Water Cooler Wednesday

 

    It's been a while since we gathered at the cooler!

Thanks to Bret Nicholaus and Paul Lowrie for a whole "New Generation of Questions"!

There are several that piqued my fancy, but

considering the Nation's focus on Hurricane Idelia and our friends in Florida .....

I'm curious,

What is the most incredible (or interesting) weather event you've ever been through?

Hugs, Myra

(My answer can be found in the comments.)

Sunday evening

 

G'evening folks!

What's new?

This is me.  That's all.

I'm fixin' to begin ....

"Vacuuming in the Nude"

(Nooooo, silly -- not me!)

The author is Mike Rowe's 84 y/o mom, Peggy.

I love her sense of humor! Suppose she'll become the next Erma Bombeck?  Jeanne Robertson, even.

Check out this clip and decide for yourself!

Building ...

Taco rolls

That's softened cream cheese, blended with a pack of taco seasoning and (drained) Rotel.

Spread mixture across a large tortilla (I bought the low-carb Spinach) ... sprinkle with Fiesta cheese ... roll, cut and refrigerate.  Easy peasy!

Looking forward ...

To Bible study tomorrow ... collecting what nuggets/truths I hear, both on the video and from friends' mouths.

For instance?

"I feel like y'all are my 'second chance family'."

"Be contagiously kind."

... and my personal favorite --

"I'm a woman of generous years."

(I am so stealing that one!)

Okay, then!

This generous-years-old gal is going to say 'ciao for now!'

Have a good night's sleep and a great Monday!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

Foodie Friday

 

'Pretty sure everyone's heard:
One either "eats to live" or "lives to eat."   That pretty well describes my mother and father ..... and unfortunately, I inherited daddy's genes.

While he always had a trim physique, eating good meals was probably my dad's favorite thing in the world.  That's not to say it had to include expensive cuts or be visually appealing.   

In my childhood kitchen there was no such thing as real butter or ice cream.  Nope.  The grocery list included olio, ice milk.  And if they were on sale, Banquet TV dinners.  Pot pies.  10 for $1!

Today, I/we still enjoy no-frills meals.  Except for special occasions, I borrow from a favorite saying: "Work smarter, not harder." 
 

This recently made an appearance in my Test Kitchen:

From Happier Than a Pig in Mud ...

thanks, Lyn!

Tom's only suggestion was to add shredded onion -- but that's just the way we roll.

I don't have a photo ...
but I also enjoy eggs -- prepared every which way -- at least 4-5 times a week.

When I read a recommendation to create tastier, fluffier scrambled eggs, I knew I had to try it.
  
I added a spoonful of water, then another of mayo.

(Okay, being I like a little food with my mayonnaise, I may have doubled the Duke's.)

What a difference!  Not going back, no way!

Still to come ... 

There's a can of biscuits fixing to explode if I don't use it soon.  This seems to define what Tom calls 'comfort food.'

A little levity --

True that!

Let's chat soon!

Hugs, Myra

Fishy Hodgepodge

G'morning,

Thank you, Joyce ... fellow Hodgepodgers ... and all y'all!   
Shall we?

🤗

What's your earliest memory?

I couldn't have been more than 2, because I still slept in a crib.
Rather, I was standing and shaking the end in full 'hissy-fit' mode.

I guess my parents needed time to do what parents do, because they'd left me with my grandmother.  I remember her standing and chastising, shaking a bony finger in my face.

I just did the math -- she was younger than I am now, but I always thought of her as ancient.  And mean.

A willful child, yep!

What's something about you today that the old you would find surprising?

I actually look forward to attending church -- v. only going because my parents or others expected me to.

Do you like to fish?

Back in the day I loved deep-sea fishing.  One of R's business associates owned a fishing boat at Galveston's Yacht Club. Once a year he'd host a weekend get-together for clients. I probably enjoyed the camaraderie more than actually catching fish.

This was my only claim-to-fame (in Acapulco).

Are you a fish eater?  Favorite fish (to eat)?

