Just Stuff

G'afternoon friends,

... Thanks for dropping by!

I'm seriously stunned how quickly the calendar's spinning.  And yet, I'm still feeling a bit rudderless.   Maybe this is normal?  I don't know.  'Must keep reminding myself how often I used to dream of these days.

I think y'all have heard me rave about my DIL's eclectic décor ... much of which was discovered at estate sales.  So, per Lois' recommendation I signed up to receive e-mail notifications.  Sure enough, early Friday morning we happened onto I-65 south.

Having made more trips to Goodwill than we care to admit, I had to shake my head at the irony.   What's that saying about one man's trash is another's treasure?   What the hey, it's an adventure!

No fan of big cities, I wasn't so sure what Google-girl was thinking when she directed us to an exit close to downtown ...  nearby structures reminiscent of a Williams play. 

Then, watching the little blue dot on my phone, I had to smile. Names like Zelda Road, Gatsby Court, Gatsby Lane ... yes, even Fitzgerald.  Belatedly, I remembered a tray Lois treasures that once belonged to the Mrs. herself.   Only skipping distance from I-85, we found ourselves in a lovely cloistered neighborhood.  Shoot, I was guessing even the grass seed was pedigreed. 

While I didn't see any little side tables or an affordable china cabinet, there were many modesty-priced items ..... and a couple of must-have's. 

6 linen napkins and a matching dishtowel for $1!

My favorite $5 find! 

This throw pillow so compliments our 'hand-me-down' (guest) room ... I'll have to show you one of these days!

# # #

Saddened to learn my BF's mother passed away on Friday.  While it wasn't unexpected -- and her mom hadn't been in her right mind for months -- my heart hurts for Deb.

So, somewhere during our 2-hour conversation yesterday -- peppered with giggles nevertheless -- I raised the question of an estate sale.  Neither Debbie or her sister are much interested in the multitude of German steins, period furnishings and other treasures:  "My mother believed some of it was valuable, but I wonder if that wasn't just sentiment talking."  

To be honest - like my son - I find it hard to shake the 'feels' while at an estate sale ... wondering what ordinary objects were loved beyond reason?

I may not love all of my mother's left-behind's, but have begun incorporating some into my everyday  ...

Grandma Hanson's sugar bowl and creamer.

One of several handmade potholders -- turned mug rug ..... as familiar as the nose on my face. 

In the end, it's just stuff. 

(But right now, it makes my heart happy.)

Have a happy sort of day, won't you?  Be safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Friday Letters, postmark April 27

Dear April at CxxxE Bank,

I'm terribly delinquent in writing to you ... what's it been, 3 months?  Still, if anyone's blood pressure benefits from my experience, it will have been worth recapping.

You know, I'm a bit OCD checking my bank account every day ... sometimes twice.   So when I discovered 4 random charges to Uber, my pulse quickened.  I reached out.  

"My PIN?  My password?"   Um, that was 15 years ago; "No, I'm sorry; I don't recall."   

I sensed your eye roll, but appreciated your reassuring tone. 

Plan B?  OK.  Dutifully, I answered your security questions; I was in good hands.  Then you asked: "Can you confirm the name of the passenger for whom you purchased a one-way ticket to Costa Rica this morning?"

Gasp. Sputter. Shriek.   "April, that wasn't me!  You've got to cancel that! You must stop this!  Now!"   Close to hyperventilating, I heard you say, "Oh, don't worry, that was just a test."    

Sorry, April.  I don't like your tests, and I don't much like you right now. 

# # #

Dear Tom,

You know how I feel about the overgrowth and vacant multi-acre parcel that borders our parking pad.

So, when our security light inexplicably died you wasted no time getting a new bulb. 

Unfortunately, the sun set and rose again with no illumination.  Another trip, to procure a timing cap.  Nada.  

A trip to the attic to check the wiring.  Zilch.

"Sure is dark out there."

Fortunately, you took the new bulb back to the store to be tested.  Turns out, they sold you the wrong (non-vapor) bulb.

Do you know how much $$$ you saved us, stopping me from calling an electrician?  

# # #

Dear Coosada Policeman,

Does it grow boring, travelling the same circuit day after day, after day?  

Because we retirees have nothing better to do (lol), Tom's been observing your pass-by each morning about 9 ... your dutifully making a right turn into the adjoining subdivision ... and out again a few minutes later ... then west onto Airport Boulevard.

Granted.  I've probably watched too much television, but seems your predictability could make a home invasion look easy-peasy.

# # #

Dear Kelli,

Like it was yesterday, I remember the day you began cutting my hair -- then announced plans to move to Dallas.  Would I like to have your bedspread and pillows ... free-for-nothing?

Never mind that our old mattress is desperately uncomfortable ..... for the first time in my life I've become a real Nerd about the appearance of our bedroom.  

I relocated a complimentary print that used to hang above the couch, but two windows remained bare.  (Imagine undressing in the bathroom, then slithering to bed like a cat burglar!)  

