12/11/2022 December thoughts Getting ready to see my babies

I’m getting ready to head back to SC for a few days to celebrate an early Christmas with my babies. I’m excited to see them! My baby girl, Melanie and her family will come from NC. It’s a rare and precious time when we ALL get together. 

I must be getting old, but ever since Covid Chaos in 2020; all I really want is to treasure the special time when all my babies get together. Its our own “chaos”, we’reloud and crazy and I love it! 

It’s been a rough year, money is tight but it’s worth it the 7 hour drive and cooking! 

In my December 11 reading in the Book of Luke, chapter 11 tells us if we know how to give good gifts to our kids, how much more our Father can give good to us. 

I don’t have a lot to give to my kids, I’ve already given them all I had. 

Each one is blessed and successful and have anything and everything they could possibly want.  So, I’ll drive home, go grocery shopping, cook and cherish the timewith my babies. I might even wear a little makeup so I’ll look halfway decent to take some good pictures!  

 

12/08/2022 December thoughts Baking cookies and Card Bingo

Today is Card Bingo! It’s a simple, easy, fun to play game. And, it gets me out of the house so Mr C and “The girls” can get a nap. 

But, before that, I’m baking cookies. 

I never was a “cookie baker”, but last year I got into it when I started reading Joanne Fluke mystery books. Her main character, Hannah Swenson owned a bakery and each book had tons of recipes and notes, so I decided to try some!  

My baby girl, Melanie was our cookie baker. Well, she kinda got suckered into it, since she always had a bowl of “cookie dough” in the fridge. One year at work, we had a “Cookie Swap”, so my sweet girl got “elected” to make twelve dozen chocolate chip cookies for me to “swap” for twelve dozen different kinds. They were good, but she “limited” her bowls of cookie dough during next years “Holiday Season”. 

I love my babies. I can’t believe how awesome they’ve turned out in spite of their crazy, messed up mama! 

Yesterday I made “ginger cookies” for thefirst time ever. Mr C said they were prettygood. I can’t tell since I still don’t think allmy taste buds are back since Covid, so I’ll take his word for it. 

Today I’ll make some Chocolate Chip cookies. I’m not sure they’ll be as good as Melanie’s, but I’m gonna try. 

And after that, I’m gonna play Card Bingo! 

12/07/2022 December thoughts Shrimp, Wings and a phone call

Mr Charley loves Cedar River Seafood fried shrimp. The closest one is in Inverness, which is over 45 minutes away (depending on the time and day of the week). 

Since we’re staying in Webster now, it’s not as “convenient” to drive there, so we’re searching for a closer seafood place. 

Everyone in Webster thinks Clermont is the best place to “shop and dine”. We’ve been there a few times and don’t think it’s that “convenient”. We went to a place called “Clermont Oyster Bar”.  It’s a little place, pretty laid back. As Mr Charley words it “I’ve been there twice in one day, firstand last”. 

Tonight we were going to “RJ Gators” in Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages. It was so crowded around there we didn’t even try to park. So we headed back and stopped at “O’Shucks” in Wildwood. Mr C got his friend shrimp (which he said was pretty good) and I got wings. They were good, but too “wet”, dripping in sauce. 

The best part of the night, my #1 granddaughter, Jordan called me! She filled me in on her job, her babies, her husband and how happy her life is. I’m so proud of them and so happy she’s happy. 

In December readings of the Book of Luke, Luke 7 talks about the woman with thealabaster box of previous oils that came to wash Jesus’ feet with her tears, dried them with her hair and anointed them withher precious oils. Her sins were many, but when she knelt at His feet and cried tears of repentance, He heard her, forgave her and healed her. 

He did the same for me, and that’s why my kids, grandkids and greatgrand kids are alive and well today. 

Good shrimp, wings and a call from my granddaughter, thank You, Lord for the simple blessings of life. 

