Author: Rene

This morning there was no song in my head. I awoke with a bridge hand and was attempting to bleed the table dry of diamonds. This is a new road divulging in the woods. I blame it on Lady Gaga.

Yesterday I heard the song, “You and I,” and thought it was a new one by her. It’s old. But the lyrics? They caught my attention. So last night I googled the tune to answer the question, “Is she really singing about Nebraska?” (I had to look it up since my know-it-all sister was unavailable.)

Yes. Yes she is. I assume Nebraska is a person for her? Or maybe she has come to this knowledge of “The Good Life” all on her own. I share this worthy piece of trivia.

“I’m a New York woman born to run you down
Still want my lipstick all over your face
(Somethin’) Somethin’, somethin’ about just knowin’ when it’s right
So put your dreams up for Nebraska
For Nebraska, Nebraska, I love you

You and I
You you and I
Baby I’d rather die
Without you and I-I-I

You and I
You you and I
Nebraska
I’d rather die
Without you and I-I-I”

A meeting of the fabulous eight, started nary a moment late

Bridge was played to sharpen their minds, tasty snacks not hard to find

Dinner followed at my abode, everyone in the hostess mode

All I provided was plenty of seating, and blankets for our outdoor heating

My friends made the meal, served dessert, washed the dishes

Perfect pals for which everyone wishes

Perhaps next time we’ll get dressed really fancy?

When once again we include our out-of-town friend, “Pancy”

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!