Water Cooler Wednesday

Glad to be back at the water cooler!  But first …..
A big thanks for your prayers and positivity on Tom's behalf.  Unfortunately, half-way through his procedure, the doctor was called away on an emergency.  No stent at this time; they're more concerned about a possible valve replacement.  We'll know more after November 12.  (*sigh*)

So, a few hours ago Tom was visiting with his son about a recent family trip to Disneyland.

The last time I vacationed at Anaheim was 1962. All's I can recall was losing my coveted, 'first' purse in the ladies restroom. (Happiest place on earth? Not.)

Does anyone remember these bucket bags?  Gosh, I mourned that thing for a year.

Borrowing from another meme, today's question:

"What is the first (tangible) thing you lost, that you never found again?"

and/or

"What is the vacation destination you recall with such fondness (that) you really hope to return there someday?"

I'm back to work tomorrow for another 4-day run.  If nothing else, something amusing might occur to share with  y'all!

Be good out there … be safe!

Hugs, Myra

S'monday on my Mind

DIL's kitchen table.

Now, where was I?

Oh ya. I was surprised so many of you admit to having thinning hair. My short answer to the Texturizing Taffy ... yes. I'd gladly pay double.

What I should have added, a LITTLE goes a long, long way!

So glad Tom opted to stay home from church this morning! One of the elderly congregants shared her testimony of having suffered a major stroke and clinical 'death' following her stent procedure earlier this year.

You see, when it comes to this sort of thing, Tom's a glass-half-empty person. He can't help going to the worst-case scenario, and that one-in-a-million happenstance would have done a number on his psyche.

Anyway, he's scheduled for his cardio cath tomorrow morning. I'm expecting only good results, but would still appreciate your prayers!

Things on the job front are still a bit muddy. Most of the time it feels like I'm the proverbial square peg trying to fit inside a round hole.  Pretty sure I'm not a dummy, but the software's trying to prove me otherwise. Thursday afternoon, I happened to be the only admin in residence. Murphy's Law is alive and well, folks! What could happen, happened: the Perfect Storm.  The next morning I adopted a light-hearted tone that belied my words: Am I being tested, or set up for failure?  (Buddy had the grace to protest.)  At least, the GM told me how much he appreciates me.

I don't want to go all dark on y'all, but this business ($$$) has given me lots to ponder. I'm still uncertain what I want (in the way of final arrangements), but each day there teaches me what I don't! I think it was Rick who coined one of my favorite phrases, "Every day is a school day."

On a lighter note!

'Thought you might enjoy seeing some examples of a nearby community's hay bale decorating contest, "Hay, Look at Me!" I think there were more than 30 entries, but these are my favorites.

I hope y'all enjoy a great new week … stay safe!

                                                                                                   Hugs! Myra

Type-casting?  Naw!

(ca. 1988)

  

Phriday Photos

No rhyme, no reason. 'Just a few images from my 'right now' life! Happy Friday!

Anyone care to guess what I'm holding?

A part of my father's 'nutcracker' tool set. I discovered the pointy end is perfect for pre-cleaning my hair brushes.

(Does anyone else remember their mother/grandmother soaking her brushes in ammonia water?)

Pulling out of our driveway, an unwelcome hitchhiker.

Patience, grasshopper.

This.Girl.

…..saved my bacon day before yesterday. I have to keep my phone on 'silent' while at work, and totally forgot to turn it up when I got home.  Naturally, I didn't hear the morning's alarm … but Macie did and kept pawing me until I opened my eyes.

(There are few things I dread more than being late.)

… and this one.

Like my grandmother, I was a bit besotted by the Dionne quints. I treasure the thick scrapbook of newsprint and photos she carefully chronicled.

An unusually-good hair day is good reason for a silly selfie, no?

Except when you're trying to keep your blouse from sticking out like a maternity top ... and forget all about cleaning the mirror.

Speaking of hair ...

This stuff (Texturizing Taffy) is amazing! My hair guru recommended it for my thin, fine hair … and even sold it to me at her cost. Win!

Does anyone else struggle with the insane costs Verizon, et al charges for cellular accessories?

After having to say 'goodbye' to my well-loved Samsung, I was doubly dismayed that my new device wouldn't fit the same carrying case. 

For a while, I was sticking it in one of those long socks they give you in the hospital (truth!) … then I remembered my mother's jewelry travel case.

Once a royal blue velveteen, it's decidedly tired. But, it's still perfect for both my phone and plastic currency.