12/06/2022 December thoughts Tuesday and the calendar is clear

It’s nice to get up, look at the calendar and know there is NOTHING pressing that you have to do. Of course, I always find something to do,cleaning, sweeping, dusting, dishes, etc. but those things are just daily tasks I do to “clean up”. No matter how big or small your rig is, it’s still an RV and it gets cluttered daily. It’s funny, since the whole gist of RV living is to “unclutter” your life, I realize it’s a daily struggle to keep things simple and enjoy the freedom of retirement. I can go to any number of daily activities or not, visit with neighbors, walk the girls, ride the golf cart or just sit on my butt and read.
I’m blessed to be able to do this. It’s been a rough year financially, but I was raised knowing how to do without. 



Speaking of being content, look at last nights sunset: 



Who wouldn’t be happy with that? 

12/05/2022 December thoughts Webster Market

On Mondays, the Webster Flea Market is open. We usually don’t go, ‘cause who needs more “stuff”? But, they do have fresh produce stands, so Mr Charley and I went. We got lots of fresh veggies and I got some blueberries. God Bless those who grow our food. These local farmers sit for hours on the corner or at the market trying to sell a pound of fresh string beans, a batch of broccoli,Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, etc. We spent nearly $40, that would’ve cost LOTS more at the grocery store. After that, we made the mistake of going to Winn Dixie. Note to self: DO NOT GO GROCERY SHOPPING ON MONDAYS. The shelves were not full. Additional note: Know your prices, because some things really are cheaper at WalMart. (But we already know that, you just need to pick the right day and time to go)
It was a “cool 80” and partly cloudy when got back, so after lunch, Mr C and the girls took a nap and I took the golf cart and went to play “Hand and Foot”. It’s a fun card game. One thing about this lifestyle, when you’re outside, folks walking by stop and chat,whether you know their name or not. It’s a “safe zone” and I love it! 
That’s it for today. 

12/04/2022 December thoughts Webster Christmas Parade

Last night we drove the golf cart up the back path to Main St in Webster for the Christmas parade. It was small but nice. Since it’s a small town, they’re still allowed to throw candy for the kids. Well, at least some of them did. I remember when I was a kid my dad marched in the Orange Bowl parade with “The Merry Mummers” band. This is a “current” pic of the Mummers in Philadelphia, so you can get an idea of the brillian colors. 

This is a black & white of the Mummers back in the 1940’s. These were the kind of costumes I remember. 


I even have an album of them probably ruined by now, but it’s up in my daughters attic. Another one of those “hidden treasures” for my great grands. 
And, in keeping with my December reading challenge, I read Luke 4 this morning. 


There’s some good stuff in there! I think it’s funny the Devil thought he could temptJesus. After fasting for 40 days, knowing He was hungry and weak Satan tried to tempt Him with food. 


Then he tried to get Him to bow down and worship him! 

But Jesus knew Who He was and why He was sent here. 

Can we be so sure of our life? Happy December 4 to whoever is reading this. 

12/03/2022 December thoughts Our lineage

Since this is the 3rd of December, I read Chapter 3 of the Book of Luke. 

It’s not the first time I’ve read it, but it really jumped out to me this morning! It’s not just the introduction of John the Baptist, but it gives the lineage of Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father.  I’m reminded of my lineage as I see my babies and their babies. Both of my girls are on “23 and me”, originally for the medical analysis, but as their “tree” grew, they were asking questions. I have the “gift of forgetfulness”, but I tried to dig back and answer their questions the best u could. I’ve given them all wrote back in my 20’s and 39’s when I was trying to learn who I was. Both of my parents were first generation Italians, born in America. I’m so proud of my babies. Proud of theirdesire to learn and grow. Proud of their desire to preserve it for their kids. In this crazy world we live in today, I’m glad to know who child I am. And during this Christmas Season, I’m really glad to know Him and know Who I belong to. 
Just as John came to “prepare the way” 

I’ve tried to pass our lineage to my kids, so they know who they are and how much they’re loved. 

