Hurray for Hollywood!

aka, Tuesday 4

This week Annie writes, "According to the late Jordan Maxwell, Hollywood is named for the fact that the holly was used for magic wands by the Druids.  This is where the term, 'Hollywood Magic' comes from.  People are under its spell!  Another story says that H.J. Whitley, the father of Hollywood, saw a Chinese man hauling wood on the hills overlooking the future site and asked him what he was doing.  'I holly wood' he said, meaning hauling wood.  It occurred to Whitley at holly wood was a great name for his new town."

During WW2, Marilyn Monroe was an aircraft factory inspector.  She was no dumb blonde but had an above-average IQ.  Do you know some Hollywood or record-industry trivia?

That which I thought I knew has been debunked -- so I'm passing the baton to Jon at Lone Wolf Concerto, whose first-hand accounts are nothing short of fascinating:

Speaking of the Hollywood sign!
Click here

How about the 1962 thriller starring Betty Davis and Joan Crawford, 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane'?
Let your fingers do the walking here

Would you share with us the funniest movie you have ever seen?

How about, 'Going in Style'

How about the most dramatic?

That's a toss-up between 'Schindler's List' and 'Saving Private Ryan.'  Since the first is based on a true story, I'm going with Schindler's.

Has a movie ever really moved you or changed the way you see things?

I've always colored inside the lines; believed that laws were enacted for a reason.  

But when Tom and I watched 'Gone Baby, Gone' I had to question my own moral compass.  Goodness, that's one of the biggest arguments in which he and I ever engaged!   To this day, I'd bet neither one of us is willing to compromise.

Do you have movie nights at your house with special snacks, treats, etc?  If not movies, was there something else around which you created a special family night?

We've not done so in years; I think that would be a nice tradition to resurrect.  

I look forward to reading your responses!

Hugs, Myra

 

Part 2: The getaway

 

I'm unsure if this is a blessing or a curse.  Tom and I are alike in many ways -- not necessarily in a good way.  When the chips are down, neither of us has the presence of mind to be a 'Cool Hand Luke.'

So began Thursday.  I studied the street map.  Easy-peasy -- 3 blocks south, another block west and I'd drop him at the Pavillion marked 'patient drop off/discharge.'   Except.  As we neared the circular drive 2 cars were parked sideways, traffic cones blocked further access.

Plan B.  I'd circle the block and drop him at the next building where we'd been the day before.   He'd could show them his instructions and someone would show him to the 6th Floor.  Right? Wrong.  No-one knew anything about any 6th Floor.

He and his little blue Rollator come marching out, full of righteous angst.  Me, slowing: "Where are you going?"

  

"They're sending me back across the street."  I continue circling.  Ring! ring!

Turns out, he'd gone to the ginormous E.R. bay.  He's arguing (loudly) with a police officer -- who not only knew nuthin' about any 6th floor -- but was insistent Tom couldn't come in.

By this time, we're screaming at one another -- he's insisting we just go home.  (I'm too chicken to tell you what I said.)   In the end we wound up at the parking garage, to Guest Services who paged a transport cart.

Of course, by this time he's late -- which is stressing me to no end.

I'm not telling anyone how to do their job.  Okay, maybe I am.  But my biggest pet peeve has always been lack of communication.  I don't mean to sound self-righteous, but I learned a long time ago in the workplace.  Never say, "I don't know."  Rather, add: "...but I'll be happy to find out for you."

Is the location of 6th Floor a closely-held secret?  (*Sigh*)

Tom gets checked in.  We wait.  Then, 'Have you seen my cell phone?'

I go back and search the car.   No dice.  'Did you try calling it?'   (I thought I had.)

Tom has visions of someone using it to call Jerusalem.  Me, I'm certain it's laying crushed to smithereens on the city street.

Once he's taken back I try accessing my Verizon account.   Like so many sites, they've employed a two-part authorization.  Blame it on my nerves, my fat fingers -- but after 3 unsuccessful tries I'm locked out.   Most days I love artificial intelligence.  Others, not so much.  Finally, I reached a robotic-but-congenial CSR who guided me through the process of suspending Tom's line.

Surgical waiting rooms are always ripe for people watching, but I was still in a funk.  Between stuffing my face with Tillamook sausage sticks + an entire bag of macadamia nuts I thumbed through scads of Solitaire games.

About 12:30 someone approached saying the surgeon would be out to talk to me.  I guess each doctor has his/her own preferences.  I'd watched some come out and speak in soto tones.  Others were called to the house phone. The receptionist led me down the hall to a Consult Room.  Despite its resemblance to those found at funeral homes, he said 'no worries.' Dr. A prefers these for privacy.   

Fine.  At least it had comfy furniture, an outlet to charge my phone.

