Friday Letters

 

Dear Maryann (aka, self-proclaimed hair artist)

Thank you for having the grace not to say anything.
Recently, in an ill-considered moment I took the cuticle scissors to my hair. 

The result was better than hoped, prompting me to take a selfie.

Unfortunately, the next time I shampooed there was no disguising what I'd done.  It's probably best someone remove all the sharp objects from my bathroom.   

Dear Brittney (aka, Olive Garden server),

Thank you for making our lunch experience so enjoyable!

While trying to decide, I pulled out my phone and asked, "Can y'all do this?"

*from FB Keto group*
"Chicken scampi with broccoli instead of the pasta."

Delish!
The sauce was so yummy, I may have fantasized about ordering a cup-full.

A little later Tom, too, was waxing rhapsodic about his meal.
"Does Olive Garden sell their Alfredo sauce?"

No. ... Everything is made fresh each morning.

Me: "I'd love to watch!"

Maybe it stems from watching too much reality television, but I've an exaggerated interest in what goes on behind restaurant's kitchen doors.

Me:  "No offense to Olive Garden, but our favorite restaurant is Longhorn.  I'm always curious for instance how a party of 4 can order 4 separate entrees and everything arrives on time, perfectly prepared."

No offense!  My hubby works there in that kitchen.

Me:  "Please tell him 'thanks.'
And while you're at it, maybe Longhorn might begin offering kitchen tours during non-peak hours?"

Good idea, I'll tell him!

{I'm not holding my breath.  But would anyone else be interested in that sort of thing?}

Dear VW dealership,

I was surprised/disappointed last month when my practically new Taos suddenly lost all power while I was preparing to pull out into traffic.

Moreso, when you informed me the earliest you could check it was August 20.

We negotiated.  I brought it in on July 23 and drove home in a loaner.

Today's August 30, and despite having left repeated voice mail messages, I don't appreciate being ignored.

Funny, the following "e" message arrived this morning:
"Hi Myra. This is your Taos emailing you. It's my one-year birthday coming up ...." (ya-da-ya-dah)

So, I wasted no time responding to you (salesman), asking you share my sad story with your General Manager.

Supposedly, you're "on it, as we speak."

{Heck, I totally believe somedays you gotta pick your battles -- but I'm ready to lock-and-load.}

Dear Blog family,

Thank you for listening!

Hugs, Myra

Wednesday thoughts

 

Hey, y'all.

This isn't what I'd intended to post, but when I woke up this morning Caden and Maddie were heavy on my heart.

Some of y'all may be familiar with their stories.

He, a 16 year old student at Morgan Academy.  While quarterbacking the season's first game last Friday he suffered a ruptured brain bleed.  (Edited to add:  Despite their efforts, he never woke up this side of Heaven.  Fortunately, Caden was a Believer; an unapologetic Christian.  As an organ doner, he continues to bless others.)

She, a 28-year old middle-school teacher and mother.
While pregnant, it was discovered she had Stage IV lung cancer that had spread to her brain.  Go figure, she never smoked a day in her life.

Her baby was delivered prematurely in order that she might begin chemotherapy.  While he survived (and thrived) Maddie passed day before yesterday.

This was her last FB entry posted earlier this month:

"There will never be another day I wake up and don’t thank our heavenly Father for allowing me to see it. This journey has been full of ups and downs and right now seems to be a very painful point. I am a fighter and i know i will get back on my feet. Gods plan is so much better and bigger than mine.

I pray that everyone has a beautiful Sunday, thank the Lord for each MOMENT! Go visit, make the phone call, send the text, FORGIVE, and love as hard as you can!!!

No one in this life is perfect, Jesus paid for our sins knowing that."

*****

Has yours been written yet?

I hope, like me, you'll enjoy this song I heard at a recent Bible study.  It's title says it all.

That's all; I love you.

Myra

Dark Academia

 

... cleverly disguised as Tuesday 4!

Don't worry -- I'd never heard of Dark Academia before, either! 
Annie tells us, it's "a popular trend in home decor and mood background music ... based on novels set on old university campuses that have secrets, love affairs, mystery and the scenes and mood these novels evoke.  Velvet sofas, old books, Victorian wallpaper, deep high-back chairs, antique photos and painting, candles, romantic lighting and classic music are all part of it."

She asks,

Does this picture evoke any feelings in you?  If so, share what they are please.  What is the mood it sets for you.

Peaceful, easy feelings ... anticipatory!

I wouldn't want to decorate my home in this fashion, yet I've fantasized about strolling this sort of neighborhood.

A few months ago, in fact, I asked AI to make me a picture based on a half dozen descriptive words.  These are what it delivered.

Put yourself into this scene.  Where are you going?

