Friday:) From the Fire Into the Texas Frying Pan and My Firemen.

“It’s not just hot out there, it’s DANG HOT!”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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How hot was it, Miss Toni? It was so hot that I went into the fridge and found a cold York peppermint patty and ate it. I don’t even like mint, but it sounded like a good idea at the time.

The good news is my air conditioning is working like a charm after Joplin’s came out Tuesday to replace EVERYTHING. The bad news is, the bill will be on my next credit card statement.🤦‍♀️

I picked up Bella around 8 this morning and took her for a walk, brought her home, then walked about a mile or so on the shady side of the street before the heat escalated. Around 11, I headed over to the Square to meet my friend Sandy for lunch, but first a quick stop at Station 9 to drop off some of my brownies and Miss Pat’s cookies. Just as I pulled into the lot, the fire truck and ambulance pulled out. Thank goodness I keep an insulated bag in my car so I could come back later.

Sandy and I had a nice lunch at The Pantry and did some catching up. Later, I visited Gail over at The Last Gallery, and stopped for an ice tea at SNUG on the Square. I actually got to see Miss Sandra (the owner) running in and out, but stopped her long enough to do a quick selfie and get a hug, She is so sweet.

I stopped for groceries and gas at Kroger on the way home. I was so excited because I finally had some Kroger points, enough to get 20 cents off a gallon. I don’t drive that much, so my points kept expiring before I could use them. $1.83 a gallon, or something like that. Woo-double-hoo.

The fire trucks were back in their bay when I drove home. (The station is walking distance from my house) I dropped off the cookies and brownies. Of course, I always get greeted with a smile and my previous container. I told the young firefighter that he sounded out of breath when he answered the phone. He said he had been running and working out. I told him it was to hot out there, and he smiled and said, “We’ve got to stay in shape and work off all these cookies.” Cute.

After I got home and put my groceries away and fed he dog, I was looking at Facebook. Sherri Murphy had a cool picture of a little restaurant in Celina, and mentioned that she’d have to go back with a girlfriend sometime. I commented, “I know just the girlfriend!” Sherri is my impromptu buddy that calls and says, “What ya doin'” and off we go on some adventure. I smiled to myself, and a second later when my phone rang, and I saw it was Sherri. I answered the phone, “I’m putting on my shoes. Where we goin’ ?” She laughed hysterically.

She invited me to go with her to an open house grand opening for a new shop on the Square, FINE + WELL. So, off we go in a few minutes on a new adventure. I’ll have pictures as soon as I get back. BYE!….

Well, I’m back. Sherri and I had dinner at Spoons, and walked around a little. It was still extremely hot out there. But, we had a great meal and seat by the window at Spoon’s.

We walked over to Fine +WELL. It’s a quaint new shop on the Square featuring comfortable natural fiber clothing, wellness consultations and classes, CBD products, and promoting other ways to live a more healthful life.

Owner, Carlene Saelg, took some time to explain the concept of the new shop and future plans. It was great to see a lot of the old familiar faces and friends.

Sherri had picked me up, so when we got back to my house, she stopped in for a while to join me for Black Russian Friday. Nice! Cheers, my friends!

Palm Sunday and Another Sunny Day

Life is a precious gift, but we realize this only when we give it to others.

4:27 AM – 27 Mar 2015

~Pope Francis

************ (Did you know the Pontiff has a Twitter page??)

Even though it was a lovely sunny Sunday, it was also a little sad. I took Mom and my sister, Jo, to the airport this morning for their flight back home. We had a very nice visit, but two weeks went pretty fast.

I was able to get back home in time to get to church for 9 o’clock Mass. Being Palm Sunday, we all gathered in the vestibule for the blessing of the palms and to process back inside, singing and commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusulem.

   

 

After Mass, off to the square for a yummy breakfast at Snug, sitting outside, bumping into friends, people watching, and enjoying the warmth of the day.

  

(Look at this empty chair. Very inviting. Come join me sometime.)

Then, I visited with my friends over at sweet Spot Bakery. Kaylyn asked me, “Why is there grass popping out of your purse, Miss Toni?” Her dad, Josh explained it was Palm Sunday. We chatted while I sipped iced tea and played Chopsticks on the piano with Kaylyn.

  

Does look kinda weird, doesn’t it? Stole this next picture from Mr. Josh’s Facebook page. I didn’t even notice him taking a picture. Too busy plunking at the piano.

