Happy Halloween!

 

Boo!

We're not expecting any beggars this evening. In fact, Halloween hasn't been a 'thing' in more years than I'd like to admit. All the same, I wanted to share a few flashbacks ...

Forget 'Days of Wine and Roses'!  ... mine were the Days of Chewing Gum Whistles, Candy Cigarettes and Double Bubble.

What was your favorite?

Growing up in the 50's, Halloween was stupendous!  Each year, we kids were permitted to attend school in costume -- where each class marched single-file, down and around the playground.  A Parade of Costumes -- almost every one a by-product of our mothers' sewing machines.

(ca. 1956)

Third from the left, I loved my original clown suit!

Despite these photos, it seemed like we got the first snowfall nearly every year around Halloween.   Each year, I'd act surprised and dismayed when my mother insisted I wear a winter coat over my costume

First on the agenda was a visit to 'old' Mrs. Doris who lived in our building.  (Home-field advantage, lol.)  Her home-made popcorn balls and caramel apples were ah-mazing.

One year I wore my mother's Norwegian attire

A few years later, our Girl Scout troop traveled to the 'rich' part of town.  Carrying pint-size milk cartons, we trick-or-treated for nickels and dimes on behalf of UNICEF.  My face and fingers were numb from cold, but the apres hot cocoa and warm cookies made it all worthwhile.  Good stuff.

* * *

Oh, before I go forgetting!  Here's the full-size reveal of yesterday's 'Mystery' photo:

(Not the original)

This 'Skotch Kooler' was a fixture in the back seat on my parent's road trips -- containing little cans of Donald Duck orange juice and NEHI grape soda.

A few years ago I spotted this one in a thrift shop, and grabbed it up without even checking the price tag.  Sometimes common sense needs to be told, 'take a hike.'  Don't you agree?

* * *

So, I'm thinking tonight I'll fill an old wooden bowl with some hot buttered popcorn and call it supper.  What wine do you suppose best pairs with PopSecret?

Have a spook-tacular time ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

Scavenger Hunting

 

Thanks so very much for your well-wishes yesterday.  My first hurricane likely won't be my last ... but I've a whole new appreciation for the men and women out there making sure we've lights and clean running water!

Now for something new ....

I used to LOVE participating in scavenger hunts ... and later, crafted some on behalf of the children for whom I'd babysit.  How about you?

Thanks to Anni for hosting this exercise in FUN!

1.  A Sign

The storage shed out back has become Tom's workshop 

2.  What says 'seasonal' like SEC College Football?

WAR EAGLE!

3.  Yellow leaf

4.  Miniature 'thunderbird'

* My (ca) 1964 charm bracelet *

5.  Pumpkin (colored) pot + gourd

6.  My grandparent's  1914 Certificate of Marriage

7.  Anything that is lighted ...

Tom took solar lights (usually stuck in the ground) and mounted them atop our deck railing.

8.  The manufacturer 'decorated' our front door

9.  Author's printed name

and finally ... 

Ta-dah ... my 'mystery' item.

Hint:  If you, like me, were a Child of the 50's, chances are your parents owned one of these.

I'm anxious to hear your guesses!

Big reveal coming tomorrow.....

Hugs,

Myra

 

Thankful Thursday

 

'Just dropping by with an update.

This morning I'm plenty thankful for ..... 

Having made it through my first major storm relatively unscathed!  We lost power about 10, so ya.  It was a long, scary night listening to the winds howl and the dogs whimper.

Even my sweet DIL -- a native of Alabama who never gets rattled -- texted, "We were sitting on the porch last night hearing all the trees crash; I was scared for sure."

Early last evening I'd set out our PPE, filled a little cooler with ice and brewed fresh coffee in insulated mugs 'just in case.'

But thankfully, our electricity was restored a little after 5.   Aside from the U.S. Flag being torn and my car cover flung down the street, I'm thankful there was little damage to our neighborhood.  (Tom later confided he'd expected much worse.)

A little later I spotted Pastor Janet and Andy next door taking inventory.  So cute, she admitted having stopped by yesterday and prayed over both their lot and our home.

Andy, contemplating turning tragedy into an art form. Ha! 

