Wednesday Medley

You bet-cha!

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Today, July 31, is set aside to honor park rangers. (Am I the only one who didn't realize this career path isn't limited to the domestic U.S.?)

For more factoids, please visit Terri at Your Friend from Florida. 

Terri asks ...

Is there a National Park near where you live?

Yes. Tom and I visited the Tuskegee Airman National Historic Site last month.  

How many National Parks and which ones have you visited? Is there one you would really like to visit?

Well, the first site I consulted said there are 61; another, 419! Some are National Historic Sites; others National Monuments. I imagine the designation plays a big role in their funding? 

Living in New Mexico and Arizona, of course I'm familiar with Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands and the Grand Canyon.

The Great Smoky Mountains are on my bucket list. 

The Park Rangers are protectors of the environment, of the wildlife and visitors in the parks.  Is there someone (human) in your life who you count on as a protector, or are you someone's protector?

Yes, I owe a heap of gratitude to our President, our armed forces, police and first responders.

I don't know if I'd use the term 'protector', but I think Tom and I are guardians of each others' safety, feelings, etc. 

Have you ever had an up-close-and-personal experience with a wild animal that you can tell us about?

One of my favorite memories of working at WTSP-TV was practically running into a tiger! (I opened a door to the stairwell and there sat 'Hobbes' on a leash!)

Someone from a nearby big cat rescue brought him in for a human interest story.  The only thing I can clearly recall were the size of his paws … huge!

Unfortunately, back in the mid-80's there were no cell phones at the ready.  Can you imagine all the missed selfies?

It is certainly an honor to show value to this profession by giving them a day of remembrance. What is another profession that you would like to see honored by a 'day' of their own?

OK, Terri's stumped me!

Plenty of grand(?) ideas came to mind, but when I consulted Google, they were already taken. It's practically absurd!  

Okay, okay. Here are a few nominees:

National Jack Darnell Day

National Victor S.E. Moubarak Day

National Jon Varga Day

(*smile*)

On this last day of July, please tell us something about your week so far.

For some reason -- the heat, maybe? -- this month seems to have dragged!

The delicate delinquents (aka, Macie and Grace) turned 6 years old. We gifted them something called a 'Wobble Wag Giggle' ball, but the jury's still out. Macie's a bit curious, but Grace is petrified. 'Still working to get a video or a cute picture to share.

Funny!  Yesterday I logged onto Verizon Wireless to pay our bill and read the following notification (re. my discount):

"Your employment was confirmed on 11/18/18."

OK, then! If Wyndham wants to pretend I'm still employed, I'm happy to look the other way!

Speaking of employment!

I've an interview in a little bit for a H.R. Assistant.  It's a little farther drive than I'd prefer; and I don't know how many hours they call 'part-time.'  Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Gotta scoot!

Happy Wednesday, friends. Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Saturday Scrapbook

Well, hello again!  Y'all doing good?
Apologies to my Facebook friends who've already seen some of these photos, heard my stories.


Outside my window?

… No-one else might notice, but the two big trees we had removed make my heart a little sad.

Is this a neat gizmo, or what?

Jacob (its owner/our neighbor) uses a remote the size of a cell-phone and it walks itself right off the truck and across the yard!

Oh, what an ordeal! Jacob came by late Wednesday afternoon, expecting to make short order of things.

Unfortunately, he was struck in the head by a rogue limb and had to go be checked out. Just imagine if he wasn't wearing his protective head gear! Now I understand why - before every job - he and his team form a circle, join hands and say a prayer.  

I'm thankful!

Having had to miss #1 granddaughter's high school and college graduations, we were able to attend yesterday's ceremony!

When 500 souls are slated to graduate,

things tend to get b-o-r-i-n-g!

(Particularly if you're a 17 y/o newly arrived from Ukraine and don't understand English!)

We were pleasantly surprised by the speaker!  In another part of the country, his religious and political innuendos might have prompted a 'boo' - or several. But his speech was short - and well received.

Lois pointed out, her own 3rd floor dorm room is visible, just over son's right shoulder!

Following the graduation, Troy and Lois had a small reception at their home.

See that cake on the back tier?

This is actually three Pepperidge Farms cakes, held together by straws down the center and adorned with artificial flowers.  I love that idea!

Unfortunately -- having binged on Lois' banana pudding -- I was too full to try the cake.  Or a slider. Even a cracker. Ha!

