The best laid plans...

 Today started out quite pleasantly.  My spouse and I each had an appointment with a doctor, but no shots or pain involved.  After those appointments we went to brunch at Joanna's, very tasty, then on to Schumachers produce farm to buy tomatoes, potatoes, and corn on the cob. 

 After which we proceeded home, looking forward to a relaxing afternoon.  We might even work on our current jigsaw puzzle for a little while. 

Unfortunately, although it was necessary, soon after we got home, I flushed the toilet in our upstairs hall bathroom.  We did not know, until that flush, that the ring seal under that toilet had become old and brittle and had been leaking slowly for some time.  The reason we didn't notice this was because the leaking water was trickling down into a book case in the family room.  If it had been leaking through a ceiling onto the floor we would have seen it long ago, but, as it was, it just leaked quietly into a bookcase to be absorbed by books, albums and other paper materials.  And there was no bad smell.

Today however my spouse just happened to hear a soft little dripping sound as he sat down to relax for a bit in our family room recliner, and looked to see water dripping down into the bookcase.  He knew, by the position, that it had to be coming from a toilet and immediately called a plumber, who came right away with his assistant.  They figured out the problem and fixed the leak quickly, leaving us to clean up a mess that we had never known existed.  Happily, all of the damage was limited to one set of shelves, floor to ceiling and about five feet wide.  

Needless to say that size book case holds a lot of stuff.  We found picture albums, wedding albums, books of all sorts, including an old hymnal, a family Bible (happily very little damage), plastic cases of CDs and DVDs, (we're not great about throwing things away) and lots of loose paper stuff.  Much of what we found was moldy and had to be discarded.  Just so you can appreciate how serious it was, my wonder spouse even had to throw away his Boy Scout book of knots.  

It was not the relaxing afternoon we had intended but it is good to know that it's all clean and taken care of, except for all the 'must save' pictures drying out on towels on our dining room table.  These include the pictures of my first wedding and many baby pictures of my spouse's children and grands.  The albums were ruined but we were able to save most of the pictures.  I'm sure we can find new albums at Michaels or on Amazon.  

So, one more project, but that one we will do lovingly. 

eating dirt???

 Today is "National Diatomaceous Earth Day" and also "Eat Outside Day."  This seems appropriate since diatomaceous earth is basically edible earth.  Obviously, as soon as my west coast brother sent me this information I had to look up 'diatomaceous' as it's not a word that I hear or use frequently.

Food grade diatomaceous earth is a one hundred percent natural chemical-free powder made from fossillized freshwater algae with no additives or fillers.  It kills pests like ants, fleas, and roaches by basically coating their exoskeletons and drying them out.  It can be used as a dry powder around baseboards, windows and in gardens to manage crawling insects.  It's also used as an anti-caking agent in livestock and pet food.  It's available by the bag at Walmart, Home Depot and other similar stores, or Amazon will deliver - no surprise there.  

I had never heard of this until today but now I'm wondering if it would have worked on the Japanese beetles that decimated our roses last summer.  We have since replaced them with other sturdier flowering plants so I guess we'll never know.  

A wonderful singer...

 In church this morning we had a special guest soloist.  I found his name in the bulletin, Michael Deshield, but no other information.  He sang "for Everyone Born" and ""Is There Anybody Here?" He had a beautiful tenor voice and I was curious about his background.  I thought he must have some opera training (not that I'm an expert on vocalists) because he sounded so good. 

So I Googled him.  Here's what I found, from several different sources.  He was recently named a winner of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition as a winner of the Indiana District and an Encouragement award winner of the Central Region, and he is quickly catching the attention of the opera world.  He is lauded for his 'pleasantly throbbing tone'.  

I am not going to list here everything he has ever sung.  Although he is young, the list of operas in which he has performed is extensive.  You can access several of his performances by Googling him and I think you will like what you hear.  

I still wonder why there wasn't any bio information about him included in our bulletin.  Perhaps the composer of our bulletin thought that having info about him to read might have distracted us from listening to him. I don't think that would have happened, not after the first note. 

Remember the name, Michael Deshield, and go hear him if you get the chance. 

early plans

 My spouse and I are beginning to make plans for a driving trip through the southwest in late October or early November.  

