It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

Today we shall more likely be singing the “Song of the Volga Boatmen” refrain than a quodlibet.

At least we have a word-of-the-day to cheer us on in this winter wonderland of manual labor. And the snow is not blowing and drifting! Thank you, Lord. And we did not get stuck on I-70 in the mountains! Thank you, Lord. And we have coffee. The blessings just keep piling up with the frozen moisture.

It’s “a lighthearted medley of well-known tunes.” Maybe I’ll compose a quodlibet in my free time today?

It’s our standard line with an imminent snow forecast, whether we’re in a drought situation or not. I’m personally hoping it does not accumulate, but melts with the fairly warm earth that has produced my budding trees and tulips six inches arisen.

For today, I have pretty toes manicured and ready for the beach. (If the flight isn’t canceled.) I have a bag packed. I shall sit and await the onslaught that is predicted for tomorrow as I reschedule my dental cleaning for yet the fourth time! (Per the dentist’s office request. I’d go in a foot of snow or less.)

Well, it had better snow. We need the moisture.

We have a gas stove which we are committed to keeping, even through we are on the endangered list of appliances. I figure we’ll be grandfathered in when we sell the home, just as we shall be with our wood-burning fireplace. Rebels, we are.

Last night’s dinner provided much “clicking” as the gas jets on the stove apparently had a little difficulty fully providing fuel to the burners. Thus, we had a fun activity for the evening – dismantling the stove top burners and cleaning them. It provided an opportunity for us to read the manual which I had just placed in the appropriate drawer that morning as I reassembled the kitchen cupboards.

Yes, my spouse and I know how to liven things up around here. Whatever shall we “fix” today? I’d steam clean the draperies I hand-washed in this cleaning binge, but my neighbor is out of town, thus saving me the task of borrowing her steamer and getting myself all hot and sweaty.

Guess I’ll head to the gym instead.

In replacing the stemware in my cupboards, I gave it the Marie Kondo once-over. “Does this bring me joy?” Fortunately, or unfortunately, the answer was most often, “yes.”

We don’t use most of it, but I actually love stemware, well, glass to be specific. I have purchased little unused brandy snifters because I liked their shape. I don’t “snift.” I have little green and gold cordials which are unutilized, but extremely beautiful. The defunct Pier 1 Imports had the most gorgeous set of martini glasses, and I made a detour on my drive through the Midwest to purchase them at a serious after-Christmas discount. We didn’t drink martinis at the time, but have since employed them. I have sentimental items, too, which make me smile when I see them as I open the door looking for a non-matching wine glass purchased from travel adventures.

When we married, we had a beautiful 12-piece set of glassware and place settings. We broke the wine glasses, water glasses, short cocktail glasses, and most place settings. All that remains are seven champagne glasses, indicating seriously underused opportunities.

Marie may not agree with my down-sizing mentality, but I can look through my transparent doors and still smile at the memories and beauty of glassware. It does bring me moments of joy.

Well, I didn’t expect to retire for the evening with glee, yet I did!

My clock has never changed, so I don’t have to set it ahead, and I went to bed laughing at the fact that I endured six months of the incorrect time, only to find I am “on time” at this point! Oh, the simple and silly joys of stupidity.

My new problem will be remembering not to subtract an hour when I seek the time. It’s good to have goals.

The ambit of my porch redecorating mission knows no bounds! I am painting the front door pink.

First of all, we really do need a new front door. When we get a nice snowstorm, a little drift builds up inside the house. It’s not enough for building a snowman or sledding, so we must remedy that situation. Taking the door off to acquire more moisture does not seem prudent. However, before a new door comes into play, I’m considering a fun color to welcome spring.

Yes…I still have spring fever. It’s been lingering since January, apparently. I’m itching to paint something, to change my outlook, to bring a new perspective!

And of course, green would always be nice a nice welcoming color. My husband just rolls his eyes and says, “Yes, dear.”

Actually, I’m heading to the gym in the morning to get a jump on my workout routine – before the clock springs ahead! And then, I will relax on Sunday and and enjoy my timepiece being set properly again.

Maybe one day we can just keep the time we have and learn to live with it?

Two days into a kitchen renovation – this is what comes across my news desk.

My cupboards are white. They were white before being replaced as white. They are once again being repainted white. What can I say?

Oh – I would love to paint them green. Grass green. A bright kitchen of green and white and some really cool countertop with green and glitter in it. Little drapery deals with green and white stripes, green exotic plants in the window. Maybe even green dishware? Oh wait – I have that!

I also know that not everyone else likes my color of choice, so I keep honoring that preference with white cabinets in the kitchen, embellishing with colorful decor. Plus – it is very easy to see when your cabinets need cleaning. White is rather unforgiving.

I don’t know that they are in fashion at all, but they are a comfort zone requiring no additional decorative thought. And right now, I have no additional thought to expend on cabinetry!

I’m looking forward to returning my glassware, dishes, cookware, spices, baking goods, medicines, coffee and teas, small appliances, crockpots (oops, I have four, all different sizes though?) to their respective slots. It’s a ghastly venture.

For anyone with extra time or boredom in your day, I highly recommend taking everything out of your cupboards and tabulating what you own. Replace what you need and dispense of items you haven’t used in years. I don’t know that it will do anything other than remind you of what you have and perhaps spur you to make artichokes so you can use those plates?

It could also keep you from a costly renovation.

Words provide a great deal of amusement, especially when they’re obscure and fun to say. “Paroline” sends us this tidbit for the day. Some of you “in the know” or “hip” readers may have already been exposed to this trendy word.

The article was longer, but hey? I didn’t really care about the TikTok gal who popularized the verb. I’m just hoping that one of these days I get to hurkle-durkle!

The beauty to which I returned included the herd of deer grazing throughout the ‘hood, the pesky squirrel romping around again, and the distinct chatter of birds beginning to nest. It was a noisy morning and a welcome homecoming yesterday.

This gorgeous spring weather has me itching to wash windows and air out the house. Yet….we know the consequences of jumping the gun on all of that! Thus, my parka is hung close by, my snow boots still set for action, and the shovel at the ready. But for now…a warm winter morning walk.

Happy March!