What's Going On

Happy Sunday!  Today I'm ...

Smiling

Do you ever consult your smart phone, hoping to get the name of a certain song or artist?  For the life of me I couldn't remember Buffalo Springfield.

So I spoke slowly and carefully what I thought was a lyric from "For What It's Worth":

"What's going on?", I spoke into the microphone.

Then: 

"Just searching for answers to life's big and small questions."

(*Smarty-pants*)

Grateful

That the runaway horse dog that fell in love with Tom was reunited with his humans.

Oh my word, y'all! When I went to carry our trash to the curb I heard cars honking and looked up to see this giant dog running straight at me.  We put him in the backyard with water, but it soon grew too hot to leave him there.  Our girls were not a bit happy about the interloper; in fact, Macie kept snarling. Poor 'big boy' just stood there like, "What? Was it something I said?"

He drank a gallon of water and several bowls of dog food. Then - uninvited - he climbed on the couch with Tom and fell sound asleep.  

Meanwhile I was frantically posting notices and phoning vets.  In the end, his owner showed up at the vet's at the same time we did!  Here we were concerned Zeus been out, running great distances all night … and she lives only a few houses away!

Pondering

My new job.

The little jury that lives in my head is still out.

The cemetery dates back to 1901; more than 45,000 souls are there!

On the plus side, almost everyone is really nice. My first day the bosses took me to a Japanese steakhouse for lunch

  

… and Friday someone brought a cake.

Why, yes I did. Every stinkin' bite! :)

But it's so much more -- legal paper-wise -- than I imaged.  

Near the end of Day #1 I thought my head was going to explode. I'm not going to cry 'uncle' yet. I keep telling myself it will all make sense in a couple of weeks. Surely I can't be as stupid as I feel?

A Final Thought

… and that's what's going on.  Stay safe out there!

Hugs, Myra

Bev asks .... plus one!

...aka, Sunday Stealing

Welcome, indeed!

Who's in the mood for a little trivia?  Thank you, Bev, for finding these posers!

Last person you were in a car with?

My husband, Tom

Any plans for tomorrow?

Ladies Bible study begins at 9:15. 'Still surprised how much I'm enjoying this. It's not so much about scripture; rather Real.Life challenges. One of the first things I was told, "What's said in this room, stays in this room." 

Best friend or close friends

A few close friends.

'Best' sounds a bit exclusive, don't you think?

Is tomorrow going to be a good day?

I can't of any reason why it shouldn't!

Ever thrown up in public?

Ugh, yes.

One weekend after April 15, the firm's partners took all their employees and significant others on a Cocoa Beach getaway. Margaritas on the beach, wine at dinner. Then, my boss challenged everyone to start doing shots. Lots of shots. 

What's on your mind RIGHT NOW?

Since Tom's napping, you're the first to hear.

The office manager called a few minutes ago to say everything came back OK; I start work this Thursday! 

Who was the last person you talked to?

Christina (office manager)

What is the WORST subject they teach at school?

Statistics

Have you seen anyone lately that you don't get along with?

Nope. I try my best to treat everyone politely. 

What is your favorite color top to wear?

Black

Have you ever been in a car accident?

Yes; it wasn't pretty.

To this day, my insides cringe when our car is in someone else's blind spot.

What's the closest thing to you that's green?

Um, I don't see anything green. Do you?

Oh wait, there's a leaf on the front of my mom's tapioca bowl.

Where would you like to be right now?

Face down on a massage table!

Is anything bugging you right now?

My sciatica's acting out again, but it's not a big deal.

Is life going right for you now?

Yes! I'm feeling pretty darn blessed.

Is there someone you care about more than yourself?

My son, Troy

What made you laugh today?

What was the last movie you watched?

Overcomer

What was the last conversation you had about?

A real conversation conversation?

Dementia. One of Tom's dear friends is suffering from that, and Tom's taking it hard. (Or, I should say, his family is suffering. Poor Jim is pretty oblivious.)

What were you doing at 7:00 this morning?

Drinking a second cup of coffee and reading blogs.

Do you like your hair long or short?

I've not worn my hair long since 4th grade! Not much point when it's so thin and fine as mine.

Do you like the rain?

Not especially; less so than my dogs. But we need it so badly!

