Theme Song Thursday:) “Here I Go Again”

“Did you ever have one of those days where everything was just going perfectly? No? Me neither!”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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The day started out nice and quiet, but then I was getting calls and texts from friends and family saying the emails they sent to me were bouncing back with a different account and saying my mailbox was full. Well after a lot of investigating and then a lot of super tech support, it looks like the problem was cleared up. I can get and send email on my phone. Great, right?. But now, I can’t access my email on my iPad. I tried everything. I live on my iPad! 🤦‍♀️

Earlier, when I was washing some dishes and cleaning the sink, I turned on the garbage disposal. Now, I very rarely ever use it. Guess what? Dead as a doornail. No problem. I’be fixed it before. I even fixed Miss Kathy’s when she was on vacation. How hard could it be? 🤦‍♀️

I got out my handy dandy tool from the last time I fixed it, and gave it a twist. It didn’t twist. I pushed the reset. Nada! (Lucky I don’t get manicures, this is messy business.

Yes! I unplugged the power and scooted a knife around before I stuck my hand in there. I wasn’t taking any chances. Not the way my day was going.

I even went back onto YouTube to watch a refresher Video on how to repair your garbage disposal. I did all the suggested tricks, except for removing the entire unit. Still nothing.

So, I did what any frustrated garbage disposal repair person would do. I left all that stuff and towels and cleansers and crap from under the sink cabinets on the floor and had a glass of wine. Maybe I’ll try again tomorrow or maybe I just won’t use the *#@&#* blankity blank garbage disposal ever again. 🤦‍♀️

Theme Song Thursday:) That’s What Friends Are For~Happy Birthday Linda Grossman

“Friendship is all about trusting each other, helping each other, loving each other and being crazy together.” ― O. Henry, Heart of the West

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Today, a few girlfriends got together to celebrate the birthday of Linda Grossman, .”WORLD’S GREATEST REALTOR.” Personal blatant plug. She’s the best, and I tell everyone just that. We’ve been friends for a long time and she has seen me through some tough times…”And That’s What Friends Are For.”

Happy birthday Linda!

What a lovely vase. I wonder who painted that???

Fine wine for a fine lady.

Theme Song Thursday:) Being Replaced by a Younger Model

“There will be times in your life when things simply have to be replaced because they are tired, broken, worn out, harmful, outdated, or irrelevant. Take an inventory of the things that no longer serve your best and highest good so you can replace them with things which do.”
― Susan C. Young

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I just want to let you know that I’ve been doing my part to conserve energy after last week’s tragic Texas snowstorm. They asked people to limit their electrical usage, so I kept the lights off as much as possible, I didn’t watch tv, and I didn’t do any laundry or housework.

Well, it’s been most a week. I wanted to be extra careful, so I held off on any housework that called for electrical usage. I’m considerate that way.

Last year, I broke down and replaced my old friend, Henrietta Hoover, with a newer younger model that I named Sharona. She is a Shark vacuum.

My Sharona is younger, sleeker, lighter and looks pretty cute, but I’ll be honest, she really isn’t as powerful and faithful and dependable as my old Henrietta was. (Sound familiar?)

My Sharona sat in the middle of the bedroom for several days before I thought it was civically safe to plug her in and do some housework. I was wondering how long I could use the old ”conserving energy” excuse. So today, Sharona and I waltzed around the entire house, cleaning and dancing, as I sang “My Sharona” quietly in my head.

Just sayin’….

Theme Song Thursday:) “Rockin’ Robin” in the Snow

“Does the robin sing because the cold of winter is leaving or the warmth of spring is coming? Or might he be singing because each without the other would lessen both?”
― Craig D. Lounsbrough

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The other day, I noticed that there were dozens of little birds fluttering around in my front yard, taking shelter behind the thick shrubs. I purchased a big bag of bird seed just in time before the big deep freeze.

