Hump Day Hodgepodge

Something you've labored over recently?

A fan of the late Sue Grafton, I really wanted to like her last book -- Y is for Yesterday.

Unfortunately, its 864 pages of mostly unsympathetic characters left me asking, "Why?"  After page 564 I bailed and Googled the spoilers.  

How will you rest on Labor Day?

Probably the same as any other day -- not far from my recliner and the pups!

Margaret Mead is quoted as saying, "I learned the value of hard work by working hard."  Would you agree?  Where and how did you learn the value of hard work?

I totally agree.  By example.  My parents set the bar when it came to hard work and ethics.

It's National Eat Outside Day (August 31).  Will you?  Do you enjoy dining 'al fresco' or prefer indoor seating?

Indoor!  
(That doesn't mean I wouldn't enjoy a chocolate martini a little later out by the fire pit.)

Somehow it's the end of August.  What was the best day of the month for you; tell us what made it so?

Yikes, this is hard!
August is my least favorite of the 12.

I'm going with yesterday's brunch with the Bible study gals.

I love my husband, but sometimes I need the company of other ladies my age.

Everything was so yummy.  If it's possible to consume one's own body weight in Gouda grits, I might have tried!

Insert your own random thought rant here.

So, last week I ignored a call from an unknown number.  A few minutes later, Tom's phone began ringing.  Same number.

"Yes. May I ask, who's calling?"

Astonished -- then annoyed -- to learn it was a private investigator in New Mexico, calling to see if I remembered "C" from high school.

Vaguely. I knew the name, but that's all.

He persisted.

Before I finally succeeded cutting him off, the PI allowed, that "C's" family is suing R.J. Reynolds for causing the lung cancer which killed their brother a couple of years ago.  Did I remember him smoking in high school? (etc., etc., etc.)

Okay, I'm sorry to hear someone died.   At the same time, I'm largely unsympathetic.

I'll admit, back in the day we might not have been aware of cigarette's addictive properties.

I smoked.  Almost 40 years, I enjoyed it.

But when Tom was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013, I quit.  

I'm not interested in following this case, but I sincerely hope Big Bad Tobacco doesn't cave.

I wish people would stop playing the victim and take Personal Responsibility for their own actions -- and the consequences thereof.

Sorry ... rant over!

Thanks so much for visiting ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

    

Our week that was

 

Good morning!

Thank y'all so much for your prayers!  3 days later, still no word from the doc about Tom's test results.  I'm going to color that, 'cautiously optimistic.'

Well, little Grace Evelyn came through her vet stay and dental cleaning with flying colors.  (Since the clinic's down in Montgomery -- and she couldn't have anything by mouth prior to the surgery -- they suggested bringing her in the afternoon before.)  He only had to perform one extraction, but that didn't keep us from fretting.  

 

Can you say, Stress Eating?  Yep, that's what I do when I'm Worried, Sad, Anxious, Glad.  (Fill in the blank.)     

A 'gourmet burger' from Red Robin sounded just right.  Not to mention these!

I'm so glad to have married a guy who loves onions as much as I do!

V is for ???

Speaking of flavor!

My friend in Colorado sent a 'Happy Hatch chile season!' greeting with this .....

... and said he noted a sign at a local grocer's promoting green chile sushi.  (*bleah*)

Despite legislation forbidding companies to advertise product not trademarked 'Hatch', I share G's skepticism that there aren't some false claims about their origin.

I missed joining Friday Foto!

Before I go, however, here's a few other images that caught my attention --

VA Lobby yesterday morning ...

This was the first time in 10 days we saw the sun!

Is it just me ...

... or do their new chairs practically scream 1960-something?!  I swear I've seen that pattern before on kitchen countertops.

Seen at a nearby 'filling station' ...

Is that even a thing?!

Well, I need to get busy.  But first, who wants to join me with another cuppa coffee?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs, Myra

 

Thanks-living and 50 Shades

 

G'evening friends!

Ya, another dreary, rainy day in Coosada, but this made me LOL.

This morning I rose early and began gathering ingredients for one of our favorite New Mexico slow cooker stews.   (Aaaah, the aroma!)  All day we've taken turns wandering into the kitchen, spoons in hand.