I've started to think about places I definitely want to re-visit, and one of the first sites that came to mind is Mesa Verde.  I have been there three times.  There have been at least ten to fifteen years between visits and each time I've been there I've learned newly discovered information about the early inhabitants.  But there is another place that I find equally intriguing.  It is Casa Rinconada, a huge kiva (gathering and trading place) built by the Ancestral Puebloan people.  It's now part of Chaco Culture National Historic Park.

When we were in Alaska this spring one of the places we visited was a large building, a replica of one used by the earliest native Americans of that area as a meeting place.  It reminded me so much of the southwestern kivas, same step down round or rectangular area with a fire pit in the middle and a smoke hole at the top of the roof of the building.  I guess the design makes sense, how else would you construct a large gathering place, but I remember one of the lectures we enjoyed on our cruise ship showing a likely path of migration begining with prehistoric people crossing the Bearing Strait, west to east, when it was a land bridge and migrating along the west coast of what is now Canada and the US, all the way to Mexico.  

I find it fascinating to think about how far people travelled on foot all those years ago.  I find it fascinating, but I'm really glad we will be traveling by car. 

two more chances

 You have two more chances to see Noel Cowards "Hay Fever" performed at First Presbyterian Theater here in Fort Wayne at 300 W. Wayne Street, across from the downtown library.  My spouse and I saw it this evening and I highly recommend it.

The play, written in 1920 takes place in England and features the Bliss family.  Kate Black gives an outstanding performance as Judith Bliss, an aging but oh so dramatic actress.  Everyone else in the cast also performed brilliantly.  

The Bliss family, mother (the actress), father (the author) and adult son and daughter (the hangers-on) epitomize the 'dys' in dysfunctional families.  I guarantee that you will find plenty to laugh at in this timeless play and come away feeling so much better about your own family.  

As I said, you have two more chances to see it. Saturday, August 29 at 7:30pm and Sunday, August 30 at 2:00pm. Admission is $20 per person, $15 for seniors 60+.

just because...

 Today, according to my west coast brother, is "Just Because Day."  What a great day.  I spent a good deal of today reading a good novel, just because I couldn't put it down.

My wonder spouse and I had pizza for supper (Hawaiian for him, supreme for me) just because we hadn't had pizza for a few weeks and just because we really wanted it. 

We also spent some time on our current jigsaw puzzle, just because we felt like it.

This afternoon I had my annual physical with my favorite doctor who thinks I'm in great shape.  I keep going back to him, year after year, just because I really do like him and trust him.  That's primarily just because he listens when I talk to him and takes the time to answer my questions. 

At that same appointment, just because it's required by Medicare, one of the nurses gave me a hearing test.  I could hear all the little beeps and buzzes, high and low tones, in each ear, but her little machine was telling her that I'm deaf.  So the last 'just because' of today is that, because of machine or operator error, I will probably soon be having an appointment with an audiologist.  Just because....

Way beyond beautiful...

 According to my west coast brother, who finds these interesting facts for me, on this date in 1498 Michelangelo was commissioned to create his sculpture "Pieta."  I imagine that most of you are familiar with this lifesize, hauntingly beautiful sculpture of Mary holding the dead Jesus in her arms after his crucifixion, at least from pictures.  

It is housed in the Vatican now and I was fortunate enough to see it on my last trip to Italy.  It is, as I said, beautiful because of the subject, but, I think that, even if you had no knowledge of the New Testament and no idea who Mary and Jesus were, no emotional attachment to the work at all, you could not fail to appreciate what an excellent work of art it is.  The strange calmness on Mary's face, the tendons, sinews and bones visible in the almost skeletal body of Jesus all testify to the amazing talent of Michelangelo.  

The sculpture is now protected by a bullet proof glass screen after it was vandalized in 1972, but even with the glass in front of it, it is easy to appreciate and even marvel at the skill it must have taken to create it. 

As it happened, on that same trip to Italy, we visited a museum (I think in MIlan) where I saw another, unfinished, version of the Pieta also by Michelangelo.  This sculpture wasn't behind glass and I was able to walk all around it and see not only the polished surfaces of the finished product but the remains of the carrara marble block from which this one was being carved and chisel marks not yet smoothed away.  I am not referring to the Rondanini "unfinished" Pieta which was from Michaelangelo's later years and left that way deliberately.  In that sculpture Mary is standing and holding Jesus upright, as if just taken down from the cross.  The one I remember had Mary in the same seated position as the famous Pieta. 

