Friday letters

 

Hey there!  It's been a while since I put pen to paper.
Here's a few ....

Dear Daddy,

I hope you had a wonderful Heavenly birthday, surrounded by all you ever imagined.  And more!

Guess what!?   I never dreamed I'd see your suitcase again -- but when your grandson and Lois were preparing to move, they discovered this stored among Grandma's belongings.   Surprised, how small it is, compared to my own oversize bags.  Then again, I remember what a meticulous packer you were.

How you loved your label maker, affixing names to anything that didn't move. (LOL)   

Let's see ... Name. Address. Telephone Numbers.

"It's been more than 40 years. How likely is it, that number's still valid?"

  

Then, "What could it hurt?"
Which of your workplaces matches this number?  I'd a 50/50 chance.  

Ring, ring.  Male voice answered; mumbled something I couldn't understand.
 

"Good morning, is this J-16?"   

Curt reply, "No!"  Slams phone.   (Whoa! Did someone lay an egg in his Wheaties?)

I've no idea what I'm going to do with this, but probably use it to store linens.  Still, it makes me happy to have it.

✏️

Dear Joy,

I was so surprised to see your message on Frank's memorial.  It's been what, nearly 3 decades?

Back in the day, it was my honor to marry the two of you.
Shortly thereafter, y'all moved to New Orleans.  Aside from the occasional holiday greeting, we drifted apart.  You divorced, moved to New York City and became a model.

I recently left condolences on-line.  Then, a few days later, your note:

"Miss you, Myra!  Thank you so much for all you did to marry us and your sincere friendship.  You were always there for him/us and it will never be forgotten. ❤️"

Color me, feeling nostalgic.
... and grateful.

✏️

Dear Cindy,

Great idea, girlfriend!

While at Bible study some of y'all (not me!) were sharing how sometimes you feel overwhelmed.  Too many places to see, people to do.

I thought your tip was genius:

On a monthly calendar, choose a square -- any square -- and write in big red letters:  "NO!"

Then, when someone asks you to help/do/be on that date you can smile and say, "Sorry, I've already got something on the calendar."

(heh, heh)

Self care matters!

🎇

Have a fabulous weekend!

Hugs, Myra

Hodgepodge #510

 

By golly, it's Wednesday once more!  
... and y'all know what that means, right?

Let's play The Hodgepodge!

* * *

What's one thing you're excited about in the coming month?

Not much for me personally.
I'm thrilled my son and DIL are flying to Santa Fe and will be renewing their wedding vows at the church my parents used to attend.

Troy's taking Lois up to Los Alamos and I've begged them to take photographs -- in particular, my family's PO Box.  "You've got mail!"

What was your life like when you were 10 years old?

The biggest take-away, I think, was the realization not everyone liked me -- evidence by the bullying my friend Craig and I endured from our teacher, Mr. Hinojosa.  Today, I think he would have been canned.  

My self-esteem nosedived; I'm pretty sure that may have played a part with my parents moving to the North Community.

Come Summer my grandmother passed and daddy had to buy a new car (Fairlane 500) he could ill afford to get us to Minnesota.  It was the first time I saw my father cry ... it scared me so!

What else?

I'd been zealously saving my quarters to buy a German Shepherd (from the Sears catalog!).

Instead, my folks surprised me with a Miniature Schnauzer puppy, I named 'Pepper.'

Everyone was singing "Cathy's Clown" ... dreaming of "A Summer Place."  Oh, and for whatever reason, my mom took me to Mrs. Combs' salon where my braids fell to the pink-and-black tiled floor.

Mortified, I felt my life was over.
Thank goodness, the Great Conductor had other plans.

What's something from your childhood you still enjoy today?

Reading,
my Hudson Bay blanket,
and this sweet egg cup

What state (that you haven't been to) do you most want to visit?  Tell us why.

I've already been to all 50,
but given my reluctance to fly, I'll go with Florida; perhaps Tennessee's Appalachian mountains.

Do you like to drive?  Tell us how you learned to drive.

I don't dislike driving, but I'm more rattled by other drivers' behavior than I once was.  After dark's out of the question.

