Random rumblings

 

Hey there,

... g'evening!  I've been feeling a bit like that flat squirrel out on Chapman Road, but wanted to come visit with my besties.  I think the stress of the last couple weeks is taking its toll -- I'm achy all over and just want my momma.  Ha (not ha).  Can anyone else relate?

So!  I got a call Sunday morning (that) Tom would be released.  An emergency flat tire fix and hour-long stopage on I-65 tried, but couldn't contain our excitement.  He was given this whizz-bang heart monitor to wear for 30 days while they decide if he's going to require a pacemaker.   

I'm so thankful for Dr. Ahmed (aka, McDreamy) and his team!  Even when Tom was behaving badly he never lost his cool.  I can see why people come from as far away as Canada to be seen.  I can't help but think what a different outcome my sweet father might have had back in '81, had he the opportunity to be seen at UAB.

Yesterday would have been his 110th birthday ... how I miss him still!

Moving right along ...

I'm pondering a major redo of my office/spare bedroom.  It's packed to the gills with 'stuff' I've no particular attachment to; the wall art definitely needs put aside.

After all, if this is my 'happy place', should I be surrounded by images that actually make me happy?

Nope, I've no idea what the result will be ... or when.  I'm just confident I'll know it when I see it.  Probably at an estate sale, lol.

Reading?

Sorry to say, but I'm still struggling ... staring at the same page over and over (and over).  Lately I'm thinking about signing up with Audible.  Tom keeps his bluetooth hearing aids tuned to the TV anyway, so it's not like I'm ignoring him.

Has anyone else used/using that subscription service?  It seems to have a better selection than Kindle ... but what do I know?

Before I go ...

Let's see how to put this without controvery or offense.

Someones of y'all may be familiar with the case of former Montgomery Police Officer Cody Smith.

IMHO -- and that of several church friends -- he was tried and found (unjustly) guilty of murder back in 2016.

Recently, when the Alabama Supreme Court failed to reach a decision on his appeal, he was taken back to prison.

His wife has begun a blog.  Honestly, I'm in awe of Cody's attitude and efforts to spread the word of Christ from behind bars.

https://prison-poptarts-proverbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/our-story-muted-truth.html

If you feel led, please check out Ashley's site.  She's a brand-new blogger, but what a heart!

prison-poptarts-proverbs.blogspot.com

Love y'all .... thanks for listening!

Hugs, Myra

Sunday Stealing -- If

 

I actually have this little book sitting behind me in the office.

Let's all give a hand to Bev for having discovered these prompts!

IF you were to be granted one wish, what would it be?

Good health (physical and mental) for the next decade.  Maybe two. 

IF you could spend one night alone with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?

My son.

I think the time's come, we have a long, private conversation.  I want to share more about myself; why some things happened the way they did.  Maybe someday he won't regret not having asked the hard questions.

IF you could spend one night alone with anyone in history, who would you choose?

My father. There's so much I failed to ask.

IF you could physically transport yourself to any place in the world at this moment, where would you go?

Northern New Mexico has been on my mind lately.

IF you could have lived through any war in history (without actually fighting in it), which would it be?

WWII.

The fashions! The music!

Mostly, the aura of positivity, patriotism and 'get-r-done' which existed. 

IF you could eliminate one type of insect permanently from the earth, what would you get rid of?

No question, the mosquito.

IF you had to eliminate any single type of animal forever, which would you choose?

Snakes

IF you could have an elegant dinner alone with anyone presently alive, whether you know them or not, who would you want it to be?

Donald J. Trump

IF you could alter one physical characteristic of your mate, what would it be?

How about a functioning, pain-free hip?

IF you could change one thing about your childhood, what would it be?

To self:  Stop being so shy, already. Don't be so afraid of rejection that you stay in the background.

IF you could have any room in the world become your bedroom, which room would you choose?

A cabin aboard an ocean-going cruise ship.  Imagine waking every morning to a new view ... being softly rocked to sleep by the sea each night.

IF you could alter one thing about your physical appearance, what would it be?

Have you actually met me?  Wrinkles be gone!

IF you could have stopped aging at any point in your life up to the present, how old would you wish to remain?

35 ...  it was the best of times.

(With mother and Troy in Mykenos)

IF you could suddenly possess an extraordinary talent in one of the arts, what would you like it to be?

The foodie in me thinks, the Culinary Arts.

IF you could have permanent possession of any single object in the world, what would you want it to be?

How about the world's most reliable car?!

It's your turn!

Seriously, I'd love to hear your responses.

Hugs, Myra

I'm late!

