Good to the last drop

 

Still celebrating ...
my March birthday, that is.  I've 3 more days!

Yesterday we'd made plans to visit a new(ish) restaurant.  So excited to see a prime parking spot right in front of the doors -- until I spotted:
"Open 3-10PM."   

Our last couple of visits to Olive Garden have been less than stellar ..... but this was Tom's turn to pick. Plus I was on the verge of getting "hangry."

Fortunately, this time both our dinners were delicious!  Learning Tom's prior entrees were 'dry' our server brought out not one, but two extra cups of Alfredo sauce.  Score!

Later , I got on the net and discovered this copycat recipe for Scampi Sauce that's not only keto-friendly, but I think will pair well with chicken.

Scampi Sauce

2 sticks butter

2 T. crushed real garlic
2 T. chicken stock
3/4 c. white wine
1 t. crushed red pepper
2 T. Italian seasoning
Black pepper, to taste.

Heat butter slowly.  Add garlic and Italian seasoning and red pepper on low heat for about 2 minutes.  Add the wine, water and chicken base and stir until combined.
Optional: Add white sauce and stir until slightly thickened. 

So, today turned into a 3-cup of coffee morning.
That's not doing my essential tremor any favors, but I'm not especially concerned.

What I am a bit concerned about is my lack of discipline.  Does anyone else keep envelopes full of scribbled thoughts, hoping they'll grow up into posts?

 

What I did want to share ... something that came up in my memories.

Any fans of Ree Drummons (aka, Pioneer Woman) in the audience?
Here's her 'Crazy Coffee', based on something called 'Bulletproof.'

12 oz. fluid strong coffee, very hot

1 Tablespoon coconut oil (unrefined)
1 Tablespoon cold butter (unsalted)

Place all 3 ingredients in a blender and blend until emulsified, about 10-15 seconds.  It will look like very creamy coffee.  Pour and enjoy!

I know it sounds bizarre.  Maybe even a little ick.

All I can say is that you need to try it.  Just once.

Some people say it gives you an energy boost like no other.  I don't know about that, but I do know it's delicious.  Especially on a dreary rainy Saturday.

Bottoms up, y'all!

Hugs, Myra

Springing forward

 

... to where the action is! Hodgepodge, that is!
Thank you, Joyce!

Spring has officially sprung (in the northern hemisphere anyway) ... did she roll in more like a lion or more like a lamb in your neck of the woods?

March in Alabama is so unpredictable!
Mother Nature's book-ended us with a little of both.  Just so no-one grows complacent, ya know?

What needs more of your attention in terms of a good spring clean this year -- yo0ur house or your garden/yard?

Despite our good intentions, the back yard is seriously in need of professional rehab.  Tom's unable to do the heavy lifting anymore and frankly, I'm not inclined.

What's put a spring in your step lately?

Not gonna lie ... there's little-to-no high stepping going on.
I may be the only soul on Planet Earth who's not excited by the arrival of Spring.

Nevertheless!  As I reluctantly transition the bedding, bath and clothes closet -- even the hand soaps (Gingerbread to Snowdrop*) -- I say a little prayer:  Create in me a clean heart ... and a new outlook. 

I've no doubt He'll do the rest.

When you were a kid, what was the best snack to find in your lunchbox?  If you didn't do the lunchbox thing, tell us what was your favorite after-school snack.

Most days, my little brown bag contained the same things:  A little bag of Frito's corn chips, accompanied by waxedpaper-wrapped bologna on white bread with a shmear of margarine.

Even as a girl, I was more drawn to salty v. sweet treats.

In what area of your life are you planting seeds?

Each Monday morning at Bible study.
Whether it's part of the lesson plan or something one of the ladies shared, I come away with a new perspective, a desire to grow.

Why do you live where you do?  Would you consider living somewhere else?  Why or why not?

I'm usually apt to say, my 'line in the sand' occurred the afternoon I left work and the actual (v. feel like) temperature in Phoenix was 121 degrees.

A tipping point, yes -- but I'd been leaning towards relocation for several years.  During Toms' cancer treatments/after effects, I was away from home 10 hours each weekday; we felt little support from his grown daughter and son.  (Like Linda says, just keeping it real.)  
Our biggest cheering section and unconditional support came from my son and family, right here in Alabama.

