What a night!!! I'm sitting here feeling like we dodged a bullet, but I know it was God's hand protecting us from the severe weather. In spite of my best intention, I dozed off on the love seat -- only to be jolted awake by a bang (thunder) that shook the house. Finally got up a little after 4 and went to bed, then Troy and Lois phoned a little after daybreak to check on us.
Man, these olden hips aren't made for making like a pretzel. After a long hot shower and liberal applications of Voltaran, I'm ready to face this beautiful new day. (All sunshiny and cute, like it didn't just try and kill us a few hours ago, lol.)
Still nursing my third cup of coffee, I'm feeling ...
Determined --
To clean up and clean out my computer. For a lady of leisure (ha!) I've an embarrassing amount of e-mails and forgotten documents needing addressed. A Will that needs amended, sooner rather than later.
Cautiously optimistic --
That Tom will agree to sit down and help me decide what $ projects need started ... or simply shelved. So funny -- when I broached the subject over lunch yesterday, he looked like I'd begun speaking in pig Latin: "What projects?" (Then, "Oh, yeah.")
Disappointed --
That what I thought would be someone's perfect Christmas gift didn't arrive until the day after. In spite of ordering the first of day of December -- and paying for expedited shipping, no less. Lesson learned about ordering via FB and not looking to see where it was coming from. (China) Oh well, she's a birthday coming up later this year.
Loving --
My new Max Lucado 365-Day Devotional.
Do you know Max? I love his relaxed approach to imparting lessons -- no guilt. Or feeling I need to sit up a little straighter. If you've a few minutes, here's a sample.
Pondering --
Spending out-of-pocket for the Galleri blood test. Because it hasn't yet been approved by the FDA, most insurance companies don't cover the cost. Then again, I ask myself what's the cost of peace of mind?
I'm curious -- grateful, too -- to know if anyone knows someone who's done this. Is this something you'd consider?
Whoa, I can't believe it's already going on Noon ... the girls are giving me the side eye, and my tummy's curiously empty. That must change!
I think! Does anyone else have their days mixed up?
Christmas in Coosada?
Despite there being no snow, our 'town fathers' were kind enough to put up holiday lights last week.
I enjoy seeing the glow from my bedside.
As is customary, we attended Christmas Eve candlelight services. Tom predicted it might be the case, but I was sure surprised to see our little church packed to the rafters. Earlier this year (as a result of the disaffiliation debacle), the local Korean church lost their sanctuary. After some gentle negotiations, they've begun using ours each Sunday afternoon. It was nice ... just different, hearing prayers spoken in different tongues.
Afterwards Tom zipped up his heavy leather jacket and grilled some pretty steaks. Even canned asparagus is darned tasty when combined with lots of melted butter.
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Knock wood(!), I've not fallen prey to the nasty bug that's going 'round. Nevertheless, yesterday I woke up with a bout of 'soul flu.' Even this season's network commercials -- usually so memorable -- seem to have missed the mark. (*meh*)
Are any of y'all familiar with Donna Ashworth's writings? I've begun following her on FB and something she penned sure gave way to what I was feeling. In part ....
Sometimes I wake up sad. For no reason.
And I know, as soon as my eyes open, that today, I am sad.
I can choose positive thoughts, have a cold shower, run on the treadmill, but I will still be sad.
And counting my blessings, on days like this, makes me even more sad.
How lucky I am and how tenuous that is.
How others are not so blessed and how unfair that is.
And I’ve learned to accept these little bouts of sad, or soul-flu, as I have now come to call them.
They are not within my control, this I know.
I don’t fear them anymore, they can’t harm me - because I don’t ‘become’ them.
I just let my ‘sad’ in the door and say “hey, how are you, take a seat…but don’t stay too long please, I have things to do.”
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Thankfully, by Noon we were over the river and through the woods to son and family ...
... where Penelope lay telling her secrets to grand-Pops (aka Santa)
As usual, Lois outdid herself in the kitchen. I mentally told my Keto self to sit down and shut up ... and yes, it was worth it. (Not something I want to do every day but heck, life's short!)
