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."

 

It's Tocktoberfest! And here's Terra...

She is Our Sleek Multi-toed Athlete...

It's Tocktoberfest! Dandelion offers our first entry...

Finally, a Fan of the Tunnel

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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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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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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Another Movie Review

Though the original “Beetlejuice” came out the year before I met my husband, we both saw it in theater and enjoyed it. Never expecting a sequel, I was skeptical until discovering positive buzz online.

It’s not for everyone (but what is?). In particular many scenes contain an extreme gore factor, however comedic.

We enjoyed this film immensely. The plot offering fresh ideas instead of just being a nostalgia fest impressed me, as did some surprising twists. The great Willem Dafoe gave a standout performance; his acting range never ceases to amaze me.

I’ll end my humble little post at that. Ragweed pollen has my sinuses pounding. lol Just know the returning cast and newcomers to the franchise performed wonderfully.

Do you suffer allergies? Is there a particular season you prefer?

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Pumpkins – & – Lucy the Octopus

As our growing season winds down I’m happy to have harvested four Jarrahdale pumpkins. They are more gray than blue but much like those seen at a garden center last autumn. These last three will be indoor décor until winter, when I’ll process them for foodstuffs.

I would be devastated if some prankster smashed these...

 

I’ll make an effort to display them through a front window. Meanwhile, I hope to try growing more colors as shown below. The one problem is having enough space for their vines. My husband joked about buying a patch of farmland and I am starting to think we should look into it.

I could buy 3 packs of seeds for the cost of 1 of these...

Before processing my first one, Terra had to investigate. In other words, she decided to provide an adorable photo bomb.

“I’m all you need for fall decoration, Mom.”

Last but not least, here is a video my husband discovered. If you think octopuses are creepy, feel free to skip. They sure are smart. It’s a true shame most species only live two years.

Does your area provide community garden spaces? Should I see if any neighbors would be willing to invest in some land?

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