Tuesday 4: We Gather Together

Hey there ... g'evening!   

I'd grand plans to start the day with vim n' vigor ...  baking utensils were at the ready. 
At 3-something thing morning, however, my back reminded me I'd used up all my 'vigor' yesterday while doing a frantic house cleanse.  Selfishly, perhaps, I put myself on Injured Reserve.   

Several Aleve and Lidocaine patches later, I now feel ready to bring on the "most wonderful time of the year"!    Let's do this!

Birthday lady, Annie wants to know, "What are your Thanksgiving Days like?"

Do you celebrate with family, friends or by yourself?

This year there will be but 4 -- Tom and myself, Troy and Lois.  Grand-girl Chloe, Robert and Penelope are headed to Robert's dad and family in Mississippi.

I can't share details, but Robert's unit is about to deploy for several months.  While I totally support our Country's armed services, it hurts to know he might not be here not only for Chloe's birthday, but his baby girls' first birthday.

(Not he's the first, certainly not the last ... but still.)

🦃

Do you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from Macy's in New York City?  The appearance of Santa at the end signals the start of the Christmas season.  What does the day hold for you?

Oh, how my mother loved a good parade!
Honestly, it was never a big deal for me -- but she's been heavy on my mind lately ...  I'm feel led to watch/listen.

🦃

What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving for you?

On our table this year?
Hickory-smoked brisket, corn casserole, mashed potatoes-and-gravy, crescent rolls  .....and a new-to-me "cheesy artichoke hearts casserole" (keto-friendly for Lois and myself).

Aside:

Long-time readers may remember, the Thanksgivings of my childhood weren't the norm.  Being thousands of miles away from family, the long weekend was an excuse to drive to Colorado ... a hotel in downtown Denver ... a dude ranch ... even a train ride to a newly-developed community called Breckenridge.  My father's only requisite: not being fond of turkey, he wanted to be able to order off the menu.

It wasn't Norman Rockwall, but it was good.  Carrying on an old family tradition!

🦃

We say grace before and after meals.  Is grace a part of your Thanksgiving meal?

Yes, absolutely ... thanks to Troy for reminding me what matters.

Whatever your Thanksgiving traditions, I pray that the day is meaningful and filled with love for you whether with family, friends or alone.  May God shine His blessing love down on you and yours and make us all truly thankful this year.

The Lady in Red

Because Chris De Burgh's song brings back lots of happy memories ... how can I not play along with this week's Saturday 9?!

Unfamiliar with this 1986 tune?  Hear it here.

"Crazy Sam" asks ...

Is red a color you often wear?

Now that you mention it, no.  My wardrobe skews more to blacks and earth tones.  Maybe something inside makes me remember hearing, women of a 'certain age' shouldn't wear red?

Browsing some favorite photos this morning, maybe I need to change my way of thinking.  Red makes me happy.

  

In this song, Chris De Burgh is thrilled to be dancing with the woman he loves.  Do you recall what was playing the last time you stepped onto the dance floor?

I've no idea the last time I was on a dance floor!
I have, however, been known to do a solo waltz across the living room to a TG Sheppard serenade.

Chris say he wrote this song about the first time he saw his future wife, who wore a red dress when she came to see his band perform.  Tell us about a memorable concert-going experience.

Years ago, Tom and I made plans to see Neil Diamond.  (Same venue where Charlie Kirk's memorial service was recently held.)
Unfortunately, when we arrived with tickets in hand, our seats were already occupied.  They, too, had tickets stamped with the same row and seat numbers.

"Usher!"  Bless them, I think these folks are prepared to handle just about any eventuality.  Without missing a beat he said, "Don't point ... but if you'll look up (about 'such-and-such' in soto voice), you can watch the show from there."  Sure enough, he directed us to an elevator where another usher led us to one of the sky suites.  Cool!

Chris' father worked as a diplomat for the United Kingdom.  Former US ambassador Robert D. Blackwill believes a diplomat should possess strong writing/speaking skills, meticulous attention to detail, historical knowledge, and stamina.  Do you have any of those attributes?

Definitely not speaking skills nor historical knowledge.
Probably attention to detail.

Chris' family owns Bargy Castle, a 15th century fortress in County Wexford, Ireland.  Bargy Castle has been converted into a hotel.  What's the last hotel you stayed in?

Candlewood Suites in Clearwater, FL.
For medium-priced lodging I'd give them a "10." 