I waited.  And waited.  At some point my eyes slammed shut.  I fell sound asleep.  Already 3:15, I learned they'd forgotten about me!   The receptionist was practically falling all over herself apologizing,  and I'm wondering whatever happened to Dr. A.

Anyway.  His nurse assured me everything went well.  (L + R heart caths + TEE)  First thing when Tom woke up he wanted to know how the dogs were doing. LOL!  The docs will be discussing his case and calling with their recommendations.   I hope they don't forget!

Expecting Tom to be released at  4, I went on to the car.  And remembered something Sandra shared.  "Hey Google! Turn on the flashlight!"   Right there, behind the doo-hickey holding the passenger seat in place lay Tom's cell!   Because I'd been locked out, it was the next day before I could get in our Verizon account -- but still.  What a relief!

Something else.  Given the unpredictability of the internet, Sandra suggests keeping a hard copy of our contacts' telephone numbers, their addresses.   I learned the hard way.  There was no way I could alert his BF, who I'd promised to call with updates.

   

Already it's kind of laughable.  I really need to keep a lid on my emotions.  Are carbs the answer to whatever ails?  Seemed so at the time!

There's truly, no place like home!

Hugs, Myra

The get-away

Good morning!

'Wish I could boast, we broke our chains and enjoyed a coastal getaway.  But no.  'Twas more 'ticker' care.  Nevertheless, I was excited to linger at Publix's deli for snick-snacks and wine. 

Early Wednesday morning we got the 'lady girls' situated at boarding and hit the road.    Sunny skies, light traffic on I65 -- what a gorgeous day!    My big-city readers probably do exaggerated eye-rolls each time I go crying the blues about navigating downtown Birmingham.   But no, this time I'd worn my big-girl panties -- and without asking, 'Mother may I?' just steered my Camry where I wanted.  Figured mine's a lot older and uglier than 99% of the other vehicles, they're less likely to engage.  Right?

UAB Footprint (from web)

Having learned that snagging a wheelchair transport's next to impossible, I dropped Tom off where he needed to be, scored a parking spot and even got most of my steps in.   God bless the NP!  Initially there was a little concern -- they couldn't draw blood and his heart rate dropped to 23.  But she took all the time in the world to explain the upcoming procedure, what they think's going on -- in language an ordinary John/Jane Doe can understand.

Having plenty of time before check-in, Tom suggested a detour.  He knows I love Cheesecake Factory's unfailingly delicious food, attention to detail.  After a leisurely lunch, we made it back with (necessary) doggy-bag desserts.

So, let me ask y'all:  When choosing lodging, what's most important to you?   {Aside: some of my newer friends may not know -- most recently I worked 15 years for a famous hotel chain.  In the words of Forrest Gump, "And that's all I'm gonna say about that."}

Normally, my criteria runs to affordability, cleanliness.  In this case, I wanted as close to UAB as was  possible.

Believing Tom would have to spend the night in the hospital, I booked a charming, affordable bed-and-breakfast just a few blocks away.  

Hassinger Daniels Victorian Mansion

Isn't she pretty?  I've never stayed in a bed-and-breakfast.  Have you?

No, Tom leans more to a traditional hotel environment -- somewhere he can watch movies or wander out to smoke his pipe 24/7.

Disappointed when the hotel directly across the street was fully booked.  But what a stroke of luck when another, nearby had plenty of availability!   Unlike the first, whose rooms were hugely disappointing, I was pleasantly surprised by the Hilton's bathroom, the upscale linens, their congenial staff.  (Almost 20 years ago my GM told me, "You'll never check in to a hotel with quite the same mindset.")   I'll definitely be leaving them a great review.

'Always concerned the alarm on my cell phone might decide to malfunction, sleep was fitful.  Plus, Tom's nerves were getting the best of him.  That, and no coffee, made for a grumpy fellow.

All that's best left for Part 2.  I've already yakked on longer than I meant.  I sure appreciate you making time to visit!

Hugs, Myra 

Construction crew's message outside a nearby urgent care facility last year.

   

Of birthdays and blessings

 

March 17 ... a new day, a new year

Happy Birthday to me!

Then and now

Despite the smile, I never had much use for dolls. If memory serves, when trimming her hair, Barbie wound up with a cut reminiscent of a Camp Pendleton recruit.  (No-one knows whatever became of her.)

A little older, not so wiser ... but blessed to be here!

Due to Tom's VA appointment and other 'stuff', I elected to postpone my birthday observance to the 18th.

Nevertheless, I felt compelled to observe St. Paddy's Day with green eggs and ham(burger). 

Do you enjoy Japanese steakhouses?

It's been a few years -- but given the forecasted storms I thought that would be a fun (and less crowded) choice.  