We'd about decided to purchase some burgundy (75% off!) drapes at Target, but hated the idea of having to shorten them.   A little while later - while waiting in the Lowe's parking lot - my cell rang.   Tom:  "You'd better get in here and look at these drapes."

Granted, they're not an exact match, but I'm loving it.

..... and to think it all started with your generosity!

# # #

Dear Troy and Lois,

Do y'all know how great it felt to have you call, asking if y'all couldn't drop by?

... and when you arrived with this canvas of the girls, I felt like it was Christmas and my birthday all over again.  (Tom's since hung it above my desk, but I wanted to show my nice friends we discovered grandma's quilt!)

It's beginning to feel a lot like Sweet Home Alabama!

Have a great weekend, all!  Be safe!

Hugs,
Myra 

  

Water Cooler Wednesday: White Elephants

Happy Secretary's Day to you, too!

I remember 50's and 60's sitcom episodes devoted to 'bad' gifts, don't you?  What to do about the White Elephant?

Oh, I'm not talking about macaroni necklaces or lumpy ceramic ashtrays -- which still occupy a special place in our hearts and our hope chests.

No.  I'm remembering those occasions you're left scratching your head: "What were they thinking?"

... or even the dreaded obligatory gift.

Don't we all have a little Sincerity Meter in our heads?  (Rather, an Insincerity Meter?)

This morning I'm thinking of a parting gift from my GM and AGM ... a crystal-embedded pen, so bling-y (i.e., ugly) it defies description.

Sorely tempted to leave it behind, Tom supposed they'd think I simply forgot it and mail it.   Thankfully, Grand #1 was pleased to have it!

So, today's poser ... I'd love to hear! 

What's the worst gift you've ever received?

What did you do with it? 

Have a happy Wednesday ... and be safe!

Hugs from Coosada,

Myra

  

Spring-y Hodgepodge!

Color me tickled to join with Joyce n' friends once more!

Three things on your spring bucket list?  (If you don't have an actual list that's fine ... pretend you do.)

I've pretty much abandoned getting completely organized before 2019, but off the top of my head I'd like to ...

1. Take a road trip to visit my BF in Florida -- and meet some Very Special bloggers along the way.
2. Find a new church home ... hopefully, one with a music ministry in which Tom can participate.   
3. Rebuild a sense of purpose by fostering a hobby (tbd!!!) or a part-time job.

Where do you find rest?

Literally?  Since our move, it's found me! 

I don't ever recall sleeping so soundly, so often. 

What restores your soul?

Some may be weary of my extolling Sean of the South  ... but there you go; I'm OK with that.  

Beginning my day with a cup of strong French Roast and Sean's column affects my mindset more than many a sermon.  When updating my blog bio, I realized words like 'chameleon' and 'cynic' no longer fit.    

When was the last time you did whatever it was you answered here?

Every morning!

April is National Celery Month.  Who knew?  Do you like celery?  

Not especially.  Those 'strings' are annoying.

What's your favorite dish made with celery?

Tom's egg salad.  It's seriously yummy!

On a veggie and dip platter which would you reach for first? -- Carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumbers or cherry tomatoes?

Let's go for the carrot ... heavy on the dip, please.  I'm all about the ka-runch -- without a surprise squirt (cherry tomatoes).

I read here 8 things to do before 8am to make your day less hectic:  Start one load of laundry, drink water, empty the dishwasher, read your Bible, know what you're having for dinner, get dressed, brain dump (two lists -- one that you're thankful for and one what's weighing on your mind) and after the brain dump, make your to-do list for the day.  How many of these are you currently doing? 

In an effort to cut back on our electric bill, a while back I began doing a load of laundry when I'd wake at 4 -- when the house was coolest.  'Hope I'm never so lazy (or infirm) that I forget to get dressed!  I'm a compulsive list maker.

Which one do you think would help the most if you added it to your early morning routine? 

Drinking water.  Unfortunately, that's taken a back-seat to coffee.  But because I'm all about gimmicks - and water just seems to taste better from glass - this just came to live with me.

Describe the view from your window.

Macie and Grace have become champion squirrel sentries!

Insert your own random thought here.

Hugs ... stay safe!

Myra

Some Gotta Win, Some Gotta Lose .....

G'morning from (just inside) Coosada, Alabama!

(Click to enlarge)

Things have begun to fall in place, yes ...

God Bless America, indeed!

..... but there's so much remaining I'm struggling not to feel overwhelmed.   Well, that and I'm still trying to grasp the fact we're under no deadline.  

Tom's been a huge help, replacing everything from the lock sets ... to toilet seats ... to reinstalling the dishwasher.  The first time I went to load, it tipped forward and I feared the whole thing would topple onto the floor!    

We've few pictures hung.  Tom accuses me of having wonky equilibrium.  In turn, I strongly suggested his level is defective. 

ANYway!  Because my bathroom scale died along the way, I declared Month #1 a food holiday. 

So far, I've probably consumed my body weight in Conecuh sausage, DIL's green-bean casserole and deep-fried onion rings!