 

... for Friday Fill-ins, that is.  But before I do, an update:

Praise God, everything went well with Tom's procedure.  After dropping the girls at 'camp', we jumped on I-65 and were settled in my favorite hotel by 3.  

Hilton it's not -- but for affordability and a bit of pampering I don't think you can beat Candlewood Suites.  (And no, I wasn't asked to say this.)   For instance?  

Full-size shower stuff

Is anyone else 'done' with those little amentity bottles that contain maybe a tablespoon shampoo?   Even my Tom commented on the luxury of their bath towels.   It's been several years since my last stay, but one new touch I loved:  The 5 pillowcases were embroidered either "Firm" or "Soft."  (ahhhh...)

Anyway!  As directed, we were at UAB's Heart/Valve center at 6:30am -- where I lingered the next 13-1/2 hours.

Every day's a school day.  In between games of Solitaire, I learned there's a new generation Alexa that mimics your voice ... and (coming soon!) perfume-scented ice cream.

Because there were no rooms at the inn hospital, I spent Thursday night in the world's Hardest Recliner beside Tom's bed in post-op.  In the morning I felt like a homeless person --and probably looked that way, too.

Lawdy, I wish I could get over not being able to see to drive at night!   Anyway, I made my way back to the hotel to retrieve my stuff, check-out and come back to pick up the girls.   A grand reunion ensued, followed by a measure of self-pampering:  Cabernet Savignon and 1/2 bag of Pistachio nuts = supper.  

Now the doctors want to put in a pacemaker.  As of yesterday afternoon, however, 2 out of 3 docs couldn't agree when.  Best case scenario, Tom gets to come home tomorrow.   Flip side, if he doesn't walk out first (ha!) they'll do it Monday.  I'm trying not to stress; God's got this.    I just need to find someone to trouble-shoot my car's A/C.  "You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille ...."

Now onto the Friday Fill-ins.  Thank you, Anne! 

1.  The grossest food I ever ate was:  Lutefisk

2.  The best tasting food I ever had was:  DIL Lois' banana pudding

3.  I probably should (but I won't):  Get over my aversion to mowing, edging, weeding ..... basically being outdoors.

4.  If I could have an unlimited supply of one item, I would pick: Professional house-cleaning services.  Retirement has taught me, "I don't have time" is no longer a valid excuse. LOL.

Y'all have a wonderful weekend ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

 

One Thousand(-th)

 

Good morning!

Recently I toyed with the thought of writing something special (hahahaha) on the occasion of my 1,000th post.  Except Life happened ..... and I didn't.  

1,000 posts may not be a big deal to real bloggers, but looking back?  Frankly, I'm astonished I've crossed the threshold -- with no intentions of stopping.

So, what's new?

Outside my window

.....it feels like Satan's sauna.
In the words of last night's weather report, "It's downright disrespectful."

I'm Feeling

..... Stuffed.
In the last 5 days, we've eaten 'out' 6 times!

See, Tom's been putting away 'mad money' for a couple months in anticipation of his girl's visit.

Nanette and Tom enjoying a new-to-us Oyster Bar downtown Montgomery.

Yesterday evening I floated the notion of kitchen grazing, but that went over like the proverbial lead balloon.  It's been good.  Real Good as a matter of fact.  But never in a million years could I have predicted, I just want to stay home and eat peanut butter from a jar.

Grateful, too

.....for a great Friday night spent with our kids on the riverfront.

Because I'd only booked 3rd level patio seating (translation: no shade) I brought along an umbrella and frozen washcloths in zip-lock bags.  Hit me with your best shot!

Unbelievably, a brief thunderstorm passed nearby dropping the mercury and prompting most of the other passengers to scurry downstairs. 

Of course, no trip to Coosada is complete without a visit to nearby Jackson Lake Island.

Originally, a movie set (Big Fish), it's now an inviting spot for family get-togethers, campers, kayakers -- and, of course, photo ops with the many resident goats.

My poor car!

For today

... we'll go vote then try to decide where to lunch.  Nanette departs this afternoon, but has a tight layover in Dallas and wants to get a good non-airport meal.

I've got mucho laundry and packing of our own to do.  Tomorrow it's back to Birmingham for a few days for Tom's cardio procedure.

I'll try to visit everyone, but probably won't post 'til we get home (sweet home).

Y'all be good, stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

 

Friday Fotos

Just a quick note to say Happy Friday, y'all!

Is anyone else counting down the days to Autumn?  I've pretty much become accustomed to Alabama's humidity, but this year is sure trying my patience ... whew!

