Tuesday 4

  Grocery Shopping

Hello friends and welcome to Tuesday 4 in honor of Toni Taddeo and hosted by Annie.

Here are some questions for you on the topic of shopping.

1.     Where do you like to buy your groceries and do you buy by the day, week or month?

We shop at Kroger usually once a week.

La Porte Kroger

2.    What foods would we always find in your kitchen?

Like most people, the staples of cooking. Sugar, flour, seasonings, etc.  We keep Marie Cavendar tv dinners in the freezer, along with ice cream and popcyles.  We keep some canned veggies in the pantry where you’ll also find coffee and tea bags.  We don’t do a lot of cooking these days, mostly we eat out or pick up an order.

3.Do you buy anything online and if so what kinds of things are you most likely to buy there?

I buy some household products on line, but not many.  Mr D still does our shopping and says he wants to continue doing that as long as he can.  He’s a tough soon to be 84 old guy.

4.    Do you shop with a list on paper, on your phone or do you just shop without a list and maybe come home with things you never planned to buy?

When I did the shopping I never took a list with me, I just knew what we needed - unless, I was baking something new, then I would make a list of the specific items needed.  Now that Mr D does the shopping he always makes a list.  We will sit at the table and make it together.

 Bonus question:  What will you be cooking in the coming week?

Not a thing!  We are hosting our quarterly lunch with the girls and their hubbies. Menu will be Pizza!  Pizza Hut will do the cooking!

 

The more positive your thoughts are, the more beautiful your world will become.

If you would like to join in the fun, just click HERE>

Until Next Time

Tuesday 4

 Tuesday 4

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we try and challenge you to think , discover and make new friends through blogging.  Annie is our hostess and you can join in Here.

Reading....

1.  Would you tell us about a book you particularly enjoyed?

There are two series of books that have stayed with me for a very long time.  The Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, and The Mitford books by Jan Karon.  Excellent reads.

I still have the complete Left Behind series on my bookcase.

I had the complete Mitford series but gave it to Peggy when we downsized to our smaller home.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin

2.  Do you have a favorite book series? 

See #1.

How about a favorite series when you were a kid?

I read all the Nancy Drew books in my younger years, I still think of her as a dear friend.  I really get involved in a good book. The characters become real to me.

“I have two moods: 1) Need more coffee 2) Just one more chapter” – Unknown

3.  Is there a book that you just did not like or one in which you just could get interested?

I’m a fan of Ted Dekker, and I’m pretty sure I’ve read most of his books—including the ones he wrote for kids. But the last one I picked up just didn’t pull me in. I wish I could remember the title; even after looking through lists of his books, it still isn’t coming back to me. He really is a gifted author, but some of his stories can be a hard read. jmho

“There is no friend as loyal as a book… except maybe my blanket.” – Ernest Hemingway 

4.  Is there an author whose books you don't want to miss or one whose books you avoid?

“No, not really. I tend to choose my books by the subject matter rather than the author. Still, if I notice a new title by someone I’ve read and enjoyed before, I’ll usually take a look.”

I just want to say hi to:

Rayford Steele: A pilot who becomes a leader among the survivors after the Rapture.

and

Buck Williams: A journalist who investigates the events following the Rapture and becomes a key ally.

Also a hello to Father Tim in Mitford, and of course to my friend from childhood, Nancy.

“People come and go, but book characters stay with you forever.” – Unknown

His Mercy Endures Forever

Until Next Time

 

 

December 16, 2025

Luke 2:13-14

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

 

In this passage, a multitude of angels appears to shepherds, proclaiming the birth of Jesus. They declare, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men."  The angels emphasize God's greatness and majesty, celebrating the significance of Christ's birth. It's a message that highlights the promise of peace and goodwill, suggesting reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus. The proclamation is inclusive, indicating that the good news is for all people, not just a select few. These two short verses encapsulate the essence of the Christmas story, focusing on hope, joy, and the fulfillment of God's promises

It's Tuesday and time for

Tuesday Four hosted by Annie!

Holiday Express

 

Welcome Friends.. to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. 

The holidays are coming fast!  They are loaded onto the Christmas Express  train and there is no stopping them now.

 Are you ready for them this year?

 I'm as ready as I'm going to be!

 1. Is your tree up? How tall is it?
what color lights? 

Are there lights in the window? On the door?

The tree has been up since Thanksgiving. It’s a small one, packed with lights—just the right size for me and Mr. D. I used to cover the windows and doors with lights too, but not anymore.

