Saturday 9: On The Radio

What a fun song choice, Sam!

Ah, 1979 … it was a very good year.  Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

The action begins when a letter falls out of the pocket of a brown overcoat.  What color is your coat?

I'm taller than my mother, but I still enjoy wearing her favorite trench coat.

The lyrics ask if it "kinda strikes you sad when you hear our song." We don't want to be sad this Saturday, so we're asking what song makes you happy?

Oh my gosh, there's so many!

How about …

  

Right before this song hit the charts, Donna Summer hit the cover of Newsweek.  Are there any magazines in your home now?  If yes, who is on the cover?

Donna wrote the lyrics to this song, while producer Giorgio Moroder wrote the tune.  Moroder is known as 'the father of disco.' Is disco a genre you enjoy?

Nowadays it wouldn't be my first choice.  But back in the day? Woot! 

Right now, I'm sure enjoying listening and wiggling in my chair (TMI?) while listening to the Bee Gees and Ms. Summer through my monitor.

This song got additional airplay throughout the 1980's because the game show The Price is Right played it every time a contestant won a stereo.  Today the most popular audio equipment sold at Best Buy is a sound bar to improve the quality of TV audio. Have you added a sound bar or sound system to your TV?

I don't think it ever occurred to us.  Do you recommend doing so?

Moroder has won two Academy Awards for Best Song. The first was for "Flashdance ... What a Feeling" from Flashdance and the second was for "Take My Breath Away" from Top Gun.  Do you have a favorite soundtrack?

There's not a single song I don't enjoy!

He grew up in Ortsei, Italy. Located in northern Italy, the Ortsei economy is fueled by tourists who ski in winter, hike in summer and shop for wood carvings all year around.  Do out of towners find their way to your hometown more often in summer or winter?

Ortsei sounds a lot like my hometown!

But, because it lies near the far more-popular Taos ski valley, I'll go with summer.

From what I understand, this road up to the 'Hill' hasn't changed much since I left in '68.  Even full-time residents use extreme caution in Winter. 

Kourtney Kardashian was born in 1979, the year this record was a hit.  Keeping Up with the Kardashians has been on since 2007.  Have you ever seen it?

Noooo!

Random question -- When getting dressed in the morning, what's the second item of clothing you put on?

Usually my leggings

* * *

Thanks so much for joining us!

Enjoy your weekend ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Tuesday 4: Odds and Ends

Welcome to Tuesday 4 invented by Toni Taddao -- and kept up in honor and memory of her.

The art of Mary Petty for New Yorker covers

1. You're having a lovely dinner party for friends and family. What will you serve for appetizers, main course and dessert?

Appetizer

Fried green tomatoes

with chipotle tarter sauce + lump crab meat (shown)
Except, I'm holding the crab on account of my shellfish allergy.

Main Course

Mississippi Pot Roast with smashed potatoes and corn bread

Dessert

Banana pudding and/or

Slow-cooker chocolate cake w/ vanilla ice cream

2.  Snow storm! You've got house guests and you're all stuck inside for the night. What do you prepare for dinner supper? Will you watch a movie? Which one?

If they're obligatory house guests (jus' saying) --

I'd set the table, toss a pretty green-leaf salad and (try) the InstantPot lasagna Tom's daughter's been raving about.  I'll let them choose what they'd like to watch.

  

But close friends/family?

I'm thinking skillets full of sausage-and-eggs, and/or pizza, and/or bags-full of garlic popcorn.

… and skip the movie in favor of good conversation.

3. We are going into New York City for the weekend. Where do you want to go?

Definitely the 9/11 Memorial

Too, I've always dreamt of taking a horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park

4. You are going to night school They offer courses in writing short stories, painting, piano or guitar lessons, simple home repairs, baking and gardening. Which do you pick (or make up one of your own) and why?

Gardening. I've killed more innocent house plants than I'd like to admit -- most recently, just trying to re-pot them.

Too, I'd appreciate someone helping me get over my fear of under-cooking certain foods.  I enjoy my beef 'medium rare' -- not so much chicken or pork.  Call me naïve' (or worse), but I've never understood how one can tell when fried chicken is done throughout.