I put a few small glass bowls full of seed on my window ledge. I sit every day and watched the hungry birds feast on the new found feast. (Alliteration🤦‍♀️)

https://youtu.be/CH-MBeFQzC4

I’ve been entertained for days by the happy little birds. I decided to record a little song and be entertained on this theme song Thursday.

Theme Song Thursday:) Steamroller Blues

“When good friends get together, it’s like a steamroller, baby.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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Today just rolled by like a steamroller. From first thing in the morning, till well into the night, a hot blast of fun on a cold wintry day, I started out with a bunch of errands, some for Mr. Mike, walking the dog a couple of times, post office, office, pharmacy, getting some carry out. Then, I had some things to return at Walmart, but I bought more supplies for my Valentine’s Day project.

A group of us buddies were meeting Helene and family at Uncorked for a late lunch. She was picking up her sister and nieces from the airport and we all wanted to meet her family from Maine, they are only in for a few days. We had a nice visit and some great food. We have such fun. A lot of laughing and story telling.

When I got home, I dropped off Mr. Mike’s Whataburger dinner, walked the dog a little, then came home to gather up some containers of chicken soup that I had made for Mr. Danny’s neighbor. Danny lives a few blocks away, and his next door neighbor has been ill. After I walked over and dropped off the soup, I decided to do a little more walking. It was only in the mid 30’s out but the sun was still out and it was almost sunset. I love catching the sunset.

I love it when the moon is high in the sky in the east and the sun starts to,set in the west. A contrast of colors and mood.

By the time I got home from my walk, it was time to run over to meet the gang at Delaney’s Irish Pub for karaoke. Most of the same group from lunch was there and a bunch more. We have such a blast. Helene brought her family so they could see how much fun we have every Thursday. The nieces took a lot of pictures and videos of their mom and Aunt Helene being wild and crazy.

There was an Elvis impersonator who sang and danced with Miss Pat. Pat is the biggest Elvis fan you’d ever want to meet. She loved it.

Later, Elvis sang to Miss Loretta and did a little lap dance. I think a few dollar bills were provided. All in good fun, just a bunch of silly seniors, laughing and having fun.

A fun evening was had by all.

Theme Song Thursday:) LEAN ON ME

” There’s nothing we can’t accomplish if we just lean on each other.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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What a wonderful day of sharing, caring, friendship, peaceful prayer, and silly singing. I am so blessed.

When it comes to blessings, I have more than my fair share. I started out my morning running errands, bank, post office, and grocery store. One of my stops was at St. Gabriel for Adoration. A few prayers for those in need, light a candle, but most of all, just to say THANK YOU FOR MY BLESSINGS, my constant prayer.

When I got home, I gathered up several bags of food donations that I had for Holy Family School and a couple of bags for Community Lifeline. When the store has a great sale, I stock up to share with others, and every couple of weeks, I drive over with my donations.

Last week, I took some cereal and granola bars for the adorable preschoolers over at Holy Family School. This week, I took some oranges, gold fish crackers, peanut butter and apple juice.

My visits and donations are always appreciated by Miss Sondra and the staff. My thought is if everyone helps just a little bit, so much would get accomplished.

My next stop was Community Lifeline with some canned goods and pasta for the food pantry.

It seems like the more I give, the more I get back. When I got home, my neighbor and good friend, Mr. Mike, came over to replace my broken Ring Doorbell security system, and to install a security camera in my back yard. Needless to say, Mr. Mike is in security, and he takes very good care of me. I have the best neighbors. We look out for each other. While he worked on the installation, I made a huge pot of mostaccioli for his dinner. More like enough for a few days. I love to cook.

Now, for the rest of my fun evening. Tonight was karaoke at Delaney’s with the regular suspects, more great friends. We tend to lean on each other and share good times and bad. Just like the song says, “Lean on me..” We have the greatest time. How lucky am I!

https://youtu.be/82BmY4VhQUU

Life is good. Thanks Miss Loretta.