December is a great time to reflect not onwhat we want, but what we have. 

12/02/2022 December thoughts Luke 2

Today is a special day for me. My #1 daughter, Nicole gave birth to my #1 grandchild, Jordan. Jordan is 26 years old today and I can still remember her birth. She had a head full of dark hair (like her mama did) and she was (and still is) absolutely beautiful, both inside and out. 


She has given me two beautiful great-grandchildren, Braelyn and Beckham. 

And I couldn’t be more proud of her and her husband, Josh. When I was reading Luke 2 today, another birth is recorded. All Old Testament Scripture points to a Saviour being born in Bethlehem, the City of David. Since Joseph and Mary didn’t live there, God made a good reason for them to go. Every man had to go to his hometown to be counted for a census. 


God kinda works that way, he uses people and things to do His Will. And, by verse11, His birth is complete and Word is spread. 


I remember when Jordan was born, and how quick the calls were made with details of her birth. And, like Mary, “I ponderedall those things in my heart” 


Thank You, Lord for blessing me and my family. Please help us all to remember the Reason for the Season. 

12/01/2022 December thoughts The meaning of Christmas

 

What a great idea! Growing up Catholic, we always went to “Midnight Mass”. I didn’t understand it, and I was young & slept through most of it. When I was older and got “saved” in the Baptist Church, I actually read the Bible and found the story of Jesus’ birth and the true meaning of Christmas. So instead of just reading the story of His birth Christmas Eve, I like the idea of reading a Chapter day through the month. It helps to remember the true “Reason for the Season” 


These are a few of the verses from Chapter 1 that jumped out at me. Things the Angel Gabriel told Mary.And, part of “Mary’s song”, as young and afraid, praising God for choosingher. 

And the promise of Peace in the darkness of our World. 

So again, I say “Thank You, Lord”  

11/30/2022 November thankful Recognizing daily gifts

it’s the last day of November, our “month of thanksgiving”; leading into our Christmas Season. I’m thankful I have tried to pick one thing a day, to be thankful for.  For an entire month! Can you believe it! It may seem silly to some, but every day we should be thankful for so much, yet “speaking it” daily isn’t something we generally do. As we move into our “Holiday Season”, instead of focusing on all things we have to DO, let’s remember all those things we HAVE. (And, remember the true “Reason for the Season”

11/29/2022 November thankful Thanksgiving

 I’m thankful for Thanksgiving. It’s not just the food, it’s the gathering of family and friends to “break bread”, have a good meal, catch up on news, take pics, watch the babies grow, get a good hug, and if you’re lucky; a nap. 
It’s also a time of reflection for those things we all should be thankful for.

11/28/2022 November thankful For rest

I’m thankful for days of rest. When I was young, Sunday was a day of rest. Our country was built on “Christian” values and the Bible tells us “on the 7th day, God rested”. Think about it, God spent the previous 6 days creating the World and everything in and around it, and He rested. Although I’m “retired”, I still stay busy, but sometimes my body lets me know it needs a break. So, I’m trying to learn to listen to it and not feel guilty or “lazy”.  During this “Holiday Season”, don’t forget to rest. Give your body, mind and soul the opportunity to “shut down” for a day. I figure if God took a day off to rest, why is it so hard for us to? So, I’m thankful for those dreary rainy days when there’s nothing to do but stay in and chill out, because sometimes we need it. 

11/27/2022 November thankful For two parents

I’m thankful I had and knew both of my parents. I know it sounds dumb, but think how many orphans are out there because they ”lost” their parents, for one reason or another. 
Even though my folks divorced when I was young, I knew I had a mom who loved me, a home to live in, and everything I needed. I wasn’t close with my dad once he left, but I knew who he was. 
If you were blessed to have had one or both parents growing up, be thankful! 
Think of how many kids have no home, no family, no mama, no dad, no siblings, no “home”.
I sure miss my Mama. She raised 4 kids with little to no help from my dad. We didn’t have a lot, but we always had what we needed. I love you, Mom. I can’t wait tosee you again! 