* * *

Tom and I are off to Birmingham today for a follow-up with his doctors.  If I don't get to your posts tonight, I'll do my best to catch up on Wednesday.

Stay safe out there!

Hugs, Myra

Right about now

The sun's shining.  Yeay!

I'm pondering

One of the gals in Bible study -- a mover-shaker sort -- has asked me to consider becoming a member of the newly-formed Lions Club chapter.  I'm not really feeling the pull, but it couldn't hurt to meet folks outside the church.
(Ponder, ponder, ponder …..)

Gosh! The last time I thought about something like this, I was in 10th grade and asked to join Rainbow Girls.  Unfortunately, my dad put the stop to that right away.  He was convinced 'those' kinds of organizations were  at odds with the church.

In the kitchen

….. My poor slow cooker's still soaking.

I was so excited to make another batch of Hatch pork stew Friday morning, but failed to lower the temp before going to bed.

Thank goodness I'd an extra box of beef broth to pour atop the burnt offerings. Oh my, the 'aroma'!

Good to know! 

So, one morning last week I happened on a (televised) interview with a local State Trooper.

Never in a hundred years could I have guessed!  A part of their job is responding to stranded motorists … not just those involved in accidents.  Good naturedly, he spoke about changing 'thousands' of tires.  He said they even carry containers of gasoline for that hapless soul who thought he could find chapter gas on down the road a ways.

Per the Trooper's suggestion, I immediately put *47 in both our phone's contacts.  And I wondered: If Alabama's Highway Patrol offers this service, what about the rest of the U.S.?

http://www.ou.edu/police/dpsinfo/state-by-state-cellphone-highway-emergency-assistance-numbers

You're welcome! *smile*

Looking forward to

….. Tom's 78th birthday on Wednesday

I've no idea if we're going to do anything special or just opt for an early dinner at LongHorn Steakhouse.

He did, however, make himself a Devil's food cake yesterday -- something he's been talking about for more than a year.  (In fact, the one we had in the pantry had already expired!)

Macie Ann's all, "I like to lick the beaters, too."

Makes me smile

….. every time I read Robert Fulghum's timeless essay.

Click to enlarge

Are you smiling, too?

* * *

Now, what do we say?

That's right!

Don't forget!

Hugs, Myra

Thankful Thursday with Rebecca Jo

Yep, still raining ... 

What better time to focus on those things which really matter?

This morning I'm thankful for ... 

Being parked at a nearby grocery store when my car's alternator suddenly died.  I can't even wrap my mind around the thought it could have happened last week while in the downtown Birmingham parking garage -- or even while on I-65 in the driving rain.

There's never a good time for expensive car repairs. But the down-home, friendly folks at Scott's service station made the process less painful.  My olden (243k miles) Camry was home before nightfall!

For our meteorologist's sense of humor:

"Whoever's doing a rain dance, I hope you sprain an ankle."

For the ugly enormous weeds (we've allowed to grow) just slip-sliding out of the sodden earth.  Easy-peasy!

For Tom's continuing to feel stronger.  The reception he received at church Sunday morning was overwhelming. Even Pastor Janet publicly welcomed him from the pulpit.

This, just in -

For quick-thinking doctors and nurses at Baptist East.  My friend's daughter shared on her Facebook page this morning:  

(In part)  "... at 9 Tom rushed me to the ER. I'd just taken my night meds, one being a HUGE magnesium pill. That big pill got lodged sideways in my esophagus and was making it difficult to breathe, the pain was also enormous."  

Note to self:  Never try taking (my own) big calcium pill without first splitting it in half, or crushing it and consuming in applesauce.

And of course ...

For each of you!  Your thoughtful, funny, whimsical posts ... y'all remembering to stay safe (*smile*) ...  and your making time to visit mean the world to me.  (143!)

Hugs, Myra

Water Cooler Wednesday

What you say we turn the tables on my last post?  Rather than identifying a 'worst' here and a 'worst' there, let me ask you ...


Who is your favorite fictional character (v. actor), in film and/or book form?

  

Me?
Not since Marcus Welby, M.D. have I felt such warm feelings for Daniel Charles (Chief of Psychiatry, Chicago Med).  

Thanks for playing along, and if you would … stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Sunday Stealing

I think it's high time for a little levity; at least, a bit of trivial pursuit.

