Halloween at the Tuesday 4

 

Welcome back to Annie's Tuesday 4 ... presented each week in memory of Tony Taddeo.

Before we do, however, a big 

Thank You for sharing your candid thoughts on my funeral etiquette rant dilemma. 

Someone suggested, I might not know the whole story.

True that!

In addition to our covered dishes (and cookies) the widow ordered a huge box of deli sandwiches and sides.

Needless to say, there were lots of leftovers we divvied up at Bible study Monday morning.

🎃

This week, Annie asks ...

What's your opinion of Halloween?

I don't dislike it, but really miss the Halloweens of my childhood.

More often than not, my mother would sew my costume.  I believed she could do anything -- but she drew the line when I asked for a "Flying Purple People Eater" costume.

I'm the clown (jester?) preparing for Central Elementary's class parade.

In my father's uniform ... and yes, that was his (real) pistol.

Things were sure different back then.

We knew just where to go for caramel apples, handcrafted popcorn balls ... and whose house handed out nickels and dimes. 

Memories are important.   Some of them are seasonal good times.  What fall memories and traditions can you share with us?

The only thing that comes to mind are attending high school football games -- the crisp mountain air feeling delicious, even as we'd shiver in the bleachers.

Well, and this wee pooper. (heh-heh)

Made of cast iron, it originally belonged to my father and his siblings.  

My dad would insert a little ash pellet and strike a match.   The dog would 'do' the rest (pun intended), much to our glee.

Stews, soups and chili dishes warm the tummy on chilly fall days.  Have you a good recipe to share for a good fall dish?

How about

A yummy pot of green chile, chicken and rice

Fall is football season.  Are you a fan of any teams?  Do you watch games?

Back in the day, yes!
My former husband and I were rabid fans of the Dallas Cowboys, and for a few years attended most home games.  I subscribed to the Cheerleaders' monthly newsletter; and to this day, the Cowboy Wives' cookbook is a favorite.

Today, our house follows the SEC (War Eagle!) -- but my passion's waned.

Before I go, why not feast your eyes on this cute song 'n dance 

... brought to you by my talented musician/author friend, Jon, at Lone Wolf Concerto.

Stop by and say 'hello' sometime.  You'll be glad you did!

Hugs, Myra

Will someone please take me to task

 

Hi!

'Just popping in to solicit your opinions ... perhaps to change my mind before tomorrow.

I think there's little not to love about our little church.  Oh sure, there's a few who walk about with noses in the air -- but for the most part, everyone's warm and caring.

A few days ago, a long-standing member of the congregation passed away.  I don't recall ever having spoken to Dan, but his wife and I were one-time FB acquaintances.  Not someone I'd normally cross the aisle to speak with.

Anyway.

Like Tom and I, a large percentage of our congregation are on fixed incomes.
Not so, the deceased.  I'd say they're "people of means."

Imagine my surprise when Pastor Janet put out a call for a 'Meal Train' and or restaurant gift cards to benefit the deceased's family.

Not long after, another e-mail:  "The family has asked for additional days (food)."

Then, they've asked that a post-funeral reception be held in our fellowship hall.   Pastor Janet's put out another call for food and beverages.

Okay, I resent being 'strong-armed' ... but I'm too big a coward to ignore the call.
Reluctantly, I'm providing 3 boxes of cookies.

Being new to the South, I wonder if this is a thing?

Normally, I wouldn't mind bringing a casserole or something, but this feels like a gift-grab by folks who could well afford to buy their own food and beverages.

Heretofore, my only experiences have been either that the funeral home arranges for a catered reception, or friends and family gather at the home.

How are things done in your part of the world?

Please -- and I really mean this, friends.  If I'm behaving badly, would you suggest I benefit from an attitude adjustment?

Thanks ... love y'all! 

The Art of the Hodgepodge

Yikes!  I'm late, late for a very important date ...

with Joyce and her merry band of Hodgepodgers.  

Without further ado ...

October 25 is International Artists Day.  Do you have a favorite artist?  If so, tell us who and why.

