This week’s cuppa has green tea with a dash of turmeric to help hair growth. My longer hairs (about ten of them) are about 1/2 in long now. The shorter ones are still about 1/8 inch, and they are few and far between. I’ll give you an update next week after more turmeric consumption.
Yesterday was Vince’s 78th birthday. My amazing guy. He’s shy about photos, so in his honor, I’ll post one anyway. This was him at 70. It’s my most-watched video on YouTube. 🙂
He still looks good, but he didn’t keep up working out after we moved to Prescott. But we’re back in Visalia for a while. He might revert to the “in shape” guy. Our friend Melissa still has workout equipment in her garage, and our mobile home park has a workout room, too. I did a chair workout on Sally Cronin’s blog Tuesday morning. It felt great. I subscribed to the channel HasFit to do it again.
Birthday Treat
Our friends, Jack and Monica, had us over for dinner and fixed this most delicious baby pumpkin recipe offered at a fancy restaurant in Visalia called the Vintage Press. Monica added some pistachios to the chicken mixture inside the pumpkin. The sauce was so scrumptious we all almost licked our platters clean. I forgot to take a picture of it.
This week’s Tanka Tuesday challenge focuses on creating a syllabic poem that centers around the idea of silver linings. You can also choose to focus on any contrast between dark and light. Thanks to Yvette Calleiro for hosting this week. Click for an interesting list of types of poems here.
food
delights
pumpkin treat
lemon infused
whipping cream steaming
soft fleshy pumpkin pulp
with chicken and nuts inside
smooth and crunchy rapturous taste
tart vinegar and citrus fragrance
exhibit perfect sets of opposites
©Marsha Ingrao 2024
Etheree 1-10 syllables
Story Chat Volume II Book Blog Tour Schedule
- Colleen Chesebro – November 24, 2024 (US) Thank you for your Amazon Review
- Gloria – November 29 (UK)
- Robbie & Michael – November 30 (SA)
- Diana – December 1 (US)
- Doug – December 2 (AU) December 1 (US, UK, SA) Thank you for your Amazon Review. (no link)
- Cathy – December 4 (UK)
- Amanda – December 9 (AU) December 8 (US, UK, SA)
- Dan– December 11 (US)
- Philip – December 14 (UK)
- Cindy Georgekas – December 16
- Yvette – coming after Christmas Thank you for your Amazon Review.
- Hugh – coming soon In the meantime read this post on blogging in December.
- Geoff – January
- Esther Chilton – January 30
Email me at alwayswrite01@gmail.com if you want to be part of this exciting tour.
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Read it on Kindle or paperback today.
Follow me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/tc_history_gal/
Update on Our New Visalia Digs
Last week, we didn’t have furniture, but this week, we can relax in style. Goldie doesn’t mind the rain at all. This is a favorite spot for both animals. Funny, we can’t get a Fresno, CA station, but we can watch the Phoenix, AZ, local Fox station.
We got the furniture at Bob’s Furniture. They delivered just days after we arrived and were efficient, cheerful, and caring. It was very reasonable.
Shopping Has Devoured Hours
This vacation isn’t as expensive as it seems. It’s Vince’s choice instead of going to Europe this year for our thirtieth anniversary, and the cost is about the same. It puts us within easy driving distance of his son and friends of nearly 40 years. I’m within a long distance driving distance of my brother as well. We will be able to go back and forth between here and Prescott and have a comfortable place for our whole family.
Today, I went to Walmart by myself, which meant I could dilly-dally and buy the things you need to run a kitchen. Since most of what I do is cook, it’s nice to have everything I need at my fingertips. When I got out of the car and looked down, I couldn’t resist snapping this picture.
rippled parking lot
reflecting Visalia oak
light leaves float on top
brilliant yellow, rusty red
contrasting wet/dry, dark/light
©Marsha Ingrao 2024
Tanka 5/7/5/7/7 syllabic poem
Gratitude
I am grateful to Kym from A Fresh Cup of Coffee and Sadje from Keep It Alive for taking over Wednesday Quotes (WQ) for me. This week’s topic is gratitude.
It is the season to be grateful. But we should be grateful all year long.
