August Hodgepodge

 

6 o'clock Coosada sky

Thank you, Joyce!
... and thank you, friends, for joining me here today.

What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to?  Or dreading, if that's easier to answer.

My "Gatherers" friends have chosen to try a new-to-us restaurant in downtown Wetumpka.  I'm always up for a different setting and girl chat.

August 5th is National Oyster Day ... do you participate?

How do you feel about pearls?

Sorry, I'm not a fan of either.

Tell us about a time when you felt the world was your oyster?

That would be the 1981-1983-ish years.
I looked my best and felt my best ... living in a perfect little West Texas community and working at a job I adored.

It was the Best of Times.

Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens).  Have you been to any of the seven?  Let's pretend you get an all-expense paid trip to one this month.

Catalina Island, CA -- Martha's Vineyard, MA -- Mackinac Island, MI -- Key West, FL -- South Padre Island, TX -- Kauai Hawaii -- or San Juan Islands, WA

  Which one do you choose and why?

Hmmm.  I've already been to Catalina, Mackinac, Key West and Kauai.
"All expense-paid" you say?

In that case I'm choosing Martha's Vineyard -- and spend like one of the "star studded" denizens.  Ha!

No, seriously.  My father's family was originally from Massachusetts, but I've never visited far from the Boston metro.

My father (left) and his siblings at the Quincy Shore.

Sylvia Plath is credited with the following:

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born.  The odd uneven time."

Agree or disagree?  In other words, how do you feel about this month?

With apologies to any "birthday babies" out there, August may be my least favorite of the 12.

Insert your own random thought here. 

Is anyone else already thinking of Christmas?
Too soon?

Anyone who knows me well, knows I'm always on the look-out for novel, one-of-a-kind gifts.
And while our little family no longer exchanges Christmas gifts, that doesn't stop me from looking. 

Perhaps, this nugget might appeal to someone you know.  Best, it's free!

I'm talking about turning a loved one's handwriting into a font.
(From Komando.com)

"You can take a single page of your loved one’s handwriting and turn it into a font that works in Word forever. A son used this free tool to preserve his mother’s handwriting as Parkinson’s slowly took it away."

Click here

* * *

Stay safe and (in the words of my fav movie line)

Have a day!

Myra

Saturday 9 ... AND!

 

Thanks to "Crazy Sam" for this week's questions!

Before going there ..... I've a Winner of my Blogaversary give-away!  Drum roll, please..........

I tossed your names into my old Wooden Bowl -- whose contents over the last 70-some years have run the gamut from S&H Green Stamps ... to newspaper clippings ... to pot holders -- and drew out the name of --

Sue, at Photowannabe

Congratulations, Sue!  If you would, please DM me your mailing address (either via FB or e-mail myra.guca@gmail.com) and I'll have your "Tripping" t-shirt ordered.

Thank you so much to all y'all who commented!  Let's play it again next year on my 19th Blogaversary!  (Hey, I still plan to be around ... and hope you will, too!)

* * *

Now, let's play

Saturday 9: Coconut (1971)

Unfamiliar with the tune?  Just click here!

 

This song is about a woman who complains of a belly ache.  How's your tummy today?

Hungry!

She responds to this malady by calling the doctor.  What if you chose to address the problem yourself?  Are there currently any OTC digestive aids in your medicine cabinet?

Probably some stale Tums.  My primary suggested I use those v. more expensive calcium supplements -- but I usually forget.

Coconut was once a popular ice cream flavor, but no more.  It's not on the list of tops sellers at Baskin Robbins or Cold Stone.  When you last had ice cream, what flavor was it?

Coffee chip

Coconut remains popular in baking.  It's easy to find recipe for coconut pie, coconut cheesecake, coconut cookies ... you get the idea.  Have you recently tried a new recipe?  If yes, how did it turn out?

Despite the way it looked on FB?  Really poorly.

I carefully selected 4 thick pork chops and tented them individually at the bottom of my slow cooker, together with mushroom soup, fresh mushrooms and onions.

I wound up rinsing off the two remaining chops and chopping them up in pork gravy.

This week's featured artist, Harry Nilsson, was a well-known free spirit.  He liked to party and had a reputation for not adhering to a schedule.  Therefore, it's a little surprising that one of his first jobs was in the conservative atmosphere of a small bank.  Do you prefer a more structured workplace?