I love salmon, but not so much the rest.   Some years ago I developed a shellfish allergy -- plus I'm terrified of discovering bones in my entree.

Favorite way to prepare fish?

I don't!

What's your biggest first-world problem?

My cell phone's battery!
Granted, I probably spend more time fooling with it than what's normal, but by Noon it's about spent.

What one word would you use to describe your year thus far?

Blessed.

Sure, I get impatient. Dissatisfied.
Then I remember how, not 3 years ago, our world turned upside down.  Perspective!

Insert your own random thought here.

 Color me, longing for Autumn

Thanks for visiting ... have a delightful day!

Hugs, Myra

Weekend Recap

 

Why, yes.  They did!

Last time we chatted, Tom's friend was 'thinking about' visiting - which set in motion putting a bit of lipstick on the pig and several trips to the grocers.

In a rare mood to shop, Tom suggested we revisit a favorite 'pickers' emporium.   Honestly, not having seen anything of interest in the way of area rugs, I'd put it out of mind.

... but look what Tom discovered.

We agreed, it's a great match for the cornice boards.

Finding something to replace the sunroom table and chairs we'd given my son and DIL?   Prices being what they are, I stuck an old Samsonite card table out there and called it good.  That was then ..

.. and tho' I'm not over the moon with this coffee corner set, Tom loves it.  (That's what counts, right ladies?)

I can still read or watch TV on the love seat across the room.

We hadn't counted on these weighing about as much as a small truck -- but the price was right.  The table, 4 chairs and area rug all came home unblemished, for less than $300.  Woot!

This made me LOL.

Now, about our houseguests ....

Note to self:  When making plans, menfolk should never be counted on for specifics.   

While we expected them to arrive Saturday afternoon/eve, D phoned from Meridian to say they were going directly to the RV park and would catch up with us in the morning.  "What? We didn't even know Millbrook has such a park!"  (Happy I didn't bake a cake, lol.)

Having only met D's wife once, I was a little nervous -- but L turned out to be a delight.   Their rescue dog was such a hoot, we laughed and laughed.  And laughed some more. 

I'm kicking myself for not getting a picture. Imagine, if you will, a 90-ish pound blend of Shar Pei/Ridgeback/Doberman who just wanted to be loved.   'Sweet Pea' was so mellow ... unlike our two brats.  (Yes, that's exactly what our terrible twosome were.) 

We decided to lunch for a little Southern flair in Wetumpka, and later just sat around and visited.  Late afternoon, after "thanks for a great time!" they returned to the RV park and fire flies.  (Being natives of Oregon, that was a novelty!)   They're on to Arkansas this morning, having a blast.  

Not at all what we were expecting, but sure enjoyable.  I'm thinking I shouldn't have so many expectations and just lighten up.  

Now I need to empty the ice chest and see what, in the way of foodstuffs I can freeze.

... so are the days of our lives!

How was your weekend?

Hugs, Myra

If this is Wednesday ...

 

... it must be time to Hodgepodge!  Thank you, Joyce!

What motivates you to work hard?

Oh my word, y'all!  How about, last week when Tom's friend called from Arizona to say they were taking a little road trip and might be coming our way for a few days.

Can you say Speed Clean?

... and about that word 'might'!  So far, we've had no word.  Tom's (aka, Mr. Mello) is totally fine with it.  Me -- an uber Planner -- not so much.  We shall see!

It's been said "Ignorance is bliss" ... is it?

My first instinct was a resounding "No!"

Then I remembered a song lyric that pierced my heart:

Would you rather be stuck in a broken elevator or a broken ski lift?  Explain.  Have you ever actually been stuck on either?

Thankfully, I've never been stuck in/on either -- but I'll say the ski lift.  You can't beat the scenery, plus the cell phone reception should be better than in a steel box.

  Of the common fears listed here, what's your #1?

Heights - enclosed spaces - snakes - public speaking - the dark - flying.

Snakes.  I can't even bear to see them on television.

 

What's something you like about the town or city where you live?

