Fingers crossed...

 

We had a wonderful time at the beach today...building sand castles...check out the bottom of my blog.. I've posted a slide show...

We went exploring up north...Port Charlotte area.  The beach a little more sandy & shelly...I love our powder white velvet sand...the water a tad cool this am, very clear, wonderful  waves omgoodness, Gulf side never gets waves...so this was a treat..a few dolphins playing around out past the buoys..fewer birds too...

We ate some pizza, stop at the Grocery store on the way home, re-supplied our inventory...7 more days "C-boy" will be home for the summer, watch out...I'll be heading to the store every other day....whew...

speaking of groceries..when we were unpacking..the call we have been waiting for came ...2nd interview..is schedule for Mon the 4th....this corporation is LARGE!!! They have product in every Grocery store across our fine Nation, and Globe for that matter..so, those of you that have sent your prayers our way....please continue to do so...We  very much appreciate all that has been done for us, and I thank you ahead of time....we're keeping the faith and our fingers crossed.....

Just another day...

 

 

2 more days left of my 6 day work week...the weekend shift is brutal...we had the usual suspects call off from work...EGAD people..work for goodness sake...

These "3" call off more often than a normal person would..... they have learned there is no reprimand for missing x amount of days, thus the behavior will continue.

..amazing...."they" also complain about lack of hours, too much work, why they can't catch a break...how life is unfair...blah, blah, blah...I have asked each individual when they make these strange comments...Are you in control of your life? or is your employer?  They  start with their tirade on me, thus leaving me to walk away, telling them "See, this is how I'm in control" watch & learn..I "remind" them when I pick up a broom, this is "work" what we are getting paid to do...I "remind" them at break...time to get back to "work"...this is how "YOU" control "YOUR" life..they are clueless....

On another note: I had a flamboyant, over the top gay come in yesterday...just like character "Jack" of Will & Grace..

He was "flirting" with another associate, whom was next to my register....He would spin, pirouette, stick is bum out, wink, all the while making comments, about what he was going to do for the day, where you would be able to find him...the list goes on....

it reminded me of the wild birds in the rain forests strutting their feathers trying to entice a mate....

anyway, 3 of us were watching this "show"......when he was done paying for his products...he was walking away giving another wink, kicking his foot up behind him...I looked at the associate this "show" was intended for....made my comment ..Guess someone had "eyes" for you...and this associate...takes his pinkie licks it, then wipes his brow, saying Aw...I still got it...we were roaring with laughter...

Sunday Sayings & Blessings...

 

 

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.  Leo Tolstoy 1828 - 1910

Trifling Minutiae

Louisiana -  Alligators may not be tied to a fire hydrant.

 

Nebraska- It is illegal to sell doughnut holes

 

Herb Pork Roast with mushroom gravy

1 teaspoon each minced fresh rosemary leaves, parsley leaves and thyme leaves or 1/4 teaspoon each dried rosemary leaves, parsley flakes and thyme leaves, crushed
1 clove garlic, minced

boneless pork loin roast

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Cream of Mushroom soup

1/2 cup water

Stir the rosemary, parsley, thyme and garlic in a small bowl. Cut small slits into the surface of the pork with a knife. Stuff the herb mixture into the slits. Place the pork into a roasting pan.

Bake at 325°F. for 1 hour 30 minutes or until the pork is cooked through. Remove the pork from the pan and let stand for 10 minutes.

Stir the soup and water in the roasting pan. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture is hot and bubbling, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Serve the pork with the gravy.

Tip:  If you're using dried herbs in this recipe, make sure to crush them before using.  It releases the oils and therefore, the flavor.

Serve with:  Boiled red potatoes, fresh or canned spinach, and cranberry sauce, fresh hot rolls....

if we are dining at my G'mas table included would be a variety of fresh veggies....carrot sticks, celery, radishes, tomatoes & a can of peaches...

Still the one....after 26 yrs

Many of you know & have given me our congrats early.... I thank you...but today is 26 years of marriage to my sweet, kind hearted, loving man....my HUBBY!

omgoodness, but we were just babies..Hubby is holding on to our 1st of many bottles of bubbly....hiccup! excuse me...lol...we are leaving for the reception.....our honeymoon was in Tahoe....beautiful place!!!

