Fallin' into the Hodgepodge

It's officially Fall, y'all!

    ..... In the northern hemisphere anyway.
    Any signs of it where you are?  

    Not just yet ... this is last year's pix.

    What's your favorite thing about this time of year? 

These cool mornings are the best!
Too, the falling leaves.   They present a mess; I have to vacuum every day ... but they intoxicate my senses.

Have you visited any 'falls' in person? Tell us about one of your favorites? Of the following top ten famous falls which would you most like to see in person-

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia), Igazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil), Niagara Falls (US/Canada), Angel Falls (Venezuela), Yosemite Falls (California), Dettifoss (Iceland) Kaieteur Falls (Guyana), Plitvice Waterfalls (Croatia), Gullfoss-Golden Falls (Iceland), or Sutherland Falls (New Zealand)

I'm going with Niagara Falls (US/Canada).
#1, because I don't have to leave the Country ..... and #2 I don't recall much from my first visit in the '50's.  I only remember being fascinated by tales of those daredevils who chanced going over the Falls in barrels.  

What's something you'll miss about summer?

Not a darn thing!   

A favorite fall recipe?

I don't know if this qualifies as a favorite; I'll making it for the first time later this afternoon.  It reminds me of something I used to love while living in West Texas.

Frito Pie

Line the bottom of your slow cooker with 2 bags of Fritos
Cover with 1# (est.) browned loose meat (chuck)
Add 2 cans Enchilada sauce

Fold meat and sauce.  Gently, so as not to break the Fritos!

Spread 1 can refried beans across the mix
Sprinkle with onion (to taste, I'm using 1/2 lg. white)
Sprinkle that with green chiles (or not, depending on your taste buds)

Cover with 1 packet Taco Seasoning
Cover with Mexican style (or cheddar) shredded cheese

Cook on 'high' for about 30 minutes
... and scoop to serve!

I'm going to add a dish of sour cream on the side, perhaps jalapenos for those who'd like.

Something you enjoy but lately have allowed it to 'fall by the wayside'?

I seriously need to make time for my lady friends.
Sharon keeps asking to come over for coffee and Cindy's always up for lunch.
Not having had the in-person company of like-minded 'girlfriends' since 1970-something, they're a blessing! 

Insert your own random thought here.

            This ...

Thank you. 

Hugs, Myra

Monday Matters* (Vol. #7)

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

Good morning, 

... and TY ❤️ for the sweet comments on my amateur videos.  I read them to Tom and (might have) added, "See?" 

ANYway, Happy Autumn!

It's still warm, but no icky humidity -- giving me the opportunity to lay our wash out on the wooden rack out back.  (Thank goodness for privacy fences!)

It's been a lazy, indulgent weekend.   Because my stomach's been on the 'fritz', I skipped church but did make a big pot of Cathy's yummy potato soup. 

Forgot to tell you!

Another blogger recently shared a $Tree find that's piqued my fancy.

Pop Daddy's Pretzel (sticks) for the WIN!

They're not keto friendly -- but worth every stinkin' carb.

Tom enjoyed them so much I went over to Amazon to order more.
My goodness, they've like a dozen different varieties!  I also picked one called Smoked Gouda.

Whoops!

Some may remember the new-in-box Nike Air's I found at an estate sale -- the same ones that inexplicably began crumbling. Falling apart.  I was able to glue them back together ... not so pretty, but good for everyday running about.

Well, just as I was headed to the check-out my left one started flopping.  If I hadn't had hold of the buggy, I might have done a face-plant, right there in ($1.25)Tree.   I just reached down and pulled it off and stuck it in my purse.   Then go figure, the right one did the same thing as I was walking across the parking lot.  What to do but slide-shuffle to the truck and bust out laughing.

Wondering if these were knock-off/counterfeits?

So I'm curious ..... 

I know a couple of you are fans of the word game, Connections.  Anyone else?

When someone suggested I play, at first I was like, "Oh, this is going to be easy."

Nuh-uh!
Still, I'm learning to take my time to think.  And think again.

