Good morning, friends!  Today is Revenge of the Fifth! (Star Wars). Grab your tea, iced or hot, and let’s talk! Make yourselves comfy.  🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Michelle, over at Putting My Feet in the Dirt, has awesome writing prompts for May.  She took book titles and gave them a twist.  You might have seen a couple from me already.  It’s a lot of fun.  If you’re looking for something different, give them a try!!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I still can’t believe it’s May already.  The first four months have flown by so quickly.  But with spring comes the beautiful flowers and green everything, oh and of course, hay fever!  The only thing I dislike about spring.  Here’s another shot of my azaleas, blooming away!!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: it’s been a tough week for me, health wise.  Most of you know my condition (Transverse Myelitis), which is flaring up.  The biggest problem is stress.  That’s when it gets really bad, and right now I have a ton of it.  I am dealing with it best I can, but add in depression and just an overall feeling of malaise, and you have me in a nutshell.  However…I do not let that define me.  Sometimes it just feels good to let it out.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: like I mentioned last week, I have a new “thingy” on my blog called “What Am I?”.  Every Thursday I put up a riddle and you try to guess what it is I am describing.  I would love it if you played along.  Okay, yes, I’m begging! LOL  The first one had a few of you participating. this past one (link above) not so much.  So how about giving it a try.  For me.  Please? 😁

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I am still finding blogs that our dear WordPress took away from me.  I can’t believe how many of them have disappeared from my follow list.  Then of course, there’s the pingback issue happening now.  The reader has been better (I probably just jinxed it).  No large gaps between posts.  However, some of you STILL don’t show up in it!!  It drives me nuts.  Have you encountered any of these issues?

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I made a huge change in my life.  I have always believed in God but strayed from the church because of the horrible problems with the priests.  It turned me off and turned me away from God’s house.  But Neil and I have been attending Alyssa’s church now, and I have given myself over to God.  He has a plan for me, and I will follow it.  It’s something that was severely lacking in my life, and I needed to find a way back.  I believe I have.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I tried driving again.  Alyssa needed to have her car serviced, so I had to follow her there.  I’m still paying for it.  I really hope this doesn’t mean I won’t be able to drive anymore.  That would devastate me.  When I first got sick (2006), I spent a year indoors, due to agoraphobia, not to be confused with arachnophobia! 🕷🕸  I never want to deal with that again, but being stuck home is very close to it.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Friday night is pizza night at our house.  We go to our favorite pizzeria/restaurant, Primo Pizza!  Cesar, Eddie, Ari and the gang are all so awesome.  This week, Alyssa picked the kind of pizza.  She chose a white pie with fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil.  OMG it was heavenly.

Now you might be wondering about the pup who photo bombed the picture.  That would be Snippy. No, it’s not a typo.  Not Snoopy but Snippy.  He has been Alyssa’s “therapy pet” for a few years now.  He has his own personality, and quite snarky I might add.  Right now you’re thinking, okay this family has lost it.  Seriously, Snippy has gotten Lys through some tough times.  He was there at every hospital stay, every illness.  So, we take him with us when we go out.  It turns out to be a very funny time!

As for the week ahead:

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: Another rainy week ahead, although Monday and Wednesday look to be okay.  Of course, that could change in a raindrop!  How about you?  What’s the weather been like in your neck of world?

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: it’s time to be on my way.  Church is calling and grocery shopping will follow. Have a blessed week ahead!  When we meet again, next Sunday, it will be Mother’s Day, here in the states.  I can’t wait!  ❤

Good morning, friends!  My goodness, has the week flown by already? Grab your tea, iced or hot, and let’s talk! Make yourselves comfy.  🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Easter service was so beautiful.  This was my first Easter service at Maratha.  The whole church was lifted up in song.  It was awesome! Once we got home, the cooking began.  We had ham, lamb (I don’t eat that), roasted potatoes, salad, kielbasa, and pierogi.  I probably could have done without eating the rest of the week, but there were leftovers!

The cloth is now white for He is Risen.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Monday was a day of rest for me.  After all the cooking, I was pooped! The best part was I didn’t have to cook again.  There was plenty to eat, so we got to feast a second time!  Oh!  And I forgot, the Easter bunny paid a visit, too!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: the update on the pup was Rosie! lol Poor baby doesn’t look well in the first picture, but after being lovingly taken care of at the pet hospital, here she is.  Unfortunately, we have no further update on her progress, though, as Alyssa has left that job due to the amount of stress there.  Doctor’s orders.