* * *

And now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls ...

Remember 'plus one' in my title?  While in church this morning it occurred to me ...

Is there anything you would like to ask me?

Have a great new week ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Plumbing, Piddling n' Peepers

Hey there … good morning! :)

If we're Facebook-related, you already know what I'm talking about … but can't help bragging on my hubby.

For  a while now, I've been puzzled by the musty 'aroma' under the kitchen sink -- but chalked it up to our villainous dishwasher. Then, a leak.  I was prepared to call a plumber, but Tom wasn't having any of that.  

He got to tinkering and (ahem) muttering …

I don't suppose the previous owners ever heard of using a sink strainer. Yuck!!!

I helped by holding the old drain in place while he was drilling.

The culprit: Rather than removing the sink's insulation to ensure a tight fit, they siliconed the heck out of the seal thingie.

Even using his monster crowbar, Tom wound up having to drill it out.

Before long, for less than $80 we've a whole new CLEAN pipes-and-drains assembly.

So happy we didn't have to pay $$$ to a licensed plumber, I splurged on a $5.62 roll of matching liner for under the sink and drawers.

Little things mean a lot - haha.

* * *

So, I'm still not gainfully employed.

Imagine my surprise when I had another e-mail, directing me back to the drug screening facility for another 'piddle test.'

Yep, my 'what-iffer' was spinning. Me: Suppose I could sue the screeners for a false positive? (*grumble, grumble*)

My office manager phoned to follow-up and learned the original 'sample' got lost in transit.  Seriously?!

That was Wednesday.  I don't know how long these things normally take, but my nerves are taking it badly.  See, I read something on-line yesterday that claims one should never drink more than 24 oz. liquid in 3 hours prior to the test.  Oops! I enjoyed 3 large coffees and a big bottle of Dasani for the drive.  You think someone might tell you these things before?

* * *

'Scotch' to the bone! I've elected not to invest in prescription glasses until January when my insurance kicks in.

Instead, I asked Tom to drive me to Walgreens where I found a cute pair of Foster Grant readers.

The strongest they have are 3.25 (my left lens is a 4). But!  It's an enormous relief for the early morning hours when my 'allergy eyes' want nothing to do with contacts.

You know what? It's all good!

I hope y'all enjoy a great weekend … be safe!

Hugs, Myra

Sunday thoughts

G'evening, friends!
The last few days have been pretty low-key.  All the same, I'd like to keep my foot in the door.  So, what's happening on Chapman Road?


Outside my Window

We're talking major drought. Ugh.

(Click to enlarge)

 I was struck by this itty-bitty plant (?), seeming to thrive in the middle of nothing. Those clusters are no bigger than my pinkie fingernail.

Tenacity.

In the Kitchen

Cleaning out the 'frig' for trash collection … playing "What do you suppose this used to be?"  (Please tell me we're not the only ones?)

Good to Know

At a recent estate sale I was eyeballing a beautifully tailored red jacket and dress slacks. The tag reflected my size, but y'all know how little that means.

One of the staff asked, did I want to hear a trick?

(Quoting from the web)

"Take the pants off the hanger. Button them and then hold the waistband's side seams in each hand and drape them around your neck, like you're putting on a necklace. Or, you could put the pants around your neck like you're putting on a cape.

If the waistband comes together and you have breathing room (overlapping only an inch or so), congratulations! The waist is your size."

I did … and was happily surprised!

Creating

(OK, planning to create)

Have you met Marie (And Then We All Had Tea)?
Like me, she doesn't have an abundance of space to decorate. Instead, taking inspiration from Pinterest, she creates what she calls 'mood boards.'

Here are some samples:
http://andthenweallhadtea.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-art-of-creating.html

I'm so taken by this idea!  Do you suppose the finished products might be converted into those photo tiles?

Looking Forward to

Next week's television premiers. In particular, The Good Doctor and the Chicago Fire/PD/Med trilogy.  What are your favorites?

Makes me Smile

This girl

Mom, I'm tired of football.

Will you ask Daddy to put on House Hunters?

… As do each of you! 

Please, take good care of yourself.

Hugs, Myra

Update

Oh hey, y'all!

