It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

“Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

How are you? I am fine. I hope you have a good day.

Love, Rene”

That would be the gist of the letter-writing campaign my mother had us kids do from the moment we learned to write. “Send your grandparents a note. They will love that.” So we did! They always started out the same way until we actually had lives of interest later on. The best part? Grandma and Grandpa would write back! You had to send a letter to get a letter and receiving mail was always special.

That was the reminiscing my spouse and I did last night as we checked emails and texts. We have taken the anticipation out of correspondence, something of a loss. I miss those letters from family and periodically reread some of the ones I’ve kept. We are losing that art. I think we should bring it back, even if it means a periodic painful trip to the Post Office.

Besides, cursive is so much prettier than fonts of various sizes and styles.

When you open a can of sauerkraut for the brats, you are left with most of a can of sauerkraut, having needed only two tablespoons or so.

In the interest of learning what else I could do with my leftovers I did a Pinterest search and found 34 different recipes/uses/ways to eat sauerkraut. Furthermore, the benefits of the fermented cabbage are endless. I’ve been eating it daily in an attempt to properly make use of its health aid and no not waste it. It’s fortunate I’ve always liked it, favoring the Reuben sandwich recipe, but also enjoying it in the plain variety.

If you have to be stuck on a deserted island I’d recommend a healthy supply of sauerkraut to keep you going.

My bread machine bit the bullet. It’s my second one I’ve owned, so you know it gets used. I’ve spent two weeks in mourning before considering the options on new models.

Last night my husband and I sat at the kitchen table as we reviewed the choices. He was kind enough to read me reviews and features. One review had updates to it and was about five to six pages in depth. It did the trick. I had to go to bed.

If you have trouble falling asleep, my advice is to have someone else read reviews on some mundane appliance. The gentle lull of a lengthy review being reported to you is soothing.

FYI, this is also why I can’t listen to books-on-tape in the car. I just get sleepy.

Oh, the possibilities of exploration continue with a grandchild. It was “Touch a Truck” day at the library. Super cuteness all around.

Quite frankly, the plow on the truck we admired was HUGE! I was in awe, as were a hundred other toddlers. Our granddaughter could stand under its height. Actually, the kids were more enamored with honking a horn. But the trucks provided by the public works department were cool. Grandpa and I enjoyed exploring the beasts with our little pup. It was a great activity to keep us entertained. (Us being the grandparents)

Maybe today I can “touch a car” and get mine washed. A laudable goal for the pre-Memorial Day weekend.

‘Twas satisfying to dispose of these old gallons of paint in a responsible way. As I sifted through the colors I considered all the rooms I’ve painted and repainted in this house and the colors we have lived through. In my calculations, there are only two spaces which I have never touched, both closets.

The winning color in the disposal activity was green. I probably had ten different greens in gallons and quarts. Surprise!

The thought of painting and changing a room’s demeanor so easily is very seductive. Musing on a slow week:

I love to paint, however,
one thing I shall endeavor,
avoid the color green,
Even though my name can be found in its beauty.
              - Me 

This comic strip cracks me up.

It’s a slow day here at the ranch, and the smoky haze is doing nothing to improve the speed at which I accomplish anything. I’m on day four of mowing and hoping to finish the process with the brand new Toro push mower I received yesterday. It was an early Christmas present from myself.

Thankfully I have a bridge game to keep my brain occupied today. Small blessings, but they add up.

Time to check my 401k plan for kicks.

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.