Dear Diary July 31

Today you are 17 years old ... Happy Blogaversary!

One of my favorite quotes goes like this:  "New beginnings are apt to be shadowy."

Man oh man, weren't they?
It was months before my earnest-but-inane posts garnered a comment.  Honestly, I think the only reason I kept on was boredom.  Loneliness.

All the same I kept on, rolling this way and that.  Not unlike this Lillian Hellman quote:   

"Old paint on canvas, as it ages, sometimes becomes transparent.  When that happens it is possible, in some pictures, to see the original lines: a tree will show through a woman's dress, a child makes way for a dog, a large boat is no longer on an open sea.

That is called Pentimento, because the painter 'repented' (changed his mind).

Perhaps, it would be as well to say that the old conception, replaced by a later choice, is a way of seeing, and then seeing again."

Eventually, I stopped trying to fit in places I didn't belong.  I discovered my tribe.  Some alike, others dissimilar as Chex-mix.  Each a blessing.

Many non-bloggers don't 'get' it, but I feel closer to some of y'all than my own family and long-time friends.  Who'd have guessed?

So, Thank You.   Seriously.  Thank you for your empathy ... for chuckling at my silly stories ... for allowing me to feel heard.  And Valued.  That's a biggie.

Now?

As sometimes happens when I feel rudderless, I might ask, "What's my Purpose?"
I decided that should be my Word for the Year.   Except I never really followed through.  Until recently when I came across these 7 little words in my Max Lucado devotional:

"Face the future by remembering the past."

Cue the goosebumps.  
My blog name actually comes from the locket I once gifted my mother.

Roughly translated, Respice Prospice means "Look to the future and remember the past."  How cool is that?   

Not rocket science ... but neither a lame Purpose!

Let's finish well; it's worth the wait!

Hugs, Myra

 

A Cheerful Herald

LOL ...

I resemble that remark!

I don't know if 'fascinated' is the right word, but I enjoy watching our neighbors -- both the young family with Hallmark Channel good looks and the older couple who religiously walk their dogs past our front window each morning.

Chances are, when I hear the throaty growl of Young Mister's truck, our girls have already been out to do their 'thing.'  That doesn't stop me from peeking outside.

And if more minutes pass than what's his normal departure window, I wonder -- have they overslept?  Is the baby all right?  How's his digestive system this morning?

Isn't there something more productive I could be doing?

Do I need this shirt?

Max Lucado writes, "Call us a fast society, but don't call us a personal society."  He continues,
"We're set up for isolation.  We wear earbuds when we exercise; we communicate via e-mail and text messages."

Thanks to my once/weekly Bible study and social media I'm actually okay with that.
Is isolation a bad thing?  Maybe boundaries is a better, softer word.

I've fond memories of one elderly man I'd pass each weekday on my way to work.  Steadying himself on an aluminum walker with one hand, he'd wave to commuter traffic with the other.

I called him the Cheerful Herald.

The parochial school catty-corner from our home will soon begin Fall classes.  I've thought about warming the "thinking bench" and waving to the commuters, but probably haven't the nerve.

No, I'll wait 'til it's time for my own aluminum walker and be content waving to y'all.

What interactions -- if any -- do you enjoy with your neighbors?

🙋‍♀️

Hugs, Myra

Why?

Things that make me go 'hmmm'

I'm not trying to be flippant ... some of these bother me more than they should.  For instance?

Why do I fool myself into believing I can eat only one pretzel stick?

Why do I feel so sorry for the thoroughbred that crossed the finish line in last place?  Maybe he doesn't care, but I hope someone's there to give him an 'atta-boy!'

1961 Ocala, FL

Why do I compulsively use so many exclamation marks?  It's a sickness, y'all!(!!!!!)

Why are there no ambulances for dogs and cats?

Why are traffic accidents/alerts broadcast by mile marker ... and not 'near to' or 'across from'?   I'm not a cartographer, Karen.

Why these 3?
(Numbers)

For several years now -- without rhyme or reason, a set of 3 digits will appear at random throughout my day ... on the microwave, my phone face, my car's dashboard.  I'll glance down and whoa ... there they are.

Yes, they definitely mean something to me ... and no, I don't think they're what's called 'angel numbers.'

Has anyone else experienced this sort of thing?

On a lighter note!

WHY do I still have most of these?

Are there things you could add?
I'd love to hear them. 

Hugs, Myra

       

A Clean Heart

 

Last Sunday Pastor Janet opened with, "How's your heart?"  

She wasn't referring to our physical self.  Rather, "If someone was to take a spiritual cardiac MRI of your heart, what would it show?"

She continued ... so many of us make assumptions about a person based on their outward appearance, their actions.
Holy?  You betcha!
But what's on the inside?

Today in our culture we have our lives paraded through photo sharing on social media.  (Hey, I'm right there with you!)

Sometimes, however, the camera can be deceiving.  You know that little rear-view mirror on the side of your car?
See what it says?

I can't recall a time in recent years (when) I didn't use filters to amend my selfies.  Greatest invention ever!

 Not only wrinkles.  A favorite blouse, as captured by the lens, actually looks unbecoming. (A different perspective than my bathroom mirror, but don't ask me why.)

What it doesn't reveal?

Old resentments, selfishness, gluttony.  The list is long.

Our Father sees our cardiac conditions for what they really are, but loves us all the same.

Wow.

I hope y'all enjoy a blessed day!

Hugs, Myra

What's in a Name?

 

Since childhood, I've had an exaggerated interest in first names.   I remember filling spiral notebooks with candidates for my imaginary children ... a senior term paper was even devoted to the history of given names.

