The X-Factor ... aka, Hodgepodge Vol. 366

Welcome back, friends!

Joyce begins ….

Expect the unexpected on From This Side of the Pond!  Here's her x-ray question:  When was the last time you felt like Superman?  What's your superpower?  Explain.

Felt like Superman?
Never.  I'd rather cheer from the sidelines.

Wasn't it just the other day I quipped about my 'super' sincerity detector (INsincerity, if you will).

Are you a fan of the 'superhero' type movies?  If so, what's your favorite.

Not even a little bit, no.

Are you?

Have you postponed or canceled a trip to the dentist in recent weeks, and if so, when do you think you'll feel comfortable going back?  How about other routine medical procedures?

Ugh. It's been far too long since I've seen my dentist. But, I'm happy to wait.  I don't expect my teeth are going anywhere ….. plus PicMonkey's got that neat teeth-whitening feature going for it.

Yes, my consult for eye surgery's been postponed to June 24.  Obviously, I'm not getting the 90-day money-back on my glasses, but peace of mind's far more important.

What's something that makes you feel youthful?  Something that makes you feel 'not so youthful'?  Tell us why.

Um, I wouldn't say 'youthful.'

When I realize my age -- or see obituaries of former classmates -- I think, "That can't be right!"  Most days my mind fools me into believing I'm still 40-something.

THEN.

I try to get up without making ugly noises and go look in the mirror.

These days Joyce says she feels compelled to include some sort of corona-related question in the HP:  What's the strangest thing you've seen in relation to the virus? Something that really struck you as odd, made your stop and think, 'Dorothy, we're not in Kansas anymore.'

I don't know if it's the strangest.  But anytime I see (televised coverage) of caregivers in haz-mat suits, vague shapes and shrouds everywhere..... 

it's like I'm watching a futuristic horror flick.

Given the crowds and near-carnival atmosphere we witnessed at Lowe's the other day, it doesn't feel real.

Insert your own random thought here.

I hate to admit it, but fear I'm becoming a caricature in a seasonal meme.

There's little doubt I'll shed a few unwanted pounds, but I'm getting fed up! Something Lysa Terkheurst addressed in a recent Bible study, hit the bullseye.

Not sure I've the nerve to do so, but someone suggested taping a piece of paper over the little window on my scales which reads, "Peace."

Peace: not defined by a number, but an attitude.

What do you think?

My goodness, this post feels a bit sobering.  I think a little levity's in order.

Thanks so much for your visit. Please stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

 

Fillin' in the Blanks

Oops, I'm way late to the party.  (Sorry, Bev!) 
Welcome to Sunday Stealing, m'friends!

Like Stacy said, it's good we have these distractions to help pass the time and keep us connected with one another.

(Prompts are shown in black; my responses appear in red.)

Right now, I'm hoping Macie Ann's tummy trouble is just a bug and nothing more serious.

Lifting my feet when driving over railroad tracks (or a cattle guard) is my well-known quirk.


Are you doing OK over there? 


Bed-making first, then coffee. 


That's why sounds like a great title for a memoir.


L.A. Law is one of my favorite TV shows ever.


And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching American Idol.
Tomorrow my plans include a riveting exercise in rearranging the spices and canned goods' cabinet. 
… and Sunday (What day is this? Where am I?) maybe I'll start organizing the boxes-full of family photos dating back to 1912.



If I could go anywhere on a road trip, I'd go to Nashville or even all the way up to New England.


Sudoku is something I don't understand.


Thanksgiving makes me think of cold weather approaching. Yeay!


A good book and glass of Cabernet is the best way to relax.


It looks like Autumn is a long, long way away.


Unsalted peanuts is one of my favorite healthy snacks.


The smell of burning mesquite makes me think of West Texas.



When I am feeling lazy I nap.


When I look to the left, I see two fuzzy faces staring back at me.

The living music room and sun room are those (rooms) that have the best view(s) in my home.


