My grown-up Christmas list (2024)

 

But first!  ... a Thanksgiving epilogue.

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?

🎄

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.

🎄

Wishing everyone a perfectly lovely evening.
For now, however, it's almost time for the Iron Bowl ... War Eagle!!!

Hugs, Myra

Thanks-living

 

Happy Day Before!

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.

I'm so looking forward to hearing about your day!

Hugs, Myra

Saturday 9

Michael Buble, "My Baby Just Cares for Me" (2016)
Unfamiliar with this week's song?  Hear it here.

🎵

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.

Hugs, Myra

Flashback Friday

 

There are days I feel mighty fortunate to be a member of the 'Baby Boomer' generation.  Sure, there are places that no longer work the way I'd like ...  what sometimes comes out of my mouth isn't the word I meant.  But how blessed we've been to witness technology in Real Time!

For instance --

Tho' he wasn't especially skilled my father loved his camera.
What remains is probably a 50-50 mix of black/white and color photographs.  Unlike the hundreds (thousands?) of images we take on our cell phones, I'm thinking most people in the 50's made careful, deliberate choices.  Film and the cost of developing wasn't exactly cheap.  Moreso, if one preferred Kodachrome.

Are any of y'all fans of The Voice?
I love the new-to-me song I heard the other night.  The words, how they engraved themselves on my heart!

You know it, too?

As each year's calendar pages turn to the holidays, more and more I get swept away on a Sentimental Journey.

With these lyrics in mind, here's a hodgepodge of some favorite images taken around Thanksgiving and Christmas .... many years ago.

My father (ca. 1927)
Tho' he never came from means, he loved nice clothes

Mother (at front) with fellow students

Second and third from left, my parent's engagement(?) dinner 

War time in Fort Lauderdale

I wish I'd seen it in color!

My happy place

Aboard the Queen Mary ...
feeling humiliated at the make-your-own-hat party.
I can still recall every detail of that forest green dress with the white dotted embroidery

Mule excursion down the Grand Canyon

I'm second behind the guide.  Mother's behind me and that's daddy bringing up the rear.

You should've seen it in color!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

On one hand ...

 

Good morning, y'all!
What's new?  Not much, but I still wanted to pop in.

After basically ignoring the state of my skin the last 11 months, I was relieved to get an "All good!" report from my new dermatologist.

On the other hand!
I felt (appropriately) abashed at the gentle scolding for pick-pick-picking my ankles where someone's fleas had their way with me last year.

Yep, you read correctly:  Last year.
I raised my right hand and promised to wear socks for the next two weeks.

🤎

We really like Tom's new pulmonologist!

On the other hand!

The drive to Alex City over a rolling twisty two-lane road isn't one I enjoy -- particularly when one's rear windshield wiper refuses to turn off.
I shouldn't be concerned about what other drivers think, but ya.  I was.

🤎

Knock wood, the shot Tom was given at Pain Management seems to be working.

On the other hand!
I suspect appointment times are just suggestions.  Who'd guess so many people suffer from boatloads of physical issues?  The aide who wheeled Tom out said they scheduled 80 people on Thursday alone!

🤎

Yesterday we took Tom's new script to the Montgomery VA.  To a person, I love their customer service.

On the other hand!
Suddenly, I noticed my phone: It's little face read, "No service. Emergency calls only."

The last time it did that was the morning of 9/11.  The only excuse we were given is (that) our Florida offices weren't far from the school where President Bush was reading to grade school children.   Supposedly, cell phone towers went silent as he was being rushed to Macdill AFB and Air Force One.

It was an unsettling feeling -- especially when at 11:30AM (November 18) it read, "October 27, 5:15PM.

Has anyone else experienced that sort of thing?

🍂

Sometimes, Real Life brings real discouragement, doesn't it?

Nice to know there's a safe place to land, right here in Blogland!

Here's a hand!
👋

Hugs, Myra

  

Hodgepodge

 

Happy Hodgepodge Wednesday!
As ever, thanks to Joyce for continuing to facilitate ... 577 weeks now.  Wow!

🤎

What's something you think is under appreciated?  Explain.

Coming on the heels of November 11, I'm going with our veterans.  It hurts my heart to witness the disregard.   If you've a moment, please check out these powerful images on Debby's blog.   

Or this.

As Winter approaches, how do you stay productive?

Not only Winter, but if I'm going to get things accomplished, I need to do so before sitting down to eat.  Full tummy and my brain's like, "Okay, I'm done for today."

What's a popular food you don't like?

Strawberries ... sushi ... sweet potatoes

What do you think is more interesting -- art or history.  Elaborate.

What a poser!  Off the top of my head, I'm going with history.

...Because (I think) art is more a self-fullfilling pursuit.  The artist is creating for him/herself, and if others appreciate it, all the better.

History is largely self-less -- there for us to learn from.  Y'all know the rest, "... not doomed to repeat."

These are just my thoughts; I'm interested to hear yours.

What advice would you give to someone half your age?

Start saving for retirement NOW.  Don't presume someone will always be there to support you.  Time is a thief.

