Author: Rene

Where I was raised we also learned how to polka and waltz alongside the square dance attempts. The polka was definitely the easiest and best whirling a person could do.

Oompah bands were so fun and the most prominent feature of a wedding reception dance. And the dances were always advertised in the local papers or on posters! Everyone was invited – not just wedding guests. It was the way to meet people, that’s for sure. And everyone can basically do a polka – one, two, three, one, two, three, one, two, three… ad nauseum. The only danger was possibly being spinned around and swayed too swiftly, thus running into another couple. Of course, at my cousins’ weddings the other danger would be all of the other cousins, littles alike dancing round and round. It truly gave meaning to the word “underfoot.”

Today we’ll just watch the leaves do a dance. My personal anemometer, the neighbor’s flag, is definitely indicating a day of whirling.

That was the title of the square dance I still recall the words to, which we learned somewhere back in the years of grade school. I loved that one.

First of all, I think young people should learn to dance. Square dancing teaches you to listen and follow directions, and also to toss out any other thoughts you might have. You can’t be solving a murder mystery or math problem when you’re attempting to promenade or do-si-do. Additionally, it’s good for some laughter as you inevitably screw it up.

In other words, my spouse and I attempted this feat last night at an introductory event. We really did quite well with the initial commands, only failing miserably towards the end when our brains were unaccustomed to deep thought that late in the evening. Had the class been early morning, we’d be much sharper, I’m certain!

It’s got me thinking about those tap dance classes I did years ago and loved. Perhaps my next venture will be to resurrect the tap shoes, dust them off, and give a quick step-ball-change to my day?

The early morning visibility of stars was stunning. It was so clear and crisp as I walked to retrieve the printed edition of late news, yet current puzzles. The sky was a stunning palette.

Though there were no meteors spotted today, I know there are a few showers for the month. Oh – Happy October, by the way. These early Fall mornings are wonderful and I will continue to look up for the beauty that abounds!

Here’s something to help with your gaze this month.

Phnom Penh Sofitel, Turkish Airlines, Trafalgar, and Southwest Airlines sent me emails today. Am I supposed to travel?

It’s fun to get an email from a past excursion. I do wonder about hopping on a plane to go to Cambodia for one of their wine tastings at the fabulous Sofitel. If I had a private jet, maybe. That’s a long flight for a cigar in the bar with a delicious wine.

Perhaps the Southwest option will be my best bet, especially since I’m heading out with them in a few weeks. Keeping it closer to home this Fall.

By the way, Sister, who’s bringing the cigars?

Whew! I only have two hundred more to go – perhaps “slog” through is more apt. While my favorite author, Irving Stone, presents Sigmund Freud in very detailed writing, it is a little burdensome to continue without skimming. Yet – I haven’t skimmed, a sign that it is a worthy tome.

It dawned on me that this is the most modern biographical novel he has written, and Freud kept copious notes of everything. Also, Stone was able to speak with people who knew Freud and could provide even further details. This is obviously what Irv thought he should do – provide everything he could on the fascinating history of this man.

I’m guessing it will be a couple of weeks before I finish as the book is laden with lengthy pages, so it does take me awhile to get to a stopping point. Nevertheless, I am happy to add this publication to my Stone collection.

• Men To Match My Mountains
• The Agony and The Ecstasy
• Those Who Love
• Lust For Life
• Depths of Glory
• The President’s Lady
• The Origin
• Immortal Wife

This is my next kitchen redo! Lilac-colored cabinetry.

Lilacs are just so cheerful and fragrant. I’ve loved them since childhood when we played in the overgrown, monstrous bushes in our backyard. My grandfather was allergic to them, however, so they couldn’t go in the house when he visited.

Oh – it will probably just be a change from pink curtains to lilac. For today, I’ll revel in the thought of this gentle color.

Today afforded the opportunity for a scheduled doctor visit. It was also the chance to politely decline to preregister online for three different requests – the last being an hour before the appointment. They were certainly persistent.

I just figure somebody has to have some job security in this day and age? Why am I typing information into a form which doesn’t need to be updated save the signature and date, especially when nothing has changed in health history or address? Additionally, the people attending always ask for your medical card and identification for scanning. They’ve got everything they need.

Upon arrival I took approximately five minutes of the receptionist’s time to exclaim, “Nothing has changed,” and sign the form. Two of the minutes were her attempts to find my name in the system.

Apparently I was feeling a little rebellious today?

”Let’s Walk and Talk.”

My dad loved going to auctions and coming home with treasures he willingly shared with family, the neighbor kids, friends. It was like Christmas when he came home from a sale. One time he had a box of old 45 records. Since my sister and I had a little phonograph but no money to buy albums, we played those oldies ad nauseum.

One of the songs was, “Let’s Walk and Talk.” Don’t know who sang in that deep baritone, but I still recall all of the words. The song came to mind as I walked the loop in my ‘hood while talking on the phone the entire time. It’s a good theme for the day: “Let’s walk and talk, when things go wrong. Oh yes, let’s walk! Let’s walk and talk. Let’s walk and talk, let’s walk and talk and get along.”

Redundant, but the message is clear. Now I’m ready to get along with the world! And in the words attributed to my mother’s graduation class motto, “Onward ever, ceasing never.”

The first time I was in London I stayed at a hotel where the Illinois National Guard was housed, sleeping on the floor of some woman’s room. She was gracious enough to offer me a roof when she learned I had no idea where I would stay that evening. We were chatting on a tour bus from Stratford, me the vagabond, she a productive member of society. It was kind of nice to have a place to spend the night in a foreign country on the government’s dime.

Anyway, it did not rain then. Nor did it rain on my second foray to London when I was happy to further explore the city, this time from the vantage of a week’s stay with my sister and niece, and obviously with a bed of my own. However, the third time I got to experience the drizzle and gray – the London fog. This only comes to mind as it is raining steadily and continues into the afternoon today, beckoning me to abandon my cleaning frenzy and relax with a book and blanket.

Sigh. Off to get my mop and bucket and channel that outside moisture onto my floors.

One of the P.E. Classes my high school years afforded me was “bowling.”

Every winter month at some dreary, “what-can-we-do-now-for a-lesson-plan” stretch of boredom, we would hop on the bus and rowdily make our way to the lanes in my small town. I guess it’s amazing we even had a bowling alley since we only had a bar and a cafe for “eating out” purposes. Perhaps that was the real reason for the establishment? Choices in fine dining. I have to assume they offered food, but since I’m sure I never had the opportunity to make a purchase that is not a recall item in this steel trap catalog. Perhaps its existence was solely for the gym teachers to alleviate the stress on their hectic scheduling?

I also wondered how the teacher graded us with that unit because I never broke 100 for a score, nor did I improve throughout the unit. The bowling balls did not fit my child-sized hand properly. I hated the slippery shoes, once again, assuming I fell a number of times or slid down the lane in embarrassment. It had to have happened. Foot fault!

The best part of bowling was math. I would have received an “A” in that unit if all I had to do was keep score. Luckily I had the chance to try my hand at the sport yesterday for a family outing. Luckily? I bowled 104 and 105, surprising myself after years of neglecting my game. Thankfully bowling “centers” have made many improvements over the years.

I highly recommend using the bumpers for young and old alike. The lack of gutter balls definitely improves a person’s score.