Then, "Hello Robin!"  Here comes this pleasant lady from the direction of a private school which sits catty-corner to our home.  Janet makes introductions all around; and come to find out, she and her husband are Chapmans ... as in Chapman Road.   

Legally -- but just barely -- we're residents of Coosada, and not eligible for curbside pick-up.  Tom was going to use his chain saw to break up the tree limbs and stick in the burn barrel.  

Well, Robin wasn't going to hear of that.  Immediately, she started picking up tree parts and dragging them across the street.  With a wicked grin she confided, "My husband's the former mayor. It's not what you know, it's who you know."

Thankful for first responders ... electricity ... good neighbors!  Last, but certainly not least, I'm so thankful for each of you -- friends who feel like family!

'Hope to see you tomorrow!

Hugs, Myra      

    

Watercooler Wednesday

 

Welcome back to WCW!

For those new to this Play Date, there's no 'right' or 'wrong' answers.  'Just a fun way in which to get to know one another a little better!

Without further ado ...

What was the warmest welcome you've ever received?

 Me, I'm still thinking ...

but my little mother, clad in a coral-and-royal-blue house coat comes to mind. (*smile*)

Hugs, Myra

Movies on Monday

 

aka, Welcome to my World :)

Hardly popcorn-worthy.

But I had a yen to play with my phone's video the other day.  And well, this happened.

Have a great day ... stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

 

 

This n' That

 

___________________________________________________________________

Y'all doing good?

Despite feeling a little moxie-less, I need want to keep my toes in the pond.   Thinking ... I'm going to try and publish shorter posts, more often.  Taking a page from a few of you ... less prose, more photos.  Perhaps a video now and then?

Don't think I mentioned, but Tom's been having a dickens of a time with his new eyeglasses.  We both loved his new doc -- not so much his diagnosis of 4th nerve palsy.  Unfortunately, he can't identify any contributing factors.  My poor hubby's already given up golf and is about to abandon his passion for RC aircraft, on account he sees two of everything ... and doesn't know which plane to land!

Before choosing the option for a surgical consult, we chose new glasses with a prism.  Unfortunately, they're making him sick. Literally.  Back to the drawing board Monday morning ... with crossed fingers and toes!

I shouldn't complain, but whew. This has been our year for doctors.

At the recommendation of his pulmonologist, we met Tom's new oncologist -- a likeable straight-shooter.  While he has few concerns (that) the cancer's returned, he ordered a CT scan.  

So yesterday afternoon -- like a little kid coming out of the dentist office with a lollipop -- Tom hands me this itty-bitty vial the tech gave him.  Since his hearing's gone to pot, I wasn't surprised to hear, "I think she said this is some kind of seed."  (LOL)

I think those of you on Facebook already saw this mustard seed. Sweet gesture!

A highlight (or two) ...

Over the moon when a cooler of fresh Hatch chile arrived on our doorstep.   I was cautioned to expect random pieces of peel and seeds (due to Covid-related challenges in processing), but it's all good. Plus, they dropped the price $25 to make up for it.

Shoot, I've already finished half of the first pound!

You know what they say, "You can take the girl out of New Mexico, but you can't take N.M. out of the girl."  I've been putting spoonsful on everything but my salad!  

Our delicate delinquents enjoyed their (way over-due) spa day yesterday.  Of course I couldn't resist taking pictures:

Trick or treat!

As always, thanks for making time to visit. Stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Musing, on a Sunday afternoon

(Son and Lois' front yard)

 

G'afternoon friends,

So, I'm sitting here chastising myself (again) for having eaten too much (again).  Can't beat my slow cooker for turning out a yummy garlic-and-cracked pepper pork loin!

But. I'm thinking a return to my high school Home Economics cottage would be beneficial.  The new air fryer's a champ at doing chicken wings and pizza.  Not so much our attempt at roasting veggies.  (Not gonna point fingers, but 'someone' decided, if a recipe calls for 2T olive oil, a 1/2 c. is better.)   Yesterday I was all set to make a baked ricotta dip ... but it came out so thick, Tom couldn't even dip a chip.  'Miss Improvisation' here added an uncalled for dose of Greek dressing ... shredded cheddar ... ranch dressing. To no avail.  