We flew into Reno...there happen to be a "Spring" snow storm...we had an hour trip to Tahoe ahead....our limo canceled due to the amount of snow, so we grabbed a taxi...no problem...he decides to stop at dispatch to pick up tire chains, just in case....we were so out of it, we didn't care....probably should have stayed in Reno...but we made it to Tahoe... We arrive at hotel, hubby gets out of the car, I get out the other side...the door scraps a foot of snow on the ground....like I said, we were out of it...probably should have stayed in Reno for the night...Cabbie comes over to me, picks me up and carries me to hotel door...not your typical Groom/Bride over the threshold, but hey I was wearing sandals ("Spring" wedding)......lol

...back to hubby....I'm really still not sure why he stays with me, especially when I always ask him goofy questions, like: Did you know it would last? Have you been happy...all those insecure girly things...he always fills my ego with the right information...I wish he would open the car door more often tho..I need him to work on that.....I do receive my cup of joe in the morning from him.....lol

As for the interview...he passed round 1...waiting for round 2....thanks again for your thoughts & prayers...they have touched us deeply....

Enjoy your day

Tick tock, tick tock....

so, we are waiting...the scheduled time for interview 1 to take place is ...8:30 am...Thank you all for sending your thoughts & prayers......very meaningful for us....I'm occupying myself with the eaglets...I've added them to my side bar if you want to gander at them...its  raining this am so mom/dad is keeping them warm....

The flamingos..also on my side bar, are struttin' their stuff...check them out too..

After I post, I'll busy myself with the bill paying chore...hubby helped out yesterday ....LAUNDRY's done....yippy...my least favorite chore is laundry....next to that is ironing, dusting, vacuuming...etc...lol..

I have a day off...wish I could enjoy it...we have an appointment this afternoon, I need to find the time for the grocery store.  I have had this xmas gift hanging around I need to take care of...hubby gave me a day spa..I better make an appt for that...jeez....After today, I'll be working a 6 straight...that's a bit much, but people have taken a vacation, so I'm needed there...I'm mostly upset cuz I'll only have 1 day off, instead of 2 in a row....harder to recoop...but hey...I don't work the 12 or 13 hr shifts some people put in...so no more complaints from me....

keep those fingers & toes crossed...I'll let you know what's happened next...

 

Linking to friends...

I'm not sure how many of you read Dad's blog. He's a very sweet man, knowledgeable and downright adorable....His blog is uplifting...go check what's happening. You might be able to grow tomatoes along with him too!

From Dad's site I have borrowed the Eagle cam..they arent my "boys the Steelers, lol...they are the cute & cuddling ones located in a botanical garden in Virginia.

Here is a Flamingo cam...you know how I like these guys....

Enjoy!

Prayer request for Hubby....

Hubby going for his 2 step, of a 3 step process for this company.. 1 interview on Wenesday, our 26th wedding anniversary is Thurs...prayers for the success in securing this job please.... thx a head of time...;)

Tomato Plant in Hay? you say..& the "ring" with "bling"!

Leave the Twine around the bale first of all
Cut out a hole, pour dirt into the hole, insert the plant, add more dirt, water.
add some Marigold's around to help keep the bugs away.

I found this a while ago...I thought it was very interesting...I'm sure some have know about this for a while...I'm pure novice when it comes to veggie gardening. This looked so simple I thought we might make an attempt.....I think I might try herbs too...a couple of easy, ego pleasing, plants...then I would be able to call myself a veggie gardener.

Long ago in our 1st home, hubby had a vegetable garden, he grew corn, cauliflower, bib lettuce, radish, carrots...I tended to the flowers...rose bushes mainly we had twenty of them...wish I had our digital camera then....

In our 2nd home, hubby planted me a flower garden. It was beautiful. we had pansies, bleeding hearts, columbines, day lilies, delphiniums, echinacea, daisy, morning glory...& more...oh my....at the front our our home we had 3 lavender bushes...loved those...a Clematis the house was surrounded by phlox...(which in my opinion can not be killed) soooooo beautiful in the Spring...bet everyone is enjoying their phlox blooms now... Awww the joys of spring...adjusting to "summer" year around has had its challenges...

Now for the "ring"

C-boy had hubby bring it home, cuz he knows his mama loves the jewelry.... so here's the Conference ring the boys worked so hard for,they won back to back next season they are going for the third diamond....beauty aint she!!!

I told him thanks for sharing...I'll be holding it until he comes home in 2 wks...(can't believe its been a year he's been away) One college year down, 3 more to go...now I want the "graduation" ring....that's what really matters most!

Sunday Sayings & Blessings (something new)...

 

    

           

Amber Deckers   - aka Ella Mental

 

Trifling Minutiae....

Joliet, Illinois- You may be fined up to $5 for pronouncing Joliet: Jollyet

(fyi, in case you are pondering....)Louisiana- It is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot at the bank teller with a water pistol.