Tonight?   I'm thankful for much ...

Would you just look at the early anniversary surprise which just arrived from my son and DIL?

I've never had steak knives this nice!

* * *

Alexa can sometimes be a real 'PINTA', but I'm sure thankful for its immediate gratification.

As often happens, I'll read a blog title or read a phrase that triggers a memory ... thank you, Victor!  Thank you, Jack!

I can walk in the other room and ask Alexa to play me Charlie Pride's greatest hits (for example).

For less than $17 a month 'she' provides an unlimited jukebox.  Simple pleasures.

* * *

Only 17 days 'til three of Toms' hearing aids are due back from the VA!

Honestly?  Things have been more than a little frustrating.  He constantly has to remind me, "I've only one ear."

In turn, I've taken to calling him 'Vincent.'  (... he didn't even get it.)

* * *

'Feeling super thankful for modern diagnostics!

Hopefully tomorrow morning's MRI and CAT scans will finally provide answers to what's going on with Tom's back.

(Prayers appreciated!) 

* * *

Last, but certainly not least ...

I'm so thankful for your friendship!

Unplanned, I found myself saying at Bible study yesterday morning,

"I think there are 50 shades of friendship."

Like peeling layers of an onion.

Sure, I've still got a room whose door reads 'Keep Out!'  Maybe that's not unusual.

I may never discover a Ruth to my Naomi, but that's okay, too.

I don't expect an answer but want to leave y'all with an interesting poser ... one of yesterday's talking points.
 "Who do you trust completely?  Completely, without reservation?"

G'night now!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

Let's play .....

It's been a while!

This week, Bev's lifted questions from Friday Fill-in.  Some of my long-time readers could probably predict my answers, but just pretend you don't already know!
😁

I am currently obsessed with

... food!
Specifically, what and how much I can consume and not gain weight.

Today I am happy because

Happy?
I'm content.  And grateful. 
For waning summer days ... SEC football ... and soon being able to wear my favorite clothes without sweating putty-balls

The age I am is 72 and the age I feel is

...  every minute of it!

My favorite place is

... right here in sweet home Alabama

Something I have been procrastinating is

... writing a Living Will/Advance Directive

The last thing I purchased was

Besides the usual food and sundries?  We found an affordable candy-apple red blender.  Its predecessor died mid-shake last week.

The thing I love most about my home is

 Like me, it's a bit worn; it could benefit from a makeover.   But it's comfortable and filled with those things I love.  A peaceful place to kick off my shoes and put my feet up.

My most prized possession

After my father passed, mother had her and her mother's wedding/engagement rings melted down and fashioned into this.

It feels good having a part of them on my finger!

If I could be one age for the rest of my life I would want to be

At 33 I felt my best, I looked my best.
'Just wish I'd been more appreciative of my blessings.

My outlook on life. 

... is generally optimistic.  Hopeful.
Sure, I get down in the dumps -- but that's not a place I like to stay long.

If you want to annoy me

... walk idly, side-by-side in the grocery aisle.  Yesterday I came up behind THREE abreast!  I fantasized about an air horn app -- but just u-turned and went another direction.

I am completely defenseless when it comes

... to Macie and Grace.  All dogs, actually.

The bravest thing I've ever done was

I don't know if it was the bravest or stupidest!
When Caraleigh and I moved to Arizona, away from a great job and friends in Florida.

Something that keeps me awake at night is

... worrying about my loved ones

My favorite meal in the entire world is

Eggs Bubba

Fresh buttermilk biscuits topped with a chicken fried steak, country gravy and two eggs sunny side up.

Yum!

Come on now ... please play along!

Hugs, Myra

Friday Favorites

 

Are there any fans of America's Got Talent out here?

'Have to admit, the last few years I've watched with a jaundiced eye.  Last week's show, however, had me on my feet.

I hope Chapel Hart goes all the way!

* * *

Could be, all the school busses lined up on Chapman Road got me to thinking of buried treasure.

I'm not talking about my own years "reading writing and 'rithmetic."  (If you'd like, you can read about it here.) 