Pops and Gammy
Daddy Robert and Chloe's best girl
By unspoken agreement, Tom and I no longer exchange gifts; we'll probably buy something for the house and call it good.
What do you know? These must have fallen off Santa's sleigh when he made a sharp right to avoid an incoming F-35.
No, I've no idea where that "A" came from! Sent via Amazon by a long-time friend, maybe D. meant 'Alabama'?
Troy hit it out the ball park this year!
See, more than 50 years ago following (my) surgery, 4 year-old Troy brought me a fuzzy, neon-green Tweety pillow. How I loved that thing! ... and in fact, used to travel with it. ... Until one weekend I happened to leave 'Tweety' in a Ft. Worth hotel room ... never to be recovered.
I'd no idea he remembered, but ya. What a giggle we enjoyed!
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Sitting here sipping on left-over pork chili stew while a cold rain falls outside, I'm not so inclined to do much. Yet, there's a prescription needing picked up -- and despite all the containers of turkey, stuffing, green bean and sweet potato casseroles, banana pudding AND pumpkin pie that Lois sent home, we still need eggs and milk. What first-world problems, right?
Color me, feeling richly blessed! Like a quote from Max Lucado, "Gratitude is like dialysis because it flushes the self-pity out of our system.
What's one thing you want to get done before the calendar flips to a new year?
The state of our backyard is deplorable. Given the state of both our backs, I'm going to bite the bullet and call on a father-and-son service team we've used in the past.
What's something that brought a smile to your face this year.
Every day!
What do you like on a cracker? Do you have a favorite cracker variety?
I don't usually eat crackers but wouldn't say 'no' to Triscuit Rosemary and Olive Oil. Any hard aged cheese, I'm in!
Do you have plans for ringing in the new year in a fun or special way? Are you typically wake at midnight on the last day of the year?
Nope! I've come a long way from those nights of artificial gaiety.
Cancel that! I sort of miss dressing "to the nine's", dining and dancing -- but that was then. This is now. I'm simply content to abide in my happy place in comfy clothes, bare feet, with a book in one hand and glass of Cab in the other.
What are 3 words that describe your 2024?
Blessed -- but at the same time... Concerning Hopeful (... yes, I'm proud to be an American)
First, thanks for all your suggestions at Wednesday's 'Watercooler'! I'd be delighted to patronize every one of your shops!
Oh, before I forget! Has anyone else's Reader been acting out? A few days ago, mine was suddenly populated by (no lie) hundreds of posts from bloggers who, in most cases, haven't published anything in more than 6-7 years. I'd have to keep hitting the "load more" button just to find my little tribe.
Unfortunately, to make them go away I had to go into settings and "unfollow" those inactive bloggers. If, by a slim chance, someone's still reading and wondered why I vetoed their blog, please let me know and I'll add you back.
This has been a checkered kind of week, but! I'm determined to Ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive. (Right, Bing?)
What could be better than the safe arrival of a great-granddaughter on Wednesday night! Already, her mere 6 lbs. have her daddy in a headlock. He and Chloe are going to be the best parents!
Holding her yesterday ...why, my heart was bursting.
🎄
In the test kitchen?
After a particularly dismal first round*, I was able to successfully produce 3 loaves of my mother's delicious banana nut bread. We're short on family traditions but gifting the first loaf to my son for his birthday's right up there.
For perhaps 30 seconds, I pondered making cookies ... then remembered, I can't be trusted not to eat most of the raw dough. Simple pleasures, lol.
I know not all of you are coffee drinkers but let me tell y'all about a new favorite! Used to be I was like this gal -
I'm not necessarily a fan of *bucks but haven't found anything as satisfying as their French Roast pods ... until discovering Black Rifle, a veteran-owned coffee company.
I don't follow the story but applaud their efforts when in 2017 they pledged to hire 10,000 veterans to protest *bucks' pledge of 10,000 refugees. It's really good!