  

Another sunny Sunday. I came home and went for a long glorious walk. I always appreciate the sun on my face, the breeze in my hair, and the beauty that surrounds my every step. I am blessed. HAPPY SUNDAY!

Tuesday Tunes With Trini

“I only sing in the shower. I would join a choir, but I don’t think my bathtub can hold that many people.
” 

― Jarod Kintz, Who Moved My Choose?: An Amazing Way to Deal With Change by Deciding to Let Indecision Into Your Life

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I’m having such a fun visit with Mom. Yesterday we went to Olive Garden for dinner, and she couldn’t decide what to order. She wasn’t too hungry, so she asked if she could just have cheesecake or cake. Hey, why not! Our family motto is, “Life is short, eat dessert first.” She ordered the Black Tie Mousse Cake. Look at that little grin!



Today was a BEAUTIFUL sunny day. I went to Zumba, came home and went for my walk, then we scooted off to the Square. (My favorite place to be.) it was 78 degrees. We sat outside at Snug under the umbrella and enjoyed the glorious warmth of the day. The forecast is for rain for the next few days, so we wanted to take advantage of the lovely day. 

Our next stop was Sweet Spot Bakery. Miss Kathy, who sings like an angel, entertained us with some beautiful songs, then we had a sing-a-long of some old show tunes. I’ve mentioned before, I don’t sing well, but I sing loud and strong. Guess what? I get that from Mom.







Thank you Miss Kathy for a fun afternoon of song and friendship.



Miss Kathy, me, Miss Elizabeth and my sweet Mom at McKinney’s Sweet Spot Bakery on the Square. Oh yes, Mom played several of her favorite songs on the piano. She and I even did a Chopsticks make shift impromptu duet on the piano. Did I mention I don’t know how to play piano either?



A very nice Tuesday going to my favorite places, spending time with my favorite folks.

Sunday: From Sunrise Till Sunset

“There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.”
― Jo Walton
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A very busy Sunday. It started out with a gorgeous sunny morning and 9 o’clock Mass. I stopped at Sprouts and picked up some beautiful fruit and vegetables, granola, cashews and…ta-da…chocolate covered peanuts. Peanuts-good. Chocolate covered peanuts-even better. I purchased some extra items to take over to Miss Eleanor.

Then, off to the Square to have breakfast with my friend Chris. We had breakfast at Snug, sat outside in the sunshine, chatted and watched people walk by. We always bump into friends. Laura Bartlett of “Four Funny Females” fame was having breakfast with her sister.

After breakfast, we walk around the Square and stopped in at Sweet Spot Bakery to say “Hi” to Miss Kathy and Miss Elizabeth.

Walking back to my car, I heard a little tap-tap-tap on the glass window at Square Burger. It was my dear friend Sherri Murphy and her husband Michael. I popped in to get my traditional “Sherri siting” photo, and to steal a couple of French fries from Michael’s plate.

On my way home, I stopped at Towne Creek to drop off some fruit and vegetables at Miss Eleanor’s, and have a cup of tea. More chatting and sharing stories. By now it was almost 4.

The beautiful day called for a long walk. The sun was so inviting and invigorating that my friend and I walked for almost two hours. A new trail, new sights, a new adventure until dusk. We stopped for tea and more conversation.

By the time I arrived home it was after 8:30 pm. A twelve hour day, from sunrise till sunset. Hope you had a good Sunday, too.

Tuesday: Timeless Wisdom

Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself. ~Tom Wilson
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Today was Miss Eleanor’s actual birthday. We celebrated her birthday at our Towne Creek art group a couple of weeks ago, but today was a big day, she turned 90. Karen called a few friends and arranged a lunch and celebration at Snug on the Square. What could have been a quiet lonely birthday for a lovely lady, turned out to be a boisterous blow-out event with many friends and lots of presents.

Miss Kathy, her neighbor, had been working on this handmade wreath project for months. She told us that she was helping her daughter with a project, when in reality, she was making this gorgeous wreath for Miss Eleanor, all made with circles cut out from book pages. Fabulous!

Miss Eleanor and Miss Kathy are admiring the beautiful handmade throw/blanket crocheted by Karen.

Gail crocheted a dozen or more scarves as a gift, and even incorporated one into a holiday wreath. Very cute and very clever.

