It's a Spooky Wednesday (Medley)

It's that time again … 

let's play the Medley (aka, 'Terri asks')!

* * *

You're in a horror movie.  Are you the final person left, the first to die, the comic relief, the skeptic, the smart one or the killer?

For a season in my life I once considered my role in the workplace as 'comic relief' …..a diffuser, if you will.  There you go!

While watching scary movies, are you the person who yells at the characters, the person with their eyes covered the whole time or the person who falls asleep?

I'm not a fan or horror/scary movies.  

(Then again, is wine involved?)

Yes, I'm the one shouting at the television screen.

If you were dared to spend the night in a 'haunted house' could you do it?

Yes ...please!

Favorite horror movie or villain?

Here's Johnny!

Favorite horror or Halloween-themed song?

They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky ….

Tell us something random about your week.

Oh man, Kitchen Moron strikes again. 

2 days after our grocery run I went to prepare the 'loose meat' (aka, ground chuck) we'd bought … but couldn't find it.  It wasn't anywhere in the fridge, not in the freezer.  Nada.  Then, right there:  Atop the refrigerator sat a package looking for all the world like a bag of potting soil.

On a brighter note! …..

After much 'cussing-n-discussing' Tom and I agreed to knock down the leaky lean-to and purchase a second portable building to house his riding mower and electric tools.   

When the installers showed up to pre-check the ground site, one thing led to another.  Not only did they offer to tear down the existing lean-to, but they muscled the deck that sat at the rear of our yard ….up to the back of the sun room.   It still needs levelled, sanded, etc., but we're looking forward to spending time out there.

Before

After

* * *

Are you letting your 'inner child' out to play tonight?

Have fun … stay safe!

Halloween hugs!

                                                                                           Myra

    

Ying n' Yang-ing Wednesday's Medley

Terri says …

Here is a medley of questions to answer on your Wednesday Blog.  There aren't any rules and there is no obligation.  

That works for me.  How about you?  

Let's do this!

* * *

On this day in 1908 Bill Murray hit the charts with his "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."  Did you watch the MLB playoffs, and are you watching the World Series?

What, there's a World Series going on?   Sorry, I've never watched a baseball game on purpose. 

On the other hand ... 

I grew up loving that song!

On this day in 1962, "The Manchurian Candidate", directed by John Frankenheimer, starring Frank Sinatra and Laurence Harvey, was released.  What is your favorite Frank Sinatra song?

Can't say I'm a Sinatra fan.

On the other hand …

"High Hopes" never, ever fails to make me smile and sing along.

On this day in 1968 Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithful were busted for pot and released on £50,000 bail.  Has your state approved the sale of medical marijuana?  In a  nutshell, what are your thoughts on the subject?

No, not yet.  I do wish it were legalized nationwide for those suffering from chronic pain and end-stage disease.

On the other hand …

I know of a couple individuals who've obtained their 'card' through deceit … then sell the product.

(Makes me want to corkscrew myself into the ceiling!) 

On this day in 1979, the Guinness Book of Records presented Paul McCartney with a rhodium disc as the all-time best-selling singer/songwriter.  What is your favorite song by Paul McCartney?

Anytime I hear "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" I'm instantly 14 years old again.....  sitting mere inches from the television screen with her Brownie camera.  (Pathetic, yep.)

On the other hand ... 

melancholy Myra is always moved by "The Long and Winding Road."

On this day in 2017, Albert Einstein's "Theory of Happiness", written on a note as a tip for a bellboy in 1922, sold for $1.6 million.  His Theory of Happiness is "A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness."  Is Albert Einstein right?

Absolutely, positively Yes.

(No 'on the other hand' to it.)

Tell us something about your week so far ….

No, we're not orchestrating an early Halloween.

Rather, cause for celebration when the Hatch chile arrived from New Mexico on dry ice!

In an uncharacteristic state of mind, last week I ordered 5# of the absurdly expensive (to me, anyway) real Hatch.

Even tho' I turned down an opportunity to travel back to Los Alamos for my 50th class reunion … I think 'home' can be found on a dinner plate. 