Our home is filled not with paintings, but art photography -- everything from aerial views of San Gimignano to eclectic works by John Carlson

and Don Schimmel

Shortly after we married, Tom and I made it a point each Spring to attend the Fountain Hills Art show and bring home a souvenir.   Nice fellow, always remembered us.

None are particularly valuable, but they make me happy.

Would you describe yourself as artistic?  Elaborate.

Not even a little bit!

I was always the child who colored inside the lines, terrified of making a mistake.

What is a skill, task, hobby or a job you've done it so often you now have it 'down to a fine art.'

Someone once called me, "Queen of Omelets" so I'll go with that.

Since retirement, I enjoy playing with one-pot meals, food combinations.
Some wins, several losses -- but no-one's been to the ER on my account.  Yet.

How often do you dine out?  Fast food, fine dining or somewhere in between?  Tell us about a less than stellar restaurant experience you've had recently.

We always enjoy eating out but have cut back maybe to twice a month.  Middle of the road always works, but I'm a stickler for a sit-down sort of place where we can enjoy a conversation without having to raise our voices to be heard.

Substantial portions, too, please.

The only disappointment occurred last month when we took our friends from Arizona to a formerly favorite casual eatery.  Despite being asked how we'd like our burgers cooked (each of us answered medium-rare), all four arrived well-done and tasteless.

Do you celebrate Halloween?  To what extent?   Are there trick-or-treaters where you live?

Not so much anymore.
The way our home's situated doesn't invite drop-in's; I think most parents take their littles to church and/or school functions.

That's not to say I wouldn't enjoy a good old apple bob again.  Nothing like a germaphobe mom to kill the fun.

Insert your own random thought here.

I'm not a suspicious sort, but.

Shortly after getting a positive test result last month, I carelessly grabbed a bath towel -- not realizing my grandmother's hand mirror had been laying there.   7 years, hmmm?

(I'm still trying to disbelieve that old myth.)

Anyway.
Has anyone any idea what I might do with this?

Once I remove all the glass, I'm thinking of affixing a photograph of  my grandmother as a young girl then laminating(?) it.  (Remember, I'm not at all artistic!)

Standing top left

Y'all be good ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

A very good day

 

Good morning friends,

In another place and time, I'd have picked up the phone last evening to call my mother and tell her about my day.   Since that's no longer a possibility, y'all are the 'lucky' recipients.  (*rueful smile*)

So, the Plan was, Tom and I would get up early and tackle the yard.

When daylight arrived, however, I realized he was in no shape to move about.  

My mind was abuzz with possibility.  Blame it on Mother Nature's benevolence, but I felt led to go out and do something.

First stop:  Nearby St. Mark's Episcopal was having their annual 'Angel Fest' -- arts/crafts, baked goods sales and smoked butts.  I hadn't pre-ordered but was early enough to get one; thankfully, the 'butt-masters' had planned for such an eventuality.

Loved their sign:  "Grouchy old men giving free advice.  It may not be good advice, but it's free."

We got to chatting and discovered friends in common.  "Yep, F's preaching here tomorrow.  We're gonna make a Whiskey-palian out of him!"  (Not so sure, they hadn't already been sampling, but it felt good being around such jovial folks.

Naturally, I couldn't refuse a container of their spicy hot boiled peanuts!

Next stop, Prattville's Grits festival.
Before we do, however ...

'Not sure why, but I've not listened to the radio in my car in years.

For some reason, however, I turned on what I thought was the local Country station only to hear THIS.

It may be going on 50 years since Sideshow was popular, but yep.  I remembered all the words.

If I hadn't had both hands on the steering wheel, there's a good chance I'd been doing the wave.

Anyway.

I don't mean this in a sacrilegious way, but there's times I think my family might get weary of me repeating the same old story:

My father seriously loved his grits.  Unfortunately, living in 1950-60's northern New Mexico it was not only unavailable -- but largely unheard of.

Only when our summer road trips took us through the deep South, could he find grits.

His pleasure was palatable -- almost a religious experience.

