Currently? All over the place

 

Whewie!  I'm feeling like I mistakenly stepped on the wrong carousel.  Normally, aside from doctors' visits, our lives are downright bland.

And then ...

Just last week I wished that something would happen to break up my habit of falling asleep shortly after eating lunch.  ("Be careful what you wish for!")   Friday afternoon I'd just closed my eyes when Tom came in.  "Would you come here?  Look."

Seeing his forearm red and swollen, I strongly suggested he change clothes and get in the car.  The wait at Urgent Care wasn't as awful as what we've experienced at the Emergency room, but it's still not my idea of a good time.   The NP took one look and pronounced, "Cellulitis."  A shot and strong antibiotics seems to be doing a number; he sleeps most of the time.

We're scheduled to see his pulmonologist on Tuesday to discuss the results of the CT scan, so I'm a bit on edge.  My mom may have been an R.N., but that apple fell far, far away from the tree.  

In other news ...

Spotting a FB blurb about something called the "Mill Collective" we took a ride to Tallassee.  The store was underwhelming, but it was still a pleasant ride.  Sweet, sweet little town!  I kept looking around, fully expecting to see my grandfather's old Chevy approaching.

Tom spotted the cafe where I first fell in love with "down home" congeniality -- the old man who held the door for us ... who looked me in the eye when he asked, "How y'all doing?" and waited, seriously expecting an answer.   Almost 8 years later, there was no question where to stop.

1220's wall art

Friday, a visit to Millbrook's Senior Center to hear our friend's playing "Boomer-tastic" music from long ago.

... and speaking of "long ago"!

Unlike Tom, I don't watch much television.  Nevertheless, the program he was watching (Life in the 60's) stopped me in my tracks.  With a smile on my face.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU-KfvmSI-0

In the kitchen?

I've scads of saved recipes, but we always seem to recycle our favorites.

Generally averse to turning on the oven, nevertheless we've enjoyed a few days what the locals call "Faux Fall."

In honor of the "ber" months, this week's finalists include Italian sausage and peppers, cheesy meatloaf and green enchilada chicken soup.

Tom's been talking about grilling chicken for lunch today.
I hope he's up for it, on account I finally put away our Spring table settings.

Yes, that's a coffee creamer in the middle.
Does anyone actually use creamers any more?

I hope y'all are enjoying this last day of August.
Bring on the most wonderful time of the year!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

 

It's all Greek to me!

 

...Unless it's another fun episode of the Hodgepodge.

Thank you, Joyce!

When someone finds out what you do, or where you're from*, what's a question they always ask?

(*Los Alamos, NM)

The only thing I can recall is when someone thinks he's a comedian: "Did you glow in the dark?"

Mostly, what so many have said.  "Los Alamos? Oh yeah, I've been through there."
(Um, no.  Eyeroll.   I doubt you have.)

Did you participate in 'Greek Life' when you were in college, or have children who did?  If so, what was your experience like?  Taking another tack ... have you ever been to Greece?  If not, is that a destination on your bucket list?

No, I didn't.  Son Troy enjoyed the 'Greek Life' a little too much ... before quitting and joining the military.

Yes, my mother took us to Athens and a Grecian Isles cruise back in the 80's.  I'm not fond of the cuisine but would love to return to the islands someday.

Random factoid:
A few years after, the ship we were aboard sank off the coast of South Africa.
Abandoned by the captain and crew ... hundreds of lives were saved by the ship's musicians.  (You can read more about that here.)

Do you like Greek food?  If so, what's your favorite dish?

Flaming cheese?
Ouzo!

What incredibly common thing have you never done?

Gotten a tattoo.  My DIL used to ask my granddaughters, "Would you put a bumper sticker on a Bentley?"

I've also never seen a single episode of "Seinfeld."  Or "Friends."

What is a telltale sign you're upset?

I become very, very quiet ...and might cry.
(I'm far more apt to cry when mad than when I'm sad.)

Insert your own random thought here.

This was my daddy's motto.
I've been thinking a lot about him lately.

Hugs, Myra

Saturday Salon

 

Good morning friends,

There's a soft cloak of fog outside my window.  Tom and the girls still slumber.   Before engaging the coffee maker, I ponder which of my mugs suits my mood.

Uniformity's no longer my strong suit!

With nothing pressing on our agenda, I've put on my favorite pair of tartan pajama pants.   If we decide to venture out a little later, of course I'll change.  That all depends.  Food Outlet's one thing.  But Publix?  That calls for an uptick in grooming.  (Am I the only one who dresses for the destination?)

Our week?  As is normal, a hodgepodge of blessings.

When the air conditioner up and quit Sunday night, the record player that lives in my head began, "Gloom, despair and agony on me ... deep down depression, excessive misery...."  (Anyone remember Hee Haw?)

Nevertheless, a service man stood at the front door before 8:30 Monday morning.  Considering the possibilities it was a quick, relatively inexpensive fix.  

