Another Lesson Learned and a Couple Favorites

Tonight was supposed to be our 3rd Annual Draper By Moonlight Bike ride.  The lesson we learned:  to do it in June like we have in the past.  (Things conspired against us in June and July so we postponed to the full moon in August.)  In August the goatheads or puncture vines or whatever you call them are healthy and pesky.  Even though The Husband spent 3 hours the other day cleaning them off the trail, he couldn't make enough of a dent in them to prevent any flats.  I was w-a-y too afraid one of our group would end up with a flat tire and have to walk the 5 miles back.

So...instead, we by-passed the ride and went straight to our post-ride refreshments:  sprite/sherbet floats and Lorna Doones.  The Husband built a fire in the chiminea since we had a rare August storm come through and it was a perfect night for sitting and visiting out in the moonlight.

The guys seemed to especially like the Lorna Doones.


And a couple favorites:

For dinner we had one of my very favorite summertime meals - fresh corn on the cob (learned how to do it quick and easy in the microwave - w-a-y cool!) fresh tomatoes and cottage cheese.

Seeing kids ride their bikes on the smaller roads always evokes memories of being out on my bike when I was a kid.  For some reason I love to see kids out on their bikes.

Going to lunch with a friend and really enjoying it.  She's 12 years older than I am and I find that the older I get the less that matters.  She seemed to really like the birthday gift I got for her.  Corner Bakery continues to be a new favorite.  I'm working my way through the menu.






There's Still Time To Learn New Things

I figured out (with several private tutoring sessions from The Husband) how to put pictures here on my blog from my phone.  I've done it several times, trying to cement in this old brain the process so I don't forget.

This morning I didn't have my phone handy, but did have my camera.  The result: Here is what The Husband's morning commute looks like (or rather the minor detour he took on the way).

There is nothing like the light and shadows from the morning sun.  And he simply couldn't resist a quick soaking in it.  The birds were chattering, the temps were not yet broiling and he looked like he was catching a quick nap (and yes, it was only 9 a.m.  I think he thinks it is nearly always a good time for a nap.)  Don't you love the socks with the flip-flops?  We are a sock-wearing couple.  Most anytime, with any shoes, most anywhere.

In a couple weeks I'll try to take a similar picture - only this time, instead of green grass and trees in the background it will be the Atlantic ocean.  Hopefully minus any hurricanes.

And here's one of the cat from the other day, minus the mouse-in-the-mouth - although I suspect it was looking for another tender morsel for breakfast.



I generally think the phone takes pretty good pictures (especially considering that the sun was barely in the sky for this one) but after comparing the two nearly side by side (or should I say one-above-the-other) the camera clearly has the edge.

You'd think it was Wednesday (but no, it really is Thursday) for all the interesting things going on in my world today.




Thinking

About what I read earlier:  "I never plan for the future, but wander into it with a smile on my face, hope in my heart, and the hair up on the nape of my neck." I like it.

Costco was our destination this morning to replace the floor mat under The Husband's desk chair.  No mats, they're temporarily out.  Instead, splurged on an ice cream bar dipped in chocolate and rolled in nuts.  They are a steal at $1.50 apiece.  Everyone should have one of these at least once in their lifetime.  (And once in my lifetime is plenty.)

And one last thought: we're watching the hurricane situation in the Atlantic.  We always understand we take a risk when choosing the beach at this time of year.  Our fingers (and toes) are crossed.

Today's Favorite Quote

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words and never stops at all."
                  -Emily Dickinson









Must Be Monday

Maybe I'll just start with #1 and go down the list of out-of-the-ordinary things happening so far today.


