Thanksgiving 2021

Happy day after!

When all's said and done, ours was a good day.  Oh sure, there were some hiccups --

.....Like my traditional banana nut bread that threw up all over the newly-cleaned oven.

.....Or, instead of walking around the kitchen island to plug in the vacuum cleaner, I reached across -- knocking my lemonade off the counter and onto the (newly-cleaned) floor.

.....Not going to repeat what I said when the power inexplicably went out.  Except that it was mercifully brief.

Chuckling.  Recalling how I'd carefully planned the kitchen layout.  Seriously, I had it all written out --turkey platter here, crack chicken there, just to the right.  OCD, much?  (Called an audible when Tom observed: "You're not really serving dinner on paper plates?")

Presentation be darned, in the end it all was helter-skelter.  But we're nothing if not flexible.

Publix out-did themselves!  Son and Tom prounounced their Yukon Mashed Potatoes 'best ever.'   The only thing, the size of the turkey meant I had to heat the sides in the microwave then transfer to smaller warming crockpots.

Can't say I didn't learn a lesson.  While Tom was (ahem) indisposed, it fell to me to undress the turkey and ready for reheating.  Where I stood scratching my head --

What in the heck is a keel bone?  Or a pulley?   Please tell me I'm not the only soul who never heard of those?  The diagram doesn't resemble any turkey I've seen before, but it all worked out.

So thankful Chloe volunteered to retrieve the Christmas tree and boxes from the attic!

Thankful, too!  When the home healthcare nurse was here a little while ago to change Tom's dressing she took note of some swelling and called his surgeon.  There being no other symptoms he reassured us, there's little to be concerned about right now.  I love doctors who aren't too self-important to answer their phones!

Mostly, I'm thankful for each of YOU!

Hugs, Myra

 

  

 

Random Prompts of Gratitude

 

Seen outside the Surgical ICU

Good morning y'all!

Today I'm taking a page from Pam at Closed Doors, Open Windows ... who discovered these prompts at Trading Ashes for Beauty.  Great idea, no?

The Best Thing That Happened This Week

Tom was allowed to come  home on Wednesday!

I'll spare you the details -- but they made a 16" incision down his spine.  Hence, he has to wear this brace for the next 10 weeks and use a walker/rollator.  Only thing missing is a bicycle horn!

We're to continue the 2x/daily infusions, but I'm sure grateful for the PICC line in his arm that doesn't require me to actually 'stick' him.  Yikes! 

Something That Makes me Happy

I love both my 'lady girls', but Macie Ann's my snuggle buddy.

Most mornings after I take my pill, I'll come back to bed for 30 minutes to read my devotionals and scroll through your posts.  Reflecting how much I love this little girl and my humble little home.

Someone That Makes me Smile

Hands down, that honor goes to my friend in Florida.  Debbie and I've remained tight since working together back in the 80's; and, despite her numerous (health) challenges, she's the funniest, most upbeat person I've ever met.

Before she underwent cancer surgery Friday, I sent a 'First Aid Kit' -- a half dozen of those little liquor bottles (like you get on a plane) with the advisory: In Case of Emergency Break Glass.

She phoned and we giggled like 7th graders.

A Simple Act of Kindness This Week

Before they discovered Tom could be a bit cantankerous (lol), his nurses were amazing.  One even asked if he wanted coffee: "I'm happy to put on a fresh pot."

(And this from an R.N., no less!)  

The Last Person Who Gave me Something

from a Bible study friend

A Recently-Achieved Goal

Back on May 31 I vowed to lose 10 lbs. -- but this morning it was 19!  (I've always preferred odd numbers, lol)

The Most Recent Blessing I Received

Friends from church called Thursday eve to see if they might stop by -- and arrived with a feast:  Pork loin, yellow rice and peach cobbler.  Delicious!

Well, it's about time for another cuppa!  In the words of another blogger, 'Go look for your joys -- you will find them, no matter how small.'

Hugs, Myra 

A Whimsical-ish Sunday Stealing

 

Kudos to Bev for continuing to facilitate this exercise each week!  

Before I begin, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your many prayers and well-wishes.  Physically, the surgeon thinks Tom did well; it's just a lot for him to take in right now.

Moving right along ... let's play 'Name Your Favorite'!

Place:   Home sweet home

Color:  Buttercream (yellow), forest green, burgundy.  And of course, 50 shades of brown.

Smell:  Garlic and onions simmering on the stovetop ... Ponderosa pines ... burning mesquite wood ... Jergens original scent hand lotion.

