Friday Favorites

 

So, in my continuing quest to discover new and FUN things to decorate my life ....

After Tom's eye appointment yesterday, I realized we weren't that far from a place called Cheesecake EmporiYUM.  

I followed Google Girl's directions to a non-descript area off the industrial district ... and into a little shop about the size of a walk-in closet.   Behind the curtain divider a young woman steps out ... big sunny smile.  "Good morning!"   I'd read Monique's story (you can click here) and knew I had to support her little one-woman enterprise.

"YUM" is right!   Despite having had lunch not an hour before, we each got an egg-roll and slice of cake to bring home.

Tom chose the soul-food egg roll and German Chocolate cheesecake.   Mine was chicken-fried rice (eggroll) and red velvet.

I was sure surprised when 'Mr. Picky Eater' declared he wants to go back for more eggrolls!   

😋

So happy when we got home to see UPS had been a-calling!

For a long time I've been promising myself to get new bed pillows, then in the end deciding it wasn't worth spending the money. 
Last week I finally I broke down and ordered these with some of my birthday money.

No lie, last night was the first time in years I didn't keep waking up to switch pillows or flip it to the cool side.  (And nope, even tho' I like what he stands for, Mike Lindell didn't ask me to say this.)

Look what was laying at the bottom of the box!

So, what's on your agenda today?

We need to go to the VA in a little bit to try and iron out some challenges with the travel desk.  (Ugh)

Then again, it's a brand-new sparkly day!  Who knows what reasons to smile lay ahead?

Have a good one, y'all ... be safe!

Hugs, Myra

Fine-feathered Hodgepodge

 

Happy Hodgepodge Day ... what's up?

Joyce tells us, April 26 is National Audubon Day, honoring John James Audubon, the French-American ornithologist, naturalist and painter known for his detailed study and illustration of birds in their natural habitats.  

Do you have a bird feeder?

Tom has several out back -- gifted by family and friends.

Any birds in your home's decor?

I've only these -- crafted by the NM Pueblo potters for my mother in the mid-50's.

Have you ever owned a pet bird?

Growing up, we always had a canary.  I wasn't particularly enamored -- especially having to clean the cage, but my mother sure loved to hear 'Bobby' sing.

What's your favorite bird?

So many varieties of wild birds here in Alabama, but my favorite is the cardinal.  (Yes, I believe the old sayings and make a point of saying, "Good morning; it's wonderful to see you again.")

What's something you took to 'like a duck to water'?

Learning to ride.  I was always 'horse crazy', but never received formal training until my parents sent me to horse camp in Colorado.

Empty nest, nest egg, proud as a peacock, free as a bird, birds of a father flock together, or the early bird catches the worm.  Choose one and tell us how it currently applies to your life.

The early bird catches the worm.

It's my favorite time of day -- plus I'm the most inclined to actually get stuff accomplished.  If I put things off until after lunch they may get done -- but done reluctantly.

Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds -- your favorite seed and a favorite food or dish made with that seed or topped with that seed?   Have you tried all the seeds on the list?  Any you don't care for?

I used to be addicted to sunflower seeds!
I'm only familiar with sesame seeds and poppy seeds; my DIL makes a poppyseed chicken casserole to die for!

I've no idea what the others (seeds) taste like, and little inclination to try.  Change my mind?

Something in the past week that made you 'happy as a lark'?

Well, this week has been a somber on several levels.

I'm going with our new Bible-study:  'He Chose the Nails.'   I love the way in which Max Lucado imparts his message in Real-Life-Right-Now speak.

Insert your own random thought here.

Yes!

Thanks so much for visiting.

Y'all are welcome anytime!

Hugs, Myra

Another Saturday

Hi there!

After an otherwise unremarkable week, there's nothing like good food to amuse me.  Unless what you had in mind is a) an Epic Fail or b) no-where to be found.

In years past, my workplace benefitted from its association with Food Brokers (think freebies!) -- but I never really understood what it is, exactly, they do.  Perhaps they could tell me why ...

Even now, when the pandemic panic buying seems to be over, it's hard to find certain things.   Ratio (Keto) vanilla yogurt for instance.   Presently Publix and Wal-Mart are the only ones that stock it -- and the latter's begun limiting it, 3 to a customer.   Another of my passions that's hard to find, green-leaf lettuce.  

Today, for instance, I tried Romaine.  Meh.
In spite of adding generous amounts of nuts and veggies, I still had a craving for a 'little something' sweet.   Does anyone else get that way? 

Ta-dah!

Some of y'all may remember when, on the recommendation of another blogger, I began fermenting garlic cloves in fresh honey.   The recommended wait time was 2 weeks -- but it's been 2 months!

I won't say we've an abundance of cabinet space, but 'someone' stuck this jar behind the soups and I'd forgotten about it 'til now.   What can I say, but 'Yum!'  Best of all, it's a natural anti-oxidant.

I could put a check-mark beside that in Week #5(52) of my new-to-me Joys Journal.  But nooooo.

That honor goes to my new favorite pizza spot, Can a Brotha Get a Slice.

Given its location, it not somewhere we'd normally frequent.   But my granddaughter's friend claims it's The Best in Alabama.   One reviewer even wrote she comes from Birmingham for the pizza.   

I like how some of the street's older (not quite decrepit) homes are being reincarnated into little boutiques -- even a doggie bakery.   The only parking to be had is in back; there's no indoor seating.  That's okay.  

They bill themselves as "The Most Romantic Pizza on Earth"

but I was taken by this chalk 'Welcome.'

At the owner's suggestion we waited outside in the car; 10 minutes later he comes out -- big smile and apologies for having run out of boxes.  (Instead, he gave us the pie atop one of his pans.)   It's not even a half hour drive home, but the aroma was close to interfering with my ability to drive. (LOL)

We got the Supreme -- but I'm not as fond of red sauce or pepperoni as Tom.    I've already got my eyes set on the Boujee Auntie -- fried chicken and spinach with white sauce.

You may be wondering, whatever happened to the former Atkins-turned-Keto disciple?

Oh, she's still in here, but you know what?

Considering how much JOY I get out of Good Food and Drink, I'm loosening the chains.

Since Thanksgiving, I've gained back almost 10 (of 25) pounds, but it's a compromise I'm comfortable with.

Life's too short to fret and stress ... besides, some of these carbs might make their way to my face and fill in the wrinkles.  Ya think?  LOL!

Smile, it's Saturday!

Hugs, Myra

 

500!

 

Congratulations, Joyce on Hodgepodge #500!

Did you ever have to write 500 times on a blackboard?

Last time you drove/flew 500 miles (ish)? What's a place you'd like to visit that lies approximately 500 miles from your current location?

It's been 5 years now, I drove to Florida's gulf coast to visit old - and new(!) friends.

God willing, I'm ready to do it all over again! 

 

 

Tell us about a time recently it felt like you were 'racing against the clock'. 

Perhaps when we moved from Arizona to Alabama.

Things happen, yes.  But I do my best to plan and prepare so that 'racing against the clock' isn't a thing.

Have you ever attended any really large sporting events? What was your impression of the experience? 

Years ago, we had season tickets to the Dallas Cowboys.  Think the era of Staubach and Landry.

I'll never forget the time my little mother accompanied us.  Because our seats were on the 6th row, every sound was magnified.  During warm up she turned to me, eyes wide:  "I didn't know they were so loud!"

Ah, those were the days of wine and roses.

I can no longer abide crowds (or the Cowboys) -- but I'm grateful for the good times. 

The Superbowl, The Kentucky Derby, The World Series, FIFA World Cup, The Indianapolis 500, The Daytona 500, The Olympics, The Masters, Wimbledon, The Boston Marathon, March Madness, Tour de France, Monaco's Grand Prix, The Open (golf), The Ryder Cup, The Stanley Cup Finals..of the events listed which would you most like to attend in person? Or maybe one that's not listed?

I wouldn't turn down a ticket to the Masters.

Professional golf is still a gentleman's game; the spectators (usually) well-behaved.

Are you an iced tea drinker? If so, do you drink it year round, or only in the spring and summer months? Do you make your own or buy it bottled? Sweet or unsweet? Flavored? Lemon or no lemon? How about a Long Island Iced Tea? 

I drink iced tea occasionally; only if it's really hot.

We enjoy Milos brand, unsweetened -- and add fresh lemon or lime.

I've never had a Long Island Iced Tea!  Should I put it on the list?

April 20th is Volunteer Recognition Day...do you volunteer in some way? Tell us about it. If not, tell us about a volunteer you appreciate. 

Several ladies at our church are unselfish with their time and talents.  I'm not among them just yet.

No, I'm going with all the nameless, faceless folks who rehab and rehome animals - the lost, the abandoned, elderly and/or injured.  My heart!

Insert your own random thought here. 

This is so me!

Oh, remember what I wrote last time about steaming an artichoke?

It started out okay ...

Then, not so much.

One -- and done!

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you'll come back again!

Hugs, Myra

Mondays Matter* (vol. 5)

 

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

New to me?

I don't know if these count, but ....

The little jury that lives in my head is still conflicted.  It's not exactly buyer's remorse about the cataract surgery.  It's just, I've worn eyeglasses for so long, it feels super strange not wearing them.   Then, when I go to read something, I'm usually at a loss where I set them down.  Tom keeps threatening to buy me one of these librarian chains to wear them around my neck.  (Nooooo!!!)

Score(!) last week when I found these bifocal sunglasses out on Amazon.  Compared to an optometrist, the price was so good, I ordered two.   

I'm tempted to get like-kind non-tinted -- but I think I owe it to myself to try going without a while longer.

Does anyone else enjoy playing with their food?

I don't claim to be a good cook, but like playing with out of the ordinary combinations.  The other day I discovered a bag of fresh spinach that needed attention.  I tossed it on the stove with chile-infused olive oil, added Jimmy Dean sausage and sprinkled with fresh Parmesan.  Yum!

Later today, I want to try steaming an artichoke.

One of my favorite food experiences was the first time I was served an Artichoke (ca. 1976).  I had to be shown how to actually eat it, but thereafter Daddy's Money was a favorite restaurant.

A few years later, while vacationing in Breckenridge, we had an ah-mazing waiter.  My husband complimented him, saying we hadn't enjoyed such service since Daddy's Money in Dallas.  Imagine our surprise when he wore a big grin and said, "I was trained at Daddy's Money!"

These new-to-me challenges aren't exactly news-worthy, but I'm having fun.  Already, I'm beginning a list.

In other news ...

Friday morning we attended a little group meeting with Pastor Janet.  ("Okay, now we've disaffiliated. What comes next?")

Tom and another gentleman got to talking about, what else -- their passion for music.

Next thing I know, we're accepting an invitation to their home Saturday night for dinner and jamming

I knew they were Good People as soon as I spotted this sign on their sunporch.

Not having really played his sax in years, Tom was concerned he'd bitten off more than he could chew -- but thankfully he sucked it up and came along.

"This is what we love to do." -- That's Cindy, talking about their music ministry.

Bailey was mesmerized.  I wasn't fast enough to get a picture, but he stuck his head in the horn, trying to figure where that funny noise was coming from!

Anyway, all was a delightful time!

You might enjoy this short clip.  

Good people ... good times.

That's what it's all about, right?

Now, I need to wash my face and get to Bible study.

I hope y'all have a super day.  Please stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Scrambled Hodgepodge

 

Thank you, Joyce!

April 13th is National Scrabble Day...are you a fan?

I could be, if someone would play along.

Do you enjoy word games in general?

Yes!  Presently I'm hooked on Wordle and Quordle.  Oh, and the Spelling Bee.

What's an eight-letter word that tells us something about your life currently?

Informal?

How about, Abundant (in those things which matter)

Do you have a junk drawer?  

Two of them.  I tried designating them 'His and Hers' but they've since de-segregated.  

Is it full?   Nearly!  

Do you know what's in it? What's in it?  

The usual -- extra keys, loose change, rubber bands/clips, business cards, batteries.  I should put them in a time capsule and bury it out back! 

When does time pass quickly for you? When does it pass slowly?

Already, this year is speeding by!
I do grow impatient waiting for a vacation, but that's been a while.

 

These eight vegetables are in season during spring-asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, collard greens, garlic, herbs. What's your favorite? Any on the list you refuse to eat? Last one on the list you ate? 

LOVE both asparagus and broccoli -- as a matter of fact, I had to choose between the two at Long Horn on Monday.  (Broccoli won out, only b/c I didn't want to pay an extra $2.50.)

I won't refuse to eat any of these, but I'm not wild about celery.

What's the oldest thing you own? Tell us about it. 

I've several items belonging to my grandparents -- but I'm going with an old jewelry box belonging to a young lady who grew up to become my material (whoops!) maternal grandmother.

Today it contains cards postmarked 1911.

I so love the elaborate script!

 

Insert your own random thought here. 

Current status....

Thanks for making time to visit ... 

stay safe out there!

Hugs, Myra

Weekend Wrap

 

And so begins a brand-new, shiny week!

We've not a lot of major happenings, but I'm just gonna share what's on my heart.  (... Plus, checking off #3/52 in the 'new-to-me' weekly Challenge.) 

In spite of the previous days' summer-like weather, come Saturday morning the heavens opened and unleashed a bitterly cold rain the likes I've not seen in years.   Wonderful. Not.

Hardly a great day to load bedding, a rocker and ottoman in the truck, but I'd offered it to the kids ... and a promise is a promise.  By the time we got everything and every-body loaded I was soaked through.  The nice man at Pizza Hut did manage to refrain from laughing at my appearance and assured me, "Going to Jordan?  Well, this is a perfect day to catch fish."   (Ya, if I fished.) 

Thankfully, once we arrived Lois immediately offered to throw my wet clothes in the dryer.   Simple pleasures!

I was anxious to hear all about the move, but certainly didn't expect to hear how ...

A handful of neighbors met them at the driveway like a welcoming committee.  In the way of explanation, "We saw the moving truck."  

Two ladies brought over lunch, then another neighbor invited them for steaks that evening.   'Shared the down-low on the previous residents (*grin*) and admitted, they'd been a little nervous about who was moving in.   I've never had anything like that happen, have you?

Troy was eager to give us the grand tour.   Only 7 days in the house, of course there was an array of unopened boxes.  (Not until all the painting is finished will they hang anything on the walls.)

Unfortunately, Macie and Grace were less than gracious guests when interacting with Ruby (the dog) and Chuck (the blind cat). Even so, it felt like being at an upscale resort.   After years of hard work and challenges, I'm ridiculously happy for them.  

A couple of you have asked for pictures:

The third (top) floor is Troy and Lois' master suite and library

Tub with a view

Love this door to the 'throne' room!

Adjoining the master, a library/sitting room.

The main living quarters are in the middle, while the bottom tier contains a smaller living room fronting two bedrooms with ensuite baths, huge closets -- and scads of storage space -- not unlike a bunker.

G'girl Chloe has everything she needs down there, except a kitchen.  She grinned, "That's what I told mom and dad."

Given the yukky weather, we just hung out enjoying one another's company.

RJ, Chuck-the-cat, DIL Lois and Chloe.

We did watch a good movie -- 'On a Wing and a Prayer' with Dennis Quaid.  (It may not be Oscar-worthy, but I'd recommend it in a heartbeat!)

RJ (Chloe's best friend) holding their 23-y/o dog, Ruby.

The second floor is being repainted this weekend, so before deciding on a color scheme Lois has affixed different paint swatches on the walls.  Smart!

Easter morning was clear, but chilly.

I like how the balconies prohibit fur babies from becoming too nosy and falling overboard.

The kids made up a big mess of eggs and bacon yesterday morning.

Now, I rarely eat bacon.  Not because I don't like it, but it (sodium) doesn't like me.

All that's in the past.

I took a little bite.  Then another.  "What IS this, Lois?"

Great Value (Wal-Mart) low-sodium ... go figure!

I felt a little sad not to be attending Easter services at church -- but wouldn't take for the time spent with my favorite people.

Life goes on, and I'm feeling blessed.

Thank you for being a friend!

Hugs, Myra

Oh, Glorious Day!

 

Hippity Hoppity Hodgepodge

Good morning, and welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge!   Our hostess, Vanna Joyce, asks the questions and we each answer on our own blogs.   Please, come play along!

🐣

What would you say is the most difficult task when it comes to spring cleaning? 

Getting motivated to actually do it.

Have you completed that task this year?    

I'm sure our home could use more attention to detail .... but I'm going with the new tile flooring.   I'm so happy the old nasty carpet is gone, baby. Gone!

Any plans to get it the rest done?  

Only if the mood strikes, or Tom's sister announces they're coming to visit.

Your favorite pastel color? Favorite thing you own in a pastel shade?

Pastels aren't my first choice - either in my home's decor or clothing -- but I do love buttercream (yellow).

Do you like ham? Do you fix ham year round or is it mostly just a 'holiday food'? Baked ham-ham and eggs-ham and cheese sandwich-scalloped potatoes and ham-Hawaiian pizza....what's your pleasure? 

I don't refuse to eat ham, but neither am I a fan.

Do you celebrate Easter?  

Yes, of course!

It's actually become more meaningful as I grow in my faith journey.

 

What did Easter look like when you were a kid?

Corsages for the ladies was also a tradition.  Even after my father passed, my husband made sure my mother was sent a corsage to wear to church.

Mother (in white) w/ Troy and family members

Sarasota Dog Track Easter Sunrise Services

(ca. 1985)

What are your plans for Easter this year?   

So excited to spend the weekend with my son and DIL.   They just moved into their new home and have invited us and the dogs to come spend the weekend.

Something that makes you feel hopeful amidst all the chaos and confusion this world brings?

A don't know that there's a 'thing.'
Rather, a certainty God's in control.  He's got this!

Insert your own random thought here.