  1. On my bike ride this morning I saw a cat.  Not in itself unusual.  The unusual part was the mouse  hanging from its mouth. (No chance to get a picture.)
  2. Running into The Husband doing one of his many good deeds:  going along the trail with his shovel cleaning up the goat head/puncture vine weeds so as to reduce the bike tire flats.  What a thoughtful soul.
  3. Making a call to pay a bill under The Husband's name and having the lady on the other end of the phone (after she'd asked the insured's birthdate so as to connect with the proper account) ask me if I am his mother. ???
  4. Having a dumpster delivered.  Doesn't happen often,  Probably is overkill, we might fill it half-way, but having seen what happens around here, I'm sure we'll have some phantom deposits.
  5. School started today.  Been a long time since I was so aware of the beginning-of-school-year activities. (The grandson arrived with a smile on his face.  That's a good sign - first day of Jr. High.)
  6. Arranged to rent the sheets, towels and beach umbrellas for our week at the shore.  Seems vague and uncertain, although I think we're both looking forward to it. (Stopping the newspaper for a week is the topic for another day.)
  7. Received a birthday card in the mail.  So delightful.  The sender:  Kohl's! Now I know I'm important! (One year the only card I received was from the dentist. That card hasn't yet arrived - birthday still some weeks away.)
  8. Having a food rebellion day.  Popcorn (leftover - a rare purchase, free refill - from the movie on Saturday) as a chaser to my breakfast oatmeal.  Hot chocolate (yes, it's 90 degrees outside) along with lunch and I'm planning to run to Corner Bakery (for the second time today - first was for a bundt-lette for the neighbor's birthday) for dinner-dessert.
  9. Was doing a bit of reading and came across the word "peaked" when they were talking about something that "piqued her interest."  Am I really the only one that noticed? Maybe I should go into editing.
  10. Heard the news:  The Son got the job he wanted with the city police department.  Pretty soon I'll be calling him "Officer".  Sounds strange, or should I say "unusual"?

Fairly Fun Friday


Friday morning sunrise across the valley:


And facing the opposite direction (east, into the rising sun over the mountains - hence the washed out appearance.)

















Ok, so maybe just adding random pictures doesn't make my blog less boring.


Maybe this one will be a little more interesting.  These three friends are usually out to greet the morning with me.  Today the two were standing head-to-tail, actually resting their flanks (and occasionally their heads) against each other.  The lighter colored one shifted position a couple times as I passed them, the darker one shifted as well so that they came to rest again, leaning into each other.  We all need a friend.


















This afternoon I took three of the grandchilluns to lunch, had a delightful time.  I still find myself quizzically shaking my head.  Don't know the trigger, but I learned from the waitperson all about the birthday card he's working on for his nephew, the two businesses he worked that required cameras, and all the shots he missed because one business used Canon, and the other Nikon and the cameras worked essentially opposite each other in the ways they're used, and thanks for letting me know there are coins in with the money, otherwise I fling them all over, sometimes into soup and.....shall I continue with all he told me?  Then I stopped in at another store and while I was waiting another customer regaled us all with something he heard on the news in his car while driving.

I must look really lonesome and in need of conversation.  I guess they can't tell I'm really a hermit.


Is There Some Kind Of Message Here?

So the other day I was in K-Mart.  Barely cleared the end of an aisle when a huge pile of  24"-30" bouncy balls tumbled off the very tippy-top of the shelf - barely missed me.  (The employee apologized, it was truly an accident.)

Today I'm in Wal-Mart (yes, I know it seems like I'm always in a store, but really, I'm not a recreational shopper) and I'm walking along and barely get missed by one of those tall stands that hold signage - the lady working on the display knocked it over.

So, my question is:  is there some unspoken message from the universe in these near-misses?

Went for breakfast today with a friend.  Had to take a picture of my straw (working on de-bore-ifying my blog by adding more pictures).  In all my years of straw-sipping I can honestly say I don't ever remember coming across one like this.



If you look closely, you'll see the end is crimped.

Combine the un-sippable straw and the two near misses and I seriously am beginning to wonder.

And to think I've always loved Thursdays.....

Middle Of The Week

Wednesday's label (my own label, no one else's) of being the least interesting day of the week still applies.  Although there were a couple highlights today.  The first being my morning walk on the trail (loaded up on ibuprofen because of this silly arthritis flare-up in my foot).  70 degrees, cloudy, air smelling morning fresh, stiff breeze and on the way home was met by The Husband.  Pretty-near-perfect morning for a walk.

Second, was being taken for lunch by The Husband.  We don't often do this - he works pretty hard.

And the third most interesting thing....hm, I guess there wasn't a third.  Like I said:  Wednesdays - ho-hum, uninspiring, bland.