My favorite workplace ever (advertising sales assistant at a television station) was sometimes referred to by others as "Animal House."
(Yes, like that movie by the same name.)

So much water under the bridge.  Later, because I'm a "rules follower" I'd say, structure.  Predictable, I suppose.

Harry met Micky Dolenz when The Monkees recorded his song, "Cuddly Toy" and they become fast and lifelong friends.  Can you think of someone you met and quickly "clicked" with?

In person, you mean?
I'm thinking of two bloggers I've shared a meal with... but there are many more of you with whom I feel close, no matter the miles between us.

In 1971, when this song was on the radio detective shows were popular on TV:  Mannix, Ironside and Cannon were all in the Top 20.  Do you think you'd make a good private investigator?

I think so; I'd like to try!
Back in the 80's my co-worker and I took such a class.

Our instructor - a PI - was not only interesting, but a cutie! A few days later my friend invited him to lunch with us.  Fun, but I don't think anything came of (her) infatuation.

England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971, and the occasion was commemorated with an official portrait taken by fashion photographer Norman Parkinson.  Who took the most recent photo of you?

Me!  Selfies are such fun.
..... Compared to having to take our film to a shop and waiting days to see one's photos ... only to wrinkle our noses at the results.

Random question:  You can redecorate any one room in your home; money is no object.  But only one room.  Which room do you pick?

Our dated kitchen.

I love it, but potential buyers would probably move on to something more modern.

Whew!  Thanks so much for reading this far!

You all are the best!

Hugs, Myra

Monday, Monday

 

Hey there, hello!

I'm only about 10 hours late posting -- but still wanted to share a page from our lives and times.  

Whewy, y'all!  This heat and humidity makes a body want to curl up under the AC until Autumn Christmas.  Unfortunately, what the rain's doing to our back yard would make Jack's Beanstalk envious.

We did have an Adventure the other evening.  That is, at least, an adventure for two senior citizens whose outings usually consist of trips to the grocery and doctors' offices.

Some time ago I saw on Facebook that our favorite comedian was coming to the Performing Arts Center ... did Tom want to go?   

Since we no longer exchange Christmas or birthday gifts, I rationalized that would be our gifts to one another.  He agreed ... yay.

Then, about 10 days ago I began stressing.  Playing the "what if" game.   Where would we park -- and could I even navigate there.   My kids thought we were nuts, even being in Montgomery after dark.

Thank goodness for Uber!  Despite never having used them before, the website was easy-peasy.   Come Saturday morning however, I'm on pins and needles.  Will the driver find our house?  Or, what if he/she doesn't show up?

Huh.  I used to laugh at my mother when she'd worry irrationally .... and now I've turned into her.

No worries.  Our sweet little driver pulled in the driveway at exactly 5pm.  She lives just 3 minutes down the street!

Boy, the downtown was packed, but Valerie pulled right up to the Renaissance Hotel's front door ... like a celebrity. (lol)

Dinner was a mixed bag, but I chose to make the best of it.   My plate looked like someone had super-sized the salmon.  It was huge, but given the price point I was determined to eat every bite.  Delish!

 

Leeanne Morgan was so good ... I almost forgot my aversion to being in wall-to-wall crowds of people.

Requisite selfie

Later, Tom was stressing how the (new) driver was going to find us but the Good Folks at Uber have all that figured out.   It was nice, even, sitting out by the fountain watching the fireworks going off at the Biscuits (baseball) game.

I doubt we're going to do "Date Night" again, but it was nice to re-visit those parts of my life.

In other news ...
I've decided I'm not so fond of our new Bible study (12 Women of the Bible), but I still enjoy getting out of the house for a few hours every Monday morning.

Today's lesson (Leah: Overcoming Rejection and Insecurity) was surprisingly good.  It did, however, reawaken lots of old emotions.  A little surprised to hear others echoing my thoughts.   When I mentioned Janis Ian's "At Seventeen" there were more than a few nods.

Do you remember?

Well, it's going on sundown in Alabama.

Tomorrow Grace Evelyn turns 13 years old.  It's bittersweet, not having here twin here to share this milestone.  It's a given, I'll shed more than a few tears.  But love on her, we will.   Every day's a gift. 