Of course there were other contributors.  Looking back, so unimportant, but I've no regrets.  The only other place I'd consider living is central Florida -- close to friends and only a day's drive to Coosada.

Insert your own random thought here.

My car really needs a professional wash.
Except

'til then!

Hugs, Myra

______________________________

*Despite its name this (Snowdrop soap) has a light, refreshing aroma -- totally unlike the cloying floral fragrances popular this time of year.

Either or, This? or That?

 

Just for fun, let's play a game. 

Actually, the idea came to me yesterday when Tom bullied persuaded me to get on his John Deere mower.  I did make a few laps, but may have snarled something to the effect, "I'd rather scrub toilets!"

... hence today's post.   

I've listed a "Baker's Dozen", but please don't feel you have to answer them all.   

It's always fun to learn a little more about my friends.
(The shaded words are my responses.  I can't wait to hear yours!)

❓

Would you rather?

Mow the lawn/weed or
    scrub toilets?

Fly 2 hours, or
    drive 3 days?

Spend an afternoon with toddlers or
    residents of a nursing home?

Cook Thanksgiving dinner or
    clean the kitchen?

Attend a rodeo or
    visit the Aquarium?

Call or
    text?

Be a contestant on the Amazing Race or
    Dancing with the Stars?

Celebrate your birthday at an elegant restaurant or
    the neighborhood pub?

Deep-dish pizza or
    flatbread?

Foot rub or
    scalp massage?

Spring pastels or
    earth tones

Read a book by a favorite author or
    see the movie version starring your favorite actor?

Outdoor fireplace or
    swimming pool

***

Can you think of any more 'this or that' questions?
Please tell!

Hugs, Myra

Tuesday

 

Top of the morning, y'all!

Let's see ... where were we last?  Oh, ya!

The tumultuous weather's passed us by ... thank you, God!  

For some reason, I was feeling unsettled all day.  The birds -- even my little Grace -- were exhibiting 'weird' behavior.  Stress chatter.   My sweet DIL (a life-long resident of Alabama) said she even felt 'something' different.  Electrical air. 

4pm, March 15

At "roll-call" Sunday morning friend Brenda remarked, "I do believe that's the closest we'll ever come to having a tornado on us without having a tornado on us."

I'm sure you've all seen the coverage, heard the first-person heartbreak.  Our only casualty, an heavy upturned patio table.  Our friends made the decision to invest in a storm shelter; and tho' he won't admit it, I do believe Tom's thinking about it.

🎉

And then my meter turned over another year!

After Bible study yesterday, Troy and Lois dropped by with birthday cheesecake.  They had to scoot to his doc appointment but will be back Saturday for Chinese take-out and a relaxing visit.  That sort of thing's exactly why I've no second thoughts about moving to Alabama.

Tom took me for dinner ... back to Long Horn, of course.   Now I'm suspecting our favorite server, must keep little index cards in her apron.   Right out of her mouth:  "Outlaw steak, medium rare -- salad with extra bleu cheese -- 10 oz. salmon with double broccoli" ... "am I right?"   

Obligatory birthday selfie

As I do almost every time, thoughts of applying for a job (dishwasher?) crossed my mind.  Have you ever worked in food service?  Once seated near the kitchen entrance, I overheard a server bemoaning, "I'm sooo hungry."  Makes one wonder if kitchen staff is allowed to sample the food?

Anyway!  I was blessed by a 6-pack of Cold Brew coffee from a long-time friend and $ from my kids that's going for a new (necessary) phone.   

A favorite?  This text greeting from Sweet P's mommy.   

... followed a bit of self-indulgence.

Yes, I no longer say "Happy Birthday" ... 
rather, "Happy New Year!"

I feel incredibly lucky to have such amazing family and friends.  Another year older, another year grateful.

Thank y'all for accompanying me on the ride!  

Hugs, Myra

The Saturday 9

 

Southside Irish (1984)
Hear it here!

