Just chuck-it!

Well, here we are again ... the end of another year.  Time to let it go, right?

Have y'all plans to celebrate tonight?  Or, like us, will this evening find you struggling to stay awake?

It doesn't seem so long ago, New Years Eve was an excuse to don formal wear and sip a glass of cheap bubbly.  

More meaningful, those years in Florida when we'd attend our church's Burning Bowl service.   (Some may remember, I've written about this before.)

Two candles are lit -- one representing the old year, the other the New Year.  Everyone's given a piece of paper on which we wrote whatever it is we want to release.  (A cautionary: "No names, please.  God's not a hit man.")

After a time of prayer, each row in turn comes up, touches their paper to the light and inwardly repeats, "I release you; I let you go."  The paper is then placed in the burning bowl. 

I never thought about that before, but our pastor explained, it's a universal sort of thing.  Fire is frequently used at the beginning of a new year for cleaning and transforming ... a way of convincing our consciousness that we have let it go.

I'm loathe to set anything on fire in this!
... but I still love using it.

Not so lofty, but I'm more inclined to identify with the (unknown) gentleman who wrote of things he wants to let go of:

"Anything that drags me down or holds me back.  People I never want to meet.  Activities I detest."

.... and my personal favorite:  "Places and experiences that peg my Ick-o-Meter."

For instance?

I've no idea why certain pastel clothes hangers make me shutter -- isn't that silly?  Nevertheless, it's time that their mint green selves go away. 

My collection of short socks.  I love their cute patterns and bold colors, but I want to trade up for more fabric that disguises my ghastly white legs.

See what I mean?

Of course, there's more --

The outfit which, while a "smoking deal", makes me look and feel Dreadful.

The hamper full of tattered scrapbooks containing faces of those I used to love -- now departed -- either to death ... or circumstance.  Their images will mean nothing to my son and only make me sad when I dare to visit.  

It's time. 

No, I've not forgotten about "my" Word for 2026.
In fact, I'll write about that soon.

Spoiler alert:  It's not just One Word.

Happy New Year!

Hugs, Myra

Scraps

 

G'morning ... happy Su Monday!  (Am I the only one unsure what day of the week this is?)

Thank y'all so much for your kind words on the loss of my friend.    Sharon's Celebration of Life service was really special ... standing room only in our little church.

Sadly, since my last post we (Robinson Springs) lost two more members.  Friend Brenda -- a new widow herself -- remarked, "What's this, God's taking all the good ones?  You know, I've got a list ...." (*giggle*)

Feeling mighty grateful for Christmas dinner with Troy and family.  I brought a big ol' salad (that we totally forgot to put out) and cheesecake, while Lois served Comfort Food:  Yummy meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy and my favorite - green bean casserole, piled high with those delicious toasted onions.

Here's my favorite take-away -- the obligatory 4-generation image featuring my younger granddaughter, Chloe, and baby P.  

Speaking of Comfort Food.  

We invited friends Leon and Linda to join us at the Pub for a merry Christmas eve-Eve, and now they're fans.  The guys enjoyed blackened prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes and Texas toast; I giggled aloud when Leon cleaned his plate, then -- observing what we'd left on our plates -- would ask "are you going to finish that?"   

Oh, how I love good food ... and others who aren't bashful to do the same without ceremony!

The holiday week wasn't all pixie dust.

Last Friday night found us at the ER for an unexplained open wound on Tom's back.  Thankfully, the VA wasn't so crowded -- as what's taking place at the big hospitals with the flu outbreak.

After blood work and x-rays they determined there was no evidence of the osteomyelitis that plagued him several years ago ...  no damage to the rods in his spine.   Big whew!

When all's said and done, y'all ....

I may or may not have rewarded myself with some contraband raw nut bread batter.

Little things mean a lot!

I hope your new week's full of happy!

Hugs, Myra

   

Yesteryear

 

The Song Remembers When
- Trisha Yearwood

G'evening sweet friends,

Forgive me a few visual indulgences ...
Having unexpectedly lost a dear friend the other evening, this week's been difficult.  Sometimes I think December's the hardest month.  I'm not saying that to court sympathy ... in the words of her great granddaughter, "Although we love Mimi so much, we are happy to know she is exactly where she wants to be, in the arms of the Lord."