My much maligned InstantPot is, however, becoming a MVP.  Rather than browning the pork on the stove-top -- creating another greasy mess -- I set the IP to saute' and whistled a happy tune.  Also, I just discovered if you substitute Swanson's beef broth for cooking oil there's no grease to wind up floating in the slow-cooker.

Our meals may not be award-winning but I'm having fun.

Remembering ...

Our first year in Alabama when the front yard was blanketed with falling leaves.   Enthralled, I threatened Tom's very existence if he raked and disposed of them.

Three years later, I spotted this newspaper header:  "Raking leaves this fall?  If you leave them be, you're doing the planet a favor."  Woot!  (Here's a link to the article if anyone's interested.)

Super thankful ...

To learn I'm not mentally ill.  See, a few years ago I remarked about seeing faces or patterns in inanimate objects -- ceramic tile, granite counters, etc.  

The short answer: That's a form of mental illness. (*sigh*)

Nevertheless.  When I was brushing my teeth the other day I glanced down to see a panda ... then, the face of a German Shepherd.  Is that a goat?

Easily amused, party of one!

Turns out, what I'm seeing is something called Pareidolia. One website claims it's, "Not a sign of madness but a well-wired brain."  Ha!  Take that Mr. Hinojosa, you who claimed my 4th grade daydreaming self was lacking.

Anyway!  Here's a couple out-takes from Village Green.

A witch's out-stretched arm?

Perhaps I'll call him 'Larry'? (lol)

T't-t-that's all, folks!

Thank you for making time to visit!  Have yourselves a wonderful week!

                                                                            Hugs,

Just a silly selfie :)

 

Denizens of the Park

 

Tuesday.

"It was supposed to be a routine procedure. No-one could have predicted her aorta would rupture."

Relating his wife's death, the old man's voice was strong, his eyes dry. "Two years it's been.  Then, two weeks later my best friend went and killed himself."

Oh, wow.  I've never been good expressing condolences, especially to a stranger.  But seeing his smiling face bathed in the morning light begged a, "Good morning. Yes, isn't it a beautiful day?"  

Pleasantries.  I've discovered that's how most denizens of Village Green regard one another.

But 'Larry' seemed inclined to more than superficiality.  My fault, perhaps, for commenting on his Veteran cap.  His body language fairly shouts, "Lonely: party of one."

Easy chit-chat.
Come here often?  Now that the weather's cooling, I admit to having indulged in an extra hour's sleep ... leaving the 7 o'clock hour to those more serious about their fitness routine.

"Um, you have a blessed day, now."

"You, too, sugar."
(Good grief. I don't recall ever having been called, 'sugar.')

Another circuit.  I'm curiously happy to see Larry's engaged in conversation once more.  The woman sits alongside, leaning into his words.  Soon, they're up and walking. 

Wednesday.

Regrets.

Nearing my second mile, I spot Larry leaning on his cane.  He pats the bench, "Please sit. Tell me something good."

Mental sigh. I remove my ear buds; sit.

I ask about his late wife, how his therapy's progressing.

A talker, this one.

I don't think to filter my answers.

Growing uncomfortable.  An occasional compliment is always welcomed, but this. This is beginning to border on the Too Much.

"Well, I really gotta go."

"Well, thank you so much for sharing a little time with me."

Today? I've given myself a time-out. Enjoying a 3rd cup of coffee.

Methinks it's time I rejoin the early risers.

Y'all have a great day ... stay safe out there!

Hugs,

Myra

   

Where the Green Grass Grows

 

G'evening friends!

So, a couple of weeks ago I shared photos of these 'mystery' red flowers which suddenly appeared in the vacant lot beside our home.  Literally overnight..... poof!

Someone suggested they might be spider lilies, and sure enough a Facebook group I follow  ('Alabama the Beautiful') began publishing photos of these pretty little blooms.  In the way of explanation, the post read,

They're a symbol of reincarnation, also known as the Flower of the After Life. Often found around graveyards, people used to plant them to help guide souls to the afterlife.