One of these days I'm going to try making a pot of clear onion soup. Yummy!

The Hibachi chefs are amazing to watch.  Can you say, flying utensils!

As always, our meals were delicious.  Even Tom, who purports to dislike his veggies done 'al dente' was raving.

While that's not something we'd like to go all the time, we both agreed, it's an experience!

Had to LOL about my girlfriend's choice of gifts.

Obviously, she's not seen me in a few years -- my poor fingers resemble those a 13 y/o boy with severe anxiety issues.

Or wait a minute.  Maybe she has, and this is a not-so-subtle hint.

My son made a welcome green contribution to the day ... which I turned into a new handbag.   I don't know if this is something done everywhere, but when you've an Amazon return, you can take it just 'as is' to Kohl's and they do the rest -- plus give you a coupon towards 25% off store merchandise.  The nice folks also allowed me to combine the coupon on top of their sale price -- a win-win moment!

💚

While today wasn't unpleasant, my body knows it had an unaccustomed workout. 

..... cleverly disguised as a 'Church Workday.'

Pastor Janet

Our little sanctuary dates back to the 1800's ... and given the amount of 'stuff' discovered in nooks, crannies and crevices, I wonder if that's the last time it had a good cleaning. (jk, Janet!)

No, I've no idea what I was looking for!

Even the kids got into the program!

Gotta say, there's something refreshing about coming together with sweet, like-minded folks.

But with that in mind, now methinks I'm going to go enjoy a long hot shower ... and perhaps an adult beverage.

Y'all be good!

Sleep tight and don't let those bed bugs bite!

Amen!

Hugs, Myra

Tuesday 4 - Toni wondered

 

While I didn't 'know' Toni, I appreciate Annie honoring her memory via this sweet weekly meme!  Won't you come on along?

When was the last time you tried something new?

I heated Tom's chili using the right-side burner.

Who in your family do you compare yourself to?

I'll never be the lady my mother personified, but any time I'm provoked to say or do something unkind, I ask myself: "What would mother do?"  She was hard-wired for courtesy.

What lesson in life did you learn the hard way?

You don't know what you 've lost 'til it's gone.

What can you do today that you weren't able to do before?

Last night's episode was difficult -- but (most of the time) I can watch reality TV (The Bachelor) without corkscrewing myself into the ceiling.

Have a great day, y'all!

Hugs, Myra

What's happening here

... What it is ain't exactly clear.   
But you know, I'm gonna yak about it. (*grin*)

In the kitchen

Go figure.  We're shivering in our boots!  There's an expected 23* low tonight ... and all the chili, the green enchilada soup's been consumed.

I'm probably the only soul in the Western Hemisphere who's happy with the forecast.  However, that doesn't translate to making another batch in the slow cooker.  It's going to be 80* in another few days.  

I spotted this out on FB and laughed out loud ... because it's TRUE!   

Both of us instinctively use the front left

which makes no sense because the microwave takes up the available counter space.  Plus, I'm left-handed.

Do you have a favorite burner?

Ah, little things mean a lot.  For instance...

Have y'all tried these?

Mine was an 'impulse' buy for Tom's birthday.  He loves them!

I've resisted, but get a huge rush when I near my face to the open bag and breathe deeply.  You can keep the fancy perfume -- this is my new favorite aroma.  Ha!

Then there's dish soap.  I've hated this leaky dispenser since Day #1 -- but saw no good reason to replace it.  Imagine my glee when it recently met an unfortunate end at sink's bottom.

Amazon to the rescue!

I'm all about mason jars, so there was no question what to buy.

Except.

I realized the only dish soap on hand was a brand-new bottle of blue Dawn.  (Key word, blue.)

As some of y'all know, I don't DO blue.

Thankfully, Tom said, "Heck with the $2.88. Go buy what you'd like and I'll put the blue stuff in my shop."

Winner! Winner!

Isn't it cute?

Okay, let's step out of the kitchen!

Yesterday afternoon Jean's family and friends finally gathered for a celebration of life.  Everyone was asked to bring a dish to share, so I did a broccoli/cauliflower/water chestnut salad folks always seem to enjoy.  Sorry, it never occurred to me to get photographs.  This is something taken in happier times.

(l-r) me, Brenda, Jean, Helen, Shannon, Sally, Kevin, Sue, Kristen, Sharon

Fearing there wouldn't be anything keto-friendly, I fixed myself a pulled-pork and fried egg skillet before leaving --

then fell off the wagon big time when I spotted a big carrot cake at the end of the counter.

(Yep, it was totally worth every stinkin' crumb!)

Surprised.  And grateful!

One of my sweet friends gifted me a new contemporary-language Bible yesterday!