May we all be so blessed!

That little chair behind me?
It still sits beside my bed to hold a cell phone and water bottle.

1957-ish

1960

Daddy's last Christmas
Bartow, FL, 1980

1983 .....  It was the best of times 

... and then along came Macie.  And Grace.

God bless us, everyone!

❤️

Friday letters

 

Well, darn.  I fooled around and missed the last dispatch to the North Pole.

Nevertheless, here are a few messages of good --and not so -- goodwill.

🎄

Dear Street Department elves -

Thank you so much for the nightlight y'all recently installed outside my bedroom window.

It makes me feel all warm and watched over on nights when sleep is scarce.

🎄

Dear Drivers born after we stopped using "19xx" -

Do you know what this means?  Or that one in the middle?  How about the last?

Since most some of you don't use turn signals any longer, I've been thinking about doing this.
Suppose anyone will recognize my intentions? (*grin*)

🎄

Dear Dental Hygienist -

Following my less-than stellar encounter with you in October, I finally decided to keep my follow-up Wednesday morning.  My bad.  

Granted, you don't know me and my family from Adam, but I think it was in poor taste to refer to the Army National Guard (being) the "lowest of the low."   My grandson-in-law is certainly not "low" -- nor are the other men and women in uniform presently serving our Country.

Oh, and I didn't realize things were so bad on your boss' latest P-and-L statement?  Normally after each visit I'm given a little bag containing a toothbrush, trial-size toothpaste and floss.   Instead, you asked, "Do you want a toothbrush?  I just gave you one in October."

No, I'm not ready to say anything to the doctor -- I'd hate for you to possibly be disciplined right before Christmas.  But you won't have to concern yourself seeing this "real trooper" again next year.

🎄

 

Dear Readers -

What can I say?

The joy ... the giggles ... wisdom ... even the tears you've brought to this playground (aka, Blogger) mean more to me than anything wrapped in ribbon.

Y'all are my family, and I thank God for each of you every day.

Hugs, Myra

Parade of Photos

 

Aw, thank you Mother Nature!
   

Yesterday morning I stepped outside to a delicious 23* morning.

It wasn't long, however before I ducked back inside for a strong-dose of java.  I've been waiting a long time to use a favorite cup - depicting Santa Fe in the snow.  Perhaps I'll use my new Dollar Tree mug for some white chile this evening. 

Certain vessels always add to my enjoyment.

Let's see, I promised y'all birthday pictures.

What Troy asked for.

Tho' it was a brief visit, he/they really enjoyed it.
Their hotel room was only a block from the White House ... which he said looked a bit like a war zone with all the police and barricades.  Sad, isn't it?

We don't know if that's a new normal, but it was the same evening President Trump was hosting the Kennedy Center Honorees.  Sirens day and night I'd have found a little unnerving. 

And then a wONEderful little girl celebrated her first birthday.

As ever, my DIL had her home beautifully decorated; nothing over the top, yet warm and whimsical throughout.

And the food!

I didn't think I was a fan of pesto, but!
Now I want to beat feet to Dollar Tree for a jar.  Lois mixed it with sour cream ... and man, it looked just like guacamole.
(So glad I asked first before surprising my mouth!)

The obligatory smash cake

I don't remember those rituals when my son was little, do you?
It was all I could do not to stick my fingers in there, too.

Poor daddy Robert (deployed) had to watch via FaceTime, but both his mother and dad and their respective spouses were there, plus siblings and friends.

Even a neighborhood pup, who -- if she had her way -- would choose to live with my kids.

Santa Troy and "slum dogg" Sylvia

Finally ...

Mother and daughter -- 27 years apart

Well, friends, if you've made it this far I really appreciate you.

It's not every day this old lady gets to witness her great-grandchild celebrated ... in this, the sweetest season of the year.

Holiday hugs!

Myra

Gifting

 

Do y'all watch America's Funniest Videos?

That's not something we normally choose, but a recent episode had me practically rolling on the floor.  The theme?   Little children opening presents, only to discover they didn't get what they wanted.  (What's that old saying, "If you want the truth ask a little child or an old woman.")