You know what else sounds good? I've blogged before about this mom-and-pop enterprise. And while I'd just as soon make my own cup of coffee at home, I like to support Sweet Hart coffee during the holidays.
Good morning from chilly Coosada! Yes 28* may be uncomfortable at first, but I'll take that over 100* any time.
This morning? I'm ...
Perplexed
That 'decking the halls' doesn't bring me so much joy as it once did.
I can't help but remember the first year my mother didn't put up a tree. I was aghast. Like, "How could you not?!" but she had a point -- no-one was expected to visit and she always had to solicit help from a neighbor.
I'm going to ask Alexa to play Michael Foster's Christmas album ... loud and proud ... and see if that doesn't ignite a right spark in me.
Grateful
Tom was able to repair our faux fireplace!
He doesn't 'get' it necessarily, but I'm a tad obsessed. Even the girls love to lay in their beds watching the 'flames.'
In the test kitchen
Nada.
Last night I dubbed myself the Refrigerator Police. Anything left over from Thanksgiving that isn't consumed by Monday's going in the trash.
Reading
An old Michael Palmer medical thriller from the thrift store. 10 for a $1! Determined to re-discover my passion for reading, I wondered if holding a 'real' hardback (v. the bulky 19" Chromebook) would feel better in my hands. So far, so good!
Disappointed
In this season's The Voice.
I'm learning to love Snoop Dogg, and Reba's the best. But seriously, the finalists leave me scratching my head. Yes, I'm old. Better I leave it at that.
Wistful
Remember newsstands everywhere?
Since we've a great-grandbaby expected in time for Christmas, I thought it would be fun to buy a New York Times on the day of her birth. I don't know if this is still a thing but recall getting a kick out of hearing what was happening/popular on the day I was born.
Well, when I wasn't paying attention print paper seems to be going the way of the dinosaur. I'd about given up and decided to buy a copy from the Time's website -- when I spied a stack at Publix's service desk yesterday.
Looking forward!
Yes, to baby Penelope's arrival. But more immediately, Troy's birthday next week. He still needs to tell me where he wants to eat, but I'm hoping he'll choose LongHorn. Stay tuned!
Photo Dump
In closing, here are a few glimpses of the Christmas season at Casa Guca. (Not much has changed, so yes. Some of y'all will recognize the repeats, borrowed from the archives!)
These bells were once worn by my grandfather's horse. He'd hook them up to the sleigh carriage that took the family into town on snowy Minnesota evenings.
This little stool was given me back in '52 -- see it there?
11 months of the year it sits beside the bed holding my phone and water bottle but I like to bring it out each Christmas.
Little book gifted my mother by her Sunday school teacher ca. 1920.
Deliberately sans ornaments, the tree changes to colored lights every few seconds.
Thanks, Joyce! ... and thanks to all y'all for making time to visit!
What's the best $5 gift to give someone?
Since I don't have an age ... gender ... or hobbies?
I'm going to the Dollar store and find a giant box of crayons. No rules, just an invitation to color their world!
Some of y'all might remember a certain Italian restaurant that covered their tables with white butcher block paper. The server would plop down a handful of Crayolas, and before you know it, old and young alike were playing.
What's your favorite way to relax/unwind during the busy holiday season?
Nestled in my recliner in front of the fireplace with a fur baby (or two) on my lap, something mindless on the television ... perhaps a glass of Cab to my right.
How do you feel about gingerbread? Love it or no thanks? Are gingerbread houses a part of your holiday tradition? If you said yes, how does that look? Do you like ginger flavor in other kinds of dishes?
I enjoy an occasional piece of gingerbread, but wouldn't want it regularly. Only once did I participate in a work-related 'house building' competition. Our team wasn't very good, and it wasn't long before I developed a huge aversion to that sticky white paste. Nope, one-and-done!
I can't recall having used ginger in any of my dishes, but I'd like to see what others share.
December 5 is National Blue Jeans Day... will you be celebrating? Do you have a favorite brand? A favorite pair? Do you have a hard time parting with a favorite pair of jeans? Blue jeans-joggers-leggings-yoga pants -- which one do you wear most often?
