Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

Our hostess Terri is in the hospital today, having had her first knee replacement this morning.

Hi Terri!

Nevertheless ... to commemorate Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, she's invited us to share a little about a special pet in our lives who is no longer with us: "Let's do this with love and hope, rather than sadness and tears."

* * *

Oh man, Terri.  I don't know how to complete this assignment without ugly-crying.  It's been more than 6 years, but my heart still aches for Caraleigh, gone too soon.

Because she's been featured in several previous posts. I don't know what to add, but to share a favorite photo (or two).

Other than my son, I can say in all honesty, Caraleigh was the best thing that's ever happened to me.

When she 'graduated' from doggie day care (to accompany me to Arizona) the staff all signed this card. Her expression in this Polaroid still cracks me up.

'Sean of the South' recently shared a thought that spiraled right to my heart:

"I wish everyone could be frozen inside a living photograph of their happiest moment."

(Isn't that so cool?)

Without over analyzing things, my moment looks like this:

December. My fur baby (aka, co-pilot) is dressed in her little London Fog trench coat. The radio is playing our song: "I guess you'd say, what can make me feel this way? My girl! Talking 'bout my girl … Cara!" 

Life is a gift … it doesn't last very long. 

But no. No. They can't take that away from me.

***

Whew!

OK. To recap my week so far?

I totally take back what I said about loving my new Google Pixel phone.  Granted, the voice-to-camera prompt is a small convenience. But given the cost of the phone -- plus the fact I'm 'wrong-handed' to press the shutter -- I expected Verizon would make things right.

I was totally dreading last Thursday's call to Tier 1, then Tier 2 tech support. But both ladies were incredibly nice and super helpful. Ultimately, Tier 2 was able to resolve the, "OK, Google. Take a picture" feature.

But not before getting my permission to 'get inside the phone' with me!  Awkward, when she commented, "Your home is beautiful." (Oops! Why didn't I pick up Tom's dirty shirt hanging from the back of the bar stool?) Then, "Oh, your doggies are so cute!" Thinking to myself, "'Sooo glad I don't have to use the potty!"

So the phone worked perfectly ... for 48 hours. Round #2 today. New tech team (of course). And come to find out, because this is a Google app glitch, the phone doesn't qualify for warranty replacement. *Sigh* I'll probably check out getting a selfie stick. Do any of you have one; and do you like it?

Great news from Tom's cardiologist this morning! His valve doesn't warrant surgery at this time, but they'll keep an eye on him every 6 months.

Cautiously optimistic -- I had a call this afternoon from a professional office where I interviewed. They'd like me to come back for a second interview (with a different manager) day after tomorrow.

Fingers crossed and prayers said!

* * *

Happy Wednesday … stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

  

Photographs and Memories

G'evening friends,

While looking for something entirely different yesterday, I happened on a cache shoebox of photos and documents ….. which released a flood of emotions.  

Being as I have nothing else to yak about, I thought I'd share some with y'all. (If you want, just click on these pictures to enlarge.)

Postmarked June 1957. 

Sure, I was a naïve child. But seriously? I don't recall seeing this before, but it means so much that Daddy kept it. (Dime and all!)

Later that year, a programme from our time aboard RMS Queen Mary.

B-O-R-I-N-G!

(…they cried as they flung themselves into the North Atlantic. Ha!)

By all accounts, my first few years at Central Elementary were enjoyable. Then! Then came cursive.

Given my continuing struggle with certain letters, teacher's Third Period remarks are prophetic!

Things certainly changed when I began Fourth Grade.

Oh my goodness. How I wish I had discovered this before my father's untimely death.

What had Mr. H. written, that my father felt necessary to obliterate?

H's last paragraph, so condescending. But, I'm delighted to find out he found me a challenge. (A******)

Realizing I'd see this someday, I love what my dad wrote here.

I strongly suspect this had something to do with my parents move to the north mesa and a new school district. Probably, too, the reason my mother went to work to help defray costs.

