Author: Rene

You know I send individual emails or replies when you all reply, but I thought, “Hey! Write something!” So here you go.

Apparently, we had more than one bat episode in junior high. I only remember the one, probably because it was up close and I was in that corner where the bat was? I still stand by the fact that we needed a new school and they were visible evidence.

Here is a photo of my tricycle which Dad teased me for buying with an additional dollar! The impatiens really are gorgeous.

I would update you on the deck, but it is still not finished. Railing is needed next. However, the pergola has been attached! And somewhere, somehow, I must have texted the word “pergola” to someone, because I have gotten pop-ups and emails about pergolas in my inbox. Even my “word genius app“ – which gives me quizzes and fun facts, asked me for the synonym of “pergola,” – two days ago! I think I’ll text “diamond ring” next to someone. See what happens?

Finally, I went to grab the bright green tag off of a shrub I was planting yesterday, and it was a praying mantis! I hope it is eating the insects and planning to stay awhile.

Over and out.

We have bats in the belfry! Well, in the skies. Two of them graced my horizon as I sat on the porch watching their flight. They reminded me of the famous seventh or eighth grade “gymnasium bat” that visited the girls P.E. Class.

The poor little bat was just scared, and the fact that he was in the gym made it clear why we were building a new school in our town. Anyway, you can imagine girls screaming and cautious of a teenie little guy with erratic flight patterns. I don’t remember how we managed to get him out of there, but I’m hoping we got out of class early! (Gym class was my least favorite of all.)

Just updating the Nat Geo episode for the week.

We got out of Dodge on Saturday – and actually got to drive for a couple of hours. I began the trip with a nap, and awoke to a paradisiacal vision – an entire highway exit devoted to fireworks’ sales! “Fireworks City.”

As I longingly eyed the many outlets, I had that subtle thought about how they really are illegal, and I suppose that is where most of my “neighbors” go for their big displays. We were operating on a time line so I didn’t bother to mention stopping. Also, it really would have been way to tempting to walk in there and walk out with nothing. But I can smell the gunpowder as I write and see the vibrant colors in the night sky.

Unfortunately, I can also smell the smoke from the wildfires burning hundreds of miles away and see the glorious sunsets via the Saharan sands. So don’t worry…I’m still leaving the displays to the big guns of the city. Just day dreaming again.

It’s probably been the most difficult part of all of this pandemic fervor – canceled travel plans. And how do you make new plans when you have no idea where foreign countries you might like to visit will be in their battle? I have found a solution, friends!

Lately I’ve been watching the History and Science channels, devouring the UFO shows and investigations of UFO sightings. And then I go to Nat Geo for explanations of the universe, black holes, quasars, stars. When I get to thinking about “what else” is out there, it makes my world seem bigger, even if it’s only for twenty minutes on the sofa in between painting-my-house episodes. And thinking about how minuscule we really are in this universe, makes my problems pretty minute. Even if it’s only for twenty minutes on the sofa.

At this point, an alien abduction might be a welcome change! A chance to visit something totally new. Travel therapy.

It’s taken me a year to get the gist of this particular comic strip, “Macanudo,” but it’s coming around to a semblance of humor. I’m not the only one dreaming of travel.

This pretty photo reminds me of my “floral” bicycle. I have a three-wheeler with a basket in the back, now toting impatiens which are blooming supremely well. I bought the bike at an auction with my father, at our last outing before he passed away. We had a great time chatting with others and viewing the “goods.” I wanted an old bike – there were about 50 there – and I really wanted the tricycle.

The bidding started at $1. I participated and got the bike of my choice for $2. I was elated, of course, thinking of the stunning addition it would make to my yardscape.

My dad just laughed. He told me I could have gotten it for $1 but I bid it up! Even as ill as he was, he was still having fun with me. My bike reminds me of that cheerful time with Dad.

Every now and then you need a good one….and I appreciated this one! Guess what? We all turn into our parents at some point, in some way.

Getting my hopes up today!

The most delightful man crossed paths with me yesterday. He was wearing his WWII hat, highly decorated at that. He was also sporting a t-shirt that said, “Coolidge and Dawes, ’24.” AND, he was using the self-checkout lane at Target, unaided. (I am not always able to do so gracefully).

96 years old, spry as could be, masked and going about his shopping. My friend and I engaged him in cheerful banter, thanking him for his service first, and then appreciating his sense of humor displayed via his t-shirt, a gift from his daughter for his birthday. Taking everything in stride, and enjoying the simple things, he was just inspirational.

What a bright spot in the day.

My neighbor revved up his car last night and I was taken back to my youth. He has a Camaro. It reminded me of the sound of my Cougar, which I wish I still owned. (1976 or ‘78?)

It had eyelashes! I loved the lids on the lights, and the color was a deep greenish black, which I called, “green.” The summer of my freshman year of college I drove friends home to Annapolis in this car. (I have got to tell that tale in depth one day. Someone remind me.)

Anyway, it had myriad problems, and when I had to drive in the winter with the window down in a blizzard, it was a challenge. It was just one of those “contemporary standards” which called for me to have a more reliable transport. I didn’t have the money to keep it, nor the forward thinking to see the investment. Even my brother loved that car and tracked it down a few years back. Apparently it lives again about four miles from me!

Thankfully, my neighbor revs up his oldie and I get to remember mine. Good memories and no headaches.

Two and a half months of enjoying hummingbirds, and it may be coming to a close. Here is the plant which brought them to the yard in May.

And here we are in August in our high desert.

A sure sign that the seasons are actually changing in spite of our stagnancy. And the little birds still visit me – clinging to their hopes! I’m going to join forces with them as we welcome another week.

Today is my daughter’s bridal shower, cause for celebration and opportunity to recall all of those family events I attended when I was around pre-teen age.

There were about ten of us girl cousins hovering around the same age, and we were ripe for serving as waitresses at the wedding receptions of all of the older cousins. Of course, we were first invited to the bridal showers with our mothers, where we were awarded our roles. Then, we were usually given a pretty apron which one of my aunts had made for us. I think I still have one somewhere? We thought we were ultra-important, offering water and coffee all around the school gymnasium to the wedding guests. (It may have gotten old by the fourth wedding or so?) It was a pretty good gig for all involved – esteem and free help!

I don’t remember the bridal showers much, other than that the uncles and male cousins were outside playing cards in the yard or barn and drinking beer. We women-folk were inside playing games and unwrapping presents, the youngest of us anticipating the end-of-the-shower when we could go run around outside and drag our dads into a game of softball. They were always happy occasions.

Today dawns on another such beautiful one. Thankfully, there is no softball game on the agenda.