 2. Got a menu for Christmas Eve and Day?

My daughter is hosting this year and Hank is cooking turkey breast and pork tenderloins on the grill, yummy.  The rest of us are bringing the sides and desserts.

3. Who is coming for Christmas or who will you visit?

Probably no one since we'll be at our daughters.

 4. What is your favorite Christmas memory?

My favorite Christmas isn’t a single moment; it’s a collection of years filled with memories as our children grew up. Then the grandchildren arrived, and the season became even more wonderful. Christmas is still wonderful for us, and we continue to make new memories every year. But now, in our senior years, we’ve happily stepped back and let the younger generation take the lead.

Click HERE to join in the fun!

Blessings to All

Until Next Time

 

December 9,2025

Matthew 1:18-21

Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son

¹⁸ This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet^[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

²⁰ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

These scriptures about the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy through the miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His role as the Messiah who will save His people from their sins. They reveal a pivotal moment in the Christian faith – the announcement to Mary that she will give birth to Jesus, the Savior of the world. The angel delivering the message signifies the importance of this divine plan, as angels are messengers of God in the Bible. The angel is indicating that Jesus is no ordinary child by foretelling his birth; he is the long-awaited Messiah who will bring salvation to humanity.

Time for Tuesday 4

 Thank you Annie for hosting Tuesday 4, begun by Toni Taddeo and kept in her memory.

Christmas is fast approaching for billions of people...

1. Do you have a favorite Christmas carol and if so is there a particular version you especially like?

I love all the Christmas carols and it's really hard to choose just one, with that said, Joy To The World is at the top of my favorites list.  As for Christmas songs, gotta be Sleigh Bells💙 

2.Do you have a special dinner for the holidays? What foods are included?

There was a time when we would just repeat Thanksgiving, turkey and dressing and all the other sides that go with it.  We haven't done that in a while, too much work with everything else that's happening on Christmas Day.  Usually it's barbecue or finger foods. One year I made homemade gumbo. I cut all the fixin's up the day before making less time in the kitchen on Christmas Day.

3.Holiday movies ... which do you like to watch?

I enjoy most of them, I even watch Rudolph and Frosty, it doesn't take kids in the home to enjoy animated movies. Of course, White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street (with Natalie Wood) will always be a favorite.

4. What traditions do you continue to keep year after year for the holidays?

 Everything for us is a tradition because we do the same things every year. The only change has been we now rotate our family gathering between the three girls, I gave up hosting a few years ago, sometimes I wish I could host again, although the girls do a great job.

Link up HERE to join in the fun!

Blessings to All

Until Next Time

Tuesday Four

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 kept in memory of her and hosted by Annie.

Let's talk about food this week shall we?

Most people enjoy eating good food after all.

Shall We Cook?

1.What is/are your favorite foods to eat ?

I’ve always enjoyed a good homestyle meal, something hearty with a main course and vegetables. I’m not a picky eater and appreciate just about everything. But what I’d truly love is to sit at my mother’s table one more time. She was an incredible cook, always ready to prepare a meal for anyone who walked through the door. There was always room for one more at her table. I’d call her style good old-fashioned Southern home cooking—and it was absolutely delicious.

2.How often do you cook at home and what kind of meals do you make?

 I’ve never quite measured up to the cook my mother was. I always preferred sitting at a desk working over spending time in the kitchen. But with a family to feed, I managed to get meals on the table and keep everyone fed. I wasn’t a bad cook—just not a passionate one. These days, I do very little cooking, and thankfully, Mr. D has stepped in and taken over. He does a fine job, and I’m happy to report we’re certainly not going hungry! 😊

3. When you go out to eat what foods do you find yourself ordering most?

When we eat out it's usually Mexican or seafood, we love both.  Sometimes we just go for breakfast at our local Denney's or Waffle House.

4. Can you recommend a restaurant in your area? Why do you like it?

We have several great Mexican food restaurants, Gringo's - El Toro's - El Ranchero, we frequent them all.  The best seafood is found along the boardwalk in Kemah, just a few minutes down the road.  We like these places because the food is always good.

Kemah Boardwalk

Link up HERE to join in the fun.

Blessings to All

Until Next Time

Tuesday 4

 

Sandwich Time

Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 hosted by Annie!  Annie hails from Cottage By The Sea!

To join in all the fun visit Tuesday's Place by clicking HERE!

Sandwiches are a lunch time favorite.

In the 1930s two favorite sandwiches were ham, pickles and mustard and tuna with rice, capers, pepper and paprika. I think it probably needed mayo! Sandwiches can be a simple peanut butter and jelly or a classy Monte Cristo.

