Reporting from the scene

 

in the slow lane. 

..... where I don't know what to wear.

Truth!

Feeling so thankful we don't need a new car!
When Tom discovered my battery had gone kaput, he ran to Auto Zone and installed a new one -- hoping the 'check engine light' would go away.  

Nope.  I'd been Googling all the possible reasons and (of course) going to worst-case scenarios.  Poor thing has 339,955 miles on its ticker.

I could have hugged the mechanic who (correctly) diagnosed a couple minor thingies and sent us on our way for a little more than $200.

💜

So, Tom turned 79 years young yesterday.  Yeay! 

Backing up...  

It may not come as a surprise to some -- but being an only child, my birthday was always a Big Honkin' Deal.  I enjoy being celebrated. (Sorry, not sorry.)

I don't know if it's a 'man thing' or what.  But every year I get to asking Tom, "What would you like?"  "Where should we go?" 

Nada.  "I don't need anything."  (Um, that's not what I asked.)

I felt like sacrilege, but okay. That's what he got.

  

See, the couch on which he lives is pretty disgusting; we've begun looking for a new one. But everything's back-ordered 14 weeks!

I thought he was ready to get a fire-pit, but now he wants to wait until the deck comes down and a new patio gets poured.  (Whole 'nother story ...)

He did ask that I make him a 'real' German Chocolate cake.  My middle name's not Betty Crocker, and yes. I'm the one who once said, "a kitchen's the most useless room in the house."  But okay.  I can read instructions.

So Thursday morning I lined up the sugar, flour, cocoa, etc., on an old beach towel.  Then promptly knocked over the flour onto the floor.  (A dictionary word or several may have been uttered.)

[Just an FYI to the husbands:  If your wife's not whistling a happy tune, it's generally not a good idea to say things like, "Well, I'd have used wax paper to coat the pan."  Or, "That icing's not as creamy as I remember." "But that's OK, you're cooking."]

Patty-cake, Patty-cake ...

All's well.  I'm not fond of chocolate, but he loves it and was even bragging on me to his daughter.  

Thanks to Ma for her tip about using only 3 candles:

1's for the Past, 2's for the Present and 3's for the Future.

🎂

Not so entertaining, but we saw the eye doctor yesterday and scheduled Tom's cataract surgery for mid-April. 

I'd bought some nice rib-eyes that he grilled and enjoyed with asparagus and sauteed mushrooms.   It's true. The fastest way to our hearts is probably through our stomachs!

What's yours?

😍

More later!

Thank you for visiting me!

Hugs, Myra

 

Just dropping in, to see what condition my condition is in

 

Times 2!

I agree with the sage who wrote, "It is wise to accept the fact that all of us must change as we age."   But I sure admire those who make the process less painful.

For instance!  I'm blown away by all the advertisements, the testimonials for pillows.  Pillows!   There are models for the side, the back, or the stomach sleeper.   None of which are particularly inexpensive.   

I remember a time when my parents bought my pillows.  I never questioned their choices ... or realized there was a choice!   The only time I recall disliking a pillow was that at my former in-laws home which always smelled faintly of rubber.

I'm not in the habit of patronizing luxury hotels or cruise ships, but understand they now offer their guests a 'pillow menu.'  Great perk, no?   I tried floating that idea past my boss, but was shot down for little return on investment.  

These days I keep 3-4 in rotation:  Under my neck + under my hip + between my knees.   Then, a few hours later we,  "Do the hokey-pokey and you turn ourselves about ..."    Sometimes I wonder if my body's warranty is lapsing, or if I'm growing softer.   

Do you have a sleep aid that seems to check all the boxes?

* * *

So, we enjoyed (yes!) a teleconference with Tom's pulmonologist last Friday.