Do you believe that black-outs can happen to anyone? Sure, I get it where Major Violence/Trauma/what-have-you, can cause a person to have no recollection of an incident.

But that always happened to the 'other guy.'

Recently, I shared something with Tom that happened in Fifth Grade … so humiliating I can't put it down in print. His reaction, simply that (his) mother and father would have owned that school.

Front and center. 1960.

Yet, if my very life depended on it, I couldn't tell you what happened after.  There's just this big black hole. Has anything like that happened to you?

Of course, things got better. I was never particularly intelligent … witty … athletic. Certainly not pretty. But that's OK. Thank God for second and third chances!

Looking at today's coeds - some as young as Junior High - I marvel at their poise. God bless 'em, ya know?

Anyway. I'm still not sure why this post. Probably the many school buses that populate Chapman Road each morning. But neither can I dismiss the distant aroma of rubber boots and slickers, glue pots, chalk dust ... and brand new books.

Do you remember?

Have a sweet new week … stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

  

Ride, Ride Like the Wind

… or not! 

Tomorrow we're invited to celebrate those daring young men in their flying machines.  Actually, the first human-powered flight!

(Read more about that, here.)

Personally? Rather than celebrate, I'd likely drag someone by his ear to the nearest psychiatric facility. Ha!

* * *

Today's prompts go like this:

Tell us about the first airplane ride you took, and do you like to fly?

My parents used to 'fall' for these 'dollar-down, dollar-a-month' land sales pitches … so, I guess I was 8 or 9 y/o, circling undeveloped land parcels in the Bahamas.

I've regularly flown domestic and international, but can't shake my unease fear.

In case anyone else shares this phobia you, too, might enjoy an excerpt from my dog-eared copy of White Knuckles:

"I pretended very hard to be completely nonchalant. No use dressing for success if you're going to cringe like a whipped dog for two hours. I used to tell myself that since I was going to die, I should attempt to die with some style. I tried to look bored. It's hard to look bored when you are jerking in your seat at every bump as if you have been slipped twenty volts."

"In the toilets of major airlines, I have fervently renounced every sin in my life.

Lord, just let me get down alive. Kill me any other way but this." 

Have you ever gone hang-gliding, and was it on the beach with boat power, or from a mountain with only the wind and your body?

Have you ever gone kite flying, and with who?

Probably as a child with my dad.

I remember feeling underwhelmed.

Experimental aircraft is quite popular as a hobby where Terri lives. Have you or anyone you know ever constructed a flying machine and did you ride in it?

I may be called a lot of things, but suicidal isn't one of them.

Another big hobby around Lakeland is Radio Controlled Airplanes. Have you ever seen them flying or tried your hand at it?

Aside from making music, Tom's passion is building and flying WWII-era RC aircraft.

I don't share his interest ..... but neither does he blog. Ha!

Please tell us something about your week.

Ya, it feels like this year is flying by at warp speed.

Cancel that.

August came along, and it feels like September will never arrive. I don't know if it's our uncharacteristic heat or the 5-week wait for my SS check. (*smile*)

Anyway!

After a self-imposed cooling off period, we visited an estate sale yesterday. I didn't find any cute coffee mugs, but came away with two pair of boots for $12!

… and revisited a favorite burger place that defines the term, 'joint.'

Yep, they're really that big!

Then, this happened. (Low-lights)

Color me so happy to be rid of the gray hair!

* * *

OK, I'm going to shut up now and go make rude gestures to the television.  Aside from the absurd knife thrower, 'can't say I agree with any of the AGT judges tonight.  

Have a wonderful Wednesday! ... Be safe!

Hugs, Myra

Sunday Soliloquy

G'evening!

For today,

This happened.

Anyone else?

I'm wondering

If there isn't a 10-y/o boy inside me.

While waiting at a traffic light the other morning, two police cars appeared out of nowhere.  With sirens and flashing lights alike, they must have been travelling 100 mph … and I really (really, really!) wanted to forget the grocery store and fall in behind. Forget immature. At my age, I'd settle for eccentric!

Outside the window

Betsy Begonia - set out on death row - is defying the odds.