Which gave me some time to think - I not only have an inquiring mind, it wanders.  Thought about a person who was concerned because they didn't think they were making an impact on those around them.  I'm a bit conflicted.  Sure, we're here to serve. (In my mind there is a subtle, yet distinct difference between "impacting" others and serving them.)  But we're also here to learn and to grow.  Our primary goal should not be to mold or change or (insert your own verb here) another.  That somehow presupposes we are better than others or think of ourselves as on a higher plane.  I should instead work on eliminating my own faults and transgressions.  And work also on my testimony and my unselfishness.  It isn't really my place to "improve" another or make them follow the (my) rules.  I hope to leave that to a Higher Power.  Heaven knows I have enough to do working on my own issues.

Now, let's hope I can keep that in mind next time I get irritated with someone for - well - whatever.  I hope I can keep in mind that they're doing the best they can.  And believe it.  And hope for the same allowance from them.

Pictures and Vegetables

Fresh-picked corn, zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, plums and peaches have graced our table (and our tummies) thanks to the kindness of friends and neighbors.  Every time I pass through the kitchen and notice the produce or prepare it for our consumption my heart grows in gratitude for the kindness and generosity of others.  And I'm filled with anticipation of our own bounty we hope to grow this next summer.

I've read a few things that have been wandering the corridors of my mind.  First:  I read the other day that a blog is boring without pictures.  I'm not-so-great at incorporating pictures in my blog.  But I will endeavor to make this "spot-in-the-cloud" less boring and try to include more visuals. (That means taking more pictures - never been great at that.) Should have taken a picture or two on our bike ride this morning.  16.18 miles deserves some sort of honorarium, at least that's what I think.

Second:  Had a discussion with The Husband this morning about being an independent thinker because of something I read yesterday.  I've been known to say on repeated occasions that I consider myself one of those.  I'm not really good at being a sheep. Prefer to come to my own considered conclusions and then act according to my conscience.  Still, though, I'm a work in progress, and I continue to learn.

Third:  Picked up some Nonni's Biscotti at Costco the other day.  Having a hard time parceling them out over time.  They are just the perfect crunchy - not too hard to bite, but not soggy, just as twice-baked breadstuff should be.  Love them.

And fourth:  a few of the words to a hymn we sang on Sunday haven't left my mind.  "Make us Thy true undershepherds, give us a love that is deep..."  Haven't noticed that word before:  Undershepherd.  We often speak of the Savior as a shepherd, watching out for each one of us, helping us to find our way Home, keeping us together and safe.  Is there a more desirable position than to be The Savior's undershepherd - and to have that deep, abiding love for others?


I Don't Know...

Whether to be sad or relieved.  I finally was able to get in to see a podiatrist about my foot.  It's been painful for some time.  But much worse, lately.  And swollen.  And I absolutely can't be off of it - I'm not planning to be an invalid anytime soon - or ever.

I expected to find a fracture or break of some kind.

Diagnosis:  arthritis.  So, I guess, once again, it's official:  I'm old.  I have an old person's ailment.  The joints in the middle of my foot are getting close to being bone-on-bone.

The good news:  he doesn't want me to necessarily stay off my foot, just wear more supportive shoes than flip flops.  Sigh.  It seems I just barely got converted to them.  The beach trip is still on, just need to wear sandals when I walk the beach.  The elliptical is actually just fine for me to do.  Bicycling is also fine.

The bad news:  it's not going to get better.  More likely to get worse.  I am heading for the glucosamine/chondroitin regime (even though I'm trying really hard to avoid drugs) and need to be pro-active where the anti-inflammatories are concerned.  Tonight I'll be trying the cold/heat therapy and wearing the compression sock.

Bottom line:  I tend to be mostly relieved when I have the information I need to process what's going on.  Information is good.  Arthritis - not so much.  But now that I know what's what, I can deal with it.  Going in to get the cold pack (remember, he said, always start and end with cold).

And, My Love:  Couldn't get through one minute of this life without you.


Wishes

A news report on something or other today said something along the lines of:  if you're concerned about running out of wishes.....

Now that stopped me in my thought tracks.  Running out of wishes.  Hmmm.

I began to wonder what my wishes are - except for the usual peace among people, health for us all, "enough" (food, clothes, shelter, love) for everyone.  I thought about wishing on a star.  And wishing for a talent or passion (other than The Husband). Or wishing for a steadfast friend. Eyes that would never need glasses. Or the rain that we need.  And on a fanciful wish note: paint that would change color at the tap of a finger or a body that would become the perfect weight/shape/height/size at the mere tug of an earlobe, carpet that would never need vacuuming.  The list could be as endless as the imagination.

