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!

Watercooler Wednesday

 

If you could have dinner with any
fictional character ...

What are you eating and
who are you dining with?

Bon appetit!

Myra

Saturday Smiles

 

Currently?

Take-away truth!

Our 'Gatherers' group may have been small in number, but what a good time we had at WOW Catering!   Everyone ordered something different; and while my blackened (aka, spicy) chicken wrap was delicious, the looks of Cindy's salmon (might have) made me drool-like-a-dog.   I ordered a burger to take home to Tom and he said it was the best one he's had in years.  I've already given them 5 stars.

Bev, Cindy, Brenda, Christine and me

Realizing I look like a wraith, I've already wasted no time consulting AI.

Made me giggle to realize it/he/she made my eyes blue!

I won't argue, there's plenty to be scared about artificial intelligence --  but I'm past the point of caring what it/she knows about me.   Already, I've taken some of her advice.

In the kitchen?

I'm still loving lettuce, albeit Green Leaf or Romaine.

Because I didn't see any fresh basil, and was too lazy to shop elsewhere, I bought a tube of fresh paste and gave a good squeeze into my olive oil.

Oh, and I've a new fav.

I'd only intended to eat 2 or 3, but these little bruschettinis are addictive!

In between Amazon deliveries ...

The VA delivered new oxygenator

I wasn't home to ask Brad if it's available in any other color. (*sad face*)

Guess I'll just have to live with "Babe, the Blue Ox."  Wish they still made those quilted toaster covers  in an XL.

Coming up!

Once I pick Grace up from the groomer, I'm taking myself to task with pen and paper.  It's waaaay past time certain inanimate objects stop taking up real estate in our house.  My parents were savers and now? Most of it is precious only to me.  Like, what is my son want with the box containing all my old report cards? 

Do any of these memes resonate with you?

('Alison's Notebook -- Decluttering Made Simple' on FB)

Whoa, boy.  Wish me luck!

Hugs, Myra

Hodgepodge of the Missing Link*

* Last week was Volume 665, and next week will be Volume 667.   

IYKYK, I can't bring myself to type those digits.  Need we say more?

Thank you, Joyce!

Joyce saw a meme on Instagram that went like this -- "The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002.  Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while."

Time is crazy, isn't it?  So ... what were you up to in the year 2002?

Looking to escape my circumstances (personal and professional) I picked up my little dog and drove to Arizona to begin a new life.

 15 years later I realized that was a huge mistake, but at the time no-one could tell me otherwise.

Doesn't hindsight send some awfully expensive bills?

"Me?  I'm scared of everything...."  What's something that scares you that you'd like to try anyway?

Gosh, my younger self would be so disappointed in me.
Anymore, just driving to a new destination sets my "what-if" meter spinning.

To answer the question ...
I wish I wasn't so afraid of sharing my beliefs aloud.

Plus (and I know this sounds crazy) .....
Once before I die, I'd love to climb aboard a racing thoroughbred, strap on a helmet and have a good go-round the track.

 Always horse crazy!  Years ago my parents even paused while on vacation to visit an equine facility in Ocala.

Watermelon -- yay or nay?  Which melon is your favorite -- watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew.  Of the watermelon food/beverages listed, which would you say 'yes' to ...

*Watermelon salsa, watermelon feta salad, watermelon sorbet, a watermelon Jolly Rancher, a watermelon margarita*

Sorry, I'm not fond of melon in any form.

August 12 is National Middle Child Day.  Are you a middle child?  If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin?  Do you think this has influenced your personality?  Elaborate.

I was never blessed with a brother or sister.

So yes.  I'm basically selfish -- never having to share or compromise.

However!  Not having to compete and "toughen up" left me insecure and extremely self-conscious.

Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people?  Explain.

I can mingle, but loathe doing so.
Please give me a pleasant conversation with one or two others.

Insert your own random thought here.

This I love

Would you like to play along?
There's still time ... click here!

Hugs, Myra

Old Things

This meme made me giggle aloud ..... because it's true!

I see little children I used to baby-sit applying for Social Security.  My own son is talking about retirement and I'm over here talking about "old folks."   Presumptions.

