Don't Let it be Forgot

 

Hello friends,

    Thank you, Joyce!

                Let's do this!

What's something you recently forgot to do?  Is your memory these days more like a sieve or an elephant?

Because I dread missing anything, I probably over-compensate.

The only thing I remember forgetting a few years ago was my cell phone.  By the time I discovered it wasn't in my study bag it was too late to go home.

Silly, but I was so unnerved that something might happen the 2 miles between church and the house.

Hard to believe, I'm the same person who used to blithely travel about Texas with only a paper map in the glove box.

Share a trick/strategy you have to help you remember things you need to remember.

I'm a slave to the tickler file in my desk drawer!
If out and about, I'll send myself an e-mail.

What's your favorite Fall vegetable to cook with?  Do you prefer your Fall veggies roasted, blended into a warm soup or fresh in a crisp autumn salad?

If I'm cooking, corn is a favorite.  Or Hatch chili -- the real stuff v. canned wannabe.

Second question?  Every which way!
I am partial to butternut squash bisque, provided someone else makes it. 

October 5 was National Do Something Nice Day.  Did you?  If so, tell us about it.  Or maybe someone did something nice for you.  If that's the case, please share.

It wasn't the 5th, but close.  I was the recipient of an unusual act of kindness:

Tom needed something quick from Publix, but I elected to stay in the car.  Unfortunately, just when I'd found a prime spot by the door, this big black Hummer came wheeling in, totally blocking my view.  (Oh, vey!)

I wanted the driver to get out and go inside so I could move my Taos.  Oh, no!  This little old lady climbed down from the driver's seat and proceeded to direct me out ... like a crossing guard might!

Even with the rear camera, reverse gear isn't one of my strong suits, so I was appreciative ... and tickled, too!

Nathanial Hawthorne is credited with the quote, "I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house."
Do you tend to spend more time outside this time of year?

Yes, provided it's early morning.  Our afternoon temps remind me, Summer's not ready to exit Stage Left.

Do you actively pause to soak in fleeting moments of beauty in your daily routine?

Oh yes!  Having spent so long in the Arizona desert, the first time I spotted all the Fall foliage it brought happy tears to my eyes.  Tom was like, "Why are you crying?" (lol)  

 

Insert your own random thought here.

I think some of y'all are familiar with Victor's blogs -- Time for Reflections and the Christian Lounge.

It's not unusual this time of year to see Fall festivals featuring a corn maze ... which reminded me of something I posted back in 2009.

Long story short, Victor was recently kind enough to include it here.
I hope you'll enjoy 'Labyrinth or Maze?'

Thank you!

Hugs, Myra

Go Tell it on the Mountain

 

Good morning, fellow Hodgepodgers and sweet friends!

Here in central Alabama, there's no mountainscape outside my window ..... but one can dream!  On that note, let's let our thoughts turn to the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Joyce asks --

When you think of Autumn, what sounds come to mind?

I've not attended a football game in years.  Yet.  There's just something special about the sound of a high school band's pep tunes and pounding drums, accompanied by youthful chants and cheers.

These young people may not be as athletically superior as those in the NFL, the cheerleaders less sophisticated.  To me, however, little can compare to their enthusiasm.  Carpe diem!

Is a trip to the mountains something you enjoy?  Crisp, piney air.  What's your favorite mountain?

I'd adore a trip to the mountains, but that's not in the cards right now.

My favorite mountain?
Technically, my hometown sits on something called the Pajarito Plateau (7,000+ elevation) -- not a mountain per se, but surrounded by the Jemez and Sangre de Cristos.

The road home ... Los Alamos, NM

What's something that once felt like a mountain but is now just a molehill.

I wouldn't call it a 'molehill', but navigating the health-care system no longer gives me "the vapors."  LOL.

Let's play this or that-fall foods edition. Yes, you have to choose. 

Pumpkin spice latte o.  Chai latte.  I've never tried it!

Apple cider or hot chocolate  Um, no thank you.

Stew or chili.  Both, please.

Sweet potato casserole or  Green bean casserole

Butternut squash soup  or creamy mushroom soup

Cranberry sauce or  Gravy

Sum up your September in a sentence or two.