Sure, I'll probably oblige. Celebrating the weight loss that allows me to zip my Calvins without laying down on the bed with a pair of pliers (lol). My #1 favorites are FDJ jeggings -- a bit pricey, but so soft; they hug my body in all the 'right' places.
As we head into this holiday season what's your biggest priority or goal for the end of the year?
That's not something I've given much thought! 'Just trying to keep myself and Tom reasonably healthy and loved ones near.
Insert your own random thought here.
Speaking of goals!
I'm not a fan of Alabama's 'Roll Tide' ... but certainly respect the G.O.A.T. (aka, Nick Saban).
Perhaps because I've been focused on 'realigning', his recent message to a group of educators resonated. Perhaps it applies to most goals?
Excerpted from Rick Karle's Good News (Facebook)
"I moderated today's one-hour chat, and I asked the coach how we can all obtain the discipline to reach our goals.
It's like losing weight, said the coach. You go on SlimFast and lose 10 pounds, then you reward yourself with a donut. People think they should be rewarded for losing 10 pounds.
You are normal -- you think you need a trophy because you accomplished something. You didn't have the discipline to stick with the task at hand."
For the first time ever, Publix missed the mark. While nothing was really wrong, neither was it right -- or as in previous years, delicious. I even forgot to take pictures, boo-hiss.
That's okay, the company more than made up for it. Funny to reflect, much of the conversation centered around mutual health conditions and related technology designed to make living better. (Reminds one of a certain old commercial, doesn't it!)
Oh, before I forget! Would y'all please help settle an argument.
By the time half the kitchen was tidied, I realized the turkey had been sitting out some 4-5 hours. According to Google, I shouldn't trust it but Tom vehemently disagrees. Presently it's sitting in a (clean) trash bag in the refrigerator, presumably waiting for Tuesday morning's trash pick-up.
To eat, or not to eat?
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So, in less than 24 hours I'll get my Christmas mojo in gear! The tree's lurking in the hallway, and while our decorations aren't grand, the anticipation feels delicious.
Thanks to the Etsy shops' arena, I've 99% of my shopping accomplished. In some cases, sure. I occasionally pay shipping but do so gladly to avoid mingling with crowds desperately seeking Christmas joy.
It's time to pen my annual Christmas Wish List!
I never grew up believing in Santa Claus, but that didn't stop my parents from travelling to Fedway each year for the obligatory photo op.
I wonder what I said to prompt Santa's side eye? LOL.
Blessedly, my needs are few, my wants small. For instance? This year I'd love to see ...
Turn signals/blinkers for all the poor drivers who (I'm guessing) couldn't afford them. Why else wouldn't we see them?
One dose of Zero Guilt, during and after a tower of onion rings. (Okay then, TWO doses of No Guilt while I consume a plate of gooey nachos.)
Gotta pick my battles!
Eyes that see to drive after dark. I never dreamed I'd wake up some day to be "that person." Whaddya know!
Please, bring back Bandaids with the little red pull thread. I'm not happy having to use one to begin with ... less so, trying to open the darn things they make nowadays.
ATM's that dispense currency in 5 and 10-dollar bills. These 20's are so annoying; I was more than a little embarrassed to give the medical center valet $5 in quarters.
I know you're not a "hit man" Santa. But seriously, isn't there something you can do about the malcontents and joy squashers in Blogland who hide behind the cloak of Anonymity? (Some of you will know exactly who I'm talking about.)
Most of all! Please let all the good dogs find their own forever homes. This I ask in Jesus name, amen.
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Wishing everyone a perfectly lovely evening. For now, however, it's almost time for the Iron Bowl ... War Eagle!!!
The silverware's soaking, the coffee's new and there's so little left to do! Such is the life of a lazy contented retiree.
As often happens, I find myself thinking of y'all ... wondering what your morning is like. Please, pull up a chair and share a cup of goodness.
