Egg(lettes), (big) Fish and Coffee Light

Good morning!  My name is Myra and I'm a sucker for gadgets.  You know, those things that spin and whirl and guarantee to enrich my otherwise ordinary life.

It's no secret, I enjoy eggs … (likely) more than most.  But, I'm a total FAILURE when it comes to hard-boiling and peeling them all pretty-like.

Enter Egglettes!  Despite the poor reviews, I wanted to believe.

… but soon realized the naysayers were right.  Those adorable silicone cups bobbed merrily for approximate 2.5 seconds before toppling sideways. Upside down.  Every stinkin' time.

Unwilling to cry "uncle" I improved.   

Not bad

Better

Great fun squeeeeezing

… and pop!

Aside from the little covers being the dickens to screw on, I'd say this was a success!

(And nope, I wasn't paid or prompted by any man, woman or child to write this review.)

* * *

So, the other day Tom asked if I'd like to take a ride.  Unbeknownst to me, we're not even 7 miles away from Jackson Lake Island ...

… the site where Big Fish was filmed.

Shooting blind on account of the mid-day sun. 

 Isn't Ollie adorable?  He and his pals are free to roam the island.

Our Pastor was showing me her family's photos taken at Spectre Jackson Lake last Thanksgiving, so yes ... of course!  I want to coax my 'kids' to do the same. 

* * *

I think many of you know my blog pal, Carol - aka, Buttercup.  Did you know, she's another blog?  Before any more hours elapse, please check out Coffee Light and Mysteries Noir -- where she shares thoughtful and entertaining reviews.  

Easy peasy, y'all!  Just stop over and leave a comment … and be entered for a give-away.

Well, that's all for now!  Have yourselves a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Hugs,

Myra

(Mostly) Black and White Memories

Hi there!   Say, I really appreciate all of your 'yay' votes  re. comments' setting on my last post.  You guys are the best!

I'm tickled to join with Terri's nostalgic meme, Black and White Memories…. or as I like to think, a return to chalkboards, #2 pencils and Show and Tell.

My momma with her grandmother and mother  

Like that splendid song lyric goes, "It must have been cold there in my shadow … you always walked a step behind" … I'm reminded of my sweet mother, how she always put my dad and me ahead of herself.  Silly, trivial memories:

… Mother preparing something called a 'mustard pack' for my dad's chest on those frigid nights he'd return from 3rd shift outpost.

… Rubbing my chest with Vicks Vap-o-Rub, wrapping my throat with a soft blanket remnant, then preparing stove-top 'honey milk.' (or a 'get-well milkshake'  Ha!)

Hard-wired for courtesy, not once did I hear her complain.

A modest sort, she never sought the limelight.  But in her later months whenever we'd wheel her chair around the care facility, she'd always point with obvious pride to her likeness on the wall -- a mural of residents' faces aboard a school bus.

This week it's her turn to shine!

Some of my treasured photos.

Evelyn Myra Hanson (1915-2004)

I still have those tiny leather shoes!

With her parents at their little farm in southwest Minnesota

I wonder if that wasn't the first pedal car … lol

Girls just want to have fun!

Graduation from nursing school, St. Barnabus, Minneapolis.  (Middle row, left.)

When Mother recalled the starry night they (graduates) marched into the church, each holding a candle … why, her face just shone!

Despite growing up on a farm, my mom wasn't particularly wild about animals, certainly not fishing … so I'm guessing young love can make one do just about anything!

WWII sweethearts (Fort Lauderdale)

 Newlywed, first home in Columbia Heights (Minnesota)

Los Alamos resident badge.  I believe it was the mid-50's when the front gates came down, but until then these badges were necessary to enter the city.

ca. 1954

Obviously, not a black-and-white -- but I can't look at this and not laugh.  On the back, Daddy wrote: "Gibraltar: Evelyn with Barbary ape (on the left)"

Another 'not black/white' but this is my all-time favorite photos of she and I, and precious Caraleigh,

For the good times!

* * *

Thanks for accompanying me on this week's sentimental journey!

Smile ... stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

   

  

Currently, in Coosada ...

Good morning!

Currently?

… I'm reading

Visions
The King Tides

 

… Listening (to)

Absolutely nothing.  It's glorious!

… Pondering

Someone suggested I change my (comment) setting from 'embedded' to 'pop-up' -- allowing everyone ease of commenting.  Unfortunately, I discovered (that) that way, it was impossible for me to respond online.

Several of you respond publicly like I (try to) do.  Others not.  Some simply don't have time.  It's all good.

Personally, I enjoy eavesdropping reading other bloggers' commentary, the dialogue.  Almost akin to sitting with friends around the kitchen table.