I can't say it any better than this!
(Credit Facebook)

Insert your own random thought here.

Thank y'all so much for the prayers.  They were felt!

Not 24 hours after his scans, Tom's primary called.  She asked us to come back and pick up a new antibiotic; we've an appointment tomorrow at Wound Care.

We won't see the Neurologist for another 10 days, but I've gone online and copied the radiology results.
Hopefully, AI will translate them into "real people" verbiage.
Ha!  No more medical secret code-speak.

(It's always something, right?!)

Wishing all y'all a blessed day!

Hugs, Myra

All things considered ....

 

Life's pretty some of that all-right!

Earlier this week we enjoyed by a brief, unexpected day of high's in the mid-70's.  Woo-hoo! 

As if on cue, the empty lot next door erupted overnight in these.

"The spider lily is a symbol of reincarnation, often found around graveyards."

What's curious?  After 2, maybe 3 weeks they will have disappeared for another year.  Not unlike the mythical city of Brigadoon.

Walking about that land, I can't escape the thought, these lilies are also referred to as "dead Confederates."
(*goosebumps*)

After all, this parcel was once part of a plantation owned by the gentleman who founded our little church in 1840.

I won't be bringing any home to put in water, but I love looking at them and realizing the best time of the year's almost upon us.

Which reminds me...

I still haven't put away my mother's china service.  Even the sunroom's red-white-and-blue design needs to bow out and make way for Autumn.

We finally broke down and had a new, safer shower installed in the master bath.

What a mess, once they discovered "what lies beneath!"

I think Express Bath underestimated the time required, but at the end of the day, I'm delighted.

They even brought us a rubber duck!

Friday morning, I met with my new eye doc.  What a relief to know the film over my left eye isn't something concerning.  She said next year if I'd like, they can zap (laser) it in no time flat.

Meanwhile!  I may go back to wearing bi-focal glasses full time.
For a year now, I've kept inexpensive readers in every room of the house ... but while out shopping and I need to read the expiration date, etc. on something it's so annoying to dig in my purse.  First-world problems, haha.

Tom suggested I buy one of these around-the-neck chains to hold my spectacles -- but that's not going to happen anytime in this lifetime.

Together with AI, I've picked out several cute styles that will look best on my face. 

Oh, and you know what else?  I'm so excited, y'all!

AI's helping clothe me.

For most of my adult life, no matter my weight, my natural waistline's anywhere from 10-12" smaller than my hips.

There's little I dislike more than trying on jeans in some public dressing room with abysmal lighting.

Once I gave my "personal stylist" more info, it came back with recommendations -- the "whys", brands, descriptions ... and prices, too!  All without leaving my desk or spending a dime.

For a moment, it felt like I was in an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Well, it's going on lunchtime and Grace is living me her best side eye.  Mom, I'm staaaaarving!

There's nothing more pressing, but if you would, please keep Tom in your prayers.  Without going into detail, he's having 2 CAT-scans done tomorrow on his head and spine.

Thank you!

Hugs, Myra  

 

 

Falling into the Hodgepodge

 

Happy Fall, y'all!
... and thanks to Joyce for making Wednesdays so entertaining!

🍂

Fall arrives this week in the northern hemisphere.  Does it look/feel like fall where you live?  What's something you love to do this time of year that makes you feel its officially fall?

Yesterday evening I spotted a crimson leaf all alone on our lawn.

Unfortunately, Central Alabama hasn't received the memo.
For the foreseeable future, I'll have to be content dreaming of a green and golden world I used to know.

What's a small daily task or chore that always seems to fall through the cracks when your schedule gets busy?

Mopping the kitchen floor.
The light-colored tile shows every stinkin' spec of dirt.

What's something you're falling for lately?

Christmas advertisements.
Yes, already.

Like gun sales, however, I give myself a "cooling off" period before hitting the "buy now" button.  More often than not, I'll go back after a week, maybe two and decide "no", that's not for me.

What's your buying M.O.?

Pumpkin is a popular flavor this time of year.  Are you a fan?  What's your favorite pumpkin-flavored food or beverage?