In honor of her birthday,
our hostess Bev has chosen a list of questions found on a birthday party website.  Without further ado...


"Have you ever?"

Broken a bone?

Yes.  For 6 weeks I had to write with my non-dominant (right) hand.  And those were the days students were graded on penmanship. *ugh*

Broken a window?

Uh-huh.  I'd misplaced my keys and thought it a perfectly reasonable way to get inside after school.  I couldn't understand why my parents were so cross. 

Been on TV?

Yes. For 10 years I worked for the CBS affiliate in Tampa/St. Pete.  Not as an on-air personality, but in the occasional station promo.

Had a friend who shared the same birthday as you?  

No. But the lady who held my job (before me) did. My boss swore (that) being born on March 17 was a prerequisite for the job.

Locked your keys in the car?

No

Accidentally sent a text or email to the wrong person?

No

Sat in the back of a police car?

No

Fallen asleep at work?

Close … but no

Made a snow angel?

Yep

Ridden in an ambulance?

No

Worst household chore

Mopping or vacuuming

Worst color

I hesitate to call it "worst", but I'm not fond of the color blue.

Worst pizza topping

Pepperoni

Worst weather

Tornados

Worst self-care job (e.g. dressing, washing, shaving, teeth, toe nails)

Flossing

Worst game

To play? Jinga

Worst school subject

Statistics

Worst animal

Snake

Technically a reptile, but I'm sticking with it

Worst season

Summer

Worst TV show

Oh my gosh, there's so many!

Then again, I'm not in a target demographic for some of today's inane sitcoms.

Painting with a too-wide brush, but I'm going with whatever happens to be airing on CNN.

* * *

It's not too late to play along! HERE.

I'd love to see your answers!

Sweet dreams … stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Weekly Recap (In 3 Part Harmony)

Spoiler alert … 
All's well that ends well! :)

Happy weekend, y'all!

Backing up to Sunday morning …

Thankfully, there was little traffic. So, with time to spare before check-in, I asked if we could pay homage to my favorite restaurant.

Yep,

My love language is food!

*Magic City* Monday

No, I've no idea how Birmingham came to be called that.

The hospital asked us to check in by 8am.

But wow. In our wildest dreams, neither of us could have predicted Tom wouldn't be called back 'til nearly 1:00 … and wouldn't be taken to surgery until going on 4:00!  

Thankfully, Pastor Janet arrived; plus we struck up an impromptu friendship with another couple who'd driven in from Mississippi.  Pretty neat when circumstances bring out the best in some folks.

One of the doctors told us, "Well, maybe you can take comfort in knowing you're not the sickest person here."  (He's got a point!)  Someone said they performed 152 procedures that day!

I wasn't able to see Tom until after 10:00, on account he'd had an adverse reaction to the anesthesia.  I hated like heck to have to pay another night's hotel bill, but there was no way I could have gotten behind the wheel -- particularly given the heavy rains and flooding.

Before being released the next morning, one of his doctors told us, "You started throwing blows and trying to get off the table; it took 7 of us to hold you down."

  

I was all apologetic but he said that sometimes happens. If Tom needs any procedures done in the future we need to forewarn the doctor.

* * *

Ol' 4-eyes

I'm all ying-n-yang on my glasses.

On one hand, I like the took ... but getting becoming used to the lens is the dickens!

Yesterday I went to ask my eye doc double check the prescription. But "Given the number of years you've worn contacts that's to be expected."  (She didn't come out and call me Methuselah, but ...)

Anyway. They said 2-weeks is the norm to become accustomed to 'progressive' glasses.

* * *

We didn't make any plans for Valentine's.  But Tom bought a couple of nice steaks and announced he was feeling well enough to grill.

Then, one of his buddies from the flying club stopped by and suggested we join he and his wife for an early supper.  Now, I've not a spontaneous bone in my body, but it was a really nice evening.

Nearby Front Porch Grill was advertising a Valentine's Day special for two: 24-oz. ribeye, 4 sides, 2 desserts.  A no-frills kind of spot with Formica-like tables and super service … it's one of our favorite spots.