Chris is a wine connoisseur who sold a collection of vintage reds for over $500,000.  If you suddenly came into $500,000, what would you do with it?

How about 2 modest condo apartments -- one in Florida, the other in New Mexico.

Watching HGTV, $500,000 doesn't seem that huge anymore.

In 1986, when this song was popular, singer/actress Lady Gaga was born in Manhattan.  Have you ever been to New York City?

Yes.

Also in 1986, NHL Hall of Famer Jacques Plante died.  Are you a hockey fan?

Not even a little bit.

Random question -- You just slid behind the wheel and are about to embark on a long road trip.  Which of these famous Williams would you choose as your navigator?  Willie Nelson, Bill Murray or William, Prince of Wales?

I've a super strong fondness for the young royals -- but fear the future King would be too circumspect to appreciate my chatty, sometimes whacky sense of humor.  (What do you think, Victor?)

Let's go with Willie, "On the Road Again"!

Happy Saturday, friends!

Hugs, Myra

Doing a-what comes naturally!

 

Holy Moly ... who let the heat in?  Y'all don't want to know what I think about Mother Nature's menopausal outbreaks.

Since she pays no attention to what I think, however, I'm trying to focus on those things that bring me pleasure -- family, food and books.

The other day we had occasion to enjoy two of those over lunch.  The food wasn't as great as I'd been bragging to my son about -- but the company more than made up for it.

(from left - Tom, Troy, Lois, Penelope, Chloe and her BF RJ.  (Daddy Robert had drill.)

Did she really say that out loud?

Well, shut my mouth!

Other than calling Fat Boys to reserve the brisket and narrowing sides down to 3, I'm not concerning myself about Thanksgiving -- and any dynamics 'til then.
More about that, as soon as I'm able, but I'm praying for full hearts as well as full tummies.

 

With little on television to interest me, I've been wandering back and forth to one of my favorite places -- the Public Library.

While pickings are slim, I've decided there's something immensely comforting about the feel of a real book in my hands.  The aroma, even.

Unfortunately, I've not had the best of luck finding something that grabs -- and holds my interest.  For instance, an amazing author I've followed for years recently published something that feels downright creepy.  As one reviewer wrote, "50 Shades of Grey with ghosts"  Um, no.  DNF.

I heard the 2025 National Book Awards will be announced this week..  Not to be confused with Amazon's 2025 Best Books of the Year.   Who (or what) decides these things, anyway?

It won't stop me from reading what they have to say; in fact, I'm more than a little intrigued by one finalist, Buckeye.  Someone called it a "once in a decade" read  ... but I balk at the idea of paying retail right now.   What if I don't like it?   Does that sort of thing make a difference to you?

Well, the quiche I planned to put in the oven isn't going to make itself.  Despite what the package says (good until Nov. 23), I discovered more than a few spinach leaves turning black and ick.  They may be safe to consume, but I'm going after a new bag; no sense courting a case of food poisoning.

Here's to the holiday countdown!

Hugs, Myra

Just for Fun

 

Let's play another episode of Sunday Stealing!

They say, "Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere.  Jackie K. at Working Through It found 20 questions on Quora that can 'tell you the most about a person.'"   I don't know about that, but it sounds fun.  Cheers!

What 10 Questions can tell you the most about a Person

If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

One of my dogs.
There's little we won't give them.

Are you generous?

That totally depends on the recipient.  I'm more inclined to give to family and friends.

Pretty sure we've all heard of deceptive practices - everything from large charities to that 'bum' on the streetcorner who has a BMW parked around the corner out of sight.  (Sad, but true.)

Of the following, which consistently gives you the most pleasure: a) music, b) money, c) books, d) science, e) spirituality, f) food and wine, g) movies.

It's a tie between spirituality and food/beverage.  Ought-a be a crime how much pleasure I get from a good meal.

Here's the rest, in order of best-to-last.

Music, books, money, movies, science (huh?!?)

Describe your dancing ability

What do you think your worst enemy really thinks of you?

I really don't want to think about that.

Can you tell when someone is lying to you?

Maybe 6-7.
My insincerity radar, however's a 10.

Describe how it feels to fall in love

Gosh, that's been a long time.  Intoxicating, perhaps?

In deadly peril, what 3 people would you want in a foxhole with you?

My son, my upbeat and funny gal pal, and ummm... MacGyver?

