It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

The dentist.

Many times when I’m sitting in the dental chair waiting for the Novacaine to do its magic I recall past procedures where the numbing has been ineffective or wears off quickly. Thankfully my guy willingly gives me a double dose. Not surprisingly, mid-procedure yesterday I needed more medication. This wasn’t even an hour-long business. I don’t know what my nerves are thinking and why they so strongly resist this attempt to avoid pain?

It does explain childhood dental “trauma” though. I hated everything about our visits to the doc. Three kids in tow getting teeth cleaned in the nearest “big” town with two dentists. I get why my mom had to drag us all there at once, but it was harrowing waiting for the inevitable torture. I don’t think Dr. Geo liked kids either, but I did throw up a prayer for him yesterday in putting up with kids. I’m guessing I didn’t get fully numb back then? Fillings, teeth pulled to make room for others, wisdom tooth extraction, all bad memories, all brought me to tears and pain. Embarrassingly, I’ve been brought to tears by these memories in my adulthood, too, especially when the numbing has worn off.

Thankfully things have gotten better in that chair. I eschew headphones and nitrous which make me antsy. I’ve been known to request a mirror so that I can see what’s happening, and that has helped in the past with in-depth procedures. I now know to inform the head honcho that numbing is an issue.

Aside from a sore jaw, I’m content today with my temporary crown. Like the rest of me the teeth are getting worn and old, cracked and tired. These days I’m just grateful for the repair shop that keeps me going!

There’s an interesting dynamic at the local high school intersection each morning.

First of all, a crosswalk with flashing lights was installed this school year, a nice touch since kids were just walking out in front of the traffic anyway. Now, lest you think the students actually push that button to announce their intent, you would be seriously misguided in thought. I want to place a sign on the opposing posts which says, “Students, make the taxpayers happy and at least push the button once in awhile.” I have seen it activated twice this year.

However, the crosswalk has prompted drivers to be more courteous at this convergence. Thru traffic now stops to allow left turns and we all seem to take our turn quite amicably, even the younger drivers. So there is a bit of hope blossoming there.

Who knows? Maybe next year’s eager learners will attempt that push of a button? Habits take time to develop.

Want an easy one? Get on your hands and knees and scrub the floors…it will swiftly bring you back to the fond memories.

It was a good day to scour, to start anew yesterday. Easter always encourages me to initiate the “spring cleaning,” which is rather a strange time to deep clean if you commence opening all your windows in the spring? However, my floors, though not sparkly, are clean. And my knees, though creaky, are feeling just fine.

Deep cleaning thoughts.

Back in college I severely sprained an ankle playing flag football. It was the year we took the championship trophy, too, the only trophy I have ever received on merit, all four inches of it. (I tripped in or on a hole on the field, reestablishing the nickname my sister used to call me, “Grace.”) Anyway, I was wrapped up and on crutches and our choir was slated to sing at Saint Pope John Paul II’s visit to Iowa. I anticipated hobbling around on dirt ground with ungainliness but I wasn’t missing this opportunity.

What I didn’t anticipate was being placed in the first row with the other people who were crippled or handicapped that day. I was a mere six feet from the Pope when he came around to the crowd. I remember being struck by the kindness that emanated from him, the same kindness you could see in the dancing eyes of Pope Francis. A feeling of serenity and peace, joy.

How fitting the leader of the Church should return home on Easter Monday. And I am forever grateful for that injury.

You know it’s Easter weekend when you put on your best attire for braving the cold.

It was really pretty this morning though, with a blanket of white covering all of the recent blooms. I was grateful for a light snow, not a branch breaker.

The Son will definitely bring about the resurrection and beautiful new life of this glorious day.

Easter blessings to the world.

Well, I don’t know what happened to yesterday’s post – dropped the ball on that. I’m just hoping I don’t drop an egg today as I boil them and then dye them. There are usually one or two casualties resulting in egg salad sandwiches or scrambled eggs.

We’ll see what options I have available in the dwindling food colors left in the cabinet. I may concoct some interesting hues this year?

With the year of the purse out of here, apparently my second honoree found its end this week. Both satchels lost handles, too. What does that say?

Apparently I’ll have to get a better grip on things around here! On to the next victim. I mean, purse.

The potential of a tulip blooming went downhill this spring. These culprits have been enjoying the buffet and obviously our meadow. Glimmers of red beauty seemed faint. However…

These two little guys surfaced after five years of being accidentally transplanted. How do I know this? I was manicuring the yard, preparing for a fall wedding five years ago when I filled a hole with some dirt from the “outback.” Eons ago I had planted bulbs there to no avail since I didn’t water them. I’m talking YEARS ago. Anyhoo…that dirt apparently harbored old bulbs which took five years to properly mature under the former tree across the driveway. (Now an ungainly shrub which my spouse always wants to axe but which we must keep and nurture properly. It has two little tulip bulbs hiding there.)

This is all to say, “Hope Springs Eternal.” What a perfect week for these two little friends to appear.

Spring has given us the most beautiful ornamental pear tree blossoms! They were at the height of glory yesterday – and I predict “snow” to follow. The minute the wind wields its wonders (my English teacher would sigh at the use of alliteration there) – a blanket of white will be on my porch and driveway. Such a small price to pay for this sight.

Here’s hoping the cold stuff only falls in its softer form henceforth.

The comic strip “Blondie” is sometimes a little outdated, and doesn’t always offer a chuckle, but I got a kick out of this thought. Someone could jump on the idea and offer us all a glimmer of hope?

Apologies to all for using Young and Marshall’s thoughts on a glorious spring day.