This n' that

Hey there!

I think when circumstances threaten to overwhelm, it's good to focus on Simple Pleasures.  

I love what blogger Marie ('And Then We All Had Tea') writes: "It's the small things which truly mean the most."   

Here are a few of mine...

Not my image, but

looking at this brings me joy!

Never have I ever seen Star Wars -- yet I'm besotted by the little 'Droid.'   Remember when Motorola used that voice in their commercial spots?

Well, imagine my delight when I went online and discovered I could download that soundbite to my phone.  Now, every time I receive a text notification it sounds off.

Thank goodness(!) I've remembered to turn off my phone during church services.  Can't have 'Drrrroid' speaking up during recitation of the Lord's Prayer.

 

Except!  The other Monday morning during Bible study, one lady was telling how her granddaughter has begun attending another church where they speak 'in tongues.'

Judging from the looks on our faces, Sharon hastened to explain, "It's a real thing!"

No sooner were the words out of her mouth, when my phone announced, "Drrrrroid."

Speaking in tongues, indeed!  We were all in stitches.

(Okay, maybe it was one of those 'you had to have been there' moments.)

Moving right along ....

There's a new coffee shop in town.

In keeping with National "Mom and Pop" day, I love how an ordinary mom and dad and their two school-age kiddos -- fresh off the boat (lol) from Seattle -- are making their dream come true.

Sweet Hart Coffee Co. sits in an unlikely spot, just before the on-ramp to I65.  (Blink and you'll miss it!)

I don't think *$'s is shivering in its designer boots, but I love how our community's embraced the Hart's wee drive-through.  I've yet to indulge, but the "Shannon" (a salted caramel latte) has my name all over it.  What's fun, each drink is served with red heart-shaped straw and a Bible verse.  If they run out of stickers, the staff pens their own.

Finally ...

I'm not necessarily a fan of the Waffle House.  To me, they have all the ambiance of my high-school cafeteria.  Tom, however, enjoys their fare, so we recently visited a new one, just a spitting distance from our home.

I don't know if this is a corporate 'thing', but I like how each employee -- from the waitresses to short-order cooks wore shirts with big letters across the back reading, "Be Kind."

Thanks ... for making me feel!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

Sunday morning

 

Good morning friends,

Normally right about now I'd be getting ready for church, but.   

Because my weather radio kept going off in the early hours, I've had little sleep.  My nerves are shot, probably in part due to what happened in Mississippi.  We're still under a tornado watch, but the rest of the household is sound asleep  .....and I feel like chatting.

We enjoyed such a low-key few days at Jordan Lake!

I'm sure there are newer, more modern accommodations to be had -- but I think, one would have to go a long way to find a more congenial and accommodating host.   Ray's 1954 fishing cabin was so cozy!  Outfitted into a duplex -- he and Jaws live on the top floor, while we 4 had the bottom apartment and deck to ourselves.

Jaws, you ask?  A Belgian Malinois, Jaws is a retired police K9.   I was smitten!  Ray has trained 18 such dogs -- but asked when Jaws finished his duty, he be returned.   Magnificent!

I wanted so badly to meet him, but no offer was forthcoming -- and frankly, our girls were pretty freaked out. 

Tom had no live bait (nor fishing license), but spent hours down on the dock 'playing' with his fishing reels and creepy lures.

I read and tried to learn Anti-Wordle.  (At first I thought that was a joke, but no.) 

Despite being chilled to the bone on Day #1, our girls enjoyed hanging out on the deck -- mesmerized by the wild geese, cranes and occupants of 'Goat Island.'

Lake Therapy's really a thing!   

So, #1's 'New to Me' weekly experience is in the books.   Now, to identify a #2 (of 52) -- that doesn't involve assault and battery.   

Okay, I'm kidding.  But our flooring project hasn't come without challenges.   Tuesday morning the installers showed up an hour early -- with no clue.   Scary.  One pointed to the kitchen and asked if they should start in there.  (Noooooooooo!!!)    Then, "no-one told us we'd have to move the furniture or pull up the carpet."   I thought Tom might implode.

A call to the boss and everything worked out.   Sort of.   I'm not happy with the juncture between the kitchen and dining room, but their boss is supposed to come out next week to take a look.

Praying he'll make things right without more hassle.  This place has been a stand-up retailer for years.   I just loathe dealing with contractors.