Are you fine with my present format?  Or, do you prefer I respond privately?  I aims to please!

… Feeling

Curious.  

Does anyone else become annoyed because their faux-Tupperware containers don't dry?  You know, that silly narrow lip around the top?  Mine always retain water, even after sitting in the drainer all day and night. 

… What's in the Kitchen?

The world's ugliest stove.

The burners' tops are irrevocably wobbly, which always begs caution … but I hate to spend the money.

… Grateful (for)

The opportunity to see Sean of the South this weekend.  The acoustics were pretty awful and the olden seats uncomfortable,

 ….. but he was so great! 
Practically every morning I get tears in my eyes from something he's written … but this time my cheeks were wet from laughing so hard.   

And, what a pleasant surprise to meet Jamie!  Before the show began, a familiar-looking lady comes striding down the aisle. Before stopping to think, I go, "Hi Jamie."   Brakes. Brilliant smile.  She thrusts out a hand, "Hey there!"  Super friendly, that brief visit seriously made my night.

… Out my Window

Something different, a reverse glance.

I think the photo in my last post ('where my morning begins') gave the impression I sit outside.  Nope, in our sun room, below … an addition to the home's original brick exterior.  

… Enjoying

My third cup of coffee!

… A Quote to Share

OK, I'm headed off to Wally World now.  Have a great day … be safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Friday Foto Friends

Wow, it's Friday again … already?   Our week has flown … there lots to talk about ... but for now I'm tickled to link up with Deb and friends at Breathing in Grace.

Oh, and thank you so much for your sweet comments about my daddy!  I'm sure he's Up There, just bustin' his buttons. :)

Welcome to my World … 

won't you come on in?

Here's where my day begins … drinking my favorite French Roast and reading your posts.

Grace has taken over the ottoman.

(I think 'cranky-pants' woke up on the wrong side of the bed.)

 Sitting n' sipping … pondering.

(Macie and Grace still enjoy spending time in their little house, but we stopped closing the gate years ago.)

A little later, here's where I enjoy using a real keyboard to comment.

Why yes.  Yes, we did.   

Blog pal Taryterre was so right when she said the Holy Shitake was "to die for"!

"Olive oil and garlic base with shiitake, button and portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and MontAmoré®. Finished with a garlic aioli swirl and a spritz of black truffle oil. Garnished with fresh chives and shaved parmesan."

Finally, an "aw" moment for y'all ...

Meet my new great-grand kitten, Annie Kay.   Sarah and Joshua adopted her after someone discovered her abandoned in an industrial dumpster.  We hear her (canine) sister, Molly Jane, is smitten!.

I hope everyone has a super weekend!  Be safe!

Hugs,

Myra

 

Black and White Memories: Daddy

…. we hardly knew ye.

I think I've written before, expressing regret for all I never knew about my father's early life … questions I never asked.   A couple of years ago my cousin and I tried - in vain - to fill in the gaps of our dads' early lives.   Today someone might tag his family "dysfunctional" … but neither he or his siblings spoke of it. 

Questions remain unanswered. 

I've a photo and certificate commemorating his  graduation from mortuary school … something he never practiced. Puzzled, not being able to recall if he was left handed like me.  Or right.  Heartbreaking to admit, I can't recall his voice.   

… But man!  How he enjoyed having his picture taken!  More than 25 years after his untimely death, I like to think he's up there ... tickled to be spotlighted again.    Thank you, Terri, for this opportunity to share my dad with y'all!

Adolf Biewend Willer 

1912-1981

 With his mother at the Cape (ca. 1913)

East Hampton, outside his father's church

One thing for sure … he loved nice clothing

… a Navy man.  

Rather rakish, don't you think?

A sweetheart … a husband

A security officer (Los Alamos AEC, 1952-1981)

Personal aside:  Some of y'all may have seen a recent episode of CBS' Whistleblower re. security at the National lab.  Obviously, that generated lots of comments on the alumni Facebook group.  One from a classmate whose dad held a similar post:

"If the stuff about the security is true, it’s a far cry from the way it was when my dad worked there. Everything was locked up pretty tight. And lax security would logically lead to people being tempted to take advantage. Those folks are the best and brightest, but they’re also human."

Now abandoned -- the back gate where my father spent many nights with his transistor radio.  As a girl, I remember riding out there with mother to bring him supper.

A traveler in Jordan.

My dad's dream was to see all the world … darn if he didn't nearly make it!

Hands down, his favorite role ...

… being the best Grandfather in the history of ever!

(Yes, I cheated and 'doctored' this to black & white.)

* * *

Thanks for stopping by!

… and if you don't mind - before it's too late - please leave an audio memory for those you love.

We'll chat soon … be safe!

Hugs,

Myra