Sunday Thoughts ....

 

Thankful ...

... for a super visit with son, DIL and her mom yesterday!

Tom bought a ton of ribs, brisket and potato salad and we all dug in like starving dogs.

I'd never tried making caprese before -- and they'd never had it.  But despite the platter looking like a toddler had assembled it, everyone seemed to enjoy.

While the weather's still warm, I'm going to buy more fixings and try to perfect my 'art' ... ha!

Pondering ...

... that blog-hopping -- my favorite -- seems a lot like speed dating.  (Nope, I never did that!  But didn't it lend itself to some great comedy skits?)

Anyway!  Having blogged since '08, I've been blessed to realize some incredible, enduring friendships.  Others? Several infatuations burned brightly, but later fizzled like a spent sparkler.  Perhaps somebody hurt somebody else's feelings ... or tread on their beliefs? Or did they simply conclude we've too little in common?  "It's not you, it's me."

Not sure if there's a point to be made; just something on my mind.  So I wanted to lift a sincere thank you to the 'Keepers'!

Holy Moly!

Since the onset of this pandemic I've begun the habit of taking my temp each day.

So, the other day I found myself listening to a caller going on-and-on about something.  Remembering I'd forgotten to take my temp, I grabbed the el-cheapo digital thermometer and popped it in my mouth, determined not to speak for 30 seconds.

However, it soon began making this angry beeping sound.  The little window read: 103.5!

Never mind that until that moment, I felt perfectly fine.  Yep, I freaked a bit.  Thankfully, Tom had a spare in his bathroom which read normal... so I decided I probably wasn't dying.

Our pest-control tech admitted, when this whole thing began, he was so nervous he'd begun taking his temp 5-6 times a day.  We chuckled, but the fear's real.  How about you ... do you self-monitor?

Wondering ...

... do you ever see someone on TV and just feel a chemistry?  Like, "How down to earth and nice they seem. I'd really like to spend time with them!"

Like Kelly Clarkson .. or Hoda Kotb.

I think my award for the most R.E.F.R.E.S.H.I.N.G. goes to Hoda's co-host, Jenna Bush Hager.

The other morning I was half-listening as Jenna relayed a cute story, when she was teaching school about one of her students. The details are unimportant. But what struck me is when she said, "I was going over to my parents house that night for supper, and ...." 

Only someone with not an ounce of ego would omit the fact her parents house = the White House!

Looking forward ...

... to arriving at a mutually-agreeable plan to celebrate our 16th anniversary next week.  Tom's still not entirely comfortable dining out, and travel's out of the question.  Suggestions are certainly welcomed!

'Hope y'all have a great new week ... stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

 

TBT: Mommy-isms

 Ah, what fun it is to join Martha at Seaside Simplicity for another look back in time!

* * *

Despite my mother's gentle nature, when it came to the common cold there was no room for argument.  Once a nurse, always a nurse!

At the first sign of a sniffle, out came the Vicks VapoRub.  Liberally coated from chest to tonsils, my neck was then swaddled in an old strip of flannel, safety-pinned for good measure.  Salt-water gargle, a vaporizer and a steamer blanket might accompany the ritual.

On special occasions, I was permitted to come downstairs to watch television -- where the sofa boasted not one, but two freshly ironed sheets: top and bottom!  Warmed honey milk and tapioca pudding for supper?  You betcha!

Why, being sick was almost pleasurable!

I don't know if anyone has that kind of time nowadays?

Still, I love this quote by Flavia:

"Remembering is a journey our heart takes into a time that was ... and our thoughts are the only tickets needed to ride."

Thanks for visiting ... stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

If you'd like to play along feel free to use the badge below and please link back to Seaside Simplicity to spread the word. You will find the linky at the bottom of the post where you can add the link to your own post. The linky will remain open all weekend. Come play along!

This n' That

 

Yep!  It's good to see y'all!

Gotta say, I'm so thankful for your prayers and well-wishes!  

Everything went better than expected ... and in fact, the doc told me I could throw away my Rx (beta blocker); he doesn't need to see me for another year.  The worst part was having to keep my wrist immobilized for 24 hours (Their advice? "Pretend it's broken.").

Everyone was super nice, and when they wheeled me back to recovery someone brought me coffee + snacks: Wheat Chex, Cheez-Its and peanut butter crackers.  Not sure I was supposed to eat all 3, but wanted to be a good guest. LOL.

Say ladies ...

Do you remember 'back in the day' playing with paper dolls?

