Silly (and Serious) Q-and-A

 

Where else, but courtesy of Sunday Stealing!   Who wants to play along?  

What mythical creature would improve the world most if it existed?

How about the Phoenix?
I love the idea of its perseverance ... rising from the ashes ...  being reborn into something beautiful.

What inanimate object do you wish you could eliminate from existence?

Fentanyl ... meth ... child porn

What is the weirdest thing you have seen in someone else's home?

I don't know if it's weird,
but their pet snakes totally creeped me out.

What would be the absolute worst name you could give your child?

Ebenezer

What would be the worst thing for the government to make illegal?

Freedom to worship

What are some of the nicknames you have for customers or coworkers?

Not going there!
Thankfully, I've no longer have customers or coworkers.

If peanut butter wasn't called peanut butter, what would it be called?

While on a business trip years ago, one of my husband's Australian colleagues saw me eating JIF and exclaimed, "Look, she's eating peanut paste."

What movie would be greatly improved if it was made into a musical?

Probably some corny old western.  True Grit?

What would be the worst 'buy one get one free' sale of all time?

A colonoscopy

What is the funniest name you have actually heard used in the real world?

Sure, I've seen examples, but never heard anything unfortunate used 'in the real world.'

What sport would be the funniest to add a mandatory amount of alcohol to?

To avoid physical injury, let's go with Chess

What would be the coolest animal to scale up to the size of a horse?

Owing to her size, my Grace is so fearful.  Think, the mouse that roared.

What set if items could you buy that would make the cashier the most uncomfortable?

Rope, duct tape, bucket, bleach, shovel

What is something that you just recently realized that you are embarrassed you didn't realize earlier?

I no longer embarrass easily ... 
but I'm usually the first to laugh at myself.

What are some fun and interesting alternatives to war that countries would settle their differences with?

Forget fun.  How about a contest of wits, intelligence.

💜

Thanks for visiting!
Stay safe ... and be silly!

Hugs, Myra

There's got to be a morning after

 

Taken outside the window yesterday morning .... 

reminding me that beauty still exists, even in the winter of our lives.

Good morning, friends!

I hope no-one's still hungry?  Excerpting a line from Facebook, "Don't count calories. To feast occasionally is to declare the supremacy of joy over body image."

And declare we did!   I was so caught up (trying to) orchestrate everything in the kitchen, I failed to get many photos.   But you know what?  It was all good.

We yakked and Troy told funny stories.  We so enjoyed getting to know Chloe's cute and charismatic fellow.  (If she doesn't marry JB, I want to adopt him!)

Regrets?  Sure!   

The dogs were total brats .....

Evidenced by the photo below, we totally forgot to put out the croissant rolls. ..... 

Worst?  I forgot to tell my son how handsome the new beard looks.

The candle that wouldn't stay lit!

"Do I get two wishes?"

More than once I remember hearing, "Well, it's a good thing we're family."  There's no standing on ceremony here.

So, my mother's pretty relish trays have been returned to double-duty in my bathroom drawer.

More than usual this year, I dread putting away our Autumn decor. But you-know-what's banging on the door, waiting for its turn to shine.

Here's the rest of that quote/advice I borrowed from FB.  Even tho' it says "Happy Thanksgiving" I think it's pretty good advice for the next few weeks

Bring on the stretch pants!

Hugs,

Myra

A Season of Thanks

... aka, Hodgepodge #465.  Wow, Joyce!  (How about we all give her a round of applause?)   

From today's cupboard, she asks ...

Have you ever been on a cruise?  If so, where did you go and how did you like it?  If not, do you have any desire to take a cruise someday?

Back in '57 my parents and I traveled from NYC to Southhampton .....thereafter I was hooked!

Since then, I've cruised to the Caribbean, Alaska and the Grecian Islands.

Unfortunately.  I strongly suspect the cruising industry today is more concerned with the number of 'heads in beds.'  Unless one can afford to secure berth aboard one of the smaller, upscale ships (not me!) I think you have to be satisfied with crowds of party goers and mediocre dining.

I'd love to take a European river boat cruise someday. But honestly, that's waaaay down my Things to Do list.

Tell us about your Thanksgiving plans.  Are you hosting? Cooking? Eating out? Turkey or some other main? Is it stuffing or dressing in your house? Homemade cranberries or cranberries in a can? Are pies on the dessert menu? What kind?  What are your 'must have' sides? Tell us one thing you're especially grateful for this year.

Joining us are son and DIL, Grand #2 and her sweetheart.  Unfortunately, Grand #1 and her hubby have elected to stay in South Carolina.  He's only had one day off in two months and is in sore need of some R&R.

My long-time readers know we're not especially fond of turkey. Or ham. Or cranberries.

In a few hours we're going to pick up hickory-smoked brisket and a red velvet cheesecake.  In a nod to tradition, we'll do the green bean and corn casseroles; Lois is bringing her cornbread dressing (my favorite!)

