Monday Minutiae

Outside my Window

 I'm sure grateful to our pest-control man for recommending his son to do our front landscaping.  A school teacher, Brandon's presently on furlough, and was really appreciative of the chance to make a few bucks 'under the table.'

Tom would argue, but.  One of the nice things about being a 'senior citizen', I no longer feel we should try and do something like this ourselves.

In the kitchen

I'm no longer allowed to shop for ice-cream bars.

Some of y'all may recall when, a few months ago, I returned from shopping with grocery and dry cleaning bags over my arm.  So, Tom carries the clean clothes back to his closet -- never noticing I'd looped a grocery bag over the top of the hangers.  We were so sure I'd left them behind at check-out … until Tom needed a clean dress shirt a few days later.

Last week I was trying to rearrange the freezer to accommodate more Eskimo bars and frozen pizza.  Somehow (???) the package of ice cream bars got set on the top of the refrigerator … and hid there. Until the next day.

And now you know, the rest of the story.

I'm thankful

For a couple Bible Study gals who are taking time to do a 'Buddy check' on the rest of us.  That felt pretty good. 

I'm thinking

If I can't get to the Dollar Tree for Easter décor, I'm going to try blowing some eggs.  Remember doing that in Scouts?

A little food coloring and some of Tom's fishing line … and who knows what mess might come!

I'm watching

Old YouTube episodes of What's My Line?

… remembering when my parents took me to a taping and I got Dorothy Kilgallen's autograph.  I used to think she and Arlene Francis were so glamorous.

Oh my goodness

Perhaps I should have made this my Bitmoji?

Sad to say, there's a definite resemblance!

* * *

Ah well, it's always something.

Thanks for visiting ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Saturday 9 ... AND a Winner!

Welcome back to Saturday 9!

But first!
As promised, we held a drawing yesterday eve

and the winner is ...

at Buttercup Counts her Blessings

I'll have Sean's book in the mail to you early next week!






* * *

This week, Crazy Sam's chosen Connie Francis' iconic Everybody is Somebody's Fool (1960). Listen here if you'd like.

Personal aside: I loved everything about that era and, in fact, wish I'd been born a few years earlier so I might, too, wear poodle skirts and bobby sox.

OK then!  Sam asks ...

Next Wednesday is April Fool's Day. Do you have any pranks planned? Do you expect to fall victim to any April Fool's Day mischief?

Hey, I like to laugh as much as the next person. But given present circumstances, I think pranks are in poor taste.

When she was a kid, Crazy Sam would fool her mom by putting bubble wrap under the bath mat so there would be a POP! when her mother stepped on it. When you encounter bubble wrap, do you always indulge in a pop or two?

Not sure why, but I was never drawn to do that.

While we're using this song to celebrate April Fool's Day, it was written about another subject entirely: heartbreak. The lyrics tell us that at some point, we each get our hearts broken by someone who doesn't love us as much as we love them. Do you think that's true?

Oh ya! Definitely.

In 1962, this week's featured Connie Francis published a book aimed at teens called, "For Every Young Heart." It addressed topics like going steady and schoolwork vs. social life. Do you ever read advice columns or self-help books?

While growing up, 'Dear Abby' was a daily read. Even after I moved away, my mother would sometimes clip a column and mail to me.

Self-help books, not so much.

Oh wait. I suppose those which the ladies chose to accompany our recent Bible studies might be considered self-help.

She's Still There (Rescuing the Girl in You), and

Made to Crave (Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, not Food.)

Connie Francis can play the accordion.  Sam has never met anyone adept at this complicated instrument -- not even in her high school band. What about you? Do you play the accordion, or do you know anyone who can?

My hubby did, like 100 years ago.

In 1960, when this record was popular, Harper Lee's classic To Kill a Mockingbird was published. Have you read it?

Sadly, I have not.

Also in 1960, one of Life magazine's best-selling issues had Sophia Loren on the cover.  At that time, she was an international film star and considered one of the world's most beautiful women.  Who do you consider one of the 2020's most beautiful women?

Melania Trump

A 1960 issue of Vogue acknowledged how expensive it had become to maintain a fashionable wardrobe and asked, "If you were to buy only one thing, what would it be?"  If it's good enough for Vogue, it's good enough for Saturday 9: If you could purchase only one new article of clothing for spring 2020, what would you buy?

I don't need anything, but.

I'd like to find a long-sleeve cotton blouse with tight cuffs.  Given our unusually warm temps, the mosquitos are having a field day on my arms. Call me paranoid, but if they can transmit malaria, might they also be carriers for THE virus?

