Author: Rene

Yes, the clearest sign – the return of the squirrel.

It’s only one little guy frolicking about, searching for whatever he lost, saved, or now needs. He spent half the day here. Granted, it was a lovely day with that promise of changing seasons. I couldn’t blame him for wanting to hang around. As long as he doesn’t wake me up with his “roof antics,” I can ignore him. Otherwise – Squirrel Relocation Plan #72 goes into effect.

For years my husband yammered at me to change my email address. I’ve entrusted Google with my blog – because I really had to. That’s the reason I have to jump through hoops now to get back to the original settings. (No problems with my OLD email address.)

It all occurred when I went to change passwords again – something I try to do regularly-ish. Anyway, it’s complicated. I need my live-in IT guy. Since he only shows up periodically I can’t bug him like I used to do. I am left to my own devices -literally and figuratively.

At least I figured it out for the week. Of course I’m ooking forward to solving more problems this week. Where is my morning NYT puzzle?

Last night we sold my car. I am not a sentimental fool, but after something serves you for so long and you entrust it to one you love, you do feel a weird gratitude for an object. Plus, the memories and travels which seemed to accumulate in twenty years – yes! – twenty years, are almost historical in our world.

The Honda Pilot 2003 is going to a lovely family. They will inherit the tennis ball stuffed in the second row vent, which unbeknownst to me, was engineered by a certain child of the clan. It never could be removed. I have memories of that child and his friend in the backseat attempting this now long-remembered feat. Clue – I only have one son.

This car drove to my daughter’s first “job” and “move.” Both are memories that I treasure because of her. She went through college without personal transportation. I “graciously” donated my wheels to her after her fifth year away from home. I bought a new car and we drove my “old” car to her new job in her college town. My old car returned her home to us.

That car, still in the family, was never in an accident. That car transported my grandchild. That car served us well, did what the manufacturer intended. That car was well-tended in replacement parts and regular service.

I think I’m nostalgic because I wonder if I’m doing what the manufacturer intended? Just a question to consider on a fine weekend in Lent.

Yesterday I stood entranced by the little bird in the grass. I was waiting for my coffee to brew and I admired the teeny fluttering and wondered when he would move from his spot. Alas. After a good twenty seconds, I recognized the masterful leaf for what it was.

However, today a robin actually was poking around the backyard, giving glimpses of spring. The small glacial piles from December are melting and the ground softening. Of course, we lose an hour this weekend, so we should gain some warmth in return. A fair trade.

Looking forward to more green in my world, other than the fabulous little St. Patrick’s Day earrings I will be sporting the following weekend. Happy bobbin’ along!

Did anyone else receive this game as a gift in their childhood? I’m sure my sister got “Life,” or at least something popular at the time. Definitely not “Mystery Date.” My parents were not promoting that! I opened “Art Masterpiece.”

Apparently I must have played “the art auction” game. When my daughter was getting rid of a copy she had for some odd reason I swiped it to see how many of the paintings I remembered or knew. 19 our of 24? Not bad. I know the artists more than the titles, and in some cases, the style more than the artist’s specifics.

I guess my parents knew me better than I thought. One of my favorite things is to visit art museums when I travel or even find myself twiddling my thumbs here. Of course, now I’m committed to learning the other five artists I do not recall. It will be part of my morning routine should you join us for breakfast. My husband is really enjoying the challenge!

Next up? A review of the 50 state capitals. I have those flash cards, too.

You are saved. Last night I dreamt I was a spy and awoke to the Magnum P.I. theme in my head. I blame it all on watching two episodes of “Jack Ryan” before retiring.

Why does music fill my brain first thing in the morning? I try not to focus on it because it will drive me nuts if I have the song on constant rewind all day. But then, I remember the theme of the year, so aptly encouraged by my sister.

Have a “whale of a day,” friends.

That’s our theme for the week. The Stylistics were swimming in my brain at 5 a.m. with this throwback tune. You can’t argue with them, so you might as well join them and pray for a new song tomorrow morning.

Here’s to a Wow! Week full of wonder.

It is Lent and today is a day for fasting, which I am doing. This is why I question my decision to bake bread today? Not yesterday, not tomorrow. Today. The wonderful aroma permeating my home.

Really, it was on the list of things to do before my men return from their ski fest. So, that’s how the chips are falling today. Speaking of – we are out of tortilla chips. I suppose a grocery run will provide further temptation.

Happy fish Friday!

My feed had an article on things you should always buy at estate sales. Of course, now I’m reconsidering my sofa decision. My sofa has amazing “bones,” and it probably should be reupholstered. Sigh.

Anyway, #9 on the list gave me hope that my children will have a fine inheritance, and not just because the author and I share the same last name:

9. Dishes, Glasses, and Flatware

You can often find nice collections of vintage and antique dishes, glasses, and flatware that come with a story, and Jenkins recommends you capitalize on them when you see them. “[They’ve] been around for a reason, and [they’re] going to survive,” he says. “I have been encouraging people to not wait until holidays to break out their fine china, but rather to enjoy these beautiful things every day. Why not break those things out and enjoy them now?”

Whew! I have many stories in many different locations and am happy to share them with you. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll resurrect the dishes stored in the basement and find a home for them again. Or maybe the set in the pantry above the plastic ware? I already use the other three sets within my reach.

Yes, my dishes and glassware are a history museum unto themselves. There is plenty of celebration left in them.

Often departures from events or trips end with, “We’ll have to keep in touch.” “You come visit us, you’re always welcome!”

Lovely words, yet rarely do they come to fruition. After our Panama trip I did try to keep in email contact with a couple of new friends. Sometimes when you are the only one initiating you feel like a pest! I still wonder about many of those people.

Last night I dreamt of Turkey in some fashion and our tour guide was there. This morning – no lie – I had a message at the top of my screen encouraging me to say, “hi,” to Orhan on Instagram. ? It was just a suggestion because no one had messaged. So, I sent him a photo of the gorgeous new rug we received yesterday (yes, we caved and bought one) and thanked him again.

My waitress friend, Burku, from one of our restaurants in Turkey, still sends me a weekly email. I am apparently helping her improve her English while I shamefully write back in English. I and “Pusan,” my bus mate, send chats back and forth as she continues to explore the world. One month and I am heartened to receive missives from three Turkish friends. (Pusan, you are now Turkish!)

That led me to think that we should have a national “Reach Out” day. It’s where you intentionally contact someone from a very far distance, either physically or in your past. Reconnect – in a good way. Say, “hi.” Have a fun memory up your sleeve.

That’s the platform I would run on should I be forced into political office. (That and a national “Clean up your yard” Day, with free composting and recycling trucks running 24/7 for a week.)

Enough deep thoughts. More coffee. Peace.