Thursday, October 24, 2024

My very Biased Toktoberfest 2024 Family Winner

My husband accused me of faking this... Nope.
How can anyone fake silly Polly's pose?
All I can say to our silly girl is,
"Please don't ever change."
 

Friday, October 11, 2024

A True Classic & Old Memories

In the eighties, my father purchased numerous decaying Chevrolet Corvettes. I remember returning from high school and getting to work sanding refurbished fiberglass chassis parts. We called one that he resold the “Roach Coach” because years in a farm field took their toll.

My parents joined a ‘Vette club that hosted car shows and other social events. And yes, I also helped detail cars for competitive events. Believe it or not, old toothbrushes proved great for polishing tiny crevices.

Mom drove a 1984 model (bought used yet pristine) while Dad’s lipstick red ’69 Stingray with shiny chrome accents was my favorite. We used to laugh about that car being my age. My folks even raced these vehicles a few times. Picturing my mother wearing a racecar helmet and ear to ear smile still brings me joy.

Those experiences stayed with me; I not only purchased bank checks featuring various models but can still give a rough estimate of when a certain body style came out. Stumbling across a mid 1950’s model this week, I had to take a photo.

What a beauty...

If the driver had been present you can bet a short conversation would have ensued. In fact, I will shout out to those driving any vintage automobile, exchanging pleasantries if parked or even stopped at a traffic signal. I don’t despair upon seeing cars in rough shape, either, quite certain they’ll get deserved renovations.

My husband and I prefer more practical rides. Yet I consider my appreciation akin to my married self ogling an attractive person, aside from polite discretion, of course.

Do you remember when merchants more readily accepted paper checks over credit cards? Is your community a car culture or more vested in public transport?

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Monday, October 7, 2024

Old Timers Moving On – & – an Apology

First, I want to let our blogger friend Strayer know that her tireless work is much appreciated. I’m sorry that no web browser I’ve tried will let me comment today. ~rolls eyes~ Be that way, Google…

So, anyway, my husband and I moved into our home in 1994. We bought a flat screen television that year, an expensive investment. Years ago we planned on buying a high definition unit when the old Sony died. But it’s hung on all these decades (!) and weighs more than we can now lift together.

Together deciding we would finally replace it, my husband did excellent research. He discovered a unit that fit our living space and even the old stand (!), whose own heavy components I assembled.

Before this new Samsung arrived we needed to clear space and contacted 1-800-JUNK. These crews don’t just haul things to a garbage dump, they donate/recycle everything possible; I’ve seen their work on shows about hoarders.

This super kind and competent duo gave a fair estimate, we agreed, and they quickly loaded up a broken treadmill, miscellaneous outdated electronic devices, plus the dinosaur television. This all happened a day earlier than expected, mere hours after our new TV was delivered.

Impressed by their service, my husband added a tip to the reasonable fee. And I made sure to leave a good review. Even our cat Dandelion was happy because the guys doted on her while the twins hid.

The way things worked out is awesome,
and "Titan AE" looks amazing...


Can you believe our receiver has since died? How lucky are we that the television has decent sound?

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Thursday, October 3, 2024

Keeping Busy – & – Keeping it Local

I wish my husband wasn’t so adamant about following current events. He considers it his duty to track the status of human conflict. I have no idea why.

Sometimes I try blocking out whatever bad news he’s hearing by lying on the bed with my fan on high for white noise, often with a cat or two (or even all three). He doesn’t understand the level of my futile empathy, though, evidenced by later regurgitating stuff I didn’t need or want to know.

My defenses against pointless anxiety and depression are, as stated first, keeping busy. My summer gardening provided much relief, as do cooking and baking. To his credit, he praises all my efforts.

What he also misunderstands is how, an equal introvert by nature, I’ll speak to strangers hoping to spread a little joy. I’ll compliment a person’s appearance, comment on trivial matters, or simply smile at their children. My favorite tactic is spreading laughter.

Oftentimes I say, “Excuse me” after bumping into a person or obstructing his or her path.

The most common friendly response these days is, “You’re okay.”

To that I gravely reply, “No, I’m not.”


It never fails to elicit at least a small chuckle. And some amused folks agree with my comedic sentiment.

Are folks around you mostly polite or more on the rude side? When others apologize by saying, “I’m sorry,” should I look them from head to toe and reply, “Yes, you are.”

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