Friday Foto Friends ~ Holiday Train Show®

Direct Quote From The Bronx Botanical Gardens Page ~   "New York City’s Favorite Holiday Tradition is Back! Saturday, November 17, 2018 – Monday, January 21, 2019 ~ Enchanting model trains zip through a display of more than 175 New York landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming past familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half-mile of track. This year’s exhibition showcases Lower Manhattan—the birthplace of New York City—featuring the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and iconic skyscrapers sharing the spotlight among old and new favorites. Making their debut this year are One World Trade Center and the historic Battery Maritime Building along with two vintage ferry boats." 

The garden lights up with its collection of trains that chug along a nearly half-mile track by 150 miniature NYC landmarks like the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall, all made of natural materials such as leaves, twigs, bark and berries. Here are some of the sights. 

Wednesday's Poetry Day ~ The Christmas Visit

Getting to see some houses in my area starting to decorate with so many beautiful lights on my way home last Friday evening from my niece and nephew's, my mind began to form a poem. Being tired of two days of fun with family I forgot about it until Saturday night when I spotted this photo on Pinterest. Yes I was able to copy the photo and use it. Anyway I hope you like the poem. I know I do... 😇

The Christmas Visit 

As I stand here in the driveway
In the cold and falling snow
I can see from your windows
Pretty lights that softly glow

I start walking toward the door
Where a holly wreath is hanging
As I ring the doorbell to enter
I can hear the children singing

As I enter into this joyous home
That is filled with faith and love
And greeted by my loving family
That I am so happily proud of

The yule log in the fireplace
Dancing flames a warming sight
Christmas carols are playing now
As this makes for a perfect night

Here we are in hand and prayer
As we celebrate our Lord's birth
We can almost hear the angels sing
Of good will and peace on earth.

Toni Taddeo ©

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Until the next time dear friends and family have a blessed week.

Tuesday 4 Meme ~ Your Brand Is Showing

I'm joining in on the Tuesday 4 Meme.

Your Brand is Showing!
1.   Food: Do you buy brand names or go for the cheaper store name brand?   It depends. Most times I buy brand names but if the store brand is a good one like I find Shoprite is, I will buy their brand especially if there's a big difference in price. When I was younger and working I never considered store brands.

2.   Clothes: Wear designer jeans/slacks with a brand name or regular department store jeans/slacks?  I'm spoiled this way and being a QVC shopper 😄 I will buy designer jeans and slacks.

3.   Handbags: Buy a designer bag or look for a less expensive copy?   Since I rarely carry a handbag as I opt for an oversized wallet or across shoulder small bag  just to carry essentials. I don't buy designer bags.

4.   Shoes: You got the drift, designer or a cheaper copy?   With shoes I stick to good walking shoes like Clark's, Propet, etc... My high heeled fashion shoes days are over.
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Thought For The Day

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Until the next time dear friends and family have a blessed week.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

It's that time of year to remind you that the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree a 75 ft. Norway Spruce and world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City will be lit for the first time on Wednesday, November 28th and remain lit until January 7th 2019. There will be live performances from 7–9 pm, at Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. From what I can see this year's tree is beautiful. I only get to see it on TV. These photos are from this year's tree found on the net.

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Until next time dear family and friends be blessed

The Simple Woman's Daybook {November Edition}

I'm joining in on →Peggy's SWD← meme for today and I'm a little late as the month is just about over. 😊. The meme is now monthly and so I'll be posting it mostly on a Thursday each month.

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... It's a cold Winter temperature night.

I am thinking... how fast this year has gone and only one more month to 2019.

I am thankful... For getting up and being granted another day on this earth thanks to The Lord.

One of my favorite things... right now is getting in the mood for the Christmas. I'll probably start decorating for Christmas Saturday, December 1st. I don't seem to get going this year.

I am creating... right now very little as I'm ahead of myself on graphics and poems.

I am wearing... the same old, same old, well not the same every night but a loose top and jeans.

I am reading... Not anything special right now.

I am hoping... the reading bug hits me again soon.

I am learning... that at my age I can still enjoy the little things in life. 😊

In my kitchen... the only thing going on right now is a fresh pot of coffee which is my happy downfall.

A Favorite Quote Of Mine... ""God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me.

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Thought Of The Day

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Until the next time dear family and friends have a day of blessings

Friday Foto Friends ~ Skywatch ~ Morning View

Here it is the 23rd Of November and hopefully I will start decorating for Christmas this weekend depending on when I'll be getting my son to help me move some furniture and help me decorate. Not much to show in photos this week except the two below I took on Wednesday November 21st in the morning out my window. I loved the cloud formations. The top one was taken at 7:00 AM and the bottom one was taken at 7:25 AM. What a difference 25 minutes make.

