Life and Times on Thursday

 

Good morning,

Ya, it's been a minute!   

There's been little in the way of Noteworthy happenings.  In between more doctors' and audiologist appointments, however, we've enjoyed some nice luncheons out.   (Imagine, if you will, a placard on my windshield, "Will drive for food.")

Like many in these Southeast states, our weather's been "Rinse and Repeat" for the last 7 days.  Perfect napping weather; not so much getting stuff done.  Our weeds are singing, "More, More, More!" and meanwhile I'm whacking an aisle for little Grace to do her business.  (I don't suppose I'd be inclined to "go", either with big wet blades of grass tickling my underbelly.)  TMI?

Speaking of singing!

Is anyone familiar with Chloe of 96.3 Easy Rock?  I accidentally happened on one of her Facebook reels and now, each morning, look forward to what snippets she's shared -- from the perspective of a faceless driver.  Different. 

For instance,

I agree with what one reader said: "Amazing how one song can take you back to memories you thought you had already left behind.  The memories it carries are not always the ones you want to relive .....how music has a way of keeping moments alive -- whether we are ready for them or not."

Naturally, some decade's selections strike me more than others, but I thought you might want to check her out.

What else?

My mind's all over the place today.  

I wanted to share something my DIL recently texted (that) gave me a much-needed chortle.

You see, I'd given their rescue pup (Silvia) a bag of Macie Ann's toys -- including one of her little sweaters.
Lois wrote, "Silvia's not a fan, but P likes it!"

Something different

There's more to say, but
 we're to meet up with Pastor Janet and a few others in a little while for a excursion to Sweet Creek Farm Market.

We've passed it many a time on our way south but just assumed it was little more than a tourist trap.  How I hope I'm wrong!  Even so, the company should be fun and I'm happy to let someone else take the wheel.

I sure hope the sun's shining on your parade today!

Stay safe, and we'll chat soon.

Hugs, Myra

  

  

Hodgepodge

 

Thank you, Joyce!

What do you make more complicated than it needs to be?

Following a new-to-me recipe.

What impresses you?

Hmm, that's a toss-up.

Well-mannered children and
those men and women who -- no matter their station -- walk their talk.  I've been blessed to know a few.

On a scale of one-to-ten, how picky of an eater are you?  (1= extremely and 10= not at all).  

Let's go with 8.
I love to eat, but some things are a hard no. (Liver and sushi, for example.)

If you had to eat a meal made entirely of one color, what color would you choose?

Brown!

Let's begin with garlic butter escargot, then ...
a cup of French onion soup ... followed by a
juicy rib-eye ...
and finish with a cup of espresso

What does balance in life mean to you?  Does your life currently feel 'balanced'?

I could complain about the hours spent commuting to and sitting in medical facilities -- but what's the point?
Everyone has a story; and like my son says, there's nothing quite as humbling as visiting a VA Hospital.

This meme made me giggle.

If you could travel the world for a year, what would be your first destination?

The only way I'd like to travel the world is via an ocean-going liner.  (Dreams don't cost a thing!)

Seriously, with the political and civil unrest which exists today, that seems safer .....
and the cuisine far more palatable.

The octopus and me, in a land far, far away.

Insert your own random thought here.

Why not?

I'd love to hear yours!

Hugs, Myra

  

AI and me

Yes, I'm still playing with AI ... in the shallow end, that is.  
I've included a few of my favorite creations here.  But first!

As some of y'all know, I may be the least tech-savvy creature ever to walk on two legs.

Imagine my surprise when I accidentally happened on a newsletter targeting like-minded folks.  I want Real Answers to first world challenges, conveyed in easy-to-understand language.

Enter Kim Komando (komando.com) who specializes in digital lifestyle, security and technology tips.* 

This, for instance, is what initially hooked me.  "Some apps on your phone are listening.  You said they could."

(Excerpting) -- 

"I was on a call with my son. Never searched a thing. By morning, my Feed was full of ads for exactly what we discussed."

Has this happened to you?  Pretty sure, I'm not the only one.  Here's the rest of the story.

https://www.komando.com/news/devices/is-facebook-spying-on-you-the-truth-is-way-worse-than-a-microphone

Because I'm old and boring, I'm not unduly alarmed.  Nevertheless, I think Kim imparts some good advice.