Before (sick), After (happy)! She looks like a completely different pup.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: the voting for the Bloggers Bash Awards is now over.  We have to wait til the middle of June for the results, (they’re revealed at the Blogger’s Bash), but I wanted to say thank you to everyone who voted for me.  I was truly honored to be nominated with a group of amazing bloggers/writers.  I wish everyone the best of luck!!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I am still disgusted by what WordPress did during their recent update.  They caused many of us to lose blogs we have been following since we joined!  Every day I am discovering more and more missing.  So if you suddenly see that I am following you, after you thought I was already following you, you’ll know why.  They should also fix the dang reader, too!!  Okay, rant over.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: it’s been a rather strange week for me.  A lot of conflict and a lot of healing, yes, happening at the same time.  I’m hoping this week will find a sense of calm for everyone.  You included, my friends!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: my azaleas are finally starting to bud and bloom!  I wait, patiently, every year for these beauties.  They only last a short while so I like to take photos of them at various stages.  We planted these azaleas about 20 years ago.  They bless us with beautiful flowers every year.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Alyssa is back home!!  Well, kind of.  She came home last week, and was off on another pet sitting job on Friday.  She’ll be back today, though, so I’m a happy mama.  The house is so different without her here.  Even Neil has said how much he misses her.  Which, if you know Neil, is a lot for him to say.  He’s usually tight lipped when it comes to his own emotions.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I’m counting down the days until I can begin driving again.  It should be May 10th but it may be sooner.  Alyssa’s schedule conflicts with my mother’s so I may have to drive her to her appointments.  Mom doesn’t drive anymore, and relies on us for transportation.  My not driving is never a good thing.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I started a new “thingy” on my blog this past Thursday afternoon called, “What Am I?“.  Each week I’ll present a riddle and you need to figure out what I’m talking about.  Good luck with that, because most of the time I can’t figure out what I’m talking about.  We had some really great answers! Thanks to all who played.  I hope more of you will join in this week.  🙂

As for the week ahead:

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: we’re looking at a rainy week.  Every single day, rain.  I love how it makes the grass green and the garden bloom, but I don’t care for the way it makes my joints feel.  Hmph!  So, if it’s sunny your way, consider sending some golden rays my way. Thanks!

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: it’s time to be on my way.  Church is calling and the laundry will follow soon after.  So much for resting on a Sunday!  See you next week!  ❤

Good morning, friends!  So lovely to see you, again. Grab your tea, iced or hot, and let’s talk! Happy Hoppy Easter and Happy Passover to everyone!  Make yourself comfy.  🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I am getting ready to attend Sunday Easter service at my church.  On Friday night, we had a Good Friday service, where we also spoke of Passover.  And another pastor did part of the service in Korean!  It was amazing to experience it.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone today and wishing them a happy day.  How do you celebrate Easter or Passover?  Do you have any special traditions you’d like to share?

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: last Sunday was fellowship day.  After service we had lunch.  Someone made finger sandwiches, I made macaroni salad and spinach dip, and there was a lovely cake to celebrate Pastor Jan’s birthday!  A good time was had by all.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I spent Tuesday in the ER with Alyssa.  She had been doing so well until recently, but this is to be expected from time to time, because of the Sjogren’s.  The doctor put her on meds for three days and we see her doctor on Monday.  Please keep her in your thoughts.  She’s 29 and has been through so much already.  😦  And now she’s dealing with one of the dogs she’s been caring for being very ill.  Rosie, who’s a Puggle (cross between a Beagle and a Pug), has several health issues, including blindness.  She’s been fighting an ear infection for the past two weeks, and now she’s been hospitalized with a stomach ailment.  While the owner is present in the home, this is still taking a devastating toll on Lys.  So if you can find it in your heart to say a puppy prayer for Rosie, we’d all been very grateful.