Legend has it that the scent of these flowers bring back all the beautiful memories of the dead one.  

It is also believed that if you meet a person you will never meet again, these flowers will grow along their path.

Some of y'all may remember:  We learned this land was once part of a large planation belonging to Joel Zeigler -- who, in 1840 founded the church we attend today.

And in what can only be described as delicious irony, our pastor and her hubby purchased this parcel and plan to build on the site of the original residence.

Original Zeigler home, demolished in 2017.

I asked Janet, did you plant the lilies?  Laughing, she replied "No, I don't know where they came from."
"But look!  Across the road, right there amongst the kudzu."

Neither Tom or I are inclined to other-worldly speculation.  But he couldn't help but whisper, "You don't think someone's buried there?"  I'm not sure that's legal. Then again, this was an 1800's unincorporated parcel.  

Not 3 weeks after they appeared, the spider lilies have all disappeared - save this guy I discovered behind my car and stuck in the kitchen window.

"Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot for happy-ever-aftering ..."

Have a great new week ... stay safe!

Hugs,

Myra

 

Happy Hodgepodge!

 

Welcome back to Wednesday's Hodgepodge!

(Thanks, Joyce!)

What's one part of your everyday routine you'd be better off without?

Ouch!

Surely there's better uses of my time than to indulge in a mid-afternoon nap?  But it feels sooo good.  Kindergarten got it right!

October 5 is/was National Do Something Nice Day.  So, what did you/will you do?

While at Bible study, I signed up to help distribute lunch (today) to the County's first responders. You know, a 'thank you for all you do!' community initiative.

In this season of uncertainty it's nice to know we can be certain of their help when needed. 

What question do you hate to answer?

I'm basically an open book.

If, however, something borders on TMI I'll politely opt out.

  

Do we have control over technology or does it have control over us? In that same vein, have you watched The Social Dilemma (available on Netflex); and if so, what did you think?

Call me hopelessly naive.  But no, I don't want to accept (that) our free will has been compromised by tech monoliths.  

I don't want to come off as an ostrich with her head in the sand, but this documentary doesn't sound particularly appealing.  Perhaps if my son or granddaughters were still young(er) .....

Tom disagrees; and now I'm intrigued to hear what Joyce and other Hodgepodgers think!

What are three small things that make your day better?

That first intoxicating cup of French Roast.

Your thoughtful, sometimes funny comments on what I've posted.

Settling into the recliner at day's end -- when little Grace jumps onto my lap, and Macie Ann huddles alongside my hip.

 

Insert your own random thought here.

Speaking of movies!  In between studies, we Bible study ladies decided to have a pot-luck yesterday and watch a movie.

That's me (3rd from left behind Pastor Janet) ..... looking like I'd just bit into a lemon.

I'd never heard of I Still Believe, but now I want to download it. Those of us of a 'certain age' may remember boo-hooing at 1970's Love Story ... but I don't think it holds a candle to this true story of love and loss.  Two thumbs up!

Be good ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

October Morn

The expression on Mr. Scarecrow's face cracks me up!

G'morning friends,

Is there such a thing as having 'Fall Fever'?   Oh man, these cool, crisp mornings feel soooo good!  They make me long for hot, carb-laden breakfasts. Porridge in dear little pots. And servers who call everyone 'sweetie' or 'hon.'  (*sigh*)

Ah well, I just put a roast in the slow cooker and need to start getting ready for church.  Before I do, here's some glimpses of my nod to Autumn.

Having no logical place in our new home for the computer desk, it became a faux sideboard.

LOVE the white pumpkins!

But mostly, I'm loving this bear.
So far I've resisted, but one never knows!

Okay, I really need to start getting ready.  But first!  Here's a nifty tip from one of the Seekers (Bible study gals). 

When shopping, Sue deliberately parks (or tries to) her car like so, up against the cart corral:

Granted, we like to think we live in a safe little community ... but is anyone, anywhere really?  Like my DIL's experience last year.  A moment's inattention resulted in the occupant of a panel van on her passenger side trying to get in.  And this, in broad daylight in a nice area of the city!  

Have a super Sunday.  Love y'all!

Myra