This n' That

 

Helllllo from soggy central Alabama!

Shall we?


So, the weather people are calling this a Fake Spring. 
Judging from all the flooding and internet outages, however, I'm hoping for a good drought.

So, what's happening in my neck of the woods?
Not much.  I've been ...

Practicing

..... Remedial skin care.
Like my father before me, the skin on my fingers tends to crack and bleed in cold weather.  I've taken to dipping my hands in coconut oil then wearing mittens to bed ... so Macie Ann doesn't O.D. or wear out her little tongue.  My goodness, but she loves that stuff!

Loving

This blast from the past.
My friend recently shared on FB and since, I've been playing it over and over.  And over.

Honestly, it doesn't seem so long ago I (might have) called these fellows "dreamy."


Don't forget the lyrics!

Appreciating

The Dollar Tree

... eyeglasses, pen light and super strong magnet clips.
Since last year's cataract surgery doesn't seem to have been worth a darn, I'm always having to find my glasses to read a label or grab a flashlight from the sunroom to fill the reservoir.

Little things mean a lot!

Reading/Listening to

Sean Dietrich's Kinfolk

Set in 1970's Alabama, it's a
"... song-turned-story about found family, second chances, country music and the poignant power of love and forgiveness."

I'm not half-way through, but like the author himself, I'm pretty sure this is a winner.

Realizing

This year's not even a month old, but.

Good intentions aside,
I've no sparkly clean closets, no unnecessary pounds lost ... not even a trip to see what really is Aldi's "aisle of shame."

Sounds like a winner!

Who'll bring the champagne?

Hugs, Myra

Tipping the Scales at Hodgepodge

 

Hi there!

I always look forward to Wednesday mornings to see what Joyce has up her sleeve!
Interested?  Click here to join the party!

Do you have a word for the year (WOTY)?  If so, and you'd like to share, please share.  How do you decided on a word?  If you don't have a word, are you still on the hunt for one for 2024?

I haven't participated in the last several years and wasn't planning to do so again.

Then, it found me.
Present, that is.
I want to be Present.

This is hard! 
Some may remember, I've a PhD in "what if-ing."

That doesn't mean I won't Plan, but I'm trying not to obsess what Tomorrow holds.

January 23 is National Pie Day ... will you celebrate?  Do you like pie?  What's your favorite?

Pie's my favorite dessert!

Being a weather-specific eater, right now I'd love a slice of egg custard.
Come July or August, however, it's gotta be Key Lime.

 

Tipping.  What are your thoughts, expectations, as to who, when and where?  Do you appreciate a store/restaurant giving a 'suggested amount'?  Have you ever left an extravagant tip?

Even when it's less than stellar service -- rude, perhaps -- I can't bring myself to 'stiff' the server.
I mean, who knows what sort of day he/she's having?

Yes, I appreciate when a restaurant provides suggested guidelines.  Smiling to remember the little laminated cards my mother and her friends used to carry.  Like this,

I can't remember ever having left an 'extravagant' tip.

If warranted, I'd love to do so; unfortunately, I'm not in a position to do so.

Share with us one household 'tip' that works for you.

Not mine -- I no longer wear earrings -- but I thought this was a nifty idea.

Spotted at an estate sale. 
When our ice maker went kaput last summer I discovered, they even come with lids now!

Influencers on social media are people who've built a reputation for their knowledge and expertise on a particular subject.  Do you follow any influencers online?   Have you made a purchase or tried something new because of that 'influence'?   If there's one you particularly enjoy, tell us who they are and why you enjoy them.

Nope, I'm not a follower.
I'm more inclined to buy something on the recommendation of a friend or blogger v. a professional pretty face.

Insert your own random thought here.

I really should leave this alone ... but.
This morning the cheerful young woman who brought our WM order to the truck was calling Tom, "love."
We both got a kick out of that.

It made me think of the commenter on my last post.  "Anonymous" reported once taking Offense at her server's 'terms of endearment.'

"I called a waitress out on it after about the tenth 'baby'."

Interesting.
...  I wondered, Did the server apologize?  Did she cry?
How did that make you feel?

I'm not nearly as thin-skinned as I once was -- but there's little that offends me these days.   Well, except for the blogger who admitted (she believes) those who live in Alabama are less 'intellectually inclined' than the rest of the nation.  (Bless her heart!)

Taking a page from my son, I try and find humor wherever I can.  Like the former co-worker who remarked, "This place is like a Shakespearean play.  I just don't know if it's a comedy or a tragedy."

I'll raise a glass to that.  Anyone else?