Alyssa and Rosie

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: it was a busy church week.  For Christians it is known as the Passion Week or Holy Week.  On Wednesday, our bible study leader did the Stations of the Cross.  In a quiet setting, where it’s you and Jesus, it is the most amazing feeling in the world.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: the beautiful flowers of spring bring me such delight.  These beauties are blooming in my mom’s garden.  I love the purple, and the raindrops add that little bit of something to the petals.  Honestly, after the storm we had Friday night, I’m surprised any flowers still remained.  It was a nasty one, wind, lightning, heavy rain.  Seems to be the thing in NJ these days.  Summer should be fun.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: on Thursday I tried planning Easter with my mom.  Well, what started out as possibly going out for brunch, wound up with me just saying I would cook.  I’m not up to it, and I said years ago I was over always having the holidays, but here I am again.  I’m such a sap. LOL  I’m so happy my son will be joining us.  I miss him terribly and can’t wait to see him!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I am really lost not being able to drive.  You don’t realize how much freedom it gives you until you don’t have it.  Another two weeks and then we’ll see what happens from there.  Of course, I’m on a treatment of steroids.  Does it give me muscles?  Nope.  It gives me insomnia.  Like I don’t have enough of that to begin with!  It doesn’t matter what time of day I take it.  I’m up to the wee hours.  If I was writing, I could excuse it, but most times I find myself uninterested and just bored. (I heard that gasp all the way over here).

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I apologize for the short version this week.  I was exhausted and went to bed early…. at the time I typed this I was praying I’d be able to fall asleep!  More on that next week. And on that happy note, I leave you with this…(make sure your sound is turned up! Sorry it’s so big, didn’t know how to resize LOL)

As for the week ahead:

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: it’ll be more of the same…nothing.  Someone give me something I can do that doesn’t involve moving.  Oh?  There isn’t anything?  Dang. Okay, I’ll try to figure something else out.

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: it’s time to be on my way.  Church is calling and it’s Easter!!  Oh, right, you already know that!  Have a blessed week ahead, my friends!  ❤

Good morning, friends!  So lovely to see you, again. Grab your tea, iced or hot, and let’s talk! It’s been a somewhat quiet week for me, as you will see why below.  Quiet is sometimes a very good thing.   🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: after putting it off as much as I could, I needed to contact my neurologist, for my nerve issues in my back.  So, now I’m on meds for the next month with the strict orders from her as follows: no lifting, no reaching, no unnecessary bending, no raking, no vacuuming (I like that one), but worst of all, no driving!!!  This puts such a burden on hubby and Lys, but they assured me it’s no big deal.  They’re both so amazing.  ❤

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: we went to a high school production of “Into the Woods”.  Alyssa’s friend Ken was the stage director.  They all did a marvelous job.  The voices on these young people are amazing and I hope they go far with them!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: but you already know, the voting for the Bloggers Bash Awards is LIVE!  I am so honored to be among the nominees.  The folks in the Best Blogging/Writing Blog are all so amazing!  If you haven’t voted, here’s the link! The Annual Bloggers Bash Awards 2019 Vote is LIVE! Pick your favorite bloggers/writers, photographers, foodies, lifestyle, and so on!  But I’ll warn you, it’s not going to be easy.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: it’s hard to believe we’re almost halfway through April.  Today is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week for Christians. And next Sunday is Easter!!! What’s so great about this year is, Passover and Good Friday fall together, on the 19th.  How cool is that?!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: it finally feels like spring in the Northeast.  The magnolias are blossoming pink and white, the hyacinths in their beautiful yellow, and the multi colors of tulips, are sprouting on front lawns everywhere!  Even my lilies are starting to come up.  I love my lilies.  They always make me smile.  What I don’t like is when the deer decide they make a tasty snack.  I have to guard them this year so it doesn’t happen again.

This is one of my lily plants. I took this last year.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: and I think I’ve mentioned this before, I’m a Pokemon Go nerd.  Yesterday was community day and they had a special event going on.  It was a gorgeous day, temps almost hit 80, so I got to walk around a bit and have some fun with Neil, Alyssa and briefly, Alyssa’s friend, Charlie.  After that I did some food shopping, and some cooking for Fellowship Day tomorrow, at church.  I’m on the committee!  I made macaroni salad and a spinach dip.  It’s always a lovely day and I’m really looking forward to it, and the wonderful people I get to worship with.  ❤

