Saturday 9

 

As Time Goes By ...

Who can resist this achingly beautiful love theme from Casablanca?  Not me!   (Unfamiliar with this tune?  Hear it here.

Without further ado! .....

🌹

This song begins with, "You must remember this."  Do you often write things down to help you remember?

Sure do!  I'm addicted to these lined index cards and usually keep several at the ready.

Alternatively, I'm learning to use my phone's Alexa app as a grocery list.

The lyrics tell us that moonlight and love songs are never out of date.  Tell us about something else that seems timeless.

How about the ocean?
Whether serene or stormy, it's eternal.

Originally written in 1931, "As Time Goes By" is best known as the love theme from the 1942 film, Casablanca.  According to the American Film Institute, there's only one song from a movie soundtrack that's more expressly identified with the films: Over The Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz.  What song reminds you of your favorite movie.

Against the Wind (from Forrest Gump)

I've no idea who put this particular version together -- it's not on YouTube -- but I think it's wonderful.  (Yes, I cried.)

https://fb.watch/cGEHHfVl2T/

This version is from The George Sanders Touch, an LP recorded by an Oscar-winning character actor.  There is scant evidence that it sold well.  Tell us about something you thought was a good idea at the time, but looking back, would have done differently.

Leaving Florida for Arizona.

This album was really something of a consolation prize for George.  He worked with a vocal coach, hoping to win the romantic lead in the film version of South Pacific, but alas, the role went to a younger man.  He had fun making this record instead.  Have you recently taken lemons and made lemonade?

I don't know that this counts, but.
My son and his family are experiencing a tumultuous season in their lives.  It's not my story to tell; I'm trying to give them space.

On the bright side, I've had several deep, heart-wrenching and heart-warming phone conversations.  Troy's sharing feelings I never knew about; my heart's full.   

He usually played suave-but unsympathetic characters.  That's why he gave his autobiography the self-aware title, Memoirs of a Professional Cad.  What would you call your life story?

But by the grace of God ...

The night he won  his Oscar, George Sanders accepted the statuette, bowed deeply and then, safely behind the curtain and away from cameras, surprised onlookers by crying.  Have you every cried tears of joy?

Many times!

George Sanders wed perennial talk show guest and occasional actress Zsa Zsa Gabor in 1949.  Sixteen years after their divorce, he married Zsa Zsa's less famous but also glamorous sister, Magda.  After a month, George and Magda thought better of it and had the union annulled.  Sam thinks this is one of the oddest romantic tales she's ever stumbled upon while researching Saturday 9.  Have you ever known anyone who divorced one sibling and then married another?  (Hallmark movies don't count.)

Thankfully, no!

Random question:  You're in a line of 25 people at the post office.  How many of those other 24 are more patient at waiting than you are?

More patient?  1 or 2, maybe.  I love listening to the friendly interchanges between ther clerks and customers.

Off the Top of my Head

 

Thanks for your kind words on my last post's selfie!  Could you tell, I'd given myself a haircut with cuticle scissors?  In spite of my hairdresser's attempts to correct the sides, it's going to take a while.

Today?  I'm ...

LOVING the opportunity to wear my beloved hoodie once more.  When our thermostat registered 78* I wasted no time turning on the AC.  Not 24 hours later, the temps dipped, and Tom began reaching for one of the quilts we keep at the ready.  One thing about Alabama weather -- there's something for everyone!

THANKFUL to be feeling 100% again.  After Bible study I strolled across the parking lot to Walgreens, stuck out my arm and got my shingles vaccine.  But when I woke up yesterday, everything except my teeth hurt.  Running a temp, I lay low.  It's been years decades since I had the flu but these (common) reactions came as a surprise.

LISTENING to Silver Wings.