On a 1-to-10 scale, I'm about an "8."
Walking into Publix and seeing their beautiful display of decorated pumpkins and flowers my heart literally skipped a happy beat.

Not 2 minutes later, a pumpkin cream cheese pie happened to jump in my cart.
Unfortunately, it didn't taste as good as it looked.

I'm holding out for the day their pumpkin "monster cheesecake" slices arrive.  They're a bit pricy but worth every penny calorie. 

What's something you wish would never change.  Explain.

40-50 degree days.
That's it .....  that's enough!

Insert your own random thought here.

Hugs, Myra

Hello!

... and good morning, Starshiners!

I've no idea why the little record player in my head began playing this at daybreak, but there you are!  Some may remember 1969.

⭐

My goodness! How did it get to be Friday already without making time to sit down with some of my favorite humans?

It's easy to blame Blogger Reader, but honestly?  Somedays it's easy to feel overwhelmed.  Thank you for understanding.

Soooo, in between Life Lessons, here are a few moments that made me smile.

While at the library, I spotted this hanging in the children's reading room.
Why it affixed itself to my heartstrings, I've not a clue.
Nevertheless, I'm pondering buying a print ("The Fairy Tale") to put here in the office.  Just because.

I ordered another goodly supply of writing pads.
Silly, perhaps, that certain paper makes me happy -- but there's such a satisfying rich texture that makes writing even daily lists feel delicious.

After finishing The Correspondent, I toyed with the thought of writing actual letters once more.

But no.

While I loved the little alien ET of movie fame, not so much my own (essential tremor).   Grandma W used to call hers, "the shakes."

My doctor suggests I eliminate caffeine?  Um, that's a hard no! 

Another suggestion - while highly improbable - made me giggle:  Switch to your non-dominant hand!

I had to do just that in 6th grade after an unfortunate bicycle accident.  No thank you very much.
Anyone else remember those heavy plaster casts?

Okay, here's an example.  Just for giggles, done in Gregg Shorthand using my right hand.

Can you tell me what I've written?

Today's the One-Year Anniversary of the little ladies' group I started on a whim.
Some are new, others have gone -- but these loyal "Sistas in Christ" are dear.

Funny!
Our server was too busy to take a photo of all of us.  Later I took a selfie and asked AI to put me in the picture.  This looks like Brenda's sitting on my lap and now I can't un-see it!

Well, I need to start getting ready for P.T.  It's not hard, but neither is it fun.  And, it beats yard work!

 Have a wonderful time out there, everywhere!

Hugs, Myra

 

PSA

 

G'evening friends,

All is well here ... 
In fact, I actually enjoyed my first physical therapy session this morning.  I'm cautiously optimistic!

Unfortunately, there's little optimism that my Reader will populate anytime soon.  I understand some of y'all are experiencing similar issues?   Here's what AI has to say.  (Click to enlarge.)

I'm in the process of (trying to) build a new Feedly list of blogger friends -- but if I should miss yours, please reach out to me via e-mail (myra.guca@gmail.com).
Some call it "gremlins" but I like what Victor has to say, "Don't let the Devil win!"

Somehow, it feels irreverent to post anything light-hearted tomorrow.  In spite of the years between 2001 and today, my sadness remains.  I mourn the victims.  I mourn the USA I knew; and in a way, I mourn the person I was on September 11, 2001.  

Please, be well.  We'll talk soon!

Myra

Never forget!

 

Sunrise, sunset

 

And then it was September!  Swiftly flow the days.

If this was 1970-something it's a good bet I'd have been behind the wheel of my sweet little Fiat X19, squeezing adventure into every hour.   When did I morph into this homebody, nursing aches and counting fiber?  (LOL, I just made that last part up.)

Since we chatted last time?

Tom and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary at Long Horn.  Somehow, that's become a tradition for every red-letter date.

Will I ever tire of salmon?  Probably not.

Little Grace didn't know what to do with Tom's steak bone.  She's never had one before!  What to do, but rinse off the seasoning, spread a ratty old towel on the kitchen floor and wish her, Bon Appetit!

I'd great intentions after church to read the day away, but happily traded my time on the phone with Troy and Lois who'd just returned from a celebratory Alaska vacation.