Jus' curious.  What food (or beverage) says 'home' to you?

Have a great week everyone!  Be safe!

Hugs,

Myra 

It's a Pumpkin Kind of Medley

Better late than never, right?   Today I'm joining with Terri to play Wednesday Medley.  If you'd like to join us, simply copy the questions (HERE), paste onto your post and have at it!

* * *

The Circleville, Ohio Pumpkin Festival begins today.  All things pumpkin are everywhere!  What is your one very favorite pumpkin flavored food or drink?  Do you wish it was available all year, or do you only want it in the Fall?

I've always considered myself a purist: A slice or two of pie at Thanksgiving and I'm good for the year.   

But! Pam recently shared a yummy-sounding dessert I'd like to make for our next family get-together:

Easy Pumpkin Dessert

1 15 oz. can pumpkin

3 eggs

4 tsp. pumpkin spice

1 12 oz can evaporated milk

1 c. sugar

1 box yellow cake mix

1/2 c. butter

3/4 c. walnuts, chopped

Mix together pumpkin, eggs, spice, milk and sugar and pour into a greased 9 by 13 pan.

Sprinkle dry cake mix on top

Pour melted butter over the top and then sprinkle with walnuts.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes until set.  Serve with ice cream or cool whip.

***

What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren't going to sell it anymore?

It's a toss up between

or,

***

What is the most interesting thing you've seen online this week?

Bottle of wine sells for a record $558,000.

https://www.necn.com/news/business/Bottle-of-Wine-Sells-for-a-Record-558000-497589301.html

* * *

Is it better to be "a big fish in a small pond" or "a small fish in a big pond"?

By association, I'd have to say a big fish.  Thanks to my former hubby, I was able to experience some of the most amazing people and places.  Nevertheless R. was one of the most humble persons on the planet.  Through his example, I learned so much.

PS - There's nothing wrong with being a small fish ….. until you wake up one day and realize that despite one's own initiative, you're nothing but a number.

* * *

Terri's hubby has become obsessed with playing chess on the computer.  Do you play chess?  Are you good at it?

Bahahah!  Unfortunately, I'm not that intelligent.

* * *

Tell us something random about your week.

So, I don't normally walk around our house staring at the ceiling.  Maybe it was a "God nudge" that made me look up?

Tom wasted no time getting up in the attic and was seriously dismayed to realize this was not a new leak!  The previous owner had 'rigged' something or another and steadied it with heavy builders' cardboard.  Finally, the amount of water caused the cardboard to give way.   

I'm so disappointed the home inspection didn't catch this before closing.

… But so proud of Tom's efforts to make it right.

He couldn't figure out why his thighs hurt so bad!  

* * *

Dang, it's always something, but it could always be worse.

Thank you for being a friend … stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Currently ... it's Sunday in Coosada

I'm …..

Grateful for

As ever, for you!

September's selfie won by a nose, so it's going on this profile.  But!  Because Tom prefers October (actually, I do too) that one's going on Facebook. 

Reading (queued)

Has anyone read Corrie ten Boom's The Hiding Place? 

Towards the conclusion of today's service Pastor Janet relayed a bit of her story.  Sure, I'd heard ten Boom's name, but not her story.  Glad I wasn't the only one sitting there with tears on her cheeks.   

Feeling

Concerned.

I learned son's MRI revealed not one, but two torn ligaments in his shoulder.  Because he's self-employed, a post-surgery 12-week rehab is "out of the question" (his words).   'Still waiting on doctor's alternative recommendations.   

Watching

At the time I began these notes, we were watching opening ceremonies from Talladega.   I'm not a big fan, but NASCAR's unabashed display of patriotism never fails to move me.  

… thinking 'some' folks could take a page.

Pondering

Miss Virginia's story.

At a recent estate sale I found this super soft, roomy purse (compartments galore!) … and boots that look like they've never been worn.  

Total $3.00!

When I got home I began examining the purse.  In addition to random toothpicks and peppermint candies there was a sweet little flag lapel pin.  Also, this carefully preserved 'fortune.' 

