Author: Rene

We have an old wall phone, no longer in use, and yet – the perfect toy! Our granddaughter was given the privilege of standing on a chair and using the phone for her communication. Guess what? She always called, “Grandma!”

We chatted and she was the doctor. We had to bring the elephant in for a stomach ailment apparently, something her grandfather initiated. The elephant ate too many leaves and was sick, so the leaves had to be removed. I tell you – it’s always interesting – the stories we can create for entertainment. But stories are always the best – and most important ways of learning. We pass the family knowledge through stories. We pass the faith through the bible – greatest story. We transfer our wisdom through the stories of our experience.

Stories! I can’t wait to publish my first – and thank you to my son for helping me.

One of my new favorite diversions is Polly Pocket. She is a little doll with tiny rubber clothing that is impossible for my non-nimble fingers to easily don and disrobe. However, it seems my three-year old consort is getting pretty adept at it. Plus, it can only be done when her two younger siblings are napping. The size of a shoe is about a pinkie thumbnail.

I can get a good 30 minutes or longer on playing with Polly, and usually done without me! The minute we hear one of the twins peeping? My little charge cleans up that bin of Polly gear faster than she eats an ice cream cone! We know Polly is too little for the sisters, and we adhere to this rule with a vengeance. I love it! Somehow Polly has instilled in her a special status, one that is obvious in its minute size, not like other toys with little parts that really aren’t that small. Polly shoes and purses are uber-tiny.

The Polly Scurry is wonderful, Although, remind me to wash my cake pan when next I use it. Right now, it works perfectly as a “Polly pool.”

After intentionally risking my life bouncing around on some rocks and steep terrain, I am reminded of those whose lives were risked and lost on this day 23 years ago. May we never forget.

Duct tape always travels with me, wrapped around my lotion or some other bottle…just in case! I have used it in the past to repair a jacket and suitcase. Yesterday, I neglected to bring my little lotion roll on our ATV ride. Who would drag lotion on a trail? We needed it.

A battery issue caused one vehicle to break down. Some MacGyver-ing on the part of the crew finally worked to get the cable attached again. We used the athletic tape in my first aid kit, ruing the fact that duct tape was back in my room.

Today we ride supplied with lotion! And duct tape.

You’d think there was nothing else happening in our great state – other than the Nebraska/CU football game today! Seeing that it is played in Lincoln, I thought this tribute to the stadium was definitely worth noting, especially since I didn’t know these facts. Thanks to my friend who shared this piece about “the good life.”

Let us NEVER forget why Memorial Stadium is Memorial Stadium:

Memorial Stadium was constructed In the fall of 1922. The stadium was named Memorial Stadium to honor all Nebraskans who served in the Civil and Spanish-American Wars and the 751 Nebraskans who died in World War I. Later, the stadium would also honor the 3,839 Nebraskans who died in World War II; the 225 in Korea; and the 422 in Vietnam. Construction was completed in just over 90 working days; Memorial Stadium was dedicated on October 20, 1923.
Inscribed on the four corners of the stadium are the following words, written by former Nebraska professor of philosophy Hartley Burr Alexander:
• Southeast: “In Commemoration of the men of Nebraska who served and fell in the Nation’s Wars.”
• Southwest: “Not the victory but the action; Not the goal but the game; In the deed the glory.”
• Northwest: “Courage; Generosity; Fairness; Honor; In these are the true awards of manly sport.”
• Northeast: “Their Lives they held their country’s trust; They kept its faith; They died its heroes.

Usually I pack lightly. I can go with one small suitcase for three weeks and have all I need on an overseas adventure. However, when the mode of transport is a four-wheeled vehicle, I throw in everything, including the kitchen sink!

Fall weather is lovely. Perusing my closet I realized that I now need to pack boots for a mini-get-away, because the layers of clothing I need require something other than sandals. And I need hiking boots to accompany the fashion ones. My standard “vests” are at the ready, coming out of summer hibernation and good to go on this journey. Nice thick socks, heavy and light sweaters, and of course, a pair of crappy jeans and hoodie for the ATV riding I shall do. Possibly a rain jacket – well why not? There’s room in the car!

Give me the space and I’ll use it!

After a rather lengthier-than-needed-to-be-and advertised-as-short-meeting this evening, I came home to finish watching the Chiefs vs. Ravens game. My spouse met me and we watched the second half, commenting along the way.

It seems to me – with this new rule regarding kick-off returns and the repositioning of the lines, that statistics will now be skewed to pre-2024/2025 season and post 2024/2025. It’s different to watch the kick-offs, that’s for sure. And my opinion is still open for the change, regardless of its weirdness. It does make it seem that the kick-off is pretty anti-climactic – so far. Maybe some sideline coach will figure out a clever scheme to dramatize it?

Football commentator would appeal to me as a job. I could throw in lots of meaningless quips and observations – and maybe that would appeal to an entirely new audience? Heck, personal experience winning the trophy for flag football senior year in college should give me some credibility?

I have not crossed this opportunity off the career checklist.

Even a crappy day of bridge hands is better than a day without playing! I so understand the addiction my mother had to the game.

At one point my mom was in three bridge clubs. Once I learned from a friend, “Parbara,” I was able to substitute in one of Mom’s clubs back in the village. I know they loved me – the “young one” being there – and I enjoyed their traditions. They met at the local bar and ordered their meals, played four hands, ate, and then finished. No one had to host, and they all had leftovers for their evening dining! The hostess paid for everyone’s beverage.

Whether you are defense or offense, it’s just a great game. I only wish I had been able to play with my mom more.

My iPad. It took a bit of time, but I finally found my mode of communication. I wasn’t worried, but I did wonder. My granddaughter always wants to watch something on it, so I hid it. I hid it well!

What a lovely Labor Day weekend. We didn’t do any yard work, though I offered my children the opportunity – by text. Apparently I need to call and request in person. Like we used to do. And to be fair, my daughter did some of her miraculous organization in our garage – now that we have a new vehicle that requires space. So, there was some labor in the day.

I have always enjoyed this weekend. Probably because we got married 35 years ago on this three-day holiday. At least it’s fairly easy to remember, whether or not the date sticks in our heads. And the opportunity for a triad of days to travel or not work? Winner!

We stayed here this year.

Go car shopping for the third time, or wield a chainsaw? I think I won that one!

Yes, I had weeds that were too thick to succumb to the mower or trimmer. I had to whack them with the mini-chainsaw. Rather embarrassing, yet it was an effective method. I’m just hoping this is the last weekend for mowing.

And apparently a new vehicle will be taking my spot in the garage, so I really did win all the way around. I didn’t have to participate in that mind-numbing expedition again! Even though it won’t be my car for daily driving, it will be the family mode of transport.

The weekend is full of excitement already!