It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

Okay – not my title, so clever, and not my idea, genius! “Pristina,” pissed at the amount of money a “cone of shame” cost her when the dogs were gracing her yard, decided to prevent hail damage with this absolutely brilliant idea! A second life for these plastic wonders.

My cone is the size of a cereal bowl since we had small dogs. I could possibly prevent hail on one marigold? Regardless, with permission I am sharing this inventor’s idea. (She has a patent, by the way, for another amazing idea.)

“MacGyvering” at its finest.

My Pinterest page thought I might just “vibe with this.” I didn’t read the suggestion, but considered the statement worthy of a topic heading.

Many vibes these past few days of travel to the “Good Life.” My aunt turned 85 and we celebrated, the slew of cousins commenting on how nice it was to see each other at a non-funereal event. Once again I relished the resort-like feel of my brother’s home on the lake, even taking a spin in the boat one late evening. We enjoyed a stogie, my new consideration for a retirement hobby. I was able to do a little mending for my SIL, always a joy when the needle and thread can be of service. The uneventful drive (a blessing, though boring) did bring a smile when a field with goats and adorable kids came into view. I wanted to stop on the interstate and watch them, they were so darn cute. (!) My acquired habit of not listening to the radio on my drive home continued. I’m not sure why, but the quiet and calm do more for me on my returns than any song. Me, myself and I have lovely conversations in this manner.

So, I return to an overgrown yard with the promise of three days of mowing and trimming. It’s a great and satisfying workout, which will commence in 35 minutes, at the appropriate time for all to rise and greet the day. Just enough time for one more cup of joe.

Sending good vibes out to the world…

…yesterday at bridge. The sun did pop out for a bit, and perhaps that was when “Pristina” decided to follow the suggested rules of the game and “pull trump.”

Yes, we rib each other about our playing and yes, I criticize sometimes. Some times. Not all the time. Just some times. And it’s not like I don’t criticize myself – I made a stupid move and didn’t make our bid. Did my partner jump all over me? Yes? No. She did not. She is a civil participant. Thank you, “Ponna.”

Anyway, our entire table was joshing our friend when she actually did pull trump and got the upper hand on the round. Now, some suggestions don’t always pan out, but this one normally does. We all had a hearty chuckle, a bright spot in the clouds and gloom of the day.

Tuesday bridge is fun.

…of Instagram. It does have some darn funny posts, and this one made me chuckle with my morning cup of coffee, in part because it embodied my childhood experience of all local city parks.

Number one – the merry-go-round business. I slid off that sucker so badly I had severe road rash on my tiny little possibly six-year old behind and right leg. It was a mashed mess and required my parents to leave the wedding reception for my cousin and head home with the crew. It was a painful 15 minute drive with me wailing as I had to selfishly take up half of the back seat lying on my tummy. (I do not recall any sympathy, the recovery, the bandaging, or anything else, just that early memory of being whipped around and finding the concrete less than accommodating on my tender skin. We did not see a doctor. I wasn’t dying.)

Anyway, there were many butt-burners in the days of yore. Enjoy a few of these memorable antiquated playground structures.

This lovely photo appeared in the Pinterest feed.

Growing up I had too many “sunshine” salads, though they were called something else. I detested any “salad” which had marshmallows, pineapple, maraschino cherries, or jello mixed in. I never understood how these lovely creations were salad, though they were honest attempts to get us to eat fruit. Always canned fruits, too. Maybe that was my real aversion?

Now, a plain jello salad with whipped cream? That I could do! I did have my preferences, even as a child. Thus, no surprises here when the grands come over and have their own opinions on my gourmet lunch service.

Maybe I should try a Jello salad with them?

We’re pushing for summer over here, wearing shorts and skorts, thinking we don’t need a jacket at all times, opting for shorts sleeves, etc…

Yet, we have our blankets wrapped around us as we sit on the front porch discussing the weighty events of the world and prospects for the day ahead. And when I step outside to water the plants, my legs give off a bright white glare from their lack of sun exposure for seven months. Thank goodness I don’t have a serious beach vacation planned!

I’m hanging on to the promise of an 80 degree day ahead as I sit in my lily-whiteness with a jacket at the kitchen table. Time to shock the world and head out to hydrate the flowers!

The word is, “bedraggled.”

Remember the old television game show, “Password?” You gave hints up to ten times – something like that. Well, my hints would be, “petunias, ferns, impatiens, roses, me…” The weather has certainly done a number this past week. Some sunshine would be nice to perk things up a bit and allow the effort of potting plants and bringing color to the yard to shine forth. Also, it’d be lovely to not feel like I’m slogging through every afternoon with the cloudy, grey skies. Just saying. Not complaining about the moisture, but it sure would be welcome to get gentle spurts and serious sun in between.

Here’s hoping tomorrow’s forecast is true. I need a burst of Vitamin D.

The hummingbird visited this weekend…in a small margin of dryness on Saturday. What a wet weekend.

The gnats in my nose have definitely dwindled…the pesticide is doing its magic.

Coyotes have returned, sighted twice in one day in the gray days of the weekend.

A successful birthday party has resulted in leftovers to last the week. No cooking!

Sunshine’s return for a spell has made the droopy petunias perk up, the ferns consider a resurgence from being wind-and-torrential-rain-whipped, and pollen’s havoc on the outdoor furniture and decks has abated with the deluges.

All in all, calm and quiet reside.

It was an interesting ad in this morning’s publication. I was discerning the appeal of this tog. The price? The fact it had so many reviews? It does come in 17 colors, maybe that was it? Or perhaps it looks like the pile of ironing I have currently sitting on the board, thus invoking nostalgic thoughts?

Perhaps the choice of this faded-shirt with a model as pasty white as I isn’t the best and most exciting photo to use on bland newsprint? Anyway, I’m just looking for a little more color and excitement in the day, and this was not it.

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows!

If you squint your eyes when you look at the backyard, it can actually look charming. The weeds are so natural, the non-manicured trees and bushes seem to enjoy the extra foliage surrounding them. If you were searching for an appealing look in your professional photos, the wispy weeds on the berm could just do the trick. Wear your overalls and a nice straw hat.

Yes, I’m a little slow in getting this yard up to speed. Day three of groundskeeping is looming – but not today. The influx of estrogen is about to happen.

Perhaps today will be the day the hummingbirds make their appearance? The Indian Paintbrush is astounding.