And now a Word

But before I do ...

 
 

* Seriously ... I've changed clothes 3 times today *

Despite today's 80* temp, all this rain called for a big crockpot of chili, so I got busy brewing.  Smells divine!

🤔

Our Christmas was pleasantly low-key.  After candlelight services, we came straight home where I unwrapped my box from Florida.  Gal-pal Debbie's presents are usually guaranteed to make me chuckle.  Tom, observing me tear the wrappings off a highly scented body-wash-in-a-sponge: "Does she think you stink?"

I swooned over her next package

... almost as cool as the burlap apron from son and DIL!

Pockets ... yay!

Is burlap the same as linen?  The tag reads 100% linen, but I still feel a little like Eva Gabor on Green Acres.

Channeling my sweet mother, they also gave me a bottle of my (former) favorite perfume.

  

I guess, if anyone starts hoarding soap, I'll be all set.

  Not realizing that Tom's doctor sent a spinal fusion stimulator, the kids gave him a TENS unit.  Our home healthcare nurse assured me, it can be used on (almost) any part of the body.

After re-arranging furniture yesterday I'm ready to give it a test drive.

* * *

I intended to post this yesterday, but was sidelined by several power outages and (more) absurd rainfall.

Thankfully, in between drops the new sofa was delivered.

Except, not two hours later Tom discovered a glitch with the auto foot lift.  (Does anyone else remember their elders saying, "Just something else to go wrong!")

So glad we opted for the protection plan!

Anyway!

This is already far too wordy. 

Time to wrap it up with my Word for 2022.

I've an abundance of Aspirations. Expectations, too.  But I don't want to set myself up for failure.

What I'm lacking -- have for a few years now -- is

Enthusiasm.

'Not sure how this will manifest itself, but I'm ready to take a chance on the possibilities.

Its high time I tell my Cautious.Careful.Color-inside-the-lines self to take a break.

So hard to realize our Flight 2021's nearing its final destination.

Sincerely, I want to wish all of you a safe and most blessed Holiday.  Let's see what mischief awaits in 2022!

Hugs, Myra

 

And the days dwindle down

 

... to a precious few.

Merry Christmas Eve!

So excited to get 'real' mail in our box -- both from friends I know, and those I've yet to know!  Thank you to everyone who sent greetings -- both physical and via cyber space.  They mean so much!

What's up?

I'd planned to post my annual Grown-up Christmas List.  But after re-reading last year's edition I realize I've no unsatisfied cravings.

Feeling blessed, we're able to purchase what we want (within reason).

For instance?

A while back Tom asked, "Do we have a blender?"  (Yes)  Then, would I buy some malted milk powder?  Go figure, there was none to be found in the whole of Elmore County.   Amazon to the rescue!

Personally, I was never able to tell the difference between a milkshake and a malted milk ..... but you'd have thought I'd given him something of value.  Simple pleasures.

Love what my friend Brenda shared:

"Every year I buy gifts for Me.  Small things, that I know I will enjoy that others would not buy.  This year my 'to Me' gifts are Christmas holiday flavor coffee pods, Adele CD, Attach of the Killer Tomatoes DVD and Waffle House pods for my Keurig."

Speaking of which!

Our church ladies brunch and 'Dirty Santa' exchange was a hoot.  

..... tho' none of us look particularly jolly!

I scored a pretty cardigan throw.  Thankfully, after I mimed that lady in the GMC car commercial ("I love it!"), no-one felt led to steal. Ha!

Y'all remember my desk?

After two days of rain, it was finally (safely) delivered!  What a hoss!  They were probably thinking the $45 delivery/set up fee wasn't enough -- and I'd be inclined to agree ....

Right away, we concluded it was vintage pre-computer.

Tom still has to drill holes in the back to thred the cords, etc.  Meanwhile I rigged a 'mousepad', using my mother's placemats and a cutting board gifted by dear friends.

Have to say, Tom's was less than enthusiastic.  Maybe that's why I didn't protest when he wanted to go back to Ashley's furniture.

Yep, we did!

The only other thing of merit

... which is seriously merit-able.

One of Tom's RC aircraft buddies traded him a plane for this  plan set.  Knock wood, I think he's got his moxie back to build again!

Looking forward to Christmas Eve candlelight services this evening, then a visit to son and DIL's home tomorrow.  It's all low-key but I can't wrap my mind around the fact it got here so soon!

