Tuesday in Coosada

 

Goodbye, March .....
and hello April (cleverly disguised as June)

Thank y'all soooo much for your sweet comments on my new 'do' (hairdo, that is).  It honestly feels refreshing -- and for a change, I'm not tempted to AI-away my wrinkles.  I love this quote by Cameron Diaz:  "I'd rather see my face aging than a face that does not belong to me at all."

This week I'm ...

LOVING the new earbuds.  

Mind you, I'm not talented enough to build a customized station.  I just picked a few artists and asked Pandora to shuffle songs.   

Shuffle she did!  Everything from Fleetwood Mac, to Casting Crowns to ABBA to Nat King Cole.

There are few chores I loathe more than doing yard work -- but what a difference the music makes!  Good thing no-one was watching me rockin' and wiggling out there or they may have suspected I was having a stroke (lol).

APPREHENSIVE about Tom's decision to switch cable and internet providers.  

I've been pouting ever since DISH network dropped our local NBC affiliate, so Tom and his buddy tried setting up an indoor antenna -- to no avail.
Cancel that.  After much fumbling and finagling they managed to forge a path to the local news --but not so much the network.

He called Spectrum.  You know when something sounds too good to be true?   Hearing we'd be getting more 'oomph' for less $ -- plus complimentary installation, he was grinning from ear to ear.   Then yesterday, an e-mail stating our equipment would be arriving Tuesday (today) together with a "how-to" do-it-yourself video.

Remember those commercials, "Even a cave man can do it!"?   I'm not holding my breath!  For one thing, the desk in my office probably weighs as much as Tom's truck.   In the spring/summer of his life, Tom made a living in telecommunications, but.  Nowadays, we're old. Technology's evolved -- and left us behind, coughing exhaust fumes.

So, FedEx just dropped a parcel that looks no more threatening than a dress box.  To heck with 'complimentary' installation; there's a technician scheduled to be here tomorrow afternoon.

EXCITED to have Troy and Lois join us for a (day before) Easter dinner.  (Robert, Chloe and my favorite toddler are visiting family in Mississippi.)

I planned to serve Publix's baked Mardi Gras wings, only to discover none of the 3 stores in the River Region will have any available before 2 o'clock.  Evidently word has spread how good they are.   

Plot twist. I'm doing my tried-and-true Mississippi pot roast with Tom's mashed potatoes and salad.  I think Lois is bringing a side dish and I want to try a new dessert I saw on FB.  

Dump a can of peach slices in the slow cooker, followed by a box of yellow cake mix, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg and pats of butter.  Cook on high 2 hours and serve with ice cream.  (What could go wrong? Right?)

FINALLY, 

Yes, I'm still playing with AI.

Grace

Macie

I hope there's piles of smiles in your week!

Hugs, Myra

 

 

 

Me and my Shadow

 

... aka, AI.

Some of my long-time friends might recall how, from time to time, I've moaned about the state of my hair.  Despite pouring good money after bad on various 'miracle' potions, I finally recognized myself in a Facebook meme. 

I was resigned to the possibility I might be going bald when I spotted Sue at church.  I looked again.

The pretty pageboy style she's worn for years, now replaced with a cute pixie 'do.'

Only at lunch a few days later did I have an opportunity to ask, "What? Where? When? Why? (and How)."  (Yes folks, I was once a journalism major.)

Turns out, she simply asked her phone: "Show me the most flattering hair style for my face."   The app instructed her to pull back her hair, say "Cheese!" and take a selfie.  Easy-peasy, right?

We both have Android phones but I couldn't get it (Gemini) to work for me.   Not to be deterred, I went on the desktop to ChatGPT. Down the rabbit hole with a big grin on my face!

Because I'm too cheap to pay for unlimited takes and touch-ups, I'm limited to only 5 takes each day.  Nevertheless, it's so much fun!

For instance.  One time I didn't like the shade of lipstick AI had chosen.  When I asked for a lip redo, the result almost made choke.  I didn't keep a copy, but trust me -- I looked like a dead ringer for Jack Nicholson as "The Joker."

Remembering the days when we might take a magazine photo to our stylists and ask, "Can you do this?" 

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

At my 5-week appointment this morning I thought Maryann would say my hair's too thin and fine -- but no.  She said, "Let's do it!"

AI me

The inspiration

....and now

Maybe it's Memorex

... or maybe, someone's enjoying her second mid-life crisis a little too much?

You're never too old to stop playing!

Do you AI?

Hugs, Myra

    

The Hodgepodge does Spring

 

A little pollen anyone?

Whaddya say, let's put on a happy face and play the Hodgepodge.  Thank you to Joyce for hosting this weekly get together!   (For those new to the exercise, she asks .... we answer ..... and meet in the middle!)

