Friday fun

 

No rhyme or reason ...
here's just a few things that recently made me smile.

Who else is staying home tonight?

🤭

Unlike MadSnapper, I'm hopelessly UNcreative when it comes to AI.

...which is probably the only reason I accidentally stumbled on "Create a video from a single photo" on my phone's Google Photos app.   (If this is old news, please. Just humor me?)

Because I'm too cheap to upgrade right now, I'm only limited to 3-4 per day.   My first attempts using my late parents were kind of creepy.   

This one, however, was darn close.  If they'd only included a cigar in daddy's hand, they'd have nailed it.

Then, there was the selfie looking like I'd been celebrating the new year prematurely (lol).

🤭

I know some of you are already on top of your Christmas lists ... crossing off names and checking it twice.   

That would not be me.  I have, however, come across a website "too perfect" for a couple victims friends.   Doubly nice, WTFNotebooks are manufactured right here in the U.S.

Gotta admit, more than a few of the notebook covers contain language or bawdy topics I'm reluctant to endorse on this blog ... but that's why they invite readers to filter (ie, everything from "Safe and Innocent" to "Extra saucy.")

So far, I've ordered 2026 planners --
for the old friend going through more challenges than should be allowable ...

... and another 'smarty-pants' of whom I'm incredibly fond

🤭

Finally ...

My favorite "baby cow" her daddy calls "mootiful"!

Happy Halloween!

Hugs, Myra

Docs, dictionary words and 'stuff'!

 

But first!

Fall's finally arrived in Central Alabama ...yippee!  

Yes, Virginia, Alabama does get cold sometimes.  Coming days' temps sit comfortably in the 40's and 50's ... yum!

So, what do I mean by "Docs and dictionary words"?   Since the calendar cartwheeled, I've had both an MRI and ultrasound -- in an effort to find what's causing my fingers to turn waxy white and lose sensation.  Following a nerve test, Neurology decided I had (dictionary word?) -- basically a pinched nerve.  

Amusing, since I've never had a moment of neck discomfort.  They ordered 5 weeks physical therapy, which I promptly declined.  

Next, a referral to a hand surgeon for several curious little nodules on my palm. 

At day's end, I'm more inclined to believe one of my study sista's diagnosis -- Raynaud's (dictionary word) meaning exactly what I've been experiencing.    Sometimes you have to trust Dr. Google ...and your friends.

(I don't even want to talk about trying to correctly pronounce the names of all our medications.  Not sure, but I think the vet's tech may have snickered when I called to request a refill.  Is there a class for that?)

Around the homefront, it's beginning to smell a lot like the holidays!  My son says that's the biggest trigger for past memories.   I don't know about that, but I'm besotted by all things cinnamon.  Gingerbread.  And that's just in the powder room!

I can't stop washing my hands!
Where was this stuff during the Covid crisis?

Since we're hosting Thanksgiving, I made an executive decision to spare the turkey and traditional sides.  We don't own a smoker, but I want to try my hand at a mesquite-y brisket in the slow cooker.  Perhaps a Cajun meatloaf and cowboy beans.  (No rules!)

Speaking of Cajun!  I clipped what sounded like a great recipe (Cajun Chicken soup) and spent a good part of yesterday chopping and sauteing.  After 7 hours in the slow cooker, I pronounced the appearance "good."  Unfortunately, the taste left something to be desired.  IF I make it again, I promise to only use the written "2 TBSP" Cajun spice.

Because Tom and I've long outgrown eating what's put on our plates, it's a toss-up if we actually finish it ... or wait 'til it's no longer identifiable.  What would you do? 

Being as I'm the only soul awake, I think I'll move on out to the sunroom for another cuppa.

Thank you, Lord for another new day!

Hugs, Myra

 

Orange you glad it's Hodgepodge Wednesday?

 

Time again to gather together and answer our teacher's questions. Thank you, Miss Joyce!

What do you like most about your family?

Besides the fact they're all incredibly good looking and well mannered?

(LOLOLOL)

I love that we share common values, especially where faith and politics are concerned.  My son's mind never fails to challenge my preconceptions.

What's something nice that's happened to you recently?

Discouraging how employees at our regular grocery store walk about like somebody stepped on their kitten.

Then I met Olori.  Her chatty, cheerful demeanor was an unexpected delight.  Her voice so melodic, I had to ask, "Where are you from?"  ... fully expecting to hear, Jamaica; perhaps the Dominican Republic.

Big smile, "Egypt. I'm from Cairo."