Theme Song Thursday:) With a Little Help From My Friends

“Strong people don’t put others down… They lift them up.”

― Michael P. Watson

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It’s great to be home and back to my routine. It seems like the Chicago weather followed me back to Texas. It’s pretty darn cold out there right now. I miss my family and friends back in Chicago, but I also missed my friends here.

Today, we had a chance to celebrate Sherry’s birthday, a few days late, but when friends are together, it’s never too late, it’s perfect.

These are the girls who have been by my side, have held my hand when I was down and lifted me up, and wiped away my tears. How fun to celebrate birthdays and good times! Happy birthday Sherry.

I get by with a little help from my friends…

This evening was back to karaoke at Delaney’s. More fun friends, sharing good times, laughter, music, dancing and food. I missed these good friends, too. Even Elvis made an appearance.

I had a great time dancing and singing, doing the things I love to do with the people who I love to be with. Great times, great friends.

This is my Thursday. Feeling blessed.

Theme Song Thursday:) Everything’s Coming Up Roses

“Do not watch the petals fall from the rose with sadness, know that, like life, things sometimes must fade, before they can bloom again.”

unknown

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Last night around 11:30 pm, I posted a picture on Facebook of a dozen clear glass wine glasses. I said hat I was getting a late start, it I was feeling inspired and productive. Last week I painted bluebonnets, so this week I wanted to paint yellow roses. Everyone in Texas loves yellow roses.

I went up to my studio, better known as my “crap room,” turned on the tv and proceeded to paint till almost 2:30 am. Once I start, I can’t stop, because I’ll never have that recipe again.

VOILA!!! Everything’s coming up roses!

I always love the finished product and all the compliments I get from friends and family.

As I always say, “I can’t grow a flower, but I can paint a flower.” We all have our gifts and talents.

Happy Thursday, my friends.

Theme Song Thursday:) On The Road Again

“Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.”

― Angela N. Blount

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My dear friend Sherri called me early this morning asking if I wanted to go on an adventure. We always have such fun, and she always has wonderful adventures planned.

Our first stop was Preston Trail Farms where we saw the most adorable animals and Fall photo ops.

Then, we were off to Bebo’s Cafe in Pilot Point. There was so much to see, and the food was SO yummy.

I haven’t seen that much rock ‘n roll memorabilia since my trip to Memphis. We even had a photo op with the real live Mr. Bebo.

Thank you, Sherri Murphy, for another adventure… on the road again.

Theme Song Thursday:) Painting Memories

We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams.

Jeremy Irons

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Tomorrow, Friday August 23rd will be the official 5 year anniversary in my beautiful new home and my beautiful new life. Being an artist, I have literally hundreds of paintings, drawings, sketches, hand painted glasses are, and endless craft projects crammed in bins, piled on shelves and leaning against the walls in stacks. When I moved into my house, I hung up a couple of store bought prints and gifts I’d been given, but nothing of my own. A couple of years ago, After Mom went to heaven, I did hang up the portrait I painted of her.

When I first moved in, my talented artsy friends had said they’d come and help me decide where to hang some of my work. The years flew by and we never got around to it. So, about a month ago, I brought down a bunch of my paintings and leaned them against the wall and floor to see where they might want to live. Actually, it’s called procrastination.

I gave myself a deadline of Friday to finally hang my artwork. For the last three days, I’ve been hanging paintings, playing music, and finding the perfect spot for my favorite paintings. This being done well after midnight. Last night it was 2am before I put down my hammer.

Here are my newly adorned walls. I need more walls, still so many paintings that need a home.

Then, to add a little excitement to my late night adventures, one of my smoke alarms started chirping around 1 am. So, I scrambled to get the ladder out, grabbed my cell phone in case I plummeted to my imminent death, and changed the battery.

Now, for my favorite wall of all… my wall of crosses and crucifixes, a constant work in progress. Many of these are gifts from special friends from special places. Each one has a memory. Each one is a blessing.

Memories….