Let's be honest.  Who among us can't relate?  Or know someone else?  

I remember my son's 12th Christmas.   December 1981 was emotionally wrenching.  My father had passed unexpectedly a few weeks before ... we adults doing our best to put on a happy face. Gosh forbid anyone Wallow.   I don't remember who gifted Troy a rather elaborate ship's model -- but he set it aside like so much garbage.   Gracious wasn't yet a learned skill set.

Days later at some point -- boredom perhaps -- he picked up the box and proceeded to build a beautiful replica.  Like he'd been doing it all his life!

When asked why the initial reaction, Troy confided he'd been afraid he didn't know how ... that he'd fail.  Ever feel that way?  Refuse to try something new because you might fail?   I know I have! 

So, back to the subject of gifting.

Shortly before Thanksgiving, Troy asked that we stop gift giving.  He and Lois have told their girls the same.  Nicely, he explained they're blessed not to need anything; that if they want something, they're usually able to go get it.

Well, ouch!  I know what he was saying is true ... Tom and I actually stopped buying for one another several years ago and opt to get something for the house.

Except.  One of my favorite moments of the holiday season is imagining, then discovering something I'm sure my loved ones will cherish.  I aim for this sort of expression found on a loved one's face a long time ago.
Shock.  Surprise.  A genuine, "How did you know?"

To be honest, I've made more misses than hits.  The expensive sweater depicting chipmunks square dancing, a water bra (yes, really) ...

I wear my embarrassment like a badge.

 

A friend and I were chatting recently about gift giving.  I used to ask my mother, "What can I get Daddy?"  To which she always replied, "A nice handkerchief."   

Seriously?  That's about as exciting as a Milk of Magnesia cocktail.

Go figure, now I'd love to receive a package containing hankies.  So much better than the paper towels usually found at the bottom of my purse.

Thankfully, now I can truly appreciate the sentiment in which a gift is given.  "So what?" if the color's not something I'd have chosen ... if the spoon rest is likely to spend the rest of its life in a junk drawer ... if the fruit cake is likely to be re-gifted.  So what?  Like a lyric from a favorite song, "It's the laughter we will remember."

If you have such a memory, I'd love to hear it.

I hope your new week is full of laughter!  

Holiday hugs!

Myra

More photographs coming soon ... but here's an appetizer!

Yes, that's son Troy under the beard!

Flashback Friday

 

G'morning friends,

Like y'all, days around here have been generously peppered with appointments, celebrations and hastily scribbled lists.  Thinly disguised, "did I forget?"

My wonderful son celebrates his 56th birthday today ... how did that happen? 

... but we'll wait to celebrate tomorrow at our Penelope's very-important First.  Yes, I can't wait to share pictures!

 

Meanwhile ...

As sometimes happens this time of year Melancholy arrives uninvited.   I refuse to succumb to sadness; and instead, nourish my mind with memories of good times.  There's little doubt sometime in the coming days somebody will say, "Remember when ..." and you both dissolve in giggles.  

My sweet mother loved to remember.   That's actually what prompted one of the questions at last week's Watercooler Wednesday. 

 

Oh friends, how I enjoyed your responses!  I love how Debby said she examines old photographs to find little "morsels of memories" in the background."   (Me, too!)

Could be, these are some of my favorite antiquities 

One of a pair of "sleigh bells" collars that my grandfather affixed to his team of horses.

One of mother's earliest memories was being bundled into the back of her father's sleigh for the ride to an uncle's home to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.

Now that's an image I wish someone might have captured.

Never spoken in a regretful tone, she'd say there was only one gift.  Ever.

Usually a baby doll.

That's just the way things were.  How different than the largesse of packages I used to enjoy!

Here's another sweet relic I enjoy bringing out to the light each December.

A sweet little book from mother's Sunday School teacher, Mr. Jensen

Someday in a few years I want to gift this to Penelope.

But my goodness, there's still birthday packages to wrap, sentiments to pen.  Time's a wasting!