3 months and 2 days.

That's how long I've avoided consuming more than 7-8 grams of carbs a day.  I only lost 11 pounds, but several inches. Aside from the last year, 'no/low carbs' has been my lifestyle for more than 40 years.

 So! When I 'cheat' it has to be a conscientious decision … and man, that pudding was calling my name.  Nope. No regrets!

Oh, my goodness!

This does it! :(

I've got to do something about this awful hair!  I'm definitely going to shell out the $ for some low-lights.

In the kitchen ...

So, yesterday son was apologizing for not tasting my 'super' Pimento cheese spread: "I don't like pimentos." No worries! 

Lois volunteered, she's substituted (real) bacon bits before. And what'ya know? Tom already went to the grocery and came back with the bacon bits.  After he (Tom) said he liked what I made yesterday much better than the first time, I realized the only difference was using Duke's mayo (v. Hellman's).  Thanks for the tip, Jack!

Makes me smile ...

Sister love.

Poor Chloe has the same 'crud' I struggled with a few weeks ago, but refuses to slow down.

Finally!

A quote to share:

* * *

Happy Saturday ….. Happy Sunday …..

Happy Everyday!

Hugs, Myra

PS - Stay safe! (Thought I forgot, didn't you?)

Kinfolk

By authority of the National Day Calendar (*smile*) …..

 Terri tells us this week honors Cousins and Aunts*Uncles.

(Me: Uh-oh)

Hubby would SO be more suited to play.  Oh, how he's regaled me with stories of their big Polish family get-togethers in south Chicago.  The love! The laughter!

Mine was well, different.  I'd say, 'disfunctional' - but there was no 'function' to be had. Ha.  

* * *

Terri: What can you tell us about your cousins, please, or someone who is close like a cousin?

My cousins lived anywhere from 1,172 mi. to 1,833 mi. away.  On the few occasions we vacationed together as children, I became the butt of their jokes. (That's something I'm still not prepared to discuss.)

Terri: Do you still see your cousins and will you contact them on National Cousins Day?

I'm only in contact with Bob via Facebook. An older sister has passed. During the last Presidential election, Kathy made good on her "If...." and resides permanently in Mexico.

I used to pine for a close-knit family. But rather than feel sorry for myself, I believe circumstances combined to make me stronger, more comfortable by myself.

Terri had a favorite aunt and uncle. How about you?  Um, no.

Did/does your family have reunions and can you tell us about them?  No, again.

If you have children, are they enjoying relationships with their cousins, aunts, uncles?  My son has no aunts, uncles or cousins.

* * *

Tell us something random about your week, so far:

Well, whew!  A few years ago, I might be doing an eye-roll. Funny how living life in the slow lane can make ordinary events seem like big deals.

Given Tom's recent health scare, I decided I needed to pull up my big girl panties and take on the riding mower. (Tom had tried to show me before, but I didn't really want to know.)

Finally, I had to admit a fear of tipping it over. (Been there, done that on a snowmobile.)

I seriously thought about putting on my motorcycle tornado helmet -- but the look on Tom's face made me reconsider.

He showed me a nifty way to tackle the 'scary' slope.  Now all I have to worry about is getting slammed by a log truck while turning around out on Chapman!

I sat for - and failed - my first ever rods-and-cones test at the eye doctor.  Have you ever taken one of those?
With the lights on and both eyes open, the screen reflects a rather ordinary, pastel "C."  Unfortunately, when the test began I had to cover one eye and hit a little button each time the "C" flipped right, left, upside down.  Most of the time I couldn't even SEE the stupid "C" … so I just kept hitting what I hoped was the right button.

Thankfully, my cataracts haven't progressed to the point I need surgery … or a white cane.  Still, it was humbling.


On the good news front, I think my bronchitis is slip-sliding away!  So embarrassing to have folks look at you like they're afraid I'm going to cough up a lung.  After more than 2 weeks, I returned to the park to walk this morning.  Have you ever felt like someone let the air out of you?  Ya, like that.

Yesterday I got the cutest ever 'get-well' package from Anne at Phamily Blog!

     Every little thing was individually gift-wrapped, and my heart did a little flip-flop at the Colorado coffee cup!  (Ya, I've a 'thing' for coffee cups.)

If you're ever in need of a little cheer, her blog is consistently a positive place to visit!