 "Never let it get direct sun.", they cautioned." Don't water the leaves."

Usually plants come here to die. Dante's Inferno comes to mind. Yet she seems to be thriving on inattention.

I'm grateful

For the good folks at AirNow!

Wednesday morning I was sitting n' puttering when I heard a loud, "Thump! Thump! Thump!"

… like someone was throwing a fast ball against our home's exterior brick. Naturally, the girls began an unpleasant chorus.

It was coming from the a/c unit. Tom said, it sounded just like a car would if something were caught in the belt.

While he was phoning our service provider, I began a packing list. (Mevely editorial: Lists are calming.) 

No way I'm staying here on one of the hottest weeks in years!

Thankfully, a tech came out within the hour and checked everything stem to stern. He's totally puzzled what caused that noise, but said the unit's running just fine. What a scare!

One of my favorite things

My 'Saturday mug'

I gave this 'moustache' cup to my daddy for his birthday a long, long time ago.

I'm feeling

A little sad.

Speaking of fathers … my DIL says my son is having a hard time. We just learned Troy's baby girl (Grand #1) and her hubby are being transferred to Aberdeen, North Carolina.

Ironic! Tom's sis and BIL sold their home on Amelia Island and have built a place in Apex, NC.

My wish to see the Great Smoky Mountains may come true sooner than later!

In the kitchen

In preparation for yesterday's get-together, I was building my cauliflower/broccoli salad. Imagine my surprise when I opened the can of water chestnuts and saw fleshy-looking mystery strips.

For the record, bamboo shoots taste like nothing I care to consume. Because it was late, I waited until morning to carefully select the right product.

Has this sort of thing happened to anyone else?

Good to know!

I was 3 days ago old.

So, a new week's before us.

Ready or not … be safe!

Hugs, Myra

 

I Like You, I Like You Not

Good morning!

The other day Jack shared an entertaining post of (his) likes and dislikes (click to read) … prompting me to do the same thing. 

'Pretty sure most of you know I'm not fond of all things 'bling', roses, fruit, and Tupperware lids.  But these? These are just random, mostly recent thoughts. Perhaps something will resonate with you, as well?  Or, you'll share some of your own?

Like Jack, I'll begin with the 'cons' and end on a smiley note.

I couldn't ask for nicer 'church folk.' But I wish they'd stop asking, "Where's Tom?" on Sunday mornings. I'm running out of excuses and I don't want to say, he just doesn't 'get' it.

***

When motorists sit (and sit), waiting for a break to turn left onto a busy boulevard … all the while holding up the rest of us.  Just turn right and turn around, already!

***

Writing cursive H's and W's.

I've been trying since 3rd grade and still can't make them look pretty. 

***

Coming home and discovering your shirt's tag has been sticking out all day.  I wish clothing manufacturers would put them somewhere else -- like a side seam or the hem of a blouse.

***

Doing 25 mph in a school zone then realizing, if I were to touch my brakes that ****** school bus is going to be sitting in my back seat.

So many reasons to smile this week! Here's a sampling:

Familiar smiles and 'good morning'  from fellow walkers/joggers at Village Green. Even the inmates who come tend the grounds!

***

The aroma of green tomatoes frying at Tuesday morning's Farmers Market.

***

Wait staff, greeting a group of elderly ladies: "How are you Miss Marie?"  "Hey, Miss Gloria, I didn't see you come in."

***

The young produce stocker at Food Outlet who always speaks and asks, "What are you going to make?"

***

Saying, "fussing" (vs. arguing)

I'd never heard that before!

We're off in a bit to a friend's BBQ. I really shouldn't love food as much as I do. Ha!  

Have a super weekend … stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Remembering VJ Day

Victory over Japan Day

commemorates the day in 1945 when news broke around the world the Imperial Government of Japan would surrender, ending a long and grueling world war.  In Europe, the date was August 15 due to the time zone. Regardless, the celebrations that broke out were no less zealous.

As ever, thanks to our hostess, Terri, for crafting each Wednesday's posers.  (My thoughts appear in red.)