... remembering my high school chum who passed unexpectedly Sunday night.  (Stroke? Heart attack? We don't know.)  Married right out of school, Cindy used to play that song over and over each time her hubby left for another tour in Viet Nam.   Over time, as often happens, we drifted apart.  Then 10 years ago we reconnected on FB.  We discovered shared values and political leanings and became close.  I learned (that) while she was her disabled husband's caregiver/advocate, she'd refused to seek medical help for her own challenges.

I love what her sister wrote: "Cindy was the strongest prayer warrior I've ever known; she ran straight into the arms of Jesus." 

DETERMINED to start over; all over again.  Self-care, I mean.  For a myriad of reasons, my teeth have become really discolored.  Since mask-wearing's no longer in vogue, I bought some whitening pens recommended by another blogger/influencer.

Too, there's no reason I can't have pretty decent nails.  Because they split (even down into the bed of the nail) I ordered this cream.

Before you start, Tom's already enjoyed kidding me about the name!

'Hope and pray it will also heal my cuticles.  I do well for a few days, then the next thing you know, I'm chewing an edge, both index fingers are scraping the sides of my thumbs, making them bleed.  Maybe this confession will keep me accountable.

DREAMING.   A recent meme posed the question:  Provided you could only spend it on yourself, what would you do with a Million Dollars?  For the first time in many years, I'm darn happy with my circumstances.  Sure, I've had better homes and experienced exciting destinations.  (Aside: 'Never Been to Me' is practically autobiographical.)  But! 

Finally feeling peace of mind, at home in my own skin is invaluable.  

Because I know it will never happen, I enjoyed giving free rein to my imagination.

For starters?  I'd find and book endless passages on a luxury cruise liner.  I've always been happiest out at sea, but today's main-stream cruises (aka, cattle calls) hold little appeal.  Imagine!  No housekeeping, no lawn maintenance, no property taxes! 

Each Christmas season I'd come ashore long enough to rent a big house in the mountains where family and friends would gather.  You'd find me right here!

Myra's dream room

The idea of owning such a place is attractive, but who's going to pay the insurance or the power bill?!

What's your Impossible Dream?

Thanks for visiting; I hope you'll come again!

Hugs, Myra

Life is a grand party where no-one gets to meet the host or stay to the end.

- Robert Brault

Sunday scenes

 

Millbrook, Alabama, another pleasant valley Sunday.

I arrived at church and took my place.  When what to my wondering eyes should appear?

(Look closely!  Some will get this.)

Most of us wore hats again ...

Poor Brenda was once again the target of our giggles.   Obviously, Google Girl can't comprehend her pronounced Southern accent, LOL.

{Aside: I felt pretty sad when I read on another Blogger's post yesterday that she's working not to sound so Southern.  I think (almost) all accents are charming.}

8 of us aren't shown, but this pretty much represents the mood whenever we get together.

Anyway.  Pastor Janet talked about the domino effect -- how even one person can make a difference through his or her actions.  I'm sharing the video she played.   This theory may not come as a surprise to some, but my NON-physics mind was gobsmacked.

Oh, and yes, we were all given a domino of our own to keep. 

Later than afternoon the church had a 'Spring Fling' ... complete with inflatables, corn hole games, hot dogs and camaraderie.

Because we had someone scheduled to come out and give us a quote to have our place pressure washed, I begged off.  Then, at 5 past 3:00 he called to say he was still caught up in another job; could he come on Tuesday, instead.  Don't you hate that?

Anyway, Tom suggested we go over to the church for a little while.  I'm so glad we did.  The turn-out was disappointing, but what's important, Tom thoroughly enjoyed himself.  Frank and Cindy (church musicians) played everything from Alabama to Croce to Diamond, etc., etc.  After, Tom remarked, "Wow, I thought they only did gospel music."

  

A snippet from My Home's in Alabama

So, welcome to another week ... another chance to get it right!

Let's make it a good one!