Grateful?  Being right here in Sweet Home Alabama ... after (too) many years apart, near to those I love most.  

If someone approaches you and asks for money, do you give it to them?  Do you drop money 'in a tin cup' that belongs to a person on the street?  Do you have a specific charity your support during the holiday season and/or year-round?

No ... No ... and Yes

 

Have you started decorating for Christmas?  Is your tree up?  Shopping done?  Wrapped?

Christmas on Chapman has to wait its turn!
Right now, our home's all about the 50 shades of Thanksgiving.

Create your own acrostic using the word THANKS.

Sorry ... I can't think!

Insert your own random thought here.

(Stock image from web)

Wherever, however you observe the day I hope you enjoy a most blessed Thanksgiving!

Hugs, Myra

Hey there!

 

It's a super cold, sunny morning in the River Region!  It's not likely to happen again -- but yesterday while the thermometer read 26*, I went barefoot outside, still in my pj's.   You know what that means, right?  In short order I brewed a big cup of coffee then jumped in my recliner under a warm quilt.   Senior simple pleasures.

I've no rhyme or reason this morning, so please ...  just humor my prattling? 

It's not Thankful Thursday, but I want to give a shout-out to the folks at Alabama Power.  I'd forgotten, a while back we got a notice, they'd be around to trim trees away from power lines.   At first, I couldn't identify who was making all the racket outside then saw this fellow having a go with his whirly blade.

Protected in a cage of sorts, he was working that thing like kids used to do with a joy stick.  (Yes, I was a bit envious, lol).

Back yesterday, the fellow who rang our bell couldn't have been more polite -- asking if there was a water or gas meter and hastening to reassure us someone would be around to clean it all up.

Tom observed, we've now got an ugly one-sided tree out front, but I'd rather keep the power on than worry about aesthetics!

Among those who made my heart smile this week?

..... The money lady at the nearby toll road.  "How you doin' today, doll?"  Big smile.  Then, witnessing me fumbling for the correct change, "You're just fine, baby."

..... Our server at Cracker Barrel who encouraged Tom to order the fried chicken (good call!) .... then as we were leaving, "God bless you."

..... The street department who, each holiday season, place decorated hay bales around town.

My favorite

Some of you will get this: A Bale Divided

Fine folks!

🍂

On the other hand ....

I was just going to let this go ... but wanted to give a head's up to anyone considering ordering a gift basket for the holidays.

We wanted to do something special for my granddaughter's birthday.  If I'd bothered to read the reviews, however, I might have saved myself a boatload of grief.

What arrived was not only not what I ordered ... but inferior quality which retails for $20 less.

Would y'all agree, there's little more annoying than trying to communicate with someone in (what I strongly sense is) a chatroom in India.

I followed up via texts, but not only did they not 'get it', they basically said I was out of luck, have a nice day.

Until I called VISA to challenge the charge on my credit card.  All of a sudden, last night I got 3 text apologies and promise of a full refund.  (We'll see.....)

Hey, I understand things happen!  Particularly around the holiday season.  Reading others' reviews, however, was a real eye-opener.  It makes me a bit sad, because Harry & David used to be the gold standard.

What else?

Hey, Proctor and Gamble!  What's a little benzene among friends?

It's no secret, the hair on my head is as fine and flyaway as an over-ripe dandelion.  Thankfully, about 10 years ago I discovered an affordable hair spray that worked without leaving mine a sticky, 'helmet' head.

Then, it disappeared from store shelves.  (Except for one lady selling a can online for $34.)

Researching, I discovered P&G recalled the Aussie flex spray because trace amounts of benzene were discovered.  Reflecting, I used to go through a can about once each week!  Nope, not worried; I just wish Big Brother would stop sweating the small stuff.

Oops!  I almost forgot!

As promised, here's a (link to) the corn casserole.  You know, ever since hs Home Economics, I don't do anything remotely labor-intensive.

https://temeculablogs.com/instant-pot-corn-casserole-recipe/

This corn casserole, however, is easy-peasy and delicious!

Don't forget!

Sorry this is so long-winded; thank y'all for visiting!

Hugs, Myra

You gonna Love it ... or Leave it?

 

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4

Coffee flavored or coffee plain?  What's your favorite kind?

I love coffee anything!   In a cup 'straight up' ..... over ice ..... as a marinade ..... flavored ice cream ... even those little 'nips' that populated our 70's candy dishes.

My favorite is dark French roast.

I'm not a fan of dessert coffee but will probably sample one of these drinks at the new coffee shop down the street.  Just because!

Snowball for me, please.  You?

A trip to the Caribbean or a trip to Spain?  Why?

Caribbean, please.

I'm no longer comfortable travelling overseas -- plus the thought of learning a new language isn't appealing. 

Goodies on your pizza or just plain?  What toppings would you love or leave?