And grits! Any other fans in Blogville? 

Because we like to patronize small, mom-and-pop establishments, it was unusual that our first choice to breakfast 'out' was a New York-style deli.   When my omelet arrived, it was accompanied by a generous serving of grits -- a pleasant but otherwise ordinary side.  Wouldn't you agree?  Sort of like Susan Boyle, prior to her having been discovered.   Well, one bite and the Hallelujah Chorus began playing in my head.   Verily!

What's so cute is watching Tom absorb the genuine friendliness we've encountered.  When our server (above) thanked us for coming in and said, "Y'all have a blessed day!" we were so touched!   Likewise, the cart caddy at Publix; or the fellow customer at Elmore County's Courthouse.   Folks who've no reason to speak to a stranger but do so anyway ..... those whose eyes echo their smiles.   

Unfortunately, it's not been all been rosy. 

A few years ago Tom applied for health benefits through the V.A.    We were denied for having made too much money (huh!?!) ... but invited to reapply, should our circumstances change.   Well, ya!  

Love this olden building and terrrazo flooring ....  so reminiscent of my grade school!

Fast forward, 2018.  When 2 weeks passed and we'd not heard from the V.A., my son suggested we reach out to the Veterans Service Office.  Our rep's a caring sort of fellow, but it looks like we're in the same leaky boat.  The V.A. made their determination to deny benefits based on last year's income - not our present circumstances.  He suggested we could make a separate claim for Tom's hearing loss and, in fact, filed the claim on our behalf while we waited.   There's no guarantee, but he says this way at least they have to see Tom and conduct an evaluation.  Praying!

If anyone has good things to say about MediGap insurance policy providers, won't you please point me that direction?  I don't want to exhaust what savings we have paying COBRA premiums!   

Well, there's lots more, better saved for another day.  As ever, thank you so much for visiting, and stay safe, OK?

Hugs from Coosada!

Myra 

The Prodigal Blogger

What?!? 

You mean you didn't get the many posts I've written ..... in my head?  

Easy to wonder why some people don't put out a "Gone Fishing" sign on their blog... more discouraging to realize I went and  did the same thing.

What an adventure!   Tom and I only had to threaten one another with eviction on two occasions.   I'm not going to bore y'all with all the dirty details ..... but let's jus' say I won't be quashing my own instincts anytime soon.  

M'friends, if ever given a choice, do not opt to travel Interstate 10 (v. I-20).  Ever!   Were it not dark and (me) ready to burst into tears, I'd have shared the roadside sign outside Lake Charles: "Road Construction next 538 miles." 

Call me obsessive/compulsive!  Nor will I fail to make room reservations ahead of time.   Day #2:  Having travelled 557 miles, neither of us counted on Fort Stockton, Texas (aka, middle of nowhere) having no vacancies.

Two circuits 'round the city, we were faced with a) driving another 312 miles to San Antonio, or  b) spending the night in the Wal-Mart parking lot alongside a multitude of RVs. 

Just once more?  Thankfully Tom found a Super 8 with one room available for the modest (not!) price of $230/night.  'Never thought I'd fall victim to price gouging, but sleep deprivation makes folks do stupid things.   I'm not convinced we would've arrived alive, had we tried to make it onto San Antonio. 

On the Bright Side, Macie and Grace travelled beautifully on the little platform Tom built behind our seats.  

Whenever put in the car, Grace has always caterwauled and carried on like she was being skinned alive ... but a little egg and sausage biscuit and her own bed did the trick!     

Just as well Tom wanted to get to son's place in 4 days.   I don't even want to know how many violations the car carrier-guy may have violated!   My Camry wasn't picked up in Phoenix until Wednesday, and it arrived piggy-back at 7am Saturday!   Happy 68th Birthday to me!

From son and family

Day after. 

Why, yes.  Yes, I did!  First donuts I consumed in probably a decade.  Good for the soul!

So! 97 boxes more-or-less unpacked ... never mind Macie's diarrhea ..... we're getting sort of settled.  Tom's most unhappy about the way the movers stuffed boxes, willy-nilly in the store-room.   This weekend he discovered his check-book out there, inside a box of nuts, bolts and random tools; last night he brought me a plastic cereal keeper containing a Walkman and my dad's mustache coffee mug.  I'm praying the quilt my mother made is going to be discovered sometime soon.  It's a process, for sure.    

I've already purchased knee-high rubber boots ... not necessarily  snake-proof, but close enough to settle my nerves when I step out back.   A weather radio's on the short list.   Not sure which -- snakes or tornados -- is more terrifying, but deep down, I'm ridiculously happy to be HERE.

For the first time in 24 years I was able to celebrate Easter with my family!

  DIL Lois, Chloe and Sarah

Blessed, I tell ya!

Someone (aka, cranky-pants) is growing impatient, and here I've gone on too long already.  I promise there won't be any 5-week 'fishing' expeditions from now on!

Hugs from Coosada!

Myra