... That's why, when I'm served a steaming pile, I'm likely to hear a little voice in my head, "Eat this in remembrance of me."

What to do but turn on my blinker.

Smoked meatloaf

There were also booths featuring shrimp-and-grits, jalapeno-and-grits, Rotel-and-grits, etc., etc.

Unremarkable, but delicious -- made simply with chicken broth, onion and garlic.

There are times I wonder what my son might say about me.

 

Just curious -- what would you say you'd like your loved ones to enjoy eating "in remembrance."

Well, there's weeds calling my name.
Y'all have a blessed Sunday, and thank you for visiting!

Hugs, Myra

Heroes 'n Hodgepodge

 

Another Wednesday at the Hodgepodge ... welcome back!
This week Joyce asks,

What's something small you tend to sweat even though you know you shouldn't?

Hello ... you're talking to the Queen of "What-ifs."

Probably the biggest trigger is my fear of being late -- even those occasions where punctuality isn't a big deal.

October 17 is National Pasta Day ... do you like pasta?  What's your favorite?  Cooked at home or eaten in your favorite Italian restaurant?  How often do you make/eat pasta?

Unlike Tom, I'm not really a fan.  If we happen to be at a themed restaurant, however, I'm likely to order angel hair pasta with lemon and capers.

Do you consider yourself a spontaneous person?  Explain.

Hahahaha.  Not even a little.
Like my father, I think I was born with a stack of lined index cards in my fist.

Who are some of your heroes.  Tell us why.

OK, I promised myself I wouldn't mention politics.  (*sigh*)

First - and always - my son. 
Without getting personal -- not only is he courageous, but highly intelligent -- schooled not only in the classroom but in Life.  Lessons learned and applied.

Who else?

Jennifer Rothschild.  Despite her becoming irreversibly blind at age 15, her joy appears to be unquenchable ... and it translates.

Not only does she impart the Bible's 'dry matter' in an engaging way, but I love her self-deprecating sense of humor.  (If you don't believe me, check out the video excerpt (Psalm 23) where her college roommate took her out on driving lessons.)

Let's wrap it up with something light ... Taylor Swift .... are you a fan?  On a scale of 1-10 how much so?  (1=who's Taylor?, 10=a true Swiftie, seen her in concert more than once).  If you're a fan, what's your favorite T. Swift song?

I'm going with #2.  I'm pretty sure she's a nice person, but even in her Country days, I wasn't fond of her music.

Insert your own random thought here.

Speaking of Jennifer ....

Those of us who experience BAD hair days can relate!

As ever, thank you for making time to visit.  It means a lot!

Hugs, Myra

Water Cooler Wednesday

 

Hi there!

A while back I happened to catch parts of an exchange on the Today show's 'Hoda and Jenna.'    Because Tom was waiting at the door, jingling the car keys, I didn't get to hear the whole thing.

Basically, they were addressing a viewer's dilemma:
  

You shared a photograph of several friends on your social media page.  One friend, believing her image was unflattering, asked you to take it down.  Would you do it?

That piqued my interest because I remembered when, years ago, a cousin did that very thing and tagged me (so it showed on my page).  Having been the target of K's ridicule practically since the time we could walk, I cringed, pulled it from my page and blocked her. Today, I'd probably just laugh.

Inquiring minds want to know.  If asked, what would you do?

Big hugs from rainy Alabama,

Myra

October at Tuesday 4

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Thanks to Annie for today's posers.  You, too, can join in right HERE!

What does this picture make you think about?

A place we used to call the Via Grande, just a short drive north of my hometown.

Before his father had the audacity to move their family away to Idaho Falls, my h/s boyfriend and I'd drive up there to stargaze and talk about our future.

He wanted to become a famous D.J. and drive a Porsche ...  I forget the rest.  Young love, lol.

If you could spend a week in that cottage would you do it, and who would you bring along?

Does it have a microwave and coffee maker -- perhaps a slow cooker?   Wi-Fi?

OK, I'm in!
Party of one, please.

I'll bringing my music, a bottle of good wine and lined tablets. 
..... lots of tablets and pretty pens so to work on my oft-postponed memoir.

