It’s “Hey Rene J” Today!

Yesterday, (a recurring theme) I planned my day around my designated accompanist gig for a funeral at my church. I was properly attired, primped, and early for rehearsal. I arrived.

First, I had a lovely, spirit-lifting conversation with the “Director of Music and Liturgy” right as I entered the church. He was dressed in a suit, which should have been my first clue. He asked me if I knew the deceased, which I did not. He then proceeded to give me a lovely compliment regarding Christmas, as I looked over my shoulder at the video screen showing “Doris” and her life. I turned to my director and asked, mid-compliment, “Who’s funeral is this?”

Obviously, I was one week early, wrong funeral, wrong date. We both burst out in laughter, totally inappropriate for the deceased’s welcome party, and yet, I figured, “Doris,” was that kind of person. I didn’t know her, but I think it was fitting.

The only loss was my taking time to curl my hair and wear something other than causal gear. Not much of a loss compared to the lovely life for which I did not get to musically accompany.

Yesterday was “National Houseplant Day.” Granted, I did not read the email to see who in the world designated that, nor to see who wanted me to purchase more plants. It was a nice reminder to water the ones I have as they continue to live their Darwinian existence here.

And then the “How to lose weight without exercising,” segment of the Today show was on. The answer, “No way.” Another lovely reminder as I clomped around the house.

Finally, I keep realizing how much crumb mitigation the dog actually did around here. We miss him in many ways, but that one has me in awe. It is a reminder that I need to sweep frequently, and if there is a mess somewhere, I can’t blame it on the dog.

Cruising through Taco Tuesday with broom in hand.

Last night I considered reupholstering my sofa, as in, trying to do it myself. I spent the evening online scrolling through fabric samples, placing five in my cart, and then reassessing my thought process.

That’s the problem with a new year and resolutions. I think I can actually do things I’ve never done. I’m just going to stick with the usual “get-in-shape” and “paint-the-music-room” goals. They’ve been on my list for two years, so maybe this will be the magical one. Or not.

Yesterday I finally caved in and purchased gas for my vehicle. I had been sitting at 20 miles to empty all week, mostly because I had another fueled car to drive. (You might be a tad low, Dear.)

My local Sam’s Club has the best price, and I ventured out to seal the deal. Did you know that the pumps took a day off on January 1? The attendant had to keep telling customers to move to different pumps where the pressure had returned to pre-holiday strength. He was quite pleasant in his task. I chose four pumps before settling on one in the sun, and I informed the woman behind me to take my spot when I was finished.

That attendant was grateful and then dealt with a nasty, impatient guy next to me. “See? This will be my day,” the attendant said to me. Of course I thanked him and he smiled and I immediately put that on the new year’s resolution list.

Thank anyone who is employed doing a job I’m not doing. Oh – and choose a new parking spot every time I shop. None of this, “same spot so I can remember where I parked” business. It will make my forays into the general public much more interesting and provide me many more steps for health.

Nearly thirty years ago on a night dive, my underwater flashlight hit upon this animal in a crevice. The beautiful color change I witnessed as I followed him captivated me and still resides in my memory.

The “theme-for-the-year” team was totally influenced by this long ago episode, but the younger member cemented the deal with a very fun gift to her older half-witted sibling.

Enjoy the waves of change.

Sometimes it’s really difficult to find the quirky and mundane observations in life, especially when so many are suffering. In a few hours, the depth of our aridity surfaced and continue to leave so many homeless in the worst wildfire in Colorado history.

Thus, I offer the wisdom of theologian and author C.S. Lewis. A gentle reminder. Let’s welcome the new year with open arms, shall we?

Last night my daughter asked to raid my closet. “Why?” I queried. “For the murder mystery dinner party we’re attending. I need something “trendy, but cheap.” Out of the mouth of babes.

That is a fairly accurate summary of what you could find in there. It’s just an odd adventure when I walk into that too-small-to-house-my accoutrements-space. I’ve outfitted a gypsy, flapper girls, a couple of Kentucky Derby attendees, and whoever else needed something “unique.”

Today I’m wearing my funky hot pink platform shoes which cost me $.25 at a garage sale. They do actually reside in my closet. I’m going to an 80’s style gaming arcade. They are the perfect accessory.

Marie Kondo would have fun in my mess. Maybe she could find some joy in there?

Today, there is no dithyramb for you. No inflated speech or poem, though I’m sure I could easily write one! (Word of the day) Today, only a little helpful hint for you pyromaniacs.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is my “burn the last of the candles” week. I celebrate Christmas with red tapers, which I love, and by upping the stock of Yankee Candle. (Cranberry scented) However, tapers leave wax on my glass and crystal candlesticks. Because I have lots of “half-burned” candles, I use this week to light them with special prayers and intentions. However, cleaning the sticks is another issue.

Heloise, a hint. (Old column in the Omaha World Herald) Put your candlesticks two at a time in the microwave for one minute on a piece of wax paper topped with a paper towel. At the ding, the sticks are warm enough to handle and you may wipe out the wax with the paper towel. Easy peasy.

The next lighted candle is for you!

In between loads of laundry, I happened upon this trivia which directly relates to the pursuit of happiness.

The crossword puzzle was invented to give people a spark of joy in the newspaper, following the bleak and dire stories of WWI which dominated headlines. The NYTimes finally caved in and added the puzzle during the blackouts of WWII, to give people something to occupy their minds other than war. They were first called, “Word-Cross,” but that changed when a typographical error termed them, “Crossword puzzles.”

It was nice to have an explanation of the origin of one of my favorite mind-centering activities. Try this first puzzle ever published. I’d give you the answers, but you aren’t going to work this anyway. Happy Christmas Monday.

Even my comic friend, Stephan Pastis, is grasping at straws!

My trusty IPad, missive assistant, was dead yesterday. By the time she was up and running, I was running! Today I shall be cramming in that ever-popular December activity, watering the trees, another form of running around. My phone continues to give me red flag warnings for the county, so I won’t be burning any fireworks this Christmas. There’s enough dust floating around my house to spontaneously ignite a spark, so I’ll be remedying that in between the pine soakings. (I know it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also the dustiest!)

Let’s have a confab after Christmas, shall we? Merry Christmas to all.