 

I thought I would try something new for Sunday sayings.....

what goes best, besides sayings on Sunday? I asked myself...then I heard the voice in my head reply....

Vittles, family time after church..have a good meal...so why not post a recipe.....Enjoy

Vittles....    

 Easy Chicken bake with Feta cheese....yummy!

boneless skinless chicken breast halves (2 lb.)

2 Tbsp.  lemon juice, divided or 1 lemon cut in half..

1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp.  black pepper a pinch of this a pinch of that....

1 pkg. (4 oz.) Crumbled Feta Cheese with Basil & Tomato

   finely chopped red pepper

   finely chopped fresh parsley

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken in 13x9-inch baking dish. Spray your pan 1st!

DRIZZLE with 1 Tbsp. of the lemon juice. or 1 lemon cut in half.. squeeze half a lemon save the other ... Season with salt and black pepper.

Top with feta cheese; drizzle with remaining 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, this is where the other half comes in....

BAKE 35 to 40 min. or until chicken is cooked through. You know you want your chicken done...Sprinkle with red pepper and parsley...just to make it pretty & a little more flavor...

Serve with some green veggies whatever you like or maybe a nice spinach salad....

for the dessert, anything CHOCOLATE....

Now that's a good Sunday meal....

Having a moment here.....

I have decided that I'm no good by myself...

Especially with the recent hormonies going amuk on me...

I feel as tho I have been watching those Kodak commercial that make you cry ...every time I turn around I'm blowing my nose, or wiping a tear away...Watching the cats cuddle together this afternoon got me going....lol

Hubby & eldest should be arriving home tomorrow.  I'll be hearing all the news of c-boys activities that I missed...boo hooing again...sniff, wipe...

Land sakes alive...by the way what the heck is that???? Land sakes?

Deary I guess, you can dang near create any words fer them there movie houses and ya be memberin' em'...Heck Pa, I aint gotcha' any iders where them there sayins come from....clearly the voices in my head talking out loud again...just ignore em.....lol

  where was I?? Oh, yeah.. back to sniffing & wiping...

see what I mean basket case...I know I can not be left alone in the future...I have no idea what to do with myself...I was planning on going out with my sis tonight, but I had to cancel...I awoke last night to a fit of stomach issues..now that it is under control,  I'm coughing I can feel my glands rubbing together, causing me to "hack" every once in while...the "kids" come running to see what fur ball I might expel..

This "changing" is for the birds....where's my choc Easter bunny? I must have eaten him already...I had better run to the store to find me more chocolate...I'm in survival mode now....jeez!

No hat dropping, ya hear!

I'm awake before Mr Sunshine today.  I have to go to work soon, but thought I would say a quick hello!

I've decided to talk with Sarge this morning....she probably isnt aware that she is agitating me so...I'll approach with white flag...if this doesnt work...then all bets are off.....lol

Spent time "veggin'" around the house yesterday, I called it a PJ day...I found  couple of good movies to watch on TV...I did do a little laundry, so I felt I had accomplished something...I've got my head screwed on a better today, toooooo many emotions going on right now...I'm currently in my "crying" phase of menopause...

I'm usually pretty dang strong, but with these dang harmonies.... I feel I could lose it at a drop of a hat...so please no hat dropping today...lol

Another day....yep!

Good Morning from our local watering hole....

We had a nice Easter at my sis's house, I had to work part of the day.  Hubby & eldest made cupcakes, and they bought an Easter lily for sis & me....very thoughtful and sweet...

I'm going to have to set some time aside today for the dreaded bill paying.  I need to balance our bank accounts, that is how occupied with work I have been the last 2 1/2 weeks...I also want to enjoy our community pool...that's my "therapy"...if I go early enough it's not too hot in the day.  This morning we awoke with fog, high high humidity and 72 degrees...I think it's going to be a tad warm today....

Hubby & eldest are packing to leave for a visit with "C-boy".  His team is playing a spring game this weekend...I wasn't able to get time away from work...after the game is the formal dinner.  This is when they'll receive the Conference Ring....I'm soooo excited for him.

Hubby has been told to take lots of pics...I'll share when they return.

On the work front, I've got a manager that I have to get under control....she has been with this company her whole career...so instead of "managing" she tends to "boss"....not a favorite hobby of mine...I've been brought up..."old" school...If I'm at work, I'm getting paid to do a job, and work...not sit around, picking me nose...I'm fully aware of what "needs" to be done...and beyond...not bragging ...work is work...

