB’s birthday.  Although I managed to write up a couple (Dec 11 and Dec 20), I never published either and they are both sitting in my drafts folder.  I may backdate and finish them at some point.

What happened?

 I have been preoccupied with political news.  Nearly obsessed.  I have read a lot of posts on Telegram and watched many videos on Rumble.  I don’t buy into all of what I see, but much of it makes sense to me.

And for the record, there is nothing anyone can say that will change my mind about the election fraud that occurred.  The evidence will be heard eventually.

“For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light” (Luke 8:17 ESV).

Since the mainstream media will not provide this information, watch the following:

If the link doesn’t work, copy and paste the URL below and hear for yourself:

https://rumble.com/vc32yv-the-plot-to-steal-america-now-censored-on-youtube.html

Watch and SHARE!

Since the making of The Plot to Steal America, due to censorship, Parler is no longer active.  For more info watch the following:

https://rumble.com/vcqaql-these-two-apps-will-not-be-silenced.html

~

I’m going to snap out of my funk and get back to blogging again.

But please forgive me if I rant occasionally.

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

Way Back Wednesday

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…

(I might be exaggerating)

Actually it was the afternoon of June 6th in 1984 and I was about to enter a new season of life!

Last Wednesday marked 35 years since I graduated from high school.

Because I was busy posting highlights from my recent birthday and cruise, I neglected to take time to focus on memories of high school.

With the exception of occasional uneasiness brought about by thoughts of a possible Soviet invasion (special thanks to the movie Red Dawn), it was a great time to be a kid!

SO many things were happening during the early 80’s prior to my high school graduation.

Such happenings include:

Reaganomics

Family Ties

Lady Diana Spencer

Return of the Jedi

star wars episode 6 GIF

The cable debut of MTV

Sally Ride

EPCOT

Jump

music videos 80s GIF

The birth of the modern internet

Footloose

kevin bacon dancing GIF

The release of the first Apple Macintosh

Michael Jackson’s MoonwalkMichael Jackson Moonwalk GIF

The maiden voyage of the Space Shuttle Columbia

The Cosby Show

Ghost Busters

harold ramis ghostbusters GIF

Sixteen Candles

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

Retro Wake Me Up Before You Go Go GIF

and

WHAM!

(see what I did?)

I was a senior in high school!

(why didn’t someone help me with my eyebrows?)

During my teens, senior high began with 10th grade.

It was at this point in August 1981, that I began attending Edward H. White Senior High School (personal artwork in the yearbook)

It seemed like a huge place and a schedule led by “mods” instead of “periods” was a bit overwhelming for a newbie. Luckily I had some older friends who were already attending and were able to show me how to manage (thank you Kim and Vicki).

It was important to have identification at the time.

Mine looked like this:

Although there were so many activities to keep me busy…

when I think back, time seemed to move slowly.

But before I knew it

1984

had arrived.

I would be saying goodbye to high school.

Happy 35th Anniversary Ed White Class of 84!

GO COMMANDERS!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The God Who Sees

אל ראי

Since before the fall of man, God had fashioned a plan that would bring redemption.. as told in a scriptural redemption story.
Within the story, Abraham, the promised progenitor of many nations, sends Hagar into the wilderness with their son, where she meets the God Who Sees.  Abraham’s family also produces the lineage that includes a woman, Ruth of Moab, who is searching for redemption. Meanwhile the same man, Abraham and his wife Sarah produce a promise from God, Isaac, from whom came Boaz who, with Ruth of Moab, beget Obed, who beget Jesse, who beget David, a man after God’s Own Heart… from whom ultimately came…

Jesus

אל ראי

 the God who sees.
Jesus, became a man, lived, died, arose, and offers redemption to those who believe… including the woman searching for Him in the garden on Resurrection Sunday. Mary.
This oratorio, covers a timeline and tells a story that will make your heart believe.

 

 

Hagar

was a single mother
She was abandoned by the family she belonged to
And there in the wilderness with her son alone
With very little provision
She was wondering
She was questioning
Does anyone care?

