Feelings

Feelings, wo-o-o feelings …..

Whoops!
I didn't mean to start channeling Morris Albert!
It's the only title I could think of to describe this week's bits and pieces.

* * *

So, I'm Feeling ...

Unsettled.  

If we're Facebook friends, you already know a bit of Tom's predicament.

Wednesday morning we dropped the girls at the groomers and drove to the VA for Tom's 6-mo. check-up.  Except, when they took his BP (low!) and did an EKG she decided more tests were in order.  It almost felt like a 1960's progressive dinner party! 

First to labs, then radiology for a carotid ultrasound, then upstairs for his eyes (didn't happen).  Finally, a CT scan of the brain.

We've not heard anything yet, which I'm hoping is good news.  At least 'not-terrible' news.

Oh, something else!

Because Tom's been a bit concerned about his low BP readings, a couple weeks ago his son and we decided Tom should stop taking the BP medication.

Well, when his doctor looked at our Excel spreadsheet -- in particular, his high resting heart rate -- she's all, "No, no!  You need to keep taking this every day.  It's not just for blood pressure but your heart!"  She was truly aghast we didn't know that.  (Did you?)

Tickled!  

To get a warm note from Sean (of the South)'s wife, Jamie.

(I had suggested a subject for a possible story line next time they're up this way.  It's cute, I promise!)

 

Sweet lady.  She's the Real Deal.

A little sad.

While the last 5-6 years at my workplace weren't the most pleasant, there were two individuals I considered enduring friends.

There's no way I'd think of leaving Alabama!  But.  Can one really spend 15+ years someplace without still wondering about the people and what's happening?

I guess they've moved on.

I need to stop spending so much time looking in that rear-view mirror!

Intrigued!

Any other fans of Priscilla Shirer?

Our Bible study group has just begun her Armor of God (video) series.

Do believe I've developed a girl crush. She's da bomb!

Hungry!

On that note, I'm gonna call it a post and go warm some ribs.

Have a beautiful weekend … stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

P.S. - Sorry if this looks wonky … the Blogger gremlins keep messing with my fonts! 

   

From Coosada with love :)

Currently …..

No, this isn't my hand.  But yes.  I'm a leftie.

Outside my window

Oh, let's not even go there.

'Going to pretend I've been sent to a sauna.  Bring on the white robes and mint water!

  

Oh my goodness!

For a little town, Tuskegee's VA facilities sure occupy an enormous footprint!  After several false steps Wednesday morning, we finally located the right building.  Audio book in hand, I settled in to wait.

This window looks like it could be easily unlatched -- and beyond is a 4-story drop --  hence the barrier.  I think this is a sad reminder of the increasing number of veteran suicides.

Even as a 'walk-in' Tom was taken right back.  Both of us can't get over how nice everyone is!  Except we've learned his hearing aid won't be returned for 2-4 weeks.  Ugh.

Good to know!

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site was really something!  I knew very little about their history ... but still found it keenly interesting.

The faces ...

The voices ...

I don't even fold fitted sheets ...

Forget about the parachute-folding challenge!

Crude, but actual simulator

I'm thankful!

So, I had a 'critical notice' (e-mail) from Turbo Tax.  Apologetically, they owned up to an error in their calculations and suggested we may have underpaid our State of Arizona tax return.

*Heavy sigh*
I logged into TT and let the gremlins begin the job of amending the return.  'Wrote a check and asked Tom to come sign.

Instead of doing so, he picks up the phone and calls the AZ Dept. of Revenue.   A nice lady pulls up our return; and, after a few minutes says we should just disregard that notice from TT.  Go figure, huh?!

In the kitchen

So yesterday, Tom decided he wanted to make up a package of bacon.  Let's just say, for a while there our kitchen resembled the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez.

I'm reading (listening)

Private investigator Jessica Shaw is used to getting anonymous tips.  But after receiving a photo of a three-year-old kidnapped from Los Angeles twenty-five years ago, Jessica is stunned to recognize the little girl as herself.

One reviewer has compared protagonist, Jessica Shaw, to Lee Childs' Jack Reacher.  I'm not halfway through, but methinks he may be right!

I'm looking forward to

Spending more time with new friends.

It's been a very long time since Tom and I've met another couple where we each hit it off.  Jean and I know each other from Bible study, but I was concerned Tom and Bob might not have much to talk about.  Ha.  After supper and numerous sweet tea refills our waitress was giving us pointed looks ...  and yet they kept on yakking.

A thought to carry with you

From the museum's "War Room"

Y'all have a wonderful Sunday!  Be safe!