Thanks so much for making time to visit.

I hope you'll come back!

Hugs, Myra

 

Inquiring Minds

 

.... want to know!

Do y'all enjoy eating out?   Besides $$$ ... what sorts of things factor into deciding where to go?

Honestly at this time in our lives, that's pretty much the highlight.  See, I envy those couples who enjoy the same meal about the same time of day.   My stomach normally starts letting me know it needs fed about 10 or 11 -- and unless there's some place we have to be, Tom's still asleep.   His repasts usually occur in the late night or o-dark-thirty hours.

We compromise by going out to eat usually once a week.

We actually talk to one another without someone checking his/her phone or the TV.  

Gotta admit, Tom's more easy-going than me.  I don't care so much about high-end places, but I probably place too much importance on things like service and atmosphere.

For instance.

Yesterday we played the "I don't know, where do you want to go?" game.  I can usually be counted on to retort, "As long as it's not Waffle House."   Then Tom surprised me by saying he wasn't in the mood for Mexican (whaaaat?) or Olive Garden.

We decided our mutual favorite, LongHorn, was a little pricy -- so in spite of a new spot's iffy reviews, our curiosity won out.   We wound up at (that) American grill/sports bar that checked all most of my boxes.   Tom's bacon burger (medium rare, as requested) and onion rings were pronounced 'delicious', and my caprese pizza shooed away any carb-guilt.  

Obviously, we had no little people along, but these (children's) menu entrees cracked me up.   

Best of all, our server.  Personality plus! M. listened carefully and was attentive without hovering.  (Know what I mean?)

Those unfamiliar with the Deep South might not understand, but I love it when a server -- no matter her age -- calls us "Baby" or "Honey"
... without a trace of sarcasm.

What sorts of things are most important to you?

This invitation to "Unleash your Inner Carnivore"!
They must have known I was coming!

Oops ... it's about that time.

I'm going to have the same thing I had day before yesterday ... and the day before that. 

Green leaf lettuce w/ loose meat, Roma tomato, walnuts -- tossed in garlic basil olive oil w/ a spoonful of Marie's bleu cheese for good measure.

Happy Friday!

Hugs, Myra

 

Brrrrr!

Good morning from a 15* Coosada,

I'm on my second cup of French roast, but not before opening the curtains to bring God's palette inside.  Thankfully -- and in spite of weather warnings to the contrary -- our roads are dry, the sun's shining.

In the Kitchen ...

Night before last I threw together another big pot of chili chicken soup and gotta say, it's darn delicious.  One can add or subtract the 'heat' according to individual taste, but here's the process.  Easy peasy!

1. 1.3# bag of Tyson 'Grilled and Ready" chicken breast strips (this time I used the fajita-seasoned variety)  -- preheated/thawed at 70% in the microwave for 6-7 minutes
2. 32oz. box of chicken broth (I prefer low-sodium)
3. 1/2 lg. onion + 3 garlic cloves, sauteed in butter
4. 8oz. softened cream cheese (I added to the saute mix just to hasten the 'softening')
5. 16oz. Herdez mild salsa verde
6. 2c. Monterrey Jack cheese
   
   
   Fans of 'heat', this is the part you can add a few chili peppers -- or not.
   Dump it all in your slow cooker on high for 1 hr. (or low to enjoy 2-3 hrs. later)

Reading ....

I hate to admit it, but my Audible subscription isn't all I'd hoped for.   Oh, the selection's great but.  I'd either (a) lose an earbud or (b) fall asleep.   Back to Kindle Unlimited!

I did, however, pay $16.41 to MyLifeway to stream Jennifer Rothschild's 7-part Psalm 23.   While our ladies group already did this study some months ago, it resonated so deeply.   Not unlike a favorite movie, this is something I'd like to watch again and again.

Thankful ....

For the little voice in my head that said, "Get up and show up!" (to church) Sunday morning.  I love Pastor Janet, but there are times I 'zone out' during the sermon.   The guest preacher -- a Career Coach with a local 'Hope Inspired Ministries" group -- was super engaging.  Never mind that his message went over the (unspoken) 30-min. mark, I was hoping he'd keep talking!

In brief  -- "Change Your Focus" and "Quit looking behind you ... you can't see where you're going."

Loving ....

Allstate's newest commercial spot.

The 'Mayham guy' never fails to make me lol.

Note to self!

Time for another cup of hot coffee!   Thanks for visiting!

Hugs, Myra

  

Saturday 9: Hotel California

 

Hotel California

Unfamiliar with the song?  Click here.