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Reminder Of The Day

Wednesday's Poetry Day ~ Thanksgiving Day

Well my friends, tomorrow is the Thanksgiving holiday and in honor of tomorrow my poem and a special card at the bottom is for you from me. May your holiday be blessed and spent with family and friends. I won't be posting again until Saturday.

Thanksgiving Day

Another year has come and gone
The turkey won't be here for long
The guests arrived and in their seat
With fork and knife now ready to eat

The carving soon awaits the knife
Poor turkey had a very short life
Cooked and stuffed a special way
For all to enjoy Thanksgiving day

The prayers and thanks already said
Please pass the gravy and the bread
Now don't forget that apple cider
Everything looks so much brighter

Yes, another year has passed away
And on this happy Thanksgiving day
Where family and friends get together
With food and love for one another.

Toni Taddeo ©

Tuesday 4 Meme ~ Holiday Favorites

I'm joining in on the Tuesday 4 Meme.

Holiday Favorites
1.   Favorite Holiday Of Yours?:  All of them but I usually go all out for Christmas. I love the Thanksgiving and Easter family get togethers.

2.   Favorite Holiday Character In A Movie?:  Hands down it's got to be Charlie Brown.

3.   Favorite Holiday Dish To Make?:  I really don't have a favorite. I usually cook what's needed to round out the dinners. This year for Thanksgiving I'm making a sweet potato casserole and cornbread stuffing. We are now up to 27 family and friends for dinner. It should be a great day. I'm so happy my son and daughter in law will be there too. As for Christmas it depends if I'll be with family. If I am I'll probably make a turkey and Italian bread stuffing.

4.   Favorite Holiday Weather You Wish For?:  Definitely no snow and normal temperatures like 55-75 degrees. 😉

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Thought For The Day

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Until the next time dear friends and family have a blessed week.

My Day So Far

I'm joining in on Melanie's meme. A weekly Monday meme. Hope You join in too.

The date today:  November 19th, 2018

How's the weather?  Winter like with a possible high of 42 degrees and morning showers.

What are you wearing?  A lounge set unless I have to go out, and sandals. I use sandals indoors in place of slippers.

What chore around the house have you been putting off?  Closets cleaning. I hate any kind of work that has me bending and lifting for my body can't handle that anymore. Time to get my son to stop by on his way from work to help. He has no problem with this as he comes running whenever I ask him as I rarely ask. He is my pride and joy.

A scripture verse you'd like to share.

How about a creative project you are working on? One in progress or one still in your head.  Nothing special just some Winter graphics for my blog.

A funny graphic, photo or quote?

Any parting thoughts?  I've reopened two of my older blogs this past week.

Tuesday 4 Meme

Toni's Country Diner

If you get a chance check them out.
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Until the next time dear family and friends have a day of blessings

Sunday Stealing ~ Swap-Bot

Linking in with →Sunday Stealing← for today.

I like this week's meme it's a mix of questions with no real title. I usually pick and choose the questions I'll post and answer for a few of them don't really pertain to me.

1. What is your favorite animal?  A Dog. I was always partial to dogs.

2. Last person's house you were in?  My sister Phyllis' along with my sister Louise for our weekly card game of Hand and Foot along with coffee and a lot of laughs. 

3. Worst injury you've ever had?  A fractured wrist in an auto accident when a truck hit us after he passed a stop sign. My two sisters and mother all ended up in the hospital. I still have trouble with it every so often especially when I'm drawing or writing on my computer.

4. Ever go to camp?  No. In my day we stayed home during the summer.

5. Were you an honor roll student in school?  Yes I was most of my school years.

6. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?  Not right now it's late at night but when I do I wear "White Linen" by Estee Lauder

7. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor's visit?  No I had my yearly visit last May.

8. Where is your best friend?  My two sisters are my best friends and they are close by in their own homes.

9. Do you have a tan?  No I'm not a sun worshipper. If I stay out in the sun I break into hives.

10. What are you listening to right now?  A mix of oldies and some classical on my laptop as I'm writing this. 

11. Do you collect anything?  I don't anymore. I used to collect wind up music boxes and lighthouses.

12. What does your last text message say?  Earlier this evening from my sister Louise, " Thanksgiving is at 12 noon at Christa and Matt's." (My niece and nephew).

13. Do you need to do laundry?  Right now in the middle of the night? No... 😊

11. What is your heritage?  Italian, as my parents came from Italy.
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Until the next time dear family and friends have a Sunday of blessings

Friday Foto Friends & Skywatch ~ And Now It Starts

Well looks like Winter is actually here and it's snowing already! I feel like Autumn never really showed up this year and it went straight from Summer to Winter. Here are two photos from outside my window early evening before the actual ending accumulation.