Random question: When someone makes you really angry, are you more likely to respond with stony silence or a big noise?

Silence speaks volumes. 

T-t-that's all, friends!

Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

She's Baaaaack!

Joyce, that is!

And her merry band of Hodgepodgers are doing a happy dance!

Care to join us?  Please?

(BTW, my responses appear like this.)

Last time we met was September 2018.  Tell me something big-important-happy-or sad that's happened in your life since that date.  Just one thing.  We don't know how long this current situation is going to last and we might need to dole out our news bit by bit.

Gosh, what haven't I shared?  Nothing in particular stands out.  My days in the slow lane have been splendid (-ly imperfect).

Might as well get this out of the way early on … COVID-19.  On a scale of 1-5 how serious are you about keeping your distance?

1. Not at all, living normally

2. Cautious but still going out

3. Going out as needed, mostly home or working from home, still seeing friends/family

4. Extremely limited, only going out when unavoidable, minimal contact with people.

5. Full lockdown, no-one in or out.

Raise your hand if you think you might run out of steam in the cooking department before it's all said and done. What's something delicious you've cooked or eaten in your own kitchen in the past week?

We're still whittling away at my birthday cheesecake.  Good thing it freezes well!

Little by little, I'm getting over my fear of the Instant Pot blowing up.  But I still use a long-handled fork to release the vent lever; and wow … the noise the escaping steam makes sends little Grace into a hissy fit.  Last night I made Tom beef stroganoff; and there was enough remaining to freeze 3 more portions.  I guess we'll keep it … but I prefer using the slow cooker.

What's television show or movie you've seen recently (it could be an oldie) that you really liked?

Tom keeps the TV on practically 24/7, but there's little I make a point of watching.  Except Chicago Med or the occasional Dateline (or 20/20) unsolved mystery.  A little late, but gosh. I'd have loved being a detective.

Share something funny you've seen or heard this week.

 Resilience

and,

Improvisation

Insert your own random thought here.

'Not sure if it's a blessing or a curse ... but lately the girls have stayed snuggled in bed with me 'til after 7.  Unbelievable!  Before moving, we were up at 4 each day. Then, I counted it a win to make it 'til 5.  

Thankfully, the possum/armadillo/squirrel (???) living under our deck hasn't been spotted in the daytime.  Right before the time change, one morning Grace and Macie decided to give chase … me right after them in ragged pj's and mukluks, looking (like Tom put it) a Polish refugee.  

What else?  I've finally begun collecting quotes and making notes to begin penning my memoirs.  For instance?

"The story of your life never starts at the beginning."

-from One-in-a-Million Boy

Honestly, it's a struggle to write that which comes to mind -- not pausing every 5th or 6th line to edit.   I know a few of you are writers; and, while I'm not sure mine will be read by anyone other than my son, I'd sure appreciate your advice!

Speaking of writers!  Please don't forget my give-away happening Friday evening. I'll announce the winner in my Saturday 9 post.

Hope to 'see' you then!  Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Saturday 9 .... plus, a Give-away!

This week, Sam's classing up the joint with a well-received box-set of Beethoven's Complete Symphonies by the Danish Chamber Orchestra.

You can listen here.

(Or, not ... lol.)

Beethoven is one of classical music's best known composers.  Do you often listen to classical music?

No(t) willingly.  (*smile*)

But! If you've not seen the movie, Immortal Beloved, I'd sure recommend you do so.   Years ago I had zero interest, no intention of watching it … then wound up loving it.

It's not only a rip-your-heart-out, unrequited love story, but Gary Oldman's portrayal of Beethoven was remarkable.

Though a musical genius, Beethoven never learned to multiply or divide.  When faced with a simple arithmetic problem, do you do it in your head?  Or, do you rely on the calculator in your phone or on your computer?

I usually consult Google Girl or Alexa.

Beethoven bathed often, which was considered 'quirky' for a man of his time.  (Understandable, since you had to heat the water, haul it to the tub, and then empty the tub bucket by bucket when you were done.)  Do you bathe in the morning or in the evening?

I shower in the early evening.

Adam Fischer conducts the Danish Chamber Orchestra for this 5-disc set.  He began his musical career young, when he sang in the children's choir of Budapest's National Opera House.  Have you ever sung in a choir or chorus?

Yes. Our high-school music teacher was young and hip. Almost everyone wanted to be in his choir.  And almost all the girls wanted to be his girlfriend!

Mr. Fischer was awarded the Gold Medal of Arts from the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.  Tell us about a prize or award you have received. (Yes, that ribbon you earned for penmanship in 2nd grade counts!)