Tom's daughter, Nanette, flew in from Phoenix yesterday afternoon, and we're busy making plans for the next few days.  Knowing us, much of that revolves around food!

Yesterday evening we attended another of Millbrook's free summer concerts in the park.  Brandon Elder (former American Idol contestant) did a great job keeping everyone entertained.  I didn't take a picture, but we enjoyed delicious nachos -- not with cheese, but sour cream and pulled pork.

Tom and Nanette

Church friends -- Deborah, Cindy, Sue.

Wow, I look like I just tasted something distasteful. LOL.

This evening we're meeting Troy and Lois for a riverboat cruise on the Alabama river.  That's something Tom's been wanting to do for ages; just wish we'd planned a cooler time of year.  Do I leave my make-up off, or wait for Mother Nature to do it for me?

More about that later!

Before leaving, here's a Flashback in honor of my dear dad.  He's been gone 40 years now, and I miss him everyday!

Father's Day 1957

So touched knowing he kept this letter (and dime) I wrote him that same summer!

With 'Trigger' at my grandparent's farm in Minnesota.

Stay cool!

Hugs, Myra

 

Some Enchanted Hodgepodge

... brought to you by our hostess with the most-ess, Joyce!

(stock image, Los Alamos canyon)

Do you wear your heart on your sleeve?  Elaborate.

I've always been extremely sensitive -- but TRY not to allow my face to register whatever it is I'm feeling.

  

A favorite love song?

Instinctively, I thought of Johnny Mathis ... Nat King Cole.  But no.  I'm going with Amazing Grace.

Do you consider yourself a trusting person?

Not especially, no.

June 14 is National New Mexico Day.  Have you ever been to New Mexico (The Land of Enchantment)?  Any desire to visit the state?  Some of the top-rated tourist attractions there are Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands National Park, The Albuquereque International Balloon Festival, Bandelier National Monument, The Georgia O'Keefe Museum, Santa Fe Plaza and the Petroglyph National Monument.  Of the attractions listed, which would be tops on your list?

Ha, ha ... I grew up there!  (in Los Alamos)

While I've been to all of these attractions, I think Bandelier and Santa Fe reflect the most natural beauty.

(stock image)

How I used to scurry up and down these ladders ... disappointed at my grandmother's reluctance to join us.

Sadly, my own 'scurring' days are over.

Nope, I'll opt for real Mexican food, enjoyed in the City Different (aka, Santa Fe).

 

What's something you've found enchanting recently?

Wow.  Given our country's current state of affairs, 'enchanting' isn't something that readily comes to mind.

Maybe? ... Yes!

I found the recent PBS Special "Magic Moments - The Best of 50's Pop" really enjoyable.  Enchanting!  I even watched it again the next night!

Was I born in the wrong decade?  Hmmm.

Insert your own random thought here.

Are there any other members of the NextDoor community out there? I get updates in my e-mail but rarely pay them much mind.

Then this 3 days ago:

"Y'all may want to check your account preferences.  I just checked mine and Nextdoor had changed my gender to 'other' and my pronouncs to 'them/they.'  I changed them back to the proper settings."  I'm over here like, "How dare they?"

Oh man, you should see the avalanch of responses -- both pro and con.  I just wish they'd quit pushing their agendas on the rest of us.  Nextdoor and I will probably part company -- but I just wanted to put this out here, not as a talking point but a head's up.

Y'all are a blessing!

Hugs, Myra

 

Just Because it's June!

 

June!  June!

Oops!   I woke up this morning channeling the score from Carousel.  Does that sort of thing happen to anyone else?  (Random lyrics, I mean.)

Anyway.  What you say we Hodgepodge?  Thanks, Joyce!

🎈

"A daughter's a daughter all her life, but a son's a son 'til he takes a wife"  What say you?  Elaborate.

I'm going to recuse myself on this one.  Our family has experienced both ends of the spectrum.

I feel so blessed my son chose a lady who I love like a daughter!

Something you've seen recently that was 'cuter than a June bug'?

Every single day Grace makes me smile!

'You can't buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream and that's pretty much the same thing.'  Agree or disagree?  Last time you had a serving of happiness ice cream?   Dish-cone-milkshake-sundae ... which one do you choose?

I'm going to disagree; I may be the only soul on the planet who's not overly fond of ice cream.  It's okay, but I'd rather have a slice of cheesecake ... tapioca pudding ... even this.

For most of my life I seriously couldn't stand the taste of yogurt.  Then Betty posted about a new variety she'd found.  I tried ... I liked ... and then I discovered this Keto variety.  Two thumbs up! 