Tuesday was Tom's cardio stress test.  Besides a bad case of nerves, he did great -- and even took a long nap.

Not long after, a phone call:  Could we be at Russell Medical (Alex City) Thursday morning?  Doc wants Tom to have a CT scan.

Aside from the occasional log trucks that always mess with my head (think a white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel) -- it's a picturesque drive.   45 miles of two-lane, twisty-turning up-and-down asphalt peppered on both sides with residences both humble and grand.

A new-to-us BBQ joint.  Tucked away in the corner of a mostly abandoned shopping strip, I had my reservations.  When entering, however, my fat cells began to applaud.  Remembering, some of the best food I've ever enjoyed has come from places some folks call "dives."

I think the little white-haired lady behind the counter was amused by our trying to decide.  (To Tom:  "No honey, no beef. We only have pork.")

In the end, he ordered a Monster Hog ... generous serving of pulled pork topped with coleslaw and fries.  Only $7.99!

I sure wasn't disappointed by my Cajun Supreme Salad!

Sauteed onion, red and green pepper ... diced chicken breast and Cajun white sauce.
I want to try and recreate this here at home.

Oh, and I cheerfully threw myself off the Keto wagon, loving their onion rings dipped in honey mustard.  Some things are worth it!


We wanted to check out the adjoining huge antique mall, but decided getting home before the rain was a better idea.
There's always next time!

What else?
I've set the paperwork aside 'til Monday morning and plan to indulge in a new-to-me Baldacci novel. 

Thanks so much for visiting!
Please take good care.

Hugs, Myra

Sunday lite

 

aka, Sunday Stealing ... with a softer tone.

Today's (borrowed) meme is 2 x 4.
Easy-peasy!

TWO foods you can't stand

Sushi
Oysters

(Runner-up, watermelon)

FOUR foods you love

Salmon
Steak
Eggs
Aged cheese

... on a regular basis.
Other "once in a while" favs include everything from escargot ... to onion rings ... to butterscotch.

TWO places you never want to see again

Hospital emergency room
Belize

FOUR places you'd like to revisit

Northern New Mexico
West Texas
Alaska
Tuscany (Italy) 

TWO musical artists who make you want to change the station

Mariah Carey
Any rapper

FOUR musical artists you love to listen to

Barry Manilow
Lionel Richie
Al Martino
Waylon Jennings

... and if I need a fire lit if company's coming and the house needs cleaned?   Let's go with Fleetwood Mac ... turn it up!

TWO moments you'd like to erase

Let's not go there; some things are 
far too personal.

FOUR moments you'd like to relive

Times spent with loved ones, now gone before.

💚

I'd enjoy hearing your answers!

Hugs, Myra

There will come an answer ...

 

G'evening, friends!

So, these last 10 days I'm reminded of the splendid lyrics to McCartney's "Let It Be."

What began as routine steps to clear Tom for a hip replacement has mushroomed into something neither of us expected.

In short (something I'm not especially good at) ...

After meeting with the surgeon's NP she declared him a "high risk."   A resulting blood test reveals Tom has tested positive for inflammation markers ... an after effect of spinal osteomyelitis.   A few days later, a trip to Alex City pulmonologist ... who wants a CAT scan performed before he OK's surgery.   An upcoming cardio stress test ... a pending MRI.  Oh, and a dental exam.

No worries; we're rules followers.  Except.  The VA hasn't yet authorized the surgeon's office as a "Community Care" provider.  In other words, the financial burden of several of these tests lay smackdab at our feet.  

Thankfully, Tom's (VA) primary has submitted a request to have these covered under Community Care.  It may be weeks ... or even months before a decision is reached.  

 

After discussion -- and prayers -- we've decided to put everything on hold and wait to see if this authorization doesn't come through.   I hate that Tom's in pain, but he's determined not to incur unnecessary debt.    

What is your "go to" when feeling out of control?

This is me ...

We've enjoyed some great meals.

For instance?
Yesterday's comfort food --

Conecuh sausage omelet blanketed in grits.

..... a few days earlier, discovering a local pub with a sweet "down home" feel.

Everyone was so friendly!

Old men in Korea and Viet Nam ballcaps ... another 4-top of middle-aged ladies, all smoking cigarettes ..... yes, really!  1970-something once more.

Tom's order, beef tips, fries and gravy smothered in brown gravy had him sorely longing to lick the plate.  (LOL)

Pretty sure we'll be back.

I've more -- including some giggles -- but will save that for another day.
Right now, there's a glass of Cab and soft pajamas calling my name.

Sweet dreams!

Moonrise above the 18th fairway ...

Hugs, Myra

    

Back to the Hodgepodge

 

Hey, there!
It's been a while, yes.  I hope you'll join me answering these posers -- if only in your head.

August is National Golf month ... do you play?  Do you enjoy following golf?  Have you every been to a professional tournament?

Despite a multitude of best efforts, no.
I'm simply too uncoordinated.