Sandra Nichols, the always delightful owner of Snug, stopped by to give Miss Eleanor a big hug and well wishes. (Snug hugs,)

If that wasn’t enough excitement for the day, we went over to Sweet Spot Bakery for dessert and to sing Happy Birthday. Miss Kathy White, owner and sensational singer, joined our celebration and sang a few holiday songs. Miss Elizabeth also popped out of the back from her busy baking schedule to visit.

It’s a wonderful feeling to bring joy to someone special. Someone who has lived 90 years and still going strong. Thanks Karen for arranging this special day. Miss Eleanor will remember this for a long time. Hopefully, a very long time.

Saturday Sights, Sounds, and Sipping

“What we do see depends mainly on what we look for. … In the same field the farmer will notice the crop, the geologists the fossils, botanists the flowers, artists the colouring, sportmen the cover for the game. Though we may all look at the same things, it does not all follow that we should see them.”
― John Lubbock, The Beauties of Nature and the Wonders of the World We Live in
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My alarm was set for 8am. On Saturday and Sunday, I play this little game with myself. If I wake up early, before the alarm, I go for a walk. It never fails, I wake up around 7, get dressed, put on my gym shoes and catch the dawn in all its majesty. I love the quiet mornings.

Today, the ducks were waddling towards the pond, and as I walked closer to take their picture, they quacked and waddled away faster.

I have a routine, regimented zig-zag path I follow, back and forth, up and down, walking the same five streets.(I got lost once in my own neighborhood, so I am careful not to change my route.) I had already walked down this same street a dozen times in the past few days, but this morning, on my third round on this same street, I found a lucky penny. It was waiting for me. I always look up to the sky, say “Thank you, ” put it in my pocket and march along.

After my walk, off to writing group at 10, lunch with Mandy at Snug on the Square, then visit with my friends at Sweet Spot Bakery. Miss Elizabeth was working on a beautiful three-tiered anniversary cake. I was dying to grab the piping bag and play with the frostin. I restrained myself.

Later, I sat outside with Miss Kathy and Tim, enjoying the sunshine and company, when the McKinney Mounted Patrol passed by. Miss Kathy usually treats the horses to an apple or fresh carrot, so the horses were looking for her and their treats. They trotted down the alley back to the Sweet Spot back door and anxiously waited for their apple. They were so funny. I thought they were going to knock on the door with their noses.

Miss Kathy and Miss Elizabeth came out of the screen door with some apples. Officer Amedee on Ontario and Officer Shelby on Ranger, really appreciated the mid-afternoon snack.

Another lovely Saturday in McKinney with friends, and the lovely sights and sounds of the day. Now, a relaxing evening, sipping a chocolate ice cream Black Russian, writing and vegging in front of the TV. Life is good!

“We all look at the same things,” but what do you see?

Sunday Sermon and Stuff

Work is the grand cure for all maladies and miseries that ever beset mankind – honest work, which you intend getting done.
Thomas Carlyle
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25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel Mt 20:1-16a

Today’s Gospel was the parable about the landowner who hired men to work in his vineyard, and promised them a fair daily wage. He hired different people during the course of the day and paid them all the same whether they worked all day or just one hour. The ones who worked all day were jealous and upset. The landowner explained:

“Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?
Take what is yours and go.
What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?
Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?
Are you envious because I am generous?’
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
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My interpretation is why do we need to be jealous if we are being treated fairly? Why do we think we deserve more than anyone else? Why would we think it unfair if someone is generous to others? When you are greedy, jealous, or covet, it turns around and bites you in the… You know.
Enough with the sermon…well, maybe, “Honesty is the best policy.” Now, I’m done.
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After Mass, the Knights of Columbus had a free pancake breakfast for parishioners. I didn’t partake, but walked over to take some photos.

When I came home, the AT&T guy was finishing up my repair. Yessss! My internet and TV are back. Then, off to the Square for a yummy breakfast at Snug, followed by a leisurely visit with my friends Kathy and Elizabeth at Sweet Spot Bakery. It was a warm afternoon and a zillion people came in for ice cream and other sweet treats.

Miss Kathy and I walked over to Brother’s Pizza for dinner. Doc wasn’t there, but Vinnie made us a fantastic pizza. Doesn’t he look like a Vinnie?

It was a good day. I’ve been trying to post what I am thankful for on Facebook every day. I’m thankful for a lovely, leisurely Sunday. (Remember last week…I said Sunday was my day off and I wasn’t going to clean or unpack or worry about stuff. I done good!)