⬇️

It's officially spring in the northern hemisphere.  Does it feel like spring in your part of the world?  If you're in the southern hemisphere it's officially autumn where you live.  Does the weather say autumn?  Which do you prefer -- spring or autumn?  Why?

Yes.  And no.  Does the term 'weather whiplash' sound familiar?

I'd be telling a big fat fib if I said I'm looking forward to warmer weather.  But what's one going to do?  Those who know me understand I'm happiest when clad in oversize sweaters and boots.  

And this!

What's your favorite thing about spring?

I had to think long and hard about this one
but I'm going with the abundance of fresh veggies.
Maybe a pot of yellow tulips.

Spring into action, spring in your step, spring to life, spring to one's feet ... which spring idiom currently applies to your life in some way.

Spring into action ...
starting at our Village Green's walking trail.  I bought myself a new set of ear buds that aren't supposed to fall out.  Hoping I can crank up my favorite tunes and keep semi-entertained while moving.

Which spring food from this list is your favorite?  What's a dish you like that includes your favorite spring ingredient?

Asparagus, Strawberries, Salad greens (like mesclum, artichokes, spinach, eggs, peas, spring onions).

I love asparagus best but wouldn't say 'no' to any of the others.  Except strawberries.
I'm curious to discover new and delicious ways to serve spinach.

What's one task on your spring cleaning list?  Do you actually have a list?

I think I was born with a pen in one hand and ruled index card in the other.   List-making isn't just practical, it's second nature.

Insert your own random thought here.

Thank y'all so much for your prayers and wishes re. my sweet Macie girl.  She's tired -- but good natured and still loves to eat.  (Anything except her dry dog food!)

*Have a day, y'all!

Hugs, Myra

***

*Excerpted from what may be my favorite Shirley MacLaine performance in 'The Last Word.'

"Please don't have a nice day -- have a day that matters, have a day that's true, have a day that means something.  

Have a day."

Saturday somethings

 

With apologies to Rogers and Hammerstein .... "Spring is bustin' out all over!"

Honestly, however, I've not been inclined to fully appreciate each day the way I should.

In short, we nearly had a septic tank emergency the other morning.  Thankful for a speedy -- albeit pricey - resolution.   

Then on Thursday morning, Macie Ann had another episode.  Hours later we were at the vet.  Heartbroken to hear, she's in the end stage (of CHF).  Not unkindly he said we're looking at weeks, not months.

I slept out in the family room, watching every little while to see if she was still breathing.  

Then, go figure!  Both yesterday and this morning she's back to acting like a cheerful crispy critter.  All the same, Tom and I are taking turns going to the store, etc., neither of us is willing to leave her.

Do you ever save something -- whether it be a verse, a story or an image -- just waiting for an opportunity to share?

This piece has been hanging around my "C" drive for several years.  I'm feeling led to post it now ... to absorb and answer these questions.   Maybe you'll like it, too?   

Gratitude makes everything better!

(Click to enlarge)

Big hugs,

Myra

Such a long way from my first birthday ...

 

Thank y'all so much for your encouraging words whenever I get to bathing in self-pity.  Who knew sciatica has such a long shelf life!

So anyway.  Here we go again ... Happy New Year to me! 

Since the time I spotted this giant cup's 'twin' on Jon's blog, I knew I had to find one for myself.  It's not just for December 31 anymore!

Irish Cream's a favorite, but I'm content to simply enjoy the imitation flavor, particularly at 6AM!

In honor of our recent freezing temps, I began another batch of white chicken chili -- before forgetting I'd no cream cheese.   Aerosol whipped cream to the rescue!

Our "Gathering" group was scheduled to meet for our monthly chat-and-chew.

New to me, 243 South sure didn't disappoint! It's going on the short list.

 

\

Caribbean jerk salmon

My precious Feral Friends!

I'm not especially big on birthday cake, but Publix's key lime pie was calling my name.  It's what's for supper!
Taking a page from 'Ma', I'm going to put 3 candles atop -- one each for the Past, Present and Future.  Don't you love that?

No matter!

Let's raise a glass to kindness yet, for Auld Lang Syne.

Thank you all for coming along!

Hugs, Myra

  

 

Come Saturday morning

 

Well phooey, here I go dragging my feet again.

While busy, our days have been pretty much stress-less.  Why then, do I wake up feeling a bit overwhelmed ...  fearful I'm going to miss something?

Note to self:  Get rid of this stinking thinking!

Since we visited last ...

Tom's doing really well in physical therapy; almost pain free.  He's ready to kick his walker to the curb, but I'm thinking, "not so fast, buddy."  Worst case scenario, I may be next. 