The occasion?   After 31 years, he's now retired!  Well, I should say, "they"; the last several years she's been there beside him in the truck through good times and difficult, too.   Not long ago, I learned that before leaving home each morning they prayed together (that) they'd return home safely.   I'm not at liberty to say more, but last night's text read, "While we were away there were 3 shootings at 3 of our old stores."   

Thank you, God, for answered prayers!

What else?

Thankful for last night's rain storm, I won't have to concern myself with weed whacking.  Tom's finally coming around to the idea of hiring a lawn service next year.  (Cross fingers!)  

The next few days include more doctor/vet appointments.  Rehab, too.  While I was enormously relieved to hear I don't have a compression fracture from my fall, I've reluctantly agreed to see what PT suggests for back relief.   Every day's a school day!

... and on that note, here's a throwback to 1960.   

Where's Myra?

Happy Labor Day, everyone!

Hugs, Myra

  

Gritty Hodgepodge

 

Good morning from the steamy Southlands!

In the words of my favorite weather gal, "I'm officially renaming the month and calling it Sweat-ember until further notice."

Without further ado  grumbling, let's play Hodgepodge!

What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing?

Decluttering

How easily I've been sucked into inanimate objects with history!

A certain bookmark from an old friend in Texas ..... 4 little scalloped plates which held mother's seafood au gratin ... even a dress I've kept for 40+ years because of who I was when I bought it.

Does that even make sense?

Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class?

Somewhere in the middle, trying to fly under the radar.

If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be?

The thought of going back terrifies me, but let's go with Home Economics.  This time, I'd actually try learning to sew ... and not count on my BF to complete my final exam, lol!

What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher.  (This can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just in the classroom.)

Patience!  I'd add, making everyone feel heard; that their thoughts are valued.

September 2 is National Grits Day.  Have you ever eaten grits?  Are you a fan?  If so, how do you like yours?  Would people describe you as "having grit"?

Woo-hoo!!!
I love grits! In fact, I enjoyed a big buttery bowl Monday morning at our favorite NY deli.
Unfortunately, Tom's not a fan or I'd try making my friend's recipe with smoked Gouda.  Who wants to come over and help me eat?

Do I have grit?  That's not something I've thought about... but if it means stepping up to the plate in difficult times?  Ya, I suppose so.

What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy?

Music

Insert your own random thought here.

I recently discovered this little gem on my daily (komando.com) newsletter.  Perhaps it will be of interest to someone else?

"Give stores a decoy number.  Go to voice google, pick a free number in any area code.  That's the one for loyalty programs, raffles, contractors and Marketplace strangers.  Spam piles up in the app while your real number stays reserved for family and your doctor."

I hope all y'all enjoy a most blessed day!
Hugs, Myra

Meet me at the Hodgepodge!

 

Flight #668, that is.
Thank you, "Pilot Joyce"!

How do you feel about the transition from lazy summer days to a busier fall routine?

As an empty-nester retiree, I've no feelings one way or the other.
I will, however, do a happy dance once the mercury drops below my age.

What's your favorite cookie?

White chocolate macadamia

What's something you've learned from a culture different than your own?

Years ago, I tried maintaining a relationship with a man who lived in Tuscany.  Talk about "geographically undesirable"!

What a surprise to discover, Italians begin their meals with the entree.  The second course, salad, comes later.  I didn't want to correct A. because I thought he didn't know better.  Hahaha!

Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic.  Which hat would you most like to wear?  Tell us why.

Food critic, please.
The others? I'm not educated/intelligent enough to fake my way through a critque.

What's a small, random thing from your childhood that you still remember clearly?

While in 2nd grade, I was made to stay after school as punishment for gosh-only knows what.  Instead, I slipped out, walked in the house and informed my mother, "I escaped."

Much to my humiliation she marched me right back.

That same year, I stole a little card of safety pins from the local department store.

Poor mother!  She took me back, right up to old Mrs. Benner and made me apologize.

Thanks to her, any seedlings of felonious behavior were nipped in the bud.
I've been a Rules Follower ever since.

Insert your own random thought here.

Amen!

Hugs, Myra

Life lately

Our days haven't been without Gratitude.