Uncharacteristically, the food was only mediocre, but Leon's wife a delight.  Already, we're making plans to get together again soon.

Not until moving here, can I recall ever knowing any couples we immediately got along with, both the husbands and wives.  Feeling darn blessed!

* * *

In case I've not said so lately,

your making time to visit is always so appreciated!

Stay safe, OK?

Hugs, Myra

PS - Has anyone else noticed the little spell-check feature has disappeared from Blogger?  I'm too disinterested right now in proof-reading, so please excuse any typos!

A little bit of this. And that.

Trifle bowl + Dollar Tree = 

a nod to American Heart Month + Valentines

Tom's visit with the cardiologist on Monday went really, really well. Woot!  I can't get over how nice everyone is.

We'd arrived early, so settled in, expecting a wait. Then, one of the staffers came out to the waiting room to introduce herself and apologize for the delay.  She asked if anyone would like her to bring them bottled water, juice and/or crackers. (Like being on a plane, only more courteous! *smile*)

In recent years my son's had many appointments at the B'ham. V.A. And well, because he raves about an adjacent restaurant, we made plans to lunch at The Fish Market.  Tom ordered a Greek salad and fried shrimp, while I had Greek coleslaw loaded with Feta. Yum!

I never heard of angel hair cabbage!

Athenian grouper.  It's been 17 years since I had grouper (when we lived in Florida).

Thankfully, the storms held off until we were home. 

I don't have to tell y'all, this has been a weird weather week -- and they say it's not over.  Even our meteorologist said, "This feels like March 42nd."

Oh, and this happened:

... which later became this:

It took Tom a minute to realize I was wearing two pair of glasses!

When we get back from Tom's procedure I'm going to ask my eye doc to double-check the prescription.

Dumb question:

Can someone explain the difference between a (Facebook) post and a news story?  I keep getting notifications that so-and-so's added to their news story.  Then when I click on it, it disappears after 4-5 seconds.  Color me, scratching my head.

* * *

So, we're driving back to Birmingham tomorrow morning for Tom's procedure on Monday.  Because he's being all 'Pessimistic-Phil' (again), I've not told him: Pastor Janet PM'd me, asking if I'd mind if she came to the hospital and prayed with us before.  Talk about being touched!  From her home, that's a 2-hour (1-way) commute ... and we're not even members of the church!  That might need to change, don't you think?

Have yourselves a wonderful Sunday, won't you?
Be safe!

Hugs, Myra

Sunday Seven

I spy with my little eye ...

View from my dining room window.

I'm a bit disappointed to learn this lot is back on the market.

I can't decide ...

If I'm a coward -- or just lazy.

I'd totally forgotten having applied with the U.S. Census last summer.  Then, I got a call the other day offering me a p/t job as an 'enumerator' -- aka a census taker.  The $15/hr. salary sounds great, but deep down I'm loathe to go knocking on strangers' doors.  Thanks, but no thanks.

Feeling thankful ...

For Miss Beth's friendship. (At least one good thing from my short gig at the funeral home!)

I visited her church again this morning and marveled at the music ministry.

Five (count'em!) guitarists, plus drums and keyboards!

I was kind of tempted to patronize the church's SouperBowl scholarship fundraiser …..

Isn't this a great idea?

….. but we decided to visit GRITS café, instead. 

This rib-eye omelet was huge!

Yep, I said "was." I ate the whole thing. (*groan*)

Good to know …..

We won't be getting any more uninvited 4-legged guests!

New fence... priceless

Oh my goodness! …..

What a surprise hearing my ophthalmologist say I've got scarring on both eyes -- which will probably require surgery.  I was planning to ask for glasses anyway, to complement my contacts … not take the place of.

Anyway, he made me promise not to wear contacts for six weeks and they'll check me again the first part of March.

As crazy as it might seem ...

I'm looking forward to getting the glasses.  I hated having to pay the absurd amount of $. But!

He said they're going to try and get me in to an eye surgeon before the glasses' 90-day warranty is up.

Meanwhile …..

These girls can always make me smile.

I think Grace is saying, 

"Excuse me, Mom. This is a private conversation."

Happy viewing!

May your favorite team win -- or at least go home with no broken bones!

You, too!  Stay safe

Hugs, Myra