I was in my forties when I actually got to “know” my dad. He needed my forgiveness for leaving us, as much as I needed to know he really loved me. We had some good times and special moments in his later years. 


Although my “girls” weren’t blessed to beraised with their dad in the home, they knew who their dad was. I’m also thankful Richard was a good “stepfather” to themduring their most impressionable years. I’m also thankful my grandkids are blessed to have a two parent home. And, my great granddaughter is double blessed to have her Dad and a “Bonus Dad”. I can’t imagine my life not having or even knowing my folks. Thank You, Lord I don’t have to 

11/26/2022 November thankful Sleep

I’m thankful for those first precious 4 hours of sleep I get when I first go to bed. If I’m real lucky, I can roll over and get back to sleep for a few more, but that rarely happens. Most nights, I toss and turn trying to get my neck in the right position to wake my hands up, get my back fixed, etc, for a couple hours, then “rest” about an hour before I get up. So, if you sleep through the night be THANKFUL, for you are truly blessed. And if you can’t, be thankful for those precious hours you do get. For rest, restores your body and soul.

11/25/2022 November thankful Living on a fixed income

I’m thankful living on a “fixed income” has taught me how to appreciate simple things. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, clothes to wear. The 3 basic survival needs in life; shelter, food, clothes. 
Anything else is a blessing. Family, Friends,Health. The smell of good cooking, the taste of baked goodies, the sounds of laughter, the joy of watching kids play, the feel of a good hug, treasured time with loved ones. 
I don’t have a lot of money like I had in my “working years”, but I am blessed beyond measure in my “golden years”. For this, I am truly thankful.

11/24/2022 November thankful Thanksgiving dinner

 I’m thankful my kids and grandkids will have a good Thanksgiving dinner even though I’m not there to cook it for them.  I’m also thankful I will be having a good Thanksgiving dinner without having to do all the cooking! 

11/23/2022 November thankful My tastebuds!

NOV 23- I’m thankful my taste buds are back! Well, not totally, but they’re much better than they were.  Although I never “officially” got tested, earlier this year those around me tested positive for Covid and I found out “loss of tastebuds” is a symptom. I think that was the weirdest & most aggravating part of it. It sounds crazy, and I’m not a big foodie, but when I eat something it sure is good to taste it! So, with Thanksgiving looming around the corner, and knowing all the good food I’ll be eating, I am thankful MOST of my tastebuds have come back. 
With that said, I hope whatever y’all are making or eating during this “holiday” season tastes as good as it was meant to.

11/09/2022 November thankful The Lord is in control

NOV 9- I’m thankful the Lord is in control in spite of us. Whether it’s the election or the weather, His Will will be done 🙏🙏❤️

11/07/2022 November thankful A servants heart

NOV 7- I’m thankful for the opportunity (and ability) to be able to help out when I can. I don’t have a lot to give, but I can wash dishes! I’m not the greatest cook (my sister did that) but I can help prep! 
I’m just thankful the Lord gave me a “servant heart” and my Mama taught me to see and respect people. Open the door for others, offer a chair, a drink of water, carry a heavy load, be an encouragement, make someone smile. 
Thank You, Lord for helping me recognize where I can help.

11/06/2022 November thankful My chiropractor!

NOV 6- I’m thankful for my chiropractor and other medical professionals we have access to in our wonderful country. (If they’d just get politics out of the way, we could have a great health care system.) But I’m thankful for what we do have !Thank God for healing hands! 

11/12/2022 November thankful A place to live!

NOV 12- I am thankful for a nice, clean, (warm or cool) place to live. I have a roof over my head, food to eat and clothes to wear. There’s a lot of folks out there who don’t, especially after these storms. Thank you, Lord 🙏❤️

11/14/2022 November thankful Heat!

