Just as I am ...

"Well, you might be surprised."

… so my DIL remarked.   Some time last year this was, shortly after she and Troy spit in little cups and received their DNA analyses.  I'd said something to the effect, "I don't need that; I already know my parent's lineage."

Fast-forward to this February. Tom's birthday was approaching and I'd NO idea what to get him.  Remembering the kids' enthusiasm, I let my fingers do the walking.  Easy-peasy.

Let's just say he was underwhelmed.  Opening the box, Tom muttered something like, "You didn't really buy one of these DNA come-on things, did you?"

Yet, he spit in the cup.  And what'd ya know, he's enjoying reading the results, charting his family's history from eastern Europe.  

So much so, he gave me one for my birthday!

Ya, I was a little surprised at the overwhelming disparity.

Like my grandmother used to utter, "Uf-dah!"

My mother with her parents (ca. 1920)

So, I've been busy on Ancestry, building a family tree.  And, here's a litany of 2nd, 3rd and even 4th cousins!  I think my DIL has communicated with a few 'found' relations from her own results, but I'm not feeling the urge to do so … just now.

Poor Daddy!   One of my most vivid memories centers around his near-obsession with his father's lineage.  In countless motel rooms across this old United States, one of the first things he'd do is pull out the telephone book and search for any Willer listings.  How'd he'd have loved this science!

Grandmother Adele and my dad (ca. 1913)

Sometimes I catch myself wishing there was a way to learn about my ancestors' traits.  If, for instance, have I inherited someone's love for reading ... a preference for savory (v. sweet)?

But, you know what?  This is one reason I love blogging, journaling.  Someday, a great-grand might wonder, "Who was Myra?" ... and there will exist (almost) everything I'd like him or her to know!

Have you had occasion to spit in a cup?

Would you?

Please, have yourselves a super new week … and well, (like Sean says) you know the rest!

                                                                           Hugs, Myra

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

  

Friday Foto Friends Favorites

… a little (annoying) alliteration.  Anyone?

I so enjoy Marie's weekly 'favorites' posts -- and because I don't spend time on Pinterest much anymore -- I've decided to do the same thing. (This is still Friday, right?)

To borrow her phrase, here are some things which pluck at my heart strings, make me smile or that I just enjoy.  A baker's dozen, as it were.  Today's collection are those things found in and around our home --

Chapstick total hydration with a bit of color … moist, amazingly affordable!

Love the scent of eucalyptus … and it feels darn invigorating!

Remember Alberto V05?  That was a fixture in my parent's home!  Because my hair has the consistency of an overly-ripe dandelion, this is a great compromise.  I also love using it on my dry, flaking cuticles.

Love little girls in hats!

ZERO carbs!

Old doorknobs and doilies.

Our realtor's husband affixed three of these vintage doorknobs to a weathered slab of wood and hung in her bathroom as a towel rack.  Now, of course, I'm on the look-out!

Lemon grass.  Word on the street says it's great for repelling mosquitoes.  If so, I need these woven into a bodysuit!

Old potholders turned drink coasters.

Glassware I grew up with!

Grandmother's potato masher.

Don Schimmel's art photography.

(Excuse the wonky angle … I was trying to escape the glare from French doors behind me.)

Wee candlestick from an antique shop in Muleshoe, Texas ... repurposed as a ring holder.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Y'all have a great weekend and stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Slugs in a Rug?

Forget that annoying camel ...  

If this is Hump Day, it must be time to play the Medley!

Also known as ….

Shall we?

Typically served as an hors d'oeuvre, have you ever made or had a Pig-in-a-Blanket?  Do you like Pigs-in-a-Blanket?

Ohhh ya!  For years (before the dogs ate our long couch) Tom and I'd prop ourselves at either end with a wooden tray-full in between … with little pots of mayo and mustard for dipping.   Just last night, he fixed something similar using Conecuh sausage.

Pigs-in-a-Blanket are also known as devils or horseback, kilted sausages and wiener winks.  (Seriously.)  Please make up another name for this fun little appetizer!   