* * *

I don't suppose Friday Fotos is still a thing, but here are a few of my AI creations.

I was so infatuated when Pam shared one of her calendar pages.

So I put Macie Ann on the path -- inviting me to, "Come'on mom!"

Here's another.
Have you ever wished you could transport yourself into a certain scene ... something that checks all your boxes?

Before

... and after

"All I want is a room somewhere ...."

Last,
What may be my father's most cherished possession, his grandfather clock. I asked AI to include him in an image of Troy, Chloe and Penelope.

The quality's not so great, but it warms my heart.

T-t-t-hat's all, folks.

No matter where - or how - I hope you take time play today.  Happy Friday!

 

Hugs, Myra

* No, I've not been paid or promised anything to promote Kim's site.
I just like to share good stuff with my friends.

Simple Woman's Daybook

 

(aka, Currently ... aka, Where I'm at)

Hey there!

Honestly?  I'm still struggling with waves and loops of grief.  Indiscriminate anger, too.  What to do -- after prayers -- but turn to my Happy Place, aka Blogger.  

Today I'm borrowing from Mary and Linda, who in turn borrowed from Annie.  (Will the Circle be Unbroken?)

Outside 
They say it's going to be a bright, sunshiny day.  

Thankful
To have enjoyed great conversation and lunch of burgers and a Bloomin' Onion on Saturday with Troy and Lois.

In the Kitchen
The faux egg salad recipe (as seen on Facebook) was less than stellar.  The more 'stuff' I threw in (an attempt to make it tastier), the less palatable it became.  Anyone else do that?

Wearing
Still in my Tartan pajama pants and a white t-shirt

Creating
Does AI-ing count?  I just supply the prompts and AI does the rest -- but it's far more entertaining than paper dolls.

Going
To the vet for Grace's liver meds, then to PetsMart.  She's eating better but still ignoring her kibble.

Reading
Nothing captivating.  Pretty sure I'm going to order this

f

After putting their own needs on the back burner to raise their families, Sylvie, Doris, Alice, and Marge struggle to find purpose now that their children are grown and their husbands are gone. Loneliness pushes them together as they knit away their golden years. Then one night, a whiskey-fueled pact catapults them onto the adventure of a lifetime.

Each widow gets one wish, one wild adventure she's dreamed of forever. With their wishes tucked inside their knitting basket, they pull them out one by one, vowing to make every single one happen—no matter how outrageous.

Hilarity ensues as these fearless bass-ass group of friends break all the rules, stare danger in the face, and prove that life doesn't end when retirement begins—it's just getting started. 

 

Hoping
For a calm-weather month.  According to our weather guru, last month was the first in 22 YEARS without a tornado warning.

Looking forward
To starting a new Bible study - Priscilla Shirer's 'Breathe.' 

Around the house
I've hung these new canvases -- right where I can see them from "the most important seat in the house" lol.

Click to enlarge

Finally!

A quote to share -- from Jennifer Rothschild's study, 'Heaven.'

Eden had no tombstones. Before the fall, there was no sin. No suffering. No sorrow. Old dogs didn’t die. Young men didn’t end their own lives. Yet, between Eden and our eternal home, we live with loss. But, not without hope.

Rebrand every tombstone as a stepping stone.

Whew!
If you've read this far, I'm grateful!

Please, stay safe and keeping smiling.

Hugs, Myra 

 

 

 

Charmed!

 

Happy pre-Mother's Day from a gray and soggy day in Coosada!

We're supposed to meet up with Troy and Lois a little later, but for now I want to yak about jewelry.

"What?!", you might exclaim.  "I thought you didn't care much for that sort of thing."

True.  Aside from a few precious pieces, I've never been much for bangles and baubles.

Then a while back, I happened on a short story that tugged my heart strings.

The author spoke about discovering a charm bracelet at a yard sale.  Like mine, "... it was heavy, real silver, every charm different and clearly collected over decades."

Like mine, a charm for every important moment - vacations, graduations, birthdays.  My parents took pains to have a delicate safety chain affixed ... to have the local jeweler solder each one.

They were so proud.  

Once grown-and-gone, I can scarcely remember the number of times I wore that bracelet.  Largely ignored for decades, a few years ago I sold it for little more than the price of coveted concert tickets.