* * *

I'm sure many kids today have no idea what V-J Day is all about. 

Did you have a loved one who fought in WWII?

Yes.

Both my father and his younger brother served in the U.S. Navy.

The iconic sculpture from the famous photograph of "The Unconditional Surrender" has been defaced recently because of the #metoo movement. I know we can get very political about this subject, but just keeping it in the spirit for which it was created, what are your thoughts?

(Blood pressure going up ... up ...up.)

This being a 'PG13' blog I'll refrain from sharing my feelings about the #metoo-ers.

I love the spontaneity and joy depicted. 'Just miss the days when men weren't so concerned about being real men ….. and some women were um, better behaved.

Terri's grandson, Tristan, loved playing a game called "Axis and Allies."  It was quite complicated, took up the entire dining room table, and was not something Terri wanted to play. (Me, neither.) (Grandpa understood it and played though.)  Can you name three Axis countries and five of the many Allies?

Nope, sorry.

Much to my son's chagrin, I'm not a fan of history.

Terri was surprised to learn that most historians agree that WWII began when Germany invaded Poland on September1, 1939. Other say it started when Japan invaded Manchuria on September 18, 1931. And some scholars suggest WWII is actually a continuation of WWI, with a break in between. Have you ever visited Pearl Harbor in Hawaii or any other WWII memorial around the world?

I wish I might revisit Pearl Harbor now, as I'm more likely to appreciate it. Normandy, too. Especially Normandy.

Calvin Graham was only 12 years old during WWII when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He won a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart before the Navy found out how old he was. (God bless him!) Terri doesn't know any 12 y/o's today who could qualify or get away with something like that. Times are so very different now, but here in the U.S. we do have ROTC in high schools. Do you know anyone who started in ROTC and went on the enlist in one of the services?

Yes.

My son attended Florida Air Academy before enlisting in the Army.

Please tell us something about your week so far.

I'm still a little surprised how much I'm enjoying ladies Bible study. Yesterday we were discussing the power of negativity in our words, our tones of voice … the stories we tell ourselves.

Hey, I know that one!

How many times I've called myself fat, ugly, a moron. This morning, coming home from the park and realizing my right blinker had been on all the way.  "Idiot!"

My former pastor once said, "If you keep saying the 's' word, sooner or later you're going to step in it."  The universe hears it all.

…..which reminds me of a favorite quote from a well-loved book (below):

"In racing, they say that your car goes where your eyes go. The driver who cannot tear his eyes away from the wall as he spins out of control will meet that wall."
Simply, another way of saying that which you manifest is before you.

There's little likelihood I'll be going to see this movie. Why? Because I loved the book (which, as I recall, has little to do with racing) -- and usually find movie adaptations disappointing. 

(Goodreads.com excerpt)

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs). He has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately, uplifting story of family, love, loyalty and hope. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life -- as only a dog could tell it.

* * *

Negative self-talk aside, while at study I cracked myself up. Someone asked how to spell 'sanctification' … and everyone began yakking like contestants at a spelling bee.  I grabbed my phone to consult GoogleGirl -- but forgot the importance of enunciation.

I didn't know 'Santa's vacation' was a thing.  Where do you suppose he goes?

* * *

On that note ...

Keep that smile on your face and stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Currently in Coosada

It's Sunday night and …..

I'm Thankful

For y'all underscoring my 'spidey senses' about that ludicrous job offer. I don't know that anything will come of it, but I've reported both to the fraud team at Indeed.com.

Outside my Window

16 months, and I'm still trying to decide what to do with this area outside the sun room.

'Thought a café table and chairs might be cute -- but the deck with table and chairs is just to the right, out of range. Someone suggested relocating the (broken) bird bath at the back of our yard. So yep! Tom's got him a new honey-do!

In the Kitchen

(Just the other side of that little window)

We made another 7-bone roast in the slow cooker Friday night.  Delicious! 