1. What is your favorite sandwich and how do you make it?

I love sandwiches of any flavor☺ We eat them often, whether at home or at our favorite eatery.

2. What is the best bread for making toast? How about for making sandwiches?

We usually stick with wheat bread—it's the healthier choice, after all. But if I had my way, I’d go for good ol’ white bread every time. I know, I know... it’s not exactly a nutritional powerhouse, and it brings a few too many calories to the party. Some sandwiches do shine on a nice deli roll or even a hamburger bun, but for now, we’ll stay the course with wheat. It's better for us—so they say. [[sigh]]

3. If you go out to eat for lunch are you more likely to stay with a safe choice or be more adventurous?

With the price of eating out these days, I don’t dare get too adventurous. The last thing I want is to spend good money on something I end up not liking—and still have to pay for it. No thank you! I’ll stick with the tried and true, the safe choices I know I’ll enjoy

4. Dagwood, hoagie, submarine, Po boy, grinder. Whatever they are called where you are, do you like them and if so what do you want on it?

I like my sandwiches fully loaded! A classic BLT gets even better with a few creamy slices of avocado—now that’s a treat. Bologna and cheese piled high with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes? Yes, please. And let’s not forget the trusty standby: tuna salad. There’s always a can in the pantry just waiting to save the day. Of course, good ol’ hamburgers deserve a spot on the list too. Honestly, I could go on and on—sandwiches might just be one of life’s greatest simple pleasures!

Colonial House of Sandwiches in a little strip center in La Porte, without a doubt the best chicken salad sandwich you'll ever eat!!!

Another great place in our little town is Firehouse Subs, which we frequent often.

My favorite is the Engineer.

Engineer

Smoked Turkey Breast with sauteed Mushrooms and melted Open-Eyed Swiss, served Fully Involved (mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, deli mustard, and a pickle spear on the side).  Yummy

I don't want to forget McDonald's!  We don't visit McDonald's often, but . . .

. . . sometimes Mr D will get us one of their breakfast sandwiches in the morning.  They are very good with our coffee.

Ode to a Sandwich

A slice of this, a spread of that,
Stack it tall or keep it flat.
From turkey clubs to tuna fish,
Each bite delivers every wish.

A BLT with crispy crunch,
Or grilled cheese hot and warm for lunch.
Add some pickles, maybe slaw,
A messy mouth is worth the awe!

A bun, a roll, or humble bread,
With layers piled high and spread.
Avocado, ham, or roast—
It’s sandwiches I love the most!

So here’s to lunch both near and far,
Whether packed or from a jar.
A meal so simple, tried and true—
Dear sandwich, I salute you!

Happy Tuesday 4

Until Next Time

Tuesday 4

   Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 hosted by Annie ♥

♫Summer time and the living is easy says the song.  So how is summer going for you? Let's talk about it.....

1. How has summer been so far?  Has it been easy or hard or are things moving along as usual?  Is the weather getting you down or are you enjoying it so far?

So far it's been HOT!

That's how it is, after all, it's summertime!

It hasn't been hard, and it really hasn't been easy either. The heat keeps me inside, which I enjoy, but I enjoy sitting outside too.  We just have to take what comes our way and deal with it.

2. What have you been doing this summer?   Even the little mundane things count.

Mundane, that made me smile!  Because of health issues most of what I do is mundane.  But you are so right, they do count and they make my life pleasant.

3. What are you going to do?   Any plans? What interests you this summer?

Nothing to speak of on our agenda,

we'll just live day by day as the Lord provides.

4. It's been hot in most of the country How are you weathering the heat ?  What are your ideas for staying cool in the hottest weather of summer.

The heat is keeping me from sitting outside and I hate that.  For me, the best idea to beat the heat is to stay inside under the a/c with a tall glass of ice tea.

Join in the fun by clicking HERE!

Summertime always brings memories of this funny little song that was popular during my school days! Yep, it's an oldie!♥

It's summertime summertime sum sum summertidme
Summertime summertime sum sum summertime
Summertime summertime sum sum summertime
Summertime summertime sum sum summertime summertime...

Well shut them books and throw 'em away
And say goodbye to dull school days
Look alive and change your ways
It's summertime...