Just a ways around the bend, there's a cozy little pub -- featuring old leather, scarred tabletops, a stone fireplace and the sound of laughter.

Al Martino's singing a favorite song.

Do you have a companion or are you going to meet someone?  Who is it?

I'm strolling alone.
In a little while I'll meet an old friend at the pub.  Meanwhile, this atmosphere lends itself to introspection. 

Using your imagination describe who and what you find inside the foreground building.  It is a restaurant, library, academic building, a home?

I'm thinking it's an exclusive boutique hotel.
Not exactly my type. Then again, I'm probably not among their target demographic!

Want to join me?

Hugs, Myra

A Day with Jennifer

 

Good Sunday morning!

Yes, I'm still sitting home in my crummy clothes.  And no, I didn't attend church.
I don't know if this makes sense, but yesterday's conference was so phenomenal I want to hang onto the feeling a while longer.   We adore Pastor Janet, but still.   The only way I can describe it is going out for an 'okay' meal after having enjoyed an epicurean event.

Anyway.

Man, I didn't realize how completely I've settled into retirement life until it involves morning appointments.  Knowing I had to meet my friends at 7, I deliberately set my alarm for 4.   Pretty sure some of y'all of a 'certain age' will know what I'm talking about.

We arrived early enough to grab complimentary coffee and snag 15 seats together close up ... where we each found a 'goodie' bag with bottled water, power bar, assorted mints and this.    

Hey, I'm not too old not to get excited about a baggie with tissue paper peeking out the top.

 

Here, I'd presumed there would be guest speakers first -- not unlike a concert warm-up band.  But no, after the church's praise band finished a medley of hits (aside: Cindy and I are convinced they're just as good as Casting Crowns) Jennifer began.

https://www.jenniferrothschild.com/about/

I sound like a 'fan girl', but she was better than we expected.  Funny, honest, self-deprecating and motivational too -- squeezed into this tiny body.  One might seriously forget she's blind.

Whether it be diarrhea, infertility, depression or saggy skin (all first-world issues!) nothing was off the table.  I don't think I was the only one convulsed with giggles when she talked about a recent travel experience: The next morning in the hotel bathroom -- having just applied the skin tightener -- she discovered her cosmetics bag was missing.  With only 20 minutes before her speaking engagement was to begin, she and "Dr. Phil" went rushing into the nearest Walgreens ... her with the white cane and face "resembling a death mask."

Married 38 years, she still refers to "Dr. Phil" as her boyfriend.

There were 3 nice breaks -- and props to the host church for designating every restroom "Women only."

Gorgeous day!  

I didn't realize there was such a thing as 'faux Fall' before last week.  "They" say it's already over, but I sure enjoyed our lunch on the lawn.  (Mind you, standing back up again was a whole 'nother story.) 

Chappy's provided complimentary deli boxes --

chicken and ham sandwiches, chips, fruit cups and chocolate cheesecake!

I didn't win any of the door prizes but meeting her was great.  Dr. Phil good-naturedly was acting as photographer.

We're already talking about maybe doing a girl's road trip to a future event.

Okay, fan girl needs another cup of coffee.

Y'all have a blessed day!

Hugs, Myra

 

Hodgepodging again

Good morning!

Thanks to Joyce ... and all y'all who stop by to 'see' me each Wednesday!
Let's wave a wand and see what's in her hat ...

🎩

What's the last thing you completely overreacted to:

See this little guy?
Macie and Grace were fascinated by the presence of him -- and friends. I used the 'lens' app on my phone, just to be sure it wouldn't poison one of the girls.
Unfortunately, I learned they were army worms.  Before 24 hours had elapsed, social media and TV news were reporting an outbreak.  Lawn service companies were inundated.

By week's end about half of our back yard was destroyed -- but having had their fill, the worms moved on.  And no pups were harmed in the process.

Your top 5 snacks?

They're all likely to be found in our kitchen

What smell always brings back some type of memory?  Elaborate.

Aramis

It's not so often gentlemen wear cologne anymore, but I caught a 'whiff' not so long ago.  Immediately, it took me back to 1970-something downtown Abilene (Texas) where I worked for a major utility company.  The father of another secretary used to drop in every now and then -- he a really handsome, dapper sort.  Think Robert Goulet in tweed.

I wouldn't doubt all the women didn't swoon a little when Mr. Gray stepped off the elevator.  When it was revealed he wore Aramis, I wasted no time buying a bottle to gift my father.  I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't a rush on it that Christmas!

What's something you learned from the last book you read?

That priests/clergy are human, too.  They struggle to do what's right -- both in the eyes of God and the church.  Despite my comparison of the fictional Fr. Ignatius to Robert Young, sometimes Father doesn't always Know Best.

What's the next thing on your to-buy list?  Will you make that purchase before the end of the year?