Learn?  Sunday afternoon's my father would take me up to the deserted parking lot at his workplace.  Shortly thereafter one (or both!) of us decided Drivers Ed class was a better idea.

I've few memories of that time, but vividly remember the handsome Highway Patrolman who came to speak to our class ... how he coined the term (they) use for a traffic light: "Stale green."

60 years later, I still use that term!

Insert your own random thought here:

Stay safe, and thanks for visiting!

Hugs, Myra

Just for fun ...

 

I'm joining Bev 'n friends for another episode of Sunday Stealing.

Won't you play along?

Inquiring minds want to know ...

Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?

Weather permitting, saddle up!

Who is your favorite author?

Right now, it's a tie between
Jeffrey Deaver and Jonathan Kellerman

Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?

Alaska!
Anyone who knows me, knows I prefer cold weather.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?

1980
... before my father's unexpected passing.
I'd share his favorite meal and listen.  Just listen.

What's your favorite zoo animal?

Polar bear

What's the tallest building you've been to the top of?

New York City's Empire State

How often do you buy clothes?

Rarely.
Unless I see a smoking deal at an Estate Sale, I've just about everything I need.

What was the last thing you recorded on TV?

We don't use our DVR

What was the last book you read?

I'm almost finished with this

... so I'm counting it.
It's been a long time since I stayed up too late reading. Fortunately last night, the battery on my tablet ran out of oomph.

What's your favorite type of foreign food?

Mexican

What kitchen appliance do you use every day?

Refrigerator
😋

How old were you when you learned Santa wasn't real?  How did you find out?

Santa Claus was never a thing in our home.
When we opened presents Christmas Eve, my parents made sure I knew what (gift) was from Auntie Bert or Uncle Lu, etc., etc.

Only a Christmas morning did I discover little things from Santa (*wink*) in my stocking.

What was your favorite subject in school?

English, Journalism

What's the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?

Sunny side up egg atop pizza.

What's your favorite family recipe?

My mother's banana nut bread

One of these days I'd like to try my hand at making grandmother's

lefse.  As a child, I probably tried eating my own body weight in those sweet treats!

Have a blessed day, y'all!

Hugs, Myra

 

Friday Finds and Fotos

 

Happy Friday, y'all!

Ours has been a pretty okay week.

  

I was excited when Tom suggested we visit Prattville Pickers -- a fun marketplace dealing in vintage and home goods.   It recently reopened after being whammied by a twister back in March, and we were more than ready to find some area rugs.  (Switching from carpet to ceramic tile sure makes a difference in our home's noise level!)

Unfortunately, their new shipment of rugs is a couple of months away, but we still enjoyed puttering around.

Hopscotch, anyone?

Tempted!

... but no, I didn't.

Ever get the feeling someone's watching you?

It took me a minute to realize that mechanic's really a dummy/ surveillance camera.

I don't need this ...

... but I wanted it.

These, too!

("I just don't want to look back and think, I could've eaten that.")

This is sooo me!

Last name Hungry. First name, Always

Could you please direct me to the ladies room?

The man said, "Just follow the footprints."

What in the world?

Not until I read the directions (hanging above), I was waving my hands this way and that, trying to get water to come out.

"Step on pedal"

This was an original hand-wash basin from a sewing factory.

Have you ever seen one of these?

Moving right along ...

We stopped for a bite at our favorite eatery, where I satisfied my craving for French Onion soup.

Just wish it came with a pair of scissors!

Finally .....

3 months after the fact, I'm still struggling to remember where I set my reading glasses.

But thanks to Dollar Tree, I can put a pair in (almost) every room.

Bend me, shape me, anyway you want me!

Isn't this a novel idea?

I may go back and spend another $1.25 to keep in my car's glove compartment.

Love the Dollar Tree!

How has your day been?

Let's chat soon!

Hugs, Myra

 

Summertime at the Hodgepodge

 

Welcome back to Wednesday's Hodgepodge!  

Step aside, Barbara Walters.  Let's lift our frosty mugs of root beer to Joyce!