What is your greatest weakness?

Laziness or my reluctance to say, "no."

If you were to live out the rest of your life as your favorite fictional character, which would you choose?

The late Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone.  I've always harbored a yen to be a private eye.

Thank you for playing along!
Have yourselves a blessed Sunday!

Nuthin!

 

True that!  
Here I sit on the heating pad, trying to think of something to talk about besides our crazy "yo-yo" weather
... or more doctors' appointments
... or a recent chilly ride to said doctor on a 26* morning when the water pump in Tom's truck up and quit.   (I'm actually RE-considering Winter being my favorite season.)

Nuthin.  What to do, but circle back to the tried-and-true "Currently" (in Coosada).   Without further ado!

🍂

In the Test Kitchen

It's finally come time to turn on the oven!

For the first time in our 20+ years together, I made Tom his favorite date nut bread.  Some of y'all may recall my first experience where, before the oven had even finished preheating, the hand mixer groaned, began smoking and died in my hand.   Hey.  In my defense, nowhere in the recipe did it say not to drain the dates.

Watching -

Reflections in the glass on the wall.
From my 'spot' in the family room I can see out the living room window to the front yard.

(Click to enlarge, but please, excuse the mess on hubby's side table.)

Listening -

Macie Ann's coughing again.  She doesn't seem to be declining, but neither will she get any better.  Together with meds, we're just focused on giving her a Quality sort of life.

Loving - 

Each year about this time I get a yen for something pumpkin-y.  Singular, yes.  One-and-done and I'm good for another 12 months.

I'd heard about what Publix calls their "monster" pumpkin cheesecake slices-- but eying the price tag made me put it right back.  Thankfully, Tom over-ruled me; and even though he's not a fan of pumpkin, declared it delicious.  Better than Cheesecake Factory, even!

Looking forward - 

Tomorrow the "Gather-ers" will meet at my favorite smokehouse for our monthly luncheon.
Even though our intended (restricted) membership got busted, I'm trying to make the best of it.  Who knows, there may be a lesson in there. 

Finally,

A quote to share --

From Max Lucado's daily devotional.

This shattered soul loves his turn of a phrase.

She also loves y'all!
Thanks for being here.

Hugs, Myra

  

Sound bites and pieces

 

Peek a boo!

Oh, y'all.  I've been sitting on scraps of possible posts -- the whole of which wouldn't even make a decent tea towel.   

So for today, color me --

Singing, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

Yes, I'm one of those oddballs who loves these shorter, darker days.  Unfortunately, the dogs are taking it badly.  They "know" it's time for their 5:00 medicine, even tho' the clock reads 4:00.  I'm hopelessly unprepared to explain the concept of Daylight Savings time to their furry selves.

Cautiously Optimistic

Back to Square #1 on Tom's hip replacement.  Our experience yesterday morning at the (new-to-us) Orthopedic Clinic was wonderful -- a day-and-night difference from his previous provider.  From the moment we walked in the door and were greeted by sincere, smiling faces I felt a huge weight's being lifted.

Grateful

After all, this is the month of giving thanks -- even for the little things.  While chatting on the phone and simultaneously frying my weekly 2# of loose meat (aka, chuck crumbs), my phone slipped off my shoulder ..... landing face first in the greasy protein.

Whew!  Like Timex, it's still ticking!

Pleasantly surprised

By the movie we watched on Netflix -- Caramelo.  (Click here for preview.)  It may not be Oscar-worthy, but we both loved this humorous-sweet-sad film.  Thanks for the tip, Sandra!

Finally,
I'm undecided

Whether to keep my next dental appointment or go in search of a new provider.  Dr. M's a gem, but his hygienist threw me for a loop last week.   Because I tend to build tartar more often than the average bear (lol, TMI?) the cleaning was taking longer than she expected.   We agreed, I should start coming every 3 months v. 6.  

Then, I'm not sure what prompted it, but she patted me on the knee and said, "That's all right dear, you've lived a good, long life."

(Me, "huh?")

I mean I know my own age.  My bones know it.  All the same I walked out feeling befuddled.  Deflated.

Am I being too sensitive, you think?

Or, should I just own it  ... give in to my own whims, regardless how age-inappropriate they may be.

For instance, these.  In case any of y'all have an "in" with Santa, I'd seriously love to see them under the tree.

(click to enlarge)

Well boys and girls, I think that's all for now!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs, Myra