No, I'm remembering my great-grandmother's school desk.  Largely forgotten, it's sat at the bottom of mother's hope chest for decades.

Neat to think she was carrying this to school 100 years before I was born!

... perhaps scratching her name into the wood when she grew bored.

I going to see if Troy or his girls are interested.  If not, I've no idea what to do with it!

* * *

I love my little phone soooo much!

It's not a whizz-bang Apple product or the latest edition, but I'm old enough to remember fawning over the first camera feature.  Wow!

Now (thanks to Sandra!) I've learned it's also a sleuth.

See this little 'lens' button at the bottom?

Granted, most of y'all are already aware -- but I'm new to this; genuinely obsessed.

At first, I was using it to identify creepy crawlies or the flowers which grow wild at Village Green.

Then.  While moving 'stuff' from one part of the hope chest to another, I came across a padded envelope containing this.

Weighty little thing, my folks picked up on their travels.  More than once, I've thought about just pitching it.

No.  I'll let 'lens' take a look.

Come to find out, it's a Chinese ink pad.

I mistakenly believed the accompanying piece of paper would shed some light on its origin.

See, the little 'translate' feature on the left?  It's just a measuring tool, probably used to wrap the ink well.

(Oh!  If, like Tom, your phone's camera doesn't already have a 'lens' app you can download it 'free for nothing.')

* * * 

Well, I think that's all.

Given 3 doctor's appointments in as many days, this has been a concerning week ... but the joys are out there, just waiting to be recognized.  (Thanks, Ann!)

Happy Friday!

Hugs, Myra

Let's Eat!

 

Good morning!  

Eating out is one of my favorite things in the world, so how could I not participate in the Tuesday 4!

This week Ann asks ...

Do you like eating out with friends or would you rather have them over for a meal?

Unless it's a holiday, I'll always opt for a restaurant!

Let's go out to eat.  You pick!  Where are we going?

That depends.

Joining me from out-of-town?  Let's head over to historic downtown Wetumpka for some pub fare served with a heavy Southern flair.

We don't eat out very often, but normally I'll suggest Longhorn Steakhouse.

Their comfy booths allow for conversation (without shouting).  I love the heavy cloth napkins and am seriously besotted with their weighted steak knives.

Santa, I'd love to find a set of these under my tree!

What are you going to order tonight?

Salmon, creamed spinach .... perhaps a Tanqueray martini. 

Are you going to have dessert?  What will it be?

I wouldn't turn down a slice of cheesecake -- 'to go'.

How about you? 

Heck, with the right company, I'd be delighted to break bread at Cracker Barrel or IHOP.  Y'all come on over!

Hugs, Myra

Sunday schnipples

 

Good morning,

I know by definition this isn't 'shoulder season', but wow.  It feels that way -- the lull, the meh which exists between peaks.  What-cha say we focus on what my German father used to call schnipples.  (Weekly debris, lol.)

I love my new dermatologist!

So relieved when he assured me the big lump which mysteriously appeared on my lower cheek is a harmless cyst.  Unfortunately, I didn't realize my insurance requires pre-approval/authorization for any procedure, so that's tabled.  Maybe I'll add this to my next Target list!

It's never too late to have a happy childhood!

Some gotta win, some gotta lose ...

Because I'm not at all fond of flowery/fruity scents, I love Mrs. Meyer's hand soaps.   Unfortunately, this time I chose a real stinker. Because Tom's olfactory senses are less than mine, I'm putting the offending 'Basil' in his bathroom and going back to 'Acorn.'

Fall, bring it on!

Speaking of Target ...

Would you let a robot paint your nails?

Check this out!

Currently they're only available in select states, but I can't wait to try it myself!

Are you a fan of hacks?

There may be a down-side to this ..... but I was mentally patting myself on the back last week.

See, not only have I never mastered the art of folding a fitted sheet -- but I don't care!

Our home's storage space is pitiful (at best).

Some of you may remember, earlier this year I solved the problem where to shove the 14# weighted blanket -- laying it across the mattress under the bottom sheet. 

Because I'm lazy by nature, last week I two-timed the fitted sheets, one atop the other.  No folding!