I think everyone's familiar with the Emoji make-your-own-Avatar software?   Crazy how I struggled unsuccessfully to tweak mine into a reasonable likeness. Then Sandra told me about something called "Mirror Avatar."  I downloaded the app on my cell phone, took a selfie ... and viola!

 

The sista I never had!

What should we name her?

Speaking of downloads ...

Maybe you're already doing this, but I wanted to share a hack (formerly known as Hints from Heloise).

When, last week I showed someone where I kept my lab results and insurance authorization she said, "What a great idea! You need to share that!"

It all started when I got tired of carrying around every John Doe's business card - and snapped a picture with my cell phone.  Everyone's different, yes.  But I'm all about, the less paperwork, the better.

Pretty sure there's lots more I could prattle about, but it's been a looong day and there's a bottle of wine with my name on it!

Sleep well ... and (do your best to) stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Throwback Thursday

 

Jus' saying ... 

Can anyone else relate?

Be back soon!

Hugs,

Myra

Groovin' on a Sunday Afternoon ...........

 

Oh m'gosh y'all ... this has been such a fun week!

I suspect Tom wanted to take my mind off my upcoming heart cath, because he accompanied me to not one, but 3 antique/flea market malls in 3 days  (That is sooo not his thing.)

Welcome to Wetumpka!

  

Of course, I'd forgotten the cardinal rule of a successful hunt: "Set your expectations aside."   I was forced to conclude, a big funky salad bowl doesn't exist anywhere in Central Alabama.  But spotting prices on the array of mixing bowls and everything Fostaria, it's best I think outside the box and recycle some of my mother's own kitchenware.

Actually, I'm feeling fortunate to have settled in a smaller home with little room to accompany those things which tickled my fancy ...

My inner Joanna Gaines was euphoric!

Wouldn't this be fun outside the front door?

Something for the pet lover who has everything?

Why?

A few of these almost jumped in my cart before I realized not everyone shares my affinity for olden doorknobs -- or still uses bottle openers.



In the end, we scored some badly-needed plant holders...

... and enjoyed a laugh at this campaign sticker in the parking lot.

Click to enlarge

Tom's known me long enough to know the fastest way to my heart is good great food, so we detoured by Fat Boys for a slab of ribs and 2lbs. of smoked brisket.  I had say, "Excuse me?" when he told me the tab was $59.13 ... on account that was the exact amount we'd just paid up the road at the antique mall.   What a coincidence!

I'm sure looking forward to tomorrow morning's Bible study. We're going to watch 2015's War Room.  And someone's promised popcorn!  

Meanwhile, don't forget ....

Please take good care of yourselves.  Talk soon!

Hugs, 

Myra

TBT: School Days

 

Do you remember? 

Welcome back to another episode of Throwback ...thanks, Martha!  Given the start of another school term, I thought it might be fun to revisit some of my own records.

While never an educator nor administrator, I still chuckle at the criteria on which we were graded.  (You can click on each to enlarge.)

Gosh, doesn't this sound like it was composed by a Pediatrician - v. a 1st Grade teacher?  (I'm in the middle row, second from left.)

Maybe one of you knows? ... Are these sorts of qualities still graded?   Having traveled from Europe, I started school a week later than the rest of my class. But as long as I live, I'll never forget Mrs. Phelps praising me aloud for my reading comprehension.  My favorite teacher ever!  (I'm the 'Brownie' in the back row, second from the right.)

Smiling at the commentary about my handwriting. That's why I prefer typing almost everything!

Thank you, Daddy.

But how I wish you could tell me what the teacher wrote that you felt compelled to obliterate.  I've few memories, but have entertained the thought of sending this to Mr. Hinojosa (yep, he's still alive) and saying, "What gives?"

Almost sounds like he fancied himself a psychologist. LOL!

I might not have looked like much ... but at least I had "nice manners."  Yep, to this day I still "Need Improvement" in Leadership.  And I'm OK with that! (*smile*)

* * *

Thanks for joining me on this (not so) Sentimental Journey!

I hope y'all have a great day and stay safe!

Big hugs,

Myra 

    

Sunday Evening Recap

 

G'evening friends!  I hope everyone enjoyed a nice day? Right about now, 

I'm feeling

..... a little dejected.

Last week I waltzed into my doctor's office, fully expecting an 'atta girl.'   Instead, while my numbers look good, she said the results of my stress test came back abnormal.  Thankfully, it's on the low end, but she prescribed a beta blocker and has scheduled me for a heart cath on the 18th.  