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
William Arthur Ward
This quote jabs me in the heart. Even in my prayer journal, I don’t spend much time praising God. Yet, here I am, alive, among friends, and the sun just came out. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, my friends, who love me and have prayed for me. Thank you, my doctors, who have treated me. And thank you to my husband, who just wants me to be happy, which is why we are in Visalia, where we can visit long-time friends.
I didn’t tell you this, but while I was doing radiation, I fell hard when I didn’t see a curb as I entered the dark parking garage. My hip and my newly repaired chest hit hard on a partition. My head bounced and would have hit the curb, too, but I’m tall enough, and I fell at such an angle that it bounced over the curb and merely lightly touched the street pavement. My wig even stayed on!
A little old lady (my age), using a cane, yelled, “Don’t get up.”
I couldn’t get up anyway, so I lay there until she reached me. She was tiny and pretty hobbly. There was no way she could lift my dead weight off the pavement. At that time, a young nurse arrived. She also tried to help me, but she was also tiny. Even though I’ve lost 20 pounds, I’m still much too sturdy to lift.
By this time, I was feeling better. I couldn’t lift my weight either, so I rolled over and crawled to a cement post. It was strong enough to bear my body weight. I was able to walk to my car a few feet away and drive back to Prescott.
Less than a week later, I fell backward in the middle of our street when my foot caught on the pavement as I backed up to let our neighbor open her car door. Again, I didn’t do any major damage.
I truly am grateful to be alive and well, able to walk, think (most of the time), and be happy. Thank you, God, for your watchful care over me when I do klutzy things.
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? May you have everything you need and love for Thanksgiving. God bless you all.
Also Inspired by:
- Sunday Stills more browns and fall colors
- Cell Pic Sunday all cell phone pics processed in Lightroom
- Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share – coming Friday
- Tanka Tuesday Hosted this week by Yvetter Calleiro
- WQ Hosted this week by Kym
Lots of love to all! Hope you have a wonderful week.
Marsha Ingrao Always Write 
73 responses to “Celebrating Vince’s Birthday Over a Cuppa”
I loved everything about this. When I’m with you I forget that you are a writing genius. Syllabic poems just roll out of your mind along with other amazing ideas.
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Nice thoughts-wishful thinking – the brilliant part! LOL! Fun times yesterday! 🥰😘
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Oh, Marcia. Be careful. Falls can be so serious. Time to be a little more mindful when walking. Okay? Beautiful poems and that picture of the leaves and reflection in the parking lot is beautiful. I have my review of Story Chat up today (just made it) and happy to share the read. Take care and Hugs. Happy December.
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You are right about the mindful part. I try, but I still don’t always see things like curbs if the light changes. I’m reading Cindy’s book and she talks about being grounded. I always thought I was grounded, but being aware of my surroundings and my body’s place in them at all times is a deficit in my character.
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I’m almost done with Cindy’s book. I just couldn’t get it finished for today, though I tried. I’m not as steady on my feet as I used to be, and need to be extra careful (osteoporosis), so I’m the kettle reminding the pot. Lol. Hugs, my friend. ❤
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LOL! Don’t read while walking, my friend. I learned that one a long time ago when I fell reading my cell phone. Praise God, I have super strong bones. I’ve been falling all my life, so I’m pretty good at it by now! 🙂 xxxx That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be mindful, though!
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🙂
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I love everything about this post and mostly that you are so resilient and came out unscathed. Now I’ll say to you what I say to myself; “NO MORE FALLs! 🙏🏼 Look at Vince go! A tasty poem and a grateful one with all of the warmth of the season. LOVE that photo and the new Story Time episode. You are rockin it! 🙌🏽💕🙏🏼
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Thank you. dear Cindy. I got your book yesterday. I made it through p. 29 before I had to have a deep philosophical conversation with Vince followed by spending about three hours writing a poem in response. At this rate, I’ll be done with your book by the time I’m 80.
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HI Marsha, this is a very full post. I am glad you are well and your hair is growing back. Do be careful, falling is dangerous and you could really hurt yourself. It is possibly the treatment that’s upset your vestibular system. Two lovely poems, the meal sounds really good.
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Thank you my dear friend, Robbie. I’m just glad to have a vestibular system. It’s never been well developed, but I did manage to be an expert dance roller skater at one time. LOL I took lots of falls then and strengthened up all those bones! 🙂 xxx
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HI Marsha, I also like to dance on roller skates. Isn’t that amazing! I am glad you are okay but do be careful. Hugs.
