It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

Reading the newspaper about the two young girls heading to the Scripps National Spelling Bee reminded me of my brief stint with the county spelling competition. Very brief.

Sure, I was one of two winners to head there from my school. The two classes competing had a total of 26 kids. Chances were in my favor, being a Scrabble devotee at a young age. “Pent” and I headed off to the big pre-state competition. Neither of us made the cut for state, but we had a lovely time competing at the courthouse. (Scary enough place to perform!)

Today’s word in my feed was one I have never used and most certainly would have incorrectly defined. I’m feeling like my day could be orthogonal though, if that’s possible. Pivot!

Orthogonal

ADJECTIVE1. Of or involving right angles; at right angles. 2. (Of an experiment) Having variates which can be treated as statistically independent.

At least the long grass and rains have provided worms for the birds. I had the chance to watch my front yard become the breakfast table for these little guys. They were ravenous in their dining pleasure, almost making me feel guilty for what we’re about to do.

Today we’ll be mowing the table.

Is it an impulse purchase if the opportunity presents itself for an item you know you are going to need soon?

Today I acquired pretty new rose gold-colored luggage of an antibacterial nature. ? It has a port for charging your devices and an TSA locking deal. Anyway, it’s a two-piece set and should adequate serve me before the bottom of my old duffel rips off entirely. It’s really a proactive decision, right?

We were in the danger zone, aka, Sam’s Club. We went there for cheese, popcorn, yogurt, and something else. We came home with new luggage! Just having it opens up the world of travel and the chance to try all of the nifty compartments. (Shoe sleeves!) I’m hoping the 25-year warranty indicates its strength even with its lightweight feel.

Today was the perfect day to get them as it’s our sister’s birthday. My youngest sis and I will make good use of this set as we plan our next excursion! Happy trails.

…of mice and men, often go awry. I brought out all of the outdoor furniture with cushions rather than mowing on the ONE dry day we had. At least my cushions are clean. And the earth is abloom. And my iPad is charged – something I omitted in the routine.

This week has been dragging a bit. But the view is worth the climb. It’s pretty beautiful out there.

We awoke to beautiful sunshine illuminating the jungle growing in our backyard. The rains have abated for now. It’s a riot of green with lavender lilacs, a pinch of orange “paintbrush” and dots of yellow dandelions. The abundance of moisture set a few of us thinking.

A contributor sent this photo reminding us of how God’s mercy is overflowing and cannot be enclosed. That’s exactly what the yard looks like this morning, too. It’s just bursting with beauty.

I’m heading out to enjoy the riot and smell the freshness of the new day. Oh – and clean the birdbath. Thank you, gentle reader.

Monday requires chores to get the week going. This gem hits a little close to home.

It’s only one shrub, but it couldn’t be accessed with the crazy winter snow and I forgot about it. Until last week. There it is, adorned in droopy green lights. I think we’ll have a break in the rains – enough to let me out there to complete the task.

That’s the start of the list. Recycling paint is next!

In need of a good chuckle I picked up, “The Derry Girls,” from where my California gaggle and I left off. It’s really helpful to have a full-blooded Irish lass watching with you, but I soldiered on!

It’s so goofy, and I so wish I could have played the role of Sr. Michael. Or at least, I wish I could have been in on the writing of her lines, delivered dryly with such aplomb. What a hoot!

“Once Upon a Mattress,” had another role I desperately sought in my youth. However, I was cast as Lady Larkin, the sweet one, not Princess Winnifred, the loud and brash character. Apparently my big mouth was smaller then?

Today I shall cast myself in the role of gardener as the sun is shining and the wind has abated. Perhaps the neighbors will hear me belting, “Shy,” as I pull the weeds overtaking the property? Hm. Is that why my friend, “Pary” wears ear protection when he’s outside? I shan’t take it personally.

We’re going on 40 plus hours of rain which made me marvel at Noah’s journey. It feels as though we shall float away.

Being stuck inside is probably a blessing as I have been cleaning out the storage room. How can it even get so disorganized? I’m not in there that often?

On a bright note, I did see an encouraging sign yesterday as I drove to my errands. A high school student was walking with an umbrella and wearing a raincoat.

Hope springs eternal!

Thank goodness we had wicked national-newsworthy-mention weather yesterday. It saved us all from hearing the local and world stories here.

It seemed possible the apocalypse was upon us as coverage went from 3:15ish pm through most of the night. Although we had it all with the weather, our little plot of paradise only received rain and a smattering of teeny hail. I was just thankful there was no snow, and that I wasn’t a weather forecaster yammering on about the same thing for hours.

I’m moving my plants back out to soak in the moisture which continues today. Oh – and the landscaping we did to mitigate the basement flooding – it works. Thankfulness all around.

It was a weak moment of feeling “crafty.” I was perusing the Pinterest site looking for something to do when I chanced upon this seemingly desperate use of time and energy.

Let’s imagine some home-bound-during -the-pandemic soul who queried, “What can I crochet next? Ah! Pasta! It’s so cheery and colorful. A bowl of it could be just what my dining table needs.”

Thank goodness I do not know how to crochet. I’m not even tempted to try this.