Welcome to Saturday 9!  What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday.  Sometimes the post will have a theme; at others the questions will be totally unrelated.  Those weeks we do "random questions", so to speak.  We encourage you to visit others participants' posts and leave a comment.  Because we don't have any rules, that's your choice.  We hate rules!  We love memes, however, and here is today's:

  

🍀

This week's song was chosen because it's something of an anthem in Chicagoland around St. Patrick's Day.  Can you name another song that makes you think of St. Patrick's Day or Ireland?

While in school our Glee Club always sang "I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover."

Tho' it's not a traditional Irish song, I always looked forward to hearing "The Unicorn" played on my favorite radio channel.
Once my former hubby called the station to request it and asked the DJ to wish me a happy birthday!  

The Irish Choir sings that that 'craic' is always best, among the Windy City Irish.  'Craic' is Irish for 'fun' and 'high spirits.'  Are you planning anything fun this weekend?

Hahahahahah!

By mid-afternoon we're expecting a bit of severe weather.
Literally, everyone's talking about it.  There's not a weather radio to be found in the stores and some have already elected to leave the state.

In all honesty, I got on Google, hoping to find a nearby underground parking garage.  But in the end, settled for this:

Emergency radio, 2 dogs' beds, helmets, whistle, folding chair.
Behind me in the bathtub, scads of pillows and an enormous heavy quilt.

They tell us that their fathers came over from Mao, Cork and Donegal.  Where did your ancestors hail from?

Germany, Sweden, Norway

The lyrics mention the rivalry between Chicago's two baseball teams.  As Spring Training 2025 draws to a close, how do you feel about your baseball team's chances this season?

Sorry, no favorites.  I'm not fond of the sport.

The Chicago River is dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.  Does your community do anything special for the holiday?

I'm not aware of any local observances.

While this week's song focuses on the Irish population of Chicago, it's not the U.S. city with the highest percentage of citizens of Irish ancestry.  According to the 2020 census, Boston is #1.  Have you ever been to Boston?

Yes on a '60-something road trip.
My father was born and raised in East Hampton.

On Monday (St. Patrick's Day) do you plan to wear green?

For sure!
I've a favorite sage-y, olive green shirt.

That's a fun tradition.

Clovers are a recognized symbol of St. Patrick's Day, and four-leaf clover is believed to bring good luck.  Have you ever seen a four-leaf clover?

I don't think so, no.

Black coffee with whiskey and whipped cream is Irish Coffee.  What's your standard coffee order?

Straight up black, dark roast.
Irish (or Mexican) coffee is delicious ... once in a while.

Y'all take good care!

Me (not me) watching WSFA weather!

💚

Hugs, Myra

 

 

Friday letters

 

Dear Dr. M (dentist),

Your new building's so lovely ..... but what's up with those ceiling tiles' pattern looking like dirty confetti?  Boring.

Reclining there with my mouth agape, I was thinking it might be nice to have a television mounted up top playing music videos.  Even clips from Funniest Home Videos.

... jus' saying.

Dear Food Manufacturers,

Why are 'Expiration/Best by' dates so hard to find?  I don't know how long I stood holding the jar of Alfredo sauce looking but not finding.
"Where's Waldo?"
 

Is it too much to ask that they be stamped in one place?

Dear Chief Meteorologist J,

We all appreciate your candid-yet-calm delivery.

Except.  Night before last I heard you say, "I don't like what I'm seeing."

Yesterday you upped our threat level to 4 (out of 5).
Yes, I've prepped our safe room (aka hall bath) and said my prayers. 
 
A playlist to while away the hours?  How about ...

"Whenever I feel afraid, I hold my head erect and whistle a happy tune, so one-one will suspect I'm afraid."

Dick Van Dyke's song and dance: "Put on a happy face." 

Perhaps, McGuire's "Eve of Destruction"

(nah, too dark)

Now accepting song requests!

📬

God willing and the creek don't rise, let's talk soon!

Hugs, Myra

PSA, Beware!

 

So finally, 3 hours after the fact my hands have stopped trembling.  Yet my stomach's still all twisty thinking how close I came to being phished.
Maybe my experience can help someone else ...
at least writing about it might calm my nerves.

Normally, I'm uber-cautious about unsolicited communications.  Realizing the increase in cyber theft, I even check our bank accounts every day.  (Obsessive much?)