Please, I'd enjoy hearing what you use around the house/office apart from its intended purpose!

Oops; I'd best start getting ready to hit the road.

Have a great day everyone … stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Middling at the Medley

Anyone in the mood for a little Hump Day Q-and-A?

I'm back at work Wednesday, but I invite you take a minute and stroll amongst this week's bevy of Meddlers!

* * *

Today is Bosses' Day.  Workplace politics at the highest level of competition. Is this a day for employees to thank their bosses for being unfailing kind and understanding throughout the year? A meaningless holiday pressuring back-stabbing co-workers to kowtow to tyranic managers? Or, just another way for the groveling sycophants to max out their credit cards in a piteous attempt to curry favor?

Bonus question for those of us who've retired: On the one-to-ten scale, how incomprehensibly ecstatic are you about not having to put up with this kind of malarkey anymore? Or, any words of encouragement to those of us who still have forty years to go before Social Security kicks in?

I'm sooo an "11"!

My last boss was a total narcissist who expected bouquets of appreciation each October 16. It's unfortunate. A couple of my prior employers were totally deserving, but I don't think this (silly) holiday existed back then.

That said, I've discovered my current GM hails from Tucson ... and shares my distaste for what passes as Mexican food out here. In the spirit of "Bosses Day" I've filled a pint-size container with fresh, hot" Hatch chilis for him. (And now, we wait. Hee-hee.)

October 16 is also National Fossil Day! Just as new living species are discovered, new fossilized animals are found.

A type of trilobite was named Aegrotocatellus jaggeri after Mick Jagger, lead singer of The Rolling Stones. Believe it or not, there are plenty of people who feel Mick Jagger is a fossil.

If someone was to name something after you, what would you like it to be?

Probably my take on a no-bun burger:

1/2# 80/20 chuck prepared medium-rare, served with jalapeno (or bits of Hatch), guacamole, mozzarella and (sometimes) an over-easy egg.

Extra mayo, please!

Today is Hagfish Day! What is a hagfish? Well, I wouldn't rush to look it up. Those things should come with a warning. All the cuteness of a viper and the cuddliness of an eel. Allegedly, very delicious and plentiful, thought, if you can get them to stop slithering around long enough to cook them. Which is why we celebrate Hagfish Day!

Which member(s) of the Animal Kingdom gives you the creeps? Or is it a slimy co-worker from Question #1?

Anything that slithers.

Cheers! We also celebrate Drink Local Wine Week and National Liqueur Day! Is there a winery in your locale? Do you have a favorite cordial or a mixed drink made with a liqueur? A non-potent potable such as a refreshing smoothie?

Ha! Friends of my son had aspirations of grandeur; and a few years ago sunk their life savings into a start-up vineyard. Unfortunately, everyone who's tasted it agrees, it's best enjoyed down the drain.

For a while I drank Campari and soda because I read it was Joan Collins' favorite.  My all-time favorite is Kamora (poor man's Kahlua) on the rocks or Bailey's Irish Cream. 

Happy Birthday, Angela Lansbury! Her first two roles were as the maid in Gaslight and Sibyl Vane in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Truly a star of stage, screen and television, Angela played on Broadway and as Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote. One of her most respect film roles was that of Laurence Harvey's mother in The Manchurian Candidate, an often-overlooked political thriller. She was believable, despite being only three years older than Harvey.

Can you think of any out-of-the-ordinary casting? Or the type of casting in which Hollywood expects us to suspend all logic?

Whoever  thought it was a good idea to cast Tom Cruise in the role of Jack Reacher?

I've often wondered if the books' creator (Lee Child) stroked out when he discovered that travesty. 

Please share something about your week.

For those who participate in MediGap plans ... are you happy with your provider?  I've been pleased with my Humana plan, but more than a little befuddled. Gal-pal Debbie in Florida has Humana as well, but her policy covers far more than mine, for the same premium. How I wish someone would take my hand ...

I hope Tom will decide to choose a 'gap' plan as well. The V.A. has out-sourced his pulmonologist and cardiac care to the folks at Tri-West.  While everyone's very nice, more often than not it seems the right hand isn't talking to the left:  He had an appointment last Friday with one cardiologist, then comes a call to see someone else altogether tomorrow.

The first one has, however, scheduled his heart cath for the 28th. If he needs a stent they'll do it right then and there. Progress and prayers! 

Finally …..

