It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

Genes run strong in my family!

Yesterday I went to a funeral for a cousin’s wife, a lovely woman. My cousin has six brothers and two sisters. The sisters are easy to distinguish. The brothers? I don’t see them often enough to pinpoint them, though I know they are one of six names.

Through subterfuge I was able to ascertain all of the individuals by name. One cousin is the spitting image of my 93-year old uncle. I just stared and was taken back to my youth – viewing my uncle when I was a younger me. And my uncle and father looked very similar. So then I’m thinking about my father, too. Suddenly, I’m thinking I should organize a family reunion to try and hold on to these people! Of course I could do this! Long distance organization! Easy peasy!

And then I came home and vacuumed. Maybe another day?

It’s the name of the game where you keep the balloon from touching the ground under any circumstances. We play it religiously whenever the eldest grand graces our home. Yesterday, the balloon met its ultimate fate – a pair of scissors to hasten its demise.

It’s actually a great game for hand-eye coordination and neck strengthening, as well as encouragement for breath support when you have to acquire a new balloon. I have found this simple game rather useful in my exercise regime, even though it gets a little tedious. It is often followed by another functional breathing technique – blowing bubbles. This entertaining exertion can last nearly as long as a game of Keepy Uppy. (Rumored to have been played for 20 minutes at a time.)

A flimsy excuse for not hitting the gym at all last week, and yet, not entirely without results! Now I shall attempt my “sit and be fit” moment with a cup of caffeine and make it a memorable Monday.

My hair stylist has been doing my hair for over 20 years. I have followed her many moves and know of her family and her travels. Thus, it always amazes me when she asks me as she revs up the scissors, “Which side do you part your hair on?” I have given her the identical answer for years. “Same as yours.”

We marked a milestone this week. She didn’t ask, and she actually found the correct side! I’m not sure what changed and if this landmark recognition will hold, but I had a chuckle over it.

The next time she asks – I may throw her off course and see what happens? Oh, the little things we do for entertainment.

The only difference in my closet is that the spit-up clothes are hanging up on the side hooks of the closet, not neatly filed on a hanger.

Oh, things are definitely less-spit-up-upon now. Yet there are the days when the baby food remnants from a sneeze after an orange purée of something, the dribbles from a snotty nose, and the loose-fitting bottle lid drips adorn whatever chosen garment protects me.

Small price to pay for the cuteness of those little gems, and I wouldn’t change a thing!

The seven continents have been attained – and it wasn’t even a goal for me. (Playing the guitar was and I have totally given up on that. Silly me! I have a much-less portable instrument. Piano.)

Europe was easy as I made myself a chaperone on a college music trip. (Why would my previous music department go on tour without me? I could easily be a chaperone!) Australia was always a desire, deep in my soul, so I knew that I was going to get there at some point. Back in fifth grade with my Australian pen pal – I remember her name vividly but shan’t reveal it – I knew I would be a traveler. She never wrote back, but I wrote her! What is she doing now? Maybe that should be my adventure? Her initials are CMW.

South America – well, that was also within reach. We are neighbors. Africa – blessed to go a couple of times thanks to business ventures and rewards. Asia? Total fluke. I missed the boat, but I did step foot on Asian soil. Refer to a previous missive.

Antarctica was a dream with “Pindy,” my sister, and we were doing it! Oops! I did get there with Pindy, just a different one! (I love how God works in such mysterious and wonderful ways!)

So when people would ask me, “Where is your favorite place out of all your travels?” My first and only answer was always, “home.” And if I only have one trip left in me, take me home.

Trying to get an early jump on continued mowing, I was musing about the length of the weeds this morning. I would let Mother Nature run her course, but then there is always the risk of snakes, rabbits, and mice making their homes in my yard. This contemplation brought to mind the critters I have actually mowed over in the past, when there was less development around here and definitely more animal kingdom presence.

Thus, it was with a passing interest that I considered I had never knowingly mowed over a mouse. Less than ten minutes later, a little guy scampers out from “Hell Hill,” the patch I cannot fully mow because it’s too steep. He was a cutie, too. Hopefully he found someplace other than my window well, because pulling them out of there is another task for this maintenance mama.

Next on the list? Insect abatement. I’m off to spray my spearmint concoction to thwart the grasshoppers who are thriving in this heat.

”…but not a green dress, that’s cruel.”

The band, “Barenaked Ladies” sings this line, which really always rankled me. Who in the world wore a horrible green dress? No one. Green is always beautiful. Thus, yesterday when I had a lovely luncheon and opportunity to visit a boutique, I challenged the band’s pronouncement.

Dining in the restaurant with my friend, “Pann,” a woman walked in with a pretty three-tiered grass-green dress. I made the comment to my luncheon companion, “I would like a green dress.” An hour later we walked through a cute boutique and there for all to see – a green dress. I bought it.

Although the frock I admired in the restaurant was not a tattered, ragged-hemmed garment with a bold “peace” sign on it like the one I purchased, I still have a new green shift fulfilling the desire I stated to the universe. It was the perfect answer to my wish, funky and yet, obviously, green.

The Lord works in mysterious ways and that was quick! I was just trying to take some of the guessing out of the game.

If you need a great laugh, not just a chuckle, any “Reds” movie or “My Cousin Vinny” will do it for me. Characters. Light-hearted vengeance on someone. The perfect anecdote for an evening with no direction.

My day was filled with joy – and ended with me needing to just have no direction! And sometimes having no goal, no end-game, no direction – is absolutely freeing. We place so many directives on the day. (I didn’t get the property mowed and it needs it…but…one day?)

Anyway…light-hearted vengeance sounds delicious. It’s not my modus operandi, and yet I appreciate it when Hollywood exacts it with actors I enjoy. (John Malkovich! Enjoying Marisa Tomei now because I need to see some justice in “Vinny.)

It’s still an early evening – and the Strawberry Moon isn’t out yet!

Watching “Jeopardy” brought to mind a new version which we are employing…although we aren’t actually using pen and paper. You get credit for the answer when you realize you know it!

Mostly we look at the other person and say, “you knew that!” Or the other person answers and none of the contestants do and we are totally amazed. It’s one of those little things that secures your belief that you have married an intellect.

It just goes with being tired at the end of the day and watching this mind game. We watch “Jeopardy” when we’re together and can binge a bunch of episodes. Why don’t we retirees watch “Jeopardy” in the morning when we are fresh and able to answer questions? When that college class on Old English Literature might actually come into play? When the smidgeon of American History taught in high school ago might apply? (Personal complaint.) We don’t because we are off to accomplish something!

My day is coming. There will be grammar and usage questions to come – as well as Latin and Greek root words. I hope the young children of my kids’ school remember the videos we initiated to help them learn the root words – our nationally acclaimed and recognized program in elementary education. (Sorry, “Panita,” I know we won some award for this. I do not know what it was, but it was deserved!)

At least “Jeopardy” gives me a chance to feel intelligent. Sometimes, all you need is the hope?

Act Two – construction of the barricade in the streets of Paris!

We didn’t need a baby gate the first go-around, but perhaps it would be prudent to employ one this time? (Before I break my neck tripping over this construction!) It isn’t beautiful, but it did the trick today.