She's sweet gal that has been told in the past by our management team to "ease" up a bit on associates... she has had no formal training in management...which I don't mind...really..I'm glad she has be able to go as far as she has with this company...kudos for her to be able to support herself, put food on the table....but..she likes to "tell" people do this, do that, then responds, if it isn't done the way I've told you you'll do it again, until you get it right....I have usually replied with sarcasm....Yes, Sarge what ever you say, you want me to drop & give you twenty?.or..Ok, Sarge, right away...or hey, I have no arse left ....leave me the hell alone.

Now, I'm beyond sarcasm....I'm ready to level her out in the parking lot....so, since I need to keep my finances under control...I've elected to have a conversation with the Dept Manager, Sarge & myself present....We will go over, the list of what I will & will not tolerate at my work environment....in other words....back off woman....she needs to trust that the associates know what they are doing...the other managers behind the desk do...they never ride any of us, they support.....big difference...

Customer Service has it's own difficulties, the last anyone needs is a "manager" who rides your arse allllllllll dayyyyyyyy long.....have you ever had anyone do that?? 

Glad I was able to get that off my mind...now I can go enjoy my day!

 

Sunday "Easter" Sayings...

 

Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless.
- Charles M. Crowe

Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there.
- Clarence W. Hall

 

 

 

 

Trifling Minutiae...

Texas - It is illegal to carry a concealed ice cream cone.

Utah - You must yield to birds while driving on the highway.

Cicero, Illinois - You may not hum on public streets on Sundays.

Bridge over troubled waters.....

 

The story with Peter talking with Jesus as he walks on the rough Sea of Galilee, puts into perspective our current scenario: 

Although my life is troubled with high winds (anxiety), and raging water (stress) he is holding his hand out to me, telling me to remain calm all will be well.  Spending time with our Father, is what we are "suppose" to do.. currently I'm finding this Bible Study to be a valuable asset in my life, maybe it can help with your struggles too....

Thought I would check in on everyone, and share my thoughts...

Sunday Sayings.....

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life:   it goes on.                      Robert Frost 1874 - 1963

 

Trifling Minutiae ....

Kentucky - Throwing tomatoes at a public speaker is punishable by up to one year in jail.

Tombstone, Arizona - it's illegal for citizens over the age of 18 to have more than one tooth missing when smiling.

Up early this am...another work day, I'm on a 5 day open schedule...today, tomorrow then on Tues I close...this was a rough schedule, but what cha' going to do???

Our weather is a changing here in SWFL...humidity is back...I'm noticing some bugs around too...I  have changed from wearing perfume to OFF...in lotion, spray or FOG form...I don't care just as long as I don't get bit  by any of the following:

"no"see"ems", 'skeeters', 'chiggers' and any other nasty biting insect....lol

Wellllll....Hi ho, Hi ho...it's off to work I go.....

I

Hello...anyone?

 

Not sure if anyone missed me or not..it has been a couple of rough days...to say the least...stress...I can't stand it....( as if anyone can), tho some I do know thrive on the stuff..not me...it eats me up, spits me out, and eats me up again....vile image....lol

I realize that I have to put everything in God's hands...he will provide for us...(I could interject here, believe me it's tempting, tho...it will not do any good)...TRUST, TRUST, TRUST in the Lord....that's all I can do....

Hubby has been searchin' high & low, for a job, the right one just hasnt surfaced yet...he has a couple of "feelers", You know when you "think" something "feels" good..so we're praying about those....

 

Now...be prepared WHINING AHEAD.....

Did I miss the memo that said, when you work behind a Customer Service desk for a large retail corporation you must have knowledge in the following areas:

US, State and City maps, directions to everywhere

Recommendations for dentists, dr's...etc..

Current news & events....

When the city changed their street lights...

Other corporation's operating hours

Other corporation's discounts (not our competitors)

Why manufactures change their products

Why a manufacture changes their packaging....

Why a we don't control our multiple manufactures....

I have had suggestions that all our company IS after one thing, which is to make a buck!.....Yes, it's true....our company wants to make a profit....and I ask what is wrong with that??  If our corporations, manufactures, small or large businesses, did not make a buck where would we be...remember companies do need to profit...our Government (ie Senators, Congress Reps...) they do NOT need to profit...I digress...

I had one customer ask if they could make a purchase of a product at another store...not our chain, another chain....think about this...I'm to answer..... SURE, Go ahead give me your money, and I'll phone that store tell them to bring it right over....

These little challenges add humor to my day....most of the time I smile pleasantly...the customer just wants to be heard....next week we'll discuss the "bullies" I have to tolerate!!!