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Seriously, another roller skater! My original goal in life was to become a roller skating instructor. I loved our teachers so much. They were middle aged couple. She was gorgeous and exotic and they looked so glamorous skating together.
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That is lovely, Marsha. I wanted to be a singer and dancer at one time but my dad didn’t like it.
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You probably would have done very well. You have so many talents and such a strong drive. You would be good at whatever you set out to do. Dad or no dad! I’m sure he wanted the best for you.
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Lots to be grateful for, including our special friendship 💖
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I agree 100% and then some. It’s been over a decade. Isn’t that amazing?
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Amazing but also wonderful 💙
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Very wonderful! 😘😘😘
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Happy Thanksgiving, Marsha!! And happy birthday to Vince! My husband turned 60 yesterday and I’m trying to wrap my head around the fact that we’re “that old” when we still tend to think of ourselves as maybe in our 30s, even though my achy joints often remind me otherwise.
Your place looks very comfortable and inviting! Glad you are close to loved ones and can spend time with them. I’m very thankful that you weren’t seriously injured in your falls – maybe using walking sticks would be helpful? Better to be cautious than risk another fall!
Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and your vacation time, heal up, and regain your strength! Thanks for sharing your update with us!
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You and Sadje must have had a little chat. She said the same thing. Funny thing is that I have walking sticks my best friend and walking partner gave me. They are in the garage in Prescott – a ten hour drive away. I used them for a while after I twisted my knee playing pickleball and couldn’t walk very well. Maybe when I get old! LOL
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Nice digs, Marsha! Happy Thanksgiving to you and Vince!
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Glad you like them. You’re welcome any time!
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Marsha! And Happy Birthday to Vince. You took cuppa has green tea with a dash of turmeric to help hair growth. I hope your hair will be growing. delicious baby pumpkin recipe fancy restaurant in Visalia . some pistachios to the chicken mixture inside the pumpkin. Lovely poem. God bless you & Tack Care Marsha 🙏!
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Do you celebrate Thanksgiving, Raj? If so , Happy Thanksgiving. 🙂 xxx
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No, here’s no celebration Thanksgiving. Thanks,Marsha!
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Have a good week, though, and I’ll send you some virtual food, my friend. 🙂 xxx
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Thank you so much my friend. You send me on whatsapp! Iam so happy! 😊
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🙂 xxx
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Marsha! And Happy Birthday to Vince.
This is a wonderful post. I loved seeing your digs come together. How sweet were those delivery guys to let you take their picture. I want your office. 🙂
Cool picture at Walmart. Great poetry. But Marsha … you have got to stop giving yourself your own style of bone density tests! Seriously, I had a couple of bad falls this past year, and at our age, it’s scary. I’m glad you weren’t seriously hurt. Take care of yourself! Hugs!
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I actually got out of a bone density test that way. I told my doctor how many times I’d fallen and not hurt myself seriously, and he laughed and said ok. 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving, my friend. It’s good to be back in touch!
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Happy birthday to Vince and Happy Thanksgiving to you both!
We often stopped for the night in Visalia on the way to a camping adventure when I was young. I don’t remember too much about it (I assume it’s changed quite a bit anyway), except that we could see Mt. Whitney from there.
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The views here are spectacular when you can see them. In the early fall when they harvest walnuts the air is brown with dust. Winters are beautiful. The Sequoias are just minutes away, and the Sierra Nevada range is just beyond that. 🙂
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Has Vince more hair than you 😂 It’s lucky you bounce Marsha 😲
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Yes, Vince has more hair, and he’s bald! 🙂 xxx
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👍😂
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Happy birthday to Vince.
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Thanks, Leanne. I sang it to him.
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Happy Thanksgiving and happy birthday, Vince!
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Thanks, Donna. I’ll tell him! 🙂 xxx
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Hi dear Marsha! Happy birthday to Vince and Happy Thanksgiving to you all in California! Your home looks amazing and I love the furniture! I’m so glad you’ve found a great place to call home that works for all concerned.
I’m so sorry you experienced those falls! It’s so easy to do but can have terrible consequences. I love the shot of the leafy puddle! Keep at it as you get stronger every day. I’ve been going to the gym every week for 3 months, taking fitness classes and I am so much stronger already. Literally one foot in front of the other consistently. You will get there before you know it.