Thank you for spending some of yours here with me!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

This n' That

 

Unpopular opinion --
Grey, misty days with temps in the 40's is Perfection.
... the only 'bad' part, I want to eat everything in sight with no regard for the bathroom scales.

Accordingly --

In less than a week's time -- in between my every 5-week haircut and an (unremarkable) echo -- I made another batch of nut bread, a big ole pot of green chile chicken soup and more spinach/sausage quiche.  

Is it just me, or does anyone else love the aroma of sautéing onion and garlic?  I've even begun adding fresh garlic cloves to my store brand olive oil to sprinkle on my salads.

While visiting with my Ladies' Study friends this morning, somehow the conversation skewed to their recent mediocre restaurant experiences.  Tom and I don't make a habit of eating out every week, but I found myself saying, (imho) one's server can 'make or break' my experience.  Thankfully, in addition to Long Horn, we found another fellow at Olive Garden's bar who takes really good care of us.   (No, I left the 2-martini lunch far behind years ago.)

As usual, the place was hopping.  I didn't think Mike even noticed we'd been seated when he went rushing by our booth.  Then, all of a sudden, he appeared at my elbow with my tall glass of water (2 lemons) and Toms' Coca-cola.  "Did I get that right?"  Even tho' we'd not been there for more than a month, he asked, did we still want the salmon, the Shrimp Alfredo, extra sauce?   I don't know how he does it, but it honestly makes me feel like a VIP. 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch --

I finally took myself to task and stood up, plugged in the tree.  These are last year's images, but it basically looks the same ... except I haven't been moved to "fluff" the branches all pretty-like.  We're not expecting visitors, and while the girls are drawn to the lights, they haven't expressed an opinion one way or the other.

Same tree -- taken from the sun room.
Tom likes the colored bulbs, I prefer white -- so we bought one that changes itself every few minutes.

My favorite?

Grandgirl Chloe shared this sweet image.  You can't see Penelope's face, but the wonder's all there.

Gives this g-grandma all the feels!'

Well, until I break out into song, I'm going to say TTFN.

Be good ... you never know who's watching!

Hugs, Myra

  

  

Water Cooler Wednesday

 

Hey there, friends!
It's been a while ... what do you say, we re-visit the Water Cooler?

As ever, today's poser(s) are taken from The Christmas Conversation Piece -- the little red book that's been part of my holiday collection for many years.   

You can answer any -- or all.  Perhaps you'd enjoy posing them to your family and friends around the supper table?

🎄

Since it's today's my beloved granddaughter's birthday, let's start with this one.*

Chloe (ca 1999)

Regardless of its monetary value, what's the single most meaningful Christmas gift you've ever received?

Here's another --

If you were a photographer who was given the chance to go back in history to capture a Christmas photograph, where would you go and what year would it be?

and finally --

On a lighter note ...
What do you think is the most enjoyable thing to do in the snow?

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Myra

*Yes, I've asked this one before, but some of y'all are new to the Water Cooler and I'd love to hear your answer.

Tuesday 4: We Gather Together

Hey there ... g'evening!   

I'd grand plans to start the day with vim n' vigor ...  baking utensils were at the ready. 
At 3-something thing morning, however, my back reminded me I'd used up all my 'vigor' yesterday while doing a frantic house cleanse.  Selfishly, perhaps, I put myself on Injured Reserve.   

Several Aleve and Lidocaine patches later, I now feel ready to bring on the "most wonderful time of the year"!    Let's do this!

Birthday lady, Annie wants to know, "What are your Thanksgiving Days like?"

Do you celebrate with family, friends or by yourself?

This year there will be but 4 -- Tom and myself, Troy and Lois.  Grand-girl Chloe, Robert and Penelope are headed to Robert's dad and family in Mississippi.

I can't share details, but Robert's unit is about to deploy for several months.  While I totally support our Country's armed services, it hurts to know he might not be here not only for Chloe's birthday, but his baby girls' first birthday.

(Not he's the first, certainly not the last ... but still.)

🦃

Do you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from Macy's in New York City?  The appearance of Santa at the end signals the start of the Christmas season.  What does the day hold for you?

Oh, how my mother loved a good parade!
Honestly, it was never a big deal for me -- but she's been heavy on my mind lately ...  I'm feel led to watch/listen.