Let's see what Crazy Sam has up her sleeve this week, shall we?  
I'd love to hear your answers ... you can play along HERE!  (No rules ... just right!)

In this song, Don Henley called the hotel's front desk and asked, "Please bring me my wine."  He was told they haven't had wine since 1969.  When did you last have a glass of wine?

Two nights ago.
I enjoy an affordable 'Barefoot' Cabernet Sauvignon.
Somewhere between pretentious and screw-top.

The lyrics refer to wine as a 'spirit.'  this is incorrect.  Wines are fermented, not distilled, and have a lower alcohol content than spirits.  When "Hotel California" was popular, listeners who were into wine called radio stations to let them know about the mistake.  Are you a wine aficionado?  Are any of your friends or family knowledgeable about wine?

Years ago I thought it might be fun to learn more.
It wasn't long, however, before deciding, "I don't care that I shouldn't order red wine with fish, or white with steak."

It still cracks me up to remember my last boss -- an egoist -- expounding to a group of people about the difference between a merlot and Cabernet.   Even with my sophomoric education, I knew she was wrong, but no-one ever dared to contradict her.

In the song, Henley sings about looking for the door that will take him 'back to the place I was before.'  Don says that refers to a loss of innocence and a longing for a simpler time.  When you think about 'the good old days," where does your mind wander?

Mid-1970's - 1988.
"Life was beautiful then..."

With five #1 singles, six #1 albums and six Grammy awards, it's generally agreed that the Eagles were one of the most popular groups of the 1970's.  Which decade produced most of your favorite songs?

1970's

The Eagles were formed in 1971 when four of them happened to find themselves hired to play back-up for Linda Ronstadt.  The men found they really hit it and off and wanted to keep working together when the gig with Linda was up.   Tell us about how you met someone important in your life.

Right here in Blogland!

The Eagles are still on the road, filling big arenas for the Long Goodbye tour.  One explanation for their enduring popularity is that their music spans genres.  They scored hits on the rock, pop and country charts.  Other popular categories of music include classical, gospel, jazz, Latin, reggae, New Age and rap.  Which do you listen to most often?  Which did you listen to most recently?

Country -- the older 'real' stuff.

I love what Sean Dietrich has to say --

"Classic country is a dying art.  You can't look at a superstar who wears $1,400 boots and eyeliner and call him country."

In 1976, when 'Hotel California' was topping the charts, the trend in home decor was vibrant.  Intense copper, bright pink and vivid avocado were among the popular colors for bath towels, mats and shower curtains that year.  If we were to peek into your 2024 bathroom(s), what colors would we find?

The calendar may read 'January' but it's always Autumn in my home.

Handbags were big in 1976.  Not just in popularity but in size.  Purses routinely had compartments on the inside and pockets on the outside.  When you leave the house, do you travel light?  Or do you prefer to carry a lot with you?

I've tried to downsize, but it leaves me feeling anxious.
No, I'm a "just in case" type.
My former boss used to call it (my) "diaper bag."

Random:  How different is your life today than it was a year ago: (a) a lot; (b) a little); (c) not at all.

(b) a little ... 
I'm less stressed, but still a long ways from complacent.

Y'all have a grrrreat day!

Hugs, Myra

Another year, another Hodgepodge!

 

Welcome back to Wednesday's Hodgepodge ... 
and as always, thank you, Joyce!

What's a change you'd like or need to make this year?

With a mind to car payments + having more 'play money' I'm 'toying' with the idea of finding a part-time job.

I dunno; perhaps I'm just bored.

Break the ice, on thin ice, ice skating, tip of the iceberg, ice cold ... which 'icy' idiom applies to your life right now?

Considering Tom's on-again, off-again health challenges
I'm going with 'on thin ice.'

What's a project you've been putting off?  Will you get to it this month?  This year?

I'd love to hire some muscle to gut the spare bedroom/office --
and make a little sitting area where the rickety day bed and bookcases live.

Even if only the wall hangings get replaced, it should make a difference. 

Of the fruits that grow well in winter, which ones have you tried?  Which is your favorite?

Pomegranates

Clementines

Persimmons

Passion fruit

Pears

Grapefruit

Lemons

Pomelos

Kumquats

Honestly, I'm not sure what the last two are!
The only ones I actually eat on purpose are grapefruit and lemons.

What do you think it means to be courageous?

I've always liked this quote:

1. 

Insert your own random thought here:

With many of us vowing to get healthier in 2024

this made me smile.

I sure appreciate y'all stopping by.  Have a super day!