My ultimate conclusion was that wishes represent hope.  Without hope we would just wither.  Hope provides momentum and impetus.  So my wish/hope is that we never run out of hope - or wishes.

Likes

Here are a few things I've liked from the last couple days:


  • It wasn't fun getting caught pulling from my parking spot through the one in front ('stead of backing up the way you're supposed to) - keeping someone from driving into the spot because I was in the way.  The fun part was being in the way of our friend.  (Thanks, M,  for being patient with me.)
  • Answering the doorbell yesterday afternoon to find our 9 year old neighbor there inviting me to her (and her friend's) lemonade stand.  Only $.25 / cup.  She'd ridden her bike a block and a half to extend the invitation.  And...I received a bonus hug in the deal.
  • Actually watching a hen/chicken cross the road in front of my bike.  She didn't mention why, she just crossed.
  • Quickly loaned The Daughter my iPod to take to work (hers ran out of juice).  She told The Husband it was like having me in her pocket. Haven't been aware of being in someone's pocket before.
  • Receiving a text.  I still really love that rectangular smiley face.  Makes me happy.
  • Receiving some clothing I ordered on a killer sale.  And discovering everything's a keeper.  No returning anything.
  • Chocolate almond butter - by the spoonful.
  • Finally, after much to-and-fro-ing, making reservations, and purchasing tickets to go to the beach for a week.  One of these years we're going to go for two weeks;  yes, one of these years.

Gentleness

I've been thinking a lot about this word lately.  It seems like there has been a reduction of this quality in the world around me.  (And I'm certain I've done my share of contributing to the reduction.)

It feels like people in general have lost the art of gentleness.  Interrupting another in conversation is rampant, propelling the words that can't seem to leave one's mouth fast enough.  Being rough with another's feelings - demanding they act in accordance with one's own parameters, time frame, desires and rules.

Thinking about this, and by extension the characteristic of gentility (the quality of being well-mannered) has led me to an increased awareness of my own actions in this regard.  I find I tend to naturally be impatient, and want others to march to my drummer.  I find myself re-thinking comments I've made and wish to retract considering how they might (though unintentional) bruise someone's feelings.

So, I've decided to work harder.  I'd like other people to be gentle with my heart.  If I promise to do the best I can to be gentle with your heart, maybe you could return the favor. I believe that all of our hearts are tender.

Blooming Things

I'm not obsessive about house plants.  But I do enjoy living things in the house - besides people that is.  And I have a particular fondness for blooming things.  There's just something about fresh flowers....

The Husband and I have an interesting dynamic when it comes to plants.  I fly by the seat of my pants - just do what feels right.  The Husband's approach (as it is to lots of things in life) is to educate himself then do what the experts recommend.  A worthy approach to anything.

So we've had a minor tug-of-war going on with one of my orchids.  To be truthful (and when am I not?) it is kind of a sorry looking plant.  The ends of the leaves turn brown and it gets a bit wrinkly.  He's sort of taken the plant over a time or two - put it in the bathroom where there is more humidity, tried different watering approaches (and there I agree, I think it does need more water than the others).

Then I recently stole it back.  It now resides with its friends, my other orchids.

Yesterday during my regular watering I found myself squealing with delight.  Here's what I saw.


If you look closely (or click on the image to enlarge) you'll see a tall spike heading off on the left side of the plant.  This appeared nearly overnight.  And it will be - yes, you guessed it - orchid blooms!!

That means that this year every single orchid that I have has bloomed.  One of the pluses of orchids is that the blooms last for months.  Just this week one of the plants lost the last of its blooms from the early spring.  And I still have an orchid that has about 20 flowers still on it.

So...sometimes it just works out.  Whether by design (educating and following the general wisdom) or accident (flying by the seat of your pants), good things are often the result.  (And in my head I'm jumping up and down and whisper-shouting, "YAY, YAY, YAY!")

The Third Time...