Years before I ever traveled outside the US, I lectured in Art History at the Fort Wayne Art School (later part of IPFW).  I used slides in most of my lectures (it was the good old days) and later in my life, when I was able to travel to many places in Europe, it was always a thrill to see the originals of those slides.  Seeing the Pieta was one such unforgettable experience.  

good eating...

 My west coast brother has once again supplied me with an interesting bit of information.  Did you know that on this date in 1958 Chicken Ramen was introduced?  It's true.  Momofuku Ando, a Taiwanese-Japanese businessman and founder of Nissin Foods invented instant raman noodles in 1958.  I'm not going to go into all of the history except to say that ramen noodles had been around for a long long time.  It was the idea of 'instant' noodles that was brand new.  

College students and any young people living on a tight budget have applauded this invention ever since.  Ramen noodle packets are still one of the cheapest things you can buy in a grocery store.  

And it doesn't stop with young people.  At every point in my life when I have lived alone, ramen noodles have been one of my stand bys.  I especially like the chicken flavor.  I have even served them to my wonder spouse once or twice.  

The thing about ramen noodles is that they can become delicious and filling meals all by themselves or with some enhancements.  I used to add chopped up cooked pork or chicken (whatever I had leftover).  As an alternative, I would stir in a raw egg while the ramen was boiling and make egg drop soup.  Now you know my secret ramen recipes. 

So on this very special day let's all toast Momofuku Ando, preferably with sake or plum wine.  Cheers and thank you Mr. Ando, for your wonderful invention.  

Keep on keeping on...

 My west coast brother has informed me that, on this date in in 1456 the first printing of the Gutenberg Bible was completed.  He then went on to say that it took Gutenberg four years to complete the plates and questioned whether we are that persistent anymore. I agreed that with the ability to have next day delivery of just about anything we want or need, patience and persistence don't seem to be necessary virtues in our daily lives.

However, I do know of one project that has been being worked on for the last several years and isn't finished yet. I have visited the Crazy Horse Memorial three times over the last 40 years and have definitely seen progress, but so slowly.  If this isn't an example of patience and persistence I don't know what is.  When you next travel through South Dakota you should definitely stop and visit this monument.  After which, if you feel the need of refreshment, by all means stop at Wall Drug Store in Wall, SD for free ice water and the chance to purchase anything you could possibly need or want. 

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument under construction on privately held land in the Black Hills, in Custer County, South Dakota, United States. It will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land. The memorial was commissioned by Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, to be sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski. It is operated by the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

The monument has been in progress since 1948 and is far from completion.

spreading some joy

 I had a delightful encounter with a two year old girl this afternoon.  It only lasted a few minutes but we both came away smiling.  

My spouse and I had gone to Parkview Regional hospital to visit with his brother who is happily on his way to recovery.  

As we were leaving my spouse realized that he had forgotten to give his brother something and went back to his room.  Since it was a long way back there, I sat down in a little waiting area to wait for him.  

A young mother, Amish or Menonite by her dress, and her little girl were sitting in the same area.  The mom and I chatted a little bit and then the girl showed me her 'balloon.'  Her daddy, who wasn't there at the momenent, had blown up a blue surgical glove and it really made quite a nice little balloon, very sturdy and a perfect size for a two year old.

The child and I played with that balloon for about five minutes. We wiggled and bent and squeezed the fingers and made the hand balloon wave.  It was just silly fun but it made us both laugh.  Then my spouse came and we walked off.  I smiled and waved to her and she smiled and waved back.  Such a simple little interlude but it made me feel cheerful all day.  I hope it did the same for her. 

Crash course...

 The adult Sunday school class I attend subscribes to a program called The Wired Word.  Every week we are provide with a choice of two topics for discussion.  The members of the class (there are about 20 of us) take turns choosing the topic and leading the discussion.

This Sunday it's my turn.  I chose the topic "People Weigh Pros, Cons of Data Centers." Since I knew very little about data centers, preping for this has been a real education for me.  

One of the things that made me interested in this topic is the fact that there is a data center being built in our county.  It has been under construction for over a year now.  

Here, in a nut shell, is what I learned.  "Data centers. sometimes known as 'server farms' are the buildings where cloud data is stored. When we transfer our data into the cloud, we are transferring it on to servers in a data center (hence the meme there is no cloud, just someone elses computer).  Data centers typically take the form of windowless, warehouse scale buildings containing hundreds of servers (pizza box-shaped computers) stored on shelves in cabinets that are arranged in aisles."

