It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

“Muskrat Suzy, Muskrat Sam, do the jitterbug in muskrat land….”

Okay, I don’t know ALL of the lyrics, but I do remember this one and I loved The Captain and Tennille. Now, “Love Will Keep Us Together,” I have that one down pat!

Yes, the grocery store does cater to me in the early hours of the day, and yes, I do sing out loud when I like the tune. It’s our duty to share music with others. Go and put a song in your step today. Mine will be, “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.”

…in with the old.

My sister wisely chose to give my mother’s “Osterizer” a second chance in her home. Christmas baking did in the unit she had and Mom’s appliance came to the rescue.

They just don’t make things like they used to. Hello, Old Friend.

Inspired by the Denver guy on our news channel who is helping the city of Denver by voluntarily shoveling intersections, I went out AGAIN to shovel the ice dam from the bottom of the driveway. I really do admire that guy – and I would definitely shovel blockades of snow if they would only move. However, the frozen substance on the shoulder of my property and sides of my driveway does not succumb to my minimal shoveling force.

Joyously, I proclaim that my husband, chief snow-remover, has returned from his most-worthy absence. If something happens to the plow, it is now on his shoulders. Relief has been given. He can observe my attempts to remove frozen water from our driving surface. He can nod his head in an encouraging way, remembering years of yore when he was absent for these snowfalls, when he relied on his trusty spouse to remove the frozen precipitation. (I did ask him for a tutorial on the new ATV plow before he departed.)

Of course, we have no snow in the forecast now that he’s returned. Whew!

The Kings shall be returning to their home awaiting next year’s journey from storage. They won’t be sticking around for the Stock Show, although the snow will keep my outdoor lights going until the weekend. I need warmer weather to get those stowed.

Thanks to a regular contributor for this amusing and thoughtful note. She has recognized the truth of celebrating with a young one. Happy journey to all.

Seriously, I can stand to be held accountable. And if you are a current grandmother, you will understand. If not, “imagine.” And really – imagination is the best thing of all!

Last night, my granddaughter muted my husband’s call. I do not think of this of “Divine Intervention,” tempting as that is. It is the button that is calling to her. And why was that so? Because we were chatting and she was responding and communication was happening on two levels, though one was electronic of sorts. She liked that button. Really – those engineers need to look at this level of intelligence in their findings.

There is no way I am swift enough to follow her little digits. She is keeping me on my toes – Whew! A blessing, for sure.

If I were a computer engineer in charge of creating the shortcuts and buttons on phones, I’d give a room full of toddlers phones and see where there little hands go. Or if I were creating an app and needed an attention-grabbing icon, I’d check with that age bracket.

It only took me a couple of days to discover why my spouse’s phone calls were not coming through to me. It was so weird that I kept missing them, not hearing the ringtone. Finally, I realized someone of a certain age had blocked his number on my device. How she even got there under my radar was a mystery.

I have learned my lesson. Maybe an engineer would like to take note, too?

What would the theme for 2023 be? The choice sat squarely on the shoulders of a younger sister, who apparently was preoccupied with her family and the holiday hubbub. I couldn’t quite believe she hadn’t made this critical decision back in July!

After much coaxing and thoughtful consideration, we are proud to present our guiding principle for the year. I particularly like the last piece of advice. Hope you have a whale of a time this year!

Whenever I travel I wonder if the water from that ocean or sea has evaporated and fallen on me in my home. I wonder if that moisture touched Jesus? I wonder if any of the evaporation from my home has made it to another continent. I also look at paintings in museums and wonder which stroke was the last of the artist. When I handle something my parents or sister owned I wonder if I’m getting a touch of their DNA.

Whether or not any of my wondering matters, it’s refreshing and rejuvenating to wander in thought. One of my favorite sayings is, “Not all who wander are lost.” I think most of us are just fine and enjoying the journey, wondering and wandering. Here’s to both in 2023.

What a wonderful sight in my back yard, and a happy guest to entertain. I only wished he could have stayed longer and had a chat! Happy 2023 to old friends and new guests.

It’s good to have options. Enjoy the last of 2022. See you next year!