Magazine:  Good Housekeeping used to be a favorite, but I've not opened any magazine in years and years.

Texture:  My Macie Ann's fur coat -- that looks and feels like an old chenille bedspread. 

Thing to do when bored:  Read something light ... surf Facebook.

Precious stone:  Not a fan of gems -- but will go with that which my father gave me back in '65 - a ruby ring.

Animal:  Dogs!

Time in history:  Not so very long ago -- but wish I'd been around post-WWII to witness everyone coming together, the overwhelming patriotism which existed.  I'm besotted by the fashions of that era ... the music ... even (dare I say?) that men were men, and ladies "enjoyed being a girl."

Font:  Comic Sans is fun. Not too artsy-fartsy. 

Sound:   Ocean waves ... a foghorn ... the whistle of a train at 3AM

Fruit:  Nope, not a fan...  Coconut, perhaps

Vegetable:  Broccoli ... asparagus ... spinach

Store/shop:  Publix ... Target ... the shops at Etsy

Quote:  From Bridges of Madison County

Historical figure:  J. Robert Oppenheimer fascinates.  Plus, I understand he made a wicked martini.

Letter:  M 😁

Memory:  I've too many to choose -- or to publicize.  Blessed!

Dessert:  Cheesecake ... my DIL's banana pudding.

Candy:   Reese's ... Or the Valomilk I spotted at Cracker Barrel.  Does anyone else remember those?

Restaurant:  Village Tavern ... Longhorn steakhouse ... the Cheesecake Factory

Language:  Italiano

Thing to learn about:  So much to absorb ... so little time.  Let's go with photography.  

Thing about yourself:  Good grief!  Maybe my sense of humor?  Or (irrational-yet-abiding) sense of optimism.  Let's call it hope. 

G'night now.  Sleep tight!

Hugs, Myra

Currently in Sleepy Hollow (aka Coosada)

 

7:27am, Friday

Wow, y'all.  I don't know if I'm about to become an Absentee blogger -- or a Chronic Compulsive one. 

Hard to believe, less than 48 hours ago the biggest thing pressing on my mind was deciding whether to make another batch of crack chicken or slow-cooker spaghetti.  Then the UPS truck arrived. 'Double-meat-zero-bean' chile it is!

I know, I know.  Some of you are probably weary of hearing me wax euphoric about Hatch green chile.  Given last year's disappointing crop, I was coveting this season's delivery -- not unlike a junkie craves his next fix.  

It's here, it's here!

I'd just stepped out back to dispose of dry ice and heard Pastor Janet's calling my name from the other side of the gate.   No doubt, I was a spectacle:  no make-up ... can't remember when last I combed my hair ... clad in gardening gloves and rubber waders.  

In response to, "What are you doing?" I launched into an excited-but-illogical explanation.   Later I LOL'd at her comment on my FB page:  "Myra, I misunderstood what you were talking about this afternoon. I thought you meant "Chili" -- ya know, with meat and beans.  When you talked about the difference in the soil, I was really puzzled.  Now it all makes sense!" 

Ya-da-da-da-dah.

All that above was written before 8 this morning. 12 hours ago.  Before Tom waved the proverbial white flag and agreed to go to the hospital.

You see, I don't like to continually harp here on his/our ongoing struggle with the osteo myelitis.   But given his pain levels, the doc felt it prudent to order another MRI yesterday.

My view from INSIDE the dressing room.

Trapped, party of one!

Long story short, we were directed to the trauma hospital's ER. Wow, y'all.  52 ER rooms (I asked) and still, they had bodies on stretchers lining the halls.  Sure gives this blogger a better appreciation for professional caregivers.  

Anyway.  Without mincing words, this afternoon the neurosurgeon announced Tom needed to have surgery tomorrow -- or risk imminent paralysis.  Not unkindly, he wasn't open to negotiations.  

We're shocked to realize the last 5 weeks' infusion treatments have basically been for naught, while the abscess has grown unchecked.  Scary stuff.  If you're inclined to pray, we sure appreciate it.

Who else can relate?

Gotta laugh or we cry!

 

Hugs, Myra   

  

Tuesday 4, November's here!

Welcome back to Tuesday 4, kept in memory of Toni Taddeo. This week, let's talk about November .....

Besides Thanksgiving, is there anything about November you like/dislike?

What's there not to love about my favorite month?!  The only thing I'd add to this header (above) is the heady feeling of anticipation.  If wishes were horses! ..... I'd give back July ask for a double helping of November.

How is November weather where you live?  Does it suit you?