On the other hand ... 
Random Sunday afternoons we enjoy watching the pros.  In years past, we attended the (former) Memorial in Ft. Worth and several smaller venues.

I once worked a ProAm ... Tampa, FL (1980-something)

Bruce Weitz, Betty ? (Hill Street Blues), me with Greg Morris (Mission Impossible) and Michael Tucker (LA Law) ... really nice folks!

Astronaut Jim Lovell of Apollo 13 fame passed away this past Thursday.  Are you interested in outer space and what's happening today in terms of space exploration?   

Not so much.

If space travel became common in your lifetime would you go? 

That's a hard NO!

How do you personally relate to the idea of exploring something vast and mysterious ... does the idea excite you, intimidate you, or something else?

How about terrifying?  Yep, I'm a coward!

Describe your communication style in 3 words.

Seemingly at a loss, I had to Google "Communication Styles"

(Click to expand)

I sit somewhere between Thinker and Harmonizer --

Sensitive
Task oriented/list maker
Avoids conflict

Do you have a favorite cookbook?

For sentimental reasons, yes.

... A favorite celebrity chef?  Do you watch any cooking shows on television?

I've no favorites, but want to see what others recommend!

As a child did you have any back-to-school traditions?  If so, did you carry on those same traditions with your own children?  Do you have any back-to-school traditions you've started on your own?

The only 'tradition' I recall was carefully selecting what new article(s) of clothing to wear.  When I longed for new off-the-rack, my wardrobe usually was a result of mother's sewing machine.  In hindsight, I wish I'd been more gracious for her efforts. 

Insert your own random thought here.

Thank you, Joyce!

Thank y'all for visiting!

Hugs, Myra

 

Watercooler Wednesday

 

Good morning friends!

... and thanks to those of you who recommended I start using DuckDuckGo (browser).

I've not UNinstalled GoogleChrome just yet ... only because Tom suspects it might affect his Chromebook.  

Yes, we're such technophobes; it's okay to laugh. 

Easily intimidated, party of two!

You know what else intimidates me?

No, not trying to navigate downtown Birmingham/UAB.  Or correctly pronouncing a certain dish in front of the server.  Although they're right up there.

I'm talking about QR codes. 

You know, "just scan."  Even a cave man can do it.

Me, too!

Fast forward to Tuesday morning.  The postal clerk handed me my receipt.  Smiling, "Now you don't have to type in all those tracking numbers.  Just scan!"   (Easy for you to say, she thinks.)

Yet a little later while waiting on our breakfast, I played.   A few minutes later, woo-hoo!  I may not have broken a wrist patting myself on the back, but it still felt pretty good.

Today's poser?

Is there any little (insignificant) thing that intimidates you?  

Stay sweet!

Hugs, Myra

Small stuff

 

Hey there!

Thank y'all so much for your sweet anniblogaversary comments.  Had to check the mirror to make sure my head wasn't all puffed-up!

I'm absolutely loving this morning's break from summer heat.  I've put on my hunter's plaid pajama bottoms, Christmas shirt and am enjoying my French Roast brew in this favorite mug.

Pretty sure I've passed this house on one of our family's weekly trips to Santa Fe.
There's little likelihood I'll ever return, but still.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas!  (How many more days, Anne?)

Did I tell y'all?
Last week my kids celebrated their 33rd anniversary.  Normally, we'd take them out for a steak dinner, but they had baby-sitting duty ..... and who am I to refuse a chance to see Penelope?

D-E-T-E-R-M-I-N-A-T-I-O-N

(Granddaughter) Chloe's BFF

Aside from two (count 'em!) hour-long calls with HP tech, ours was a pretty mellow week.
Knock wood, I think the malware that hijacked Google Chrome has gone back to Hades where it belongs.**
I can't think of many things that strike fear in my head -- but that sort of thing's right up there with air travel, cancer, and things that slither.

In the test kitchen?

I don't claim to be a pro at the stove-top, but I love to play with my food.

For instance.  Eggs over easy.

No matter how many times I've tried to master the wrist flip, they always wind up scrambled.

Until this morning!  Voila!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1109027067749090

Tom may grow really tired of eggs before I discover something new.

What's playing?

I think I told y'all that Tom keeps the television on Gutfield, Newsmax or YouTube practically 24/7.  Thankfully the audio streams to his hearing aids so I can't tell if there's sounds of WWII aircraft or Doo-Wop 60's and 70's greatest hits.

Normally I ignore it all but have been sucked in to the latter big-time.  Do you ever do that?

Looking back at some of these artists I'm wondering whatever I saw in so-and-so ... or who's still swoon-worthy.

I'll let you decide, lol!

On that note, I've got to quit rambling and get some Necessary stuff accomplished.

Stay safe everyone!

Hugs, Myra

** It's baaaack!

At this point, I'm ready to uninstall Chrome and do everything via Microsoft Edge.  Any ideas, short of taking a mallet to the desktop?