Because I've the dubious honor of acting as Tom's hearing-assist human, I led with our misgivings about 'the' vaccine.  Have I mentioned?  My March 11 appointment at the Health Department was bumped to May 26 ...without benefit of a reason; not even a, "We apologize for the inconvenience."  (*Sigh*)

I love her empathy and straight-forward, take-all-the-time you want approach.  Tom has been concerned that given his existing issues, he'd experience an averse reaction.   But after listening to her relate her own (rather unpleasant) experience, I do think he's going to go forward.   Plus!  She said I could qualify to have mine at the same time (at the VA) because I'm his care-giver.  She just cautioned us not to have ours done at the same time.   Oh, and like Fauchi, she's a big proponent of double-masking anytime we're in a closed environment.   Lots to ponder.

Meanwhile.  This morning I added a gaitor to my facial Wal-Mart wardrobe -- but the darn thing kept pulling my mask down. Never mind the virus, all I could think about was it adding more wrinkles. Deep-6 that!   

Must remember what a co-worker once told me:

Our lives are like a Shakespeare play.  It's up to us to decide if it's a comedy or a tragedy.

Stay smiling!

Hugs, Myra

Trust

 

Weren't we just talking about that?

Lip service is all well and good ... until something comes along to make us me question my assumptions.  For instance --  

Thursday morning Victoria arrived to install the I-WAVE system.   I hovered, watching and listening as she explained how it operates. 

"But how can I be sure it's working?" 

  

It has a little green light that glows, but!  I'd have to go hunting through Tom's toolbox to find the particular gizmo to take apart the HVAC's face plate to see it.

Since I practically had to strong-arm Tom into getting this, I'm reluctant to share my misgivings.  

Okay.  Maybe 'misgivings' is the wrong word.  Certainly, I believe in the documented evidence.  But gosh, I'd feel better if it would make a noise once in a while, or DO something. 

 

Sound familiar?

So earlier this morning, I was prepping Sunday dinner while watching church services via Facebook.   Having recently been exposed to a family member, Pastor Janet and Andy are self-quarantining -- so today's service was actually video-taped on their empty lot next door. 

[I'm listening to the music again while writing this, so please forgive if I accidentally slip in a Hallelujah. 🙂 ]

This message may not be everyone's cup of tea.   But here's the part that grabbed me.  (24:59 minute mark)   

"There may be some who are struggling with trusting God.  Maybe because you didn't sense that He was present with you when the suffering was happening.  He wasn't listening to you when you needed Him most."

She continued,
"Today when Andy was starting this fire behind me he had the logs all piled up and the fire was lit and the flames began to blaze.

  

He knew it was burning.  He felt the heat from the flame, he saw the light from the fire. He smelled the smoke.

I did not.  I was on another part of the property; I had my back to the flame.  I didn't see it burn. I was far enough away that I couldn't feel the heat or sense the smell of the smoke wafting through the air. 

 

Because of my experience with that fire, did that mean that the fire was out? That it wasn't burning?  Did it mean that there was no smoke or heat or light coming from that fire?

  

No, of course, that's not the truth.  That wasn't the reality.  The fire was there -- in all of its ability and character and power and energy.  I just wasn't experiencing it.  But when I drew close, I saw the flame, I felt the heat, I smelled the smoke. I knew it was there. 

* * *

Good advice!

Now, I just need to act on it.

Fingers crossed ... and hugs,

Myra

  

  

    

Saturday lite

 

Good morning friends 💜

Did anyone happen to catch the President's Day 'Today' show?
What caught my attention, someone has created a photo series that imagines what past U.S. Presidents might look like in current times.

When they said she creates these images in only 15-30 minutes, using a cell phone app? ...
Maybe I can do that, too!

Granted, I'm usually the last soul on the planet to catch on to techie toys. But that hasn't dampened my enthusiasm.

For example ...

Have you ever wondered what you'd look like as the opposite gender?

(Please, no cracks about 'Myra Breckenridge.')

A topical get-away sure sounds inviting right about now.

Wastin' away in Margaritaville

I most enjoyed substituting my grand-girls' faces with photos from their toddler years.