 Oops!

Y'all be good ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Weekly Recap

Oh man, can you believe we're already half-way through October? Time to put on my Christmas thinking cap!

Color me thankful our computer woes seem to be resolved.  After 3 days having to rely on my Fire/phone's itty-bitty keyboards, I was ready to bite the bullet and invest in a whole new system.  Then Tom said, "Wait a minute!" and called HP. (For only $15/month, their tech support folks are available to trouble-shoot  24/7.)  Aside from having to get a new monitor, it just needs a new fan.  What a relief!

I should be embarrassed to admit this … but getting stressed makes me super hungry.  Leaving Office Depot, we were in the mood for breakfast. But after 11:00, our only options were Cracker Barrel and IHOP -- both of which had tons of people outside, waiting to be seated.  

I knew better -- honestly, I did. Still, I pointed to a nearby Mexican cantina.  Faux Mexican, I should say.  'Must remember, folks here can't help not knowing the traditional dishes we enjoyed in the Southwest.  Poor Tom! I thought he was going to stroke out when they brought out a basket of traditional chips and salsa -- which tasted exactly like someone opened a can of Del Monte tomato sauce.  

I don't know what came over me, but I went to town on those chips  … then fell into a carb coma the moment we got home.  Seriously. "The house is on fire? OK, I'm getting up ...in a minute."

'Hope I'm not jinxing myself ...

But I'm feeling a little more comfortable at the new job.  I still dislike the fact there's no voice-mail (the company doesn't believe in that technology). But, I'm inordinately tickled being called, "Miss Myra."  I guess that's a real 'thing' among Southerners?

Maybe it's not nice to laugh at one's Endocrinologist, but Tuesday afternoon I couldn't help myself.  Thankfully, most of my labs came back good.  "Why then", I asked, "...are my nails breaking and my hair seems to be falling out so frequently?"  She studied my hands and thought for a moment: "I think you probably need to add a little more protein to your diet."

She had no way of knowing (that) since I was 27, beef/pork/fish/eggs usually make up 98% of my diet.  Tom calls me the 'meatatarian.' 

In other news ...

Despite the fact I almost never post there, I joined Instagram to see family and friends' pictures.  Then! Last week I read someone's comment on one of Sean Dietrich (Sean of the South) posts, saying how much they enjoyed his and Jamie's Instagram pages.  Well, I wasted no time following.  It's fun, seeing photos and watching videos that correspond to his posts.  They're so delightfully normal and obviously adore each other. Thelma Lou, Otis Campbell … even "Mother Mary" crack me up.  For instance ...

"What happens when someone tells your mother-in-law to "be sexy" before the camera.

OK, that's all I've got for now!

Be safe ….. and in the immortal words of my late father, "Keep your wits about you!"

Hugs, Myra

 

I Am (I said ...)

I am ...
Sorry for not responding to comments last week!  While it's not a physical gig, my new part-time job's doing a number on what remains of my vim n' vigor.

I am ...
Concerned about our (desktop) computer.  It's been inordinately slow and freezing up. Then, last evening the screen suddenly went all 'disco ball' - flashing bright colors in my eyes and (seemingly) vibrating.  You know, the kind stuff that induces seizures. 
.

I am ...
Sooo confused about this job!  After 6 work days I thought I'd have a better grasp on things -- including my feelings.  Like I said, almost all my coworkers are very nice. In fact, we part-timers are all senior citizens; the Sunday/Monday/Tuesday gal turns 80 y/o next month!  

Some of the people who stop by, however, not so much. Saturday morning one "lady" took me to task for not being able to quickly pinpoint the location of her grandparent's grave sites.  Helllllo, 'Karen.'  We've almost 46,000 grave sites … and nothing is digitized. Finally, when another admin couldn't help, the GM came out and said he'd take them where they wanted to go.

I certainly don't think I'm above filing -- but darn uncomfortable when that involves standing on ladders to reach contents of WWII-era filing cabinets. (Note: Terrified of twisting my ankle I've since bought two pair of flat-soled shoes.)  Between 3 of us admin, we're in the process of digitizing burial records … some dating back to 1901!

I'm not ready to throw in the towel, but your thoughts are sure welcome. 

I am ...
Loving this new 'gunpowder' seasoning!  More so than Tom, I been using it on practically everything.

"A charcoal smokey flavor"

I am ...

