It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

You can have colorful blocks and plenty of puzzles, but the toys kids want are all electronic and real – not colorful and fun! However, in the event you have no electronics to share, a great big old box will do.

This little gem showed up and reminded me of the submarines. When my children were little we kept some boxes to build submarines, an idea I had from my own youth reading the Childcraft “Make and Do” volume. Thankfully we had an unfinished basement where we could fashion our underwater submersibles. It was fun, and one of many little things those big boxes could do. My daughter puts her kids inside one with paints and lets them go to town. It’s a colorful be-ready-with-the-hose event.

The only issue with a big box is its storage after its re-creation. If it happens to show rain in the forecast, I recommend accidentally leaving it outside.

My goal for the week was to mow the paintbrush, which is definitely flagging from its prime beauty. (Reminds me of someone else who happens to be typing). Wouldn’t you know it? The little hummingbird is out there on the least colorful blooms, the ones I was planning to demolish this morning. I haven’t seen him for quite awhile. His name is “Hope.”

So, I’m not giving up. As it gets drier and hotter my new mission is to keep the fading colors going until the end of August when the little hummers should move on. Trust me – it’s difficult to look at that weedy mess every morning. But if that little guy keeps visiting it will be worth it.

I missed you little ray of hope. See you tomorrow!

Last night’s dinner guest regaled us with stories, one of them being how he used to bike from Denver to Boulder to visit friends on his weekends. This was on the then two-lane highway 36. We marveled at how he was still here to tell that tale.

Ah, yes. The things we could accomplish with younger, agile physiques. I did get on my bicycle yesterday – rode about six blocks, to my daughter’s house and back. The only challenge I had was keeping my water bottle from hopping out of the bike basket. I’m not sure that explains my sore back, but I did have lean over a couple of extra inches at one point in the journey.

Off to do my stretches…

One of my favorite books was always the thesaurus we had. As a matter of fact, I “borrowed” the one my mother had when I went to college. Now, I just use the phone and goggle search if I’m at a loss for words – which I’m sure my family would argue is a rare event.

Just strolling through my photos and thought I’d share this gem.

It’s tough to stay ahead of the game and up-to-date. Apparently Barbie can do it though! Good for her – and a reminder for me not to eat the rest of the ice cream which could easily be consumed in one sitting.

Thanks, Barbie. You really have come a long way.

There really should be a photo of the dress my neighbor donated to me – a very bright and happy yellow/white/peach floral number. I decided to wear it for a day and see what happened.

”You look beautiful today!” Husband. “That’s a pretty dress. I like yellow.” Receptionist at church. “Well aren’t you cheerful today?” Gruff grocery stocker-man who proceeded to tell me he was just trying to keep a good attitude on the day. We had a conversation. Comments from girlfriends at bridge. Said dress donator, “Well, look at you!”

Not only is the dress a keeper, but this little number showed up in my feed, prompting me to remember to spread the happiness. Thanks, neighbor, for the happy frock. And remember – just look people in the eye and smile. That’s really a kindness better than a new dress. (although the dress helped a lot!)

Even though I’m on an “Eagles” diet – turning them off or changing the station whenever they are played – I did find this rather funny. And true. Especially when the grandchildren play at talking on the cell phone!!!

Yet, how could we possibly get a ride when we need one that very moment? Or the answer to a question regarding creamed corn? Or the query into the current lightbulb situation at home? Or on a more positive note, chat with our loved ones, share memories, invite friends to join us, remind others of our love?

Yes – I guess prisoners if we choose to be.

This was a fairly generic and semi-inspirational meme I came across in my wanderings. Now, Pluto just does the job and that’s an important thing. Thus, I am going about my job, keeping little old Pluto as my mentor.

Currently, my role in the solar system would be to clean the countertops. Somewhere along the line I have accumulated piles which need tending. (One of the piles is my store of leftover fireworks – they will be at-the-ready for the next celebration!)

Plunging ahead with Pluto in mind.

Looking to the comics, or as my father would say, “the funny pages,” has always been a source of enjoyment and inspiration.

As a child, I religiously read them all. Prince Valiant! Hi and Lois. Li’l Amber. Barney Google. Gasoline Alley. Of course there was always Peanuts. More modern loves – Calvin and Hobbes, The Family Circus, Pearls Before Swine, Zits, Pickles. I still read them – though I have become discriminating and skip some. Especially that stupid “Big Nate.” If you’ve ever had to sell the Lincoln Peirce books you would skip that one, too.

Anyway, I was thinking that I probably learned a bit of history and culture from reading them. The comedic interpretation and story-telling was instilled in me somehow – perhaps it was from reading these hallowed strips?

Nah. It was all genetic. Thanks, ye honored ancestors o’the family tree.

Not only did I laugh, but now I want to visit the store! Of course, I need no goods of any kind, but it is always fun to traipse through and see what you don’t need.

Instead, I’ve been ambling through Home Depot, occasionally kneeling down to get a better look and asking myself, “Why don’t I bring a tape measure on these outings?”

Say a prayer for me!