So now you know what I know.  I'm looking forward to a lively discussion tomorrow because I'm sure there will be some strongly held opinions.  It's that kind of group.

That famous smile...

 My west coast brother informed me that, on this date in 1911, the painting "Mona Lisa" was stolen.  It was recovered a little bit over two years later and the thief was sentenced to less than 8 months in prison.  That seems to me a very small penalty for stealing something as rare and amazing as the Mona Lisa.

It was painted by Leonardo da Vinci during the years 1503-1519.  He worked on it, carrying it with him to various other assignments, during all those years, adding minute details and layer after layer of translucent paint.  It's no wonder she's so beautiful.  

In case you're wondering what else he painted, he painted "The Last Supper" between 1495 and 1498.  You've probably heard of that.  I have seen it and it's quite amazing.  In addition to being a great painter Leonardo was an inventor.  The last time I was in Italy we were taken to a museum where many of the inventions he had drawn had actually been constructed.  It was fascinating to see the collection.  He was truly a Renaissance man.  But you can read all of the books about him on your own time.  

What I really wondered about today was why the thief who stole the painting from the Louvre in1911 didn't get a longer sentence.  He actually kept the painting hidden in his apartment for two years and the well publicized hunt for it made the painting famous.  He was arrested when he finally tried to sell the painting.  The reason he gave for stealing the painting was that it was painted by an Italian artist and the thief, who was Italian, wanted to return it to Italy.   Evidently the French saw this as an act of patriotism and so didn't give him a harsh punishment.  I'm sure it also helped that the painting hadn't been damaged.

What's for supper?

 My west coast brother informed me that today is "National Bacon Lover's Day" and also "International Hawaiian Pizza Day."  He then went on to say that, in his opinion, Hawaiian Pizza is really more of a dessert than a pizza.  As you probably know, Hawaiian pizza is made with ham and pineapple (and tomato sauce and cheese) so it really is a pizza, sort of, but I agree with my brother, it just doesn't seem like real pizza to me.  I like pepperoni and bacon and other kinds of sausage, and mushrooms and black olives and cheese of course - lots of cheese - on my pizza.

However, Hawaiian pizza happens to be my spouse's very favorite kind of pizza, which works out well for both of us.  When we go to our regular pizza place (B'Antonio's in case you're interested) we each order our own pizza - small, hand tossed crust, Hawaiian for him, some kind of meat pizza for me.  Each pizza comes cut into six nice size pieces.  We each eat three at the restaurant, then bring the rest home.  Usually, we each have one piece for lunch the next day and two for supper.  Pizza is an amazing food, that tastes just as good as a     left-over.

In case you're wondering where I'm going with this blog, it's too late tonight, but my wonder spouse and I have already agreed to go out for supper tomorrow evening.  He always reads my blogs so he will probably respond favorably to my not so subtle hint.  Happy eating everyone.  

Take that picture...

 Today is "World Photography Day."  I had to find this out all by myself.  My west coast brother and sister-in-law spent the day roller skating, so no time to research special days for me.  My brother did, however, send me a picture of his wife doing the "Limbo" on skates.    I am in awe of anyone still skating at the age of 70 and my sister-in-law, all 4' 11" of her, is very very good at it.  My brother at 6' 6" may not be quite as graceful, but then again he does have farther to fall.  

My daughter regularly babysits for my great-grandson (almost six months old) and she sends me pictures of him at least two or three times a week. I am delighted to receive these of course. 

The two pictures I received today make me appreciate how easy it is to take, save and share pictures these days.  They all live on my phone.  I have a friend since college who has always loved to take pictures and has more than 30 fat albums to prove it.  It was always assumed that when she came to visit she would bring with her many albums with up-to-date pictures of her children and grandchildren.  She did surprise me though at her most recent visit.  The pictures she showed me were all on her phone, and she informed me that she was saving them to the cloud. How times change.  She also surprised me by admitting that none of her three children or their spouses want any of her albums; maybe a picture here or there but no albums.

And speaking of photographs, my wonder spouse and I have decided that from now on, instead of preserving and framing the jigsaw puzzles we have finished and really like, we will just take a picture.  We can project these pictures on our TV if we want to look at them or show them to guests (just like we do with trip pictures). 

There is a commercial on television that begins by saying "Our children really don't want our spoon collection."  I'm pretty sure that our children really don't want our framed puzzle collection.  

  Then again, we do have 10 grandchildren to give them to. 

