A Winter's Day in Coosada

Currently?

Outside my Window …

It's been raining (hard) for 3 days and nights now.  These are the times I almost wish we had cats instead of two spoiled dogs that hate getting their  paws wet. 

In The Kitchen

So, the other day I fried up a skillet of Mesquite-flavored pork medallions, onion and garlic … and threw the whole thing in a bath of (low-sodium) beef broth.   'Added half a cup of (hot) Hatch chile and a bag of baby carrots and set the slow cooker to brew overnight.  Soooo good!   Tom and I took turns wandering to the kitchen with our spoons; the whole thing was gone in 2 days!   I wanted to do the whole shebang over again the next day, but it was yesterday before we found another Mesquite pork loin.  I'm going to miss enjoying these hearty stews come summer.  

Watching and Listening 

Oh man, I love our little town's Post Office!  I needed to bring something inside to weigh last week and overheard:

"Hey there, Miz *****.  How's your grandma doing?"

Another, discussing folks who'd recently lost a loved one:

"All's we can do is love them through it."

And my personal favorite:  

When I asked the clerk, "How are you today?" she replied,

"I can't complain sugar.  There's only one of you and I prefer a larger audience."  (lol)

Feeling

Concerned.  Tom's suffered from 'trigger finger' for a few years, but lately the pain's become really acute and has spread to his thumb and across the palm.  I found an arthritis glove at Walgreens and he's been applying this Arnicare gel (thank you, Sandra!)   We saw his V.A. doc Friday who prescribed a pain reliever and ordered x-rays.  Unfortunately, the Rx hasn't done a thing.  He was in so much pain this morning he couldn't accompany me to church.  'So hope her referral to an orthopedic doctor comes sooner rather than later!

PS - The doctor is also ordering a bone scan of Tom's back since he hasn't been able to lay down on the bed for the last several weeks and has to sleep sitting up.  If you've any prayers to spare, they're sure appreciated!

Grateful for

Each and every one of you!  It may sound redundant, but I can't recall (nor do I want to) what life was like before I met y'all!

I suppose it's only natural to feel a little nostalgic at the close of each calendar.  Oh, but what opportunities lay ahead!  One thing I'm sure of, we're gonna get through it together!

From me, to you … 

Happy New Year … be safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Red n' White Medley

….  Ain't got time for the Blues!

National Candy cane Day is observed across the United States each year on December 26.  In 1944, a recipe for a straight peppermint candy stick was published -- white with colored stripes.  However, some stories tell of all white candy sticks in much earlier times.  There are folklore tales of the origin of the candy cane; yet, there is no documented proof of its real beginning.  It has been mentioned in literature since 1866 and was first known to be mentioned in association with Christmas in 1874.  As early as 1882, candy canes have been hung on Christmas trees.

This week Terri asks …

Are there candy canes left in your house right now? Uh-uh.  Did you hang some on your tree?  Nope.  Do you even like them? Not especially.  Do you? 

Without a graphic, today is also National Thank-You Note Day!  I like receiving that thank-you note in the mail for a gift I have given.  Are you good about getting thank-you notes in the mail after Christmas (or any occasion calling for a note?)

That's a sweet sentiment, but I fear it's going the way of the Rolodex.  I'd rather see someone's face, get a hug … even hear their voice across the miles.  

('Suspect my mom's up there shaking her head, "Where did I go wrong?")

How are you feeling on this day after Christmas?  Tired, let down, still glowing?  I  have felt all of those at one time or another; and sometimes, all of them at once!  Tell us about it.

Tired?   Yes …but in a good way.  I was so concerned about over-sleeping and not getting the roast on in time, I woke up at 2:57!  Ugh.

Let down?  Not at all!  A little amused; mostly blessed.

Still glowing?

Yes!  Here's a quote from one of Sean of the South's books which resonated:

"Most folks are so busy looking for nuclear explosions, they miss out on a good campfire."

(BTW, if you're a fan of his and subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, the download of his short stories is free!)

It is 'tradition' to leave the tree and decorations up until after January 6th, to honor the Epiphany.  Will your boxes be packed and put away until next year?  Are you, like me, thinking about doing it right now? 