                                                                Hugs, Myra

This n' that

 

Thanks for the sweet comments on my Easter post!   In the event anyone was 'put off', I apologize!  I certainly didn't mean to give the impression we're irreverent.   These dear ladies' lives are anything but sunshine and lollipops -- I'm talking about all sorts of issues, from loved ones' addictions to 2 receiving grim medical diagnoses last week.   Nevertheless, they're some of the most faith-filled women I know.  They inspire me.   Heck, I think healthy laughter's far better than tears.

So, I finally bowed to the advertisements and went to schedule my shingles vaccine.  $411.92.   Say whaaaat?  I came home, called my insurance provider and they said, "no, that's a covered benefit."  There's a two-time $47 co-pay, but I'm still inclined to go forward.  A few years ago Tom's son had shingles in both of his eyes.  To hear his account, it was the worst kind of pain and suffering.

Did I tell you?  I kicked Kindle to the curb.  Again.  $9-something a month isn't a big deal -- unless you're not using it.  There's a new kid in town and her name is Libby.   For only the price of a Public Library card, she's a cheap date!

I'm not known for my way around a kitchen, but another blogger recently featured these Boursin deviled eggs.  I'd never tried Boursin cheese spread before - but neither have I ever met a cheese I didn't like!

Obviously, mine (bottom right) isn't pretty -- but trust me, it's delicious!

Finally .....

Is anyone experiencing issues when they go to leave a comment?  A few days ago when I went to leave comments, Blogger didn't recognize me.  I was still signed in to my Google account but had to use the Anonymous feature.

The only reason I'm bringing this up, I know of two other bloggers who've experienced the same thing.  I'm the least computer-savvy person on the planet, but here's what worked for me.  Maybe it will for someone else.

I clicked on Settings, then onto Comments.

Everything looked the same as it did back in 2008 -- but I toggled each of my settings 'off', then 'on' again.  Suddenly, I was Mevely317 again.

Don't you wish these websites would just leave well enough alone?!

Ah well ... I'm feeling

Thank you so much for visiting!

Hugs, Myra

Watercooler Wednesday

Good  morning friends,

It's been a while since we gathered at the water cooler .....

 🙂

While fixing my face yesterday morning, I realized just how much I'm enjoying my lighted magnifying mirror.   That's not something I'd ever given much thought -- until I recently discovered one in our hotel's bathroom.  

I found a mid-price model,  Tom was kind enough to mount it ... and now I'm wondering how in the heck I lived without it.

So!  My wants -- v. my needs -- don't often intersect.  For example, I'm far more inclined to invest in a nice rib-eye than the pricier eye cream.  Others may not understand, but that's okay! 

Today's question -- 

What's something on your 'want' list right now that you don't necessarily need?   

There's only 249 more days to Christmas!  (Thanks, Alexa.)

Hugs, Myra

PS - 

In case anyone's making a list, I really want this (Tentikle, as seen on Shark Tank) ...

..... but given the busted window, I've temporarily taken it out of my cart.

The Rest of the Story

 

 

Good evening!

Okay.  For those who asked about the broken window:

The culprit was actually a pair of rogue binoculars.   Rather than taking an extra 10 seconds to walk around the table and pick it up, I reached and grabbed the case by its (long) leather strap ... which deteriorated, sending the case flying.  Against the black-out drapes and the mini blinds.  Just think what damage I might have wrought if I'd put any effort into it!  

Tom wasn't a happy husband, but he got over it and even fashioned a temporary tarp before the rains came.  And boy, did they ever!

Hopefully the window man will be able to fit us in sooner rather than later.  Who'd have thought those folks are in such demand!

 🌼

Having little to nothing to do Saturday afternoon, Tom suggested driving back to the estate sale.  That being the last day, everything's marked down 50%.

Right away, he slogged his way through the mud in back to the owner's workshop and discovered neither of the remaining planes had been sold.   Oh yes, he did!

As a matter of fact, the estate sale people were in such a hurry to get rid of stuff, they lowered the prices again!  Nice folks.  The one lady helping Tom knew the owner (deceased) and told us, "Mr. P -- an RC enthusiast himself -- would be so pleased to know his things are going to someone who will appreciate them."