 'Not sure why I've hung onto this.  Sometimes my curiosity gets the better of me.

Outside my window

A few days ago we woke up to 53-degrees, and I spotted this on my granddaughter's Facebook page:

In my kitchen

Coming soon!

Crock-pot buffalo chicken dip 😋

(4) large boneless chicken breasts: boiled & shredded
(1) 16oz bottle ranch
(1) 14 oz bottle of Franks Red Hot
(3) 8 oz blocks of Philadelphia cream cheese
(1) 8 oz bag of shredded sharp cheddar
(1) 8 oz bag of shredded Monterrey

Crock pot for 90-120 Min's on high.

('Thinking I could make an entire meal out of this!)

Something that's given me pause ….

… and I'm not even a fisherman!

Looking forward to …

Fall festivals … 

where are you?

I seriously want to troll for baubles and carbs I don't need.  

Cue Andy Williams … it's the most wonderful the of the year! 

* * *

Meanwhile … nope, I've not forgotten.  Be safe!

Hugs,
Myra

Friday Letters, postmark Coosada

Dear Dr. 'L', 

What a thorough physical you conducted!  

So, imagine our surprise when Tom's new Rx arrived and he noticed they were double the strength he's been taking for years.   Fortunately, he'd the patience to navigate the V.A.'s (phone) labyrinth and leave a message.

I have to hand it to you, doctor.  When, at 7:28 the next morning you called back, you didn't blame your nurse nor the pharmacy.  You owned it; you made it right.

Like friend Diana says: Nowadays especially, it's critical to be your own health-care advocate.

* * *

Dear Mother Nature,

My word, you've a curious sense of humor!  

All the falling green pecans have made quite a mess of the yard, but we just leave 'em for the squirrels.

Except one day I couldn't help myself.  I discovered one slightly cracked … and my fingernails went to work!  

Unfortunately, there was little to see.  Worse, the puke-green wouldn't wash off!  I tried rubbing alcohol, Oxi-Clean -- even Comet … to no avail.  Sad, when someone observed, "You look like you've been digging in doggy poo."

Organic stains are the worst!

* * *

Dear Class of '68,

I'm not sorry for having missed our big reunion.  More names than not I've forgotten.  Still, last evening I was caught unawares. 

The news of Sharon's passing came out of left field.  A brief announcement on FB by little brother Billy.   A casualty of having inhaled radiation dust nearly 50 years ago.  She and I'd not been close since adolescence, shared confirmation classes.  It was the content of her obituary that blew me away.

Not only was Sharon a highly-regarded medical doctor, but a commercial pilot, a sculptor, a ballerina, a gymnast.  Too, a horse enthusiast who bred, trained and showed world-class Arabians.

Her father was a PhD, mine a security officer.  Nevertheless, 1960's Los Alamos had no obvious class distinctions … she and I were each afforded the same education.  

Something Ma wrote on her blog this morning struck me right between the eyes:
"Life is an equal opportunity employer.  We are all born equals, but what we do with our lives makes all the difference."

Ya, I felt kind of insignificant there -- for about 10 minutes.  But honestly, I wouldn't want to change my life … scars, steno pads and all!

* * *

Dear friends,

Yes, I've seen all the snide remarks about selfies, insinuations of narcissism.   I hope that's not the case!   (I keep hoping to capture something un-revolting my son can put in my obit someday.  LOL!)  

No. I like to preserve the occasional good hair day to show my hairdresser … or check my make-up.  It may sounds crazy, but judging the shade of my lips or finished eyebrows in a digi photo is a lot more defining than looking at my reflection in the mirror.

So! I'd like to change my profile pix here and appreciate your honest opinion.  Which do you like best?  September (left) or October (right)?  Click to enlarge if you'd like.

Aw, thanks for humoring me.

* * *

Well, it's going on time to finish laundry and pick out some nice 'granny clothes' for Sarah's shower tomorrow morning. 

Thank you so much for visiting!  Be good, be safe!

Hugs,

Myra