I'm good leaving everything 'as is' through Epiphany.  
There's little to put away, and I've become accustomed to the warm glow on these long dark nights.

Looking ahead to New Year's Eve, do you have plans?  

Unfortunately, no.  We'll be good to make it 'til midnight before our eyes slam shut.  I still grow a wistful remembering mid-70's dress-up affairs.  Each year the individual chapters of Beta Sigma Phi would gather for a formal gala at Abilene's Civic Center.

Have you ever celebrated big in New York's Time Square? Would you even want to be there?

  Absolutely not!  I hate crowds.  The NYPD certainly has more to worry about than a senior citizen experiencing a panic attack. 

Tell us something random about your week so far!

Reflecting with a smile....

Christmas Eve morning we took a ride to a nearby hotel/casino to experience their amazing decorations.  

Old St. Nick stepped out for a smoke break, so Tom stepped in!

Isn't this a thoughtful amenity at the check-in/out desk?

We're not gamblers, but because we signed up for the Players Club they presented both of us complimentary food vouchers.   We each ordered the steak and eggs and were pleasantly surprised when the waiter delivered our plates containing a huge piece of delicious prime rib.  (I wanted to lick my plate clean, but thought that might be in bad taste.  LOL.)

Candlelight services at our little church was really nice.  A young girl sang 'Silent Night' in a shaky, seriously off-key voice … so endearing!  I wanted to scoop her up in a big hug - but settled for applauding along with everyone else.  

This little light of mine!  (*far right, smile*)

Yesterday was the best Christmas I've enjoyed in years and years ... with Troy, Lois and the grands.  As usual, my DIL prepared so much delicious food -- including my first taste of real cornbread dressing.  (Heck, I may not have been born in the South, but I'm trying my darnedest to catch-up!)

Molly Jane and Annie Kay

I put my cell phone on 'selfie' mode and we were all screaming at it, "Smile!"  Cracking up!  Poor thing was so confused by the unfamiliar voice prompts!

* * *

I hope to be back in a few days to wish y'all a Happy New Year!  Meanwhile, please try and stay safe.  I've grown accustomed to your smiles!

Hugs,

Myra

Christmas Nostalgie

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas …

… just like the ones I used to know!

(Los Alamos, ca. 1963)

Look closely!  Yep, it's the same dog.

Myra 1950 … son Troy 1970


1953

The first "Me, too" moment?  (lol)

Ugh … I seriously loathed that piano.

So there a more than a few conspicuous gaps between these photos.  Save yearbooks, records of my teen years perished in a flooded garage.  Even then, my friends and I never once considered recording Every.Single.Minute of our lives.  Crazy to consider in this age, isn't it?

1980, Bartow

Dad, mom, Ellen & Jack McGlothin ...

Toasting the new year.  Sadly, none of us would have suspected this was my father's last Christmas.

1981, Port Charlotte, FL

My dad had been gone only a couple of weeks, but mother put aside her grief to be sure Troy had a nice Christmas.

A year later, smiles came a little more easily.  Wasn't she lovely?

Heart-dog Caraleigh.  Tom later commented about her red sweater, "She looks like a tamale with eyes."

Some favorite humans … 

a 'few' years ago.

It doesn't hang from a tree branch … but this book is my favorite ornament.  The inscription inside reads, "Good wishes to Evelyn from your SS Teacher, Mrs. Jensen, 1926." 

But wait!  
Before I go, another poser…

"What is your favorite Christmas decoration in your home?"

(The tree doesn't count!)

Don't like that one?  
OK, how about …

We've had, what?  4 weeks, 5 of non-stop Christmas music?  Think carefully!  
"If you were playing 'Name That Tune', which Christmas song do you think you could identify in the least number of notes?"

Wishing each of you and your loved ones a most blessed Christmas!  Be safe!

Hugs,

An (almost) Yuletide Medley

Thank you, Terri!

Wednesday, December 19 is National Hard Candy Day!   So, the first question today is to ask if you enjoy hard candy, especially the kind we usually see this festive time of year?  What is your favorite?  

Weird, perhaps … but I've always been overly concerned about choking on hard candy.  Nevertheless, I'm calling dibs on the Butter-Rum!

Which hard candy brings up the best memories for you, if any?