Saturday Snugs, Hugs and Smooches

“A hug is the perfect gift- one size fits all and nobody minds if you exchange it. ”
― Irvin Ball
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My Saturday re-cap and highlights: 7:30 am walk 4.5 miles, call mom, shower. 9 am straighten house, revise art club story, print for writing group, get dressed and out the door before 10. Meet Mandy at Sweet Spot, chat, sip tea, review pages, gossip, laugh, off to Snug for a late breakfast. Mandy shared a little of her omelette with me because I was meeting Chris for lunch. (Here’s where all the hugs and smooches come in.)

The folks at Snug are so sweet. Fourth of July they celebrated their second anniversary being on the square. I get big hugs from pretty much everyone, but the big bear hugs from Daniel can take your breath away…literally, I think he squeezes so hard that I stop breathing sometimes. He’s so cute, and he has the most adorable wife and little boy. Now, here’s my smooch.

Then, off to Mellow Mushroom for pepperoni pizza with Chris. It was so good. Hadn’t had pizza in a while.

Maura, who used to work at Spoons, gave me a hug. After a late lunch, Chris and I wandered over to Art on the veranda and visited with owners Judy and Dana. More hugs. Next, across the street, back to Sweet Spot to visit with Miss Kathy. Another hug, visiting and a little impromptu karaoke sing-along.

A busy, snugly, hugly, warm and friendly Saturday with friends.

Saturday Safety Net:Keep On Keeping On

“One of the best protections against disappointment is to have a lot going on.”
― Alain de Botton
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The twenty-four hours that make up each and every day are difficult to fill. At least five or six hours can be successfully occupied with sleep, but what about the rest?

Normally my writing group meets Saturday morning, but we didn’t today. So, I went to Zumba instead. That’s only an hour, and it went by too fast. I came home, put on my gym shoes and went for a fast walk, twice around. Then, straighten up the house, shower, change and head off to the Square.

A leisurely lunch at Snug while checking emails on my ipad. The yogurt parfait with all that yummy fruit and granola is divine. Plus, I got my usual “Hey, Miss Toni, ” and a big bear hugs from Daniel and Austin.

Off to Art On The Veranda to visit with Dana and Judy. Their shop is filled with fabulous artwork and handcrafted items made by local,artisans. There was a jewelry making class going on, so I stopped to check it out. Tammy Gilchrest was teaching a riveted stamped pendant class.

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Afterwards, I spent several hours chatting with Elizabeth and Kathy at Sweet Spot Bakery. I had some paints, brushes and notecards in my car, so I decided to sit there and paint a while, just trying to fill up a few more hours.

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It was a pretty chilly day. By the time I got home, but it was only 6pm and still light. Well, not to waste more day light or hours, I strapped on those gym shoes again and went for another brisk walk. Only a single this time.

Now, I’m just writing this blog, thinking about what to make for dinner and how to fill the rest of the night before those few hours of restless sleep.

Having a lot going on still isn’t a protection against disappointment, it just fills up the time.

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Friday Friends, Art, and More Friends

“Tis the privilege of friendship to talk nonsense, and to have her nonsense respected.”
― Charles Lamb
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Yesterday was yet another busy day. I went to my Zumba class at 8:30, changed really quickly and ran, (actually drove) over to the Heard Craig for the monthly Art Club of McKinney meeting. I missed some of the 9:30-10 meeting, but arrived in time for the guest demonstrator.
Program: Darla Bostick, “Dramatic Watercolors”
Darla gave an informative and humorous demo of using acrylic paints with a watercolor technique.

Very interesting.
After the meeting, a bunch of us went over to Snug for lunch. It was a beautiful day, so we sat outside and enjoyed one of the rare warm days we’ve had lately. I have the nicest friends!

I walked around the square and visited with friends at Sweet Spot bakery and Art on the Veranda. My car was filthy, so I stopped at the car wash! drove home and ran in, put on my gym shoes and went for a walk. Half way through my walk, I ran into my neighbor Debbie. She said her daughter, Kat, was home from college and would love to see me. Another couple hours visiting and chatting. I finished my walk, getting home around 7:30.

Well, that was around eleven hours of running around with friends and having fun. Yep, I keep busy, talk a lot of nonsense, but my nonsense is respected and actually…it’s expected.