Brenda remembered my having admitted (at a previous study) how I struggle to make sense of the printed word in my traditional edition.  I'm not proud of it, but more often than not, when reading scripture my eyes begin to roll back involuntarily.

I've high hopes for The Message!

Finally, 

I love this ... hope you do, too!

Despite the hour lost, have yourselves a super weekend!

Hugs, Myra

  

 

Tuesday 4: Encore!

Welcome back!

I hope you're enjoying Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 episodes -- whether you post your own answers, or simply play along in your head! 

I agree with Annie who says, "There are some things we just enjoy quite a lot.  Let's talk about it!"

Which book could you read over and over again?

I don't recall ever re-reading a book ... not since the librarian at Pueblo Jr. High chastised me for repeatedly checking out the same books.

Personal aside:  As some of you know, several years ago I inexplicably lost that lovin' feeling (for books).  All my life I'd been a hungry reader.  Had momma allowed, I'd have even tried carrying one to church services.

Sad, knowing that something I dearly loved now became something I made myself do.

A few months ago, however, I came across an article addressing 'reader's block.'  My take-away: Put down the e-reader and pick up a real book.

With nothing left to lose, I visited our local library.

Knock wood, it seems to be working.  There's something comforting about idly massaging the printed page between my thumb and index finger.

'Just throwing this out there in case you know anyone who similarly struggles.

What movie or TV program could you watch and never tire of watching?

It's a toss-up between

Forrest Gump

and

Both are favorite soundtracks. 

(... as a matter of fact, I've Alexa playing the latter right now.)

What meal do you like enough to eat several times a week or several times a month?  Got a recipe to share for it?

Not embarrassed to admit, I could eat some form of loose meat (ie, ground chuck) every day -- and often do.

Here's one variation -- tossed with chopped walnuts and cheddar cheese, sprinkled with olive oil.

What place do you enjoy so much that you go back again and again?  Why do you like it so much?

Before moving, if someone told me I'd be answering 'my church', I'd have belly-laughed in their face.

However. A few days after arriving in Alabama I spotted a nearby church sign:

Come hear Sean Dietrich (aka, Sean of the South) on xxxxx at 7:00PM.

Heartbroken to realize the tickets were sold out -- but at my urging the following Sunday we visited that little old sanctuary.  The rest, as they say, is history. 

I found the family I didn't realize I was missing.

est. 1840

Robinson Springs United Methodist Church

Thanks so much for visiting.  It means a lot!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go spin around the living room.

Care to join me?

Hugs, Myra

 

It's Happy Hodgepodge Day!

 

... and don't it feel good?!

Good morning!

Somehow, it's March!  Is it coming in like a lion where you live?  Not at all -- it's behaving beautifully.  Tell us one fun thing on your March calendar.  Well, I'll celebrate a birthday on St. Paddy's Day.  No plans, but I love to dwell on the possibilities!

In what way(s) do you "march to the beat of your own drum"?   The only thing I can think of is my diet lifestyle.   For decades now -- before Keto became a household word -- I prefer 90% red meat, 9% veggies/eggs/cheese, few grains, NO fruit.   

Of course, there are exceptions -- like this last weekend when we overdid it with sweets.  But until there comes a time my labs look a bit wonky, I see no reason to change my ways.

The Hodgepodge lands on Dr. Seuss Day.  Do you like eggs?  I 💚 eggs!  Ham?  Nope.  Share a favorite quote from one of his books.   Since I've never read any Dr. Seuss, I asked 'Dr, Google' and was blown away by both the silly, the profound.  Let's go with --

Have you read Little Women?  How about Alice in Wonderland?  Yes, to both.  Did you love them, like them, feel just eh about them?    All 3, at some point in my life.  Why is this question in the Hodgepodge today?  (*Raising my hand*) - March sisters, March Hare.

How do you meal plan?  I don't!  How often do you shop for groceries?  Anytime one of us gets the notion.  One homemade meal that was on your menu last week, or is on your menu this week?  We won't be fixing anything new until all the leftover party food is consumed.  Since I ordered for 21 and only 9 showed, there's literally NO room in the freezer.

Insert your own random thought here.

So yes, Tom's daughter arrived in good spirits.  We spent a few enjoyable days just piddling and visiting.

Downtown Wetumpka

Shrimp and grits

Fried green tomatoes

It was a bit disappointing when one of Tom's dearest friends -- together with 3 other couples who'd said they were looking forward to coming -- were no call, no-shows.  I get (that) things happen, but what does it take to make a phone call.  90 seconds?  Is that the 'new normal'?   Ugh ... don't get me started!

Anyway, we thoroughly enjoyed those who came.  So much so, I totally forgot to take pictures.  Other than ...

Something tells me, it's going to be a good month.  'Hope y'all are feeling the vibe!

Hugs, Myra