It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

Yes, a miracle has occurred and I’m riding the “Hope Mobile.” Furniture I had saved, thinking my children might want it because I so loved it, has actually found a home with my child! She is using it and it’s so pretty in my granddaughter’s bedroom.

Of course, there are other things which defy imagination stored here. I have tons of silver settings and assorted serving pieces, 20 some gold-leafed demitasse cups and saucers, three china sets, and glassware currently beyond measure – to bestow upon aforementioned children. Will they even want to touch those? Somewhat to my credit, I employ them all at various times of the year, with the exception of that silver business. If I have to polish too much, it’s most likely to be unused yet again.

The message of hope rings loud! Of course, everything I have is theirs. Just say the word, and that adorable tea towel could be yours, children. I’d even iron it.

There is a recording of the “Hallelujah Chorus” in which the organist strikes the worst chords imaginable at the end. It is hysterical because the choir sounds so beautiful and then, wham!

Some days are like that, I think. Beautiful – and then that ear-splitting error. However, the organist does resolve the chord and all is once again in harmony. And that it also how some days are. They do end with harmonious resolution.

Yes, getting all philosophical as I just finished a cup of coffee after having walked outside on this stunningly gorgeous morning, with the sky clear and starlit, planets visible. I think “The Chorus” came to mind as I viewed the quiet and beauty of the world. Thus, the rabbit hole of thought!

How those choristers managed not to laugh is beyond me. See if you can listen to this clip and paste business. If not – it’s worth investigating for a good laugh.

Happy Tuesday!

Isn’t this pretty and fun? I have a mantel, not white so I’d have to paint it. I have boxes for a base, and I can certainly acquire the candy, a seemingly easy task at this time of year. (Note the candy corn in the jar on the counter.)

My guess is that this lovely thought will remain pinned to a board in my Pinterest app, along with the recipes I’ll never make, the kitchen I’ll never have, and the funky clothing I’ll never own or sew.

Dreaming on an absolutely beautiful day…

The first thing that caught my eye was the photo in the Wednesday section regarding food and recipes. “That’s corn smut!” My reaction, which was correct. I just didn’t know the gourmet term, “huitlacoche.”

Anyone who ever had the advantage of earning the best wages around detassling corn in the summer (true fact) will understand the reluctance to even want to touch this fungus. I read the article with interest, and realizing I already consume a fair amount of fungus in mushrooms, penicillin, some cheeses, decided I probably would try this, perhaps only once, just to say I did it. Supposedly it has a mild flavor.

As long as I could restrain myself from thinking about walking a mile pulling tassels off of smut-stricken ears of corn, I might be able to stomach it. And of course, keep those “smutty” stories to myself.

Spray pantyhose and pruning shears. You are blessed if you have a friend who asks for those two items in between bidding bouts. The fact that you readily possess both might say something equally absurd about you though.

Ah, friendships. They bless and sustain, endure through our pain, help us to grow, through times high and low, are the best guests, and make happy requests.

Always a fun day playing bridge!

Where I was raised we also learned how to polka and waltz alongside the square dance attempts. The polka was definitely the easiest and best whirling a person could do.

Oompah bands were so fun and the most prominent feature of a wedding reception dance. And the dances were always advertised in the local papers or on posters! Everyone was invited – not just wedding guests. It was the way to meet people, that’s for sure. And everyone can basically do a polka – one, two, three, one, two, three, one, two, three… ad nauseum. The only danger was possibly being spinned around and swayed too swiftly, thus running into another couple. Of course, at my cousins’ weddings the other danger would be all of the other cousins, littles alike dancing round and round. It truly gave meaning to the word “underfoot.”

Today we’ll just watch the leaves do a dance. My personal anemometer, the neighbor’s flag, is definitely indicating a day of whirling.

That was the title of the square dance I still recall the words to, which we learned somewhere back in the years of grade school. I loved that one.

First of all, I think young people should learn to dance. Square dancing teaches you to listen and follow directions, and also to toss out any other thoughts you might have. You can’t be solving a murder mystery or math problem when you’re attempting to promenade or do-si-do. Additionally, it’s good for some laughter as you inevitably screw it up.

In other words, my spouse and I attempted this feat last night at an introductory event. We really did quite well with the initial commands, only failing miserably towards the end when our brains were unaccustomed to deep thought that late in the evening. Had the class been early morning, we’d be much sharper, I’m certain!

It’s got me thinking about those tap dance classes I did years ago and loved. Perhaps my next venture will be to resurrect the tap shoes, dust them off, and give a quick step-ball-change to my day?

The early morning visibility of stars was stunning. It was so clear and crisp as I walked to retrieve the printed edition of late news, yet current puzzles. The sky was a stunning palette.

Though there were no meteors spotted today, I know there are a few showers for the month. Oh – Happy October, by the way. These early Fall mornings are wonderful and I will continue to look up for the beauty that abounds!

Here’s something to help with your gaze this month.

Phnom Penh Sofitel, Turkish Airlines, Trafalgar, and Southwest Airlines sent me emails today. Am I supposed to travel?

It’s fun to get an email from a past excursion. I do wonder about hopping on a plane to go to Cambodia for one of their wine tastings at the fabulous Sofitel. If I had a private jet, maybe. That’s a long flight for a cigar in the bar with a delicious wine.

Perhaps the Southwest option will be my best bet, especially since I’m heading out with them in a few weeks. Keeping it closer to home this Fall.

By the way, Sister, who’s bringing the cigars?

Whew! I only have two hundred more to go – perhaps “slog” through is more apt. While my favorite author, Irving Stone, presents Sigmund Freud in very detailed writing, it is a little burdensome to continue without skimming. Yet – I haven’t skimmed, a sign that it is a worthy tome.

It dawned on me that this is the most modern biographical novel he has written, and Freud kept copious notes of everything. Also, Stone was able to speak with people who knew Freud and could provide even further details. This is obviously what Irv thought he should do – provide everything he could on the fascinating history of this man.

I’m guessing it will be a couple of weeks before I finish as the book is laden with lengthy pages, so it does take me awhile to get to a stopping point. Nevertheless, I am happy to add this publication to my Stone collection.

• Men To Match My Mountains
• The Agony and The Ecstasy
• Those Who Love
• Lust For Life
• Depths of Glory
• The President’s Lady
• The Origin
• Immortal Wife