Hodgepodge #388

 

G'morning!

'Always glad when Wednesday rolls around to hook up with other Hodgepodgers at Joyce's get-together!  For those new to the game: She asks. We answer.   Easy peasy! 

* * *

When is the last time you experienced nostalgia?

Um, this morning?

Autumn is the backdrop for some of my happiest memories.

September 29 is National Coffee Day.  Do we need this?  Ha!  So, are you a coffee drinker?  If so, how many cups per day, and tell us how you like it.  Is there a recipe you enjoy that calls for coffee as one of the ingredients?

Yessss!

I love my French Roast pods ... 2-3, basic black. Anything leftover gets put in a plastic ice cube tray -- later enjoyed with a glass of Almond milk.

I've no real recipes -- but hope someone will share theirs!

Do you find praise or criticism to be more motivating? Explain.

Uh-uh, not going there!

It's all one's manner and the tone of voice a message is conveyed.

Because I fiercely guard against complacency, I'll go with (constructive) criticism.

What's a television series you keep coming back to and re-watching?

Aside from Wednesday's 'Chicago' trilogy, I don't watch much TV.

Now if someone were to bring back shows like China Beach, LA Law or Murder: She Wrote, yep.  I'd be front and center.

As the month of September draws to a close, give us three words to describe your mood.

Peaceful ... Optimistic ... Grateful  

Insert your own random thought here.

So it's going on o'dark-thirty and I'm over here still dreaming about coffee.  Have you ever tried Ree Drummond's Crazy Coffee?  Initially I thought it sounded disgusting ... but curiosity won out.  Even Tom sampled and pronounced it, "Not bad."

Ingredients

12 oz. strong coffee, very hot

1 T. coconut oil, unrefined

1 T cold butter, unsalted

Directions

Place all 3 ingredients in a blender and blend until emulsified, about 10-15 seconds. It will look like very creamy coffee.  Pour into a mug and enjoy!  (Warm for 15 sec. in the microwave after blending if you'd like it very hot; blending cools it down slightly.) 

Please keep safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Sunday Snippets

Happy Fall y'all!

Thank you so much for your sweet comments on my Gallery of Shame.  Funny to look back at my yearbooks and realize not every classmate looked like a 'Breck girl.'   In fact, (slaps forehead) some of the most popular girls weren't even pretty in the traditional sense.   You'd think it wouldn't have taken me so long to figure what counts?!

Oh well. Moving right along --

Peeking out my (Dining Room) window ...

What are those red things in Pastor Janet's lot?
Tom recalls seeing her strewing wildflower seeds a few weeks ago.

Totally worth the chigger bites!

Spooky-looking limbs, aren't they?

Does anyone know what kind of trees these are?

While indoors ...

I've begun Autumn-izing, with a little help from Dollar Tree confetti and Vanilla potpourri.

So excited to spot these stoneware plates for only $1 each!

I'm going back tomorrow for another 3-4.  You know, just in case.

A reason to laugh ... 

at myself!

We've lived here what, 3-1/2 years now?

But only a few days ago I discovered something neat:

When standing at the kitchen sink, I can see who's at the front door simply by looking in the corner mirror!

..... v. sneaking down the back hallway (behind me to the left) into the dining room and peeking to make sure it's not Jack the Ripper.

Heck, I've always been easily entertained!

And finally,

A reason to give Thanks ... 

So we recently had a teleconference with Tom's new pulmonologist. Wow. After gathering a detailed history she said, "I'm not going to tell you, you have to stop smoking."  (Me paraphrasing:)  "At 78 years old, you've survived two cancers and now you're dealing with hearing loss and failing eyesight. It's probably one of the few pleasures you have left." (O.M.G.!)

Dr. Shah was on the line with us for nearly an hour and a half, relating medical explanations in 'normal people speak' ... as well as behavior modification tips to put the pipe down.   Granted, she's not Board Certified.  I'm not exactly sure what that means for us, exactly.  She's able to order Tom's rescue inhaler and make referrals.  Already, she's arranged for him to be seen by an oncologist here in Montgomery for a routine follow-up.  We couldn't be happier!

'Hope everyone's enjoyed a sweet Sunday.

Have a great, safe new week ... and I hope to see y'all back at the Hodgepodge on Wednesday!