On the plus side, I'm mighty thankful for these diagnostics. Can't help but wish they'd been available back in the day that might have saved - or at least extended - my father's life.

Oh, my goodness

..... call the Movietone News!

I was disappointed last week to discover no 'vanilla' flavored probiotic in the dairy case.  A bit reluctantly, I chose 'blueberry.'

What do you know, I love it!  So much for my (dubious) claim to fame of not liking fruit.   I remember reading, our body's cells regenerate themselves every 7-10 years -- so maybe I should try an orange sometime ... or a strawberry even.

Good to know!

Does anyone else read other peoples' comments on a public post?

Most days I have a regular itinerary of blog stops.  But this morning I was feeling particularly lethargic.  Something one of Sean Dietrich's readers wrote piqued my curiosity.  I clicked on her link and was pleasantly surprised.  

Vasca describes herself as an 'Encourager' -- and despite turning 90 years young this November, I think she's sure got a way with words!  If you'd like, here's the address:

http://vascasbalancedheart.blogspot.com/

I'm hoping ...

... to visit the Antique Mall soon for seasoned treasure.  (Cross fingers?) Not that I'm counting, but it's been 16-1/2 months.  Oh, I still get e-mail alerts for estate sales, but remembering people crowding and pushing one another is a Big Turn-off.

A song to carry with you ...

Please pardon the amateur film.  When I realized Pastor Janet's hubby was performing a favorite hymn at our outdoor service, I wasted no time whipping out my cell.  I think Andy has a beautiful voice; and hope it blesses you!

Sweet dreams, stay safe out there!

Hugs, 

Myra

PS - 

Formatting (not!) brought to you courtesy of New Blogger. UGH! 

    

A Little Levity

 

I'm republishing this at the request of a dear friend.  Unfortunately, I can't take credit for having authored this piece, but would certainly do so if I knew!

I hope you enjoy!

What ARE Grits?

Nobody really knows. Some folks believe grits are grown on bushes and are harvested by midgets by shaking the bushes after spreading sheets around them.

Many people feel that grits are made from ground-up bits of white corn. These are obviously lies spread by communists and terrorists. Nothing as good as grits can be made from corn.

The most recent research suggests that the mysterious manna that God rained down upon the Israelites during their time in the Sinai Desert was most likely grits. Critics disagree, stating that there is no record of biscuits, butter, salt and red eye gravy raining down from the sky, and that God would not punish his people by forcing them to eat grits without these key ingredients.

Grits are formed deep underground under intense heat and pressure. It takes over 1,000 years to form a single grit. Most of the world's grit mines are in South Carolina, and are guarded day and night by armed guards and pit bull dogs. Harvesting the grit is a dangerous occupation, and many grit miners lose their lives each year so that grits can continue to be served morning after morning for breakfast -- not that having grits for lunch or supper is out of the question.

Yankees have attempted to create synthetic grits. They call it Cream of Wheat. As far as we can tell, the key ingredients of Cream of Wheat are Elmer's Glue and shredded Styrofoam. These synthetic grits have also been shown to cause nausea.

As we mentioned earlier, the first known mention of grits was by the ancient Israelites in the Sinai Desert. After that, grits were not heard from for another 1,000 years. Experts feel that grits were used during this time only during secret religious ceremonies, and were kept from the public due to their rarity. The next mention of grits was found amidst the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii in a woman's personal diary. That woman's name was Herculaneum Jemimaneus. (Aunt Jemima to her friends.)

The 10 Commandments of Grits

Thou shalt not put syrup on thy grits.

Thou shalt not eat thy grits with a spoon or knife.

Thou shalt not eat Cream of Wheat and call it grits, for this is blasphemy.

Thou shalt no covet thy neighbor's grits.

Thou shalt use only salt, butter and red-eye gravy as toppings for thy grits.

Thou shalt not eat Instant Grits.

Thou shalt not put ketchup on thy grits.

Thou shalt not put margarine on thy grits.

Thou shalt not eat toast why thy grits -- only biscuits made from scratch.

Thou shalt eat grits on the Sabbath for this is manna from Heaven.

How to Cook Grits

For one serving: Boil 1.5 c. of water with salt and a little butter. (Use milk and they are creamier!)  Add 5 Tbsp. of grits. Reduce to a simmer and allow the grits to soak up all the water. When a pencil stuck into the grits stands alone, it is done. That's all!

Now, begin eating your grits. Always use a fork, never a spoon. Your grits should be thick enough so they do not run through the tines of the fork.