Hugs, Myra

PRESENT-ly

 

Speaking of presents (Presence) ... 
look what appeared in my FB feed this week!

Oops!  I failed to realize yesterday was Epiphany... and still our tree stands twinkling merrily.  Temporarily.

Here we are in what they call "the darkest month" and I've nothing in mind to lighten the room.  Suggestions?  (Please no Valentine's.  That may be my least favorite day of the year.)

So, everybody on board?

Seatbelts fastened?

Here we go!

Since we talked last?

Probably the biggest joy, was Robert proposing to my Chloe on New Years Eve.

He'd even asked my son for permission several weeks ago ... how sweet is that?!

I want to have this made into a canvas.

In the kitchen ...

I've been eating my fool head off, so far with no ill effects on the bathroom scale.  Knock wood!

In a nod to my cravings, Tom took me to our new favorite Mexican food eatery.  (I love Alabama, but heretofore we've not found anything resembling that we enjoyed in Arizona or New Mexico.  Mexico Tipico comes close.  Darn close!) 

Yesterday I made a mess of Conecuh sausage, rainbow bell peppers, onion and Ro*Tel.

(*old photo)

There's precious few leftovers, but I'm still scratching my head at the prices of peppers!  $7+ for 3? 
Have I been living under a rock?

New to me ...

In an impromptu moment, a few days ago I set out to reorganize blitz the food pantry.

then turned to the freezer ... 

and segued to the bane of my existence (aka, lower cabinets' storage).

I can't recall who recently posted this suggestion, but I had to beat feet to the Dollar ($1.25) Tree for a dish drainer.  No more tumbling lids and banging to wake the dead! 

(*borrowed from Pinterest)

Coming up ...

Our Bible study ladies are getting back together tomorrow for BYOB(reakfast) and a new study.

Later, we're to see Tom's pain management doc for a steroidal injection.  Praying for relief!

I've a new book (okay, several) downloaded I'm itching to get into.

... after de-Christmasing the house, that is.  Time's a-wasting!

Y'all be good; thanks for being here!

Hugs, Myra

A Word

 

Good morning friends,

... or is it?  I hope y'all enjoyed a pleasant -- and safe -- New Year's eve.  I managed to stay awake just long enough to join the (televised) festivities in Nashville.

I can never remember if the black-eyed peas are supposed to be consumed December 31 or January 1?   I opened a sacrificial can just a bit ago ... pondering if adding it to the leftover green bean casserole will make it more palatable.

My favorite pizza joint in the hood had another idea --

According to their Facebook post, they did this as a novelty to set in the window and somebody actually came up and demanded a slice! 

😨

So ... who's ready?
Did you make any resolutions?

I like what Pastor Janet said yesterday morning:

"Some of us will make new year's resolutions -- but what if?  What if, in addition to a resolution ..... what if we commit to a revelation?
A revelation that doesn't leave us the way we've been ..... not simply a resolution.

(If anyone's interested in listening, here's a link to the service.  Her sermon begins shortly after the 27-minute mark.)

What do you want for 2024?

Many people have chosen a Word for the year on which to focus. 
I did the same thing a few years ago.  Then, like my resolutions, it went slip-sliding away.

This year, a Word found me.

This may sound like I've gone off the deep end, but.

In the past decade, whenever I'm in that place between deep sleep and wakefulness, I hear a voice.  No, I can't tell you if it's male or female or what (lol).  Still, there's an emphasis. 

The first time it happened, I was still living in Arizona, working full-time with little thoughts of retiring or relocating.

Clear as a bell I heard, "Time's running out."
That's all.

Fast forward.
Shortly after moving here, Pastor Janet stopped by for coffee.  Privately, she may have wondered how someone (me) who was raised in the church could be so ignorant about Scripture, the Holy Trinity.

Anyway, she likened the Holy Spirit to a friend.  A comforter.  She suggested I try to quiet my mind ... to invite it to speak to me.

Long story short (ha!) ...

Prior to a few weeks ago, I've only heard the 'voice' on two occasions. Just one word.   I've written them down, but I'm still waiting for them to make sense.


In early December, it happened again.  Not once, but several times.  Sometimes throughout the day I'd hear

"Temporary"

So, God willing 'n the creek don't rise ...

I'm going to do my best to live in the PRESENT

..... not looking back with grief and guilt or looking forward with anxiety. Apprehension.

It's a tall order.  Already this morning I've failed.
Hurray for second chances!  Or a ka-jillion!

Hurray for 2024!

Hugs, Myra