I'm blaming it on his advanced years, but I'll never forget one man who, upon learning the name of a new child exclaimed, "That's a Jewish name!"  (Whaaat?!?!)  

These days I hear the term, "Naming Rights" tossed around ... but aside from marketing a football stadium I've little idea what it means.

Some may recall, when my favorite royals were expecting their third child I wrote a silly post, asking readers for their suggestions.  Years ago I read where Diana wanted to name her first-born "Oliver", but was shut-down by the Corporation.   Imagine, how wearying it must feel, having to bow to tradition!     

I keep a mental list of favorites, but seriously?   I don't recall my son or granddaughter asking my opinion, lol.  Tom and I thought long and hard what to call our new pups, but I doubt there will be any more.  Will I invest in a tank of goldfish or gerbils that answer to Lydia, Landry ... Eleanora, even?

Recently an author I follow on social media invited her readers to submit suggestions for a dog (gender neutral) to be featured in an upcoming book.   Mine ("Theodore") wasn't picked, but I still got a kick out of reading others' ideas.   "Rover" is so yesterday; I love how folks are borrowing from yesteryear.  Even the little stray who's taken a liking to Troy and Lois answers to "Sylvia."  

Have any of y'all any funny or unusual stories about your own name ... or those of your offspring? 

Current Sauce

 

Outside?

"What's the Summer equivalent of hibernation, but for humans?"
- Amanda Curran

Grateful 

For paws-itive news about Macie Ann at the girls' annual check-up!  Unlike his partner, Dr. Aman thinks her heart murmur is "slight" ... that her ragged cough is the result of a tracheal collapse, not water on the heart.  (Sounds worse than it is.)   She'll still have to be on her heart meds the rest of her days, but we're ditching her collar for a harness.  

 

In the Kitchen?

Slow cooker French onion meatloaf coming up!  

                                                                        (*Recipe at the bottom)

I need this shirt!

Humming 

Jimmy Buffet's "Changes in Latitude ....."

A stretch, perhaps, but I'm making a conscious effort to change my early morning routine.  Instead of holing away in the office with coffee and my faithful Girl Friday (Macie Ann), I'm trying out different places where I can pray, play word games and scroll about social media.

Tom's 'thinking bench' sitting out front has been calling my name, but it's still too muggy.  Instead, the seldom-used dining room offers a sweet view -- while I can remain largely unseen.   That, and little Grace can't walk across my Chromebook!  

And finally ...

This made me smile

I hope your Friday is filled with lots of Happy!

Hugs, Myra

*Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup milk

2 eggs

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 large onions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup beef broth

8 slices Swiss cheese

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the crockpot.

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes.

Pour the caramelized onions and beef broth over the meatloaf in the crockpot.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and tender.

About 15 minutes before serving, top the meatloaf with Swiss cheese slices, cover, and allow the cheese to melt.

Slice and serve the meatloaf with the onions and broth spooned over the top.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes

Hello Hodgepodge!

 

Thank you, Joyce!
... and thank all y'all for stopping by.  It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

What's an adult problem nobody prepared you for?

Gosh, there's so many.  How differently I'd have answered this at 25, 35 ... 60, even.

Today -- having lived my lion's share of years, I'm going to say Time.  What a slippery-slope ..... often accompanied by Melancholy.

This.

How tuned in are you to all the recent food-related health news?  Have you gotten rid of your scratched cookware?  Did you pay attention to food additives before they made the news? 

No, no and no

What's one healthy eating/cooking/food shopping habit you need to adopt?

Make an effort to find more locally-sourced fresh veggies.  Instead of my preferred 90/10 ratio (protein to greens), I might strive for 50/50.
As much as I adore red meat?  Grains and fruit haven't a place at my table ... just keeping it real.   

What's getting worse and worse as you get older?

My lower back.
This seems to help. Thank you, Sandra!

How about better and better?

My attitude.

Are you more of an indoor person or an outdoor person?

I can scarcely recall the time (when) I'd rather be outside.

If you had an expert personal assistant today, what would you have them do?

Research and list (on eBay) the many things taking up space around here.  Sentimentality's one thing, but I doubt my granddaughters have any interest.

Insert your own random thought here. 

... and my personal favorite, known to few.

Hugs, Myra

My Sista's Closet

A misnomer, since I don't even have a sister.

But if I did?  I've no qualms about sharing her clothes.  

I get it, some people resist wearing used previously-loved articles of clothing.  Provided something's clean and well-made, however, I love discovering quality garments at estate sales.

Nothing's rang my chimes lately -- but with little on our agenda, the other morning we decided to check out a new listing.   'Nestled' (said the ad) on 13 lush acres, the house was(is) nearly 6,000 square feet.  There may have been a time the child-I-used-to-be wished she could live in such a place.  Nowadays, all I can imagine is the labor required to keep clean ... or pay the electrical bill.

Some days are better than others, but I felt led to spend $3 on a whimsical coffee mug.  UNfortunately, when stepping out of the car, my foot caught the bag and my bounty hit the concrete.   Tom thinks he can glue the bottom back, but do I really want to drink hot coffee out of something gluey?

I found a decorative plate belonging to my mother and Lois let me cherry pick her collection of succulents.  

Let's just call it a 'work in process.'

Sometimes I wonder about the previous owner of a certain object ... what secrets she might share.

Until then, m'dears ...

Stay well (and dry!)

Hugs, Myra

PS - 

Thanks for your reactions to the Publix pie mix-up.  Yes, customer service cheerfully let me pick out another -- but they, too, had a good chuckle.