Saturday SomeThings

 

I've no rhyme or reason for choosing this image.  Even what prompted me to take a picture of the bottom of Tom's old jon boat two years ago.   Sometimes these sorts of things just cry out to be noticed, know what I mean?

Like this.

Love the smocked detail

After last week's eye appointment, I realized we weren't far from an estate sale that looked interesting.  Most everything had been picked clean, but there was 'something' about this whimsical child that made me pause.  "You like?", came a voice behind me.  "Half-price today."  

I'd intended to hang it in my bathroom but after setting it down in the bedroom I realized it's almost exactly the same wood as my furniture.  Even the green border.

I think I shall call her Pandora. 

Loving ...

Something one of the Bible study gals shared last week.

I don't know if anyone else struggles to forgive themselves, but this bulls-eyed it's way to my consciousness.

"If you accept that God has forgiven you your sins, who are you not to forgive yourself."

From the test kitchen ...

Still experimenting with flavor combinations:

Low-carb tortilla brushed with garlic oil ... covered with two sunny-side eggs, Mozzarella, smoked brisket, Alfredo sauce ... and more Mozzarella.

and finally ...

Some of y'all may have seen where I shared this clip on Facebook.
I'm not familiar with the singer, but oh-m'gosh, what a perfect prayer. 

Out of the mouths of babes!

As for me and my house?

I'm giving thanks for His protection over my Florida and Georgia friends ...
and at the same time, lifting prayers for all whose lives have been turned upside down by Hurricane Helene.

Won't you join me?

Hugs, Myra

  

Watercooler Wednesday

 

The other day my 'older' friends and I were talking about unforgettable live television moments -- which gave me the idea for this poser:

These are a few I'll never forget.  Where were you ... what were you doing ...

• The assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald.  My parents and I never did make it to church that morning.
  
  
• Man's first walk on the moon
  
  
• 9-1-1
  
  
• ... and in a lighter vein, "Who shot JR?"
  I was amused to learn (that) when the answer was revealed, more than a few airline pilots broadcast the news to their passengers and crew -- while still in flight.  Those were the days!

What are your most unforgettable television moments?

 

Hugs, Myra

Happy Fall* y'all!

 * some exclusions may apply in Alabama, where it's forecast to be 95 today.

Welcome to my sunroom!
Won't you join me?

First, I want to thank y'all for your sweet comments on my last post.  Yes, it's a departure from my usual prattle ... I had misgivings about even publishing but decided to follow my heart.

For today ...

One would think this woman of 'generous years' wouldn't be so concerned with the state of her hair.  
One would be wrong.

In the words of Jennifer Rothschild, "Sometimes real life brings real discouragement."

After seeing recent photos of myself - v. those taken only 6 years ago, I'm dismayed at my snow-white hair, my washed-out complexion.  What would my beloved hair guru back in Arizona say?  Probably the same thing he said years ago when we first met: "You're not doing yourself any favors."  

Anyway!  Since I'm no longer in a position to pay $$$ for custom color every 4 weeks, I remembered my mother *secretly* using a rinse to liven up her own naturally blond curls.

Amazon:  "I can help you with that."   
... and fingers crossed, so it goes!

🤎

Coincidental?  Maybe not ...
This came up in my Facebook last evening:

"There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only 3 hairs on her head.  'Well', she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.'  So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only 2 hairs on her head.  'Hm..mm', she said.  'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.'  So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only one hair on her head.  'Well', she said, 'Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail.'  So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up,looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.  'YAY!', she exclaimed.  'I don't have to fix my hair today.'

Attitude is everything.  Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.  Live simple, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.  Be Grateful."

*Have bowl ... will work for pistachios*

Hugs, Myra

Thankful Thursday

 

... and Friday Fotos, too.

Good evening!

I once had a manager who was fond of saying, "Everything happens for a reason."  Over and over.  And over.  I don't know if she really believed that.  I didn't.

Looking back at our last 6+ years, however, I wonder.  

Some of my long-time blog friends may remember when I was heartbroken by not one, but two real estate challenges in neighboring communities.  Not willing to throw more good money after bad, I agreed the last one on our list ("Bachelor #3) was the right house for us. 