It's perfect!  Sure, I could go for cooler temps (we're vascillating between highs anywhere from the 50's to 70's), and the the leaves aren't as spectacular as they've been in previous years.  But it's all good.

  

 

When do you plan for Thanksgiving?  Eat home or out?  Menu?

I've a black-belt in planning!  Usually un-realized, but that's half the enjoyment.

Given Tom's health challenges, I announced we were going to let Publix do the cooking and extended invites to the kids and theirs.

Long-time friends/readers may remember my yakking about Thanksgivings of yore.  A non-event.  Living thousands away from family, my parents both worked -- and no-one liked turkey.  Some of my father's sayings:  "Your mother works very hard and I'm not asking her to cook on her day off."  Or, "This year I think I'm going to be thankful for _____ (steak, lobster, fill in the blank).

If he was lucky to get a 4-day weekend, we'd travel to Colorado.  At any rate, the venue must allow for ordering off their regular menu.  Mother's happy voice, "Look, real butter!"

Given my druthers?  I'd still rather go out to Longhorn Steakhouse.  Nope, I've never prepared a turkey -- and at this age I'm not interested in learning how.  We've learned to compromise.  And there's lots to be said for cold turkey sandwiches with extra mayo on rye.  How Tom loves his day-after dressing!

   

When do you begin your decor and plans for Christmas?  It 'officially' begins after Thanksgiving and the Macy's Parade when Santa arrives at the end.

Crossing my fingers Tom feels up to retrieving our tree from the attic Thanksgiving afternoon.  Those pull-down stairs aren't in the greatest condition. I really should just do the deed while he stands with cell phone to call 911.  (LOL)

Besides a flocked creature (circa 1981), this is the first tree I've ever really, truly loved.

It's beginning to feel a lot like ....

(Your turn!)

Hugs, Myra

Today

 

G'morning, all!  How the heck are you?

Ours hasn't been an exciting week, but I'm super thankful my Favorite Month has finally arrived.

Tom seems to be doing better every day!  In fact, out of the blue Sunday afternoon he took it upon himself to repair the other half of my love seat/recliner.  

Chuckling.   For three years, I've been saying we should take day trips and acquaint ourselves with this place we call home.   Unfortunately, my 'fixin' to list' outweighs reality -- but we did have a chance to visit Alex City Monday morning.  I wasn't wild about the pulmonologist, but Tom seemed to like him, so there's that.

What floated my boat was the hour-long drive through narrow, winding back roads:   Low-slung brick-and-mortars ... neat manufactured homes ...  pretty buttercup clapboards with tidy white awnings ... even those tired dwellings seemingly occupied since the Eisenhower administration.  All situated on so much green.   Fences?  Tom even remarked of one, "That fence probably costs more than our house."

  

Curious.  Even as recent as a decade ago, I wouldn't have raised an eyebrow over those vistas.  Is it just me, or have you noticed your priorities changing in different seasons of your life?

Back home, Tom announced he'd a craving for fried chicken.  Cracker Barrel's not my favorite, but I'm all about what makes the boy happy.   And deliver they did!  His plate was piled like a doting grandma might have done.    I was reluctant, believing there was nothing 'keto' friendly on the menu, but no.  The strip steak and broccoli was delicious!

One of these days I'm going to throw caution to the wind and fill my shopping cart with flavors from my childhood.  

For the first time in more than a year, we gathered our masks and visited a nearby estate sale.  Not for the first time, I was left scratching my head over what people choose to surround themselves with.   This home, in particular, was 4,000-some square feet of elaboratly-carved Korean chests, oriental rugs and hundreds no, thousands of tchotchkes ... wee dolls in native attire lining the walls.  Kind of creepy, really.  Another shopper remarked to no-one in particular, "What do you suppose happens to all these things that don't sell?"   So glad I've begun ridding myself of stuff that really has no meaning, you know?   

All wasn't in vain.  Tom scored a Coleman lantern, brand-new fishing reel and (another) plier.  

I found a like-new pair of Air Nikes for $4.

... and weather permitting, finally had occasion to wear my new favorite knit top.  (No, those aren't stains -- I forgot to clean the mirror. LOL)

Okay, there's more to come, but this is already getting too long.

Before signing off, I've a prayer request:

'Just found out yesterday afternoon my BF Debbie has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  She still has to have an MRI before seeing the surgeon -- lots of unknown at this point.  But anyone who's been touched by the 'C' word understands the shock and the fear.

Thanks ... you guys are the best!

Talk soon!

Hugs, Myra