Honoring Grandpa

My west coast brother has informed me that today is "Never Give Up Day" and "National Bad Poetry Day."  Both of these 'days' remind me of my maternal grandfather.  He was certainly a man who never gave up.  In his youth he worked in the Pennsylvania coal mines in order to earn enough money to go to seminary.  He eventually graduated from seminary and became a minister in the Brethren church.  He faced a small problem in his first church assignment.  He spoke only High German and English while his parishioners spoke Low German.  A little bit like US English vs Scottish. If you've visited in Scotland (a land that I love) you will understand what I mean.

He learned to communicate and was eventually well received.  In addition to his life-long career as a pastor, my grandfather also loved to write poetry.  While I don't think his poetry is bad, many people would consider it unsophisticated.  He self-published at least three volumes that I am aware of.  While flipping through one of his books of poetry, "Poems For All Classes" published in 1922, I came across this poem which seems very appropriate for "Never Give Up Day."

The title is "Do What You Can"

Say not within your heart, I see no chance in this broad world for me,

And sit not down to fret and whine

Because you think you ne'er shall shine 

Before the world as others do; fret not for there's a place for you.

The little star that shines on high does not make bright the entire sky,

But should each little star complain 

Because all heaven's great domain is not made bright by its small ray, And for that cause should fret and say  

"Because these brilliant rays of mine do not reach all 

I'll cease to shine."  

The heavens all o'ercast would be with gloom and darkness. 

None could see the beautiful and radiant light 

which gladdens many hearts at night.  

I, in this world am but a star.  

My light may not extend as far into the dark world's gloom as some,  Who through the world may go and come, 

But God has given me some work 

To do, my task I will not shirk; 

I'm one small star in his great plan, therefore I'll do the best I can.

My grandpa as I knew him.  I was nine years old when he died.

Grandpa and Grandma on their wedding day.  Circa 1900.

Was this for real???

My west coast brother informed me that today is "Balloon Airmail Day." Naturally this piqued my curiosity so I did a little reasearch. Here is a little bit of what I found. The concept of airmail was first whispered in the corridors of innovation during the late 19th century, but it wasn't until the early 20th century that the idea truly took flight. As airships grew in popularity, forward-thinking entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to transform the postal service. Thus, airmail was born, marking the beginning of a new era in communication. On Balloon Airmail Day, we commemorate the pioneering spirit of those who dared to dream big. From the early experiments with hot air balloons to the luxurious airships of the 1930s, this holiday honors the innovators who bridged the gap between two modes of transportation: airships and mail. Their courage and vision laid the foundation for a global postal network that continues to connect us today. I was particularly interested to learn that one of these early test flights was launched in Lafayette, Indiana. I urge you to Google this topic. You will find an amazing amount of information. Then, in commemoration tie a note to the string of a helium balloon and let it fly. If you attach your name and contact info you might just get a friendly response.

Twice terrified...

 Well, terrified might be a little too strong a word but not by much.  Let me explain.  This all happened about 40 years ago but the memories are still vivid.

These memories were brought back when my west coast brother informed me that today is "National Roller Coaster Day." I have ridden on a roller coaster once (only once), and as I said the memory is still vivid.

I had just finished a week long training session leading to a designation I was trying to earn as a relocation specialist (an add on to my Realtor / Broker status).  This would, we thought, bring more business into our company, and it did. The training program was held at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge near Knoxville.  They had, probably still have, a huge hotel with lots of meeting rooms and a large glass domed atrium which boasted several restaurants.  

The first terrified moment came when we attendees were gathered under the glass for lunch on the third day of the conference.  We were told that a tornado was coming and the whole area must be evacuated.  We were all scared but the evacuation was handled very smoothly.  We were led out of that big open area into long, tunnel-like, utilitarian hallways behind the kitchens that guests were never intended to see, well away from any possibility of flying glass.  Waiters, cooks, all kinds of staff guided us, finally, out of the labyrinth and to our hotel rooms.  As it happended the tornado went south of us and did not do any damage to the hotel, but the whole evacuation experience was rather scary.

Knowing that my conference was at Dollywood, which boasted an amazing amusement park, my first husband brought our two children down so the three of them could spend the weekend after the conference with me. I innocently agreed that this would be lots of fun.