Some days are better than others

However humbling, some of us have begun sharing our scores on FB.
Who'd like to join us?

🤗

Y'all be sweet now!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

 

 

Friday Fotos

 

Good morning ... Happy Friday!

Some of y'all asked about Tom participating in our friends' Praise gathering Sunday afternoon.

He was a little nervous but had a good time.   Best, the audience's response!  Several people came up afterwards to tell him how much they enjoyed it.

(Tom left on sax)

Some may have seen a video clip I shared on FB, but here's a couple more if you're interested.

Our friend's adorable gr-grandson

at rehearsals.

In other news ....

Tom knows better than to let me in Dollar Tree unsupervised. (lol)

But such a deal!   

Some of y'all know I'm nuts for all things black-and-white.

Now, if the weather will just cool a bit so we can enjoy sitting out there (sun room).

I think that's all ... for now.

I hope y'all enjoy a great weekend!

Hugs, Myra

 

Hodgepodge #520

    #520 already?  Wow.

    Thank you, Joyce!

If your life had a theme song for this past year, what would it be?

 

Chocolate cake, chocolate milkshake, chocolate ice cream, chocolate truffle, chocolate mousse, chocolate candy bar or a fudgy chocolate brownie?  Of the chocolate treats listed, which one is your favorite?  Which one have you tasted most recently.  Or maybe, you don't like chocolate?

Excepting white chocolate/peppermint bark or Reese's, I'm not a big fan.
(That's not to say I didn't snitch one of Tom's fun-size Butterfingers the other night.)

I'd much rather have anything butterscotch or butter pecan.

What has surprised you recently?

How much more I'm enjoying life, now that I'm no longer obsessing about my weight, denying myself.
When I suggested Tipico's the other day, Tom was shocked.

We had a good time and talked to each other instead of our screens.  Best of all, my bathroom scale has remained pretty much the same.

September 19 is National Voter Registration Day in the U.S.   Are you registered to vote in whatever state or country you happen to live in right now?  If not, why not?  Not counting a political race, what's something you've had to vote on recently?

Yes, I'm registered ..... but must admit to feeling discouraged; like it doesn't make a difference.
(There, I said it out loud.)

Unlike our congregation's disaffiliation process, I didn't have to vote for a certain AGT candidate, but ya.  I let my fingers do the walking until he was eliminated.

Do you like to hike?  If so, when's the last time you went hiding and where'd ya go?  If you're not a hiker are you a walker?  Is walking (for exercise, etc.) part of your daily/weekly routine?

I've not hiked since the mid-90's at Bandelier National Monument (northern New Mexico).
Now that the weather's expected to cool, I've made a promise to myself to resume walking Village Green.  It's so pretty, and I can listen to my book all the while.

Insert your own random thought here.

Little things mean a lot!

..... perhaps like an air hug from someone who cares,

Myra

Random ramblings

 

G'morning from rainy central Alabama!

Unlike our pups, I'm not complaining ... reveling in the opportunity to wear long sleeves again.   While mid-80* days aren't chilly by any means, I'll take 'em!

Did you know there's something called a 'fake Fall'?   Me, either.  The other day I was all set to take pictures of the falling leaves -- then the weatherman said it's actually heat stress that's making us think Autumn's arrived.

🍃

Do me a favor, will you?    

I shouldn't let it 'get' to me, but.  Without rhyme or reason more than a few of my comments have been disappearing.  Poof!

Usually I'll notice and send another, "Kilroy was here."  All the same, if I'm a regular visitor and you don't see my name after a few days, won't you please give me a "what's up?".  (ty)

🍃

Oh, y'all, I'm reading/listening to a really good book. The Golden Couple.   I'm not familiar with the author(s), but readers' feedback and this teaser have me sucked in.   Only 4 hours remaining, I can't decide whether to give it 4 or 5 (stars).

Wealthy Washington suburbanites Marissa and Matthew Bishop seem to have it all—until Marissa is unfaithful. Beneath their veneer of perfection is a relationship riven by work and a lack of intimacy. She wants to repair things for the sake of their eight-year-old son and because she loves her husband. Enter Avery Chambers.

