It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

The discovery of Shackleton’s ”Endurance” has me reenergized! Those of us who traveled the Southern Ocean to touch Antarctica were treated to many films and stories regarding the explorer on our journey. It was always mysterious and miraculous. What happened to the ship? How in the world did that entire crew survive those conditions and attain rescue?

Well, we know how they survived under the guidance of that indomitable leader, but we never knew anything about the ship. I just think it’s cool, that we can still make amazing discoveries.

I’m off to explore!

Yesterday I was treated to pickled beets. I love beets – pickled, raw on salad, boiled, roasted. I learned I love borscht last year! I would have smeared that beet juice on my cheeks were I looking for a beauty boost. Beets are amazing.

Back when my husband traveled extensively for work, I would treat myself to some of my favorite comfort foods which he would not enjoy. Obviously beets, liver and onions, pickled herring or pig’s feet, and peas. I don’t think I passed on those food favorites to my children, although they both will eat lima beans if we play “the lima bean game.”

Looking forward to introducing those great culinary delights to a new generation. It’s WWA!

A friend, ”Pois,” sent this via her daughter, and I found it very illuminating. Simple, but illuminating.

My “why” was that I needed to relax, just for myself. So, I set up a puzzle, the ”what I did.” In the bigger picture there are much larger ”whys.” I’m starting small on a Monday.

The littlest member of the family is parading herself up the stairs. She reaches the landing, looks up and is delighted to find there are four more steps! Attempts to descend the stairs remain futile, although I understand that will be the next lesson on WWA. (Wednesdays With Avila.)

If only we all could have that joyful squeal when we accomplish a goal! Or that fearlessness in attempting it? I shall endeavor to elicit more delightful notes when I finish vacuuming today and complete the latest load of laundry. Grandma is taking it one step at a time!

My reading has all been Biblical for class lately, with the exception of a backlog of magazines I’m wading through. Maybe it’s time to whip out an Irving Stone biographical fiction tome. Going back in history can be therapeutic. Just because history may repeat itself, we do not have to repeat our own mistakes, do we?

Further proof of a misspent youth was evidenced last night at the ABBA Mania event.

Even though I never had an ABBA album, I knew those songs. Lyrics returned to my addled brain after a rather significant number of years. ahem. It was a blast shared with a lovely gaggle of gals. And if they would have needed a tambourine player, I would have volunteered. And I would have donned a costume, too. And I would always dance! And I would save a dance for my beautiful MIL, June. Happy Birthday!

We surprised ourselves by finishing an entire season of a series! It seems we are notorious for starting shows and then getting bored or losing interest in the writing or actors. We are not good bingers either.

These deplorable television viewing traits only come into play when I need a name for a crossword puzzle. “Game of Thrones” is often a clue, requiring the name of an actor or character. ”The Simpsons” is a favorite, as is ”Law and Order” in all its forms. It can be a challenge to find the solution when you haven’t seen the show.

Hopefully there will be some new clues based on the PBS series, ”Victoria,” while this is still fairly fresh in my mind. On the trail to season three and small ”victories.”

As I’m cleaning out an old prescription bottle to fill with beans – my version of a ”rattle,” I thought I’d share a reminder for those of you needing to renew or retrieve prescriptions. Thanks, Parbara, for this Saturday morning jibe.

We’ve had music lessons for the past two days and have added the guitar to our repertoire. In other words, my little pup has found the strings! The good news – the music room is a draw. The downside? I have beads hanging as draperies and they are also a big draw. Soon I may be redecorating out of necessity!

Whenever I paint, I really should add an extra quart to the measurement required. The extra quart is what ends up on me.

Seriously? I can cover myself, wear a shower cap, and yet….I will end up being painted.

You’ve heard the stories – my painting is meticulous on the walls, and yet, I am a mess after. That’s why, if I weren’t doing my own painting, I would hang out at the paint counter of Home Depot. I’d look for a person with paint on their backside (accidentally bumping the previously painted wall) or in their hair (must paint ceilings! A bonus!) or all over their hands – the best sign. (Spends time with the brush on small spaces.)

My hands are raw from scrubbing, but one closet looks good!