The people!
I'm remembering an earlier post, shortly after we moved here from Big City Arizona:

Oh man, I love our little town's Post Office!  I needed to bring something inside to weigh last week and overheard:

"Hey there, Miz *****.  How's your grandma doing?"

Another, discussing folks who'd recently lost a loved one:

"All's we can do is love them through it."

And my personal favorite:  

When I asked the clerk, "How are you today?" she replied,

"I can't complain sugar.  There's only one of you and I prefer a larger audience."

Life is too short to --

I recently did a post on that very subject!
(If you'd like you can read my list here.)

For no particular reason (*wink*) let's go with "beat myself up about a gained pound."

Insert your own random thought here --

Thanks for visiting, and perhaps, playing along!

Now, before I lose all motivation, there's a weed whacker sitting with my name on it.

Hugs, Myra

While the weather outside is frightful ...

 

I'm --

Loving
..... what's turning into unplanned Thursday lunch dates with Tom.  It's darn hard to beat Longhorn's salmon -- twice we've done it now -- but I'm casting envious glances across the street at a new-to-us Mexican eatery.

Laughing
..... at what ridiculous things pop into my head.  Last week, for example. 
I began brushing Macie Ann and Jack Jones came out of my mouth:  "Hey, little girl!  Comb your hair, fix your make-up, soon he will open the door.  Don't send him off with your hair up in curlers, you may never see him no-more."

(Suppose right about now there are women screeching and pulling their hair out at the roots. Ha!)

Watching
..... Saturday Night Fever.  Never a fan of John Travolta, I do miss the ladies' pretty dresses and heels.  I wouldn't want a steady diet of disco, but sure enjoyed listening to the Bee Gee's soundtrack! 

Playing
..... With AI.  I'll never be in the same league as Sandra, but it's more fun than Etch-a-Sketch.
I went over to Bing Digital Creator and typed these words: Nighttime + old European cobblestone street + fog + lanterns.

This was AI's response:

"That sounds like a very atmospheric and mysterious scene.  I wonder what kind of story you have in mind for it.  Maybe it's a historical fiction set in medieval times, or a fantasy.  Maybe a horror thriller with a dark secret lurking in the shadows.

I'm going to try to generate some images based on your description.  It might take me a few seconds, so please. Be patient.  I hope you'll like what I come up with."

A few seconds later --

A dream date.  Does this look like a stroll you'd enjoy?

Planning
..... and finalizing my Christmas list.  Ever since childhood, I've been a (bit) obsessed with gift-giving -- poring over the Miles Kimball catalog, tallying my quarters.

I know.  Christmas is still 134 days away -- but it seems this year's calendar pages are spinning like our ceiling fan.  Already, the Dollar Tree's put out their Halloween and Thanksgiving merchandise.

Since June, I've been buying a little here and there.  I've deposited the rest in shopping carts, so come December there's little stress -- either in my head or on my bank account!

If you want to send me your "Wish List", I'll be sure old St. Nick gets word!

Y'all be good now! 

Hugs, Myra

  

Friday Fotos: Then and Now

.

I'd be lying if I didn't say, my loved ones' recent visit to New Mexico didn't give rise to a bit of nostalgia.  While Abilene, Texas is my heart's home(town) -- there are times my mind strolls through places which back-dropped my first 18 years. 

Come along with me ....

Does anyone else loathe change?
Receiving this text, why my heart recoiled.

Our quad might not have been much -- but my parents took enormous care keeping it neat and spruced up.

That same front porch ...

Where I began my sophomore year high school

... where the following year got my first kiss.

(You never forget that first kiss, do you?)

The back looking sad. Unkept.

I smiled, remembering that huge Ponderosa pine outside my second floor bedroom window.

Not so in 1962.

Trying to look happy on the occasion of my birthday.

Much to mother's dismay, I was never into dolls or doll-play,

... preferring, perhaps, to conquer walking the length of that fence top.

Second from the right, that's mother's kitchen window.

..... where a few years later my little son enjoyed his Christmas orange.

I'd completely forgotten my mother's bread box and canister set!