As soon as we got to the amusement park the kids decided that we all must go on a roller coaster ride.  I had never been on one before, nor had my husband.  I don't remember how he handled it.  All I do remember about that ride was that as soon as the coaster made its first plunge I started screaming, and kept it up for the entire ride.  I was truly terrified.  My then teenage children thought this was hilarious.  The chant "Oh Mom, you were so scared!" followed by gales of laughter, still rings in my ears.  Teenagers are not kind.

Were the Indians (Native Americans) right?

 I had a text today from a dear friend who lives in Texas.  She was very concerned about reports she had been seeing on the news concerning flooding and power outages in various parts of Indiana and wanted to know if my spouse and I were ok.  

I assured her that we are fine and told her that we have been having rain but nothing excessive.  I then went on to explain that bad weather like heavy rain or excessive snow (in the winter) often seems to bypass our area.  It is not at all uncommon for Indianapolis, to our south, or South Bend to our north to get much heavier snowfalls than we do here in Fort Wayne.  Granted, a lot of South Bend's snow is lake effect but that's not true for Indianapolis.

Fort Wayne is situated at the convergence of three rivers, the Maumee, the St. Joe and the St. Mary's.  An old Indian legend states that tornadoes never strike where the three rivers come together and that has held true for all the years I have lived here (basically my whole life).  When I was a child a twister (baby tornado) uprooted a large tree and blew a farm building off its foundation on our farm but that was 20 miles from Fort Wayne.  More recently a tornado did a lot of damage to some farm buildings northeast of Fort Wayne, but again that was over 20 miles away.

So now I'm wondering if our three rivers location also protects us from heavy snows and flooding rains, at least most of the time?  But only most of the time.  We must not forget the blizzard of '78.

Just for fun, I thought you might like to see what Fort Wayne's flag looks like.  Obviously, those three rivers are important to us.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

City of Fort Wayne

Adopted	June 26, 1934
Designed by	Guy Drewett
Variant of the flag where the city's name and date are added to the flag.

The flag of Fort Wayne, Indiana was adopted as the city's official flag by City Council on June 26, 1934. The pall design includes two diagonal white stripes (from the bottom left and top left corners) converging in the circular center to form a horizontal white stripe. Red silhouettes of a Miami Native American head (center left), a French fleur-de-lis (top right), and a British lion (bottom right) grace a navy blue field. A red blockhouse is located at the center of the converging stripes. On some flag variants, the city's name and founding date are placed around the blockhouse, though this is uncommon.

Tattoos...

 My west coast brother started his text today with a riddle which I think is worth sharing.

"What's the best thing about Switzerland?"

"It's flag is a big plus."  

I know - groan - obviously a DAD joke.  By the way, I have been to Switzerland and it is a beautiful country, so no disparagement intended here.

But now on to tattoos.  My west coast brother also informed me that today is "National Tattoo Removal Day."  I do not have any tattoos nor have I ever had any removed but many, many of my best beloved family members have them (no, not my wonder spouse) and I did aid in taking care of an unwanted one.

Some time before or during my daughter's first marriage she had her spouse's four-letter first name tattooed in two inch high letters (each letter in a different color) on her upper left arm.  Sadly some marriages are not meant to be permanent, even though the relevant tattoos are very much so.  

After looking into having the tattoo removed, which she discovered would be a slow and painful process, she came to me with a request. Would I please design a tattoo to cover up the old one?  I don't have a picture of it, but I did design a coverup tattoo of four flowers in the same colors as the name tattoo.  She had my design tattooed over the name tattoo.  It disguised it completely and still looks good to this day.   

Not really a 'removal' but my best tattoo story. 

PS Her current, much more satisfactory, husband is very happy that the old tattoo is covered up.

It's his day!

 Today is, according to my west coast brother, "International Left Handers Day."  In honor of my very favorite left handed person, my wonder spouse, I would like to share with you the situation and possible advantages of being left handed.

Left-handers spend much of their lives adapting to a world designed for right-handed people — from scissors and spiral notebooks to computer mice and classroom desks. But on International Left-Handers Day, celebrated Aug. 13, there may be a few reasons for southpaws to celebrate.

Roughly 1 in 10 people are left-handed, and the group includes former presidents Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton; artists Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo; entertainers Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney and Lady Gaga; and sports stars Babe Ruth and Phil Mickelson.

Research suggests that being left-handed may confer advantages in some situations,

According to The Telegraph, left-handers may benefit from years of adapting to a largely right-handed world. Here are some potential advantages:

• Adaptability and problem-solving. Left-handers routinely navigate tools, workspaces and everyday tasks designed for right-handed users. That constant adjustment may encourage flexibility and creative problem-solving. 