Was fabulous!  Tonight was our third time attending the play "Wicked."  We saw it first in San Francisco, then in NYC and tonight in Salt Lake.  And I loved it as much tonight as I did the first time I saw it.  (I think The Husband likes it ok - at least well enough to take me 3 times!)  Our seats were terrific, we began the evening with a salmon dinner at Market Street Broiler then parked and walked through City Creek Center on the way to the theater. All in all a wonderful evening.  Thanks, My Love, for a lovely Mother's Day gift.  (I'll be humming "For Good" for the next several days.  It's one of my favorites!)

And earlier:  I stopped at the grocery deli to pick up a couple chicken thighs for The Husband's lunch.  They're $1.99 each, she says.  That makes it $4.  For only $2 more you can have 8 pieces.  I hemmed and hawed and finally said - sure.  I turned into our driveway just as our friend was getting out of his car in front of our house.  Perfect!  Now I had lunch for not only The Husband, but also our friend.  Those are the little things that I cherish.  Someone is watching out for me.

Windows

We have roughly 60 separate window segments on the main floor of our house.  I watched with interest today as 4 of them were replaced. And was struck again at the ingenuity of man.

It was a simple process.  The tricky one was the one behind the sink, a story and a half above the ground. He was determined to not get out his superlong ladder.  The countertop under the window is hollow underneath - no support - so no standing on it, he'd go right through.  To replace the transom he sat in the open window with his feet in the sink, his tushy dangling over the edge, stretched w-a-y up high to remove the glue that holds the window in the frame.

Tonight's gratitude is about windows.  How fortunate we are to have them dotting our walls.  Providing us with ever-changing views of the beauties around us:  the tree limbs dancing in the wind, the butterflies flitting, the clouds scudding and sometimes, the rain, or the snow or the leaves drifting from the branches.  How dreary our home would be without this view.

Hearts

Walking the trail last week, I spotted a couple up ahead of me.  By the time I got close enough to capture them on my phone's camera, their route took a detour off the trail and up through the park.  I barely got this picture before they disappeared. (To view the picture larger, just click on it.)



I don't know who they are, never even caught a glimpse of their faces.  But....I did follow them for quite some distance.  And during that time they never ever let go of one another.  Just two (presumably) sweet older people out for a morning stroll.  Enjoying the sunrise and conversation.

It seems lately I've seen a number of older couples out and about, always with their clasped hands between them.  I'm not sure why, but this consistently evokes an emotional response from me.

Perhaps I've got a bit of the romantic in my soul.  Or perhaps there's a sense of longing involved.  Whatever it is, I usually think:  I want that.  The Husband and I have had more than a glimpse of that sort of depth in our relationship - the kind that evolves over time (through shared life's experiences) - that intertwines two hearts in a sort of inseparable completeness. And we work toward an increase in meaning in our marriage.

What a treasure from our Heavenly Father - and one for which I hope to be ever aware. I think if I could have one wish for other people, that would be the one.  A heart that reaches out and unites with your own.


Exercise

I generally do my bike riding/walking/treadmill/elliptical first thing in the morning.  I tend to get hot and sweaty and need to shower and do my hair to make myself presentable for the rest of the day.

After seeing the lady during my bike ride this morning I guess I've been woefully under-presentable for the trail. Didn't wear any lipstick.  Have to get right on that tomorrow.

And what fun to be invited to lunch with our son and his wife and two of our grandchilluns.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Combine that with all the laundry and ironing and tidying up and book finishing that I did and it was a pretty good day.


Family

The Daughter and Granddaughter spent last night with us as they pass through town on their trek to The Granddaughter's sophomore year of college.  Her car full of her necessities.

What fun to see them and share hugs.  Astroburger seems to be the site of several of our "group hugs."

After we saw them off we saw a movie (too full of swear words), cleaned up a bit in the garage as we shifted things around in preparation for the window replacement this week, and just generally delighted in our proximity.  We sorely missed that togetherness last week - and with our busy weekend it seemed we hadn't yet caught up on each other's "aura."

So, tonight's gratitude is for families and....vacation days!

Baptism

Yesterday The Husband was privileged to baptize our 12 year old grandson.  Today, The Husband confirmed him a member of the Church and then later ordained him a Deacon.

This grandson has wanted to be baptized since he was 8.  After finally receiving permission from his Dad and going through the lessons from the full-time missionaries (one of them is from Germany) his wish came true.