Well no more studying history
And no more reading geography
And no more dull geometry
Because it's summertime

(Chorus)
It's time to head straight for them hills
It's time to live and have some thrills
Come along and have a ball
A regular free-for-all

Well are you comin' or are you ain't
You slow poke are my one complaint
Hurry up before I faint
It's summertime

Well I'm so happy that I could flip
Oh how I'd love to take a trip
I'm sorry teacher but zip your lip
Because it's summertime

(Chorus)
Well we'll go swimmin' every day
No time to work just time to play
If your folks complain just say
"It's summertime"

And every night we'll have a dance
Cause what's a vacation without romance
Oh man this jive gets me in a trance
Because it's summertime

Chorus
It's summertime

It's summertime summertime sum sum summertime
Summertime summertime sum sum summertime
Summertime summertime sum sum summertime
Summertime summertime sum sum summertime
Summertime

It's summertime

You can listen to this fun song, just click HERE !

Blessings to All

Until Next Time

Tuesday 4

~~The Best Part of Waking Up~~

Well hello again!  I am so glad you stopped by and I do hope you are here to join in for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4, hosted by Annie!

The commercial song said "the best part of waking up in Folger's in your cup".  

1. What is in your cup in the morning?

For those who know me, it's no secret that I am a coffee hound.  

2. What brand of coffee or tea is the best in your opinion and why do you think so?

We like Folgers 1/2 caffeine.

3. Where do you drink your cuppa in the morning? Do you have a nice view? 

I have several places where I enjoy my morning coffee, I like to sit at the kitchen table and enjoy the big window there, I sometimes like to sit on the porch and be outside for a while, and I sometimes sit at my desk and just do stuff!  Each morning is a new day and a new mood!

4.Besides the morning, do you take little tea or coffee breaks during the day?    If you are out and about where is your favorite place to get some tea or coffee?

The only time we have coffee out is when we go to breakfast, and that's not often.  When we go there are two places we choose from, Denney's or Waffle House.  Denney's coffee is terrible, I really have to doctor it up with sugar and cream, I normally drink my coffee black and hot. But they serve a great breakfast. Waffle House has good coffee, I enjoy theirs the most. Then we sometimes will go into Pasadena and enjoy an IHOP breakfast.  They let me buy a couple of mugs with their logo♥

Mr D and I both like a cup of coffee in the afternoon.  Usually after we eat a late lunch, we'll have coffee with our dessert or sometimes we sit on the porch and enjoy our coffee with some good conversation

As for myself, I'll drink a cup of coffee anytime, anywhere!

You can join in the fun by clicking HERE.

Blessings to All

Until Next Time

Tuesday 4

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4, hosted by Annie from Cottage By The Sea.

Warmer days

Spring has come and Summer is approaching. Our friend Linda tells me the temps in Florida are already in the 90s and humidity through the roof.  But days are growing longer for everyone.  How does it affect you?

1.Daylight is getting longer... what do you do with the extra daylight?  Is it useful, productive or not?

I enjoy the extra time to sit on the porch.  By late afternoon the hot temps have gone down a bit which makes it tolerable.

2.  If you live where its more moderate do you spend more time outdoors?  If you live in the tropical climate does it keep you inside?

Does the extra day light cause more heat and more use of utilities for you?

We live on the Texas coast, very hot and humid.  Being outside is almost not an option these days. The heat and humidity is not good for my breathing issues so I stay inside most of the time.  From answer #1, I do manage some time on the porch when I can.  Our electric bill is quite high in the summer months.

3. How do you cool your home?  How do you cool yourself off in the heat of the day?

We have central air and heat.  As I said in answer #2, I stay inside during the heat of the day.

4. Do you enjoy a good barbeque outside in the warmer months or do you cook outside and eat inside?  What foods do you enjoy on the barbeque?    If you don't barbeque, what foods  and drinks do you enjoy in the warmer months?

We love family barbecue's; they are so much fun.  We used to do them often but not so much anymore because Mr D and I both don't tolerate the heat well.  There was a time when we barbequed every weekend with the family.  We liked chicken, sausage, hot dogs, and hamburgers right from the grill.  On the side would be potato salad, deviled eggs, baked beans and assorted chips, always delicious and always fun♥ As for drinks, iced tea, soft drinks and water, when I'm not drinking coffee, you'll find me with either iced tea or a coke.

"Texas BBQ Tale" 

Smoke’s risin’, grill’s blazin’,

Sun’s high and temp’s amazin’.

Brisket’s barkin’, ribs are sweet,

Sizzle-dancin’ in the heat.

Cowboy hats and lemonade,

Swattin’ skeeters in the shade.

Hotter than a branding flame—

But that’s Texas, and BBQ’s the name!

(from the internet)

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            Blessings to All

            Until Next Time