Okay, another cup of coffee then I need to get busy.  There's tile dust everywhere (yuck), but I'm sure it will all be worth it.  Fingers crossed!

'Hope y'all enjoy a blessed day.  Let's chat again soon!

Hugs, Myra

Mondays Matter (Vol. 3)

 

A little pollen, anyone?
Happy Spring!

Good morning, and big thanks for the Happy Birthday wishes!

As predicted, Friday was a wet and chilly day.  Not so much inside Fat Boys BBQ Ranch, where I enjoyed a favorite salad. 

We also took home a slab of hickory-smoked ribs and beef brisket for snick-snacking -- in between readying the house for the flooring installers.  

Attending the SLE Rodeo the next day sounded like a good idea -- until we remembered how much needs doing -- plus I'm supposed to keep away from dusty environments for another 2 weeks.  Thank goodness for a great eye surgeon; I'm not about to jeopardize my sight!  

Whew!  My bedroom resembles a church ladies' rummage sale.  Together with the sunroom, it's become a repository for all the breakables.   I'd no idea when Tom bought that china cabinet off the back of a lady's truck (that) it would hold so much stuff.  Oh well, this gives me an opportunity to wash it all.  (How in the heck does glassware get dusty in there anyway?)

Yesterday after church, Tom suggested we take a ride to check out the cabin on Lake Jordan we've leased for a few days.

Ironic.  Looking back on my FB memories, it was 4 years ago this week we also had to be out of the house while the flooring in the back of house was being installed.  The first photo was taken at VRBO rental at Lake Martin.

I wanted to drive by Troy and Lois' (about-to-be) new home -- only 2 miles from the cabin.  But dang!  The homeowner was in the process of moving out, loading his trailer.   I really felt like a cat burglar scoping out my next job.

(*soto voice*) "Quick, keep going. Eyes straight ahead."  

Go figure.  It was a dead-end street.  I doubt he even paid us any mind, but still.  Jus' two old folks out for a Sunday drive. (lol)

Busy times ahead!   I'm hoping and praying there will be adequate WiFi at the lake to check in with y'all.   The weatherman's promised warming temps, but it's still far too chilly to even consider kayaking or paddle-boarding.   Macie and Grace would like to have a stroke!  

Oh well, it's going to be an experience.   The #1 installment in my 52-week challenge of Things I've Never Done Before! 

I hope y'all enjoy a safe and most blessed new week!

Hugs, Myra

  

Let's Party!

 

Kick up our heels

... and perchance, do a jig.

It's my very own Happy New Year!

There's little likelihood I'll be doing anything more significant than picking up my Wal-Mart order then settling down with a new Audible selection.  (With my eyesight being somewhat compromised, I'm giving that a 10 out of 10!)

If y'all don't already have plans, would you come to my virtual Birthday Party?

It's simple, really.

Please bring along a favorite LP or 45 (yes, I'm a child of the 50's) whose artist begins with the letter of your first name.

And a dish to pass -- that begins with the first letter of your last name.

Here's mine:

(Tie between) Al Martino and Dean Martin

(yummy) Gouda Grits.

 

Come, share the wine!

Hugs, Myra

Mondays Matter, Vol. 2

 

Matter: (noun) An affair or situation under consideration; a topic.

G'morning friends!   Today?  

Today, I'm ....

Pleasantly surprised   

As part of my decluttering and releasing, I recently sold a little doll belonging to my paternal grandmother.  Believe me, there was nothing engaging about her fragility.  The china head with painted locks and weird eyes.  No thank you very much.

Then, an e-mail from the buyer.  Sometimes you meet the nicest people in the most unexpected ways!


The co-author of a historical fiction podcast (gibsongirlreview.com), she wrote, "The new podcast is about a book from 1892 that features a little girl and a doll.  Your grandmother's doll is now safely and proudly displayed in my collection."

Whaddya know!

Speaking of antiquities

Big thanks to Latane for suggesting I research the origins of the painting I showed in my last post.

Gotta love the Lens app!  In a matter of seconds it identified "Caroline" as a painting done in 1788 titled "Age of Innocence."

Next, I snapped a picture of the 'men on a bench' and learned it was done by a Birmingham dentist-turned artist.  Judging from their attire, I was guessing the '30's, but no.  He called his 1975 work, "The Best of People."

Personally, I'm thinking "Watching All the Girls Go By."
Or, how about "Social Media before Facebook."