By the grace of God soon after, our cross-country move happened.  Then, not a week passed before I noticed a sign outside a nearby church building:  'Sean of the South' will appear on such-and-such a date.  (*Squeal*)    

Yes, I've been a "fan girl" of his for years.

I called.  "No, I'm sorry.  His appearance is sold out."

Tom and I were never regular church-goers, but something was tugging my heart.  "What do you say, let's visit next Sunday."

Wow.  Everyone was so welcoming and friendly.  Friend Sharon says, "What makes our church different is the love.  We're a family."

As they say, the rest is history.

So be it.  If not for the (first) deed discrepancy ... if not for the (second) failure to pass inspection ... if not for an advertised appearance by my favorite columnist?   Well, we'd be living in Wetumpka and I'd never have known these wonderful folks I call my adopted family.  I guess everything does happen for a reason, Michele.

At last Sunday's service we had a member of the 'Olde Guild' (my term) come speak about the history of Robinson Springs (once its own town) and surrounding structures.  I thought our church's history pretty interesting --

Exerpted from the (lengthy) archives:

Founded in 1828, Robinson Springs Church's present sanctuary was completed in 1845.  Large for rural churches of the time, it is believed that the builders used the measurements for the tabernacle God gave Moses during the wanderings in the wilderness.  (90 x 40 x 22 feet.)

Included in the sanctuary is a slave gallery that was still in use by African American members after the Civil War.  There is no interior access to the balcony as slaves were not permitted to enter the actual sanctuary.  The balcony can only be reached through exterior doors.  

Throughout the years, siding and necessary structural improvements have been added.  Nevertheless, "the timber foundation was hand-hewn from heart pine and is still solid.  The pews, still in use, were also hand-hewn and held together by pegs. 

In the center section, dividers remain in the middle of the pews which were formerly used to keep men on one side and women on the other.

Tell that to these gals!

Our congregation may be small; the sanctuary a bit plain -- but in the words of Rascal Flatts, I'm so thankful "that God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you."

Hugs, Myra

Whoops! (aka, Tuesday 4)

 

G'morning!  In the words of hostess, Annie:

"Here we are back for another Toni Taddeo Tuesday 4.  I hope you find them fun, thought-provoking and interesting.

Have you been in trouble or had some Whoops/oops moments in your life?  Let's talk about it."

Have you ever felt like the dog in this picture?

More often than I'd like to admit!

Did you ever cause an embarrassing or inconvenient incident?  What oops moments were your fault?

Let's rewind back to 1958.
Our Brownie troop was having a picnic down one of the canyons that populated our town.

"Myra!  Don't try and carry that watermelon by yourself."

Me:  "Watch this!"

You can guess what happened next.
And yes, I'm still mortified remembering the looks on everyone's faces.

Tattle on your family or pets.  What funny incidents did they get into?

For 11 years now our girls have been an inexhaustible source of amusement.  Exasperation, too.

Yes, that was the stuffing from my favorite couch.
... and you know those little rubber tips on door stops?  Fair game for an inquisitive puppy.

 

What was the funniest moment in your life?

My word, there have been so many!

Maybe when I was called up on stage during a production of "Forever Plaid" and made to play 'chopsticks' with one of the actors.

I love to laugh.  ... snort too, as sometimes happens.

I'm just going close with a line from my favorite song:

"For it's the laughter we will remember, when we remember the way we were."

Free Range Friday

 

..... another way of saying, my mind's all over the place! Today, I'm feeling a bit--

Sad:

Earlier this week, the majority of schools in our River Region were the object of threats made on social media.  While no-one came to harm, swift action resulted in something like 8 juvenile arrests. 11 to 14 years old, SMH.   

Not only that.  During Bible study my friend Sharon shared how the great-granddaughter she and Billy are raising has in the past few weeks turned from a happy, eager student to a reluctant and retiring 9-year old.  Presley's convinced (that) she's going to die by gun fire while in school.

Accomplished:

I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the brightest bulb in the kitchen.  Nevertheless, yesterday morning I got to chopping and whacking fresh produce, chicken and spices.  6 hours later we've a supply of 'De-Tox Chicken Soup' that should last us throughout the Winter. (This link isn't my recipe, but a close cousin.)

