Author: Rene

In conversation with my mother, she mentioned how a friend’s friend was having trouble home-schooling, because she couldn’t even figure out the directions for the “new math” she was supposed to teach. This brought to mind seventh grade and the famous “Mr. Crumly” incident.

We were learning basic algebra, I do believe. Well, some of us had learned it in sixth grade from Sister Marya, but we were learning a “new” way. Whatever the heck it was, I took the problems home and asked my dad for help. He showed me the way he would figure it out, and I did my homework that way, the Sister Marya way, also, not the way we had been directed.

The next day in class, we were asked for our answers and a demonstration of how we arrived at them. I raised my hand and proceeded to the board, carefully explaining and writing how I arrived at my answer. It was correct, of course. Mr. Crumly apparently was fed up with his teaching career at this point in life, because he threw his chalk-filled eraser at the board and got mad at our class. Sister Marya had gotten to six of us before Mr. Crumly and his “new math” instructions.

I never could figure out why it mattered which way you got there as long as you arrived where you were supposed to be? Thank goodness my kids figured out their “new” instructions without my help.

We are emerging from the chrysalis – and watch out! People appear to be having difficulty with driving. Perhaps their wings have been clipped for too long?

Within three days this past week I had four near misses. First, a pick-up truck pulled out in front of me, making its left-hand turn. I had no stop sign, but he did. He didn’t seem to mind at all either, oblivious as I slammed on my brakes. Then, on a return walk from a famous Dollar Tree jaunt, my walking partner, “Pann,” and I were nearly scraped by a car turning right, ignoring our walk signal. The very next day, on another expedition to the same shopping district, my daughter and I proceeded forward on that same walk signal, dodging a male driver who didn’t even look as he turned left, nearly plowing into us. We jumped, he apologized as he stopped, but now we were definitely on high alert. Good thing. On our return home another driver turning left did the exact same thing as we left the curb to walk with the signal. The exception with him was that he did not slow or apologize.

I’m telling you, those left-hand-turning drivers seem to have forgotten how to implement right-of-way to pedestrians and drivers. Beware as you merge back into the reopening of our world. Float like a butterfly!

Two nights prior I woke suddenly at one a.m. as a rattlesnake stared me down. Yes, it was only in my dream, but try falling back to sleep after that! I do know why that serpent invaded my rest – it goes to a comment made earlier in the day.

On a breezy jaunt to the Dollar Tree, my friend mentioned “snakes.” I proceeded to say that I never thought about them, wasn’t ever concerned that I would accidentally come upon one while gardening. (Even though I just did.) No, snakes were not in my wheelhouse of concern.

Revenge. I spent a good three hours wide awake after that. Believe you me, I took it to heart yesterday as I proceeded to plant my new flora. Thankfully, I only had encounters with earthworms. I think I can sleep through them.

Craft victim. My previously red-framed chalkboard got a new look. Nothing is safe when a can of spray paint makes it past the checkout and age restrictions at the Wal-Mart. Lemon yellow is the new black! Cheerful and happy.

I still have some paint left!

Another big day! I get to operate all of the appliances that make life easier; vacuum, washing machine, dishwasher, and possibly lawn mower. (My spouse fixed it after I messed it up Tuesday. He also fixed the drip line I ran over and mutilated. And, he did it all without complaining. “It’s part of the deal,” is his mantra when I mow.)

Anyway, it is amazing how many things simplify our chores, giving us time for the important things.

Enjoy the little things! My mantra for today.

Well, I seem to have a certain penchant for doing things backwards. This is probably not a newsflash for anyone living in my vicinity. However, it’s not necessarily wrong – just different?

This morning I showered, including washing my hair, which I admit, has been a less-frequent-than-usual event. I then proceeded to spend the day trimming the yard and mowing with the push mower and riding mower. I had grass and weed guts all over my legs, branches in my hair, dirt in my shoes. This is not unlike baking days.

I have known for a long time that the best baking happens after you have thoroughly cleaned and shined the kitchen and appliances. Oh – wash the floor first, too! Then, your baking will be of the highest order. Guaranteed.

It’s just the way it seems to happen. I get everything cleaned and organized, and then I get to enjoy messing it up. However, it doesn’t explain why I enjoy reading magazines backwards?

Good thing I’m not an electrician.

Watching more television than usual, I found myself questioning the naming process for new drugs. When the makers of pharmaceuticals get together, how do they come up with their monikers? I think I have the answer.

• Skyrizi
• Linzess
• Ozempic
• Zyzal
• Entyvio
• Xeljanz
• Plavix
• Dupixent
• Nexium
• Verzenio
• Zyrtec
• Farxiga
• Tremfya

You just have to focus on the end of the alphabet…x,y and z seem to be the answer! Perhaps the end of the alphabet signals the end of your suffering should you use the product? I have no idea.

What new games have you found for your entertainment?

Sometimes the airport enacts flight pattern changes that allow us to experience the path of incoming flights. I never noticed much before, but now I find myself looking up longingly, identifying the planes by their colors. I really do look up at every aircraft that is in the vicinity, wondering where they were and how many people are on their flight. It’s all rather silly, but it’s something to do.

Then my friend, “Pabs,” sends me this notice.

I’m booking a trip in my Escape to “The Good Life.” That should help assuage my wanderlust!

So this past Thursday I ditched the opportunity to go to Mass and Reconciliation, because my friend couldn’t join me. Instead, I chose a much-desired run to Hobby Lobby! (I hadn’t been there in two months either.) My car was happy, as it needed to be reminded of its value, having sat for so long unused.

Furthermore, I have a subscription to Sirius radio which isn’t being fully realized. So, I was searching for a station when my standard Catholic Channel pops up. “Nah,” I think. “I don’t want to listen to Gus today.” I flip to “The Pulse” for entertainment. What should pop up to remind me of my self-centered choices that morning? 21 Pilots and the song, “Heathens.”

I got the message. I went to Mass and Reconciliation yesterday. And to top it off, 21 Pilots was on Jimmy Fallon last night with their newest song, “Level of Concern.” Truly, the Holy Spirit has the best sense of humor!