It's hard to beat Mellow Mushroom's 'Merry Prankster.'

'Starts with an herb aioli base, layered with chicken, Italian sausage, garlic-roasted red peppers, green bell peppers, mozzarella, Wisconsin aged white cheddar and finished with an herb aioli drizzle.' 

Please, no pepperoni, pineapple or ham.

Dinner at a 5-star or dinner at Rosie's Diner, known for her home-style cooking?

Who's paying?

Honestly, I miss dressing up 'to the 9's" once in a while.  Unless one's royalty or presenting on the red carpet, there are few opportunities.

5-star it is!

Hugs, Myra

 

Reporting from the Slow Lane

 

Hi!  Today I'm feeling...

Perplexed

Mother Nature's throwing numbers out here like the Powerball.  The numbers we see ... but not the numbers we want!

Grateful

For a new kitchen faucet ... and a plumber/electrician with sharp eyes.

I don't pretend to understand it, but Tom's been annoyed about the hot water tank for a while now.  While he was here, Wesley took a look and right away:  "That's a code violation right there."  A minute later, "This thing could flood your kitchen any minute ... then again, it could last another 15 years."

Bottom line, we've elected to have him come back after Christmas and install/rewire a new one properly.

I know it's killing Tom he's no longer able to do this work himself ..... but I appreciate him (finally!) acknowledging his limits.

Disappointed

While shopping for something to cover a blister, I realized manufacturers still haven't designed novelty BandAids for the mature audience.  Instead of Disney Princesses or Paw Patrol characters, just once I'd like to see the Golden Girls' faces ... or Sam Elliot.  

We old folks get boo-boo's too!

Thinking

I'm going to try and recreate yesterday's amazing lunch.

Keto King plate -- spiced fajita chicken, spinach, pimentos, portabella mushrooms -- grilled and served warm with feta cheese and walnuts.

Speaking of food!

We're trying to peacefully reconcile our Thanksgiving menu.

Tom's got it in his head he wants to do a prime rib ... but the cost nearly gave me vapors.  I'm all for ordering smoked brisket from Fat Boys, even rotisserie chickens -- and be free to just enjoy the time together with family.

My DIL's offered to bring her yummy stuffing, yay!   I'm going to Instant Pot a spicy corn casserole and, in an (uncharacteristic) nod to tradition, make a green bean casserole.  Easy peasy!

(Stock image)

... Oh, in the spirit of 'you only live once' I'm ordering dessert from Cheesecake Factory for Grand-girl #2.  Her 25th birthday's not until December 3, but C's a busy lady!

Hopeful!

After the holidays, Tom will feel up to a little getaway.

... or two.

Both his daughter and my friend Debbie volunteered, "You should really take a trip, spend the money while you're still healthy enough to do so."

Okay. I was thinking we could drive to Pensacola in a few days to see Casting Crowns in concert.  Unfortunately, we're no longer that spontaneous -- or have eyes to navigate after dark.

So!   Tom's strongly considering flying out to Phoenix to see his kids.  Then come spring, either the two of us (or me) will "do" Florida. 

God willing and the creek don't rise!

Okay, I'm about out of breath and need another cup of coffee.
If you've a moment, here's a CC video you might enjoy.

Have a wonderfully-blessed day, dear friends.

Love ya!

'm'

 

If this is Wednesday ...

 

... it must be time for the Hodgepodge.  As ever, thanks to Joyce for hosting this cyber part-ay!

🍁

What about your upbringing are you most grateful for?

I grew up in a very small community, noted for its natural beauty but little else in the way of shopping or entertainment.

1960's Los Alamos was the kind of community that kids hate and their parents love -- a suburbia without an urban core.  How I longed to graduate and move far away to a big city.  (Note: Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it!)

On the bright side, my parents instilled in me a solid work ethic, patriotism and love of travel.

What are two or three things that bring you comfort?

My little home, thin-crust pizza, good wine ... and of course, our 'lady girls' (Macie and Grace).

Something beautiful that you say today?  (or yesterday, depending on when it is you've answering this question.)

I actually saw this a couple of weeks ago, but couldn't say anything until Sarah (Grand #1) shared their news on Facebook.

Little Miss due February 2023!

Have you ever used a typewriter?  Tell us a memory associated with that.

Hahaha!  I still remember trying to convince my father (that) my 'hunt-and-peck' method was perfectly fine; I didn't need no stinking Typing class.

Little could I envision I'd go on to excel at State; later, as the means to a paycheck.  Laughing at another *dumb* scenario when I tried (in vain) to convince my boss I didn't need this thing called a computer.   Yep, I'm old!

 

Something you are grateful for today.

My favorite month has finally arrived ..... and my name was on Mr. God's wake-up list!

Insert your own random thought here.

(Stock image)

I hope your coffee tastes like magic and you fall in love with being alive!

Hugs, Myra