Swiftly fly the years ...

I don't think FaceApp had furbabies in mind, but these seem to reflect our girl's personalities ...

Glamorous Grace

and Manic Macie

Finally,

I'm loving the thousands of available backgrounds.

Bar stool warmer?
Nope, the original photo was taken a while back at my desk at the funeral home.

Is there ever a wrong time for wine?

Thanks so much for indulging my silliness.
Here are a few memes that made me smile ... I hope you will, too.

Have a great weekend ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Games People Play

Earworm, much?  (Heh-heh)

Good morning!

 

Trusting others is something with which I've struggled most of my life.

Nevertheless.  As part of a corporate training exercise back in 2010, that's what I was asked to do:

11 of us were double blindfolded, then led this way and that, so as to disorient.  Then, with both hands extended, a portion of 50-foot of ski rope was placed across our palms.  "Do not let go of the rope at any time."

Our sighted colleagues might laugh, but could not offer advice or encouragement.

"You have 10 minutes to fashion a perfect square."

As expected, nervous laughter ensued.  Everyone began talking at once.  Robbed of vision, I remained in place -- trying to identify voices, to feel the whereabouts of the morning sun.   Then, came a calm, controlled voice ..... offering suggestions, directions.  

8 minutes later we'd reached a consensus.  We were ready to lay down the rope.  Hardly a perfect square, but close!

The Training Director queried everyone:  "Myra, why didn't you speak up?"  

"Honestly, I trusted Steve."   Not one of my favorite individuals, but someone I'd always respected.    Feeling vulnerable, outside my own comfort zone, I believed there could only be one leader.   

Even today.  I realize my fears stem from not always trusting in a Power greater than myself to provide direction ... and make known a solution.
What about you?

Have a great day, my friends.  Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

  

 

A time to every purpose under Heaven

"Just like the ones I used to know ...."

So, my emotions are all over the place today.  How about, I start with the good?

Yesterday morning, I had my first taste of Winter in 40 years!

Restless, the dogs got me out at 4-something ... still too dark to see the tiny flakes of SNOW falling.  A little later I stood at the front window, absolutely transfixed.

20* and I'm humming Andy Williams' Happy Heart.

Tom and Grace were like, "Please. Curb your enthusiasm."

Giving me the 'stink eye.'

OK.  I was a bit deflated when, preparing to leave for my hair appointment, I discovered my car doors were frozen shut.  Then half-way down the road, the Check Engine light came on.

It's not much, baby, but it's all we got.

We were cautioned to leave our faucets trickling and open the doors beneath the kitchen sink.

But I'm over here, scratching my head.  Having grown up in snow country -- and later living in West Texas -- I'm accustomed to freezing temperatures.  But never, ever recall having done that.  What's changed?  Hopefully, someone smarter than me can explain.

* * *

Many of you probably shared my shock and dismay to learn that Terri (Your Friend From Florida) lost her beloved yesterday afternoon from complications of COVID-19.

Not 24 hours earlier,  I shared her frustration (that) Joe hadn't yet been released from the hospital: His vitals were all good; his lungs clear.

I'm heartbroken.

I think Pam said it best.  (I hope you won't mine me quoting you?)

Dear friends, if you are still blessed to have your mate with you, please hug them a little closer tonight and thank the good Lord for His kindness and grace.   And please pray for our dear friend Terri and their sons and families as they grieve the loss of this very dear, sweet man. 

God bless, y'all.  Good be with you!

Hugs, Myra

 

All Hearts Day

 

... or, in homage to my Norwegian roots, Happy Valentinsdagen!

While going through mother's hope chest some years ago, I discovered a horde of neatly-banded greeting cards.  Brittle with age, some date back to my grandmother's youth.

