Category: Thought of the Day

So, we were lounging in bed this morning and my husband said, “Remember watching cartoons on Saturday mornings?” Well, I certainly do, and I have a feeling you do too. That’s when cartoons were awesome. Bugs Bunny, Roadrunner, Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, and The Jetsons just to name a handful of the greats.

But there comes a time when we grow up. I recall reaching an age when I felt I was too old to watch cartoons. I honestly can’t remember what age that was, but I felt I was definitely done with them. Then came the hard part. Trying to figure out what adults do on Saturday mornings if they don’t indulge in the fun.

The first couple of Saturday mornings were challenging as I searched for alternatives to viewing. I eventually noted that my parents were always reading the newspaper. I figured I’d give it a try. So, I read the comics. It didn’t dawn on me that I was merely trading one cartoon for another, but there was one plus side. I started looking at the paper which, over time, led to me reading it cover to cover.

But I still enjoy the comics…

Stay groovy…

–Susie

One of my favorite times of year is when we have our annual family reunion. I come from a very large family, so with siblings, spouses, children and grandchildren, we have quite the crowd. We are spread throughout the country, so we don’t always have the opportunity to gather during the year. But we can always count on one weekend in the summer to meet up and catch up…

We come together each year at the Hilton in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Between the beach, the pool, the tiki bar, the hospitality suite, and family dinners, we have plenty of places to visit with each other. We talk about what is going on in our life now and reminisce about the past. And we laugh…oh how we laugh…

I recommend a family reunion no matter how large or small your group is. Life is short, and these opportunities to connect are so valuable…And a shout out to my sister, Tammy, who plans our reunion each year!!

Stay groovy…

–Susie

So, I had to go for some blood work today, and I found myself pondering why I am always so nervous beforehand. It’s not as though it would be my first time. I get blood work done at least every six months. It never hurts, and the phlebotomist is always very kind and gentle.

Yet, I still get that nearly nauseated feeling as I prepare to go. My heart beats quickly as I enter the diagnostic center, and my palms get sweaty as the moment of the stick approaches. But afterwards, I always think about how easy it was as I thank the phlebotomist.

How about you? Do you get uptight before a procedure that is rather routine and quite simple and, if so, which one?

Stay groovy…

–Susie

So, we went to lunch yesterday at a lovely pub known as The Brass Tap in Waterford Lakes, Orlando. It specializes in craft beer, but also carries a decent selection of wine including a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. (My personal favorite type of wine.) Stef enjoyed a couple of recommended beer choices. Then why, you may wonder, do I call this blog “Cheese”? Well, that was the theme of our meal…

We are fans of cheese curds, and if they appear on the menu, we give them a try. These cheese curds may go down as the best we’ve ever had. Excellent mozzarella flavor and not too much breading. And you could just taste that they use clean oil, a priority for good curds. The happy hour special was a cheese flat bread, so we thought, “Why not?” Five savory cheeses on a fresh flat bread. Yum! I liken this meal to a makeshift sort of cheese board. And I love a good cheese board.

So, if you’re in the Waterford Lakes area, check out The Brass Tap. You won’t be disappointed…

Stay groovy…

–Susie

Happy Independence Day! I’m working this year, so no barbeque for me. While this holiday is so much fun for so many with family gatherings and fireworks, don’t forget to watch out for our fluffy friends. You see, fireworks scare the dickens out of my dog. Lilly will curl up tight as a ball next to one of us as she shivers in fear. So, if you are compelled to light fireworks, make it quick so our fur babies aren’t thrown into a continual state of terror. And please, be safe!

Stay groovy…

–Susie

So, it’s been about a month since my last post. Please pardon my absence, but things got pretty busy around her for a while.

Today, it happened: My Publix supermarket started using the self-checkout system. I never thought I’d see the day. Do you remember when Publix was closed on Sunday, “…so they could spend time with their families and better serve us Monday through Saturday…” went the commercial? That was back in the 70s and early 80s. It’s actually easier to have Publix open seven days a week. But self-checkout? I wasn’t ready for that.

Well, the lines for regular checkout were long, and we only had a few items, so Stef and I gave self-checkout a try. The Publix employee was there with a smile to help us with any problems we may have. We scanned in items, paid, and we were out of there. It was fairly easy and also convenient. I guess I’ll use it again.

It’s 2022, change happens, I just have to be willing to keep up with it…

Stay groovy…

–Susie

Do you remember getting pinched for not wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day? I do, and it was ridiculous. Why should I have to wear green? I’m not even Irish…

Stay groovy…

–Susie

So, I had to drive through an unfamiliar area on Friday to attend a funeral. I wanted to avoid taking the dreaded I-4 which my GPS would so strongly encourage. I called my brother-in-law, Bob, for directions as he is an expert at getting around Orlando, and he gave me amazing directions. They were directions that anyone could navigate…except me! You see, I still managed to get lost, even with those excellent directions and a GPS. I eventually found my way to my destination and even managed to grab the last available parking spot.

After the service, it was time for the difficult task of finding my way home. I could have called Bob, who is always willing to help, but I didn’t. In fact, I didn’t even turn on my GPS. I’ve lived in Orlando for 10 years, surely, I could use logic and my questionable sense of direction to figure out how to get home. So, I did…north, south, east, west…Which way do I need to go? Yes, east. Then I looked for a major road that would connect to the 408 (a major, busy road which I was not opposed to taking). Found it! Then, BOOM, I was home! I did it! It’s amazing where a little logic, confidence, and good old-fashioned luck can bring you…

Stay groovy…

–Susie

Dillon Helbig, 8, came up with a great way to get his handwritten and illustrated book read. He slipped it on a bookshelf in his local library. The story called “The Adventures of Dillon Helbig’s Crismis” (his spelling of “Christmas”) is now a permanent part of the Ada Community Library in Boise, Idaho.

Apparently, the librarian found the book tucked away, read it, and loved it! She passed it on to another and word of Helbig’s book spread. There’s now a waiting list to read it of 135. I have a book that will be published soon. Maybe this 8-year-old is onto something…

Stay groovy…

–Susie

As Ethan and I chatted in the car while waiting for his work time to begin, we observed an eagle in serious flight. It flew and then glided back and forth…back and forth…It finally picked up a twig from a nearby tree. It then made its way back to a cell phone tower and landed on the top. After a time, the eagle repeated this path grabbing another small branch and returning to its home. It was obviously building a nest for its family.

It made me think about all of the things we do for our families. Luckily, we don’t have to build a home one twig at a time, but we work long hours to pay the mortgage. We keep that home clean, cook dinners for our families, raise kids, read stories, attend soccer games to just name a few things. All of this for the love of family. We coast along and work little by little, bit by bit, just like the eagle building its nest.

As I thought about family, I recognized that we have so much in common with this eagle. We may be of a different species, but when it comes down to it, family is important to us all…

Stay groovy…

–Susie