Do you -- or someone you know -- suffer from sciatica?  That's something I never expected but somehow stepped into the line of fire.   And how has that word, "suffer" become such a frequent part of folks' conversation?   

For instance.   At my annual doc's visit last week she asked, "Do you suffer from allergies?   Me: "No, I kind of enjoy it."  (Truth -- I love to sneeze.)

No.  Like I told her (doc), I never envisioned myself becoming that person.  So, here I am swapping ice packs for heating pads; all that goes along with the aging game.  I did promise her I'll attend at least two P.T. sessions.   

Momma always reminded me, "Things could be worse."  At least, following these appointments Tom usually asks, "Are you hungry?" -- and I'll act surprised.  "Now that you mention it ..."  (The boy knows my love language!)

It's been a long time, but yesterday we were up early and out to an estate sale -- in a lovely neighborhood we didn't know existed.   A different home isn't on my bingo card -- but I've not come far from the girl who used to sit on the floor cutting out "dream rooms" from her mother's magazines.   Tom found smaller stereo speakers to replace the behemoths taking up real estate in the living room and I came home with a pretty lamp.

Since our provider (DISH network) cut ties with NBC programming, we're streaming more movies (Melania - 2 thumbs up) and I'm doing my best to read at least an hour each day.  Aside from the "One Chicago" franchise, life's too short to sit staring at the television.  The weeds outside would agree. (*sigh*)

Soooo ....

Taking advantage of what may be our last cold snap, I'm going to visit Publix for white chicken chili fixings AND a complimentary birthday bar cake.  Life in the slow lane's not bad!

Thought for the day --

Hugs, Myra

 

Friday Letters

 

Dear Robert -

Way to go ... yours was a hard secret for this family to keep!

When we got together for lunch last Saturday, Chloe was saying you were scheduled to be at the Pentagon the next day, unable to call.  Imagine her surprise when you strolled through the back door Sunday afternoon with a big grin and a bouquet of flowers.

I wasn't there, but watching the video?  When you held Penelope and began to cry ... my own eyes began leaking, big time.

May God bless all our men and women in uniform!

Dear Physical Therapists -

We appreciate what you do ... really.  But why do y'all have to look so darn fit and good looking ... like someone who just stepped out of a Cheerio's commercial?   Just once, I'd like to see a middle-aged, therapist with a bit of a pot belly ... maybe nicotine-stained fingers?   (jk, lol)

Dear Kevin Jordan -

Thank you for providing "clean, unfiltered" hours of entertainment!  Anymore, I turn a jaundiced eye to today's so-called comedians.   More often than not, their material (and language) prompts me to get up and leave the room.   

You, on the other hand, had us laughing so hard.  Who'd have guessed (that) material taken from your background as a police officer would be so funny.

Dear God

Your mercies are new every morning!  

How my heart began pounding when I got a call from Lois, saying they'd been in a car accident ... could I come pick them up.   Both vehicles were totaled, but everyone walked away.   

Now I know, she and Troy have concussions but are still praising God for sparing their lives.

You see, none of her air bags deployed!   The vehicle's "exceptional reliability" not so much.  (I'm not sharing details because they're already in consult with an attorney about the air bags.)  Scary stuff.

Thank you, dear friends for visiting!

Big hugs,

Myra 

   

 

 

From the wings

 

(aka, Stage Left) where I occasionally enjoy sitting with my thoughts.  Away from the television screen ... the background music of Doing Life.

So, how did this get to be March already?

It's been a pretty okay-ish week.   In between Tom's doctors' appointments and physical therapy, we paused (twice) to celebrate Lois' and Tom's birthdays.  Happy "New Year" to them!

Long Horn steakhouse (our fav)

Oak Tavern at RTJ Golf Trail

I pray this Most Beautiful Girl always stays this happy.

In other news ...

We watched a Really Good movie last night.  Hillbilly Elegy  (Maybe you've heard of it?)

... and despite my reluctance to buy newly released books, I'm more than a little intrigued by a free sample I recently downloaded.  The Correspondent isn't anywhere near my usual, preferred genre.  Its protagonist not so likeable.

Still, there's a tug.
How could I not, when reading this excerpt from the publisher:

" ....a connection with people we might never meet in person."

Someone?  Anyone?

Speaking of reading!

I know some of y'all are familiar with blogger/author/friend, Victor at Time for Reflections.

Perchance, have you visited his lounge?

It's a short walk!
In fact, you can click on the door to the left on my sidebar.

Like I've done, you're welcome to submit your own posts.

Well, I'm going to do my best to "have a day" ...

I hope you'll do the same!

Hugs, Myra