What could beat wiener winks?  I'm still giggling!  

'Best I can come up with is, Slugs-in-a-Rug.  

In the UK, Pigs-in-Blankets are small sausages, or chipolatas wrapped up in bacon.  Which country's version is most appealing to your taste buds?  

I'm not overly fond of bacon, but would still choose that version …if only to avoid the carbs.  

The first written record of Pigs-in-a-Blanket occurs in Betty Crocker's Cooking for Kids in 1957.  In this digital world, do you still have a favorite cookbook you use most of the time?

During my uber-fan days, I'd carry this little book along to meet-and-greet ops.  'Too-Tall' was one of the nicest among them.

Is there a recipe you can share with us from that cookbook?

 This is an enduring favorite … only I double (sometimes triple) the cheese and use sharp cheddar v. American.  Ya, it's gooey-good!

What is your favorite cooking show on TV?

I don't watch cooking shows.

Unless, does Guy Fieri's 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives' count?

Tell us something random about your week, please?

Crazy how time seems to fly each week -- but this question always stumps me.

Backing up to Easter Sunday... 

When I looked at (on-line) photos from last year, many of the church ladies were shown wearing hats.  Well, blame it on Murphy's Law. Guess who was the only one wearing a hat?  (Fortunately, with age, I'm less inclined to feel embarrassed.) 

Monday would have marked my sweet mother's 104th birthday!  Despite never having much in common, we share(d) a serious love for cheesecake!

 

Last evening we donned our best 'glad-rags' and helped the church's lawn-service team rehab a nearby yard.  It was actaully fun, operating Tom's new power washer.  I felt like a dentist.  Ha!

Black mold is seriously disgusting!

So, I finally took the plunge and ordered three pair of jeans and new tennis shoes from Thred-up.   Crossing my fingers at least one will fit ... counting on their 'no problem returns' promise.  Have you ever ordered (or consigned) from Thred-up? 

T-t-that's all for now.  

Thanks so much for visiting!  

Stay safe. (Please) 

             Hugs,

Let's do it Again!

… back-to-back posts, that is.  
Encouraged by Jon and Jack's comments, I thought it would be fun to participate in this week's episode of Sunday Stealing.  Thanks, Bev!

What did you have for lunch?  (Answering this Saturday night)  A hamburger patty and avocado slices.  It was pretty awful, on account Tom mistakenly cooked them well-done (v. our preferred medium rare).  He was SO embarrassed!  How do you like your burgers?    


Do you dance in the car?  Only if I've forgotten to use the bathroom before leaving home.


Favourite animal?  I've a soft spot for all animals … but my favorites are little white dogs.


Do you watch the Olympics?  The Winter games, yes.  What I wouldn't give to ride the luge!  I'm so envious!   


What time do you usually go to bed?  About 11 -- not counting the two hours I spent pre-sleeping on the loveseat.  


Do you prefer to swim in a pool or the ocean?  The ocean. Pool water's far too revealing.


What was the last thing you ate?  A hard-boiled egg, Gruyere slices and mixed nuts.


Bottled water or tap water?  Bottled.  Dasani, if you please.


What makes you happy?  My family, friends, faith. My dogs. Icicles, buttercup yellow, strong coffee, pistachios, 60's 'British Invasion' music,  sailing ships.  "..... a few of my favorite things." 


Did you like swinging as a child?  I sure did!  
Do you still get excited when you see a swing set?  I don't know about excited ... but I'm ready to go right now.


Do you work better with or without music?  At the computer, no.  (My mind tends to wander.)  On the other hand. If housework needs done I'll crank up ABBA or Fleetwood Mac … loudly.   


Do you make your bed in the morning?   Of course. Don't you?


Do you like your music loud?  See above.  


Do you fear thunder/lightening?  Having lived in the lightening capital of the country (Clearwater), let's say I've an exaggerated respect for its potential.

OK, that was fun!  Want to play along?

Stay safe, sleep tight!

Hugs, Myra   

Welcome to Saturday 9!