As of today, we're still waiting to hear from the cardiologist about Step #2. Tom was actually in good spirits after the stress test. As a matter of fact, after the first part they gave him a meal voucher with instructions to have a 'fatty breakfast of eggs and bacon.'

Later that afternoon, however, they called to say the results were 'abnormal' and further tests are in order; probably with a stint being placed.  Now, my normally stoic hubby's convinced it's going to be Bad.News.  (Me: "Did the doctor actually say that? Him: Well, no. But... ")

Oh man. What a case of, "Man plans ... God laughs"!  Tom's 15 y/o grandson is supposed to fly out here in a few weeks to help g'pa finish work on the boat and take to the lake.  Of course, that plane ticket is 'non-refundable.'  And my new job?  My 'what-iffer' is going crazy.

Little to do but sit back and leave matters in God's hands. Que sera, sera!

* * *

On the Bright Side!  

We went to see that splendid movie, Overcomer, yesterday afternoon.  If you've an opportunity to see it -- in the theatre or later, on-demand -- I doubt you'll be disappointed.  Even Tom, who struggles to stay awake, claims he saw 99%.

Near the end almost everyone in the theater began applauding!

Here's the official trailer.

We haven't been to the movie in a couple years, and now I'm not in a hurry to ever go back. Each Tuesday tickets are only $5 … but our bill came to $38.97!  A bag of popcorn was $9.85, but if you coupled it with a drink it was 'only' $9.  I should do the math to see what Tom gave for his small cheese pizza and Coke.  Crazy!

* * *

I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and invest in a pair of prescription glasses.  While I was rushing to get ready Monday morning, I didn't realize my right contact lens had torn.  It felt scratchy all day, like I had a 'winkie' in there.  Has that ever happened to you?  

I was able to retrieve 3/4's of the lens, but suspect some fragments might still be remaining. After we drop Macie and Grace at the groomers tomorrow morning, I'll stop by my optometrist's office and see if he won't do a look-see.  I may be getting older, but I'm sure not growing smarter. Ha!

* * *

Finally,

for anyone who's ever harbored thoughts similar to my own 

 You're welcome! :)

Have a great Thursday … be safe.

Hugs, Myra

    

UN-Facebook Post*

* Coined by a friend who -- after quitting FB -- prefaces his communications this way.

{Happy Face}

Thanks for all your well-wishes! 

I was offered (and have accepted) that job.  'Still waiting for the background check and drug test to come back, but they estimate I'll be working (secretarial support) 24-29 hours a week.

Oh, who are 'they'? It's a big funeral home/cemetery down in Montgomery.  Something I've never done, but the office manager is a sweetheart and speaks highly of the team.

{Frowny Face}

Now, I like to think I'm rarely surprised …

but nothing could have prepared me for last week's house guests.

Sure, Tom mentioned one of his high-school buddies would be 'stopping by' from Phoenix on their way to a school reunion in Chicago. Not sure if 'stopping by' meant a couple of hours or a day; but I prepared the guest room -- more in an effort to be polite than sincere. (ha)

Well, the 'Mrs.' wasn't settled more than 90 seconds when she asked/demanded Tom to turn off the ceiling fan because it was blowing her hair. (OK, then!)  Seriously, she is the most unpleasant and demanding individual I've ever met.  Her hubby obviously adores her, but the way she speaks to him - and about him … wow.   Two days she sat and made ugly, unsolicited comments about Hispanics and African Americans (my words, not hers).  Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and said, "You know, some of the finest people I know of are not Caucasian."

Granted, this lady is not physically well. But my friend Debbie -- who's lived with constant pain and physical challenges for a decade now -- is one of the happiest people I know.

Thankfully, when Tom's friend (a really nice guy, by the way) made noises about staying another night, Tom stepped up with a little 'white lie.'  Come to find out, later when I asked Tom about the visit he said he never even invited them!

Maybe I shouldn't have written about this, but I'm still upset. In fact when I realized it was over, I literally felt drained ... and had to take a 3-hr. nap.

{Anxious Face}

Tom's scheduled for a nuclear stress test tomorrow at 8.  I know these sorts of things are routine, but he's more than a little concerned about it triggering a cardiac event.  Prayers are sure appreciated!

Have a super new week … be safe!