Hello Summer! In the northern hemisphere anyway. What's something on your summer bucket list? Do you have an actual summer bucket list? If not, use your hypothetical list.

I don't have such a list -- but wouldn't say 'no' to driving over to Auburn and Toomer's Corner Drugs.  Finally. Their lemonade is supposed to be legendary.

What for you is the defining scent of summer?

Coppertone suntan lotion ...
mosquito repellent

What's a (music, food, wine, or flower) festival happening in your part of the country that you would like to attend if tickets/travel/timing was no object? 

I'm not aware of any summertime festivals nearby.
Considering Tom's limited mobility and the usual crowds, maybe it's best we just bank our time.

Apparently a military whistle blower claims the US has a UFO retrieval program. What say you? Do you believe aliens are out there?

I don't dis-believe --
but if so (and presuming they mean no harm) I wish we'd leave them the heck alone. 

Besides your wedding day and the birthdays of any children you may have, what are three of your top experiences in life?

Oh my gosh, Joyce. This is a toughie!

My travels -- in particular, to Glacier Bay (AK) and Tuscany (Italy) are right up there.

Oh, and the cruise where several of us talked an employee into showing us the ship's engine boiler room.  I wasn't counting on having to climb down a ladder in formal wear and wound up breaking a heel in the process.  It was HOT down there.

I've met some famous folks, but ...

getting to meet and visit with Sean Dietrich (aka, Sean of the South) a few months ago sure quickened this old lady's pulse. (lol)

 

Insert your own random thought here. 

PSA!
It's best not to store cleaning products together with personal toiletries.  

Day before yesterday I nearly sprayed my hair with granite cleaner/polish.

Oops!

Have a good one, y'all!

Hugs, Myra

 

Saturday 9: Beautiful Boy

 

My dad (ca 1914/15)

    

Sam chose this week's song in honor of Father's Day.  You can hear it here.   Want to play along?  Just click!

Paul McCartney has said that "Beautiful Boy" is one of his favorite John Lennon solo songs.  What's yours?

I'm not especially fond of John Lennon's music -- but have been known to sing along (albeit poorly) to 'Woman' or 'Starting Over.'

Lennon wrote this for his son, Sean.  Father and son share an October 9 birthday.  Does anyone in your life share your birthday?

I don't think so, no.

John asks Sean to take his hand before they cross the street.  Name another song that references holding hands.

Stranger in Paradise

Today Sean Lennon is in his late 40's.  He lives in Greenwich Village, creating art and music from his elaborate home-based music and film studio.  Are you into the latest in electronics?

That's above my IQ .... and pocketbook, too!

In Thailand, Father's Day is observed on the birthday of the current King.  Are you celebrating any birthdays this month?

We went out for supper night before last to celebrate Leon's 79th special day.

(Because he's had a heart transplant, lucky guy celebrates two birthdays!)

Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't wish my dad a happy Heavenly birthday on the 27th.

Crazy Sam vividly remembers her long-ago high school days when her father gave her driving lessons.  Do you consider yourself a good driver?

Yes, but probably more cautious than is necessary.

Sam's dad is a stickler about car maintenance and reminds Sam to change her air filter regularly so her a/c and heater can run efficiently.  Share a car maintenance tip.

Find a good, honest automotive shop!

When he fills up the car, Sam's father also stocks up on his favorite candy: Life Savers.  He always has a bag in the glove compartment.  What's something you don't leave home without?

My cell phone.

Hard to believe, I used to gallivant everywhere without one.  Now, I'm likely to turn around and go back home for it.

Random question:  How long can you go without checking your phone?

An hour, maybe?

(I could, but wouldn't like it!)

Happy weekend, everyone!

Hugs, Myra

Goings on

 

Hey there!

I wasn't up for Wednesday's usual Q+A, but still want to check-in.  How the heck are y'all?

Me?  I'm feeling ...

Grateful  

The contractor snafu's resolved.  They wound up sending a team out of Birmingham Monday afternoon.  Shortly before nightfall, hands were shaken, and we've no worry about leaves accumulating, clogging up the gutters.
 

