It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

Well, I seem to have a certain penchant for doing things backwards. This is probably not a newsflash for anyone living in my vicinity. However, it’s not necessarily wrong – just different?

This morning I showered, including washing my hair, which I admit, has been a less-frequent-than-usual event. I then proceeded to spend the day trimming the yard and mowing with the push mower and riding mower. I had grass and weed guts all over my legs, branches in my hair, dirt in my shoes. This is not unlike baking days.

I have known for a long time that the best baking happens after you have thoroughly cleaned and shined the kitchen and appliances. Oh – wash the floor first, too! Then, your baking will be of the highest order. Guaranteed.

It’s just the way it seems to happen. I get everything cleaned and organized, and then I get to enjoy messing it up. However, it doesn’t explain why I enjoy reading magazines backwards?

Good thing I’m not an electrician.

Watching more television than usual, I found myself questioning the naming process for new drugs. When the makers of pharmaceuticals get together, how do they come up with their monikers? I think I have the answer.

• Skyrizi
• Linzess
• Ozempic
• Zyzal
• Entyvio
• Xeljanz
• Plavix
• Dupixent
• Nexium
• Verzenio
• Zyrtec
• Farxiga
• Tremfya

You just have to focus on the end of the alphabet…x,y and z seem to be the answer! Perhaps the end of the alphabet signals the end of your suffering should you use the product? I have no idea.

What new games have you found for your entertainment?

Sometimes the airport enacts flight pattern changes that allow us to experience the path of incoming flights. I never noticed much before, but now I find myself looking up longingly, identifying the planes by their colors. I really do look up at every aircraft that is in the vicinity, wondering where they were and how many people are on their flight. It’s all rather silly, but it’s something to do.

Then my friend, “Pabs,” sends me this notice.

I’m booking a trip in my Escape to “The Good Life.” That should help assuage my wanderlust!

So this past Thursday I ditched the opportunity to go to Mass and Reconciliation, because my friend couldn’t join me. Instead, I chose a much-desired run to Hobby Lobby! (I hadn’t been there in two months either.) My car was happy, as it needed to be reminded of its value, having sat for so long unused.

Furthermore, I have a subscription to Sirius radio which isn’t being fully realized. So, I was searching for a station when my standard Catholic Channel pops up. “Nah,” I think. “I don’t want to listen to Gus today.” I flip to “The Pulse” for entertainment. What should pop up to remind me of my self-centered choices that morning? 21 Pilots and the song, “Heathens.”

I got the message. I went to Mass and Reconciliation yesterday. And to top it off, 21 Pilots was on Jimmy Fallon last night with their newest song, “Level of Concern.” Truly, the Holy Spirit has the best sense of humor!

Thanks, Sister. Very clever.

With the doors open and the insects returning, I have myriad flies practicing their “zooming.” It’s a given when the weather is this gorgeous and the doors are open. However, I do not worry about swatting them or ridding myself of them. I know where they end up!

While vacuuming, I went to my music room, aka the “insect cemetery.” This room faces southwest and it seems to be where the little fliers go to “rage against the dying of the light.” I had been ignoring the room since the temporary suspension of “The Tipsy Trio” nights. Oops. I had quite a few burials in the dynamic Dyson.

Of course, while in there, I brought out the music and entertained myself. I didn’t give the insects a rendition of “Amazing Grace,” but rather pounded out Dido’s “White Flag.” The words, “I will go down with this ship,” seem to have been appropriate.

I have got to get back to Tipsy Nights. I am definitely out of practice.

This creature was in my garage as I went out to mow yesterday. Do you think “she” was getting back at me for stabbing her little one in the gut this past weekend? I “shoveled” her out and sent her on vacation, too. Then I hoped I wouldn’t mow over her! Apparently, this one had already been in my neighbor’s meadow as she was mowing.

There is just no safe place when the weather is good and we’re out in the ‘hood!

Yesterday’s email presented me with the opportunity to order “Highlights” magazine. A sudden flood of mixed memories engulfed my brain. The dentist subscribed to “Highlights.” This was where my love/hate relationship with dental procedures began.

First of all, on the door to the office was the name ”Geo.” We kids thought that was a silly name, not understanding it was the shortened version of “George.” Second, there was a treasure chest in the dentist’s office, full of miniature figurines and odd stuff. You could play for hours with it – and sometimes we had to since three of us kids were visiting on occasion. Third, the magazine. It was fun to read!

That’s the end of the fun. I think Geo earned his halo for putting up with kids. He didn’t tolerate tears well, and when you had to have a tooth pulled, wisdom or not, you got the Novocain and that was it. I didn’t mind the tooth-pulling, but I hated the cleaning and the cavity filling.

Now, you won’t find a magazine at the dentist or doctor. Or a treasure trove of toys and entertainment. Think of all those germs we ingested as kids playing with other kids’ germs?

We didn’t know how lucky we were!

It seems that the neighborhood chatter centers around our hawks. As far as I can tell, they have relocated to their vacation home, even as they continue to rendezvous on our chimney. Perhaps the squirrel chased them away?

Yes, we have relocated another squirrel. Lest you think we’re nuts, they are devouring the siding of our house on the second floor!! We could cut down two huge pine trees to potentially solve the issue, but that seems like an unfortunate decision. Thus, we snag them and move them to their vacation homes. Hopefully we get my son rooftop to spray the rodent repellent which is “guaranteed” to work.

The hummingbird we have in our neighborhood is delightful, and I’m hoping he makes a stop once I attempt to lure him yet again. I’ve gone through feeders every couple of years and have yet to have them share in my desire to feed them.

The coyotes were out in force crying two nights ago at 12:35 am. I assume we are down one rabbit in the count.

I accidentally killed a snakelet while ripping out dead rose bushes. He was a cute little thing, too.

And that, my friends, is the Nat Geo report to begin your week.