Say, before I go!  Please don't forget my Blogaversary give-away (on my last post)!   Will yours be the lucky name drawn this weekend?   Cross fingers!

Big hugs!

Myra

 

Friday Letters -- and a Give-away

Dear Hailey (server),

Thank you!
When I asked for water "with lemon", you apologized for not having any lemon but asked, "Would you like to try a lime instead?"

Not only is that refreshing, but delicious.

I don't want to go back!

Dear Blog bot,

Here we go again!

I remember back in the day when our teacher used to deliberately pair/gather students who didn't know each other well.

That's not necessarily a bad thing.  I suppose we're creatures of habit; more comfortable with those we know best.

Is that what you're doing, Mr. Bot?

More often than not, Reader's all over the place.  I'm having to go searching for my friends' posts.

I'm too old to play Nancy Drew.

Speaking of which ....

Dear Meta,

I'm more than a little infatuated with your new AI glasses.

You mean to tell me, I can walk around recording audio and video through my lens?  (Spy girl, lol.)

What a great time to be alive!

Dear Dr. B,

I was more than a little concerned when, following a routine screening, the VA suggested Tom has the beginnings of macular degeneration.
 

Thank you for assuring us yesterday that is not the case.

Dear friends,

Tomorrow's Christmas in July!

The first time I heard of this "holiday", I was but a 10-year-old attending summer camp in the Rockies.  What fun we had, decorating the recreation hall, singing carols and crafting "Secret Santa" gifts for those whose names were drawn.

I've never really outgrown those thoughts, and -- prompted by this meme -- have even begun 'shopping' for myself on Amazon.

My favorites include these cute t-shirts.

..... like 60's bumper stickers all over again ...
only now we wear our thoughts on our chests!

Not only am I going to gift myself one, but!
In honor of my upcoming 18th (whoo-hoo!) Blogaversary I'm doing a giveaway:  Winner's choice of one of these cute shirts.

No rules.  If you'd like to participate, leave me a 'yay' in the comments between now and July 31 ... together with your choice and size.

I'll do a drawing on August 1 and announce the winner shortly thereafter. 

Y'all be well.
Sweater season's going to be here before we know it!

Hugs, Myra

  

 

Sunday Sidewalk

 

aka, Currently 

In my kitchen?

More hits n' misses.
Sad how I'm finding all these yummy-sounding recipes but they all require turning on the oven.  Nope, not happening!

Salads are still a Big Part of my diet.  Eggs, too.

Using a length of fresh Mozzarella, I created something called eggs caprese.

It's staying on the list.

Speaking of food!

The Gatherers enjoyed our monthly "chat and chew" at McAlister's Deli.  The venue left much to be desired, but as usual, the conversation was delicious.

Brenda, Bev, Shannon, Sally, Christy, Cindy, me

The idea of adding more members still gets tossed about, but I think smaller still feels best.

I'm curious.  For those of you who regularly gather in larger groups -- how do you go about accommodating seating in restaurants; and, at the same time manage to ensure Good Conversation v. chit-chat?

In between naps ...

I just finished reading The Book of Lost Names.

Inspired by an astonishing true story from World War II, a young woman with a talent for forgery helps hundreds of Jewish children flee the Nazis in this unforgettable historical novel.

Eva Traube Abrams, a semi-retired librarian in Florida, is shelving books one morning when her eyes lock on a photograph in a magazine lying open nearby. She freezes; it’s an image of a book she hasn’t seen in sixty-five years—a book she recognizes as The Book of Lost Names.

It's something out of my usual comfort zone ... a random library pick born out of boredom. Nevertheless, I was transfixed. Dreading the coming of the end.
Five stars!

Finally!

Already, this is getting too long ... but this is my favorite part!

A.I., how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways!

Like the big sister I never had, you've counseled me on hair styles, make-up and wardrobe selections.

Then recently, when I killed the house plant my pastor claimed was indestructible, you showed me what sort of faux arrangement would look best in that pot -- without looking (artificial) tacky.

For a few months now, I've been curious about 2-3 fixed wing aircraft that fly over our house most weekdays.  I even took it to our local FB page ... resulting in a slew of opinions, but no answers.