What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday.  Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated.  Those weeks we do 'random questions', so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants' posts and leave a comment.  Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice.  

We hate rules.  We love memes, however; and here it today's meme!

Unfamiliar with this week's tune?  Here it here.

This song celebrates serenity.  Are you feeling peaceful this morning?   Yes, actually!   I think I'm finally getting the hang of this retirement business. :)


The lyrics include allusions to sun and clouds.  How does the world look where you are?  Is it sunny or cloudy?   Knock wood, the storms have passed, and the sun's shining.


This week's featured artist, BJ Thomas, is in the Grammy Hall of Fame for another hit record that uses weather as a metaphor, "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on my Head."  Make up a Hall of Fame that you believe you should be inducted into.  (For example, Crazy Sam has inducted herself into the Meme Mistress Hall of Fame for her service to Saturday 9.)  How about, the Gourmand Hall of Fame?   Unlike my mother -- who "ate to live" -- I'm just like my father; I "live to eat."   (The first thing I thought of was 'epicure' -- but that implies 'fine' food.  Heck, I'll rejoice in an ordinary balogna sandwich!)


When Crazy Sam hears this song, she always sings along ... loud.  Is there a song you simply cannot resist singing along with?  Besides the Farmers Insurance jingle, you mean? :)  How about some Neil Diamond ...

BJ Thomas has performed this song at the Grand Ole Opry.  The Pry has been broadcast on the radio every week since 1925, nearly 95 years ago!  Of course, back in the 1920's, radio was the only broadcast media.  Today we have other choices.  Is listening to the radio part of your daily routing?  Not really.  If someone or some genre's on my mind, I'll ask Alexa to play.

Though their dress code is lenient, country music fans who attend the Opry for a live show are warned: "Just remember, there's one rule we take very seriously here at the Grand Ole Opry -- you must wear something."  Easter Sunday is a day many of us dress up.  What will you be wearing?   Like my fictional hero, Kinsey Milhone, I own only one dress.  Because it's still a bit chilly, I'll probably choose a dressy jacket, slacks -- and my red bonnet.

(ca. 2008)  

At least the hat still fits!  Ha!

Easter is recognized as the start of the Spring season.  What are you looking forward to this Spring?   This is a toughie!  When I was young, I disliked Spring because it meant the snow was disappearing.  Later, I associated Spring with having to engage the air conditioning.   Because Tom's having a rough time with the chilly, gray weather, I hope the approaching sunny, DRY days will improve his mood.  


Lilies are popular at Easter.  Do you have a favorite flower?  Yes, wildflowers.  Dandelions, even.  (I know, they're not technically a flower.  But. They make me smile.)  

Which would you rather find in your Easter basket: yellow marshmallow chicks (aka, Peeps) or a plastic egg filled with pennies?   Ugh on Peeps.  Show me the money!

In all seriousness ... I hope each of your Easter Sundays is splendid!  Be safe, be blessed!

Hugs, Myra

Just a hick

Who's playing .....

Terri's tells us that today is National Haiku Poetry Day.

"Observed annually on April 17, National Haiku Poetry Day encourages all to try their hand in creativity.  Haiku poetry is a form of Japanese poetry that is non-rhyming and normally consists of 3 lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5.  Haiku poems are usually inspired by an element of nature, a season, a moment of beauty or an individual experience or event."

OK, I'm game.  Care to play along?

* * *

Haiku poetry is actually pretty easy to write.  Give it a try right here.

Haiku I don't get

It's beauty escapes my soul

Guess I'm just a hick

Haiku poetry aside, have you ever written a poem?  Will you share it with us?

In another season of my life, I tried.  Most were destroyed, save something called '16 Candles.'

In part ...

Rummaging through a childhood chest,

I retrieve your letters lying in state 

My private archives

Wizened rubber bands break open in shock

and stacks of blue airmail envelopes collapse

Scattering their patriotic shrouds bordered in red, white and blue

Torn envelopes, bent and brittle as dead moth wings

guard the contents respectively

But flag-draped coffins and postage stamps don't stop grave robbers. 