Leery:

I'm pretty sure that coming on the heels of Jennifer Rothschild, any other Bible Study leader's at a disadvantage.   

Sure enough.  I'm not ready to throw in the towel, exactly - but neither am I excited about attending the next 6 weeks.  

I'm not sure just what it is about this gifted speaker/author, but I'm calling her my 'sandpaper' person.  You know, when someone just rubs you the wrong way?   Good thoughts, please?

Intrigued:

Years ago, after following a link to something I saw on Facebook, I swore off ever buying anything on that platform.  That is, until I discovered TotallyBamboo.com.   This time I just Googled the name and went directly to their website.   Maybe it's because I'm drawn to fun kitchen gadgets, but found another Christmas present for 'that' person on my list who's ridiculously hard to buy for.  Bonus?  They're made right here in the USA.

Silly:

Who'd like to join me?

Happy Friday!

Myra

Hodgepodge from the heart

 

Thank you, Joyce!  

When the Hodgepodge lands on September 11, I want to acknowledge that.  Will you purposely pause to remember, pray or attend any sort of ceremony on 9/11?   Share any thoughts or memories you'd like to share about this day.

Oh, my goodness!
Each year at this time is a fresh punch in the gut.  I swear I won't, but still cry hearing stories about that day.

Cataclysmic.  It wasn't the first in my life. Nor, I'm afraid, it won't be last. 
A line in the sand:  It changed me ... it changed the America I knew and loved.

I saw something last night that said,
"On September 12 we ran out of flags -- not toilet paper."What happened?

Prayers?  Always prayers.

Growing up, did you spend a lot of time with your grandparents?  What's something you learned from a grandparent?

Unfortunately, due to significant geographical differences I've few memories of times spent with my grandparents.

What's your go-to breakfast?

That's my favorite meal of the day!
Unlike my father, I don't go all out (protein, fruit, cereal ... the works!), but my go-to is a --

Fluffy* 3-egg omelet liberally stuffed with Conecuh sausage; perhaps fresh Hatch chile. 
Stone ground Gouda grits, provided I'm not doing Keto.

* [ 2 TBSP Duke's mayo, 1 ice water ]

Tell us the story behind one of your favorite photos.

For years I drove beneath this tree limb on my way to work.

The last few years -- when conditions grew really difficult at my workplace -- I regarded it as a touchstone.  If it could 'hang in there', so could I.

I called it Sloopy.  (Some will get this.)

Whatever you're going through, Persevere.

This week Friday lands on the 13th.   Are you superstitious in any way?  Do you like scary movies, and if so, what's your favorite?

I'm 99% NON-superstitious.
The 1%'s reserved for anything bearing the numerals '666'.

Not especially.  The only 'scary' movies I'd like to revisit would be one of Alfred Hitchcock's.

Insert your own random thought here.

Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot ...

Hugs, Myra

Dreamin'

Last week, I spied a thick, tired pocket notebook at the back of my desk drawer.   Thumbing through the myriad of hand-outs and notes from the Personal Life History writing program, it was 1993 once more.  Poems, prayers, promises.

An occasional prompt:

As a matter of fact, this was my 2nd-ever blog post.

On August 10, 2008 I wrote:

"I love 'em ... really LONG lists!"

For instance,

100 Things That bring me joy

100 Things that turn me off

100 Things I miss

100 Things I'm glad I've done

100 Things I'll never do again

Nope, I never made any even close to 100.

📃

Who else remembers Pinterest?
.... Having to apply for membership and waiting to be accepted?  (FOMO much?)

Of course, I did a deep dive.  Gosh, it's been a long time!

Followers I've never heard of .....

Several boards, pins  -- what was I thinking? .....

Delete. Delete. Delete.

I remember our instructor's voice:
"Most people find it easier to identify their dislikes v. those they love."

Isn't that curious?

In that vein, I began a new Board:  "It Ain't Me, Babe."

Another, just because.   

...sobering to realize how little I actually want/need.
Just the same, if anyone has a direct line to the North Pole.....

Do you Pinterest?

Hugs, Myra

 

Tuesday 4

 

... Yes, I know.  It's already Wednesday, but Labor Day Monday messed up my timeline.  (Doesn't take much, jus saying.)

