Thanksgiving Feasting

When the Halloween pumpkins are gone,
And the leaves have all fallen to ground,
When the air has turned windy and cold,
Then Thanksgiving will soon be around.

Thoughts of loved ones all feasting together,
Pleasant pictures from past times appear
To dwell in each heart and each mind--
Then Thanksgiving is finally here!

The kitchen has scrumptious aromas,
The dining room looks oh, so fine,
Decorations with pilgrims and turkeys,
And now we are ready to dine!

First the napkins are placed on our laps;
Now the prayer for the meal to be blessed,
Then we stuff the good food in our tummies,
And we hope for it all to digest!
By Joanna Fuchs

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL - Judy

It was a terrific weekend. I loved sharing time with my brother, Bob and wife, Dianne. We enjoyed the National Sandcastle competition on Treasure Island. We had a delicious dinner on the John's Pass Boardwalk. We shared thoughts. There were great uncensored conversations and catching up on what was happening in our worlds. Today we went to the Bucs vs. Saints game. It started off far better than it ended but sharing the experience with family was beyond awesome to me.

Last month I had the opportunity to share some wonderful time with my sister, Wendy.

Add to that my great good fortune to have calls and e-mails from the other members of my family including newsy notes and voicemails from my sons and their wives and I am one very blessed lady this week of Thanksgiving.

On top of it all - so far - I haven't had any major baking disasters as I bake cookies and cupcakes for the local Fire Departments. It would be truly unfortunate if in my attempt to show appreciation for their courage and all they do, I set my condo on fire. YIKES!

I hope each of you reading this has a safe and fun-filled blessed Thanksgiving. I sincerely appreciate the time you take to stop by my blog and give it a read.

Dear Lord:
Let me prove to you that I can win the lotto and still remain humble.

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If you blame someone for your failures, do you credit them for your accomplishments.

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I've had a spectacular day with my brother Bob and his wife Dianne. I am a very happy lady.

No wonder the English Language is a challenge:

The bandage was wound around the wound.

The farm was used to produce produce.

The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

He could lead if he could get the lead out.

A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

The buck does funny things when the does are present.

The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

After a number of injections my jaw got number.

Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

Ever notice, that from time to time we all possess characteristics of the Seven Dwarfs? Sleepy, Dopey, Happy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Doc and Bashful.

Seven days, each to use wisely with time to say thank you and time for fun. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

The Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Pyramid of Giza, the Temple of Diana, the Tomb of Mausoleus, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Pharaohs Lighthouse, the Colossus of Rhodes, the State of Zeus

Seven amazing wonders of the world I have actually visited. The Grand Canyon at sunrise, Niagara Falls including riding the boat under the spray, Japan especially amazing were the parks and the drummers playing in Yokohama, the Magic Kingdom with my grandchildren, Arcadia National Park in the Fall, walking around Washington, DC, Africa (Happily I could list seven times seven plus more of amazing places I have been blessed to experience.)

Avoid the ultimate no, no's. The seven deadly sins. Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath/Anger, Lust, Gluttony, Sloth

Seven Continents; Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America (I think it would be fun to visit each of them. Four down and 3 to go.)

It seems everyday I hear someone say they wish they could do something or go somewhere if only they weren't so very "busy". It seems to have become universal. No one seems to have enough time.

The danger is that by being so "busy" one day it may be too late.

I've seen this State Farm commercial on TV lately and love their message. I truly believe everyone needs to know that someone believes in them. That they matter. That there is someone they can rely on and trust. Everyone needs to know there is someone who cares.

My hope is that you take time in your "busy" life to care about others and that you are blessed to know that there is someone who takes time in their "busy" life to reach out and care for you. Don't assume they know.



Don't let time go by being "busy" and one day realize it is now too late to show someone they mattered, that you loved them, that they made a difference in your life, that you cared.

I am grateful to all of you who take the time to check-in and read my blog. That is so cool. I hope you have a marvelous Monday. Thank you. You make me smile.

Fantastic product and wise management to opt to use Josh and his team. Sustainability and growth are in Gloria Jeans bright future.

Wishing you good luck and happiness. Are you superstitious?

Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice.

While walking in Seminole Park today, I was surprised by something I never expected. While walking in Florida's Parks I have see squirrels, rabbits, a snake, raccoons, and turtles. I've even seen crocodiles, turkeys and wild hogs.

Today I was astonished to see an ice cream truck driving around the trail. This was a huge surprise since motor vehicles aren't permitted. The air was filled with the calliope music from the movie "The Sting". When I turned to look in the direction of the sound, there was an ice cream truck. When it would pass a walker, jogger, runner, biker or roller blader, the driver would ask if they wanted an ice cream. I didn't see anyone make a purchase. Even if they wanted one of his refreshing cold treats no one was going to get one, not now while they were exercising.


Once he reached where the trail met the street he stuck his arm out the window and waved good-bye as he drove away. It was one of the strangest things I have ever seen.

This year it seems that the world has gone from Halloween on Saturday, October 31, to Christmas the very next day.

Everywhere I went on Sunday there were Carols playing. Stores were filled with Christmas decorations.

Maybe it was because the time changed and now it gets dark earlier. Maybe it was a reaction to the Full Moon. Or maybe it is simply a retail reaction to our economy.

I remember setting up our Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve. Now I have joined the ranks of those who put it up the weekend following Thanksgiving. By Christmas the excitement seems to be on the downward trend. Now that to me is pitiful. Although I will put up my decorations earlier than usual I still plan to enjoy the celebration as long as possible and not take them down until after New years!

I awoke to the roar of chain saws. They sounded so close. I went on the balcony and much to my surprise a man was in the top of palm tree only a couple of feet from my balcony.

I quickly ran back inside. I wasn't dressed for viewing and the breeze was blowing my nightie up. As I peeked from behind my curtains I saw "the man in my palm tree" cut off all but 3 or 4 fronds. He was balancing himself with spikes attached to his feet stuck in the tree. A strap was wrapped around his waist and the trunk of the tree. It was fascinating to watch him balance while he used the chainsaw. When he was done he hooked the chainsaw to his belt (danger, danger) and "walked" down the tree moving the strap and pulling the spikes out of the tree and replacing them lower. It was amazing.

I've lived here for 3 1/2 years and this is the first time they have done this. I hope the fronds grow back. The trees looked so beautiful before and now they only have a few fronds growing out the top. Definitely an unusual start to the day. It would be totally awesome if the day ended winning the Florida Lotto or Powerball. I hope you have a fun day.