Even though I professed to not being hungry, we both wound up standing and hovering over it (the cooker) with forks in hand.  What a shame we couldn't run an extension cord to the couch and sit with the pot in between!

What'ya Know?!

The microfiber 'shop cloths' Tom found at Wal-Mart make a great substitute for the pricier disposable pads.  They're thin enough to secure onto the mop's base; and unlike the Swifter brand, I can dirty them to my heart's content, then toss in the washer.

Makes me Smile

Dogs named Sebastian … Addison … Beckett.  Haven't we come a long way from names like Spot and Rover?

If you've a fur baby, how did he/she come about its name?

Dreaming About

Christmas!

No matter my earlier resolve to give only gift cards/cash … I'll see something cute that needs included. For instance, this pillow case for gal-pal Debbie.

This site has a great variety of affordable pillow cases for everyone!

Faceplantdreams.com

I'm Thinking

How nice if grocery stores were to paint directional traffic lanes on the floor. With little bicycle bells on the cart handle, perhaps.

Jus' saying ….

Finally…

Sweet dreams ...

Be safe out there tomorrow!

Hugs, Myra 

What Would YOU Do?

G'morning!
We interrupt this Saturday to beg your thoughts. (Please-and-thank-you.)

As part of my 'on-again, off-again' job search ... 

Last Tuesday, I was mildly intrigued -- and responded to -- a new pop-up, soliciting for a part-time office assistant to a Montgomery CPA.  (Key: new pop-up ad.)

Wednesday, an acknowledgement and request to forward my resume and salary requirements to 'G' @xxxxx for review.  (First jangle: But you already have my resume.)  Okie-dokey.

Yesterday morning, the following response from 'G' -- who, for all appearances, has nothing to do with a CPA firm,

I've yellow-highlighted 'jangle' points; my thoughts in red.

Thank you for your email indicating your interest. You were referred to me based on your resume and my urgent need for an Executive Assistant. The position you initially applied for has been filled (After only 48 hours?), however, the Executive Assistant position is available. This is intended to be a long term/permanent job depending on how the first few months go. 

There is also a very sensitive issue on trust and accountability which I believe will resolve itself as time goes on. I need someone who will be able to meet up with executing assigned tasks in a timely manner.

Your duties will include but are not limited to:

xxx

xxx

xxx

xxx

This position is flexible and you can be at any location, working with me is basically about instructions and following them.  

Benefits: AD&D Insurance, 401(k), Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Bonuses and Commissions

The first month of this position will not be office-based while you have an option to work from home or office after the first month, the pay remains consistent. Pay is $962/wk. Payment will be bi-weekly.

I'm 51 years old. (Need to know?)  I travel a lot and get my hands occupied working in and out of the country, so it is imperative for me to have a worthy Executive Assistant who can monitor and keep me up to date with my activities. I am a member of the board of directors of several companies and charity foundations, one of which is the xxxxxxxxxx.Evangel Charity Foundation.

 XXXn maintains operations in 3 countries and employs over 120 people worldwide which includes …………… (ya-da-dah-dah-da)new offices all across the United States and Canada. Our goal is to improve their qualified organizations, individuals and family. 

I am currently in Hong Kong meeting with partners, therefore, I will be unable to conduct an interview in person right away but I will be back in 2 weeks to arrange a formal interview with you so you can sign your employment paperwork.  (So, let me get this straight. You want to hire me and pay me almost $1k a week, and you’ve not even met me?)

Please provide the following information to get started and confirm acceptance of this position:  (Um. Not so fast, Kemosabe.)

Full Name:

Address (P.O box Not allowed):

Apt #:

City, State Zip Code:

Mobile (For SMS):

Current Occupation: (Um, my first paragraph states, 'retired.')

* * *

Maybe I'm just Old-and-Suspicious. Am I the only one who feels something's 'off' about this?

Tom thinks a) I should respond, "What's your game?", or b) delete the e-mail.  I'm more inclined to a polite response, "Thank you, but I don't feel this is a good fit."

What would you do?

* * *

Yippee, it's Saturday!  Stay safe, friends!

Hugs, Myra