Hugs, Myra

On a lighter note .....

….. It's National Garfield-the-Cat Day!

Check out our hostess' blog for some entertaining samples of that iconic comic strip!

* * *

So, this week, Terri asks ...

If you have ever followed the Garfield comic strip, you know Garfield loves lasagna.  What is your favorite Italian food?  Do you over-indulge when it comes to pasta?

I'd like to say I love all things Italian ... but pasta, not so much.  If dining at an Italian restaurant, I'm likely to order the capellini with garlic, pepper and lemon zest.

Tell us about your very first pet.  If you have never had a pet, can you tell us about an animal that touched your life in some way?

I've written about my heart-dog, Caraleigh, on numerous occasions.  But never my first, who had the improbable name "Meatie."

Unfortunately, my only memories involve him trying to run away every time our front door was opened.  Eventually Meatie was re-homed, someplace with a big yard.  Big dogs should never have to  exist in 800 sq. ft. apartments.

Garfield sleeps his day away, only waking to eat or sweet talk his girlfriend Arleen.  How many hours sleep do you normally get each night?  How much sleep to you really need?

I'm normally in bed, asleep by 10.  If the 'girls' let me sleep past 5, that's something!

Like Garfield, I love my afternoon naps.  Not necessary, but sure feels delicious!

Garfield lets the mice in the house have their way.  When was the last time you had to chase out a little varmint?

Oh dear!  Unless Tom's keeping something from me, I don't think we've ever had any unwelcome 'guests.'

Garfield also loves his teddy bear, Pooky.  Did you have a favorite stuffed animal when you were young (or now!)?  If you didn't or don't, what about someone you know?

I don't recall ever being attached to dolls or stuffed animals.

Now's another story!

Grace's nickname is 'the snuggler.'

Please tell us something about your week so far.  

Well darn.  When it rains it pours!

Because one of our Spring storms about K-O'd a branch from the big pine at the end of our parking pad, I've been concerned about it coming down on the truck or boat.  (Thankfully, last year we were blessed to discover one of our neighbors owns a successful tree company.  They cleared a significant portion of our property then, and we've gladly recommended them to others.)

So, Jacob dropped by to take a look.  What we hadn't counted on, was him discovering (that) the entire tree is dying and needs to come down.  Also, he's concerned about the limb of a much larger tree (not pictured) hovering over our dining room.

I can think of much better ways to spend $1,500 … but I can't take a chance of something happening like what Helen experienced.   (BTW, the tree that took out her guest room and chimney also fractured their home's header beam.  Ouch!)

I did have a happy surprise when the postman girl rang our doorbell this afternoon.

Thank you so much, Victor!  I'll be sure to leave reviews out on Amazon.

So, we're are off to Tuskegee in the morning (Wednesday) to see if the V.A. can't fix Tom's right hearing aid.  Tom has always been keenly-interested in the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, so hopefully there will be a museum -- or at least a memorial.  

I'll be by to visit ... but it may be a little later than usual.  Color me, glad to be among y'all!  

Be safe, big hugs,

Myra

Aw, Daddy

I was 31 years old the first time I learned God doesn't always give us do-over's.

Since, Father's Day is usually something I ignore.  Or endure.

ca. 1963

As a young woman I was a big disappointment to my folks -- particularly my father.  Once he (correctly) prophesied, "One day you'll cry bitter tears."

Still.  He never let disappointments get in the way of his zest for life.   You know, passion is a curious term.  I'm not sure I've ever experienced it.  But daddy did.

He was passionate about ...

… good food (no healthy alternatives, please!)

… travel

… fine suits and shoes

… hats
… a good cigar

… and his only grand child

Some may wonder how a government security guard and his wife could afford their world-wide excursions.

Back Gate, today

The short answer, he (they) worked 3 jobs 90% of the year.  No movies or bowling, no Tupperware parties.  Aside from Sunday lunches at Furr's Cafeteria, the only time they went out to eat was on vacation -- and could indulge in pleasures such as real butter or real ice cream.

And grits!  I think the highlight of my father's summer road trips wasn't seeing his brother in Florida, but getting to Mississippi where they served grits.  (In the 50's, such a thing couldn't be found outside the Deep South.)


Something else.  Usually the one behind the camera -- isn't there one in every family?  -- Dad loved having his picture taken.

Jordan

Athens

Manila

My dad loved poking fun at himself.  Since he's no longer around, I'll do my best to relate a couple:

While attending a ballet in Moscow, Daddy was delighted to discover none other than Robert Goulet seated in the row before theirs.  Rather than be so gauche as to ask for an autograph or photo, Dad pretended to take a photo of my mom with RG in the background.  Except.  Just as he set up the picture, the house lights came down, the curtain came up -- and Goulet turned with a grin and said, "Tough luck!"