Insert your own random thought here.

Does anyone else ever pause in the middle of a book to let a certain phrase/sentence marinate in your consciousness? 

That's what happened to me a few nights ago:

From:  A Very Bad Thing

"When darkness falls, when you lay down your head, you are a different person than the moment your eyes opened hours before.  Your day is driven by inexorable forces seen and unseen, felt and unfelt."

Thank you for being here ... it matters!

Hugs, Myra

Still ...

 

Giggling, about the 'hot' cheese experience.

I'd never heard of a Carolina Reaper, but it's not likely I'll ever forget what Guinness calls "the world's hottest pepper." (BTW, it was considerably tastier after Tom added copious amounts of Half-and-Half.)

Sticking, to my (keto) regimen.

I'll admit, Days #2 and #3 were really difficult; that goes to show how sugar can be so darn addictive.  The weight loss is slower than I'd like (only 9 lbs in 2 months), but I've dropped two pants sizes in that time.

Debating, whether I want to subscribe to the NYT Games.

$5.99/month isn't a big deal.  BUT, I'm afraid it may seriously hinder my attempts to rekindle (no pun intended) my love of reading.  These exercises -- Wordle, Strands, Spelling Bee, Connections ... the pull is real, y'all.

Prowling, for little holiday gifts.

Grommet's still a favorite venue, and I spotted these a little while ago on FB.  (Some are a little naughty, but yes. I laughed out loud.)  Oh Lord, please protect me from those things I don't need!

Loving, this song.

Have you seen this version?

Thank you to all our proud veterans for your service and sacrifices.
Never forget!

Hugs, Myra

Whew

 

How'd it get to be Saturday already?  My favorite month of the year's spinning like a ceiling fan in July.

This week's been a series of hits and misses ..... but isn't that the way life goes?

Despite our weather still being disrespectfully warm I've been craving some comfort, one-pot meals.  Spying a bag of Tyson chicken breast strips in the freezer, I dumped it in the slow cooker with a box of low-so chicken broth.  Sauteed onion and lots of fresh garlic(!) followed, together with a block of cream cheese and green salsa.  

Now where I went wrong?  

The Monterrey Jack cheese I usually buy wasn't available, so Tom suggested, "Why not give this a try?"

Yes, it reads "Very Hot!" ... but having grown up in northern New Mexico, I pretty much 'pooh-pooh' others' definition.  

Well boys and girls, this stuff pretty much whammied our taste buds.   !Proceed with caution!

🌶️

In other news ...

At first light Monday, the work next door began in earnest.
And yes, the little kid inside me was enormously entertained.

I'll let these photos tell the story.

This is what I visualize when my comments sometimes disappear.

Anguish

Not sure why, but I find their undersides kind of fascinating

Evening after, one tin soldier walked away

Not that we had any choice in the matter, but I'm going to miss them ... the squirrels, especially.

🐿️

Well, I'd better get moving ...
not sure what's in store for you and me, but I pray blessings punctuate our day.

Hugs, Myra

Before Amen

Do you remember when someone (your parents, perhaps) first taught you to pray?  Maybe yours went something like mine:  "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.  If I should die before I wake [yikes!], I pray the Lord my soul to take.  Amen."

I'm not proud of it, but most nights I quickly prattled off the words by rote, never pausing to consider their meaning.   I didn't DISbelieve -- but God wasn't a part of my Monday-Saturday thought processes.

Later, He came and went ... depending on what was going on in my personal life.  

You've heard me say it before.  I'm eternally grateful for circumstances that led me to our little church and my Bible study sisters.   Some (studies) are better than others; we all have our favorites.  Until last Monday, I believed no-one could measure up to Jennifer Rothschild or Priscilla Shirer.  

Enter Max Lucado.   

Right away he acknowledges that unlike the PGA (Prayer Giants Association), he's a card-carrying member of PWA (Prayer Wimps Anonymous).

I long to be like Brenda. Cindy, even, whose prayers flow so effortlessly from the heart.  Were I to be asked?  I'm certain my throat would close up and I'd sound like Miss Piggy with strep.  Remember that old line, "Can't think, brain numb, inspiration won't come."

Unlike our previous study -- where the facilitator urged us to set a specific place and time to pray -- Max underscores my feelings. I don't need a specific time, a specific place to talk to God.   He and I visit regularly throughout the day. 

 

Max takes it one step further.   He says we don't have to "make theater" out of prayer like some.  Instead, he related an old story about when, at his daughter's piano recital, the worst happened.  Never mind that she knew the piece by heart, halfway through she froze.   Backstage, nestled between her parents arms she cried, "Oh, Daddy!"   That's what Max suggests.  When we're hurting, or we don't know what to say, "Oh, Daddy!" is a perfectly acceptable way to begin.   "Come to God the way a child comes to Daddy."

I sure like the pocket-size prayer Max shared.  I hope you do, as well.

"Father,

You are good.

I need help.

They need help.

Thank you,

In Jesus' name, amen."

I hope y'all enjoy a blessed evening!

Hugs, Myra