Looking forward

Day after tomorrow I get my second eye surgery.

Unbelievable the difference in my vision.  I used to wonder if the next step was a seeing eye dog, but now I'm almost ready to throw away my glasses.

Disappointed

In spite of my aversion to crowds, I was so looking forward to seeing Casting Crowns in concert Saturday.

They were great!

.....Not so much the two introductory acts.  Then, during intermission, there was a 'pastor' who strong-armed a charity like a bad used car salesman.  I've seen more subtle time share sales.

If I ever talk about wanting to attend another big-name concert, will one of y'all kick me where it counts?

Okay, before I head out to Bible study ... how about a smile.

Current status

Have a glorious day, y'all!

Hugs, Myra

 

Friday Fotos

 

Thank y'all so much for your prayers and well-wishes!

My surgery was actually a walk in the park.  I only grew impatient with the waiting ... waiting ... waiting.   That, and being asked what seemed like 100 times, "Which eye?"  Often by the same person!   I had to keep reminding myself, it's not nice to be sarcastic to one's caregiver.

They sent me home with this ghastly plexiglass shield ... and what seemed like a pound of Vasoline on my eyeball.   At the follow-up, however, the tech was delighted with my testing. 
 

Delighted not ... learning I'm not supposed to wear cosmetics for 4 weeks.  *Heavy sigh* ... who am I trying to impress?

😉

Before I begin "Show and Tell", Pam asked -- how is it, my son was in possession of my mother's dishes, the Hansel and Gretel dolls?  When mother's health began to decline, Lois and Troy invited her into their home -- letting her believe once she recovered, she could return to her little house in Port Charlotte (Florida).   

Unfortunately, her care became more than what the kids could handle -- they both worked full-time and had two little girls at home.   Troy, Tom and I found a nice assisted living facility near where I was living in Arizona; her home was put on the market.   

What I didn't know, when my parents moved from New Mexico many of their treasures were stored -- still unpacked -- in the attic.  Troy and Lois cleaned out grandma's things and, in turn, stored them in their attic.

Things.

Crazy, the rush of emotion!

I don't recall ever having seen her wedding china.  Seriously.

ca. 1938

My parents never entertained.  Our tiny apartment didn't lend itself to a big dining table.  Because my dad was usually at his 2nd shift job, mother and I were Swanson pot pie/TV dinner types.

I do remember the tea cups my grandma displayed in her farmhouse kitchen.

This!

...hung on the wall in my parent's homes all my life.   Before that, it belonged to my paternal grandmother.

I was never fond of this.  I'm still not, and Troy said it gives him the 'creeps.'   But I sure don't want it going to some stranger.  Isn't that silly?

I'm going to call her Caroline.

The kids also gave me a quilt my mother made

.....and another 'creepy' doll made by my material grandmother.  (I've relegated this poor lass to the bowels of the hope chest.)

..... This sign my dad made at his part-time job at the Lab.

Let's see ...

I also came home with a box of unwrapped cigars someone gifted Troy 10 years ago, a dehumidifier, and this drop-dead gorgeous coat my DIL found at an estate sale. 

Excuse me while I try to channel Ingrid Berman.  Or is it Sherlock Holmes?  Ha!

This was never a part of my history.  

But when the kids told me to let them know if there was anything I wanted, I asked if I might have this picture.  It hung in their hallway, and every time I'd come out of the powder room I'd pause to stare.  Don't ask me why, but I find it compelling.

I'm still feeling a little overwhelmed, but enormously grateful.

Update!  Troy and Lois are under contract for a new-to-them home on nearby Lake Jordan.  Before the closing at month end, I don't want to share too much ... except that I'm ridiculously happy for them.

Thank you so much for, as the news anchor says, the privilege of your time!

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

Breaking Hodgepodge

Good morning, friends!

By the time y'all are reading this, I'll be prepping for cataract surgery (1-of-2).  I'm not especially worried -- just annoyed at the 'no coffee' edict.   Hoping I'll feel up to getting around to all your posts this afternoon ..... at least by tomorrow.

Whaddya say, let's play The Hodgepodge!

😃

We're into a season students call 'spring break'. Did you/your family travel over spring breaks when you were growing up?  Tell us something about a 'spring break' you remember (from childhood or adulthood, either one). 

I loved that old movie, "Where the Boys Are" -- but for the life of me, I can't remember ever having observed Spring Break.  A few days, yes -- but not a week.  Maybe that wasn't a thing back in the LA School District?

Last thing you broke? Was it a big deal? 

Oh m'gosh, yes.   A few months ago, the brown bag containing a bottle of coffee liquor split open, SHATTERING glass all across the kitchen.   What a job picking up itty-bitty pieces of sticky Kamora glass before it became embedded in a foot.  Or paw.    

March 7th is National Cereal Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite? If not cereal what's your favorite breakfast? Your typical breakfast? 

Grains are no longer a part of my diet, but sometimes I get to missing my old favorite:  Grape Nuts.    

These days my favorite/typical breakfast is Jimmy Dean sausage patties, covered with eggs over easy and cheddar cheese.  If I don't have to be anywhere the next morning, I like to add a little Hatch chili to the mix. (*grin*)

Break ground, break of dawn, break down, break the bank, break one's stride, break the ice, break a law, break a habit, break bread...choose one of the idioms listed and tell us how it applies to your life currently. 

It's not becoming ... but I still have a bad habit of picking at my skin -- the underside of my thumbs, my cuticles.  In an effort to break the habit, I recently bought a package of anti-stress sensory/textured strips.

I keep them in my purse, my Bible study journal and beside my recliner.   I just have to remember to use them!

Where do you go to connect with friends and family? What do you like to do most when you're home alone? 

My son and DIL are presently living in Pike Road -- only a 45 minute ride.  Each Monday I enjoy connecting with my friends at Bible study -- plus Tom and I enjoy sharing a restaurant meal every so often with Tom's BF and his sweet wife.  Home alone?  You can usually find me right here at the computer or at my recliner with a book.

Insert your own random thought here:

Days after the fact, I'm still feeling the achy-breaky effects of working son's Estate/Moving sale.  Uff-da!

Most people were nice.  Congenial.  Come Sunday, however, the malcontents began showing their true colors.  We're not positive but suspect one man of lifting my granddaughter's ring -- left beside the sink in a room marked, "Keep Out!"  People!   

The biggest take-away was the rush of sentimentality I felt.  The kids had asked if I wanted my mother's wedding china but there were more surprises.

See Hansel and Gretel (above).  My mother made them on the occasion of my 7th birthday.   I don't really remember them -- yet they're front and center in the 8mm home movies at my party.  Together, again.

There were lots more:  "Take anything you want, mom" ... but I'm saving them for Friday Fotos.

Have yourselves a wonderful rest of the week!

Hugs, Myra

Hodgepodge Wednesday

 

Hello March!

Is it coming in 'like a lion' where you live?  How do you feel when it rains?

Already it's uncomfortably warm -- but at least it's dry. Temporarily.

Unless I have to be out driving, I don't really mind the rain.
Only when it's accompanied by severe weather warnings do I get a bit anxious.

What's something you'd like to do differently this week than the last?  Explain.

Are we talking the rest of this week -- or do you mean starting next Monday?
(OK, I'm going with the latter.)

A while back I saw where, on the occasion of her birthday, another blogger vowed to do something she'd never done before -- every day.  For a year.

Unfortunately, I'm not that adventurous or imaginative.

 So, beginning on my upcoming birthday I'm going to do that, too -- only once a week for the next 52.

Out-loud.  On purpose.
(Please don't let me forget?!)

March 1st is National Sunkist Citrus Day.  Do you drink orange juice?  Orange, lemon, lime, tangerine, grapefruit ... what's your favorite citrus fruit?  A dish you love with a citrus fruit as one of its key ingredients.

Sorry, I can't recall the last time I drank OJ on purpose.
On the other hand, I love grapefruit.  We don't keep it around the house, on account Tom's not supposed to have it with his Rx.

I don't know if lemon sauce is considered a 'key ingredient' -- but I love that atop my salmon.

What do you consider to be your culture.  Elaborate.

I was going to go with the old acronym W.A.S.P.
 .....then reading the definition, it occurred to me, I'm not a member of the upper class. (*sigh*)

How about:  Family-oriented ... Foodie ... Right-winger ...who tries to keep Jesus at the center of all I do.
(Not necessarily in that order!)

Sum up February in 15 words or less.

Expensive

Delicious food

pre-Lenten revelry

Exciting to meet one of my folk heroes

Blessed

Insert your own random thought here.

Have yourselves a great day!

Hugs, Myra