What kind of meal do you think represents October best?  How about a cookie or cake or dessert?

Green chili stew and cornbread

Dessert?  Something light to offset the 'heat' -- sherbet, perhaps peach gelato. 

Thinking of October, what song would go well with the month?

There's never a bad time to listen to one of my all-time favorites!

Barry Manilow, When October Goes

Hugs, Myra

Random soup

 

  Good morning!

 

This was supposed to be a Foodie Friday ... or at least Friday Fotos. 
The next thing you know, it's Saturday.   And Friday's supper wound up being a jolly bowl of popcorn.

So, I'm over here with a kettle-full of nothing particularly fascinating, ..... but y'all know that's not likely to stop me.

How about a platter of random thoughts?  

So pleased to have aced my 6-month eye appointment yesterday.  That is, until I had to open my mouth and asked the doc about the possibility of having a Lasik procedure.  His expression looked like I'd sprouted a second head, as he walked out the door, "You know, that would cancel your implant.  You could read but would need glasses for driving."

No, I didn't know.  Wish someone would publish a medical primer, "?'s for Dummies."  

Finally, the specialist's office called!  Mind you, it took my primary's office stepping in on my behalf, but that's another story for another day.  (I need to send that lady a cookie bouquet!)

I'm not thrilled at having to wait until the 25th to see him, but that's the way it goes.

Is anyone else watching The Golden Bachelor?   Some of my long-time pals may remember when I floated the idea for that Bachelor spin-off back in 2012!

I hadn't really expected to be sucked in, but ya.   Only two episodes have aired, but I think Gerry's the Real Deal.  Sincere.    Night #1, hearing his story of losing his childhood sweetheart-turned wife of what, 42 years, had me ugly crying in my Kleenex paper towel.

Realizing the holidays will be here before we know it, I've begun putting out some seasonal decor.

Giggling to self.
While I love finding and creating pretty table decor, we might use this room a dozen times a year.

Not unlike Tom and me, it's a mishmash!  Pretty glassware and weighty steak knives (gifts), together with Dollar Tree stoneware and whatever smokin' deals I can find at an estate sale.

If the weather continues cooling, I'm hoping we can soon throw open the sunroom doors and invite our music friends over for pulled pork, green chile cornbread and all the fixings.

Meanwhile, we'll be gathering tonight to see Frank and Cindy perform 'Boomer-coustic favorites' at Oak Tavern.

Have you smiled today?

The correct way to eat Pumpkin Pie

Have a super Saturday!

Hugs, Myra

Scary Hodgepodge

 

Hi there, friends!

What's new?  I'm a bit stressed, actually.

..... about 5 migrant kittens that arrived the other day unannounced.   Then beat feet sometime in the night.  (Was it something I said?)

..... about waiting for the doctor's office to return my THREE voice mails.  

In which case, I'm sure thankful there are Wednesdays and hostesses named Joyce who pose questions.  Shall we?

🧡

What's something that scares you?

Cancer -- or the possibility thereof.
Unfortunately, I've wrestled that phobia since 1961.

Do you care where the food you eat comes from?  To what degree?

I'm such a hypocrite -- consuming generous amounts of red meat, but cringing to consider the process.

The only thing I refuse is veal.  A long ago episode of 60 Minutes totally traumatized me.

What's something you wish you'd spent more time doing when you were younger?

Studying.  Math and science, in particular.
I was uninterested, and it showed.

Let's play Autum this or that: 

Pumpkin spice or apple cider?
Corn maze or haunted house?
Horror film or Hallmark movie?
Blanket or sweatshirt? Both, please!
Watch football or the World Series?
Foliage - red, yellow or orange?  I want it all!  

This time last year where were you and what were you doing?

After consulting both FB and Blogger archives, I'm surprised to realize that little has changed.
Too, that things I wrote about seem more like weeks ago v. a whole year.

I can't decide if I'm extraordinarily boring or happy in my little rut.

Insert your own random thought here.

Happy Thursday eve!

Hugs, Myra