I've not set foot in a Hallmark store in more than a decade.  (Do they still exist?)  But I sure remember when the sight of a distinctive envelope in the mailbox was a Big Deal -- guaranteed to make my heart do a little hop.  Yep. That's just how I felt Monday when I strolled to the curb.  Thank you, blog buddy!

So, it's been affixed to the refrigerator door all week.  But I wonder, who actually hangs onto their cards anymore?  (Excluding, of course, those priceless pieces of paper bearing crude inscriptions to "mommy.")

It's been years since Tom and I exchanged cards, but I'm always entertained by others' displays of affection.  For instance ...

When I was still working full-time, one of our resort guests -- a business traveler -- passed away suddenly.  It fell to me to inventory and ship his personal effects back home. Maybe that's why I felt drawn to his obituary, the many tributes and recollections left by friends and colleagues.  One, in particular, made me smile out-loud:  Sage advice, if you will, for the not-so newlywed set:

"xxx relates how you never bought Valentines Day cards.  Instead, you both took the time together to select cards off the rack, showed them to one another ... kissed and wished each other 'Happy Valentines Day.'  Placing the cards back in the rack, you went on about your business.  Hallmark must have hated him!"

I love that idea!

  

Here in rainy Coosada, we've no special plans.  I suggested Chinese take-out (thanks, Stacy!), but Tom countered.  We wound up having beef-and-broccoli and moo-shoo pork today and I'll do a nice roast with all the fixings tomorrow.

However you observe Valentines Day (or not), please take good care of yourself!

😍

Hugs, Myra 

A word ...

 

... to the wise. 

Wiser than me, that is.  Considering my track record, I'm the last person to be offering unsolicited advice.

Of course, that's not going to stop me. Ha!

Jack recently shared how he still recalls his mother's voice.  Me, too.   But as hard as I try, I can't remember my father's tone.

Does that sort of thing matter to anyone else?

1981 - Daddy's Retirement Picnic

What I'd give if his voice, his laugh had been captured on a tape recorder ... even an answering machine.

Since cell phone technology's become commonplace, I'm going to make it a point to record my loved one's voices.  Sooner, rather than later.

Do you think this is something you'd like to do?

Stealth momma's coming your way!

Zip-a-dee-do-dah, zip-a-dee day!

Hugs, Myra  

 

Water Cooler Wednesday

 

Did anyone happen to catch the Today show yesterday morning?

If so, you heard Hoda-and-friends discussing the merits of texting before calling someone.  You know, to see if this is a good time to chat.

Apparently, this is a thing. Vogue.

(https://lifehacker.com/you-should-text-before-calling-1846204880)

Personally, I love the idea.  I'm not fond of talking on the phone to begin with!   Even if I'm not doing anything more pressing than watching an episode of Chicago Med or surfing FB, a call from out of the blue can seem, well, intrusive.

My friend Debbie and I've enjoyed a schedule for years now: We chat the first day of each month at 2 o'clock.  Son phones on Sunday afternoon.  

That's not to say I can't call them on days in between.  But if they're anything like me, the first words out of their mouth might be, "What's wrong?"

(Ya, that's me, little Miss Sunshine.)

What do you think?

Hugs, Myra

My Reality

 - Excerpted in part from Riches of the Heart by Steve Goodier.

In the "Journal of the American Medical Association" Dr. Paul Ruskin demonstrated how our perception of reality determines how we feel about it.  

While teaching a class on the psychological aspects of aging, he read the following case to the class:

"The patient neither speaks nor comprehends the spoken word. Sometimes she babbles incoherently for hours on end.  She is disoriented about person, place and time.  She does, however, respond to her name.

I have worked with her for six months, but she still shows complete disregard for her physical appearance and makes no effort to assist her own care.  She must be fed, bathed and clothed by others.

Her food must be pureed, (and) her shirt is usually soiled.  Her sleep pattern is erratic.  Often, she wakes in the middle of the night and her screaming awakens others.

Most of the time she is happy, but several times a day she gets quite agitated without apparent cause."