She’s crying in the desert
She’s lost in her despair
She thinks nobody loves her
Hagar thinks nobody’s there

But God says

I will be a ring of fire around her
And I will be the glory in her midst
And the power of my presence
Will bring her to her knees
And I will lift her up again
For I’m the God who sees
I’m the God who sees

The He speaks in gentle whispers
And He softly calls her name
She feels His arms infold her
As He holds her
And she’ll never be the same

‘Cause I’m the God who never changes
And My promises are true
And when this world deserts you
This is what I’ll do

And there is another woman named

Ruth

She was from the land of Moab
And she was met with grief and heartache
She was a widow and she lived with her mother in law who was also a widow
And now it was time to move on
But Ruth had never been to Bethlehem
She had never tasted of the house of bread
But she had heard an inner invitation to come and taste and see
And so she vowed herself to her mother in law
And she said where you go I will go
Where you lie I will lie
Where you die I will die
And she begins a journey to the Promised Land

She’s traveling through the desert
And she’s leaving her despair
She’s hoping for a future
Praying that will lead her there

And He says

I will put a ring around your finger
And I will put a child within your womb
And the Savior will be born for you
To free the world from sin
And He’ll make all things new for you
And love you back to life again, again

And then from Ruth who gave birth to a son
Obed who gave birth to a son
Jesse who gave birth to a son
Named

David

Now the same, once shepherd boy
Mighty warrior, anointed king is alone
Terrified in the darkness

He’s hiding in the desert
He’s battling despair
David thinks his life is over, it’s over
And God, He doesn’t care

But God says

I will be the Rock of your salvation
I’ll hold you up by the strength of My right hand
And the power of My Spirit
Will free you from all fear
In the hour of your deepest need
You’ll find that I am near
I am here

And I will be a Ring of Fire around you
And I will be the Glory in your midst
And the power of my presence
Will bring you to your knees
And I will lift you up again
For I’m the God who sees

And then from the line of David
Finally,

אל ראי

Jesus

  אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה

the Messiah
The Anointed one, Yeshuah, the Christ
Born in the same house of bread to be the bread of life
In the town of Bethlehem
And He would grow
And He would be called the son of God
He would be called Emmanuel, God with us
And He would heal, and He would reveal
And then He had an encounter with the woman
Named Mary of Magdalene who was plagued by demons
Tormented by evil spirits, and Jesus set her free
And Mary followed Him, she listened at His feet
She served Him, and she loved Him
Oh how she loved Him
But then she watched as they nailed Him to the cross
And as they placed His body in the tomb
In that moment her hope died, it died

She’s crying in the garden
She’s broken in despair
She’s searching for her Savior
But His body isn’t there
Then He says

Mary

Glory, glory, glory, Hallelujah
I will be the Glory in your midst
And every knee will bow to Me
And every tongue confess
Yes all the world will worship Me
In all My Holiness

I will be a Ring of Fire around you
And I will be the Glory in your midst
And the power of My presence
Will bring you to your knees
And I will lift you up again
For I’m the God who sees, who sees
I’m the God who sees
Oh I’m the God who sees, I see you
I’m the God who sees you in your wilderness
Sees you in your brokenness
When you’re feeling lonely I’m the God who sees
In the desert places, in your empty spaces
I’m the God who sees
I’m nearer than you dare believe
Here in the very air you breathe
I’m the God who sees

You

 

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

Countdown to Thanksgiving Dinner

I’ve included the recipe below because we (I) need it.
Also, I delegated the responsibility of the green bean casserole to Stephanie.
She accepted the challenge and did a great job!
If you have family/friends who are willing to help, let them help.
That is my #1 Thanksgiving dinner prep tip.
On

Monday

I finalized My Menu:
Turkey, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Brussels Sprouts [wrapped in bacon], Classic Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole (Pioneer Woman), Cranberry Relish, Marshmallow/Fruit Salad, English Pea salad (Paula Deen), Pecan Pie Bars, pumpkin pie [or something similar].
This is not a big deal because I have the same menu every year, which seems to make things easier for me.
No complaints yet.

Tuesday and Wednesday

It was the usual:

I went to work, and completed assignments for my class.  It’s important to get that classwork out of the way!

Thursday

November 15th is

Cleaning out your refrigerator is VERY important as you will have No where to place anything if you do not.

 

On

Friday

I stopped by the store for a few items and after work, I made my Pecan Pie Bars.

These are addictive, everyone loves them, and I cannot stop posting about them.

You can make them too!

Everyone will love you for this.

 

 

Saturday

I peeled potatoes.