Smiling, remembering my late uncle-the-mortician's sense of humor.  Until I met one of the funeral directors here, I believed Uncle Edric was the funniest human in the history of ever.

While it's not my intent to disrespect the industry, (I think) gentle humor helps diffuse a lot of tensions. For instance: I was shown where keys are kept to the hearse … in duplicate.  It seems, while at the grave site, a certain director accidentally locked the keys in the hearse and they couldn't open the back to remove the coffin! (Oh y'all … I can't even!)

I am ...

Cheering myself up, just talking to y'all.  Seriously. Thank you for listening.  Computer-willing, I'll try to get a 'Part II' up later this week.  

… Meanwhile, there's an empty glass, just begging for a gin and tonic. 

Have a sweet Tuesday … stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

The Medley's New Look

… er, I should say, a new hostess.  
Thank you for keeping the tradition alive, Katsumi!

The first week of October is National Mystery Series Week.  Do you sleuth alongside Nancy Drew or Miss Marple? Fan of Nero Wolfe?

For years I was a devotee of Sue Grafton's 'alphabet' series. Nowadays I enjoy mixing it up with Deaver, Baldacci ... or my latest fav, Mike Omer (Zoe Bentley series).

The first week of October is also National Chili Week. Do you plan on celebrating with a bowl of red? Have a top secret recipe to share?

Can't help myself. I'm totally a seasonal eater.

If our temps ever lesson, I might open a can of Hormel. (*smile*)

Seriously, for me it has to be c-o-l-d to thoroughly enjoy a pot of red. I'm looking forward to seeing what other Meddlers share!

October 2 is National Name you Car Day. Does your car (or did a family car) have a name?

In high-school my Rambler station wagon (a huge source of embarrassment) was called Mergatroid.  Later, I named my Corvette after an Italian ship's captain, Cesare.

Today is also National Walk to School Day. Did you walk to school with your friends? Take a school bus? Ever have someone carry your books home from school?

Yep. Uphill (both ways) through the elements. Only once in 12 years was the snowfall so deep, we girls were permitted to wear slacks.

During my junior year, gorgeous Gordon (*blush*) asked to walk with me and carried my books.

And it is National Pumpkin Seed Day. Do you like pumpkin seeds? Do you carve the pumpkin and roast the seeds? Do you buy packaged, prepared pumpkin seeds? Or, (are you) more of a pumpkin spice person.

I've never tasted a pumpkin seed.  But right about now I'd kill for a slice of Cheesecake Factory's pumpkin! Tom thoroughly dislikes the flavor, so there's no use trying a 'copycat' recipe.

Please tell us something interesting about your week.

Gosh, I'm stumped!

So far, we're really enjoying The Voice and the Chicago trilogy. Are you surprised/disappointed at any season premiers?

A few pictures perhaps?

My office (from corporate website). It's not nearly as large as this lens depicts.

My view from behind the desk.  A little football, anyone?

A few garlands from the Dollar Tree, an old pillar candle, DIL's trifle bowl and voila' … it's autumn in the dining room.

NOT loving this weather!

Before he left to join the Witness Protection Program, our weatherman posted: "Today's high of 101 not only broke the record for this date, it's also the hottest temperature ever recorded in October in Montgomery."

We haven't had a lick of rain in so long, what remains of our lawn audibly crunches when you step on it.

Ah well. Color me trying not to stress.

So, I was told Friday not to report to work until day after tomorrow (Th/Fr/Sa shift). But! I just got a text from the office manager stating I'm scheduled to work tomorrow through Saturday. I'll have to see if she doesn't remember that 3-day workweek we discussed.

Finally, from (an anonymous) Facebook post ...

This made me laugh soooo hard. Maybe it will do the same for you?

“Well, I guess you could say there is another store I will be avoiding for a while.

Went to grab some makeup wipes and took them up to the counter to pay. As per my usual self, I thought I’d make conversation and asked the clerk if she had ever tried them. She gave me an odd look.

So, I continued on saying I cook in a restaurant and feel greasy throughout the day so I like to freshen up. Should have stopped talking at this point but no.

Then, I said it’s so handy to have these so you can just whip them out and use them anywhere. This whole time she never said a word, so I paid and told her to have a good day. Still no response.

Got home from work last night and took them out of the bag. And that’s when I realized OMG I’m mortified. I laid in bed thinking of everything I had said to this poor woman.
So, now I’m thinking should I go back and explain myself or find a new drugstore.”

Y'all have a great rest of the week ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra