Friday Favorites

 

... that sometimes defy logic.

A few weeks before Christmas I took myself to the Vintage marketplace, $20 burning a hole in my pocket ... waiting for unlikely cheer to jump off the shelf.   Have you ever said, "I don't know what I'm looking for ... but I'll know it when I see it."

As sometimes happens, nothing captured my fancy.

Yet once I stopped searching, cheer found me.  This last week, for instance.

Several years ago I fell in love with the salt and pepper shakers at Grits Cafe.   I took a photograph but never found anything like them ... until I thought to search using my 'lens' app.

eBay to the rescue!

A bit of rust (not shown on the sales site ... oh well).

I'm not normally big on purses, but when I spotted this at an estate sales for only $3?  Mine! 

With pockets!

Even the lining looked brand new.

For the price of a pizza, guess who got to spend last Saturday afternoon with this 6-week old love.

Penny for Penelope's thoughts!

Not new, but these, too, are a few of my favorite things --

Old textured walls at my favorite burger 'joint'

Coosa Cleaver, Wetumpka

Vintage doorknobs

and funky keys

It's heavy ... perhaps suitable for use as a weapon (lol)

T-t-t-t-hat's all, folks!

Hugs, Myra

Another Wednesday ... already?!

 

"Can't think, brain dumb, inspiration won't come ..."
Goodness, how that old rhyme applies to my recent thought processes (or lack thereof)!

Thank goodness for Joyce, aka Queen of the Hodgepodge, for continuing to provide weekly prompts.  Shall we?

🙃

What was your after-school routine like when you were a kid?

Not being privy to bus transportation, I'd walk the 1-1/2 miles home -- a stack of books in my arms. (This, before backpacks were a thing.)  No, it never occurred to me to complain.

First thing, call my mother at her office to let her know I'd arrived safely.
Then, as soon as I changed into my 'play clothes' I'd fill a bowl with vanilla ice milk and blanket it in Hershey's syrup.  Stir like crazy, until the consistency resembled what we now know as a Wendy's 'frosty.'

I'm sure homework needed done; possibly an episode of Shindig or Hullabaloo.

January 26 is National Green Juice Day.  (I guess it's true, everything really does have its day!)  Do you juice, as in make your own in an attempt to get healthy?  Do you do the green juices?  What's your favorite kind of juice -- home blended or store bought, either one?

I love most greens, but actually prefer to chew my calories.
My favorite used to be grapefruit, but Tom's not supposed to consume it because of his meds.  Not wanting to tempt him, I've turned to V8.

What's something trivial about which you have a strong opinion.

Tattoos

What do you need more of in your life?

Mobility, exercise (will power!)

Less of?

Worry about things beyond my control.

Give us 3 adjectives to describe your January

Celebratory
Chilly
Day-dreamy

Insert your own random thought here

Remember the new dishwasher from Amazon?

I can't say enough good things about the delivery or packaging!  Two thumbs up!

By the time we got it finally unwrapped, however, Tom discovered the existing cavity wasn't deep enough to accommodate what I now refer to as the Property Brothers thang.*

I'll let these pictures tell the story.

I don't know if you can see that 'patch' at the rear with wires sticking out?
The original wall switch was meant for a non-existent garbage disposal, so the owners just cut a hole and hard-wired them to their dishwasher.  (Yes, that's the same one that flooded our family room 6 years ago.)

In an effort to make it fit, Tom brought out the duct tape!

Shortened the wiring

... and installed a new outlet

I'd like to say I refrained from saying anything about the gap.
Fortunately, it was remedied a couple days later.

I really should forgive him for wanting this in the first place.

Then again, maybe I'll just send him to the store?

Y'all take good care!

Hugs, Myra

* Each time we watch an episode of HGTV's Property Brothers, Tom's fond of pointing out all the pitfalls discovered after-the-fact.

 

Wintry Hodgepodge!

 

❄️❄️❄️

Thanks, Joyce!

What's a winter memory you treasure?

(Can be from any winter in your lifetime)

Gosh, there've been so many!   Until these olden bones began to act out, Winter was always my favorite season - childhoods chock full of snowball fights and forts, ice skating, skiing.

I'm going with an '82 charter ski trip from Abilene to Durango, CO.
 Great food, much laughter and some of the prettiest scenery ever.  L'Chaim!

    

Tell us about the last time or a recent time you were caught up in red tape.  Does it send your frustration level off the charts, or is it something you've come to expect when dealing with any sort of bureaucracy?

I sure wouldn't want to repeat our long-distance home buying experience.
Despite being pre-approved, crossing every "t" and dotting every "i" the mortgage company kept asking for "one more thing" ... up until the 11th hour.  Seriously, I don't know how people with cardiac conditions endure.  We were both so fed up, almost ready to walk away.

Is this the new normal?

Do you eat/like fish?
Not so much since developing a shellfish allergy.

Do you cook fish at home?
No.  I've a pathological fear of discovering a bone(s).

What's your favorite fish dish?
I adore salmon but have never tried making it.

Ever been ice fishing?
No way!