I suspect, construction of those buildings which later collapsed was done dirt cheap!  



Voting is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share. 
(My editorial punctuation.)


If you have any extra Charmin feel free to share it with me.

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Would you like to play along?  Pretty sure there's still time!

Click here!

Hope to see y'all in a couple of days  ... stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Sunday Seconds

Good morning!  Y'all doing well?  
It's been more than a decade since I posted 'Labyrinth or Maze?'.   But given the current state of our world, I thought it might be worth a re-run.

Labyrinth or Maze?

Life's journey sure can take us places that we didn't plan to go!

I recall when, each weekday my father would drop me at school with a cautionary: "Keep your wits about you!"

Nevertheless, there have been many times I've had to admit: I should have stopped and thought. More than stopped and thought. Stopped and prayed. Stopped and felt. Because we can't always navigate life's journey using only our left brains. 

Years ago my pastor shared an ancient myth about a labyrinth:

A great hero was trying to find his way through it to destroy a monster, and out again to regain his kingdom. (Kind of a nice symbol of our own lives.)  The way in which he was able to navigate the labyrinth was, the princess who loved him had given him a ball of twine and she held onto the other end!

I wasn't aware, but there is a difference between a maze and a labyrinth. One is symbolic of chaos; the other, order.

Life isn't a maze; it is not geared to trick you. It's a labyrinth. The only decision is, whether or not you're going to start on the pathway leading to the center and out again.

We're prompted to ask,

"Am I on a journey that will, if I just go slowly and pay attention, lead me to my destination?"

It's neat to know that - no matter how crazy difficult our lives seem - that God has a hold of that other end of twine.  

* * *

I hope you all enjoy a blessed Sunday.

Please stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra 

Surviving the Hodgepodge!

Good morning!

and big thanks to our hostess, Joyce, who asks ...

What's something you resolved to do this year? Have you done it? …..

In part, yes.

Beginning with the biggest annoyance, I purged most of our paper records and digitized the rest.

Where do you go to find quietude? …..

Just down the hall, first room on the left. I'm on the computer or sitting cross-legged on the daybed surrounded by faded photographs. ("..... memories in bits and pieces.")

A friend asked this question on her Facebook page and said Joyce could borrow it for the Hodgepodge. "You're only allowed to buy 5 things at the grocery store, and all must start with the first letter of your first name. Whatcha' buying?" 

Meat, Merlot, Monterey Jack, Muenster, Mozzarella.  Who's up for a rib-eye, 3-cheese omelet?

The television show Survivor, the Gloria Gaynor song, 'I Will Survive', survival mode, survival of the fittest … pick one and discuss. …..

I've never watched Survivor and certainly don't consider myself one of the fittest!  Don't even want to consider being thrust in survival mode, so that leaves Ms. Gaynor's iconic song. "At first I was afraid, I was petrified."  Yep.  Tho' it's not spoken/sung, I like the idea (that) there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Share a favorite quote or saying about strength. 

 

Insert your own random thought here.

Happy heavenly birthday mom!

What I wouldn't give for one more weekend together … the opportunity to say 'thanks' for the little things you did to make me feel special.

While making the bed this morning I remembered how, when I arrived, you'd have the sofa bed made up for me with fresh sheets, turned down 'just so' -- like you witnessed at that fancy hotel.

So many things I remember.

In particular, the pleasure you took in going to eat with best-friend Doris at Fisherman's Village.  Even if it meant waiting, you always asked for your favorite server, Donna. 

You ladies are no longer on this plane -- but sadly, neither is the Oyster Bar. 

After dropping Doris home, we'd get in our nightclothes and might enjoy a piece of cheesecake.  (You were the only one who enjoyed cheesecake more than me!)  Perhaps you'd ask me to make you a Godmother instead of your usual glass in wine.  Though I never used it professionally, you were so proud when I graduated bartender school. LOL!

