It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

Watching a horrible film starring Tom Hanks, “Inferno,” I was privy to a most wonderful display of visual history.

The first time I went to Istanbul was with my sister. We stumbled our way through the sites, duly impressed with everything, especially the gorgeous Hagia Sophia World Heritage Site. If you want to see The Hagia Sophia in its beauty, watch the film. If you go and see it today you may be disappointed. It has been returned to “mosque” status under Erdogan. Thus, the once impressive marble floor is carpeted in grass green unfortunateness, you are required to remove your shoes and walk on this cheap covering, and you are prevented from viewing the history of this phenomenal construction which was a Christian church, mosque, museum, and once again, a mosque. Anything of Christian note has been covered in black or prevented from viewing by the public. (At least they haven’t painted over it. Or have they?) You can still be impressed with the size of the structure. That’s something.

So, really awful movie. Great location scenes! Thus, we can glean some amazing visual history from these dated films, and for some of us oldies, a bit of nostalgia.

Today, February 12, I received two letters from my former insurance company. The first one stated they received my request to cancel a policy and that would be effective December 31, 2023. Really? The second letter welcomed me to my new policy beginning January 1. That policy is no longer in effect due to my the recent introduction to Medicare. I’d say they are tad bit behind in their communication.

Of course, I’m a tad behind in a lot of things, too. I’m just waiting now for a bill because they haven’t figured out I canceled the second policy!

Sigh. A Monday moment.

Thank goodness it’s cold! There is the distinct odor of a dead mouse in the garage and I cannot locate the source. We may have to wait this one out.

Years ago another mystery – how were mice getting into my car? That was a deplorable situation as we were on vacation and the dead mouse greeted me upon return, guts and all. I have since become adept at rodent detection and destruction, but this one evades me. I think I forgot to pick up an old trap and that’s what lured the guy in. The trap is missing.

Sherlock would be proud.

Recent “decoy” acquisitions have me shuffling my purses around again. It’s rather therapeutic to clean out one bag and transfer to another, wondering why in the world you still have old ticket stubs and fig bar wrappers in there. And toothpicks. And old grocery lists.

Maybe one day I’ll open my pocketbook and be surprised?

Ahem. Perhaps this is why I adore pointy-toed shoes?

Shout out to the blog contributors and muses who managed to pull the wool over my eyes with a birthday celebration disguised as an open house. I applaud your deceptive measures and am awed with your “bait and switch” maneuver. You set the bar high!

Gobs of gratitude for your love and friendship.

This morning I actually turned the news off, even though it sort-of-kind-of helps me get ready for the day. (Mostly because I keep tabs on the weather and determine which day I might possibly sneak in a walk outdoors. Of course, that usually flies out the window with a “flexible” schedule.)

Politics. That’s what caused the flip of the switch. I’m dreading the onslaught of political ads which should be limited to the one month preceding an election. That’s it. You only one month to make your point. No mud-slinging, just make your point. People might actually pay attention if there weren’t so many repetitive ads which in turn, cause us to ignore them.

If I were campaigning for President I would make that my platform! One month of ads only. That and free recycling of dead trees and leaves. I hate seeing dead trees in yards and outdoor venues.

Usually February arrives and my determination to get ready for a warm weather swimsuit trip kicks in. Thus, this gave me a pretty good chuckle with its simplistic truth.

Happy Monday and renewed resolutions!

It was time to clean out a few things, mostly because I am pretty certain I purchased a new lipstick and I cannot find it! Since it’s a rare-occasion-acquisition and since they’re so darn expensive, I had to do a little reconnaissance in the satchel department.

Still haven’t found it. But things are getting cleaned and organized1

At 5 pm I finally closed the kitchen door. It was a gorgeous day with the pear trees budding and temperatures in the 60’s. I would have opened windows but I wasn’t keen on having to remember to close them. Ah.

It’s a great start to the month and a short-lived one. Looking forward to the moisture this weekend – February fun!

I have a few hours. And….my Christmas lights are finally down and stored! Yes, it has taken me quite awhile to get things done, and yet, I still have one Christmas card to send. (It requires a letter, so thus, we have an issue right there.)

As I was stowing I did a count of the extension cords used in my magnificent lighting displays. Care to guess? Twenty. It’s possible there were more, but yes, twenty cords I wrapped and put in the bin. I have about a dozen timers, too. There really has to be a better way to create the wonder of the season without running non-compliant electrical lines to half-lit strands of lights?

We’ll just have to wait until next year. Either I consolidate, buy new lights, or acquire more extension cords? The possibilities!

Farewell, January!