😝

Dr. Ruskin asked the class how they would like caring for this person.  Most said they would not like it at all.

He said, he especially enjoyed doing so -- and thought they might also.  He passed a picture of the patient around for his puzzled students to see.  It was his 6-month-old daughter!

Most students had already made up their minds.  But the age of the patient, rather than the actual duties, made the task seem fun.

We all have tasks ahead.  How will you look at them?  When you think you might actually enjoy the process, you  probably will!

🙂

Speaking for myself, music usually takes the sting out of  household chores.  Everything from Fleetwood Mac, to ABBA, to old Broadway show tunes.

What are your coping techniques?

Hugs, Myra

 

Saturday thoughts

 

Hey there, friends!  

I'm thinking .....

We're gonna bite the bullet and invest in an I-Wave air purifying device.  At yesterday's semi-annual check-up, Veronica (our favorite HVAC tech) was explaining the benefits.  I'm over here thinking, "Ya da dah da dah."   But when she got to the part about it killing not only cold and flu viruses - but COVID, too - I was ready to sign. 

Gotta admit, Tom and I aren't the best examples of preventive care.  But given his COPD and increased use on the Stiolto (inhaler), I'm thinking there's no time like the present.

I'm thankful ....

That Terri (Your Friend From Florida) happened to mention her new Blue Diamond cookware.  Since our Copper Chef skillet sticks like crazy, replacing it was an investment in mental health.  The food goes slip-sliding away ... no mess!

Speaking of which .....

I've discovered how easy it is to make burgers in the Instant Pot!  Place the meat atop one square of aluminum foil, and top with a second, taking care not to seal the edges.  Place on a trivet, add 1/2 cup of water and steam for 15 min (give or take) for an 8 oz. burger.  The grease simply runs off into the water!

Tom was concerned they wouldn't brown, but look!

Good to know .....

In the event I'm not the only one late to the conference room....

I just discovered the U.S. Postal Service has this neat feature -- Informed Delivery -- where you can see what's coming, and when!

Every day I get one of these e-mails, telling me what's being delivered:

Oh, my goodness! .....

I love when our Chief Meteorologist waxes philosophical.

From Josh Johnson's FB page:

 "I was in the woods on a cold day and saw that ice had frozen onto this leaf. When I gently pulled the leaf out of the ice, there was a perfect imprint of the leaf left behind in the ice.

Life is sort of the same way. We often don’t see the imprint we make on those around us until we are gone.
Go outside more - you never know what you’ll see or learn."

Looking forward to .....

Getting my C-19 vaccine!

I'm thinking my friend has an 'in' to the Governor's office.  Even before the 5 o'clock news, Brenda put a link on her FB page regarding the next phase of those eligible.

Trying to get registered felt lots like old radio contests --trying to be the 9th caller.  Furiously typing my name and number on an available time slot, I'd get "No Longer Available. Try Again."  Grrrr.  Finally, I secured something on March 11, and did a little happy dance in my head.

Anyone remember getting their polio vaccine in a sugar cube?

😊

Thanks for visiting ... it means a lot!

Hugs, Myra

Just for giggles

 

So, a couple years ago I  posted something to the effect ....

"Wouldn't it be a kick if ABC's The Bachelor gave equal time to seniors?"  No-one under 65 need apply.

Remember the popularity of these gals?

Well, guess what?

".....the casting notice on ABC's website goes into more details about the proposed show: 'Now casting seniors looking for love! Are you entering your golden years and looking for romance? The producers of The Bachelor are looking for active and outgoing single men and women IN THEIR GOLDEN YEARS for a new exciting dating show!'"

I'm not especially 'active and outgoing' ..... but were I not already married?  Heck, yes!

I suspect this is going to be a hit.

How about you?

Have you -- or do you know anyone who's discovered love in their 'golden years'?

* * *

Are you smiling yet?  (Oh, well) 

Moving right along.....

Have a great day!

Hugs, Myra