Well, I don't want to keep you.

I'm sure there's loved ones you need to visit, songs to be sung.

I love you momma.  See you later!

* * *

Would you like to participate sometime?

Please check out the Hodgepodge questions each Tuesday here.

Talk soon … stay safe, y'all!

Hugs,

Myra

Tuesday 4 ... Pet Questions

Just four questions weekly!
... kept in memory of its creator, Toni Taddeo.

Amen!

1. What is your pet peeve of the month, year, lifetime?

I don't like to dwell on negatives, but since you asked?

Insincerity.  

So yesterday I shared a meme on my FB page, poking fun at flattening the curve -- or, my stomach.

...which resulted in a couple curious comments:

"You don't need to flatten anything! You look GREAT!", and

"Oh yes you can. I have seen how much you don't eat."

I've not seen one lady in more than 50 years; the other in a decade.

Perhaps I should lighten up, but I'm still a little annoyed.

2. Do you have a pet? Tell us about your pet.

Tho' they're sometimes vexing, I can't imagine life without our current denizens, Macie and Grace.

3. What are some pet projects in your life?

I've always got a 'should-a' list going.  But I'm not especially passionate about any of them.

Live and let live! 

4. Do you feed the birds or other animals in the wild?

Uh-huh.  We've two birdhouses that Tom keeps filled for the cardinal moms and daddies.  I got tickled yesterday at Wal-Mart when he spent so long choosing which kind of seed they'd prefer.

He always 'accidentally' sprinkles a liberal amount on the ground for the squirrels.

Thanks so much for visiting, my friends!

I hope you'll join me tomorrow for the Wednesday Medley.

Stay safe! 

Hugs, Myra

Bits n' Pieces ...

… formerly known as "Currently"

Outside my window ...

...it's a gorgeous Spring day!

The largely-neglected rose tree out back is fairly exploding.

Unfortunately, the weather people are predicting more severe weather tomorrow.  *Heavy sigh*

Time to get out the PPE.

Helmet, necklace/chain (to hold) baggie containing ID, insurance cards, flash drive, etc. 

Feeling grateful ...

...that Tom's doctors were willing to postpone his follow-up.  'Not sure if it's still the case, but UAB/Birmingham was the state's epi-center of 'the' virus.  I can't believe they're still seeing patients, but I was more than a little reluctant to go up there next week.

Grateful, too... 

...that Tom's enjoying puttin' around outdoors.

Concerned because the door on his 'he shed' (playhouse) wasn't closing properly, Tom got to dismantling the existing steps and leveling the ground.

Where he discovered ...

Roots!

My contribution ...

...was carrying these blocks aside to power wash. Oomph!

(As shared on FB, I'm not so sure I'm not better-suited for apartment living.)

All's well that ends well.

Tom said, "Who needs cardiac rehab?"

Meanwhile, in the kitchen ...

...there's some mighty-good smells coming from the crockpot.  All the same, I wanted to share my new favorite lunch:

1-1/2 c. loose meat (80/20 ground chuck)

1/4 c. unsalted beef bouillon

1/2 c. Palmetto cheese w/ jalapenos

Blend, then microwave on high for 2 min.

Add 2 (or 3) over-easy eggs and stir like crazy until it's the consistency of a thick soup.  Season to taste.

Made me smile ...

… my former college roomie recently shared a conversation with her granddaughter --

4 y/o Alice to the queen on Snow White:

"Don't drink it! Don't drink it!

It will turn you into an old lady!"

"Hey, Nana!"

Me:  Uh-oh, here it comes.

Alice:  "Nana, what did you drink to turn into an old lady?"

Know what else makes smile?

Hugs … stay safe!

Myra

Hodgepodge High-jinks

Thank you, Joyce, for allowing us to socialize in a fun, virus-free arena.  Ready Freddy?

In Monday's post, Joyce mentioned she would incorporate the word she was given for letter K into this week's questions. That word was karaoke.