NOV 14- I’m thankful for heat! It’s a bit “nippy” this morning and I’m so thankful for the fireplace & my “blankie” (I don’t do cold very well) Thank you, Lord for a WARM place to stay ☺️❤️

11/21/2022 November thankful I can breathe!

NOV 21- I’m thankful I can breathe clearly. I know that sounds crazy, but if you’ve ever had a clogged up nose or chest congestion, then you know what I mean. I work hard trying to keep my “airways” unclogged. 
Nasacort sinus spray during my allergy season. “Clean nose, healthy life”. So thankful I quit smoking 100 yrs ago. 
I’ve watched too many loved ones gasp for air, so I am blessed and thankful I can take a nice deep breath. So many others can’t.

11/22/2022 November thankful My reliable car!

NOV 22- I’m thankful for my car and the ability to drive. My car gives me the freedom to go wherever and whenever I need. I remember many years ago praying my car would start, praying those tires would hold out, praying I’d have enough gas to get to work, or pick up my babies. I don’t have those same worries today (thank God), yet, those things can still happen. This year I’ve put new tires on and just bought a new battery. An oil change is in the near future. I’m thankful I can handle those issues easier today than those younger years. Thank You, Lord for my car. A lot of folks don’t have one or the ability to drive one or maintain one. I am thankful I do. 

11/20/2022 November thankful My 2 hands!

NOV 20- I’m thankful I have 2 hands. I spent months in “Barbie doll” splints not able to touch anything or use them (that’s a long story). And even though I wake up with numb burning hands, I can “wake them up” and function. My hands allow me to hold my babies, hold that cup of coffee in the morning, wash those dishes, wash & dress myself and so much more! There’s a lot of folks that don’t have 2 good hands to use, and I thank God I have mine and, that He allows me to use them Think about it!

11/19/2022 November thankful I can walk!

NOV 19- I’m thankful I can walk. Before  I “sprained” my ankle (30 yrs ago) I loved to walk, wear flip flops, go barefoot & feel the grass between my toes. When I messed up my ankle (playing volleyball), I spent 9 months on crutches & weekly physical therapy just so I could stand up on it. 
30 years later, I’m still “babying” that foot, always looking for shoes that make it “happy”, rubbing arnica gel when it’s not. Finding an acupuncturist when nothing works. 
If you have 2 good feet and you’re able to walk (no matter how fast or slow) be thankful! For there are many who can’t.

11/18/2022 November thankful I can see!

NOV 18- I’m thankful I can see. I may need glasses (thank God I have them too!), but I am so thankful for the ability to see. Each beautiful sunrise & sunset. Looking at my beautiful babies, their babies and those precious great grands. Watching nature at its best. Seeing the sights of our wonderful country. My eyesight gives me the freedom to drive. I could go on for hours, but for just a moment , I hope you can “see” how blessed you are to be able to see. 

11/17/2022 November thankful My cell phone!

NOV 17- I’m thankful for my cell phone. I know that sounds crazy, but I am just a call or text away from my loved ones. I can “Google” just about anything I need to know in minutes. I can see pics of my babies, and take pics of the beauty I see around me. So, I’m thankful for my cell phone. I need a new one soon, but until then I’ll keep it close by. “Phone, wallet, keys” that’s about all ya need🤷🏻‍♀️

11/16/2022 November thankful That first cup of coffee

NOV 16- I’m thankful for that first cup of coffee. (1 sweet n low & this weeks “honey, vanilla & cinnamon” flavored creamer) That first sip of the first cup is THE BEST! So, as you take that first sip of that first cup this morning, take a minute and think how blessed you are to have all the elements needed to make it (coffee pot, coffee, filter, water, electricity, sugar, creamer, a cup) I hope you can enjoy the rest of your day as much.