I need to get busy and post some things for sale on eBay!

One of the gizmo's in our faux fireplace died around New Years, and I don't think Tom's inclined to diagnose and/or repair.  Unlike me, he was never mad about it to begin with -- and may have questioned why I turned it on Every.Single.Night -- Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.  (Minus the heating element, that is.)

That's okay.  Macie Ann understands.  She used to love laying in front, watching the 'flames' dance.  The first time I didn't turn it on she just 'looked' at me like, "Are you forgetting something?"

Insert your own random thought here.

Simple pleasures!

Hugs, Myra

From the Test Kitchen

 

I've a question:

If what you make falls way short of expectations, do you go ahead and eat it anyway?

I was really looking forward to enjoying grilled chicken breast and asparagus today.  When we got home from church, however, Tom discovered the chicken was still partially frozen.

No worries, I'm a champ at foraging.  While he made a fried bologna sandwich, I examined the left-over shredded chicken.  Perhaps freezing it wasn't so wise, because the result (pictured above) wasn't so palatable.  The addition of olive-oil, Marie's bleu cheese, hard-boiled egg and tomato did little to improve its taste.  But ya, I ate it.

😋

We're nothing if not flexible.
I remember the former coworker standing before the canteen vending machine: "How lucky are we? Adults can have a candy bar and call it lunch/supper."

Lately, I've been on a popcorn kick, strewn with garlicy olive oil.  I love the variety of flavored oils on the market, but they can be pricey. I discovered mincing fresh garlic cloves and adding them to an ordinary (store brand) bottle of oil is just as tasty.

While Tom prefers having a variety, I'm can go for days eating the same thing.  For instance? Broccoli.  (Fortunately, like many men, Tom doesn't like it -- so I don't have to share.) 
  

UNfortunately, I doubted the InstaPot instructions and set the timer for 5 minutes v. 1.  I'll spare y'all the image, but the resulting dish reminded me of the name of a 1973 Charlton Heston thriller.

(Melted butter makes everything better; it was still yummy.)

What's in your test kitchen this week?

Hugs, Myra

 

Celebrating

 

My parents were fond of musing, "Last week at this time we were ...."
I guess that caught on, because I've been thinking about the baby shower we recently attended for my gr'girl, Chloe

..... and Robert ('bonus' grandson)

I love this young man so much.
As we were arriving, he ran over exclaiming, "Hi Grandma!  Hi Grandpa!"

Troy and Lois worked really hard, baking and setting everything in motion.

Clever!

I can't wait to meet Baby Girl!

These little women were having a serious discussion!

Tom was a little apprehensive about coming to a "hen party", but I think there were more men there than ladies. 

 Robert with his doppelganger niece.

I don't think I've ever known a father-to-be so excited.

My great-granddaughter's not even born, but I'm pretty sure she's going to be a 'Daddy's Girl.'

Happy days of our lives

I overheard Troy telling Robert about this song.

I'm not a big fan of KC, but this 'gets' me. Every.Stinkin.Time.

Have you listened?

Appropriate!

I hope y'all have a great (and safe) day!

Hugs, Myra

Watercooler Wednesday

 

Good morning!

Y'all.  My heart thanks each of you for your tips and terms of encouragement yesterday.   I wasn't trolling for compliments; just feeling a little insecure, I guess.  Anyway!   


On to the cooler!

Most likely, I'm in the minority -- but must admit to breathing a big sigh of relief when the Paris Olympics finally came to a close.  That used to be 'appointment television.'

Tom claims it stems from my never having played on a sports team, but no.  I think it's a reflection of this season in my life.

This question gave me something to ponder.   I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts!

Age is a many-splendored thing!

(tee-hee)

Hugs, Myra

Reading and 'riting and 'rithmetic

 

Well, two out of three ain't bad!   

For today, I'm feeling ...

A little stressed.  I want to post more than 1-2 times a week, but my days of retirement aren't so interesting.  My mind's all over the place, like a pinball in a pinball machine.

It's time I stop.  Stop trying to compose the next great American novel.  Stop comparing myself with others ... and most importantly, let go of the should'ves.   No rules, right?

Okay then! 

Starting today, I want to (try) upping my numbers/posts using less words.  Who'd like to volunteer to keep me accountable?

From my virtual bookshelf --

As soon as I'm able to wrest my mind away from Jeffrey Deaver's

Vanished Man,

I'm looking forward to Victor's latest book, Appointment with Murder, featuring the ever-loved 'Fr. Ignatius.'
(I'm thinking "Father Knows Best" meets "Murder, She Wrote."

Outside my wheelhouse ...
Nevertheless, I'm fascinated by The Measure.  Another blogger writes,

"THIS is very different and will cause you to stop and think.
..... the narrative of the sudden occurrence of everyone in the world 22 and over knowing the age at which they would die."