It's hard to describe the emotions I've felt over the weekend.  This grandson is only here every other weekend.  And yet, there were roughly 40 people at the baptism.  Nearly the entire deacon's quorum attended.  On a Saturday afternoon.  Dressed in white shirts and ties.

These are the Tender Mercies that feed our souls, that buoy us up in times of difficulty, that give us strength.  That strengthen our testimonies.

And now, my wish for our grandson:  that he continues to be a shining beacon of hope, that he continues throughout his life to have a desire to be in full fellowship in the Church.  That he continues to love both his parents with his whole heart.  That he never, never, never gives up on his growing testimony.

I guess all of that is more than one wish, but I can summarize it with:  I wish him happiness as he is obedient, faithful and loyal.  We're behind him all the way.

And Husband - you are my Hero in so many ways.  I'm ever grateful you found me.  Don't leave without me.

Smartphone?

About a year and a half ago, I inherited a no-longer-needed smartphone from The Husband.  (It was a Christmas gift from his employer, they've done that for all their employees for several years.)  I loved my other phone, it was one I picked out and was burgundy - not boring black. But I wanted to try a cheap data plan so I'd have access to our calendars and e-mail when I was out an about.

So last week there was a system update for the phone.  And it's gone amok.  The auto-fill, auto-correct feature on texting is now w-a-y over the top - inserting entire phrases, using similar-but-wrong-words.  I spend more time correcting the auto-correct/auto-fill than I do entering my entire text. What makes this stupid smartphone think it knows better than me what I want to say?

And another thought:  Yes, I know I'm overweight.  Yes, I exercise most every day.  (There's no rule prohibiting fat people from exercising.)  And yes, I'm sure you were trying to be kind.  But, Sweetie, your bones are no smaller/finer than mine.  I just have lots more (all natural) padding, and I'm 15 years older than you are.  I get extra points for persevering in spite of my age and padding, don't I?


Inspections / DMV

Was surprised yesterday to get a phone call from the dealership reminding of my appointment for the inspections, etc. for the Prius.  I guess it's like a doctor's visit for the car, and they don't want to waste valuable time.  I just don't remember ever getting a reminder call for the car like that.

So I arrived, checked in and settled down for what was estimated to be a 1 1/2 - 2 hour wait.  I expected that.  35 minutes into my wait, my name is called, I'm handed the papers, directed to where the car is parked and sent on my way.

Seriously?  Only 35 minutes?  Since when is anything ever "less" than expected?  Of course, the car passed all the inspections, no difficulties.  (It's 2 years old and has 5350 miles on it.  The guy at the dealership said I must have been pretty busy (tongue firmly in his cheek) to put so many miles on the car.)  Apparently for as long as I own the car (a dealership perk for buying the car from them) the state-required inspections are free. And I think we pre-paid for the oil changes.  But whatever, I walked out without paying a penny.  Plus...they washed the car! (And I could have had free popcorn as well!)

Since I had so much unexpected time on my hands I headed up to the DMV to pay the renewal on the license.  Again, checked in, sat down, had time to text The Husband and my number was up.  In and out in 5 minutes.  Wow - and they say all government is inefficient.  If all government could be inefficient in this manner we'd be in great shape!

Some days it does pay to get out of bed.

And tomorrow:  The Husband comes home!!!! (I won't even complain about cooking for awhile it will be so good to have him back.)

Value

Since I'm alone this week, I've been sampling some of the local eateries for some of my favorite dishes. Monday was Paradise Bakery (greek salad, minus onions, plus chicken).  Yesterday was Mimi's (salmon provence salad, plus strawberry shortcake muffin) and today was Olive Garden (zupa toscano and salad, 1 breadstick=dragon (garlic) breath.)

Other than the person at Paradise who just plain doesn't listen, the upside of all these restaurant encounters is the way I've been treated.  Like I matter.  That it isn't important that I am a person there to eat by myself.  That I have value even when I'm a single diner.

This hasn't always been the case when I've eaten out all alone.  And I confess I don't enjoy it as much now as I've managed to in the past.  So it has been gratifying to find that I count.  I never tire of discovering that I matter.  It's so opposite to what I mostly feel.

Thanks, Mimi's, Paradise and Olive Garden.  I appreciate your consideration.