 I think this is absolutely true.  Flexible and creative certainly define my wonder spouse.  Also, he is definitely adaptable.  From his working days as an Electrical Engineer to his retirement challenges such as organizing all of our trips, and of course while having fun solving jigsaw and other kinds of puzzles, he is brilliant.  

Happy day, wonder spouse.

Smiling faces...

 This morning I received a text message with a picture of a boy I used to tutor.  Today was his first day of fourth grade and his smiling face got my day off to an excellent start.

Later my spouse and I and my brother-in-law took a drive to Marble Lake (near Coldwater, Michigan) for a reunion of cousins.  The day included a boat ride, delicious food, including my wonder spouse's fudge (his mother's recipe), a lively card game, lots of reminiscing, and smiling faces all day long.

On the drive home from the lake I received a text from my son and daughter-in-law with a selfie of them on their first day of school, as teachers of course.  This year they are teaching at the same school.  Their broad smiles lit up my evening.  

All in all a smile filled happy day.  I think I will still be smiling as I fall asleep. 

Brace yourself...

 Actually, I'm the one who is bracing myself.  Several months ago my wonder spouse had stem cell injections in his knees to alleviate the pain and the procedure was very successful.  After careful consideration and a lot of pain, especially in my right knee, we decided that I should do the same thing. 

It sounds so simple - inject a concoction of buttery consistency into each leg just at the bottom edge of the kneecap. That part was simple and went very smoothly this morning.  The catch is that, in order to ensure that the stem cell mixture stays in the right location in each leg (it won't do any good if it just leaks away) I must now wear a brace on each leg that is strapped on above and below the knee and holds the knee in perfect alignment until everything is set.  I will be wearing these braces for the next six weeks.  This will be followed by six therapy sessions to assure that all is working as it should be.  

When this is all finished, I will, theoretically, be able to keep up with my spouse on walks and hikes of the sort that occur frequently on our trips.  I will not be running!  I have never been a runner so that is not on my agenda.

Although there was a time when I sprinted really fast to catch a granddaughter who was about to fall into the creek.  But that's a story for another time. 

Mystery solved...

 Not the poster mystery, I'm still waiting for input on that but we have solved another much smaller mystery. 

First you should know that we have finished another jigsaw puzzle. Here it is.

Fifteen hundred (1500) pieces, and as you can see, lots of picky little details.  It was a challenge, I can assure you.  But you know, it keeps us off the streets and out of trouble.  Our grandchildren don't have to worry about what we're up to.  

However we did face one mystery as we completed this puzzle.  There was one piece missing, a bright red and blue piece that should have been easy to spot.  Now we know that puzzle pieces have a tricky habit of falling off the table and on to the floor after we turn off the lights and go to bed, so we have learned to search the floor around our work space frequently to gather up the fallen pieces.  We have never lost one yet, until yesterday.  The puzzle was completely finished, the floor had been thoroughly searched, still one piece missing.  While we were searching my wonder spouse put his hand in the pocket of the old sweater he wears sometimes while we're in the basement, because it can feel chilly down there, and there, in his pocket was the missing piece.  He assures me that he did not put it there and I believe him.  

Now we have learned that we must search pockets as well as the floor for the most tricky puzzle pieces.  

Fear not, this will not stop us from starting another puzzle.  But maybe just a thousand pieces next time?

a 100 year old document

 My mother was born in 1910.  She told me that when she was young (I'm guessing somewhere around 1925 - 1930) she had a Japanese pen pal.  A few months ago I was going through some old things I had stashed away and came across some items that my mom had saved that were evidently from her pen pal.  

Among other things was this poster (for want of a better word) and I've been curious to learn what it represented ever since the first time  I unfolded it. It had been folded and stored in an 8.5 x 11 manilla envelope for all these years.  

It is about four feet long and three feet wide.  Today I finally had a chance to sit down with the minister of the Korean congregation at our church to see what he could tell me about it.  The first thing he told me was that it is not Japanese.  The people pictured are dressed in Chinese style clothing. 

Interestingly, my Korean pastor can read some Chinese.  He and some of his congregation members figured out that it is a poster aimed at converting people to Christianity.  Part of the message printed along the borders says "Read the New Testament."  He used a translation app to read some of the small print.  If you look at the picture you will see that the gentleman on the right is holding a stack of small Bibles (New Testaments?) and giving one to the family. 

