Wednesday, March 25, 2020

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






36 comments:

  1. The mask with lettuce was too funny! We have to look at those funny things in times like this.

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    1. I agree! Ya gotta laugh or you're gonna cry.

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  2. I'll be right over to have some cheesecake, wink and giggles.

    To answer your question. My mother and I do not speak often, they are birthday or holiday kind of folks. However, when we do speak those 3 or 4 times a year, it usually is a good talk. It is what it is, Myra. Has always been and always will be. They go by the adage; Out of sight out of mind.

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    1. Hey girl, you're welcome anytime! Good to hear your conversations with your mother - however seldom - are good ones.

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  3. Hi Myra, You have me laughing with some funnies I hadn't seen yet on social media. It's so good to laugh these days. Happy to visit hodgepodgers again. Stay safe and keep the Faith! Like your blog name...

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  4. we have the possum, raccoon thing going on. we are doing the number 4 like you on the stayhome thing. I can't think of anything good or bad that has happened, that is if I don't count this virus thing.
    We binge watched Manhunt all 8 of them in 2 days. and American Idol and The Voice we are really enjoying. can't find a TV show or movie that I can say I loved. except from back in the 80's. my favorite reality show will start mid April, Songland. we both love that. World of Dance and So you think you can dance. looks like we only like dancing and singing

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    1. I've not seen Songland yet, but love AI and the Voice. 'Still trying to decide on a fav contestant.

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  5. My first book, never published, was/is my memoirs. For family reading only.

    We can discuss off-line if you wish.

    God bless.

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    1. "Family only" here, as well. I'd really like to hear your thoughts off-line sometime. Thanks! My e-mail is myra.guca@gmail.com.

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  6. Enjoyed the video so inventive, as was the lettuce mask.
    Good luck with your writing! and getting rid of your uninvited guest.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Sue

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    1. I know, right? Some people are so creative! Thank you for visiting, Sue!

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  7. I love this - I have missed it.
    I am number 4 - my grandson is living as a 2 only because things are closed so he can't live like a number 1!
    Love the lettuce and undies.
    sandie

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    1. But does he at least wear a mask and/or gloves? Scary times!

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  8. I never thought about that with the Instapot...I don't have one...but I'd probably be the same way. The old pressure cookers scare me to death after growing up hearing all the horror stories of them blowing up.
    I for one hope you share your memoirs. You've shared so much about your life over the years that I'd like to read all about it!
    Have a blessed evening, Myra!

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    1. Aw, thanks!
      ... but I've a few too many skeletons in the closet to publicize all.

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  9. I am not a writer but I have so much fun blogging! In my mind I could see the polish lady chases the girls, it made me laugh. I don't know why because I can relate, I have two little darlings that keep me busy. Enjoyed visiting with you today. Oh, before I forget, the cheesecake looks delicious, I want a bite. lol

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    1. I'm happy to share, Mary! I didn't realize Cheesecake Factory didn't have mail-order; they actually partner with Harry & David if you're interested in ordering some.

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  10. Laughing at the underwear mask! It is so fun having the Hodgepodge back!! Our TV is on every waking moment here and I do watch most of the time. Bad!

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    1. And I was laughing-out-loud trying that 'mask' trick this morning. T'wasn't pretty!

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  11. Terri D, yeah me too! LOL This is always a fun place to visit. Oh Creative on the Bidet.
    I love the pressure cooker. So far I have never had a "oh sh--!"
    We never watch TV it is too fast for me and Closed caption. I would maybe watch a movie if it caught my fancy. We just do not watch TV, we can't keep up! LOL
    OH BUT i would have enjoyed your chase in the back yard in PJ's.
    Love you lady, and yep it was you that commissioned 11:11 as our bewitching hour. ;-)\
    Sherry & jack
    SHE got here first today!

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    1. Oh, I hope you'll share some of your tried and true IP recipes? I had to Google 11:11, and ya, it seems vaguely familiar. (Hanging head...)