Five pounds of Russet potatoes that would go into the refrigerator, covered in cold water and a paper towel, until I placed them into my crock pot the following day to make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes.

They were perfect!

 

 

On the

Sunday before Thanksgiving

I began working as soon as I awoke… and didn’t sit down until dinner at 6PM.

My fitbit logged 22,451 steps for the day from moving around in the house!

Dinner was DELICIOUS!

I would have taken more photos, but I had my hands full!

 

 

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

 

 

Martha Stewart's Pate Brisee

Yield

Ingredients

Directions

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add butter, and process until the mixture resembles coarse meal, 8 to 10 seconds.
2. With machine running, add ice water in a slow, steady stream through feed tube. Pulse until dough holds together without being wet or sticky; be careful not to process more than 30 seconds. To test, squeeze a small amount together: If it is crumbly, add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
3. Divide dough into two equal balls. Flatten each ball into a disc and wrap in plastic. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill at least 1 hour. Dough may be stored, frozen, up to 1 month.

 

 

 

 

Friday Favorites

RED, WHITE & BLUE Edition

We are celebrating our Independence next week and we’re practicing for that party today with a celebration of

FRIDAY

Kicking it off with my Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

After repeated attempts to make an appointment to have my quarterly cut and color, I decided to try something new

William Taber Salon

in Fleming Island was more than happy to accommodate my wishes.  You can read about my experience here.

While this Favorite has nothing to do with a RED, WHITE & BLUE Edition, one of the NEW DO photos is pertinent

This is the

Bob on Fire

This is a beautiful color and was a photo in my Hair Do list of contemplation(s).

And then I remembered Mama telling me how she had once wished that I wouldn’t be born a red head.

So never mind.

 

 

Favorite # TWO

Marinara Sauce

It is red after all.

On Saturday mornings, Elvis and I watch the Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond).  LB doesn’t mind as long as he is permitted to rewind the show to review exceptional camera shots and various technical things.

Last Saturday Ree was talking about a trip to the market to stock up on staples, but was VERY careful to avoid sharing the brand of “good quality marinara sauce” she purchased.  This prompted me to unleash LB and his google search skills to find this marinara sauce.

Yesterday he surprised me with this:

 

Favorite # THREE

Stephanie’s Cake

This week I my attention was driven to a

Marbled 4th Of July ‘Box’ Cake

I’m already on it Steph!

 

 

Favorite # FOUR

Shopping for a patriotic

Swimsuit

Since it provides a slimming effect, black is typically the go-to color.

HOWEVER, wearing a red, white, and/or blue swimsuit for the Fourth of July pool party is festive!  I have just about every color [swimsuit] in the rainbow collected in my swimsuit drawer, but I’m always looking for another.

Here are some favorites:

1  / 2  /  3

4  / 5  / 6

 

 

Favorite # FIVE

This one needs no commentary

Enjoy…

Made in America

by Toby Keith

My old man’s that old man,

Spent his life livin’ off the land

Dirty hands, and a clean soul

It breaks his heart seein’ foreign cars

Filled with fuel that isn’t ours

And wearin’ cotton we didn’t grow

He’s got the red, white,

And blue flyin’ high on the farm

Semper Fi tattooed on his left arm

Spends a little more in the store for a tag

In the back that says U.S.A.

He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix

With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench

He ain’t prejudice he’s just, made in America

Loves his wife, she’s that wife

That decorates on the fourth of July

But says, “Every day’s Independence Day”

She’s golden rule, teaches school

Some folks say it isn’t cool

But she says the Pledge of Allegiance anyway

He’s got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm

Semper Fi tattooed on his left arm

Spends a little more in the store for a tag

In the back that says U.S.A.

He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix

With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench

He ain’t prejudice he’s just, made in America

Born in the heartland, raised up a family

King James and Uncle Sam

Got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm

Semper Fi tattooed on his left arm

Spends a little more at the store for a tag

In the back that says U.S.A.

Won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix

With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench

He ain’t prejudice he’s just, made in America

Made in America, made in America

Yeah my old man’s that old man,

Made in America

Songwriters: Bobby Pinson / Gregory Scott Reeves / Toby Keith

Made in America lyrics © DO Write Music LLC, ME Gusta Music

 

 

 

 

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

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