On a scale of 1-10, how excited would you be to find out there was karaoke happening at your next gathering/outing with friends? #10 = gimme that microphone!, and #1 = I suddenly remembered there's somewhere else I need to be?  Have you ever actually done karaoke?  If you had to perform karaoke, what would be your 'go-to' song?

Are there adult beverages involved? (lol)

I'll go with a cautiously optimistic '7'.

I've never tried karaoke, but depending on who's there and everyone's participating … why not?

Song selection?

Let's go with  something old-but-upbeat.

How do you listen to music these days? Favorite app, or do you listen the old fashioned way? Do you have music playing often in your home? Is there still a CD player in your car?.....

Yes, we still have CD players in the house and in our vehicles.

But. Aside from the occasional holiday CD, our only music 'player' is Alexa.  I think it's only $4.99/mo. we pay for an unlimited music selection. Tom's tried, but he hasn't been able to stump her yet!

The HP lands on U.S. tax day this year. Or, what used to be tax day before everything including filing your taxes was canceled, delayed, postponed or extended. (FYI - filing your taxes has not ben canceled; only delayed for a bit.)  Besides staying away from anyone and everyone, what have you found taxing lately.

Trying to communicate with Tom.

Because we can't get to the VA (or any audiologist) to have Tom's hearing aids fixed, I've had more satisfying conversations with these two!

You're without power -- so no oven, and you can't open your frig or freezer in order to keep what's in there from spoiling. And you don't have access to take-out. What will you make us for dinner? …..

How do you feel about pistachio-crusted, honey-glazed Vienna Sausages?

No? Well then, based on what's in our cabinets --

While Tom's firing up the BBQ, I'd offer you a glass of wine, a lemon-drop martini, or if you prefer, a Shirley Temple.

There's yummy Bagel Chips and salsa for my fellow nibblers.

Once the grill's good and hot I'll put on pots of chicken-noodle soup and Hormel (no bean) chili.

Don't forget!

I've lot of Hershey kisses and a brand-new jar of JIF for desert.

Joyce has seen this exercise going around Facebook and thought it would be a good one to include in the HP.  What are 5 things everybody seems to love and go crazy for that you personally don't care for?

Sushi

Hip-hop

Tiger King

Strawberries

John Legend

Insert your own random thought here.

Seems like a good idea.

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If anyone hasn't participated but think you'd like to, click right here and com'on down!

Thanks so much for visiting ... stay safe!

Myra

Recap from Quarantine-ville

Good morning, inmates!

I'm thinking ...

It's a waste of time to fret.

But. Thoughts of Covid-19 aside, our Chief Meteorologist writes,

"Easter Sunday will usher in one of the largest threats of significant tornados we've seen in the past several years."

Then again...

I'm thankful ...

To sit outside in those exquisite pre-dawn moments and listen to the birds greeting one another.  They've not a care in the world; and frankly, seem delighted just to be. Here. Now.

I'm reading …

Bad Memory

(Jessica Shaw Book 2)

When, at the bottom of pg. 127 I had to pause and mouth, "Whaaat in the heck!?!" ... I'm thinking this is going to be 5-star worthy.

I'm remembering ...

Easter Sunday 1954

With my mother and Grandmother Willer

Los Alamos, N.M.

Troy's baptism, Easter Sunday

with my father and mother

Sarasota, FL

A few years later ...

Easter Sunrise Services

-- Troy, my mother, aunt and uncle --

Sarasota Racetrack

Easter Sunday 2001

Port Charlotte, FL

I'm hungry ... 

In honor of last week's (?) National Peanut Butter Day --

ca. 1983

Abilene, TX

Coffee, cigarettes and a soup-spoonful of JIF … life was good.

Why yes, I did go out and purchase a jar the other day. Simple pleasures.

What I've learned ...

And finally,

I'm looking forward to ...

Thank you for listening … stay safe!

Hugs, Myra