Not only that!  I shake my head, remembering a time when I beat feet across Phoenix searching for a pretty charm bracelet for my first granddaughter's 16th birthday.   What was I thinking?!

Most of the time, we were met with blank stares.  (Yes, this is before Pandora become a phenomenon.)

At the time, maybe I was subconsciously paying homage to my late parents.    

At any rate, I don't think S. ever cared for it or said "thank you." Not unlike the teenager that was once me.  

No, I don't regret selling my bracelet.  

Excerpting again:  "I think about how we spend decades collecting moments, turning them into tiny silver talismans (fill in the blank) and then we die and someone sells it all for $5 at a yard sale."

I hope mine will matter to someone.

I hope you all enjoy a most blessed day!

Hugs, Myra

  

 

Mother May I?

 

A long time ago in a land far away

As ever, big thanks to Joyce, Godmother of Wednesday's Hodgepodge! 

Shall we?

What's something you may do this month?

Fingers crossed, we'll green-light a new bath remodel.

Neither of us is getting any younger, and in Tom's case, it's near impossible for him to get into the existing bath.
Forget about a round-the-world cruise, I'd rather not risk life or limb simply trying to get clean.

Hola!  Hodgepodge Day lands just after Cinco de Mayo ... how do you feel about Mexican food?  What's your favorite dish?  Do you make it at home or is it a strictly dine out option?

Okay.  I adore Mexican food - found in Texas or New Mexico, that is.
While I adore an ooey-gooey (spicy) plate of nachos, my usual go-to is a taco salad ... that someone else has prepared.

When children of today grow up, what do you think they'll say about this time period?  What do you most hope they remember?

For us grandparents (and greats), I think this is their Normal.  Having no perspective, a lucky few might say they're living their best life.

I do think today's youth are stronger, more easily able to adapt than I was.

What I hope they'll remember?  I hope, deep down in their bones, they know how much they were loved.

What advice would you give a new mother?

I can't say it any better than this!

What's a phrase your mother often said to you?  If you're a mom, do you say it to your own children?

"A smile doesn't cost a thing."

... and yes, I'm apt to repeat that often.

Random thought?

I don't know if this is happening to anyone else -- or, if someone has a quick-fix.

All of a sudden, many of my friends' posts have disappeared from Reader.  What I mean, they're still out there but I have to do a search.

I'm not talking about bloggers who, like me, may post but once or twice a week.  No, these are Blogger's bloggers, reliable as each day's sunrise.

For now, I'm going to do my best to keep up.  Hopefully Blogger will right itself.
But.  If you wonder why I've quit commenting on your blog for more than a day, it's not intentional.  Please send me a "Yoo-hoo ... I'm still over here!"

Have a day, y'all!

Hugs, Myra

Still standing

 

... and then it was May!  Once upon a time, it was my favorite month; I'm anxious to see what blessings await these next 31 days.

I want to thank everyone for your HEART-felt words and wishes ..... to Sandra (Mad Snapper) for her beautiful rendering of Macie Ann's arrival in Paradise (see side bar).

The silence is loud.

But we keep putting one foot in front of the other ... and showering little Grace with extra love.   I've been changing and rearranging those places where my eyes land. Like my friend Sherree says, "You've got to break that bridge."

There's little in the way of new news.  

Our current Bible study's finally coming to a close.  Not sure if it was the content or new faces around the table -- a different dynamic -- but I was seriously considering sitting out the next term.  Later, with steel in her voice, Cindy warned me, "Don't isolate."   That afternoon, this pretty arrangement from she and Frank appeared at our door.

That's my parent's wedding china I like to put out each May.

Too "scotch" to pay for a custom case ...

I lifted this image from the internet and changed my phone's wallpaper.  

"He left the 99"

... oh, how this resonates!

Reading ...

I've only begun Beach Read, but welcomed this laugh-out loud moment on Page 10:

"Shadi was a terrible driver.  She screamed whenever she turned left."
(I may or may not resemble that second sentence.)

Smiling ...

at what the little red-headed girl in pink bows made for me while we waited at the phone store.

Thank you, Charley Marie!
(Yes, I was afraid to ask what it stands for. lol!)






I hope each of you enjoy a blessed new day!

Hugs, Myra