It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

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!

Last night I was treated to an outdoor concert by my son. REO Speedwagon and Train were entertaining at Fiddler’s Green. It was amazing!

Usually I balk a little at what I term, “The Old Farts” tour. Too many people don’t know when to quit and continue to scratch out tunes, and I have been privy to a few of those tedious concerts. However, REO was spot-on and of course, Train is still in their prime. We danced and knew the words to almost every song by both bands. Strong voices, entertaining comments, and no political agendas. It was refreshing.

The warm-up band was a little on the old fart side, Yacht Rock Revue. But we knew all of those songs, too! As a Yacht Rock listener, I realized they had properly pegged the audience, and my son was a worthy youngster enjoying the oldies with the crowd. It was thoroughly soul-filling.

Best of all? Aside from spending the evening with my son, we got to park at my son’s place of business for free. It was two blocks from the venue! Yes, one of those evenings that will serve me well in memory.

It was tempting to mow this little patch of seemingly dead Paintbrush. However, yesterday my little hummingbird visited again, seeking the last bits of nutrition from the blooms. I will wait.

Whenever Labor Day rolls around, I feel the need to do labor. We have spent past years pruning and taking out dead trees. This year we got a jump on the weekend! The dead cherry is gone, the monstrously high weeds yanked from the ground and whacked to oblivion, and the first of a few flower pots emptied. Perhaps we’ll take a respite this year and enjoy the well-manicured property, savoring the summer warmth.

Yesterday I went to Village Inn for an afternoon coffee and plate of French fries. Ah, memories!

In college that was the favored fare for all-night study sessions. Endless coffee and an order of fries – affordable. The history nerds would quiz each other and stay up cramming all night. My friends, “Panita and Pat,” indulged me in that fond memory yesterday as I thought of those earlier compatriots and the meticulously written notes which guided our study.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll be inspired to finish reading my tome on Thomas Jefferson now?

There is something in the wind that announces a change, even before a single leaf turns. The rustling sounds differ from that of mid-summer. You can hear it the minute you walk outside one day. Then you feel it. The warmth is not like that of summer either. It is softer and more gentle, perhaps kinder, though just as heated. It makes you stop and notice, perhaps retrieve a childhood memory of the days growing shorter.

The prequel to my favorite season, these treasured days. I allow them to bestow their gifts, as I cling to the remnants of summer…

Car shopping. This is not my favorite activity. I don’t enjoy the comparison of features and figuring out “what’s what” on these beautiful new computerized models. Now, when it comes to the deal-making, I don’t mind that part at all. That’s just a game.

It was quite obvious yesterday that dealerships are still holding back on ordering certain models. Only one of the three we visited had a version for us to easily drive, and not even the exact one I would have wanted. The other two had to move mountains to get the floor model out of the showroom – and they weren’t even the ones we were interested in. It was just exhausting to look at vehicles, though we knew what we wanted to compare.

Thus, I am committed to driving my hail-ridden, zippy little car until I am really ready to find something else. I also feel certain that no one will want to steal or break into my green machine! They would just get a lot of dents and empty bags anyway.