I need to check out the links for WQ and Sally’s chair yoga. There’s another workout you might like. Yes2Next on YouTube. They have it all and some walking workouts. I think you would love it!
Signing off for now. Busy the next two days. I will try to call you by the weekend! Xoxo ❤️
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I will check it out. Yes2Next. Thanks! I understand busy. We have a full schedule, too. Vince managed to slip away to Fresno and play poker today, though.
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LOL!
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Happy birthday to Vince! 🎉 Your mobile home looks comfortable. It’s just like vacationing in Europe. A perfect decision. I remember my hair loss but I wasn’t bald so I didn’t wear a wig. Sorry for your falls. When we’re not well, our feet are a little slow to react and sometimes don’t lift too high when walking, so we trip and fall.
We’re flying to California early tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
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Thanks, Miriam. Stop by if you’re in the neighborhood! 🙂 xxxxx
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We’ll be in Riverside. We’ll fly so won’t be paying by.
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We will wave at you! 🙂 xxx
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Vince is amazing! I hope he had a great birthday.
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Thanks, Esther! He is still having it. Our November birthday celebrations never seem to end. 🙂 xxxxx
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That’s great 🥰 💕
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Happy birthday to your husband Marsha, and great job on the hair growth and I am sure the green tea andturmeric will also give you a boost in other areas too. I love it especially at this time of year. Great furniture and it looks like all of you are feeling at home. Thanks for the mention and delighted that work out was fun and useful. xxx
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Thank you, Sally. I love that we are here in this bright place, and I have plenty of time to blog as well as see friends. It is a lovely present for both of us. 🙂 xxx Now we just have to both get into chair yoga. It is great!
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Fabulous poetry & photos, Marsha. Have a great holiday. My husband is sick with the flu, so I’m busy taking care of him. 🩵
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Oh no! Be careful and don’t get sick! I love all the ads. I’m going to do one a day on Insta this week, then I’ll start in again. 🙂
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I forgot to tell you. Only copy the link from from Amazon for your book to the end of BO number. Better yet, use Booklinker for links or one of the other book linkers. xxx
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I tried Bookliner and something didn’t work. I put the link on an URL shortener site for use next time.
I hope your husband is feeling better. You probably can’t go anywhere for Thanksgiving. I’m sending you some virtual turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and green bean casserole, with a side of cranberry salad, a slice of ham, and a slice of pumpkin pie. I made Vince some cinnamon bread French toast with fruit and real maple syrup and whipped cream to tide him over until he can get to the rest of the dinner. Can you imagine how sick we will be by tomorrow? LOL
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LOL! Thanks so much, Marsha. I can’t eat like that anymore either. It’s nice to think about it virtually though. Many thanks for your kindness. Huge hugs to you and Vince. ❤️
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and huge hugs right back! xxxx
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A very happy birthday to your husband. I forgot about WQ post for today. Working on it now.
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You are so amazing. I’m panting and out of breath thinking about all you do, my friend. Can you link it to my post today? I want to start participating.
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Oh yes I will. Thanks for your sweet compliment.
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I just finished adding the Gratitude WQ part to my post today. I’m just glad I saw it. I feel like I’m finally coming out of the dark into the light and able to blog again. 🙂 xxxxx
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That’s just awesome my friend. Thanks
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You are more than welcome! I’m BACK!
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😃😃😃
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Oh I’m so glad that you didn’t suffer any lasting injury from your falls. My aunt advised me to use a walking stick if I felt wobbly. She uses it herself and finds that she can walk steadily and faster with its help. Take care dear friend, heal well and always be safe
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I may need to do that. I have some walking sticks in Prescott that I’ve used a few times. I don’t like carrying things because I almost always have the dog.
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I’ve seen ones that come with a wrist strap.
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Mine has those. Still a pain in the neck. I saw a lady at Costco yesterday with a three-wheeled walker, and she was walking as fast as I do. She said it gives her confidence. That’s what I need! But again, kind of bulky to take along. I keep expecting that I’m not going to fall! LOL! Positive wishes, I guess. 🙂
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Take care of yourself my friend. Falling is something we need to be vigilant about.
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amen to that!!!!
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🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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