Do you have a favorite poet, or does poetry usually make you yawn?

Authored by fellow blogger, Jon.
Another blogger's review expresses it a lot better than I might:
 … "This book isn't meant to merely touch the heart.  What these poems do is more along the lines of ripping it out of your chest and giving it a good wake-up squeeze.... the gut-wrenching pains of lost innocence, lost loves and lost dreams."

- Susan Flett Swiderski  

April 17 is National Ellis Island Family History Day, too.  Did any of your ancestors or relatives immigrate through Ellis Island from another country?

From my father's archives:  

"Born in Rothenhuettel, Hannover, Germany on May 6, 1816 …..  the Rev. Adolph Biewend arrived at New York on the sailing ship "Isabella" on July 5, 1843." 

While there's no specific mention of Ellis Island, I suppose that's a given.  

We also celebrate National Cheeseball Day on April 17.  Do you have a favorite cheeseball recipe to share with us, or have cheeseballs basically disappeared from parties today.

I'm not exactly a party-goer, but I'd never turn down cheese -- in any form!  Here's one of my mother's favorites:

Smoky Boardwalk

2 lg. pkgs. cream cheese

2 tsp. Accent

2 T. chopped onion

2 lg. pkgs. chipped smoked beef

1 heaping T. white horseradish

2 cloves garlic

(Fashion into a ball -- or, add milk to make a spread or a dip)

If you want to share, please tell us something random about your week.

Day before yesterday, Pastor Janet (left) drove us to Montgomery to experience the Tabernacle … yes a replica of the one from the Old Testament.  Wow.  I didn't expect it to be so interesting; nor, realize how ignorant I am of scripture.

Then yesterday, I spent (too long) butting heads with Verizon Wireless.  In brief, my old trade-in phone (think $175 potential credit) went missing via UPS.  

ANYway!  VW's customer service was nothing short of amazing.  Because I have the UPS drop-off receipt, I'll still be credited.

What rocked my socks?   When I mentioned how sad I was to have had to trade in my Samsung S8, the service rep responded:

"You know, from personal experience, Samsung devices seldom live longer than 2 years.  If they do, you would obviously see deterioration on the phone's processing."  

(This has been a Public Service Announcement.)

Happy Hump Day ... stay safe out there!

Hugs, Myra

Currently ... safe in Coosada

Good morning, friends.   

Currently?  Thanks for asking! 

I'm feeling ...

Thankful!
Despite forecasters' predictions, this weekend's severe weather missed our home.  As early as Tuesday, newscasts warned of the potential for tornado activity Sunday morning; church leaders even considered postponing services.

   

Saturday night -- feeling curiously calm -- I prepped our safe room, poured a generous glass of wine and prepared to camp out in front of the television all night.

In spite of our weather radio going off every hour, I was able to get a little sleep ... but these olden hips sure complained.  (*smile*)   

While we were sure blessed .... if you're so inclined, please join me in lifting yesterday' victims in prayer?

A favorite thing ...

I've just discovered these delish nuggets.
Fully cooked, they're perfect for popping in my fanny pack before setting out for the park. 

I'm reading ...

… and speaking of the park!  

The other day I walked across the little footbridge and returned with a spanking new library card and two audio books.  

I know, I know.  I've talked about reading-by-ear but never followed through for one distraction or another.

Walking solo, this seems to make the time pass more easily.

But because I'm unable to think in stereo, I miss picking up my e-reader at day's end.

Do you read more than one book at a time?

Makes me smile ...

Great-grandkitty, Annie Kay, enjoying a cool drink.

Great-grandpup, Molly Jane, meets the Easter bunny.

Disappointed in ...

Maytag, Whirlpool quality control.

In the last year, we've purchased a new washer, dryer and oven. Middle-of-the-road units, I liked that each bore a "Made in the USA" decal ... score one for the home team!

Well, no.  I've never owned more problematic units than these 3.

See this oven door?  The first service man allowed this is so common-place, replacement parts are on back-order!  That was almost 6 weeks ago and guess what?  No door.  Poor Tom was on the phone again this morning, rattling someone's cage.

Looking forward to ...

Believe it or not, my next computer training session!  
The ProPresenter software doesn't seem terribly daunting, and the iMac not as fearsome as I imagined.  (It's wee keyboard -- which looks like it was designed for 'Barbi's dream cottage' -- is a whole 'nother story.)  We shall overcome!



I think that's it for now.
Have yourselves a beautiful day and don't forget to stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

 

Siblings Day at the Medley

So, Terri tells us today is National Sibling Day, and has even included some interesting back stories (read more by clicking right here)!

Ironic, isn't it.  In my last post I featured a family with 9 kiddos, and last night I came across my grandmother's old scrapbook devoted to the Dionne quints.  I wonder if, like me, she loved multiples?

Imagine!

For a minute, this 'lonely only' thought, "Well, I'm out."  But no … our hostess suggested we think outside the box --  substitute an aunt, a cousin, a friend.

That works!  Today I'm sharing my own conclusions (*smile*) about Tom and his sister, Annette.  

 Ca. 1951

A few years later!

Here are this week's posers ...

How many siblings do you have?  Are you rivals or do you support each other in all you do?

Tom has one sister, 7 years younger than he.  They're very different, but would go to the wall for one another in a heartbeat.

Have you heard of the Birth Order Book?  What are your thoughts on the premise that your birth order affects everything you do in life?

Vaguely yes, I've heard of it.
In this case, the 'Guca kids' throw that premise out on its ear.   I've no first-hand knowledge to disprove it - but like astrological profiles, I think people interpret what they want to believe.  

Is there something that you still do that drives your siblings crazy?

Despite having recovered from Stage III lung cancer, Tom still smokes (a pipe).
I doubt Annette's ever had a single vice in her life.

Are you closer to your siblings now than you were when you were younger?

(I had to ask him about this one!)

No - neither geographically nor psychologically.  Differing life experiences shape different outlooks.

  

Would you dare to tell us an embarrassing story about a sibling?

Why not?
Tom claims she once threw a pair of scissors at him, and they became embedded in the door.
More recently, she decided to use the pressure washer to take bugs off their new car's grill ... and in so doing, wound up removing some of the paint!

Tell us something random about your week.

Oh man, it's all so ordinary!  

Monday and Tuesday we each had doctor appointments.  Prior to deciding whether or not to do surgery, Tom's doctor gave him two steroidal injections.  Wouldn't you know, it seems Tom's one of the 10% to experience significant pain and swelling.  (*sigh*)

I get a kick out of sitting in the waiting room, listening to old men in insignia-laden baseball caps swap stories.  Yesterday I was seated next to a former Seal Team member ..... good looking, oh my!   

Since we no longer have a land-line, I finally broke down and traded my Samsung Galaxy 8 for a Google Pixel.  Sad.  I seriously loved my Galaxy, but grew tired of people going, "What? What'd you say?  I can only hear every other word."  Supposedly, the Pixel has a superior camera, which -- let's face it -- is the most important feature for me.
Like so many organizations, we were disappointed to see Verizon has gone the way of everything ala-carte and self-serve.   And talk about hard sell!  For a minute, I thought I was back in Phoenix working for a time share.  HA!

To take away the sting, Tom asked if I'd like to try a new (to us) BBQ joint down the road.  That's akin to asking our girls if they'd like a Greenie!

Now, I never order salad.  Not the water part, but this is so me!

But I spotted one served to a nearby table, piled high with pulled pork and had to try it.  Sooo good, and best of all, they're not stingy with their portions.
THIS.  This is my idea of 'fine dining'!

Hungry, yet? Me, too!
I'm going to grab a bite to eat and go meet Pastor Janet's hubby.  They've asked if I might lend a hand each week ... but being I'm totally unfamiliar with the software program, the best I could offer was, "We'll see."  This dog may well be too old to learn new tricks. Wish me luck?

Hugs,

Myra