The correct beverage to serve with grits is black coffee.  DO NOT use cream or, heaven forbid, skim milk. Your grits should never be eaten in a bowl because Yankees will think it's Cream of Wheat.

Ways to Eat Leftover Grits

Spread them in the bottom of a casserole dish. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight. The grits will congeal into a gelatinous mass.  Next morning, slice the grits into squares and fry in 1/2" of cooking oil and butter until they turn a golden brown.

Let's eat!

Have a happy Sunday ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Throwback Thursday: Reflections

I look in the mirror through the

eyes of the child that was me.

-- Judy Collins

So the other day I sat enjoying Sean Dietrich's daily post, when a certain paragraph bulls-eyed its way into my consciousness:

"Have you ever noticed how today's old folk look younger than your grandparents looked?  When my granddaddy hit 55 he retired and began pulling his pants up to his nipples.  He looked old, and sat in a rocking chair. By the time he was 70 there was moss growing on the north side of his shoulders."

I can't say why.

But I've been thinking a lot about my grandparents lately. Which is odd, given the precious little time I spent with them.  Like great-grand's oversize end tables sitting in my childhood home like benevolent sentinels.  There, but largely unnoticed.

1954:
Paternal Grandmother Willer (74 y/o)
..... in her ever-present glass beads and sensible black shoes.
Funny -- my favorite pair of lace-ups look remarkably similar to those she's wearing!

1956:
Maternal Grandparents Hanson (ages 70 and 64)
A farmer all his life, if my grandfather wasn't clad in bib overalls he enjoyed dressing 'up' -- even driving from Minnesota to New Mexico in an UNairconditioned sedan.

I've no idea what my grandmother kept in the little brown bag, but like her handbag, she normally kept one at the ready.  And her shirtwaist?  I don't think I once saw her in slacks.  I'll bet she didn't even own any!

... which brings another memory bubbling up to the surface.
On our family's '57 trip to Europe, I remember being taunted, and called "boy! boy!" by the French children because my mother had the audicity (*smile*) to dress me in slacks that day.

* * *

Ugh, sorry for rambling.
I've no particular beginning or end to this post. In fact, I woke up this morning feeling like I was back in high school, totally unprepared for an exam.

So winding things down ...
Do any of these ring a bell?

There were coats ... and then there were car coats
House coats (i.e., dusters)
Shoe horns ("You're going to ruin your shoes if you keep stuffing your feet in like that!")
Play clothes ("Get right out of your school clothes/Sunday clothes and put on your play clothes.")

Reminds me of a favorite Chris Young song:

I wonder, when my own granddaughters think of me what they'll remember?

Que sera sera!

Hugs, Myra

   

Hodgepodge, Vol. 380

Good morning!

Before I respond to Joyce's posers, I want to apologize for the wonky appearance of my last post.  I've no clue where that weird black-on-white font came from  --  nor why, any time I used a "-mark or italics, the words mysteriously disappeared.   

On second thought, perhaps the folks at New Blogger owe us an apology?

Anyway!  Without further ado, let's play the Hodgepodge!

What's happening where you live in terms of schools opening? How do you feel about it?

I'm not certain, but have heard conflicting reports -- it's six of one, half dozen of another.

Fortunately, I've no littles in the game, but would probably be sick with worry.  And how burdensome to be an educator!

What's something you still do 'old school'?

Off the top of my head, I still --

Retain hard copy docs in a filing cabinet ..... wash dishes by hand ..... and make the bed each morning with 'hospital corners' the way my mother taught.

August 4 is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.  Will you/did you celebrate by baking a batch? Eating a batch? Nuts or no nuts? Homemade or store bought? Soft and chewy, or do you prefer your cookie to snap when you bite into it?

Unless you're talking raw dough, I'll go for a Reese's instead. (*smile*) 

What are you starved for?

Literally?

Oh, I know there's always curbside pickup ... 

but it just doesn't feel the same as enjoying a leisurely dining experience.

Anything new or interesting on your August calendar?  What is one thing you're looking forward to this month?

I'd love to say a Gulf Shores getaway, but noooo.  I'll be delighted to get thumb's up, both from Tom's pulmonologist and my cardiologist this week.

Insert your own random thought here.

Made me smile ... you, too?

Just two little girls and a birthday cake.

 

* * *

Bye, now!  Hope to see you tomorrow for Throwback Thursday.  Please stay safe!

Big hugs,

Myra