While at summer camp I received (one of) the camp's 'Silver Saddle' ring for Most Improved horsemanship.  Unfortunately, I lost it a few years later (swimming).  After all these years, every now and then I'll check eBay to see if anyone put hers up for sale.

The Danish Chamber Orchestra is beloved in Denmark. When, in 2014, the Danish Broadcasting Company announced it would no longer fund the Orchestra, citizens began a crowdfunding campaign and raised more than $1,000,000 to keep the music playing.  Have you ever contributed to a crowdfunding platform like GoFundMe, Kickstarter or FundRazr?  

Yes

The Orchestra's 'home' is the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen.  Where were you when you last heard music played live?

We saw the Goat Hill String Band (yeeee-doggie!) last year when they opened for Sean Dietrich.

In 2019, when this boxed set was released, China became the first nation to land a spacecraft on the far side of the moon.  Are you fascinated by stories about space?

Not even a little. I've never watched a single episode of Star Trek or any of the Star Wars movies.

Random question:

Tell us about your week. These are extraordinary times, and it might feel good to share.

Thanks so much for all the birthday love!  My actual birthday Tuesday was pretty low-key.  Rather than go out to eat, we had (more) take-out from Fat Boys BBQ.  Gosh, I behaved like I was trying to consume my own body weight in Camp Stew!

Birthday gift from gal-pal Debbie.

Tom remarked, "It looks like a Santa suit!"

I used 'mad money' from Troy and Lois to order these 'like new' shoes from Etsy.

A few years ago, after having my previous pair re-soled for like the third time, I reluctantly threw them away....  and have regretted it ever since.   If possible, they were even more comfortable than the leggings I've been raving about. The manufacturer has since gone out of business, so I was thrilled to see this pair for less than $50!

Do you think it possible to love an article of clothing too much?

* * *

And now?

In honor of another birthday, I'm having a give-away!

Part of the ticket price to see Sean of the South was a copy of his new book (A Memoir of Learning to Believe You're Gonna Be Okay).  While they had to cancel the tour, Sean autographed copies for each ticket holder, so Tom and I each got one.  And since we don't need two ...  

….. if you'd like a chance to win, please say so in the comments.  That's all.  Easy-peasy!  I'll put everyone's names in my big red hat and have Tom draw for a winner next Friday.

* * *

Let's chat again soon!  

Meanwhile, stay safe ... indoors!

Hugs, Myra  

   

Weekend Recap and a New Year's Eve

Hey friends!

I really need to be outside spraying weeds, but really, really wanted to pour another cup of coffee and visit with y'all.

In spite of what's going on in the big scary world, we've been experiencing some really nice (dry) days and nights.

Friday morn we ran to Bubba's Materials to schedule delivery of new rock (ground cover) -- then I couldn't help but remind Tom we 'just happened' to be in the vicinity of our new favorite smokehouse. …..

We both ate so much, it was either nod off at the table or take a walk about Heritage Park. .....

Only recently did Tom discover this site -- only 8 miles from our front door!  Once used to manufacture cotton gins, some of the buildings have been used continuously since 1850!

In spite of the Corona virus fears, we went ahead and planned to meet my son and Lois on Saturday to celebrate her, Tom's and my birthdays.  Well, mid-morning Troy calls to tell me they're going to pick us up because he had a cake needing refrigerated.

Uncharacteristically -- but understandably -- the parking lot at Cracker Barrel was only half-full.  I love their Cobb salads, but have been a little annoyed about them not offering low cal/carb salad dressing. But! Tom had an ingenious idea to pour some of ours in an Rx bottle and stick that in my purse.  Win-win!

Uh-oh. That stinker, my son, ordered not one, but two cakes from Cheesecake Factory because he remembered my saying that was my favorite.  And nope, they're definitely not low cal/carb!

Birthday Cheesecake #1 (assorted)

Tom, Troy and I each had the caramel; Lois the original.

Birthday Cheesecake #2

(Chocolate fudge/peanut butter)

Yes, absolutely!  We sent some home with them and will freeze the rest.  

Oink!

Not so much because I wanted to practice social distancing, I watched Sunday church services on-line.  Then, like an awkward teen before her first date, I spent an absurd time fixing my hair, and my make-up to go meet Sean.

Ides of March:

We got to the bookstore early, only to be told his publisher had abruptly canceled the tour.  Jamie (Sean's wife) called to say they didn't know about it until she got the call at 10 that morning.  I felt so awful for the lady and her 90-ish mother in front of us who looked like she might burst into tears. Thankfully, I was able to get a full refund, but it still took the wind out of my sails a little bit.  

So, won't you join me in blowing a kazoo?