Avery is a therapist who lost her professional license. Still, it doesn’t stop her from counseling those in crisis, though they have to adhere to her unorthodox methods. And the Bishops are desperate.

When they glide through Avery’s door and Marissa reveals her infidelity, all three are set on a collision course. Because the biggest secrets in the room are still hidden, and it’s no longer simply a marriage that’s in danger.

Genres
Mystery Thriller, Suspense
                 

Oh, here's a quote I copied, 'just because.'  I'd like to see it embroidered on a sampler! 

"The first taste of morning coffee and the first one of evening wine have to rank up there with the world's greatest pleasures."

*Amen*

🍃

... speaking of "Amen"!  I'm excited to see Tom performing with a our church friends and theirs tomorrow afternoon at a community praise and worship service.

Honestly, if you'd have told me even a few years ago Tom would even consider doing something like this, I'd have laughed in your face.  Yet, because he loves playing and 'jamming' with other musicians, Frank's lured him in.   Nanette just shakes her head, but I've not seen her dad this enthusiastic about anything in a very long time.

Granted, my south side Chicago-raised hubby didn't know any of the songs.  (*gasp*)  ... but has set about trying learn "I'll Fly Away", "Will the Circle be Unbroken" etc., etc.   Cross fingers, will you please?

🍃

Okay, then!
Not sure what this weather has to do with my appetite, but I'm going to wander towards the kitchen.

I hope y'all enjoy a sweet Saturday.  I appreciate your stopping by!

Hugs, Myra

 

It's a Nutty Hodgepodge

 

 Hey there!

Mom's back, playing something she calls the "Hodgepodge."   Won't you sit a spell ..... and perhaps play along?

 💛

Did you watch any coverage of the 9/11 services on Monday?  How do you feel on this day some 22 years after the events occurred?  Share more if you want.

I didn't watch any coverage on Monday; however, 60 Minutes Overtime aired a riveting-but-heartbreaking episode Sunday night.

As I told another blogger -- despite being thousands of miles away -- I was devastated.  It's like there are two of me:

the person I was before 9/11, and who I am today.

It rerouted my mind's wiring.  My emotions.

We were discussing at Bible study --

Have we, as a nation, once again become complacent?

What do you think?

September 13 is National Peanut Day.  Do you like peanuts?  Your favorite dish that contains peanuts?

A jar of unsalted peanuts is usually a staple in our kitchen cupboard.
Aside from throwing in my salad (faux croutons), I recently made this:

Keto King Plate

(enjoyed at Chappy's Deli)

Not having fajita seasoning on hand, I used chili oil, minced garlic and cumin.  AND peanuts (v. pecans).

Next time, I'm going to use fresh spinach, but otherwise it was a win.

Something you're currently 'nuts' about?

Can I use 'nuts' as in perplexed?

My Taos' features are a bit overwhelming.  For instance: This morning I was headed to pick up my WM order when, all of a sudden, my cell phone rang -- through the 'information station' at an ear-splitting decibel.  Glad I wasn't travelling 70 mph across a bridge (lol).

Since the last time I bought a car was in 2005, I really need an 8 y/o to come sit in the passenger seat and walk me through these things.  Hey y'all, I'm old.

Your favorite Peanuts character?  There are several quizzes online if you're curious.  Joyce took two and got the same character for both, so she's sure it's accurate (lol).  Click here for the link.

I'm Marcie.

Tell us about a job you worked 'for peanuts'?

That was the part-time clerical job I took at a local funeral home/cemetery in Montgomery.

Following my retirement, I'd been experiencing a bit of cabin fever and jumped at the first offer/opportunity.

Not only was the pay pitiful, but the stress level something I couldn't abide.  (My uncle having been an undertaker, the workplace wasn't off-putting ... rather, the hard-sell atmosphere when folks are at their most fragile.)

Insert your own random thought here.

How about two?

Yep!

Can you only imagine?

Ever since I saw this, I'm extra careful when responding.

