It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

Watching the Science Channel episode of “Phantom Signals,” my ears perked up in between packaging ornaments and vacuuming tree needles. They were showing the singing, “Colossi of Memnon.” Singing? I never knew that little tidbit.

These huge statues used to “sing” when the wind drifted through the cracks that formed in them. They were revered for spiritual purposes, and named for the Greek warrior, Memnon, of Trojan War fame. Apparently when he died, his mother wept loudly, so they figured the statue was emulating her. Something like that. When the statues were moved by someone – who thought it was best for them – the singing stopped.

Anyway….over 50 years ago I saw the photo of these giants with teenie little people by them…thank you, Mom and Dad for the Childcraft Encyclopedia. I knew I would travel to Egypt. Fast forward to turning 50 and my husband making my dream a reality. However, I never knew that we would even see the Colossi. I just knew we were traveling the Nile and visiting the pyramids and temples. I nearly leapt out of my seat on the bus when I realized we were driving to this attraction as we went to the Valley of the Kings! What???? This wasn’t even on the itinerary. Apparently it’s not a big draw.

Obviously, they were still singing and I heard them as a child. Traveling in my memories.

It was a news story, of sorts. Leave your Christmas decor up all year. Some recommendation from some psychologist on some local news channel. Brings us happiness and joy……….

Those of us in Colorado can handle leaving decor inside and out until the Stock Show, mid-January. (I wonder if the City and County Building lights are still burning until the canceled show would have ended?) If we citizens lived by that mantra and displayed our decorations until the Stock Show, that truly would encompass an entire year! Hopefully.

However, if I, Rene, left the tree in the corner, I, Rene, would have to actually connect the timer for the lights.

I think it will be easier to pack the whole shebang than to cave in and provide cyclical electricity to the tree all year. Plus, I really do need to vacuum in that corner.

“Mom, how do you always know what the theme of the year is?”

Such an innocent question from my son, who wondered how I knew it was the year of the camel last year, mermaid the year before that, and pineapple the year prior to that. I felt like I was divulging the Santa mystery when I told him that his aunt and I just made up the themes. There was no magic to it. Pineapples came from a dish towel given to me by a friend, mermaids from a friend coming out of sedation after surgery, and camels from a snarky comment by another friend. I guess be careful what you say or give me!

This year’s theme was randomly chosen when my sister and I were shopping at the beginning of last year, and came across an idea totally opposite from the dryness evoked by the image of a camel. Thus, 2021 is the year of the penguin!

Penguins are rather amazing birds, having evolved to “fly” underwater. A group of them is called a waddle when on land, and a raft at sea. They symbolize dreams, adaptability, family, and spirituality. While they were really chosen as the theme because we found penguin cocktail napkins on sale at the now defunct Pier One store, they can work for us as an inspiration this year. (I shall be striving to reduce my waddling as I renew my healthy eating habits. See…inspiration already!)

Enjoy this new year. Dream, be adaptable, cherish family, and embrace your spirituality. Also, be grateful we didn’t choose the mud skipper as our mascot for the year, as exciting and interesting as they can be.

There were so many inspirational quotes from which to choose, and I actually had written a rather thoughtful and poignant post for yesterday -New Year’s Day. I forgot to post it!

Obviously, it’s too late. Everyone has made a resolution, or has had a thoughtful day of considering plans for the new year, right? I managed to work on a jigsaw puzzle most of the day, sorting various shades of blue pieces. Apparently, when there is a puzzle in the room, there is clear and present danger of accomplishing little else.

My biggest plan for yesterday was to nap – replenishing the sleep I did not receive on New Year’s Eve, due to the leftover stash of Fourth-of-July fireworks my neighbors exploded. This could explain the non-posted post. It was a rather loud celebration, and I love a good show as much as anyone, but I wish they could have gone all-out on East Coast time.

I will say, this was the one nugget I held onto all day, from a favorite poet. It seems to be enough for now. Pretty simple, yet full of hope.

And because it’s just fun.

Happy birthday, “Paroline.”

That could be the highlight! That and eating the leftover candy and breads before the new year’s resolutions take effect. Two days to enjoy our bad habits!

Well, I risk sending this out to the general public, because I think it’s GENIUS! The other thing is that I know my audience, and I hope they either won’t follow me today or they forget this. Thanks for the tip, Sis!

Don’t you dare try it on me.

Came across this gem in my wandering and wondering.

I use the same burner, unless I happen to be in the throes of gourmet cooking and using two burners. (As many as three times a year(!) It’s really more a matter of practicality than habit, I’ve decided. I don’t want to clean more burners than I have to, so I stick with one, branching out when necessity dictates. (Last night the mashed potatoes and broccoli vied for “best burner award.”)

There are other odd favorites around the chef’s quarters. In the spatula department, of which no one speaks either, I head for the same one, sure to deliver a clean sweep every time. And some of the slotted spoons are relegated to the back of the drawer in favor of the smoother, non-chinked -from-the-dishwasher spoons. However, there is no excuse for the serving spoon, bent in half, used in the famous “gravy boat” years in my husband’s family. I don’t understand the story, but we inherited the jewel. It is stored in the drawer which-shall-not-be-named.

Apparently I’ve been doing more cooking over the holidays. These important observations came to the forefront as I noticed my burned hot pads. I still use them in favor of the intact ones.

Who can know the mind of a truly great chef?

Noel!

Some restaurants are reopening for indoor dining, as opposed to indoor fishing hut dining in the parking lot. It was a new experience!

I chuckled when I saw this one. Merry Christmas to all!