Thanks so much for stopping by  … y'all do my heart good!
Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra 

Friday Fotos

 Following Tom's procedure at the VA, I suggested we detour downtown and check out the Jeff Davis house.

That's someplace I've wanted to visit since coming across a photo of myself taken while on vacation in 1958!

In the shadow of today's State Capitol building …..

… sits the First White House of the Confederacy

Mr. Davis' birthday (June 3, 1808) remains an official State holiday!

Here's the scene I wanted to re-create.

(Click to enlarge)

60 years later, "Hello, again!"

 Imagine the parties!

Strategists' Planning room.

(Oh, to have been a fly on the wall, privy to conversations!) 

 President's bedroom

(The 'Mrs.' had her own quarters.)

* * *

On a lighter note!

Another meme recently asked participants if they've ever (or do) wear wigs.

Ohhhh, ya.  

My hair has always been pathologically fine, thin and just plain ornery.  Then, in my early 20's I discovered wigs!  For a few years 4-5 'heads' became my BFFs.  Now, looking back, I have to wonder WHAT in the world I was thinking.  

Wig-a-geddon!

So!  In case anyone's having a gloomy day and in need of a laugh, please consider this your public service.

* * *

Finally, here's an 'aw' moment.
(I filched from my granddaughter's FB page.)

 Josh loves their rescue, Annie Kay, so much!

* * *

Hope everyone enjoys a super weekend!
Stay cool and be safe!

Hugs, Myra

A Real Medley!

My goodness! 

July 17 boasts lots of reasons to celebrate!

Pick one, or pick several.

If something piques your interest, just click here to learn more.

This week, Terri asks --

Do you enjoy fresh peaches? What is your favorite way to use them in a recipe?

Generally I'm not fond of fruit.

But one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth was a warm peach cobbler served at the Creekside Bistro in Sedona, Arizona.

Have you ever gone the wrong way on a one-way street?

While in Rome, we turned the wrong way onto a one-way street. So distraught, I now know what it feels like to speak in tongues. Literally, I could not form actual words.

What do you think about Mr. Corrigan's story? True or false?

I've no reason to doubt Mr. Corrigan's account. All the same, no call, no show? His wife must have been so cross.  

Tell us about your life when you were 17.

Pretty darn dismal.

My boyfriend's family had moved to Idaho. Aside from MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) friends, I was basically rudderless. I looked forward to leaving state for college, but even that was merely an expectation.

Do you use emojis when you text, e-mail or FB messenger? Do you have a favorite?

I'm not a huge fan of emojis - but neither can I help myself.

Most of the time I'm in too much of a hurry to search for something creative.

It has been asked many times, but do you have a tattoo? Do you want to get a tattoo?

No, and noooo way.

"Why would anyone want to put a bumper sticker on a Bentley?"

Please tell us something about your week.  

Well, this has nothing to do with my week, but I've been wondering how to incorporate it into a post.

And whad'ya know, along comes Yellow Pig Day!

I could care less about mathematics or numerology, but I am partial to the number 17. All odd numbers, actually.

So my friend and I were discussing her daughter's upcoming nuptials, and (daughter's) obsession with even numbers. Key dates - to include the actual proposal - had to occur on even days.  

And so it goes....

By this time, I'm snickering. I had to admit my own obsession with odd numbers. Tom's all the time making fun of me for setting the microwave at 1:03 ... :41 ... or :27.  I should probably be too embarrassed to admit, but I've even taken to counting the number of items in my cart before checking out.

Then Janet admits something I never heard of!  All her life, when she sees numbers, they're gender specific.  Because I'm a nosy so-and-so, we Q-and-A'd for a while. Yet there seems to be no rhyme or pattern. Has anyone heard of this?

* * *

Thanks so much for everyone's well-wishes on behalf of my granddaughter and her hubby!

We're looking forward to getting together next week to celebrate her master's degree and new job … oh, and a new car!

Me? I'm just happy to be here n' now!

You, too?

Life is good!  

Be safe hugs, Myra  

  

A Return to Sunday Stealing

This week's questions were filched from something called Sad Sleepy Survey Rambles.  As our hostess Bev proclaims, "Cheers to all of us thieves!"

1. Have you ever been teased because of the things you like?

Mayonnaise comes to mind.

I do like a little burger with my Hellman's.