It's my 70th "Happy New Year" tomorrow.  To borrow a phrase from Susan S., I'm gonna carpe the heck out of the diem!

Now, don't go forgetting to wear your green ... 

and wash yer hands!

Hugs, Myra

Currently?

Thanks for asking! :)

I'm Thankful ...

For the overwhelming (to me, anyway) response to my last post.  I couldn't have anticipated "Bye Bye Blackbird" Q-n'-A's would result in so many great responses.  Wheeee!

Outside my Window ...

  Winter's gradually loosening its grip, yes.

But I'm really taken by this tree, seemingly desperate for warmth.

I'm Loving ...

Wal-Mart's super-soft leggings!

Consequently, I can't quit humming that song we learned in grade school Glee Club:

I'm looking over, a four-leaf clover ...

(Ear-worm, anyone?)

Shaking my Head ...

Yesterday I got a call to my cell phone … from my cell phone.  Truth!

(The same thing recently happened to one of our Bible-study gals, so I guess it's really a 'thing.')

Oh my Goodness! ...

One of Tom's flying pals gave him this beast Pitts RC.  I can't help but wonder if Nick's really that generous -- or his wife wanted it gone. (LOL)

IF Tom decides to keep it he'll need to invest in a new motor ... and find somewhere to keep it ... besides the sun room.

Looking Forward to ...

Birthday luncheon with my son and DIL on Saturday, and(!)

meeting this fellow

at his book signing Sunday afternoon. (Squeal!)

A Parting Smile ...

Please tell me I'm not the only one?

Have a super (and safe) day!  Love you all!

Hugs, Myra

 

  

Another Saturday 9

Sam says ...
Welcome to Saturday 9!  What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday.  Sometimes the post will have a theme; and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated.  Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak.  We encourage you to visit other participants' posts and leave a comment.  Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice.  We hate rules.  We loves memes, however; and here is today's!

Bye, Bye Blackbird (1957)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune?  Hear it here.

In this song, Julie London complains about all the 'hard-luck stories' people are handling her.  Did you more recently listen to someone's else's problems, or share your own?

I think we citizens of Blogland give-and-take most every day. That's just one of the things I love about blogging. 

She promises to arrive 'late tonight."  What time do you think is too late to drop in on someone?

Maybe it's just me ...

but I wouldn't dream of dropping in on someone without first calling or texting to see if it's convenient.

Julie's nickname was 'The Liberty Girl' because she was Liberty Records' first successful artist.  The second was singer-songwriter David Seville, who had a couple novelty hits as "The Chipmunks."  There were three singing chipmunks.  Without looking it up, can you name them?

As a girl, I loved to sing along with Theodore, Simon and Alvin's Christmas Song … still do!

Sing along with me?

Julie's love of music was shared by her mother.  When Julie was a little girl, mother and daughter would listen to Billie Holiday records together.  What records did you enjoy when you were very young?

I don't recall my parents owning any records; maybe a few Dixieland jazz instrumentals.  Aside from Lawrence Welk and Mitch Miller's TV shows, music wasn't a big deal in our home. 

She  began modeling when she was 17.  Julie was working as an elevator operator when a talent agent saw her and decided she would photograph well.  With the advent of push-button elevators, elevator operator is a job that doesn't exist anymore.  Can you think of another job that was once common but now is rare (or non-existent)?

Telephone operator, milkman, typesetter

Julie recorded more than 30 albums and was name "most popular female vocalist" by Billboard magazine in 1956.  If you could see any entertainer -- male or female -- in concert, who would you choose?

Maybe an Al Martino type?  Or Michael Buble'.

…. at an intimate supper club-type venue.  

I've no desire to attend another Big Name concert with a kajillion other people. 

She appeared in Westerns on both TV and in the movies.  Have you ever dreamed of being a cowboy/cowgirl?

Yes, indeed. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were my heroes!

For six seasons, Julie played Dixie McCall R.N. on the show Emergency!  The series was about Los Angeles paramedics and firefighters.  Do you often hear sirens in your neighborhood?

No; hardly ever.

Random question: You're pulled over for speeding.  Do you think you'd have an easier time talking your way out of it if the officer was a man … or a woman?

Definitely a man.

My son once observed, here in the Deep South men are very respectful and treat women with utmost consideration.

Now. If I was guilty I wouldn't expect someone to give me a pass.  But I wager, he wouldn't be a bully about it.

Ducking rotten tomatoes again …. but the female officers I've seen appear unnecessarily unfriendly. Dare I say, like there's a chip on their shoulder.

* * *

Happy Saturday, my friends. Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra