Groovy!
Monday's Bible study.
I'm 3rd from left, trying to keep my paper glasses in place.
Remembering my funeral-home friend talking about her church's band, I asked Tom if he'd like to go.
Just keeping it real. I don't think either of us have ever been in a Baptist church in our lives. Wasn't sure what to expect! But it sure wasn't their energy and joy-filled contemporary service … so unlike the traditional, scripture-based services we attend. The minister's message was captivating and real. (Tom even stayed awake!)
I dearly love the folks at our church, but I'm leaning towards splitting my/our Sundays … and hope Pastor Janet doesn't catch on.
Happy …
To unwrap this new (to me) Auld Lang Syne cup!
Actually the size of a soup bowl!
I was immediately drawn to Jon's cup when he recently shared his antique dishes. Then, in spite of my inexplicable distaste for the color blue, he and I began an online search. Happily, Jon was able to locate this over-size cup on eBay at a "let's do this" price. Chili, anyone?
While browsing the produce department yesterday, I was so curious about these huge green leafy 'things.' When this little old lady stopped to select a bunch, I moved in. "Excuse me, but what are those?" Startled, then a big smile."Why honey, these are collards."
She went on to explain how one goes about preparing them. Tom joined in on the conversation and the merits of ham hocks v. smoked turkey. And that, my friends, is how we happened to become new owners of an InstaPot.
"All available data still points towards a significant risk of damaging wind and/or tornadoes Saturday across Alabama."
Helmets- ✔ Whistle- ✔ Closed-toe shoes- ✔
(…. and the list goes on)
Wonder if I'll ever become accustomed to these sorts of threats?
Excited ...
To try my hand, making collards and ham hocks later today.While browsing the produce department yesterday, I was so curious about these huge green leafy 'things.' When this little old lady stopped to select a bunch, I moved in. "Excuse me, but what are those?" Startled, then a big smile."Why honey, these are collards."
She went on to explain how one goes about preparing them. Tom joined in on the conversation and the merits of ham hocks v. smoked turkey. And that, my friends, is how we happened to become new owners of an InstaPot.
Apprehensive …
An hour ago, from our weather folks --"All available data still points towards a significant risk of damaging wind and/or tornadoes Saturday across Alabama."
Helmets- ✔ Whistle- ✔ Closed-toe shoes- ✔
(…. and the list goes on)
Wonder if I'll ever become accustomed to these sorts of threats?
Silly ...
(Because, you know, I hate to close on a downy kind of note.)
Borrowing from a popular meme, I was intrigued by one particular poser: "(Do you) have any idiosyncrasies?"
Couldn't think of a thing!
Then. While on a recent errand, Tom asked, "Why do you always lift your feet when we cross the railroad tracks?"
Yep, mine's an involuntary carry-over from childhood. I'll own it! Does anyone out there still do the same?
Have yourselves a great -- safe -- Thursday!
Hugs, Myra




Wait a minute, you have never had collards and ham hocks? SERIOUSLY? SMILES---soak them in vinegar first, Myra, honest.
ReplyDeleteI was raised Catholic and when I was pregnant I converted to Baptist ( my husbands religion/faith). Baptist churches are different --up here, they are not so fire and brimstone and I miss that.
Love the blue bowl, smiles. Keeping you both in prayer.
Ya, Tom was raised in the Catholic church; me, Lutheran. I don't suppose WHERE you attend is as important as WHAT you take away.
DeleteSo very true, Myra...so very true. smiles
DeleteP.S. I DO NOT MISS TORNADOES! We survived the EF 5 tornado that hit Tuscaloosa in 2011---never, never, never again. smiles
ReplyDeleteI remember than tornado! So impressed how that lady survived by laying inside a tanning bed.
Deletemy husband was also a first responder/chaplain...long story...but I never want to go back...our house was gone etc...and it was so hard to find another house...not complaining, I'm just saying....
DeleteOMG, y'all lost your home in that tornado? Did you have a basement in which to shelter? I'm horrified. Props to your hubby!
DeletePaper glasses? Bible study??
ReplyDeleteOkay - I clicked on the photo to enlarge it, and now I understand what you're wearing.
The year 2020 sounds like something out of science fiction.
(I only wish my myopic eyes were 20/20....)
I'm surprised that you got the auld lang syne antique cup so quickly. That was a very reasonable price for it. I really think they're unique and I like the large size.
BTW- bad weather is expected here this weekend. Send me a helmet...
Be thankful that you don't live in Missouri. The tornado warnings were so frequent there that I was forced to move.
DeleteTom was skeptical when I ordered our helmets, but our Chief Meteorologist sure recommends them. Our are new (Highway Patrol) certified off of eBay for just $30-something each.
DeleteWhat a great group you have at your Bible Study. It's great to visit other churches especial if they have something new to show or tell about. Still most sunday's you'll find me in the same place, same pew and loving every moment of it. I love your new cup and an always ib the look out for new ones here. What a great cup for toasting in the New Year ! I've never had collards so you'll have to let us know how you liked them and how you cooked them.They are supposed to be very good for you!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if your fellow congregants are like family. Nice! My mother (and hers) were the same way. I've only tried the canned variety of 'greens', but there's always Hormel chile in the pantry. :)
DeleteLoved the photo of your Bible study group, Myra! And yes, stay safe in that awful weather coming your way, and mine, too. How I hate the very thought of tornadoes! And do I have idiosyncracies? Does picking one's fingernails or absent-mindedly twirling one's hair count? :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, my friend!
Thank you, Martha! Only yesterday someone was saying, "Gotta be tough to live in Alabama." Unfortunately I'm a fingernail/cuticle picker, too.
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ReplyDeleteI had to delete and 'repair' before my proofer gets here!!!
ReplyDeleteIn our past travels we have attended many denominations and have been 'touched' by their friendliness and acceptance. And YEAH, some of 'em Baptists do get excited!
Sherry was raised to 'hide' from storms. When possible she gets out of sight of lightening.
I am proud of you. We have eaten collards all our lives, but very seldom have attempted to cook them. I'm smiling. Year before last son Jack borrowed our house and had his sons over for a special meal. Bought a giant pot and collards in the end gave us the pot and swore he would never do it again. hahahaha
I go down side bars every once in awhile, today I enjoyed yours again and thanks for the continual shout out. U B sweet I have ordered and read Jon & Victor and enjoyed your friends.
Hugs to Tom, one of my favorite men in the background.
Sherry & jack
Because the thought of buying a huge pot, then boiling for 45-60 minutes didn't sound attractive ... Well, that's how we ended up with the InstaPot. This minister wasn't at all 'excited' but we liked his turning the book of Revelations into something we can all relate to in the here and now.
DeleteYour Bible study group is so cute with their picture with 2020 glasses :) I have never had collards either, but did get an InstaPot a month ago; yet to use it, LOL. Maybe you'll inspire me :) Go to whatever church feeds you the most with what you are looking for. Bounce back and forth if that sounds good too. What a pretty cup! Honestly, I don't think I could live where tornadoes might hit, but you do have a great plan to try to stay safe, which is definitely a good thing!
ReplyDeletebetty
Not sure the collards are getting done today -- or ever. The operating manual sounds like it was intended for engineering students.LOL. Turning it all over to Tom!
DeleteHope your collards and ham hocks turn out good. We are starting to use our InstaPot more and are loving it. Hope you do too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. Right now, it's pretty intimidating.
DeleteI hope she taught you well, they are delish if cooked properly and nasty if not. my mother made the best. I buy mine in a can already seasoned. daddy raised us on collards, mustard and turnip greens. greens grow year round and are cheap and filling.. I like the photo of you and your friends. I know one person who goes to church at one church and the bible study at another. hope the weather doesn't turn crazy.. prayers and hugs.
ReplyDeleteYes, the canned stuff is really good! Thanks for the prayers. Our meteorologist says, "We're not trying to frighten you" -- but it's hard.
DeleteI really like your new cup. Let us know how your new recipe turned out.
ReplyDeleteKeep safe in any forthoming storms or tornadoes. Praying for you all.
God bless always.
Thanks, Victor. It's totally NOT my style, but I love the sentiment. Also, of my mother's love of blue and in particular, Delftware.
DeleteI think you will be sending things our way in a couple days - weather that is.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the church too - we do the same thing - I have a church I love very much - but the messages are full and we do go to a mega church once in awhile to a shot in the arm....
Exactly! (Thanks for understanding, Sandie.) Little wonder, this new church boasts a huge congregation for a reason. 3 services each Sunday morning to accommodate everyone.
DeleteI don't still pick up my feet, but I played the game with my kids when they were growing up. We also ducked our heads going under a bridge.
ReplyDeleteI hope you all stay safe and sound on Saturday (batten down the hatches!) and do let us know how the greens turned out. I've had them a few times, but only ever liked them once. lol
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DeleteSo glad someone else remembers! How about taking care not step on cracks? Every now and then I'll do that, too.
DeleteLOL on the railroad track! We used to do that going over bridges but I don't do it anymore. Let us know how the collards turn out. I've only had them once and burped them for two days. Haven't tried them since! I'm sure yours will be great! I have an InstaPot in the pantry. Used it once and wasn't impressed. I need to get it out and try again.
ReplyDeleteI think the collards have been tabled indefinitely. (Think Waste Management, lol). 'Think I'm going to throw away the instruction manual and look for a tutorial out on YouTube.
Deleteenjoy your Insta-Pot. liked seeing you all in 2020 glasses. very cool. i too looked into Auld Lang Syne cups Jon showed on ebay. love the concept. they are awesome. i can't stand the color blue, though.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Terre! You're the only person I know -- besides myself -- who dislikes the color blue. I strongly suspect I bought it because it reminds me of my late mother.
DeleteI don't go to a church regularly and my husband doesn't care to go at all, however he has gone with me at Christmas and he liked the pastors message. So that's a good thing. I love the cup! Enjoy your Insta-pot. Praying all is well with your weather reports. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Our weather radio just went off … we're under a tornado watch 'til 8PM.
DeleteBeautiful cup.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteSuch a delightful post, We dodged the bullet with the tornadoes, but had lots of strong winds.
ReplyDeleteLoved the church attendance story.
Blessings,
Sue
Thank you so much for visiting and following, Sue. I look forward to getting to know you better in the coming year!
DeleteStay safe -- prayers from sunny NYC -- and enjoy your greens.
ReplyDeleteRailroad Tracks yessssss! My whole life. Love the cup. I love visiting and apologize for taking so long. Have a great weekend. HUGS
ReplyDelete