Another.
Long before Rancho Encantado became a hoity-toity resort, it was one of my folks favorite spots to enjoy a French Dip sandwich.  But the first time they took that drive up through Santa Fe's foothills was one for the record books.

Arriving at the restaurant, they found the parking lot full of high-end automobiles.  Then, the presence of a well-dressed host just inside the door.  "And you are?" he inquired pleasantly.  Mother and Dad were ushered to a larger room where people were milling about with drinks and hors d'oeuvres.  "And this is Ad and Evelyn Willer, visiting from Los Alamos."  My mother nearly fainted when she came face to face with Jimmy Stewart and his wife.  The upshot?  They'd inadvertently crashed a wrap party for a little-known film, The Cheyenne Social Club.
(Guess someone forgot to ask for their invitation - ha!)

* * *

I'll never understand why my dad was suddenly taken away at such a relatively young age (69).  But I'm determined not to let him be forgotten.  Isn't that the greatest gift we can give to our loved ones?

Thanks for listening.  I love y'all!

Hugs, Myra 

   

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Like the lyricist said, June is bustin' out all over!  So too, the National Day Calendar.

Terri has discovered there are some pretty serious issues on the National Day Calendar this week … and proposed her merry band of Meddlers take on a few.  Care to join in the fun?

From back-stories to suggestions how to observe, just click each day's title.

June 11
National Making Life Beautiful Day

Tell us about a time you made someone's life beautiful or someone made YOUR life beautiful.

There's no way I could pinpoint just one time an angel has touched my life!

From the teen - wise beyond her years - who came into my early work life and stayed … to the life history instructor who believed in me beyond reason … to blogger strangers-turned-friends … to the people of Alabama, rich in what matters most.

Thank you for helping weave my tapestry!

June 12

National Loving Day

Terri admits that this turned out to be not what she thought it would be.  Our country has come a long way in recognizing that people are people and our differences are what makes life beautiful, but we still have a long way to go, unfortunately.  Your thoughts?

Having grown up in a 50's-something, homogeneous community, I've gotta be honest.  For years I struggled.  Thank God, I've come out on the Bright Side!

Now, if we can't eradicate the venom which exists.  

Please, people!

  

June 13

National Random Acts of Light Day

Terri is a cancer survivor.  Cancer has touched most of us in one way or another.  When did someone reach out to you with an act of kindness or when did you last perform a random act of kindness to someone?

Oh man, is there another word that can strike such a chill in one's heart?  Like Terri's first question, I/we've been incredibly blessed.

I would, however, like to share a couple of my DIL's unselfish acts of kindness:

A few years ago during the holiday season, Lois learned one of her neighbors had been laid off; struggling financially with a newborn.  She bought a big box of Pampers, gift-wrapped it and left anonymously on their front porch.

Another time.  Another neighbor, a single mother - was dying of cancer.  I think my grands were still in grade school.  Still, Lois enlisted them to join her in going over and cleaning their neighbor's home.  Later, when the mother passed, Sarah and Chloe brought her little girl home and slept with her under their Christmas tree.

     

June 13
National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day

I find it hard to believe, but Terri says she's a total klutz in the kitchen.  (Me, too!)  Tell us about something klutzy that happened in your kitchen … by you or another!  Can you laugh about it now?

There have been more than a few instances! *sigh*

Once when a certain sister-in-law was visiting, I tried making she and Tom's favorite date-nut bread.

I found a recipe on line and was following it to the letter when the mixer began to smoke, grunted, and died.

Nowhere did the recipe say not to drain the dates!

Of course, we laugh about it now.  Not so much at the time.

June 15
National Smile Power Day

Will you take on the challenge and smile more often on June 15?  Why not start now!  Have you been blessed by a smile that changed your day?

I love to smile!
While at my last job, I found it really sad that some employees had to be  taught - reminded, even - to observe the 10/5 rule.

(Simply explained, the 10-5 rule suggests that anytime a guest is within 10 feet of a staff member, that staff member should make eye contact and smile to acknowledge the oncoming guest.  When a staff member is approximately 5 feet of a guest, a sincere "Good morning"/"Good afternoon"/"Good evening" should accompany the eye contact and smile.)

Here's the part where Terri invites us to share something about your week, so far.

Well, dang.

Again, I'm conducting a war in my head.  Do I really want to rejoin the work force.  There's very little in the way of part-time opportunities.  

But. Even should I elect to stock shelves full-time at Wal-Mart for 5-6 months, that would pave the way for new carpet and blinds … perhaps a week at the beach.

The next day I'm like, "Well, the carpet isn't that bad.  And who needs a vacation when you're already in your happy place?"

Something a friend shared on Facebook did catch my eye, however!

Who'd like to enjoy a train ride across the US for only $213?

Someone?  Anyone?

(Because I refuse to fly, OK.  That would be $426 + gas.)

It's been a long, long time ...

1957, Paris.

As always, thank you for making time to visit!  I'm off to have my hair cut, but look forward to seeing y'all a little later!  Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

The Smonday Chronicles

Grateful for ...

My ladies Bible study group.

These gals know how to have a good time!

 Tequila!

I promised Brenda I wouldn't post this on Facebook.  (Hee-hee!)

I'm feeling

Old!

So, the other day Tom accepted a buddy's invite to attend his community's 'First Friday' supper, some 50 miles up the road.

Everyone was very nice, but the program I can only describe as, 'fundamentalist revival.'  Not off-putting; just different.

(Toto, I don't think we're in Phoenix anymore.)

'Wonder if we would have accepted, had we had any idea how dark the 2-lane winding road becomes after sunset.  Speeding log transport trucks -- accustomed to the route --  regularly whizzed by, seemingly inches from our side mirror.

Later, Tom asked: "Is it me, or was that road narrower than normal?" 

Outside my window

Blissfully quiet!

Unfortunately, one of my lady friends returned home from our luncheon to discover a huge tree had crashed through her roof -- demolishing a bedroom and part of their chimney.

Then after we got home from Maplesville Friday night, there came such a thunderstorm!  About 3:00 the dogs began whining and the lightening set off our car alarms.  Nothing to do but get up.  (Yes, I was seriously eyeballing the liquor cabinet. Ha.)

Do you agree, the U.S. seems to be experiencing more instances of severe weather this year than in the recent past?

Watching

A while back my DIL recommended a movie they'd seen on Netflix.  We finally got around to watching "Mr. Church."

Never thought I'd say Eddie Murphy and tear-jerker in the same sentence, but there you go.

No, it's not Oscar-worthy cinema, but 'feel-good' nevertheless.

Makes me smile

….. and at our house it's paper towels or TP.

(Except when a certain sister-in-law visits.)

Yes, our trash can liners are Wal-Mart bags.  Only the finest! (*smile*)

Y'all have a super start to the week … be safe!

Hugs, Myra

Friday Foto Discoveries

Back in '17 when we narrowed our home search, Tom expressed concern re. the empty lot next door:

What's the story behind the debris field ... and what might be erected in its place?

Assured that the parcel was not zoned commercial, we went forward.

Facing what would become our house ... before Tom built the fence.

So -- aside from the owners' annoying neglect to keep the lot mowed regularly -- I gave it little thought.

Then, in a curious twist, I began chatting with a priest following a recent grave-side service.  Learning where we live, he exclaimed, "Oh wow, we're neighbors!"

(Not exactly 'next-door', but his brother owns the lot.)

Long-story short, I went to investiGoogle my new priest friend.  But rather than learning his address, I stumbled on an interesting article detailing the land's history.  

Excerpts ...

ONCE THE CENTER OF A LARGE PLANTATION, THE BUILDING WAS CONSTRUCTED AROUND 1830 — MAKING IT ONE OF THE FOUR EARLIEST SURVIVING DWELLINGS IN ELMORE COUNTY.

Joel Zeigler was sure a handsome dude, wasn't he?

THE BUILDER WAS WILLIAM ZEIGLER, ALSO A FOUNDER AND BUILDER OF THE ROBINSON SPRINGS METHODIST CHURCH WHERE NINE GENERATIONS OF ZEIGLER BABIES HAVE BEEN CHRISTENED).

(Crazy, that's where we attend church! Pastor Janet had no idea!)

The present owners had hoped to restore the home.  Unfortunately, deterioration and decay was so extensive they'd no recourse but to demolish it … only months before we arrived.

The view from our drive.

I've a fascination with kudzu.

At the rate it grows, I suspect it may have been the inspiration for "Jack and the Beanstalk."

Unfortunately, it's impervious to all attempts to kill it … even wrapping itself around Tom's weed whacker. 

Naturally-occurring ringlets.

OK, these have nothing to do with nothing ...

but I fell in love with this galvanized tray at the antique mall.

… and these dish towels!

Thinking they'd make a great new house-warming gift for Tom's sis.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Have yourselves a fun Friday … be safe! 

Hugs, Myra