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Click The Graphic to join in on Debbie's Friday Foto Friends

Click On -->Skywatch Friday← To Join
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Until next time dear family and friends have a lovely weekend.

Wednesday's Poetry Day ~ Closet In The Attic

I was always the kind who would imagine stories of things that are different and sometimes strange like a script of the Twilight Zone. And when I am in that imagining stage I write a poem or short story that comes to mind. Much like my creative adventure meme. This is one of my poems which I imagined and am posting it for you to enjoy.

Closet In The Attic

The big old closet in the attic holds a secret place
Among the many dresses made of antique lace.

And in the corner of the closet sitting on the floor
Is a child's doll house and inside a family of four.

You can almost hear their voices singing from within
And the sound of music softly coming from a violin.

Quietly the children watched not making a sound
While their parents danced so happily all around.

Soon the music stopped no sound again was made
And the light inside the house soon began to fade.

Yes the closet in the attic holds a secret place
There among the dresses made of antique lace.

Toni Taddeo ©

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Thought For The Day

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Until next time dear family and friends have a day of blessings

My Personal Preferences

Here's this week's Tuesday 4 Meme of mine with just 4 questions to answer. I hope you do this one along with me.

My Personal Preferences

1.  Quiet evening at home or Out on the town?: Quiet evening at home most of the time but when I have the chance or ways and means, I enjoy being out on the town. To me "out on the town" means going out to dinner and visiting family.

2.  Watch a movie or read a good book?: Both, depending on my mood and sometimes both at the same time. I used to average 1-2 books a week but have cut it down to a book every other week and many more in the movie category.

3.  Order a meal or cooking one yourself?: Again, depending on my mood I like either. I like to cook and I like to "be served" my dinner in a good restaurant.

4.  Going for a walk or taking a ride in the car?: When I was able to, I loved to go for long walks and hikes, today out of necessity and poor body it would be a ride in the car driven by others as I don't drive anymore.

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NOTE:  Painting by William Kay Blacklock (1872-1922) British Painter. titled "A Quiet Read".

Thought For The Day

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Until the next time dear family and friends be blessed

Just A Small Post For Today

Here's an Unconscious Mutterings meme for today. I haven't done this in awhile and It's fun and all you do is answer with the first thought that comes to your mind for each question. Usually one word answers will do.


I say ... and you think ...?

1.  Referral ~ Slip

2.  Stressed ~ Out

3.  Apply ~ Yourself

4.  Inched ~ Out

5.  Zipper ~ Up

6.  Plaid ~ Skirt

7.  Issues ~ And Answers

8.  Orange ~ Juice

9.  Cream ~ Cheese

10.  Finish ~ Your Dinner!

Now you try either on your own blog or answer here in comments.
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This one was too easy for me 😌 I can't wait to see your answers. Not much more to add today and so until the next time dear family and friends, have a day of blessings.

Let's Give Honor Where Honor Is Due

A Special Yearly Post. God bless all Veterans on this special day who gave their all. The wounded, deceased and living. My heartfelt and deepest thanks.

Friday Foto Friends ~ Elena's Sunrise

My daughter walks the beach many mornings as the before and during sun rises. She is my "beach bum" and "nomad" child. Only kidding  😉😎.. But her sanctuary is the beach, any beach. She took these photos plus many more this past Tuesday morning at Daytona Beach Shore. Here are 3 photos of her's along with a short video she took.

Wednesday's Poetry Day ~ Did You Ever

Wrote this one on Sunday because the song "It Must Be Him" has been hanging around my head the past few days and it's driving me nuts 😝😣

Did You Ever

Did you ever have a kind of day
When a song is stuck in your mind
And no matter what you try to do
It's still playing there you find

You try to sing another tune
And sing it for an hour or two
But once you stop that other one
Comes back again to bother you

There was a time I must admit
I used to love that song before
It cluttered my mind continually
And this has made me very sore

And so I ask again if you had a day
When a song is stuck in your mind
And no matter what you do or say
It's keeps playing there you'll find.

Toni Taddeo ©
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Quote Of The Day

"I’ve concluded, after many years, that my mind works by process of elimination.
Problem is, it hasn’t eliminated anything yet." ~Robert Brault,  😇~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Until the next time dear family and friends, have a day of blessings.

Monday's Recipe

Around this time every year I usually post recipes on Monday and for this week I thought I'd post another great apple cake one for you to see or copy to make for yourself and your family for the coming holidays.

Amazing Apple Cake
Ingredients

1 1/4 cups white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 1/2 cups chopped apples

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F ~ 165 degrees C ~

In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and baking soda. Add the eggs, oil and vanilla, mix well. Add the apple, mix until all of the apples are evenly coated. Pour into a 9x9 inch pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Serve warm or cool.
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Thought For The Day

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Until the next time dear family and friends, have a day of blessings