... which reminds me of a favorite quote:

"When looking at old photos, always pay attention to the background. There are so many memories hiding out in the space around the people being photographed."

Hiding in plain sight!

My mother's voice, "Stop using that drawer pull as a bottle opener."

Think I listened?  Just look!

How I laughed when, decades later, I discovered this on a real estate listing.  No-one ever thought to repair or paint over the dent!

(Does anyone else go back and Google their old address to discover realtor's listing photographs?)

Well, Life goes on.

... and if we're fortunate, so do we!

Now I have to get busy and load more offerings for the County Food Bank's Thrift Store.

Have yourselves a blessed day!

Hugs, Myra

Life Happens

 ... aka, reflections and something called Goodness Grabbers.

Hey there!  

So, recent events had me in a poor state of mind.  Costly veterinary and unexpected home repairs meant I couldn't wouldn't justify our spending $400 to hear my Most Admired Man speak at a nearby rally last Friday.  

I held a 48-hour 'pity party' before remembering something Jennifer Rothschild related in our last Bible study:

Having made the "World's Worst Casserole" -- at Christmas, of all times! -- she phoned her father.  Instead of sympathizing he said, "No you didn't (make the worst).  You made a great memory."  If you'd like, you can read the article here."

He taught her to create "Goodness Grabbers."

At first, I imagined an adorable yarn puppet ... an ET-like doll, perhaps.  I wanted one of my own! 


No, they're "word magnets that attract the good in any situation; words or phrases that extract the best out of even the worst circumstances."

OK, I can do that.  (Haven't we all?)   Sure, I perused ETSY, but realized a physical Goodness Grabber doesn't exist.

Joy-bringers, giggle-lcious moments ... whatever you want to call them, here are few recent examples of the Goodness Grabbers in my life.

Remember when I said I ordered the girls a new bed for the front room?  They -- Macie Ann in particular -- were less than thrilled.  She growled.  Head-butted it, too.  And fought like a wildcat when I tried putting her down on it.

Leave well enough alone!  Still, after they each got 4 vaccines Monday afternoon, here's what I discovered:

Two of my favorite humans renewed their wedding vows -- at the same church my parents and I attended for years.

The last time I stood there the calendar read 1968 ...
.... but it looks just the same! 

Something to hold onto ...

Be good ... stay safe ...

I've grown accustomed to your face!

Hugs, Myra

   

  

  

Friday Letters

 

Dear Bucky,

You may not boast 100+ gas pumps and 250 smiling employees ... but your customer service is unparalleled.

We handed you the keys to my aging Camry -- fully expecting an expensive transmission repair -- but no.   After several hours diagnostics you called to say you couldn't find anything amiss.  Not only that, but you wouldn't accept any $ for your time!

Dear Nike,

I don't make a habit of chasing brand names.  Yet, when I spotted a brand-new pair in my size at an estate sale, I grabbed the box and hung on!

Unfortunately, on only the second wearing, just look!

I consulted Google, and guess what?
There's a lot more folks who've experienced the same problems.

Thank goodness I didn't pay retail, but in this case, you don't always get what you pay for!

Dear Millbrook Post Office,

I suspect it's against regulations -- but when I got home and realized I'd goofed on a mailing address, what did you do?  You went back, found my parcel and allowed me to make the correction ... all with a big smile.

I love small-town America!

Dear loved ones,

When you texted me this photo, why it made my whole day year!

You've got mail!

1952-1981

It was always a big deal when, as a child, my dad would let me check the mail.  I can still feel the weight of that old key in my hand.

I don't recall getting much 'junk mail' -- but what a letdown when I'd peer inside to see it empty.

All these years I've incorporated Box #xxx in my records; even as part of an old e-mail address.

Silly, perhaps, but seeing it again warms my heart.

P.S.

Sorry for asking if you'd "gone over to the other side."
It gave you a good laugh knowing I'd mistaken the Atlanta Braves logo on your cap for the University of Alabama.

Oops!

Dear friends,

Thank you for visiting ... please, have a joy-full day!

Hugs, Myra