My best guess is that this was hung in a church but maybe it was hung in anothe public building where lots of people would see it. If anyone out there knows anything about this or similar posters you can scroll down to the comment button at the bottom of this blog and leave the information.  Suggestions on where I could do further research would also be appreciated.

in the news...

 My west coast brother lives near Spokane,Washington.  If you've been paying attention to the national news you are aware of the wild fires that have been burning in and around Spokane for the last couple of weeks.  Thankfully, my brother and his family are in a rural area that is not threatened right now.  They are however dealing with a lot of smoke.  He tells me that masks left over from the days of Covid are coming in handy.  

 The good news is they have arrested the pyromaniac.  He has admitted to starting 25 fires in the last couple of years.  He is in jail with bail set at $1,000,000.  Again, according to my brother. 

I am writing about this because I just don't understand what would compel someone to start fires.  

When I was a girl livimg with my family on our little five acre farm the farmer who lived across the road accidentally set fire to the tall grass growing along the side of the road.  It had been a very dry summer and the fire burned brightly, but just for a while.  The volunteer firemen arrived before it got very far into the field on the neighbor's side of the road.  The fire was put out, no damage done except a scorched area along the road.

That's as close as I ever want to come to a fire.  Please keep the people of Spokane in your prayers.

more memorable bliss...

 

This evening was another great family time, this time with my daughter and son-in-law, grandson and granddaughter-in-law and, the undisputed star of the show, my great grandson who was five months old yesterday.  

We feasted on steaks, grilled to perfection by my wonder spouse, with tater tots perfectly cooked with the hot air fryer feature of our new microwave, salads and, as the grand finale, made-from-scratch brownies made by my granddaughter-in-law wno happens to be an excellent baker.  

Before the evening ended we took a four generation picture to go with one we already had.

This picture was taken in 2001.  It is a four generation picture.  From left to right my father, me holding my grandson, and his mom, my daughter.

Fast forward 25 years. From left to right me (the great grandparent this time around) my daughter holding her grandson and her son.

You should have figured out that the little baby in the top picture is the bearded daddy in the bottom picture.  

Isn't it fun, seeing the generations grow and thrive?

refreshing.....

 Today, according to my west coast brother, is "National Root Beer Float Day."  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to indulge in a root beer float today, but just thinking about them brought back lots of sweet memories. 

 Do you remember A&W root beer and the stands where you could buy it?  A&W was our favorite (also the only root beer stand in the small town where I grew up). Sometimes we had our root beer with vanilla ice cream (a float) and sometimes we enjoyed our root beer straight and served in a heavy glass frosty mug.  Never with ice, that would dilute the flavor. 

When my first husband and I went traveling around the United States in our trusty VW bus, accompanied by our two children, coming upon a root beer stand was an automatic excuse for a stop.  

When they were very young, we bought two miniature mugs for the kids.  They loved those little mugs and drank everything from them; root beer of course, but also milk, fruit juice, even water.  

Not surprisingly, the more I think about root beer floats the more I want one.  Sadly, it's too late tonight, but there's always tomorrow.

I just did quick check and I may have to change brands.  It's not nice to drink alone and my wonder spouse can't drink anything made with corn syrup.  Happily IBC root beer is made with cane sugar, and our local Kroger's carries it in 4 packs and 6 packs.  

Even better, I need to go shopping tomorrow. 

pure bliss...

 The only thing better than a day at the lake is a day at the lake with several of your dearest family members.  Add to that delicious snacks, dinner at a good restaurant, a boat ride for the adventurous, and hours of laughter, good conversation and catching up on all things family, all brought together by the "hostess with the mostest" and you have the recipe for a perfect lake day.

And, speaking of recipes, the lime and lemon ice cream pies stacked four inches high with their delicious fillings, made by our hostess, were the perfect end to the day.  

Our youngest granddaughter was nine on Sunday so we celebrated her birthday a few days late with gifts and a game of her choice.  Because she is very fond of wolves the game involved granting each of us a 'wolf name.'  Her grandpa, my wonder spouse was named Pepper Dark Moon Wolf (approriate with his salt and pepper hair) and I am now Luna Wolfgang Wolf.  

It was a perfect day at the lake.

Notice the college flags flying.  There were many Purdue people there today.  All in all a fine fun day at Wawasee.