Looking at my FB memories, I can't decide with which to close.  Let's do both!

From our home to yours, Tom and I wish you a most blessed Christmas -- filled with those things that make your heart smile.

Hugs, Myra

 

 

   

Currently

 

G'evening friends,

Outside my window?

Goodness!  Our meteorologist just compared this week to a carton of Neopolitan ice cream -- something for everyone.  But I could do without the warmth, the rain.   While leaving this morning I told Tom, "The air feels weird."  Like it did the day before those monster tornados wrecked havok across the heartland.  

Feeling thankful ...

For having discovered this stuff out on Amazon.

They had this at the hospital, yet I've been unable to find it on our store shelves.

Seriously, I've never tasted any other salt-free seasoning this good!  Hoping Tom will be willing to give it a try -- and hopefully lower his BP in the process.

Speaking of food ...

I think we finalized our Christmas Eve dinner plans.

Tom found a spiral-sliced ham at Publix, while I chose fixings for a caprese salad and (drum-roll) ...

a bag of pistachio nuts.

Ya, we're nothing if not unorthodox.

Not for religious reasons, but I don't eat ham. The pistachios actually originate back to the 50's when my father's cousin would send us a box of those delicacies.  How our fingers turned red for days thereafter!   Even as late as the 90's, mother and I used to enjoy a Christmas eve cocktail and bowl of pistachios!

And speaking of Publix ...

Their employees always make me smile.  For instance, today's bagger who wished us a 'blessed day.'  Then, in response to my 'Merry Christmas' he said, 'Merry CHRIST-mas.'

How cool is that?

Color me happy ...

To have enjoyed another excursion to Main Street Vintage Market Place ... in search of something special.  'So excited to finally return to my ladies Bible study!  ...Rather, the Christmas brunch and 

'Dirty Santa' exchange.  I've never participated in one of those before!

Okay.  In full disclosure, I also bought my own 2021 Christmas present.  Nope, it wasn't this metal tree ...

or this Chia sofa  

... but this!

I've yearned for a rolltop desk for years. And at this stage in my life, I figure there's no time like the present!

Besides for a marked-down $89, I feared it wouldn't be available very long.   So besotted, I didn't even think to measure.  But thankfully, when I called they calmed my fears.

Finally ...

Aside from hits from the '60's and '70's, I'm probably the last soul to ask about music.

But something's been bothering me recently.

Leonard Cohen's, Hallelujah is a masterpiece, yes.

But, I don't 'get' the lyrics.

And why is this thought of as a Christmas song?  It's been playing on all the Christmas-theme stations.

I don't mean to be disrespectful.  But in all honesty, I'm puzzled.  I'd seriously like to hear your thoughts.

Who else is excited?

Hugs, Myra

   

This n' That ... in 2-part Harmony

 

In a little while I'm headed to Publix. Target, too.

Which means:  I'm wearing my 'good' leggings, a shirt with no visible stains, new tennis shoes.

v. these super comfy ones with toe holes in the sides.

Recalling something my favorite columnist wrote about his late MIL.  He might have been speaking about my own mother:  "Each day without fail, she'd shower, bath-powder herself, light a Camel Pall Mall and slide on a house dress.  That's how it was done."

There were day dresses, church dresses, a shopping-in-the-Big City dress -- and a pair of pedal pushers.  My wardrobe wasn't dissimilar, but gosh forbid I forget to change into 'play clothes' after Sunday school!

I certainly didn't come from means -- but attire was a Big Deal.  I'm amused at today's choices.  Reminded, I'm old.  A friend's pretty granddaughter was spotted in church the other day, sporting a pair of ripped jeans that likely cost as much as my utility bill.  Aw, there's so much more I could be concerned about.  Her heart's in the right place.

🎄

What else?

As my Facebook friends are aware, I've a love/hate relationship with the U.S. Postal Service.   Today I'm smiling, recalling an exchange I recently overheard.  (Customer) I'd like two books of stamps, please.  (Clerk) Regular, or the pretty ones?  (Customer) Regular's fine.  (Clerk) Sure thing!  Oh, my mistake.  There's nothing prettier than the U.S. Flag, right?  How about that?!

Thank you for making time to stop by!  I hope y'all enjoy a super, stress-less day!

Hugs, Myra

Our week that was

 

Whew!  You've heard me say it before, but time really is a thief!