   

While Tom was trying to fit his toys in the back of the truck, I couldn't resist another stroll through the house where I found this pretty tablecloth.  I've been halfway looking for something to match the window treatments for a while.  'Thinking it's better suited for Christmas but Tom wants to leave it out.

 🌼

And then it was Easter!

As some of you asked, here's some pictures. 

That's Sue -- our Bible study leader at top left with her hubby.  Hard to tell here, but Richard's 99% blind.  I'm seriously in awe of everything he can do, particularly since this happened long into adulthood.  

I have to share a funny story about my 'pew-mate', Brenda.   Early in the service her bracelet became caught in her blouse. 

She was relaying the story at Bible study this morning:

"I couldn't decide whether to give it a good pull or take off my blouse."

Next thing I know, little red beads are bouncing all over the floor.  Pastor Janet's reading the Scripture and several of us are down picking up the beads.

No-one noticed, one crimson bead affixed itself to the left front of Brenda's blouse.  How do I put this?  A bullseye?

Not until she was coming back down the aisle from Communion and saw Sue mouthing and subtly pointing.

That's okay.  In true Brenda fashion she told us, "If I had one on the other side I could have done a little dance and a wiggle."

  

Yes, we Bible study gals appreciate any opportunity to laugh -- often at ourselves.

For instance?  At a recent meeting, Sue reminded us how things happen in God's timing ... not ours.  One little old lady (who wouldn't say a 'bad word' if she had a mouthful) said, "Well, that's annoying."

Since Sharon was ill yesterday and didn't have a chance to wear her new hat, a few of us decided we'd bring ours to study this morning.

'Sure do love these ladies!

... almost as much as I luv y'all!

Hugs, Myra

Dressing Miss Myra

  

Good morning from rainy Coosada!

With the arrival of warmer temps, I recently took a hard look at my clothes closet.   Business attire's long given way to leggings, denim, and two (count 'em) pair of black slacks.   An array of still-serviceable tops, ONE dress.   *Sigh*

Not only did I quit caring about trending fashions sometime in the 80's -- I loathed shopping; paying retail.   Then, like an answer to an unspoken prayer, I discovered the Wide Wonderful World of resale shops.   Realizing many of Paradise Valley and Scottdale's monied set might wear an outfit once or twice, I became adept at trolling boutiques like a big game hunter.   I discerned labels, nicely tailored office attire, giggling all the way back to the slums. (jk!)

Nowadays, resale boutiques have given way to Estate Sales.   As in Arizona, I've learned to identify the Capital City's 'better' neighborhoods.   That's not to say, I'm successful.  For instance?

This has been my favorite go-to outfit for several years.  But wouldn't you know ...

Pockets and zippers galore!

Last year a store clerk shared, "Did you just hear that lady say how much she likes your track suit?  Why, it's the 1980's all over again!"  (Me: Huh?)  

Not one to worry about channeling the Golden Girls, I still wear it to doctors' appointments.   I only blushed a little bit when Dr. A's NP said, "I recognized you right away by your track suit."  

🌼

So, a few weeks ago the Bible study gals floated an idea -- we'd all wear hats to Easter Sunday services.  What a funny flurry of activity ensued -- some had several, others none.   Sue offered to open the the theater's wardrobe room.  

Of course, there were a couple protests:  "I don't have a hat head!"   {Aside: For the record, there's no such thing.  You just need to find the Right One.   For years, I've longed to wear a ball cap.  But when I do, I strongly resemble a big nose with legs.}

I've still got mine from a mercifully brief membership in the Red Hat Society.

But WHAT to wear?

I waited too long to order something on-line -- and basically disliked everything I saw.  I know Jesus doesn't care what we wear, but still ...

Thankfully, day before yesterday I heard about an Estate Sale that checked all the boxes.

Where I found this ...