2. Do you hold grudges?

I no longer dwell on them, but yes.

Come to think of it, they qualify for their own AARP membership.

3. Were there any classes you enjoyed because of the teacher?

Several! In fact, my BF and I had a major crush on Mr. Baldwin, our 7th grade history teacher. We'd used to walk past his house singing, "On The Street Where You Live" (My Fair Lady).

4. Was there a dress code at your school?

The hems of our dresses/skirts had to be near no higher than 1" above the knee.  (No-one I knew ever tried to challenge.)

And only once, when the snowfall reached record proportions were we girls permitted to wear our slacks to school.  I was so cross when, the next year, they relaxed the 'no slacks' rule.

5. Have you ever been a bad friend?

I've been a neglectful friend. That qualifies.

6. Has a friend ever replaced you with somebody else?

Yes. (See #2) 

After 2-3 requests I finally accepted Cheryl's Facebook friend request - most likely because I was curious how her life turned out.

7. Have you ever disliked something just because it was popular?

I've probably disliked several popular things ….. but not because they were popular.

8. Have you ever watched a movie just because it starred an actor you liked?

"Just because?" No. We're not big movie-goers.

9. Are there actors/musicians you have met?

Several.

I posted about some here last year,

My personal favorites, however, were

Michael Tucker (LA Law) and

Betty Thomas (Hill Street Blues).
Funny, friendly folks!  

10. Do you ever judge people based on the music they listen to?

I don't know that 'judge' is a term I'd use.

But I don't see myself hanging out with someone who enjoys rap or hip-hop.

11. What about your top five music albums?

In no particular order ...

12. Do you remember the first album you ever owned?

13. Do you still use an mp3 player, or just your phone?

Since I never owned an mp3 player, that would be my phone.

14. Do you like Elton John?

Um. I like his music.

15. Have any celebrity death hit you hard? Which one(s)?

I was rocked to my very core.

Thanks for joining me for this bit of levity!

Get some good rest tonight ... tomorrow's a new week!

"Stay safe hugs"

Myra

For today, Friday July 12 .....

I'm grateful! 

That my granddaughter and her hubby are OK.  On the way home from Josh's shoulder surgery, another car pulled out right in front of them. Their truck was totaled, but aside from a sprained wrist, bruises and burns, we're a mighty blessed family. 

Sarah's Facebook reads, "Seat belts save lives and airbag burns hurt but we will be OK.  Don't pull out in front of other cars. Oh yeah, happy 10 months of marriage, Josh." (*smile*)

So yesterday, I was struggling to replace my car's cover when I heard an unmistakable "chirp, chirp" from a nearby police cruiser.  Watching the somber processional that followed, I noticed several dozen dirt bikes among the mourners.  Only a week ago, two young men were enjoying fireworks on a friend's boat, when they were struck by another out-of-control craft.  Recalling the rescue-turned-recovery efforts and loved ones' anguish, there was no way I could stop my tears as I stood there at attention.

You're right, Sarah.  Thank God.

THIS makes me smile!

Our groomer's Doodle had 13 healthy pups last month!

Aren't they adorable?

It's taken every bit of willpower we can muster not to go visit!

Oh my goodness!

The other day a cruiser pulled in the drive, looking for our home's prior owner.  Seems a relative of the family couldn't get a hold of them, so they called the police!

Aside from scratching my head ... I'm a bit sad, imagining the back story.  Unless someone's totally computer illiterate, there's so much public info available online.  Forget WhitePages.com, Zabasearch usually gives up ages, relatives, etc. free for nothing.  Ancestry.com is practically an encyclopedia of public records.

Jus' saying, it's not easy to remain anonymous.  Like my daddy used to say, "Keep your wits about you."

Laughing at myself

Unlike my late mother who harbored an irrational fear of escalators -- or my BF's phobia about French fries -- I consider my fear of flying or public speaking, reasonable.

All's I can say, I'm super glad Tom was behind the wheel when we took my Camry to the new car wash.  Mighty freaked when the car began moving along all by itself while we sat blinded by cascades of suds and enormous brushes.

Suppose anyone has ever tried to get out?  Ha!

Good to remember if I'm ever tempted to drive during a tropical storm.

Laughter aside, lifting prayers for those in the path of Barry!

Have yourselves a great weekend … stay safe!

Hugs, Myra