The other day I heard them approaching and grabbed my phone.

Click on image ... and squint!

No problem for AI.

He/she asked, "Where did I take this picture" and "What time was this?"

In a few seconds time, this:

Do you use AI?

I'd love to hear your stories!

Well, I'd best start getting ready for church.

Thanks so much for visiting, and please.  Stay safe out there!

Hugs, Myra

Tuesday's Thought Bubbles

 

Random Thoughts

 

From the driver's seat ...

I wonder if those cars are low on blinker fluid?
Announcing your intentions isn't like giving information to the enemy.  (Jus' saying ...)

Why do high profile vehicles always seem to pair up and park -- one on each side of my little Taos?  My back-up camera's nice, but I'd still like to have a periscope!

Speaking of add-ons!
I wish someone would invent a soft little "toot" feature on my steering wheel.  When the car in front of me fails to see the green light, a regular horn sounds downright rude.

From the desktop ...

Is it just me?  Or do you agree with what AI says about Facebook/social media:

"Many people find it awkward to send a heart emoji to a man who is not a relative."

Plus ...

I'm always nervous when, going to hit the "care/sympathy" emoji, that I don't accidentally hit the "laughing face" icon.

Whose idea was it to put those two right beside one another?

These, but a few thoughts from an older lady with too much time on her hands.
Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Crushing

 

What do you think when someone says, crush?

I'll never forget feeling humiliated when, in 7th grade, my best(?) friend told everyone I had a crush on the Sowder twins.  Some things you never forget.

These days I'm apt to poke fun of myself for having an "adult crush" on a certain actor or Tom's handsome cardiologist.

No, today I'm talking about Fascination.  Like the characters in Inga's scrapbook.

The pages are brittle - both from age and countless fingerprints.  As a little girl, whenever we'd visit my grandparent's farmhouse, I'd make a beeline upstairs for Grandma's book.

I was never fond of dolls but cherished the countless newspaper clippings and images she kept inside.   

I'd dream of being a multiple ...
at least, having lots of siblings.

... which might account for my 'crushing' on The Lennon Sisters.

I followed their weddings in Photoplay and other teen magazines.  Later, long after the Lawrence Welk Show, I saw them perform in Las Vegas with Andy Williams.
I've read -- and reread -- their autobiographical "Same Song Separate Voices."
And now, I follow their lives on Facebook.

I think everyone liked Janet best, but I'd pretend Dee-Dee was my BF.  Did you have a favorite?

Another?

I'm unashamedly besotted by the Wales' family -- in particular, these two.   William just seems Genuinely nice; like someone you might invite to your backyard BBQ.
He doesn't seem in the least self-important or 'puffed up.'  

I've not an ounce of British ancestry in my blood, but I'd love to live long enough to see him ascend the throne.

Have you a grown-up crush on someone?

I won't tell!

Hugs, Myra

Peaceful Easy Hodgepodge

 

Welcome back, friends!  

Before starting this week's Hodgepodge, a big ole' THANKS to those who played the 'kidnap' game.  Y'all gave me some good giggles!

... and of course, thanks to the Mistress of Hodgepodge herself, Joyce!

Let's do this!

*

What's something you enjoy now, that your younger self would never have appreciated?

Staying home.

What was peaceful about today?

Cloud gazing.

I don't remember any other place that rivals Alabama's summer skies.

My cell photos can't truly capture their vivid definition, the ever-evolving layers -- but that doesn't stop me from trying!

It's National Blueberry Day (July 8).  Will you celebrate?  You can have one of the following right now -- a slice of blueberry pie, a warm blueberry muffin or a stack of blueberry pancakes.  Which do you choose?

Y'all know I'm not fond of fruit, but blueberries are the exception.

My fav way to enjoy them is the way my grandmother served -- plain berries in a bowl with real cream poured atop.  We cousins loved watching the liquid turn purple!

Do you need a break?  From what?

Television.
I'm probably in the minority but have no interest in FIFA World Cup or a certain celebrity wedding.

What has surprised you most about getting older?

Suddenly realizing, I can no longer assume what used to be my "go to" lounge position.  Like this.

I never realized it had a name (W Sitting) or why it's so bad.

(*insert sad face*)

Insert your own random thought here.