Like housecoats/dusters.  I always thought old ladies who wore them lay Afghans on their knees and sat staring out their windows.  Like our old neighbor in Unit D who kept a little cart of African violets in her front window.  (Nasty smelly things.)

Oops, I digress!

Anyway.  The other day I saw on FB where a friend was gifted a housecoat for her birthday.  Delighted, she wrote, "It's got pockets!"  

I had a moment, y'all.  Brenda's not old enough to wear housecoats!

Then, a memory.  How my little mother loved her duster.  Without fail, each evening after supper she'd shower and change, smelling sweetly of Jean Nate.

Vanity Fair.   It was always Vanity Fair.   Even at Christmas.  There was always a shirt box with my name on it which contained a plain Vanity Fair nightgown carefully nestled in tissue paper.   In that season of my life, I probably found it underwhelming.  Today, however, it (the last gift) remains one of my most treasured articles of clothing.

So, back to Brenda's housecoat.   A seed was planted. 

Unfortunately, when I went to Google, it seems Vanity Fair's quietly gone the way of the dinosaurs.  Not to be deterred, I went to eBay.

And saw ...

"New, with tags"!

What sealed the deal?  From the photographs, it looked like a twin to that my mother owned.  The price point was more than I'd intended, yet I wasted no time flashing my credit card.

It arrived exactly as advertised.  I'm not a betting person, yet I'd wager my last dollar it's a twin to my mother's duster.  The thought even crossed my mind, had I reached inside the pocket I'd have found a crumpled Kleenex.
The fabric feels absolutely blissful against my bare skin.  Even when Tom felt it, he suggested I go online and find another.  High praise!

I don't know that there exists anything similar but discovering it has made me a Happy girl.

It's enough.

I hope everyone enjoys a sweet new week!

Hugs, Myra

 

So are the days of our lives

 

Happy Saturday my friends,

How're you feeling this morning ... sufficiently caffeinated?  I'm on my second cuppa, but may trade it for a chilly V8.   

Other than seeing the dentist and an annoying internet outage ... this week's been wonderfully ordinary.  So much so, there were a couple times I had to ask myself, "What day is this?"  

💛

We enjoyed precious time with family on Sunday.   Sweet Pea is developing such a cute personality and gosh, such energy.   Good thing God gives littles to young people!

(l-r) Chloe, me, Lois, P, Troy, Tom and Robert

She's totally got her Pops and g-Gramps wrapped. 

💛

Tom's been hinting for some "Easthampton spread" and I realized it's been 3-4 years.  What to do but buy a pound of bologna, hard-boil a dozen eggs and got to chopping a small purple onion.  (Yes, I realize they're supposed to be called "red", but I'm not color blind.)  BTW, is anyone else finding it difficult to find all-beef bologna in the grocery?  

Grandma Willer and my mother used a meat grinder.  I think it's buried somewhere with other antiquities in a closet; I just don a pair of disposable gloves and massaged the heck out of it all -- with lots of Duke's, of course.

💛

Does anyone else still print their ordinary photographs?   I used to love decorating with pretty frames throughout the house, but even those have gone by the way.

I recently got to going through some scrapbooks and shoe boxes.  One thing led to another, and well ... you can see what I'm doing with this enormous canvas above my desk.  

Because I didn't ask permission, I've blurred out the center faces.

 It's a work in progress; not intended to please anyone but myself.   Best, I can add (or subtract) images to my little heart's content.

💛

What else?

A few days ago Tom was feeling pretty good and suggested a trip to Prattville Pickers -- an enormous antique mall -- to try and find a lamp shade.   No such luck, but a few miles down the road at Memories I found a nice lamp for less than $30 ... totally different than what we're used to.

Presently it's sitting on Tom's end table (above right), but I like what AI's suggested (below).

I need to pick my battles, right?

For instance!  He wants to take out the wall -- open this family room to the living room, but I'm not a fan.  Happy to have left the "open concept" back in Arizona.

It's nice to dream ... or, have "spirited discussions" whichever you prefer.

Well, the rain's not coming, darn it.  I'd better put on some raggy clothes and get outside with the weed whacker before the day get's any warmer.

Thank you for visiting ... stay sweet!

Hugs, Myra