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I’m still counting the days until Alyssa is back home.  These two weeks are going to draaaaaaaaaaaaag.  It’s amazing how one person can make that much of a difference in your home.  I call her Sunshine because she truly lights up my day.  I know some day she’ll be out of the house, starting a family of her own, but until then…she’s mine!!  🙂

Think we’re related? Nah.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: about the menace known as Dennis.  Yes, my buddy, the chipmunk.  I’m sure you’ve seen how well fed he is, hiding away peanuts and seeds in abundance.  Well, this is the thanks I get from him…

Look closer….he’s sticking his tongue out at me!!!  I apologize for the poor quality of the photo, I took it through my glass door, otherwise Dennis would come in and I’m sure, make himself at home. I’m gonna miss this little rascal when we move.  😦

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I got to listen to my friend, Kooch, read one of my short stories from my book!  I’m so excited!  We’re a long way off from being able to offer it on CD, but I’m still so excited!!!

As for the week ahead:

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: I’m not sure what I’ll be doing considering I can’t do anything I need to be doing.  But, this too, shall pass, and I’ll be back to my old self soon.

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: it’s time to be on my way.  Church is calling and it’s Fellowship Day.  Oh, right, you already know that!  Have a blessed week ahead, my friends!  ❤

Good morning, friends!  So lovely to see you here. Grab your tea, iced or hot, and let’s talk! It’s been an interesting week.  Hope yours was, too!  🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: April Fool’s came and went, and was very uneventful.  I am actually grateful nothing happened!  I think my friends are getting a bit soft where that’s concerned, and that’s fine with me.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: mom had her first physical therapy session and seemed to do well.  She later reported she was sore, but that was to be expected.  Her Wednesday session was canceled because our PT was out with a bad cold.  Hope he’s feeling better for Monday.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I am honored to be a part of an anthology, along with 19 other authors, entitled: “Understanding: An Anthology of True and Significant Life Events”. In it, I tell about my near-death experience and how it has impacted my life thus far.  Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to cancer research.  A HUGE thank you, to author Stevie Turner, for including me in such a great project!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: so far, #NaPoWriMo has been moving along nicely.  I always look forward to this month every year.  It gives me a chance to stretch my poetry skills by trying out different forms.  What do you think I should try next?

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: on Friday, Mother Nature played her own April Fool’s joke.  We went from 60 degree weather, to sleet, rain and cold, and on Saturday, we were back to 70.  I think she’s experiencing menopause and needs to be on meds.  Either that, or she and Old Man Winter need to call it quits already!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I spent a lovely Saturday  with the hubby.  We don’t get to do too much of that, so any chance I get to steal him, I do.  He’s up at 4AM Monday – Friday and usually exhausted by the time he gets home. We went on a nice walk together, and ate our way through many a food joint.  Basically, we just spent some much needed downtime with each other.  And for that, I am always grateful.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Lys is still at it with her dog activities.  She is pet sitting for a beautiful dog named Charlie, before she heads back to Layla and Rosie, until the end of this month.  Then she comes back home!!  I cannot wait.  I’m counting the days.   🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I think most of you know I also have a son.  He’s older than Lys and lives with his girlfriend.  I don’t see him too often, even though he lives a mere 5 minutes from us.  He’s a manager for Kohl’s and works long hours.  Even his friends have said they rarely see him.  I did get a chance to catch up with him on Friday when he called to tell me he’ll be attending WWE’s Wrestlemania today.  He wanted to know if we were getting the Pay-per-View so we could look for him! lol  Sorry, bud, not this year.  Speaking of WWE…

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Friday night, we stood in the rain and cold for almost two hours to meet WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss!  She’s a tiny little thing.  She was signing the official WWE Cookbook.

Alexa Bliss ©2019 Alyssa Duclos – Used with Permission

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: our dear friend, John Kooch, is again, leading worship at church today.  He really knows how to make the church rock!  I am so looking forward to it.

As for the week ahead:

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: the week ahead will be a hectic one, and I may not be able to leave a comment on your blog.  But know that if my icon is in your likes, I have been there, read your post, and enjoyed doing so.  🙂

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: we will be looking for our next home this week, and hope we find one we like and is in our budget.  I never thought I would have to do this again, but I’m sure God has a reason for it.

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: it’s time to be on my way.  Church is calling.  Have a blessed week ahead, my friends!