These people, however, sounded so very legit.  Concerned, even.  Let me tell you about it.

While sitting at the kitchen counter, Tom came in holding his cell:  "You might want to take this; he says he's calling from Chase."   At the time, I didn't think to question why they were calling his number -- but rightly presumed both are listed on our profile.

After identifying himself and badge number, I learned there had been two attempts to access funds from our account.  Did the name xxx mean anything to me?  Had I travelled to Brooklyn, NY in the past 24 hours?  Had I authorized $1,200 at 8:10 this morning ... then $1,500 five minutes later?

The caller was so polite, and realizing my voice was shaking, kept reassuring me, "Take your time."

He provided a Case number, then separate Claim Numbers and said Officer xxx would be calling me to follow up.  Before handing me off to their "investigative division" he cautioned me not to give them anything more than the Claim numbers. 
Three times, what a guy.

Next "Floor Manager" R. informed me they (Chase) had flagged these transactions, but needed my help/electronic handshake to confirm via Zelle.

You've heard the expression, "Ignorance is bliss?"   That's me, totally clueless: "What's Zelle?" 

Only after he'd confirmed I had logged in to my other (primary) bank, he began walking me through the steps to activate and transfer "Money to myself."

Because I've two separate checking accounts in the Primary I asked, "Which one do you want me to select?"   R. replies, "The one with the most money in it."

Um, that set off my spidey senses!

When I asked him to hold on a few minutes he got all snotty and told me I needed to hurry because they had more people waiting in the queue.

Like I should have earlier, I hung up and called Chase directly.   You guessed it -- scam.   She (and Google) confirmed this is an on-going scam.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has actually sued JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo for failing to protect consumers from the Zelle payment network.

Tom's so upset by what he (derisively) calls, "Technology" but I've learned a lesson.  Like our late blog friend Rick used to say, "Every day's a school day."

 

Has everyone pretty much acclimated to the silly time change?  So far, the only benefit I've realized is our dogs let me snooze another hour.

A little while ago, I noticed the weeds are ridiculously happy Spring's (almost) here.  Normally I'd grumble, but I'm trying to flip the mirror.  For instance, I'm grateful we no longer live in an HOA community!

Would y'all believe, soon we'll mark our 7th year as Alabama residents ... whoo-hoo!

Yep.  Seven years since I walked out the door of my former workplace and into a new season.
The #1 song on the charts?  "God's Plan." 
   

I wasn't exactly forthcoming (here in Blogland) about working conditions the last several years -- but so reluctant scared to walk away from that paycheck and benefits.  Sound familiar?  Maybe you know someone like me?  Perhaps intimately?

Just look at this fictional question I saw the other evening:

He 'gets' me!

Of late, our days have been blessedly ordinary.  I'm grateful for ...

...new secure fencing in place out back
...an "A" from my cute dentist
...temperatures not yet so hot, allowing me to make another pot of spicy white chili

... oh! and not almost amputating my finger while trying to pierce the top of a wine bottle's label with a butcher knife.  (After years and years, whose idea was it to replace Barefoot's customary cork with a screw-top?) 

As ever,

... for a warm gathering with my Bible study sisters yesterday.

Hours later, one of Jennifer Rothschild's "take-away truths" still weighs in my conscious:

"Sorry beach lovers, no more sea in the new heavens and new earth.  In Scripture the sea represented chaos and disorder.  Those won't exist in the new heavens and new earth.  Plus, the sea is presently a separator.  There will be no separation for believers on the new earth."

I wonder what that says about me; my life-long fascination with rough, churning seas.  Hmmm.

She reminds us, "He leadeth me beside the still waters."

... and on that note

Who wants to meet me someday in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama?

Hugs, Myra

March-ing in tune to the Hodgepodge

 

Good morning, friends ...
and thank you, Joyce!   

My thinking cap's on ... how about yours?

💜

What do you love most about March?

I've a significant birthday in another 12 days.
What's not to love!

Hey!  Did you know March is National Celery Month?  Do you like celery?  What's something you make (or like to order out) that calls for celery?

I'm not a fan, but don't object when Tom puts it in chicken salad.