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  12. Good for you trying to maneuver the instant pot. We got one about 5 months ago and have yet used it. Must do soon! Great the girls are letting you sleep in later! Maybe they are maturing?

    Betty

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    1. Hahahah ... well, maybe. I'll be interested to know your thoughts when you start using the IP!

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  13. Love the memes, Myra, and the underwear/mask clip - lol! One of the reasons we no longer have pets is so that we CAN sleep in if we choose to. And writing a memoir? That takes some grit! I don't think I could pen my own - too many skeletons in my closet from before becoming a Christian. Best of luck with that!
    Blessings!

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    1. I, too, have a host of skeletons … but. Having lots of unanswered questions about my father's family, I'd like to color inside the lines for my son.

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  14. I don't have an insta pot but I do love my slow cooker. I use it all the time. Right now I'm very thankful for our family Christmas vacation in Florida that turned out wonderful and we had no worries bout corona virus then. Now we're all safely home to stay and not go out at all. My son and daughter have been delivering my groceries. I'm getting quite spoiled. Waking up to sunshine for 2 days in a row here hs certainly improved my week. Glad you two are making the most of it all there. Take care and be safe! Love and hugs from Ohio!

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    1. .. and I'll bet your son and daughter love spoiling you! Like you, Tom's loving the sunshine and spending time on the deck out back. We're gonna get through this!

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  15. My computer "froze up" while I was writing my comment and everything was lost. I'll try again.

    You've said on numerous occasions that you're not a writer, but I totally disagree. You express yourself extremely well on your blog and your thoughts are always interesting.

    My only advice is to continue being yourself, write honestly and naturally - and don't worry too much about editing.

    By the way - that's one heckuva cheesecake!!

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    1. Thanks for your compliment and advice, Jon. I don't know yet just how honest, but considering some of my early years, I'm grateful to be standing!

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  16. #4 is a good plan. Right now we are still #5 but Mark will be running out at some point for a grocery pick up. I love how Cheesecake Factory freezes. We did chili in the crockpot and had enough for three servings. I love Chicago Med and your jokes are so funny.... Take care, stay well.

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    1. Yummmm on the crockpot chili! We've just been buying Hormel (no beans) but home-made's always best.

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  17. If I kept a journal like Rebekah I would have a notion for September 2018. Nothing much stands out. Nick is constantly popping a pizza in the oven. I need a change of pace! We are having tacos and tostadas tonight. I am not a fan of the Insta Pot. I make stroganoff in the electric skillet and lots of things in the crock pot. I got up way too early today at 5 with the hubby. I need a nap. It is cold here today. Hoping for more sunshine and brighter days. You are a terrific writer. Sean of the South is a terrific guitar picker and singer too. I loved listening to him at Instagram singing You Are My Sunshine! I am watching the Cartoon Network it beats so much of the lying the mainstream media does. So ridiculous. We are having a national emergency and they lay their bull thick as fog on people looking like bobble heads. Defending those against helping the American people who truly need help. But my daddy would day "God's watching everyone, so their day will come." Sigh....sad how much hate still brews in our country. We get our news independently. No time for mainstream drama. I'd watch soap operas if that's what I enjoyed. Enjoying all your kind words and your words here too. Take care and stay healthy and safe. HUGS across the miles.

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    1. Tacos and tostadas sound wonder-full right about now! (Girl, how do you stay so slim?) I think we hit 90* today. Ugh. Love your daddy's wisdom. Thanks for sharing him!

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  18. Very cool about writing your memoirs. Jon's advice sounds spot on to me. I know you aren't supposed to edit as you write, but I can't help myself. (Which is why I'm sooooo slow.)

    The lettuce mask made me laugh, but the one made from the undies is pretty darned clever. Dunno if I'd have the nerve to wear it, but it'd sure be better than the old mask I wore to the store this week.

    Take care, dear lady, and be safe.

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    1. Before going out to Wal-Mart I tried replicating that 'mask' … and nearly wet my pants. :) In the end, I settled for an old dust mask Tom keeps in his workshop. Who cares!

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Thanks so much for taking time to visit. Your comments mean the world to me!