But!  As they were preparing to leave, another city cop pulled into the drive.  Remember when the first team walked off the job, accusing us of calling the police on them?

Well, according to our neighbor (who recently had work done) the cops routinely patrol the whole of Coosada's 7.13 sq. mi. -- on the lookout for work trucks.  If the worker can't produce a Coosada business permit, they're ticketed and asked to leave.

Tom asked the officer, "Does this mean if I have someone come cut my lawn they have to have a permit?"   "Yes."

SMDH!

Loving

Our new Bible study, Psalm 23.  New-to-me, I've never before wept during a study.  Yet, watching Jennifer Rothchild's presentation Monday morning, had me fumbling for tissues.  If anyone's interested in watching, here's the 30-min. session.  (Can you tell, she's blind?  I sure can't.)

Nostalgic

So, I was the first to notice on FB where a former boss passed.  Immediately, I PM'd a former colleague.  "Did you hear?"  

... which prompted a call, and another.  A PM from a former manager.

All of a sudden, it was 1990 all over again.  Memories came flooding back, photos of our younger, silly selves were exchanged.  And this, heartfelt PM from his boss.  In part, "It is a once-in-a-lifetime group of the most talented people I have ever worked with.  Every time I look at that picture, I feel so lucky and honored to have worked with such great people, professionally and personally.  And Myra, you were a tireless worker and brilliant in every way; I miss you and the team every day." 

Frank (far left), me on the other end.

Captain America

Yes, I wept.

Seriously. Except for the work family I enjoyed in West Texas, this is the only time in my life I looked forward to going back to work each Monday.   As another AE commented on Frank's memorial page, "Some stories just can't be made public."
Another, "Those were the days. An HR nightmare."

Part of me wants to attend his Celebration of Life next month in New Orleans, but no.  It's better to remember a favorite song: "The Way We Were."

... and life goes on.

Thanks for being part of mine!

Hugs, Myra

This Business of Life

 

... challenged to find a title!   Hmmm.  

I was thinking my week's been like an episode of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  Maybe, The Good.TheBad.TheUgly.

In brief.  Tom had 3 'procedures.'  Not to be outdone, me the annual mammogram.  (All seems well, thank you, Jesus!)  Contractor scheduled for Tuesday -- no call, no show.  Two days later they arrived, worked half a day ... then inexplicably walked off without finishing.  Claimed we called the cops on them.  (Whaaaaat?)   Ship's Log Jack, wish you were here!  

Anyway!  You didn't come here to hear me gripe.  

There were some bright spots.  The chair that fit just right, if you will!

💛

Thursday evening I attended my first art showing.
(New to me ... ✔️)   

One of the ladies from church is an accomplished artist we wanted to come support.  

Donna (the artist) answering somebody's question.

Check out that piano bench!

... while friends Brenda and Pastor Janet perused.

There were a couple of pieces I liked; unfortunately, both above my pay grade.

This was a far cry from those exhibits I read about in novels -- Those featuring well-heeled patrons in little black dresses, sipping from champagne flutes.   

Nope.  I arrived wearing my best t-shirt and leggings, enjoyed sweet tea and pimento sandwiches.  And fit right in!

💛

Last evening, I asked Tom on a date

to a nearby no-frills spot featuring beer, box wine, cornhole games, live music ... and a new favorite food truck!

The Rex

Hey Bebe!

(Stock FB photo)

Sicilian Chef Joe is a Delight!

Don't you enjoy hearing people's stories?

A graduate of the Culinary Institute, Joe worked 30+ years for an upscale hotel restaurant. 
Then Covid hit.

Suddenly without a job, his wife suggested he get a food truck.  ("I told her, are you out of your mind?")

I love what he said about doing this.

(Paraphrasing) 'Visiting with people and hearing them say how much they enjoy my food is the best part.  When you work behind the scenes, people seldom say 'thank you.'

THIS is what I got..

Another new to me ...✔️

Just for fun, look at the menu and tell me what you think I ordered!

Suffice to say, I'm still full!

💛

Have yourselves a wonderful weekend, okay?

Be safe!

Hugs,

Me and my BFF's