This!!!
Thank you, Sandie (Chatty)

I hope each of you are having a Wonderful Wednesday!

Hugs, Myra

Just for Giggles

 

Here's a poser for y'all!

Maybe something to share with friends/family at your next get-together and hear their responses.
I can't wait to hear yours!

Now, read the second paragraph again.  

Think carefully!

(My answer's at the bottom.)

Feeling silly,
Myra

😉

Oh yum!  I can't wait to try these delicious strawberries.
Or those oranges.
Maybe both!

(IYKYK.  I don't like either one!)

non -Fiction Friday

 

Hello again .....
from my happy place!

I've not much going on; in fact, this weekend is shaping up to be a "stay-home-and-try-to-stay-cool" sort of affair.   We'll be sure and watch tonight's 'A Capitol Fourth' performances on PBS; that never fails to stir.  Perhaps I'll run to Publix for the fixings of a caprese salad supper ... or try my hand at making Gazpacho.

A little of this 'n that!

Little Grace is doing some better.  You might not know it, given the "I hate you very much" look on her face when I try and administer her amoxicillin.  In an effort to disguise the taste, this morning's cuppa was a mix of soft-boiled egg, "loose meat", creamy peanut butter and a few dry-roasted nuts ... sodium free.  The next 10 days should be umm, interesting.

I think I already mentioned my new fav hand-soap (Snowdrop).  Unfortunately, when I went online to order more and discovered the price point, I decided my olfactory enjoyment could wait. 

Giggling out-loud by some of their alternate suggestions:

'Dandelion.'  Whaaaat??? Eeeew!

Then there's tomato. Why???
... even

'Rainwater.'
Um, no.  Mother Nature's providing plenty, free for nothing.

Summer in Alabama

What else?

I love our nearby little library, but the pickings are slim.  I finally decided to part with a few 5's and join our next-door City's library. 

Silly, maybe, but while waiting at the counter I got this "rush" of nostalgia.  I still remember the thrill of being handed my first, very own library card.  Once upon a time, that was one of my favorite places. 

Could be just this time of year, but it made my heart happy to see all the little children proudly holding books, waiting to be check out.

Yes, Virginia, paper-and-ink books still seem to be in vogue.  Maybe someday I'll pick up my e-reader again.  What's nice, we've choices!

Before I go, here's a quote from my last well-loved book:

Be well, my friends!

Hugs, Myra

   

  

With Liberty and a Hodgepodge for All

 

Welcome back to Wedneday's Hodgepodge gathering!  As ever, thanks to Joyce for inviting us to put on on our thinking caps!

For today ...

What do you love most about your Country?

Oh, don't make me choose!  I can't name just one.
We've everything anybody could possible want -- and more.  I'm saddened that more folks don't realize that.

Your favorite patriotic song?

I've written about this before.  Back in the early 80's R. and I'd an opportunity to enjoy dinner following the ProAm (golf) LaJet Classic in Abilene.  

My friends and I'd never heard of the entertainer, Lee Greenwood.  (We were more interested in oogling Farrah, sitting a few tables away with her father.)

When he introduced his newly released God Bless the USA we were all struck silly, on our feet.  That's been my favorite ever since!

Red, white or blue?  Stars or stripes?  Something you own besides a US flag with some combination of those colors or decorations as part of its design?

Red stars, please.
We don't really decorate our home's front like (I) should -- but thanks to the Dollar Tree, I can easily dress up our sunroom table. 
(See pix at top)

What's one thing you want more of this summer:  Fun, rest, adventure, connection, quiet or confidence?

Let's go with fun.

Life's been pretty serious these last few years.

What was your ultimate, go-to summer activity when you were a kid?  Do you still do any version of that today?

I was all about horses -- whether on my grandparent's farm, riding a mule down the Grand Canyon or at summer camp.

I'm still tempted to ride again, but I know my hips would punish me later.  

Insert your own random thought here.

Thanks to all for your sweet concern regarding Grace.
Monday morning the vet ruled out any spinal abnormalities but given that her liver numbers are elevated he wants to do an ultrasound.  That may be happening as we speak.

Meanwhile!

Here's a few images of what Millbrook's Street Department's done with some hay bales and cans of spray paint.

God Bless the USA!

Hugs, Myra