Grand #2 turned 24 --and tomorrow my favorite son will be 52.  How can that be??? Last month DIL Lois surprised him with tickets to see the Rolling Stones -- then this weekend at Orange Beach.  I love her giving heart.

Let's see ...

I had quite a scare Monday afternoon when the infusion company informed me there would be no more deliveries. Unbeknownst to us, Tom's original order had expired.  Thankfully, their pharmacist was able to reach the infectious disease specialist who wrote a new script. New antibiotics were delivered via courier  yesterday afternoon -- just in time.  Man, I'm getting too old for this stuff.

We met with both of Tom's doctors -- who green-lighted him to begin driving, and lift random items weighing more than a Bible.  Really!   That very caution was included in his discharge instructions: "Don't lift anything heavier than a Bible."

🎄

It's unseasonably warm -- weird warm -- again.  But I still felt led to make a big pot of chicken soup.  Just so happens, the day before I'd treated myself to a stroll through the Vintage Marketplace on Main.

..... where I found this cheery soup bowl.

I was sorely tempted to add this sweet pillow to my cart.

Too, this Christmas goat ....
before deciding he'd probably give little Grace a heart attack.

Ya, I'm weird that way.

Anyway.  'Not sure what I did differently than last year, but gosh!  The soup was bland-bland-BLAND.  Last night I added copious amounts of Hatch chile, cheddar -- and walnuts, too.  They've become my new go-to snack.

I dunno, there's something about chilly weather that makes me want to put on Perry Como's Christmas classics and play in the kitchen.

I've been thumbing through my mother's old cookbooks but realized no-one here is particularly fond of kuchen ... potato pancakes ... rice casserole.

Feeling humbled to realize, how few of her recipes contained meat.  Theirs must have been a shoestring budget, but I can't remember ever going without.

🎄

So, I'll finish the rest of my Christmas cards this weekend.  A letter, too, for those not on social media or from whom we've drifted.

Other than that, I'm feeling strangely mellow.  I still need to pick up a gift certificate for our home health nurse and a whimsical something or another for our church ladies' "dirty Santa" exchange.

Tom and I've agreed not to exchange gifts again this year.  But I may draft another 'Grown-up Christmas List' just for giggles.

I hope you'll stay tuned!

Holiday hugs!

Myra

   

Off the top of my head

But, before I do ...

 Congratulations to Cathy at Tales of the TCKK Family!

Her name was drawn to receive this holiday print from the good folks at Zen to Zany.

Cathy, I might have your address from last year's Christmas cards. Just to be sure, would you e-mail it to me again? (myra.guca@gmail.com)  Thanks!

🤶

Speaking of cards ....

I wasn't going to send any.
Then I was.
Some traditions are harder than others to kick to the curb.

What to leave in, what to take out?

There's distant, obligatory names I wouldn't recognize if they rang my doorbell.  Then there's the 95-year-old friend of my parents who, upon receiving my card last year, picked up the phone.  Mind you, I've not spoken to MJ since 1968.  Evidently she thought I'd be interested in her take on the nation's political climate; in particular my candidate.

(Daddy, I know you were spinning. LOL)

🤶

I wonder what my parents would make of this old world.

Today marks the 40th anniversary of my first Worst Day.  Not 3 months after retirement, my father passed suddenly.

It remains a day of unresolved sadness, reflection.

Sure, I've experienced more 'worst days.'  It's all part of the human experience.

I know you, dear friends, need no reminding.   But let's all share -- through our words and our actions -- awareness of others who are facing heartbreak this season.

🤶

Back to daddy.

Tho' he never came from means (quite the opposite!), he took tremendous pleasure in squeezing the daylights out of the life he was given.  Quality v. quantity.  Besides my mother and son, his greatest loves were world travel, a good cigar, dark beer ... or the occasional rye.  While on vacation, he'd get such a kick out of serving refreshments from his little bar suitcase.

"It's kanapra time!"  (Not sure I'm spelling that correctly -- or if it's even a word!)

Anyway.  Following his funeral, back at the house his brothers did the honors -- much to the surprise of my in-laws.  (Soto whisper) "Did you see that minister making alcoholic drinks?"

We were raised in the Christan faith, but I could totally visualize him singing along with Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.

Be happy!  Be healthy!  Long life!

And if our good fortune never comes,

here's to whatever comes.

Drink l'chaim, to life!

Pretty good advice if you ask me.

Have a great week, y'all!  'Til next time ...

Hugs, Myra

  

Five on Friday!