Thank you, Annie, for welcoming me back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 gathering!  She begins,

The Autumnal Equinox is September 21 and it is the actual beginning of Autumn.  Many, however, consider Labor Day as the unofficial opening of the Autumn season of the "Ber" Months.

🍂

What's on your reading list for September?

I'll finish Spider's Web (Mike Omer, Police Procedural Manuel) pretty soon, but there's a chance all my fingernails will be gone.  I've not been this engaged (in a thriller) in a long time.

Murder in the Monastery
I was delighted to hear the doorbell yesterday, signaling the arrival of Victor Moubarak's 'Fr. Ignatius' novel from across the pond.
Thank you, Victor!

Hill of Secrets
Thank you, Sheila Y, for remembering where I grew up -- and telling me to look for this Kindle freebie!

Does your favorite reading nook look anything like the one in the above picture-- or do you wish it did?

Most of the year my 'nook' is the recliner/couch.

Soon, however, I'm praying the weather will cool significantly and I can hole up out here -- at one end of our sunroom.

Can you name some books you've read many times?  Do you recommend them?

I'm sure there were several, but this is the only one that comes to mind.

An 'only child', I may have had a teeny girl crush on the sisters.
And let me tell y'all ... having seen their (ca.1971) act in Las Vegas, there was little resemblance to anything on Lawrence Welk. 

I should do this!

Which of the classics have you read?  Goodreads offer a list of classics they recommend here.

Honestly, I'm happy to have left 'required reading' behind'.  I've little interest in most of these.

I'd like to know who actually decides what makes a Classic.  (Sure, I could Google the criteria, but I'm too lazy to bother.)

🍂

Okay, then.  We've got silly errands needing done this morning; then at some point we'll celebrate our 20th anniversary at Long Horn.  How on earth did 20 years just seem to evaporate?

Don't blink!

Myra

PSA

 

G'morning!

If you're already aware of "huge changes" coming in the HVAC industry, you can skip this. 
Then again, if you're like me and feel the need to check your home's thermostat several times a day, this may be food for thought.

The other day I woke from a nap to ask, "Is it me, or does it feel warm in here?"  Yep.   When I wasn't paying attention, our unit decided to take a break.   Already, I had visions of throwing a change of clothes in a bag and finding a (dog-friendly) hotel room.  Seriously.  I.Don't.DO.Heat.

Fortunately, when we moved here 6 years ago Tom signed us up for a 'preferred' agreement with the HVAC company that previously serviced our home.  Supposedly, for a nominal monthly fee, if we have an issue we're bumped up to the first in line.   

Sure enough.  Within the hour, a tech was standing at the door; a few minutes later his boss.  He correctly diagnosed and corrected the issue.   No charge!

Yet because I'd seen something my girlfriend shared on FB the day before, I had to ask, "Is this a rumor?  If not, what is XXXX doing to prepare (your) customers for this?"

Of course they were aware.  "As a matter of fact, our team was just discussing this."    

Because (a) we've been experiencing record heat and (b) at 5 o'clock they still had half dozen more stops, we set up an appointment to have the 'comfort specialist' come out on Tuesday and talk numbers.  I don't know what a warranty means anymore these days, but ours just 'graduated' out of parts and labor this spring.  

Here's an excerpt of what my friend shared.

If you're a homeowner or soon to be one, you might want to take a moment to read this.

They have made a change to the refrigerant in the AC systems.
The reason it's a big deal this time, unlike last time, is the suddenness of the change.  No crossover time to learn the new product.

The proper way when changing refrigerant has always been to replace the entire indoor and outdoor system to match.

However, in the event a customer was not in a financial position to replace everything at once, there was a way to mix-match and at least get them through until everything could be replaced.

The new refrigerant will not allow this.

He concludes,

If I were in the position for needing a replacement, I would rush to make the change before the change-over is mandatory.

No HVAC contractor asked for this.  Our goal is never to make things harder than they have to be.

Also, my friend discovered a (more rational) press release from the National Association of Home Builders. You can click here if you'd like.

* * *

Okay, I'd better start getting ready for church.  I hope everyone enjoys a beautiful September (yay!) day.

Hugs, Myra