Hugs, Myra

Currently, it's

… what day is this, anyway? 

I'm thinking

I might have a screw loose.

Today being 'D' day (as in that job decision) I woke up terrified I'd get the call … discouraged when I didn't.

Only a few minutes ago, she called to invite me back again tomorrow to meet with the G.M.

I'm thankful

….. for a great afternoon with my son and Lois.

First thing Saturday morning, we picked up the smoked brisket I'd ordered.  At nearly 7# there was plenty to send home for her parents and grand #2 who's sidelined with pink eye.

Isn't this arrangement (from their front yard) delightful?

Best line of the day?
Learning that Chloe has a new job (server), Lois told her daughter, "You know, this means you have to be nice to the customers."

In the kitchen

Even tho' I sent half of it home with the kids, we're still snacking on hot spinach/artichoke dip. Must say, it came out delicious! Except, given the 8 cups of cheese, I might have been wise to pair it with a side of Benefiber.  Ha.

Good to know!  

Not only has Royal Caribbean given Grand #1 and Josh a full refund for the canceled cruise, but they're also getting comp vouchers for another cruise.

Good to know (Pt. 2)

Not just for kids!

I think this would be great for anyone eating in his/her car … even at the beach.

Oh my goodness!

So, the other day I was sitting here at the computer when Tom calls me to put on shoes and come outside. "Don't let the dogs out!"

Naturally, I thought 'snake.'  But no, this little guy had crawled inside a 3' high trash can in his workshop!  We lay a drop-cloth over the top and carefully walked it out to the field next door.

'City girl' here kept insisting it was a rat … but Lois looked at the picture and assured me it's a possum. 

Makes me smile

So tickled when Lois brought over a big batch of her famous banana pudding in a pretty trifle bowl for us to keep.

Tom's always refused to taste it,  on the grounds he doesn't like bananas. But that night I promised him it didn't actually contain any real bananas.  "So what are those things?", pointing to the vanilla wafers. Begrudgingly he agreed to taste it. So guess who LOVES banana pudding now? 

A thought to carry with you

See the 4th line? (*smile*)

Thanks so much for visiting … you guys are the best!

Hugs, Myra

Thank you for the Music!

Whoa, it's been a while since I've spent time with Bev and friends over at Sunday Stealing.

'Surprised how difficult it is, not to over-think my answers.  Every one of these are personal favorites. But.  As soon as I hit the 'publish' button I'll likely be, "Why didn't I think of THAT?".

I hope one (or more) will resonate with you!

A song you like with a color in the title

A Whiter Shade of Pale

(Procol Harum)

A song that needs to be played very loud

Sweet Home Alabama

(Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Turn it up!

A song that makes you want to dance

Unforgettable

(Nat King Cole)

I didn't see anything about it having to be a fast dance. *smile*

A song to drive to

Against the Wind

(Bob Seger)

A song with a number in the title

Love Potion #9

(The Searchers)

A song that makes you happy

Sweet Caroline

(Neil Diamond)

All together now: "so good! … so good!"

A song that makes you sad

You Were Always on my Mind

(Willie Nelson)

A song that reminds you of summer

A Summer Song

(Chad and Jeremy)

A song that you remember from your childhood

Flying Purple People Eater

(Sheb Wooley)

A song that breaks your heart

Whiskey Lullaby

(Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley)

A song that you never get tired of

Piano Man

(Billy Joel)

A song from your pre-teen years

Sealed With a Kiss

(Brian Hyland)

A song that is a cover by another artist

Well, color me stumped.

I'm generally not fond of reruns n' rearrangements.

A song from the year you were born

Mona Lisa

(Nat King Cole)

A song that makes you think about life

Don't Blink

(Kenny Chesney)

Your favorite song with a person's name in the title

Eleanor Rigby

(The Beatles)

A song that you think everyone should listen to

How Great Thou Art

(Carrie Underwood)

A song by a band you wish were still together

Handle With Care

(Travelling Wilburys)

… and here I go, missing George Harrison all over again!!!

A song by an artist no longer living

Come Share the Wine

(Al Martino)

A song by an artist with a voice you love

Hey!

(Julio Iglesias)

Ciao for now! … Stay safe! 

Hugs, Myra