In response to my lame, "Do you miss home?" she said "yes" but added, "I like America better.  It cost me a lot of money to come here."

I wish I might have learned more, but others were waiting to check out.  Even Tom, who never pays attention, remarked on her friendly personality.  That little interaction made my day lots brighter.

I've never met anyone from Egypt before.  Especially in small-town Alabama.  Have you?

Do you like the color orange?  Besides a pumpkin and an actual orange, what's something orange you love?

Being an Auburn fan, yes and yes!

Heisman

What's something you have now you couldn't have imagined having 5 years ago?  How does that make you feel?  What's possible now because of it?

Definitely my long-neglected faith.  Too, the sisterhood I enjoy with (most of) my Bible-study friends.  (Smart-ass old ladies keeping it real.)  We may disagree at times but at the end of the day we've got each other's backs.

Giggling at the sign above my head ... 's true, we are!
(click to enlarge)

 

Let's wrap this one up with an October this or that -

Pumpkin bread or apple cider donut?

Cozy sweater or  cozy hoodie?

Apple picking or pumpkin picking?  Neither

Scary movie or Hallmark movie? 

Hay ride or corn maze?

Twinkle lights or candles?

Autumn hike or Autumn bonfire?

Insert your own random thought here

How about this orange-y October sunrise!
(Not my photo, but I love it.)

(Credit WSFA-TV)

Almost looks like something out of Gone With the Wind, doesn't it?

Stay sweet!

Hugs, Myra

 

Other things

 

Silly weather!

According to Google, today's temps are supposed to set a record (88*) -- but come Sunday (quoting) "Temperatures will plumet." 

Dramatic much?   By plummet, they mean 79.*

Only in Alabama, lol!

🌞

Oh friends, how I appreciate all your sweet comments on my last post!

The idea came to me when I remembered an old alphabet exercise.  Some may remember ...

"Our facilitator urged the class to compile Lists of 100. "

I'm pretty sure somewhere there exists a spiral notebook containing tired pages that read:  100 Things that (bring me Joy) (I miss) (to put on my Bucket List) ... yada-yada.   

When sleep is scarce, it beats counting sheep!

Speaking of bucket lists!  How different those long-ago notes look v. how I would answer today.  It's amusing to dream, but no.  For better or worse, I've been incredibly blessed.

📝

Anyway!

Yesterday's Gathering at Oak Tavern was nice.  There's no way to describe my salad other than "dreadful" -- but the company and view more than made up for it.

(l-r) Kay, Linda, Sue, me, Cindy, Sharon, Shannon, Sally, Bev

Now ....
In all seriousness, "What would you do?"

Inadvertently, Kay sent these photos out through our Bible study (FB) thread ... not realizing not everyone in class was invited to join The Gatherers.   We never intended exclusivity; rather, our aim was to gather with like-minded ladies.  (Make of that what you will, lol!)

Not a minute later, someone typed, "Where is this? ... I said, WHERE is this? ... a restaurant? ... Church???"

Then, "Nobody thought of asking me if I wanted to go?" -- followed by a vomiting emoji. 

Honestly, "B" isn't the most pleasant person -- she's usually antagonistic with no social skills.  Still, I hate that she obviously had her feelings hurt.  It's never a good idea to fib, but while the rest of us were looking at each other like, "Oh s***", Sue replied, "It was mentioned at class; you must have missed it."  

I'm going early to class next Monday where Cindy's offered to build me a new, private thread.  

This isn't 'Watercooler Wednesday', but I'm curious:

Have you ever mistakenly sent a text or an e-mail to the wrong person?

😮

... and the beat goes on.

I hope y'all enjoy a wonderful day!

Hugs, Myra

C is for

 

Good morning glories!

So, going through my scribbles -- what to leave in, what to take out -- I realized the many C's among the lot.  

Let's see what's happening in and around Coosada ...

Deep-Cleaning

Note to self:  It's probably not wise to execute a wasp with aerosol hair spray ... particularly when said wasp was making itself comfortable along the globe lights on my bathroom's light bar.

Cardiology

Only because I promised my son back in August, it was time to visit the specialist.  Thankfully, the EKG came back "mostly good."   Mesmerized by the (seeming) 16-year old in a white coat, I might not have been paying close attention to his words.   I did agree to have an ultrasound, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.

... and speaking of white coats.

Any other fans of Chicago Med out there?  I may move a little slower these days, but there's nothing wrong with my eyesight.  Crushing on Steven Weber's curmudgeon character makes Wednesday nights so fine!