While daddy was living, my mother always made (his mother's) candy.  I can still visualize her standing at the kitchen counter cutting little pieces, then wrapping them in waxed paper, twisting the ends.  Traditionally our paper-boy, the pastor and friends would each receive a Christmas tin filled with that candy.  (Yes, my dad and I were careful to save plenty for ourselves to last the winter!)   

Click to enlarge if you'd like.

My favorite was the anise, but it can also be made with peppermint.

Holiday shopping!  Are you finished?

Well, I thought so yesterday.  Then I went to wrap one of Chloe's gifts and discovered a stain.  Dang!

If you could spend an entire day in just one store, which one would it be and why?

Barnes & Noble!
Books, periodicals, coffee … and comfy seating areas throughout.   Did I mention books?

What holiday dessert describes you and why?

I don't know that it's not too old-fashioned to be featured at one's holiday table … but I'm going with an egg custard pie:  Not too rich or fancy.  Ordinary.  Besides it matches my hair.  LOL!

What is your least favorite holiday side dish?

Yams.  (Shudder!)

Now be real!  There is one on almost every tree.  What is the ugliest tree ornament you have ever seen?

Unless it was crafted by a little child, I'm not fond of anything glittery, overly ornate.  I'm not a fan of 'bling.'

Tell us something random about your week!

'Pretty sure I need to re-examine my true feelings about part-time employment.  I've answered 2 or 3 on-line ads, but go figure!  The one I was called in to interview recently was almost laughable.   On the plus side, the office manager and I hit it off immediately.  Unfortunately, she's not willing to pay more than $9/hr. and expects 38 hours a week (including all day each Saturday, non-negotiable).

  Color me humming, "There will come an answer, let it be."



And on that note, I'm wishing y'all a stress-less day!
Stay safe out there!

Hugs,

Myra

    

Currently in Coosada

My steno pad grows thinner and thinner … 

so are the days of our lives.

Happy new week, m'friends!  
Currently?  In no particular order, I'm …..


Grateful for …

My amazing family!   Yesterday son and DIL hosted Sarah and Josh's official wedding reception.  Rather than a sit-down affair, there were food-and-beverage stations throughout the roomy first floor … poppy seed chicken, pasta, sliders and appetizers galore.  And desserts!  Oh my, y'all.

Love how she uses fleece blankets as table covers

Tom stationed himself at the spinach dip, practically for the duration! (*smile*)   We learned that Lois takes two ready-made containers, then adds a container of sour cream and a packet of dry soup mix.  So good!

'Someone' can't believe he ate so much!

Feeling …

Amused.

When blog-friend Stacy mentioned her friend gifting little olive trees, my imagination caught fire.  Away to the Internet!

Unfortunately, the price-point for itty-bitty, 3" trees was more than I felt comfortable spending (Crate + Barrel $69.95).

Tucked that away for another day! … only to learn Lois already has several, thriving olive trees around their home.  Me-who-knows-nothing about fauna 'n flora was flabbergasted she paid but $15.95!

What's neat?  She gave me an (early Christmas) olive tree of my very own!

  

I love it! 

Listening to …

Do you hear what I hear?

So, the other day Tom and I stopped by a nearby café.  Adjacent to our booth, several real estate agents were chatting.  Loudly.  About another agent (ours, actually!) as well as their annoying clients.  

(Wondering if they'd not already been enjoying the office eggnog?)

Like it was yesterday, I remember my sales manager cautioning 'the troops' to curb our voices while in public.  "While you might not know anyone around you, don't forget what a small world we live in."  Great advice, no? 

Outside my Window …

Yes, I'm still obsessed with leaves!

In the Kitchen …

Having married into a Hispanic family, Tom's daughter learned early-on the art of making good tamales.  He loves them, and for a few days was wistful, reminiscing about Nanette's, as well as something called Tom-Tom's in Chicago.   Tom-Tom's doesn't offer on-line deliveries, and I wasn't about to try and learn.  (*smile*)  Next thing you know, while on Facebook I discovered Texas Lone Star Tamales. 

(Actually, the little gremlins who live in my computer discovered me.)

I ordered a case of the 'meat lovers' and so far so good.  From the way he was chowing down the other night, I think they're a success!