Hugs,

Myra

 

   

 

TBT: Hair*ageddon

I'm sure late to the party ... but color me 'happy' to join Martha for another episode of Throwback Thursday.  Won't you consider joining us?  Just click here!

* * *

Honestly, I'd no clue what to share today.
Until I looked in the bathroom mirror and saw the left side of my newly-cropped hair sticking straight out to the side.  

Regardless the length of my hair, that rogue 'flip' keeps me humble. Remember your mother or grandmother's mention of everyone having a 'cross to bear'?

Yep, my hair -- or lack thereof -- has always been my cross.

I'd cringe when looking at old photos of myself.  It's taken me years, but now I can look at them without flinching.  And even though I wasn't a nice-looking kid, I don't hate Young Me anymore.

If nothing else, perhaps these pictures will provide a dose of much-needed Comic Relief.

Up until my 10th birthday, mother faithfully kept my hair in 'french braids.'

Until she probably tired of my whining and took me to Mrs. Combs' beauty(?) shop for what was called a 'pixie cut.'

..... Destined to play the male role in scouting and summer camp productions for the next several years.

Unfortunately, the only personal care item my naturally-pretty mother owned was Vo5.

Yikes!

Sometimes I wanted to die in my sleep and come back as a 'Breck Girl.'  Instead, I discovered this

-- and hair spray, too!

The results were less than stellar

... as were the years I believed a wig was the next best thing to peanut butter.

Why didn't someone tell me how ridiculous I looked?!

Thankfully, about the time I quit caring so much, my head began to heal itself.  Sure, I still envy those ladies with thick tresses, but I no longer obsess about it. Like the lady said, "I ain't much baby, but I'm all I got."

Have a great day ... stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

 

 

 

  

Hodgepodge #387

 

Hello ... and Happy Fall, y'all!

As ever, thanks to our hostess, Joyce, for 387 amazing episodes!  I've a particular fondness for that number, it being my parent's P.O. Box number for 30 years ... and my former e-mail alias.  :)  

Okay, then. Let's play!

* * *

What's something you love about this season?

In no particular order .....

Chilly nights, fire pits, golden aspen, nutmeg candles, oversize fleece hoodies, chile and cornbread, flannel leggings, SEC football, cinnamon sticks, butternut squash bisque ... and Christmas shopping!

... and something you don't?

That Fall doesn't last long enough!  That and pumpkin spice.

When you think of the colors of fall, which one is your favorite?

Burnt orange

Is there somewhere you could easily day trip to see the leaves in all their glory?  Will you?

Probably in the northeastern part of the state, or southern Tennessee. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening.  I've little faith in taking my old Camry too far, and Tom's eyesight is quickly becoming problematic.

What's one thing you've let 'fall' by the wayside during this season of staying home and staying away?

Regular (outdoor) exercise

If you're wearing a sweater is it most likely a cardigan, crew neck, v-neck or zip-up hoodie?

Cowl-neck!

What's your secret to dealing with change?

I've no secret ... and don't care for it at all.

But! I stopped tilting at windmills years ago. Acceptance, learning to adapt is a bitter pill -- but it's far better to focus on my blessings.

Insert your own random thought here.

Does anyone else struggle with low back pain, especially when it thwarts your ability to sleep?

You might employ something called the McKenzie Night Roll -- or, like one of my Bible study pals mentioned:

"Roll an old beach towel about 4-5" wide, then wrap around your waist, tying in front."

So, I tried that last night before bed and darn if it didn't help.  So grateful to this group of warm and sometimes-whacky ladies. 

That's what friends are for! 

* * *

Hugs,

Myra

  

It's what's happening here ....

 

G'evening friends,

Hope y'all enjoyed a nice weekend?  Let's see if I can't share an update without benefit of prompts.  Thanks for bearing with me. (*smile*)

First, I'm enormously grateful our home, our community was largely spared the wrath of Hurricane Sally.

Although the rain was intense, unlike our neighbors we never lost power -- and the possibility of tornadic winds never materialized.

Sure surprised that Tom seemed more concerned than me this time around.  Oh man, he's so going to kill me for this! (Or would, if he ever reads this blog. Ha.)  We had to put on our heavy rubber boots and walk the dogs out front.  While they absolutely refuse to go out back, it hasn't crossed their little doggie minds that the front yard's actually more inclined to flood.