💛

Thank you to Joyce for these questions ..... and thank y'all for taking time to visit!

Hugs, Myra

Thursday thoughts

 

Hi there!

For having enjoyed a do-nothing Holiday weekend, things certainly accelerated!

In what's become custom, Tom and I observed our anniversary Tuesday evening with a nice dinner at Long Horn.

Way past the age of jewelry or roses, we gifted ourselves a Nutri-Bullet.  And a big container of protein powder.

Tom hopes to regain some muscle tone/energy that's been missing now since his battle with spinal osteomyelitis.  He wasted no time filling the buggy with strawberries, raspberries, watermelon and gosh knows what else.

I'm more interested in experimenting with NON-fruit combos.  Has anyone a favorite smoothie recipe they'd like to share?  (P+TY)

* * *

Having narrowed our my preferred models, the next morning we returned to the VW car dealership (can you say "ugh!"?) -- pretending to believe the salesperson had our best interests at heart.

Long story short, I went with the Taos.
... and despite Tom's reservations, chose black.  

I've always wanted a black car!  In all probability, this will likely be the last one I drive ... might as well get what I want. Right?

Curious.  I remember in the past, being over-the-moon about the possibility of a new car.  Not so much now.  In fact, yesterday morning I woke early, my stomach churning like I was fixing to undergo experimental surgery.  Or become the First Senior Citizen in Space.

... but what's with Finance Managers?  I'd no qualms about qualifying; that had already been pre-approved.  Unlike our sales fellow, this guy was icy-cold -- probably made worse when we refused all the little add-on's he tried to wheedle.  (Suppose that job requires a degree in Disagreeable-ness?)

* * *

In other news ...

There's nothing much on our plate, thank goodness.  I've grocery shopping and errands to run ... all the while our grass is growing like someone sprinkled steroidal drops while we slept.  And weeds!

Praying for a cold front!

I missed National Read a Book day, but that's just what I'm going to do this afternoon.

Right, Scarlett?

I hope y'all enjoy a blessed day.

Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

  

Thanks for much for everyone's recollections at Watercooler Wednesday!

I didn't/haven't responded individually because my system's acting out.  None of your comments are appearing in my e-mail.  Norton's 'enhanced' security patch may be innocent, but I don't believe in coincidences. Stay tuned!

Happy Friday

So, day before yesterday found me headed to a Montgomery neighborhood I'd not visited before.  My fever pitch for estate sales has dimmed -- but previews for this one had me salivating.

Smiling, on account one of the posers in my 'Conversation Piece' book asked, "In what home anywhere would you most like to spend the night?"

Me, I'm more a Ben Cartright's Ponderosa sort -- 

but this 7,000-ish sq. foot beauty liked to take my breath away.

Since I can't put my feet up on the coffee table, guess I'll pass.

In the midst of faux grandeur, this toilet made me giggle.

Sometimes after the fact, I'll consult Google to see who lives/lived there.  Sheer curiosity, yes; but also, to get a feel for whatever trinket I've brought home:

Placemats, because they match our area rug

and these -- brand new!

I'm cuckoo for socks!!!

Anyway.

From public information easily found online, this is a curious one.

The owner of record is only a few years older than my son, apparently divorced.  He's moved to Georgia and purchased a bigger home -- more than 8,000 sq. feet!

But!  Wouldn't you take along your clothing?  Both the men's and women's closets were full, many items with the sales tag still affixed.

Inquiring minds want to know!

Oh, I wish I'd the talent to spin a novel -- (working title) Murder at Greystone.

* * *

Speaking of murder, I almost killed my little weed whacker this morning.

Tom might have suspected I gummed it up on purpose but he was too polite to say so.

Thankfully, it will live to munch another day.

Not so, it seems my Camry.

During its routine maintenance, our mechanic discovered a couple things needing remedied.  Expensive things.

After much thought, we've decided to bite the bullet and see what's available at a price we can afford.

My least favorite thing to do, but like Rick used to say, it's the Cost of Doing Life. 

Life is a very good thing, wouldn't you agree?

Hugs, Myra