Then there's this gal who's raised her pool noodle to a whole new bar.

Wish I'd thought of this when we lived in Arizona!

Food for thought ...

I'm going to be serious for a minute.

Looking back to Monday.  Bible study.  (Yes, Betty, you were right about looking out for hidden gems.)   I'm still not crazy for the theme.  This time, however, we were divided into smaller groups and asked to consider the 'outsider' -- how do we observe them (and/or) or how does it feel to be one.

I've talked about it before.  Because my teen years weren't all sunshine and lollipops, the term 'active ignoring' resonated.  I've held it carefully, marveling how the magic of words can nail a feeling so perfectly. 

Then Brenda spoke.  This, a lady who I've always admired for her poise, her confidence.   "Because I was so terribly shy, I bullied myself.  Why then, was I surprised when others bullied me?"  

Camaraderie arrives in all forms, doesn't it?  

Wishing y'all a beautiful new week!

Be safe out there!

Hugs, Myra

 

I'm in the mood for

 

Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4

Wouldn't it be loverly.....

Ann says, "Let's talk about books and reading.  If you are not a reader, consider substituting movies and TV programs."

What book brought out your emotions and why?

What age are we talking about?!  There have been so many, but I'm going with Garth Stein's, The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Had it not been recommended by a friend, it's doubtful I'd have given it a second glance.  Automobile racing's, not my cup of tea.

Yet.  As one reviewer said, 'The racing in the rain is a metaphor for life.'

In the space of a day I laughed out loud.  I cheered.  I ugly sobbed.  (Perhaps it's best not read in pubic?)

Runners up:  Emory's Gift, Bridges of Madison County

How has reading changed your life -- both for good or for bad?

I was blessed my parents encouraged my love for books at an early age!   Perhaps, if I wasn't such a 'bookworm' I might have been more outgoing.

But no, reading has taken me places I might never see.  It's stretched my imagination, even my vocabulary.

I can't think of anything 'bad' except for times I've used a book or earbuds as an avoidance technique. 

What character(s) do you love and which do you hate and why?

If I can't identify with a character on some level, there's little likelihood I'll finish the book.

I want to know that character Burroughs describes, 'I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions.'

Those I find insufferable?

The unrealistic, larger than life, shallow

 

What book or books do you think everyone should read once in their lifetime?

Y'all may think poorly of me, but I don't think the 'classics' should be required reading.  (Who deems them 'classics', anyway?)

I'll just retell something I heard from the pulpit years ago:
"Go where you're fed."

Do any of these questions ignite a memory of an unforgettable book, a character you can't forget?

Have a sweet day, friends!

Hugs, Myra

On the Walls Where I Live

Do you suppose we outgrow images ...  the same way we do fashions, the songs we once loved?  Seasons.

I'll admit, there was a time I chose pictures that either complemented my furniture or were considered trendy.   The idea of loving what I looked at hadn't crossed my mind.

For the most part, nowadays we're surrounded with pieces that evoke memories and/or make my heart smile.  (I don't think Tom even thinks about it. lol)

For instance ....

Early in our marriage we came across Don Schimmel's Photography at an art festival.  We purchased our first piece; thereafter, an annual tradition.

Four years later ...

Having recently grown dissatisfied with the look of my office, I've begun entertaining alternatives.  But seriously!  There's only so many estate sales to attend ... particularly when you don't know what you're looking for!  I know diddly about art; I only know what I like.

Unlike my former boss -- who collected original paintings she'd switch out every 5-6 months -- we don't have that sort of disposable income.  

What to do?  I disappeared down the rabbit hole -- aka Pinterest. 

These speak loudly to me.

This (calendar image) is probably the closest I'll ever come to owning a Kincaid, but I find it enormously comforting.

For now, I've satisfied myself with gazing at my monitor's background slideshow -- what Microsoft calls 'Light in Darkness.'  It don't cost nuttin' to look!

No idea why, but I'm close to being obsessed with this one.

I wonder -- are they running into the tunnel?  Or out?

Bringer of Light, indeed!

 What's on the walls where you live?

Happy Sunday, my friends!

Hugs, Myra