"... family, friendship, hope and destiny that encourages us to live life to the fullest."   

What's in your wheelhouse?

Hugs, Myra

 

Friday Letters

 

Woo-boy, it's been a while!
For today ...

Dear Stalker,

(With apologies to Johnny Paycheck), Take your poisoned pen and shove it!

Some of my long-time readers may remember how, shortly after moving here, we were receiving your letters and postcards addressed to the prior residents.  (I wrote about it here.)

Mistakenly, I opened the first.  I don't know if your content could be considered hard-core pornography, but smutty, ya.  And spiteful.

What a coward you are, never providing a return address.  Only once, a cartoon image of Satan in the upper left.

After visiting the local Post Office, I was assured they would alert the Investigative authorities in Mobile.  

Thankfully, your mail ceased.  Oh, for about a year.

Your 'love letters' began again, their numbers increasing each month.   "Just throw them in the burn barrel." Tom urged.

Nevertheless, I took them back to the Post Office.  Shocked(!) when the clerk-who-always-looks-like-she'd-just-eaten-something-distasteful told me, I had every right to open your mail.  (Hmmm, Google would disagree.)  Okay, then.  In front of her and several others that's what we did. 
 

You know what she called you?  "Crackpot"!   

To me an unspoken, "Too bad, so sad."

Dear Robby,

Thank you for taking me seriously when I visited the PO yesterday with a manilla envelope filled with creepy envelopes.   

Thankfully, there were no other customers waiting.  Soon there were 3 gathered -- interested and appalled by the contents.   I wanted to hug your neck when you told me, "No, you won't be committing a felony by opening or destroying."   

You're leaving a note for our carrier, not to deliver any mail not containing our names.   So glad I can put away the Maalox!

Dear Veterans Administration,

Great idea!

From someone with a cell phone whose battery drains like crazy ... thank you!

Dear AGT

You've long been one of our favorite shows, but (to me) the shine's wearing off a little.

These performers are nothing short of Amazing, but still.

If Ringling Brothers and Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour had a love child, I'm thinking you'd be it.

and finally ...

Dear HGTV

I was so tickled to hear on an episode last night, "Brown's making a big comeback."   It may not be the brightest bulb in the box, but I love it.

... provided, of course, I don't couple it with black.

Someone call the fashion police!

💌

Happy Friday everyone!

Hugs, Myra

An Undimmable Hodgepodge

 

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge!  
Want to play along?   I'd love to hear your answers!

Today Joyce asks,

What's a task you do on a regular (or semi-regular) basis that feels like it should be an Olympic event?

How about weeding?
I loathe yard work, but thanks to Pam, I discovered a lightweight 'whacker' whose battery lasts about the same time as my back.  Win-win!

Aside:  Last week my 'task' was interrupted by two F-35's doing maneuvers over Millbrook.  O'my gosh, y'all!  I'm not a fan of Top Gun... but the sight (and sound!) of these ...  I just stood there covered in goosebumps.

I wasn't the only one. For example --

"They could have given us some warning; I thought I was about to meet Jesus" ....
or my favorite,
"That's the sound of freedom."

Stock image from the web

What's in the trunk of your car right now?

I've no idea!
It's been sitting at the dealership since July 23, waiting for a diagnosis.
No, I'm not a happy camper -- but they at least gave me a bigger, nicer loaner.

Summer foods v. fall foods ... which do you prefer?

Fall!

Would you rather ...
Watermelon or caramel apple? - Neither
Iced coffee or pumpkin spiced latte? - Iced coffee
Potato salad or sweet potato casserole? - No thank you.
Barbecued ribs or roast turkey?  Ribs!
Ice cream sandwich or apple pie? - Nuh-uh
Corn on the cob or candy corn? - Corn on the cob

August 7 is National Lighthouse Day.  Have you visited any lighthouses?  Do you have a favorite?  Is a lighthouse something you seek out if you're visiting an area known for theirs?

I don't recall ever visiting a lighthouse; it's not something on my short list.

I am, however, besotted by this Thomas Kinkade illustration at the top.

Light at the end of the tunnel ... out like a light ... give the green light ... a lightbulb moment ... in a new light ... in the limelight.
Of the 'light' idioms listed, which applies in some way to your life lately?  Explain.

Given my fondness for afternoon naps -- particularly after a delicious lunch -- I'm going with 'out like a light.'

Insert your own random thought here.

How about an excerpt from my little book of devotionals --

"They sicken of the calm, who knew the storm."
- Dorothy Parker

"We mistakenly think that the 'untroubled' life would be forever welcome.  It's the deep waves of life that teach us to be better swimmers."

Grateful!

Hugs, Myra