 .....  aka, "Sunday letters."

Dear Self -  What was I thinking, asking for my Booster AND flu shot at the same time?   I'm a side sleeper, so a restful night wasn't in the cards.  Live and learn!

🎄

Dear Dr. Izer - Color me delighted!  Unlike my previous doctor, you said my catarachts aren't significant enough for surgery at this time.  

So disappointed, however, when your optical shop couldn't guarantee (the) new lens' could be successfully installed in my old frames.  ("Do you know how long it took me to find these?!")   Thankfully, two ladies began scurrying and before you know it they found a dozen similar frames.  

Which do you think are the new ones?

Anyone else remember this old ad campaign?

🎄

Dear Tom - Thank you for insisting I make chili last week.  In response to, "But we've no room in the refrigerator" you declared, "Then we'll MAKE room."   And thanks to a former classmate who suggested I order Chimayo chile powder.  It certainly made a difference!

Tom's a purist ... but I still prefer mine with scrambled eggs and lots of cheddar cheese.

🎄

Dear Nursing Home Blessings -  Sure and Facebook has become a scary-and-sad place to visit.  But there's still lots of good that keeps me coming back.  For instance, your giving initiative --

"If you're doing a little Black Friday shopping, please consider purchasing something for a nursing home resident!  We still have residents we'd like to bless this Christmas!

We have over 600 nursing home residents who have been 'adopted' and will be filling gift bags for 145+ more residents.  We're collecting items like throw blankets, socks, snacks, card games, puzzle books, toiletries and calendars to fill these care packages.

We're so incredibly excited to deliver Christmas gifts to every resident at 7 Montgomery nursing homes."

Okay, I get it.  Charitable giving's highly-personal.   There's Blue Santa, Toys for Tots, Angel Trees, Shoebox Santa, etc.   Who doesn't want to put a smile on a child's face?   I've just got a soft spot for these often-forgotten elders.  Imagine the fun they had when asked to write their own wish lists?!

I don't know.  Maybe this is done in your city, too?  I'd just never heard of it, and felt compelled to put it out here.

🎄

Dear Macie Ann - Thanks for always making me smile.  So grateful all those yukky tests showed nothing more serious than arthritis in your spine.

Somedays it's rough to get old(er), but we're in this together!

Holiday hugs, y'all!

Myra

 

A-n-t-i-c-i-p-a-t-i-o-n ... and a give-away, too

 

Looking through my front door

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

My favorite tree's in place.  But more than half our decorations didn't make it out of the boxes ... I'm okay with that.

Little doubt I'll still go around tweeking this or that, a pillow purposely askew.  Tom doesn't get it -- "Why, when no-one's going to see it?"  (Note: this is the same fella who can't understand why I insist on making the bed every morning.  Ha!)

I finally wrapped up my shopping yesterday.  Sadly, the days of baby dolls and adorable nightclothes are gone -- replaced with gift cards or cash.  Most of the year I'm uber practical.  At Christmas, however? I'm just a tall child.

For instance!  A while back I was sitting at Bible study; and, as sometimes happens, my mind began to wander.  No, it's not D's designer handbag I'm oogling -- it's Sue fork with the azure gel-like handle.  Fascinated, I watch as she spears a plump strawberry.  

Cute utensils ... whimsical paperclips ... refrigerator magnets.  I'm so there!

Oh, and this!

Had Tom not been waiting out in the car and me with Christmas cards to purchase ... 

(* heavy sigh*)

... which brings me around to the little giveaway.

Are y'all familiar with Zen to Zany?

I'm a huge fan of Anita's art and have shared several of my favorites here on the blog before.

Couldn't wait to see her Christmas cards' collection!  They're a little pricer than what I had in mind but figured, what the heck.   Except.  Instead of 3 packs of 6, a few days later I opened the package to discover I'd paid $$$ for 3.  THREE 5" x 7" prints.

So, I found a couple nice frames at Hobby Lobby and will give Pastor Janet and my BF for Christmas.

The third print?

If you'd like a chance to add this to your home's holiday collection, please let me know in the comments.  I'll draw a name and publish next Monday (Dec. 6); the winner can privately e-mail me his or her address.  How's that?

Looking through my sun room/back door.

P.S.

No, I've not forgotten my promise to share a new-and-novel giving initiative.  But in the interest of keeping this post semi-brief, how about I share that in the next few days?  Thanks!

Hugs, Myra