Wow, waking up to a sparkly clear 61-degree morning felt sooo good!  Tom's still not comfortable integrating to in-person church services; but for the first time in 6 months I went. There were only 30 in attendance, but it felt darn good to put on nice clothes and make-up!

See that sign on the left?

Given so many "Do Not!" signs populating waiting rooms everywhere, I love the softer verbiage:

"Yes, Please sit here!! This pew please! SIT!"

Well, I finally got my air fryer!

I thought we were just going to 'look see', and was shocked when Tom picked up the box and set it in the cart.

In the end, we went with the Ninja Foodi -- not only for its user
reviews, but the way it tucks up vertically, providing badly needed counter space.

Tom's already made pizza three times + garlic crostini.

'Have to admit, its inaugural run was less than stellar.  Tom bought a bag of raw chicken wings and asked me to fire it up.  Unbeknownst to him, however, I've had a Real Aversion to touching raw poultry since being served undercooked (bloody) chicken at college freshman orientation.

(Nope, I've never even made fried chicken.)

Anyway.  He was really tickled with the results.  I was too nauseated by the whole experience.  I know, I know.  It's all mental.  Does anyone else get that way about certain foodstuffs?

Meanwhile, I'm learning to LOVE the Instant Pot.

Besides raw veggies (above) ..... 

I made back-to-back pots of spaghetti with Italian sausages and froze in individual containers.  I'm all about keep-it-simple, and this is easiest thing ever!

To be honest, this is actually the 'real' me.

Color me, humming the Golden Girls theme:

"Thank you for being a friend ...")

Hugs,

Myra

TBT - Culinary Delights (?)

Like my mother, I've never been particularly interested in creating nutritious, tasty meals.  Granted, more often than not my father was at work, and all her daughter wanted was a hamburger.

Well go figure.  All these years later, I'm fascinated by my mother and grandmothers' many cookbooks. 

Cracks me up!
"Housekeeping should be a delight instead of drudgery, and perhaps for the women of America, with their ingenuity and eagerness ......"
(ca. 1913)

Prune Whip?  Yuck!
'Not sure the fascination with prunes -- but it seems they were commonplace in many of those recipes.

Invalid Cookery!
A little toast water, anyone?

* * *

I'm sure reluctant to toss these old books, but have no idea what to do with them.


Perhaps something like this to hold knives?
If only I had the counter space!  (*sigh*)


* * *

Thanks for making time to visit my bit of Yesteryear.
Until next time, please stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra 

Through the years

 

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge!  Won't you play along?  Alrighty then!

Joyce asks ...

What's one thing you learned at the ripe old age of whatever age you are now?

Well, I'm constantly learning. Oftentimes from y'all!

But I'm going with masks. They're a great way to hide wrinkles!

Here's a list of foods that can help you look younger:

Extra virgin olive oil, green tea, fatty fish, dark chocolate, vegetables, flaxseeds, pomegranates, avocados, tomatoes, spices, bone broth.  How many of the foods listed have you tried?  How many do you eat regularly?  Your favorite from the list?

I've tried everything except flaxseed and pomegranate -- but the only ones I eat regularly are olive oil, green veggies, avocados, tomato, spices and bone broth.

The last (aka, a guacamole ball) is my favorite!

Something you miss from the 'good old days'?  When were the gold old days, anyway?

Only one?

Full-service gasoline stations.

I'm going with the 50's, probably because I was young and blissfully naive.   Another thing.  I totally agree with what a blogger friend once confessed, "I think I would have been happier as a member of my mother's generation."

What are two or three of the most rewarding things to be found in growing older?

Whoa. Given the state of my lower back, this is a toughie! How about ...

..... At the end of the day, it's more important to be kind that it is to be right.

..... No matter the author, or how many stars it's earned -- if I can't relate on any level to a certain book, it's perfectly OK to delete/discard. Life's too short!

..... Realizing your child has grown up to be a Good. Person; someone you love to be around.

What's your favorite part of your life right now?

Mornings not having anything more pressing than to brush my teeth and enjoy a cup of dark roast while reading blogs -- being careful not to spill any on the fur babies jostling for space on my lap.  (Good grief. How's that for a run-on sentence?) 

Insert your own random thought here.

My life in a Pie Chart

I don't know who this is, but I hope she never stops dancing. (Watch to the end ... LOLOLOL.)

 

 

Y'all be good ... stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Throwbacking on a Thursday

 

Hi there!  I'm happy to be joining Miss Martha for another look back in time.