Have you noticed how many Cars look alike these days?  Are automotive manufacturers lacking imagination?

Coming back from Montgomery the other day I was like, "Look, There's another Taos!"

Then, "No, it's a Mercedes."   The next day, "Oops, it's a BMW."

I love my little puddle jumper, but wonder if those others feel a bit miffed, being mistaken for a VW.  

What else? 

We got to visit with this sweet g-grand Child on Saturday.

No question, P's her daddy's doppelganger.  Nevertheless, the "side-eye" she favored me totally reminds me of her pretty momma.

Coming up

I've a "Gatherers" luncheon today -- the second of my recently put-together/made up ladies' Club.  Honestly, it's refreshing to "chat and chew*" all things outside church.

But first!

Bottom's up!

Hugs, Myra

(* Thanks to Latane at Accidentally Aging for this term!)

 

 

 

What a Fool Believes

 

Do you enjoy experiencing new recipes or crafts?

I seriously need to quit getting sucked into these reels on social media.  #1, (because) I suck at crafts and #2, I never pass up an opportunity to create an easy dinner.

For instance?

Had I watched this Thanksgiving craft before Dollar General closed last night?   Chances are, there'd be a host of pool noodles-zip ties-wine glasses-votive candles-artificial Autumnal blooms taking up space on my dining room table.  Not only is it (the table) too small for what promises to be a stellar Thanksgiving centerpiece ... but creativity isn't my strong suit.  Thank goodness for a good night's sleep/cooling off period!

Now, to the test kitchen --    

The model/spokesperson with toothpaste-commercial good looks holds a bag of frozen hamburger patties, promising the "best" Salisbury steak ever, done in the slow cooker.*   Inexpensive and simple, yes.  Unfortunately, less than stellar.  Even using fresh mushrooms and plenty of garlic?  One and done.

The award for "Most Gullible" has to go to Tom.  We both love eggs, but unless I'm using Egglettes to hard boil, the resulting product isn't so attractive.

Bless his heart (lol), here's what was advertised:  

Rinse egg under hot water for 40 seconds.   

Soak paper towel in said hot water + carefully wrap egg.

Place egg on the edge of microwave safe dish and zap for 30-40 seconds.

Viola!

The result?

I'll let these 3 speak for themselves.

At least the price of eggs has come down considerably .....

and our girls enjoy eating my mistakes.

How good it feels to laugh at myself!

Have you giggled today?

Hugs, Myra

*

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15b7GMUCse/

The video's totally worth watching, if only to 

hear her pronounce Beef Consomme' (lololol).

Flashback Friday

 

Thanks for all your sweet -- and candid -- reflections on Accessorizing!

A little while later I took a deep dive down a rabbit hole and came up with these treasures.

Dapper Daddy
ca. 1927

and later, 1980

Elegant mother (1930?)

Rocking those 'June Cleaver' pearls!
(1960)

Father's Day
in Los Alamos

I love this one so much!

(click to enlarge)

Sorry, I can't figure how to enlarge without losing the clarity.

Finally, a look at the Class of '68!

(Not me!)

Mine was a public school, but "back in the day" they still had dress Standards.  Only on catastrophic snow days were girls permitted to wear slacks ... but once there, we had to change into dresses/skirts.

Then! ... there was annual "Groady Day" when kids and teachers alike could wear something like my classmates (above).

Funny, I've spotted similar outfits walking to school right here on Chapman Road!

Those were the day my friends!

Hugs, Myra

Watercooler Wednesday

 

Welcome back to the watercooler!
It's been a while!

Isn't it funny how random memories pop-up when you least expect it?

This morning, for example.   Preparing for an appointment at the medical center this afternoon, I wanted something "smart casual"  --  v. the "homeless" look I've been guilty of affecting.

... smiling to remember the days (80's, wasn't it?) when one took care to coordinate their underwear, handbag-to-shoes, jewelry, etc.  Important stuff!

These days, the only pieces of jewelry I wear are my rings.  Good if I remember not to wear black "unmentionables" under white slacks/shirts.  (Not applicable after Labor Day IYKYK!)

Not why, but I've become obsessed focused on matching socks to my tops.   I still enjoy wearing nylons on Sunday morning but love socks of just about every persuasion.

Men, I've not forgotten you!   Maybe because he wore a uniform to the workplace, my father loved dressing nicely on days off.  I still have a little box containing his tie clips and matching cufflinks.  

Just curious ... is accessorizing important to you?  How so?

Happy October ...

I hope you all are enjoying the day!   

Hugs, Myra