Brand new Calvin with tags for only $3!

I can pair it with black slacks and the necklace given my mother by her pueblo Indian friends.

I also found these

..... and Tom bought himself another play pretty.

So yes -- not counting the sun room window I accidentally ko'd yesterday morning .....

 .....Life's still good.  I'm so happy you're a part of it.

Wishing you all a blessed Easter!

Hugs, 

Myra

 

   

Hippity Hoppity Hodgepodge

 

G'morning peeps!

Thanks to Joyce for lending sunshine to an otherwise gray Wednesday!  Shall we?

Do you celebrate Easter?  If so, what are your plans this year?  Did you have egg hunts as a kid?

Yes, I/we do!  How I wish my parents were still alive to witness my changes in attitude.  Sad to say, for much of my life Holy Week observances were mostly an obligation.  I'm sure egg hunts were part of my childhood, but I can't say they were a draw.

Sunrise Services at Sarasota's dog track where my uncle-the-pastor (2nd from left) officiated.  Pretty sure this was the last year the surviving siblings were together.

My son's reaction to having been awaked before dawn.

I've no idea what's on our menu, but it's bound to be non-traditional.  I won't eat ham and neither of us is fond of lamb.  Egg salad sandwiches, perhaps?

What's your favorite bread to find in a bread basket?

Probably the hard crusty ones (can't think what's they're called).  That's Tom's favorite.  Not mine, so there's no temptation to carb cheat.

Your favorite chick flick?

Return to Me

Tax day is rapidly approaching in the USA.  What's something you currently find 'taxing'?

Staying on top of doctors' appointments.

Have you ever ridden in a taxi?  Do you have a funny-scary-crazy-interesting taxi story to share?  Do you use any of the newer taxi-like services such as Uber?

Yes, yes, and no.

It's been years, but I strongly suspect cabbies in the island nations compete to see who can best scare the daylights out of tourists.

Insert your own random thought here.

Some of y'all may remember, following Tom's procedure at UAB last month the surgeon forgot about me.

We had a call last week, asking us to come back and meet with the director of cardiothoracic surgery. (Hereinafter referred to as Grand Poobah.)  Turns out, Tom has something called Hypertropic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

Unfortunately, as soon as Tom heard 'open-heart surgery' he exclaimed, "Ain't no way!"

..... and the visit pretty much went downhill from there.  GP was clearly offended.

He did call over to Tom's surgeon (aka McDreamy) who agreed to meet with us.  They called for a transport to another building; and not longer after, the whole atmosphere changed.  McD was so relaxed and congenial.  Given Tom's age, he doesn't believe the surgery is necessary.  He suggested a less invasive procedure (ablation) pending Tom's symptoms.  We're to keep an eye on his numbers and go back in 3 months. 

Anyway! I was so relieved to hear they're not talking about an emergency bypass ... even a transplant like one of our friends.  At the same time, I was pretty stressed.  Delighted he got his way (lol), Tom went out to buy steaks last night ... while I hit the peanut butter jar.  Not good.  I'm up almost 5 lbs. since February, but have given myself a grace period until the day after Easter.

It's always something!

Big hugs,

Myra

 

 

Idle thoughts

 

... in 3-part harmony!

Thanks so much for everyone's prayers and well-wishes!  We suffered no ill effects from the storm -- unlike the gentleman up the road who lost his boat, Camaro and barn the same day his wife was taken off life support.  Returning home from Birmingham, he discovered volunteers wielding chain saws and equipment, working to shore up the house and clear a path to his door.   

That made me remember what Mr. Rogers' mother used to say:  "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."

THEN, there's an unfortunate programmer out there who, no doubt, is still licking his wounds.  I'll let this official statement speak for itself:

Per the Montgomery, Alabama Emergency Management, "We have been made aware that the emergency sirens went off at 3:30AM instead of 3:30pm for the monthly test.  We apologize for the inconvenience and will address the issue promptly."