Not for lack of material, but I've been coming up empty for TBT content.  Then lo and behold, someone on my hometown Facebook page shared an image common to 1950's Americana.  Anyone know what this is?

How about now?

My girlfriend Cindy's dad owned a shoe store with a fluoroscope that looked just like that.  Never mind that my parents routinely took me to Santa Fe for special orthopedic (ugly) shoes.   Anytime we kids had the chance we'd pop into Hall's to x-ray our feet and giggle at 'dem bones.'   Funny, I don't recall anyone's parents being particularly concerned about the dangers of radiation!

A few years later.  Another back-to-school memory involved something of a more delicate nature.

From an early age, I was besotted by my mother's nylon hose; I could hardly wait for my very own pair!

However, a certain accessory was in order.

Nope!  No-one I knew was permitted to own one of these. Or if they did, it wasn't discussed in the girls' locker room.

Instead, my mother consulted with the matriarch of all things lingerie.  An appraising once over ... a nod ... then old Mrs. Benner would pull open a narrow drawer from behind the counter and carefully present a tissue-wrapped GIRDLE for inspection.

I sure don't recall going on a Surfing Safari in my new undergarments, but felt really Grown-Up all the same.   Can anyone else relate?

All put together, and no place to go. Ha!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Y'all take care!

Hugs,

Myra

 

A Return to Sunday Stealing

 

Stolen from Personal Development magazine.

A person I like and why I like them

I like lots of people!

But I'll say long-time friend, Debbie.

In spite of mobility challenges and chronic pain, she's the most up-beat person I've ever known. The funniest, too.

 

A famous person I've been compared to

Back in the day, a few people said I reminded them of Jamie Lee Curtis.

Best thing that happened to me this week

That Tom and I -- and those we love -- remain healthy.

Weird things I do when I'm alone

Recently I asked Alexa to play T.G. Sheppard .... while I two-stepped across the room with a ghost.

How I'd spend $10,000

No contest!

Only yesterday I was seriously studying Oceania Cruises offerings.  Love how they bill themselves as a "cruise line for grown-ups" with a minimal passenger limit.

Aw, who am I kidding?  They're focused on fine food.  Ha!

My last night out in detail

That's been so long, I can't remember.

Something that makes me sad when I think about it

My dad not living long enough to experience the internet.  How well I remember when, on his day off he'd go to the Public Library and sit, perusing Big City newspapers' travel sections.

Something I'm currently worrying about

The civil unrest and fury exhibited all across our land.

Something to do without realizing

Tom says I'm all the time picking at the sides and back of my thumbs with my middle fingers.

A drunken story

Ugh. To celebrate the end of tax season, the firm's partners invited all employees and our significant others at a complimentary Cocoa Beach get-away.  My boss, Jo Anne began cranking up the margarita blender mid-morning.  There was wine at dinner, followed by shots.  Lots of shots.  Finally having retired to our hotel rooms Tom and JoAnne continued partying on the beach ... while I did the walk run of shame to the lavatory.  

Something I regret

Let's not go there.

5 things within touching distance

My cell phone, sippy tumbler (lemonade), printer, stapler, mouse

Something I've lied about

Responding, "Just fine, thanks!"

Lyrics that apply to my current mood

"We gotta get out of this place ..."

Yep, cabin fever's got a hold of me.  I want to GO somewhere. Anywhere!

My longest relationship

The one Tom and I are in  now.

* * *

Thanks for sharing part of your Sunday with me!

Have a great day ... stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Throwback Thursday

Welcome back, m'friends!

Honestly, I'm a bit surprised tomorrow marks 16 years DH and I've been yoked.  Pretty sure, that's in large part due to my aging ... and Tom's patience.  Better just leave it at that!

For better or worse ... we are family!

(l-r SIL Teke, Tom's daughter Nanette, he-n-me, son Troy, DIL Lois, Tom's son Tom)

Granddaughters/Bridesmaids -- then and now.

"I don't remember growing older, when did they?"

We reception-ed at a local country/western steakhouse. 

Whee!

Who invited all these people?

... then celebrated poolside the next day at Tom's daughter's place.  Glassware a gift from my grand-girls  ... margarita courtesy of Tom's offspring!

* * *

Still haven't made any plans to commemorate the day ..... but you can be sure it will involve lots of good food!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Myra

If you'd like to play along 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!