Pondering …

During this morning's service Pastor Janet mentioned this being the 50th anniversary of a Charlie Brown Christmas.   She asked, "How many of you noticed that moment when Linus dropped his security blanket?"   (Even I know, Linus never drops that blanket!) 

"In that climactic scene when Linus shares 'what Christmas is all about' he drops his security blanket.  Most telling, the specific moment he drops it, when he utters the words, 'fear not.'"  Goosebumps!

Dropping a security blanket is hard, y'all!  Hours later, I'm pondering what I need to drop in the new year.

  

A Photo to Share …

Loving my grands, Sarah and Molly Jane

Looking Forward to …

Hearing your answers!

(From The Christmas Conversation Piece)

You must choose between Christmas caroling for a children's hospital or a convalescent home.  Which one would you choose?  Why?

Thank you so much for visiting!  Please stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Ding-A-Ling ..... It's Wednesday!

Another Wednesday, already!   Thank you, Terri, for facilitating this Medley each week!  I'm pretty sure coming up with these posers is harder than it seems.

* * *

Without further ado ….

National Ding-A-Ling Day is observed across the United States each year on December 12.  (And why am I just now hearing about this?)   Ding-A-Lings on this day call the people they haven't heard from in a while.  It may be an old classmate, co-worker or neighbor from years ago.  Or perhaps, a call will go out to the child who used to mow your grass during the summer.  How about that couple who carpooled for soccer?  

There are all sorts of people in our lives who manage to slip out of our lives … who would love to hear the ding-a-ling from you or me.

So tell us, who do you want to call?

Like Terri, I'm blessed to have reconnected on Facebook with folks from almost all walks of my life!  

But to answer your question? No, I'd be loathe to pick up the phone and call someone without knowing their circumstances.  Aside from family, I won't call anyone (even my BF!) without first checking to see if it's convenient, if they're in a 'good' place to visit.  Already, most folks' lives are so chaotic (that) they cherish their privacy.

Each year on the 12th day of December people across the United States recognize National Poinsettia Day.  Terri's including this national day, too, because her neighbor's poinsettia from last year is blooming beside their house!  Have you ever tried to plant a poinsettia outside?

Nope.  'Can't say I'm fond of poinsettias.  But my former in-laws had a glorious patch growing in their backyard.

Jack McGlothin & Ad Willer (daddy)

1980, Bartow, Florida 

Do you believe in Big Foot?  (I don't think so … but I wouldn't rule it out!)   What size shoe do you wear and do you have trouble shoe shopping?

Depending on the manufacturer, I'm an 8-1/2 or a 9.  Because one foot is slightly larger than the other, I've been known to stuff an old piece of nylon stocking in the toe of the left shoe.  Unfortunately, shoes are something I can't purchase online so mine will be literally falling apart before I go out to retail-land.

Does anyone remember the fluoroscopes machines which measured your foot?  My girlfriend's daddy owned a shoe store in Los Alamos and we kids loved popping into Hall's to x-ray our feet!

What is the one thing you refuse to share?

I can't imagine refusing to share anything!  

(Well, maybe my garlic popcorn....)

Are you find that this Christmas is stressful?   More or less than last year?

Absolutely not!  With one exception, I've nothing to mail; and I'm no longer obligated to attend artificial, insincere get-togethers.  Pretending is hard work, y'all!

Tell us something random about your week so far!

Ooooh man!  I had the best time yesterday!  Some of y'all may remember Ca$hJocky and the Old Salt (blog)?   For a myriad of health-related challenges, Rita ceased blogging some years ago.  Still, they've remained dear friends … so I was thrilled when she PM'd me last week to say they'd be travelling through Montgomery!

Never mind that I'd not laid eyes on them in 9 years!  Sitting around our dining table the conversation felt so warm and easy.  Again, I have to thank Mr. God for introducing me to the wide wonderful world of blogging!

Would you look at the goodies they brought us?

This hand-crafted cutting board pinpoints their home (Washington, MO), and the backside contains an embedded penny, reflecting the year it was made!

Blessed!

I know I vowed to close each December post with a holiday-related question, but I've yakked long enough ... and this is Terri's party after all.

It's beginning to feel … 

ya, it is!  Stay safe!

Hugs,
Myra