Author: Rene

The annual event in Pamplona, Spain came to mind as we once again endeavor to solve issues with our furnace.

Much like the running, it’s a tradition. Cold weather, the first snow, the furnace poops out. In magic marker I have written instructions on how to clean the igniter, which was a consistent problem years ago. My spouse would be traveling, the furnace wouldn’t light, I had to call the technician. After two years of this and a simple solution I decided to watch and learn, indelibly print the “fix” and just do it myself. However, today’s challenge involves moisture from that lovely “dusting” we received early morning. The remedy is more complicated, so MacGyver is on duty!

Thankfully, the sun is doing its job and the house is plenty warm, even at an outdoor temp of 21 frigid degrees. And if we get cold, we’ll just go for a run to warm up. Pre-Pamplona prep!

Just before a holiday I like to take on a project of major proportions. You know, to kind of relax?

With the recent replacement of the two doors and a window there is a need to rectify the minor imperfections associated with the project – mostly because I am changing the window covering. In my mind this requires repainting an entire wall. So, furniture has to move, the freezing cold ladder from the garage must be brought in, and the caulk warmed up. Thus, instead of Thanksgiving prep I am going for home improvement.

After that? I’m considering wallpapering the guest bedroom. My latest flight of fancy. Happy Thanksgiving!

It begins. Finally I have taken to heart the fact that Thanksgiving is actually two days away. Denial does not serve one well when the stores are void of necessary ingredients!

Growing up I eschewed the cranberry, stuffing and gravy that went with the hallowed meal. I was there for the pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and maybe the sweet potatoes. My memory tells me we didn’t even have turkey but rather chicken at my grandparents’ house. Perhaps that was the story we were told? Regardless, I spent every Thanksgiving in college traveling somewhere. I was going to see my family in a few short weeks anyway, right?

Our meal this year is non-traditional, save the pumpkin pie and my mom’s mashed potatoes. (And a can of jellied cranberry that someone insists on having.) I’m kind of with Baldo on this one.

Happy preparations to you.

Speaking of holiday decor, I have successfully retired a few items. The population was in need of reduction. And it was easy. I accidentally broke things as I began the process of bringing visual joy to the residence.

My stone fireplace was the perfect solid surface for the over-sized antique candlestick to fall and shatter. I never had a candle that fit it properly anyway, so I shed no tears, though had fond thoughts of its origins. (Sorry, Dad.) Next, the glass ornaments I purchased from the now-defunct Pier One Imports 20 years ago and made my spouse drive to a Midwest store to acquire- well, they are shy a gorgeous adornment. Down one, fifteen to go!

Really, I only broke two things and was quite taken aback when I did, although I shouldn’t be surprised. Every year something has to give.

At least I have a start on holiday cheer!

All it took was for us to drag the hoses out and start watering the forest in the back yard. Mother Nature then complied and brought us some drizzle. We shall take it!

It’s starting to feel like Winter could be approaching ever so slowly. What does that mean in my world? There’s still time to get the Christmas lights rearranged outside! I shall be striving for an exterior fen shui feeling.

We really do need a good snowstorm soon.

What a wonderfully weird word. Do you suppose other languages have such contradictory descriptions, also?

The DAM has a Pissarro exhibit I would like to see – and then this lovely gem came through my feed reminding me to go to a museum – any museum! Apparently I’m in need of an “awfully good” cultural outing.

We threw the family in the motorhome and went to the Zoo Lights last night. “Taking the family”requires more than a people moving transport.

We had a crockpot and supplies for meatball sandwiches, hot cocoa, and snacks of various flavors. Two strollers, blankets, outerwear for all, and three cumbersome car seats. Somehow we managed with no injuries and minimal tears. There was initial crying due to the lengthy amount of time it took to get to the zoo in rush hour traffic.

The lights were even more beautiful than I recall. The giraffes and elephants were still awake and enjoying the temperate weather. The carousel was a treat, even though looking up made me a tad dizzy. (Reminiscent of the teacup ride that about did me in years ago at Elitch Gardens.) No wind, warm night, happy kids.

It was an early holiday gift.

This was in the feed and it made me smile, although it’s not even close to being true for my siblings and me. When we miss our parents we should just put one bottle of dressing in the fridge – Dorothy Lynch. It never expired at our house because it was the only one used. Options? No. You got what you got and that was that! And of course, it was manufactured in the great state of Nebraska and we are true to our roots.

Ah! Light bulb! It could be a reason I prefer salad without dressing? Somehow that makes me think of my parents more. Home grown lettuce and its taste without adornment. Now that is my litmus test!

It’s done. We are prepared for stormy weather, even though mid-November still promises the warmth of late summer.

The outdoor furniture is stored, yet our windows and doors are open allowing the fresh air to circulate throughout the house. Every tree is begging for moisture. We are still wearing shorts as of today. I fear the arrival of winter will be harsh since we have been so spoiled with this mild Autumn.

Ah, well. At least the patio cushions will have a comfortable winter.