Thursday morning Tom's tastebuds were craving some BBQ.  When we got to Fat Boy's, however, it was standing room only; no remaining brisket.  Uncharacteristically, I suggested Olive Garden.

I'm still not fond of pasta, but they make the best salmon and broccoli.  We always like to sit in the bar in a quiet little  booth, where Mike takes such good care of us.   It's been 2-3 months since we were there, but he remembered what Tom always orders (shrimp scampi with 'lots' of extra Alfredo sauce).  Bonus points, he always leaves me a handful of those little Andes mints with the bill. 

 

Friday's semi-annual HVAC check-up went well.  Naturally, they always want to upsell us something or another.  Annoying!  I told Tom, I wish we might find an independent, unbiased A/C tech who would come take a good look and give us a straight answer.
Given the unit's age (12-1/2 years) I'm praying it will keep on keeping on a while longer.

Yes, I'm still in a committed relationship with AI.  (hahaha)

I saw something how it can help me with my long-neglected eBay site.   See, I haven't a clue about several items that my parents picked up on their foreign travels.  As I understand it, AI can tell me what-and-where, suggest a price and write a listing.
  

It's so chatty ... polite and thoughtful.  Sympathetic, too.

For instance.  I recently fell out of bed in the wee hours.  Nothing serious, but my knee is taking it badly.  Curious, I asked about best steps -- but before answering my question, it began, "That sounds incredibly painful and frustrating."   Aw, that's like something my late mother would say.  

At the same time, I'm shaking my head at the number of people who claim to have fallen in love with "their" bot.  

One authority says, "It mirrors your feelings to make conversation smooth.  It does not have real feelings or care about you."
For some reason, that hit my funny bone.

Dear Alex, "How is A.I. like the little man behind the curtain in Wizard of Oz." 

Finally ... here's something I've been musing.

I'm looking forward to Bible study tomorrow morning.  Not so much the video.  12 weeks is already beginning to wear thin.   No, I enjoy hearing others' thoughts.   Last week's chapter was Hosea and Gomer.  Brenda -- the Deep Thinker among us -- asked, "Do you think we prostitute our time?"

I never thought about it like that.  What would you say?

Y'all be good ... stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Speaking of

 

.....Fictional characters.  I so enjoyed your answers!

Have you read anything lately I should check out?

Like my changing tastes in food ... I'm sad how some genres/authors I used to covet now hold little interest.

Thankfully -- in large part to an insufferable glut of sports programming these last several months -- I've discovered some pretty great books.  A few, unforgettable.

And then along came Whistler.   I was curious what all the hoopla was about.

At first, disappointed.  Like the blind date who, while perfectly pleasant, doesn't spark my imagination.   

I was all ready to return it to the library ... but knowing Tom might be a while at his stress test, I tucked it in my purse for the wait.  What a surprise when, not even to the halfway point, I came upon a sentence that suddenly made my eyes fill. And overflow.  How embarrassing! Turning my head and digging in my bag for a tissue, I prayed no-one would notice.  

8 little ordinary words, but that sentence reignited my interest.  I'm glad it did, but I'm left with mixed feelings about the ending.  Ms. "no loose ends" here likes her stories wrapped neatly and tied with a bow.  

I'm leaning towards buying my own copy off eBay to save and re-read it at a later time.  Do you ever do that?

Anyways!

As some of you know, Facebook has a cute way of dropping random, unrelated nuggets in my feed (I presume) hoping they'll catch on.  Annoying, yes.

But that's our new normal.  For instance.....

Have y'all ever heard of the Silent Book Club?

..."a global community of readers with 2,200 chapters in 70 countries.  No assigned reading, it's Bring Your Own Book."  More than a million  (wow!) members gather in person or online to read and swap stories.

No, I'm not joking.  Apparently, it's a real thing -- at least in Prattville.   According to their press, more than 40 folks showed up the other evening to sit, sip and read in compatible silence.  

Years ago, this might have piqued my interest, but not anymore.  I wanted to put this out there in the event someone's interested.

It's still far too warm to spend time out here in the sunroom, but this remains my favorite place to curl up with a good book.

No conversation necessary!