What is one way/area in which you're currently 'swimming against the tide'?

Sure hope I'm not going to lose any followers by this answer, but ...

I'm so put off by the content of what once were our favorite network dramas.  Here's a favorite quote from (stage play) Butterflies are Free:

Mrs. Baker: I do not intend to pay money to see nudity, obscenity and degeneracy.

Ralph: Mrs. Baker, these things are all part of life.

Mrs. Baker: I know, Mr. Santori.  So is diarrhea, but I wouldn't classify it as entertainment.

Three things you're looking forward to this summer?

Tom's daughter is flying out for Father's Day!

I get to have lunch with blog-buddy Terri when she travels to Alabama!

That Dr. Ahmed's (aka, McDreamy) proposed procedure will give Tom a 'new lease on life.'  He's fatigued much of the time and has no appetite.  Prayers are valued!

Insert your own random thought here.

First a home-grown tomato from Andy's garden ... then last evening Pastor Janet came tap-tap-tapping on the door with this!

She feeds my soul!

June is bustin' out all over!

Be good, y'all ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

Coffee, Tea or ....

Welcome to Tuesday 4 ... I'm so glad you're back!

(How can it be Tuesday again, already?!)

What is/are your favorite coffee? (brand or flavor?)

I'm fairly addicted to *$'s dark French Roast pods.  But given increasing costs -- not to mention the company's woke culture -- I'm hoping to find an as-good alternative.

If you are a tea lover, which tea is the best for you?

Sorry, I've not yet succeeded in finding a rich, full-bodied tea that satisfies. 

How do you take your coffee or tea?  Sugar, cream, flavoring?

99% of the time, I'm a 'straight-up-black' type.

The other 1%, I could go for one of these -- probably Sorority Girl.  How about you?

Do you go out for coffee/tea with friends?  Ever enjoy a real tea room or a tea party?

I can't wait for my friend Sharon to feel strong enough to accompany me to Cornerstone Coffee in tiny Eclectic.

Normally, if you were to suggest I drive 25 miles (one way) for a cup of coffee I'd call you nuts.  From what I've heard about this mother-daughter, Christian-based enterprise, however, I'm seriously longing to visit.

Tea room?  I've been to a couple with friends -- more for the camaraderie than the atmosphere/food.  Just call me 'Clara' -- Where's the beef?       

If you could design a coffee shop or even a coffee/tea station in your home, what would it be like?

Our home's far too small to accommodate such a station!

Granted, I've not yet seen Cornerstone Coffee -- but their pictures (lifted from the web) check all my boxes.

Find Common Ground

1 Corinthians 9:22

,

Refill, anyone?

Hugs, Myra

 

More This n' That

It's another beautiful day in the neighborhood!

Speaking of which, thank you for your sweet comments on my glimpse of Chapman Road!   I was worried someone would come out and demand to know what I was doing, taking pictures of their house.

As mentioned, Janet and Andy haven't begun to build, but their burgeoning blooms and garden are giving old Joel's place a refreshing look!

I was at the computer early Thursday when Andy texted, "You awake? I've got something for you."

'Something' being ...

Nope, I'm not even close to being a country girl!  I'm letting Tom taste-test this first.

Despite the heat and humidity, a little later I took myself to a nearby estate sale where I found a 'like-new' handbag

and these oversize vessels

'Thought for sure Tom would say, "Why on earth do you want more coffee cups?"   Instead, he's like "Wow -- just the right size for a big bowl of ice cream!"   I was thinking cereal, but whatever.

In the words of one lady, "So much stuff!"   The house was immaculate, but wow.  There must have been a hundred or more articles of better clothing and shoes. (All petite, darn it!)  Enough tchotchkes, crystal animals and dolls to open a gift shop.  All largely ignored. Sad.

I'm naturally curious and couldn't help but eavesdrop:  I heard them say, before the resident's granddaughter came to take her back to California, the 89 year-old had fallen down her stairs 4 times!   Scary!  Still, I had to smile at a Hospice clipboard sitting side-by-side a jug of Dandelion wine!

Not sure if it's the anticipation -- discovering treasure I didn't know I needed wanted -- or what.  Right now, thrifting brings me a measure of joy; something we could all use more of!

Later that afternoon there came a cooling breeze so Tom and I drove over to Village Green.  The first of free Summer Concerts was taking place where we enjoyed bluegrass music and boiled peanuts.

More joy.  Wish you were here!

Hugs!

Myra and her copy editor, Macie Ann