Those of you who've known me for a while probably remember --
In my childhood, Thanksgiving never included relatives. Living thousands of miles away, we three were left to our own devices.
Imagine our mutual horror when, years ago, Tom and I realized we were Thanksgiving incompatible.
He comes from a large extended family where apron-clad women gathered at dawn to chop, toss flour and begin their mysterious preparations.
I don't remember my mother (or father) ever preparing a turkey. Instead, they sought someplace out of town with a nice restaurant where they could order off the menu. Anything except turkey. I can still hear daddy's voice, "This year I'm going to be thankful for ...." (fill-in-the-blank).
One of my favorite memories was a long weekend spent in Denver ... the glass elevator on the outside of a tall building that 'air lifted' us up to the restaurant on top. I'll never forget, as we started to rise, my father musing a-loud. "Wouldn't this be a heck of a time for a power outage?" Oh, the looks! (Yes, in all my pre-teen angst, I wanted to pretend I didn't know him.)
I can't recall what we ordered, but my mother's joy was palatable when they placed a basket of warm rolls in front of her with butter. "Real butter!" she'd exclaim. Simple pleasures from one who only ever purchased oleo and ice milk.
Have you a favorite or funny Thanksgiving memory?
🦃
Always a 'daddy's girl', I'd prefer a steak or brisket-- and Tom's always been accommodating.
This year, however, in the spirit of tradition (and the bankbook), we'll have turkey and all the fixings -- courtesy of the good folks at Publix.
Troy and Lois will be here, and I can't wait to see my almost 9-month pregnant granddaughter and Robert!
I'll put out appetizers and sweets ... and just bask (like the unfortunate turkey) in the joy of being together with those I love most.
Michael Buble, "My Baby Just Cares for Me" (2016) Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.
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Buble sings that his lover doesn't care much about the theater or new clothes. Which have you done more recently -- attended a play/movie or added to your wardrobe?
I've been looking for 'rich brown' pants for a while ... and discovered a smokin' deal on leggings at Wal-Mart for only $6.96!
This song was first performed in 1930, 45 years before Buble was born. What pop song do you love that is far older than you are?
Unlike today's genre, I'm guessing 30's "pop" means popular? The first thing that came to mind is "I'll Be Seeing You."
Random factoid - I adore music from the 30's and 40's! If I were ever a contestant on Don't Forget the Lyrics or Jeopardy (ha - in my dreams) I'd choose that genre/category.
The video for this song features a spinning vinyl record. Do you still have a turntable?
No, not since 1970-something.
Michael is currently appearing on The Voice. Are you watching this season?
Yes, it's one of our favorites.
Of all his albums, Micheal Buble's Christmas CD is his top seller. Now that we're in the month of November it's time for you to weight in. When do you think it's appropriate to start playing holiday songs?
Not a minute before Friday!
He unwinds by fishing, and he's very good at it. Fishing is a sport that requires lots of gear. Is there anyone in your life that has a hobby or passion that makes them easy to shop for?
Sadly, not any longer. (If any of my relatives are reading this, please drop a hint in the comments?!)
Michael is a good cook and enjoys whipping up spaghetti bolognese. What's on the menu at your home this weekend?
We're trying to use up left-overs before making room for the turkey and sides. A few days ago, I tried something that -- while it sounded weird -- was actually quite tasty: Lay 4 thick pork chops in the slow cooker. Sprinkle dry onion soup dip on top ... smother with a large carton of sliced mushrooms ... then 1 can of Campbell's French Onion soup. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the meat thermometer reads 145*.
In 2016 when Michael Buble released this song, the United States Postal Service posthumously honored child star Shirley Temple with a postage stamp. Decades after leaving Hollywood, she served as US Ambassador to Ghana. Could you find Ghana on a map or globe?
I wouldn't count on it, no.
Random question -- You neglected that soft drink and now it's gone flat. Do you drink it anyway or dump it down the drain?
I rarely drink soft drinks because of the carbonation. So yes. Provided it's an ice-cold Diet Dr. Pepper, I'll drink it.