🦃

What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving for you?

On our table this year?
Hickory-smoked brisket, corn casserole, mashed potatoes-and-gravy, crescent rolls  .....and a new-to-me "cheesy artichoke hearts casserole" (keto-friendly for Lois and myself).

Aside:

Long-time readers may remember, the Thanksgivings of my childhood weren't the norm.  Being thousands of miles away from family, the long weekend was an excuse to drive to Colorado ... a hotel in downtown Denver ... a dude ranch ... even a train ride to a newly-developed community called Breckenridge.  My father's only requisite: not being fond of turkey, he wanted to be able to order off the menu.

It wasn't Norman Rockwall, but it was good.  Carrying on an old family tradition!

🦃

We say grace before and after meals.  Is grace a part of your Thanksgiving meal?

Yes, absolutely ... thanks to Troy for reminding me what matters.

Whatever your Thanksgiving traditions, I pray that the day is meaningful and filled with love for you whether with family, friends or alone.  May God shine His blessing love down on you and yours and make us all truly thankful this year.

The Lady in Red

Because Chris De Burgh's song brings back lots of happy memories ... how can I not play along with this week's Saturday 9?!

Unfamiliar with this 1986 tune?  Hear it here.

"Crazy Sam" asks ...

Is red a color you often wear?

Now that you mention it, no.  My wardrobe skews more to blacks and earth tones.  Maybe something inside makes me remember hearing, women of a 'certain age' shouldn't wear red?

Browsing some favorite photos this morning, maybe I need to change my way of thinking.  Red makes me happy.

  

In this song, Chris De Burgh is thrilled to be dancing with the woman he loves.  Do you recall what was playing the last time you stepped onto the dance floor?

I've no idea the last time I was on a dance floor!
I have, however, been known to do a solo waltz across the living room to a TG Sheppard serenade.

Chris say he wrote this song about the first time he saw his future wife, who wore a red dress when she came to see his band perform.  Tell us about a memorable concert-going experience.

Years ago, Tom and I made plans to see Neil Diamond.  (Same venue where Charlie Kirk's memorial service was recently held.)
Unfortunately, when we arrived with tickets in hand, our seats were already occupied.  They, too, had tickets stamped with the same row and seat numbers.

"Usher!"  Bless them, I think these folks are prepared to handle just about any eventuality.  Without missing a beat he said, "Don't point ... but if you'll look up (about 'such-and-such' in soto voice), you can watch the show from there."  Sure enough, he directed us to an elevator where another usher led us to one of the sky suites.  Cool!

Chris' father worked as a diplomat for the United Kingdom.  Former US ambassador Robert D. Blackwill believes a diplomat should possess strong writing/speaking skills, meticulous attention to detail, historical knowledge, and stamina.  Do you have any of those attributes?

Definitely not speaking skills nor historical knowledge.
Probably attention to detail.

Chris' family owns Bargy Castle, a 15th century fortress in County Wexford, Ireland.  Bargy Castle has been converted into a hotel.  What's the last hotel you stayed in?

Candlewood Suites in Clearwater, FL.
For medium-priced lodging I'd give them a "10." 

Chris is a wine connoisseur who sold a collection of vintage reds for over $500,000.  If you suddenly came into $500,000, what would you do with it?

How about 2 modest condo apartments -- one in Florida, the other in New Mexico.

Watching HGTV, $500,000 doesn't seem that huge anymore.

In 1986, when this song was popular, singer/actress Lady Gaga was born in Manhattan.  Have you ever been to New York City?

Yes.

Also in 1986, NHL Hall of Famer Jacques Plante died.  Are you a hockey fan?

Not even a little bit.

Random question -- You just slid behind the wheel and are about to embark on a long road trip.  Which of these famous Williams would you choose as your navigator?  Willie Nelson, Bill Murray or William, Prince of Wales?

I've a super strong fondness for the young royals -- but fear the future King would be too circumspect to appreciate my chatty, sometimes whacky sense of humor.  (What do you think, Victor?)

Let's go with Willie, "On the Road Again"!

Happy Saturday, friends!

Hugs, Myra