___________ is the soundtrack to my life right now.

Gosh, I totally misunderstood this question! 
I consulted AI and learned: ".... is a collection of songs that are meaningful to you and can evoke memories and feelings.  Consider songs that bring back memories of first loves, first heartaches, weddings, losses and first moves into adulthood."  

Okay then!  Because I'm a rules follower (lol) my playlist included everything from At 17 (Janis Ian) to Volare! (Dean Martin) ... Against the Wind (Bob Seger) to the best of Kris Kristofferson.  

Then, wait a minute!  Joyce said, "right now."

Both figuratively and literally (given last night's storms) here's mine by Casting Crowns.

Share a motivational quote for overcoming challenges.

"When you're nervous about stepping outside of your comfort zone, remind yourself: It feels scary because it's unfamiliar, not because I'm incapable."

- Michell C. Clark

The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday this year.  Do you participate in Lent in some way?  

Except for Easter Sunday, we've no plans to attend services -- either Wednesday or later, on Maundy Thursday. (The latter always gave me a bit of a fright when they'd dim the lights.)  

My personal Lenten observance is just that. Personal. Private.

Insert your own random thought here.

Here's a Big Hug ... 

pass it on!

Myra

Another Pleasant Valley Monday

 

Good morning, friends!

Normally I'd be off to Bible study ... but due to some ladies' Life Alerts (unavoidable commitments) we're taking a little recess.

Since we talked last, yes.  Tom and I decided there was nowhere else he'd like to go for his birthday than back to Long Horn.  

Followed by a pedicure... and a necessary nap!

Our second runner-up's not going to happen until after my dental appointment tomorrow.  A consolation prize, if you will ... not dissimilar to times my mother would take me to Baskin Robbins for not biting the dentist. (lol)

Our days have been mostly unremarkable.     

After several disappointing starts, I cried "Uncle!" and deleted most of my Kindle Unlimited titles.  Who needs that kind of guilt staring you in the face when you open your tablet?  I've dropped Kindle Unlimited and added my name to some promising-sounding reads at the Public Library's ebook queue. 

I've also been experimenting in the powder room.  (Nope, I'm not trying to trim my bangs again.  Ever.)

Have you ever considered the evolution of a plum?  A plump juicy plum eventually becomes a withered, wrinkled prune.   Heralded by many of a certain age, prunes aren't so attractive.   Same as my face.

Aside from her signature red lipstick, my mother never wore make-up.  And because I'd no older sister or friends to school me in the subtle art of cosmetology, my early attempts were less than stellar.  (That doesn't mean photographic evidence doesn't exist, but I won't be publishing anything.)

So we were recently watching something forgettable on morning television about this year's "hot" new colors.  The stylist was decorating a someone's eyelids with greens/blues/mauves.  Tom remarked, "That's like putting chrome on a rusted automobile."  Ha!

Anyway I've finally adopted the philosophy, "less is more."  I've ditched ebony eyeliner

 for a gray crayon, lubricated with a little coconut oil.

I'm still fascinated with brows -- or my lack of.  I recently watched a tutorial for "mature women" that I'm trying to copy.  Sometimes I worry I'll look like a caterpillar's taken up residence on my face, but ya know what?

It's all fun.
As I've said before, I can always serve as a bad example.     

In spite of Great Intentions to behave in a productive manner, yesterday morning I felt a touch of flu.  Chilled to the bone, I took to the loveseat under 2 quilts and 2 little dogs for 2 delicious hours.  Thankfully, that not only prevented me from yard work, I recovered in time to enjoy the delicious rib-eye and buttery asparagus Tom prepared.

To borrow a term from my favorite speaker (Jennifer Rothschild), this week's looking to be "unfun."

Following tomorrow's obligatory dentist, we've Tom's Pulmonologist on Thursday ... plus the girls' Pro-Heart injections Friday.   Somewhere in between, the fence man and painter are coming by to give us what I pray are reasonable quotes.   I'm both relieved and a little sad that Tom's come to the conclusion some projects are better left to younger men.

It's all good.  After all, this is my favorite month and I'm gonna look for that soul sunshine all over the place.

Have yourselves a good'un!

Hugs, Myra