(Given all the severe weather, that mistake sure wasn't taken lightly.)

* * *

What-cha say, let's talk about my favorite subject -- Food!

After dropping the lady girls at the groomer, Tom suggested we stop by Front Porch Grille for breakfast.

Despite its enormous popularity, my fare's usually disappointing.  An exaggeration, perhaps, when I wrote in my food diary (that the) omelet was 'grotesque.'  Still ...

Not for the first time, I'm left to mourn the few keto-friendly options which exist.  Daydreaming of opening my own cafe:  "Low Carb, Mo' Carb and Lots In-between."

The signature dish would be Loose-meat Bowls: Build-your-own, with your choice of eggs (cooked to order), cheddar, walnuts, green pepper, chiles.

Were you a proprietor, what would your signature dish be? 

* * *

Do you have a favorite spot in which to read?

I've fashioned a nook in the sunroom; thankfully, it's not yet too warm to park myself out there, away from the television.

Friends, I'm soooo excited to share!

The book I finished has just secured a spot in my list of all-time favorites!  Curiously, had another blogger not mentioned it, there's little likelihood I'd have ever picked this up; it's not something in my preferred genre of mystery thrillers.

Here's what the good folks at Goodreads have to say:

"What would happen if we called on God for help and God actually appeared?  In Mitch Albom's profound new novel of hope and faith, a group of shipwrecked passengers pull a strange man from the sea.  He claims to be "the Lord."  And he says he can only save them if they all believe in him.

A fast-paced, compelling novel that makes you ponder your deepest beliefs ... it suggests that answers to our prayers may be found where we least expect them."

Because this touched me so deeply -- and it's due back at the library next week -- I've ordered myself another hard copy.

I'd love to hear if any of you have read it ... if so, your thoughts?

* * *

Well, it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.  I'm going to go sit outside a while and enjoy!

I hope you're enjoying a blessed weekend!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

 

Spring's sprung!

 

   ... at the Hodgepodge!   

What puts a spring your step these days?

Must be the last time I stubbed my toe on the bed frame and hippity-hop-hopped my way around the room.

April 2nd was National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.  Did you celebrate?  Do you like PB and J?  If so, how do you like yours?  What's your favorite kind of jelly?

Nope, no observance.  I've actually put myself in a PB time-out ... I can't be trusted with an open jar of JIF.  The only way I enjoy PB is straight-up on a soup spoon.  (Bonus points if the spoon's spent time in the freezer.)  Were I to consume jelly, it would probably be grape.  Or apple butter.  Does apple butter count?

What's memory you associate with spring flowers?

One of my mother's greatest joys was her gardenia bush.  Without fail, each year it would erupt in creamy blossoms on or about her April birthday.

I'd visit and discover them floating in pretty glass bowls of water throughout her home.

Three things on your spring bucket list?  Do you have a spring bucket list?   (If not pretend you do.)

1.  Our house is crying for a professional power wash

2.  Corral (or eliminate) the paperwork I've allowed to get out of hand

3.  Resume walking the Village Green

One place you will travel this Spring?  (It might be Europe, or it might be the grocery store.)

Probably back to UAB.  We're still waiting to hear from Tom's cardiologist.  (*impatient sigh*)

Insert your own random thought here:

So, I think everyone knows by now, the sunflower is Ukraine's symbol of resistance.  In keeping with my friends' habit of random gifting, I recently purchased all of Tractor Supply's seed packets -- and gave away at the next Bible study.

The variety name (Russian Mammoth) seems especially cruel, doesn't it?

Somehow I miscounted, and have 4 packets remaining.  Would you like one?  (If more than 4 of you raise your hands, I'll do a quick drawing and announce names in my next post.)

We're expecting more severe weather in a couple hours; schools are dismissing students at Noon.  So I'd better get my uh-huh in gear and make a dash for groceries -- maybe even a little jar of PB!

Hugs, Myra