Did you watch any of the U.S. President's Inauguration coverage on Monday, January 20?
Yes, I was glued to the television.
And how about that Mississippi Valley University Marching Band?  I may have been on my feet!

On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being 'not at all' and 10 being very very), how interested are you in politics in general.
Maybe a '5.'

Do you follow/keep up with/get involved in local politics.
Not local, no.

What's the coziest thing you own, and what makes it so?

I'm going with my favorite (electric) fireplace.
It's not especially grand, but how it transforms the feel of our family room.
(With apologies to firefighters everywhere, I've always been a little enchanted, attracted to fire.)

Insert your own random thought here.

Until yesterday, I couldn't think of a thing.
And then ...

(borrowed from FB)

Some of y'all on FB may have seen the little video I took.
While it only lasted a few hours, the little kid in me was still thrilled.

And I learned something!
My fav meteorologist shared something that had me scrambling to look up online.

Am I the only one who never heard of 'ASMR'?
(In between making snow angels, Amanda was scraping her boots against the icy pavement.... hence, ASMR.)

I don't think I'll be using that in conversation anytime soon.  But hey, like a former blogger used to say, "Every day is a school day." 

Please be safe, be blessed!

Hugs, Myra

 

Today

 

G'morning, glories!

Thank to y'all who played along at the 'Watercooler.'  I enjoyed your responses!  So, some of you asked, what would be my choice? 
Well, given that I LOVE murder mysteries and travel by ship -- it's a toss-up between 'The Girl in Cabin 10' and 'Death on the Nile.'   

Our week's been largely uneventful -- but like the young grocery cashier remarked yesterday, "I'm feeling blessed that I woke up this morning, I've a good job, a roof over my head and food on my table."  Wow.

I suspect today may be one of the longest 12-hour stretches ever.  We saved a few hundred dollars by ordering a dishwasher from Amazon -- but they've only promised delivery "between 8am and 8pm."  Why Amazon?
Don't get me started on Home Depot's non-customer service.  (Yep, I'm naming names.)  The model we expected to be delivered last Friday never materialized because the sales lady transposed our street address.  (No-one bothered to call.)   They promised delivery Monday, but when that got postponed to Tuesday, 'someone' marched down and demanded his refund.  In cash!  (Go, Tom!)  

Because Tom and I normally eat different kinds of meals (sometimes at different times) I was surprised and delighted when, after only 3 days, he asked if I'd make another quiche.  He.Who.Dislikes.Eating.the.Same.Thing.Twice.In.a.Row ... go figure!

Because it's ridiculously easy, if anyone's interested, here's the low-carb recipe:

1 lb. ground breakfast sausage, browned
8 oz cubed cream cheese (I zap it in the microwave for easier blending)
6 jumbo eggs
1 c. heavy cream
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
6 oz. bag fresh baby spinach

Combine everything and pour in a greased 13 x 9 baking dish.
Bake at 350* for 40 minutes, then
let rest for 10-15 min.

Pondering ...

My Lists.
Way back in 2008, one of my first-ever blog posts went something like this:

As part of the Life History (journaling) classes I once enjoyed, our facilitator urged the class to compile Lists of 100. "Write quickly, repeat as often as necessary and write whatever comes to mind."

For instance?

100 Things That Bring Me Joy
100 Things That Turn Me Off
100 Things I Miss
100 Things I'll Never Do Again
100 Bucket List Ideas

While I'm sure that works well for some, I prefer to ponder.  Savor.
(No, I've yet to reach 100 in any category.)

Longer than an elevator speech, yes ... but how telling!

Amusing, too, when I went back to the Bucket List I published the next year.  Silly improbable dreams!   Like my fantasy to sit astride a (racing) thoroughbred.  My ever-helpful BF who suggested we put a quarter in the mechanical pony at WalMart.  She volunteered. "I'll stand in front and throw mud in your face."  What a gal!

🙃

Okay, while you're making lists (lol), I'm getting another cup of coffee.  And wait for the big truck.

Hugs, Myra

  

Watercooler Wednesday

 

Welcome back to January's edition of

Watercooler Wednesday!



📖




Since many of us are content to while away these Winter days with a good book, I wonder...

If you had to exist inside a novel,
which one would it be?
(Dream along with me ...)

Please keep warm and well!

Hugs, Myra

 

Foodie Friday

 

Well, not that sort of foodie.
I'm thinking throw-together dinners that -- while not suitable for Sunday guests -- warm the spirit.

Unless you want to count (Tom's) two doctor's appointments in two days, this week's been pretty unremarkable.*  The Christmas decor's hidden away -- and a dishwasher chosen.  (Not my idea, but I'm done with 'someone's' strong suggestions.  I may or may not have remarked, "Just because it's there doesn't mean I'm going to use it.")

I guess you could say I've got the blues.  Not because our skies are gray and weepy.  No, I'm a little sad because the hint of snow never materialized.  Not even a respectable sleet.

Recently I asked, "What is it about cold weather that makes the thought of eating so attractive?"  And why do I think my middle name is Betty Crocker?

I'm sitting here, trying to ignore the urge to wander into the kitchen and open doors.  Idly waiting for a cue, "Eat me! Eat me!"   

So, last week's French Onion meatloaf was less than stellar.  Despite following instructions to the letter, it was totally bland.  (One and done!)

Yesterday I made an old favorite, white chicken chili and this evening I'm trying out a sausage and spinach quiche.

Okay!  Because I've an exaggerated distaste for touching any raw pork product, opening the package is the worst part of this process.  When I watched this clip (from the Today Show) a few months ago, I mentally filed their hack away.   Lucy and Ethel, stand aside!

Unfortunately, I'm telling y'all it didn't work.  And I've probably 100 more wooden skewers remaining.  Maybe next time I'll spring for the extra $$$ and buy those already cooked sausage patties.   How do you prepare your ground pig?

Well, it's almost time for the reveal.
I hope everyone's staying warm tonight; take good care of yourself!

Hugs, Myra

* Cancel that!

Last evening I actually applauded at the conclusion of Chicago Med.  Any other fans out there?   

What ... where ... when ...

 

Hey there!   
With a nod to my long-ago journalism goals, here's a glance at the days of our lives.

What?
Well, one of us is happy (heh-heh)!

Where?

The other day we ventured west to a part of Alabama we'd never been.  There, on historic Broad street, a structure Time seemed to have forgotten.  Built in 1832, it boasted 12' ceilings, 3 fireplaces.
  Due to neglect, however, the rooms were dirty, the outbuildings decaying.  Watching where we stepped and dodging cobwebs, we didn't linger.  

Still, there's something about old Southern homes that tugs at my imagination.

Approaching the lunch hour, Tom gave me a choice:  Mexican? Olive Garden? Long Horn?  No question, I'd been craving a nice piece of salmon.

One for the Joy journal!   Our fav waitress not only had an open table but weeks after we'd last visited, V. even remembered what we usually order!  Solicitous without being condescending, she made my day!

When?

A little later this evening:  From the Test Kitchen, I'm trying a new-to-me recipe for French Onion meatloaf. 
I caramelized a big old pot-full of onions earlier and grated a block of Gruyere.  Golly!  Never mind I can't even pronounce it, if I'd known how much that cost, we'd be eating another version.  Oh well  ... new year, new to me!

   

Why?

Still hoping to discover my Purpose (word of the year).  Look what I found in my new Max Lucado 2025 Devotional!   

Just perhaps, like in Field of Dreams -- if I put it out there, it (the answer) will come.

... and how?

With a little help from my friends!
(That's you!)

I hope y'all enjoy an awesome week!

Hugs, Myra

Hodgepodge #1 of #52

 

(Source: Internet)

Good morning fellow travelers!  Everyone's seat belts fastened? 
Let's do this!

Oxford's Word of the Year for 2024 is 'brain rot.'  Are you familiar with this term?  Do you suffer from the condition?  Ha!  This is a term used to 'capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media.'  If you were choosing a word to capture 2024 -- for the nation, not your own life personally -- what word would you choose?

Huh?  I had to read and re-read that definition.
(Maybe my brain's already 'rot'? lol)

The author's sophisticated vocabulary sounds a bit pretentious -- like he's trying hard to impress.

The first word that came to me is Pandemonium.
Not going to overthink this, but I look forward to hearing everyone else's choices.

It's National Polar Bear Plunge Day (January 1) ... will you be participating in one of these events (or even your own)?  How will you spend the first day of this brand-new year?  Do you have a tr4aditional New Year's Day menu?

Ha!  The closest I'll come to a January 1 plunge will come in the privacy of my own bathroom shower.

Nope, we've no menu plan.
Tom had plans to do a prime rib roast tonight (Tuesday) - but because we waited to the last minute, the only availability was something called "Greenwise" at $21.49/pound.  Nope, na-da!

(Don't tell Tom, but I'd really rather have Chinese take-out anyway ... or the nice rib-eye he's going to grill later tonight.)

I made sure to pick up a can of collards this morning, then spied these in lots of shoppers' buggies.  Perhaps next year I'll be brave enough to learn exactly WHAT to do with them.

What's something that brings you joy, and how will you do more of it in this near year?

I'm going with our family's newest blessing, Penelope.

One of my biggest regrets is having lived so far from my granddaughters during their childhoods.  God willing, I'll be able to witness some of this baby's 'firsts' up close and personal.

Do you struggle with the January blues?  What's one thing you can/will do to keep them at bay?

I don't recall ever having the January blues.

Will you choose your own personal word of the year for 2025?  What about a goal, resolution, or maybe even a bucket list?  Elaborate as much or as little as you like.

I wasn't planning to choose a Focus Word this year.  Then, while at Study yesterday, something Louis Giglio asked struck me.
"In this season of waiting, what is your purpose?"

Whoa.
In the past I might have quipped, "...serve as comic relief" (or) "... as a bad example."

In all seriousness, looking back at all the roles I've played these brief 70-something years, sometimes I wonder.  What's my PURPOSE?

If I look too closely, it's like my brain's scrambling eggs.  I need to remember, all the while God is working in the background.  I just need to be open to His guidance.

Insert your own random thought here.

Don't blink!

Hugs, Myra