Life reimagined

The end of the year.  A day of eating and playing and friends.  A day to look back and look forward.  Looking back, I play the "what if" game.  What if I had never walked into the wrong room and discovered debate?  What if I had never listened to Miss Loosewheel and not taken the ed block just in case?  What if I hadn't been fired from my first job?  What if I hadn't been unlucky in love...the first time? What if I hadn't developed the amazing friendships I have?  And god forbid, what if I hadn't been lucky in love the second time?  Can't imagine.  Looking forward, I play the "can't wait" game.  Can't wait to see what comes next.  Can't wait to enjoy the time with friends.  Can't wait to see new places and experience new things.  Can't wait for my coffee this morning...so will quit playing games and simply say...I can't imagine a better life!  Happy New Year...with all my love!

A very good day...so far

It started well.  Early, but well.  Plans and documents have been created for the high tea on Saturday.  Puzzles and coffee were consumed.  Then, throwing all caution to the wind, and with no regard for the weather gods, we jumped into the car and left town...realizing the capriciousness of such an event during this time of the year.  We were to meet our godchild for lunch in Brookings.  We did.  No problem on the road.  No problem in finding the place (in the Market Galleria).  No problem with the place.  Great food, pleasant service, great ambiance.  Following lunch, we toured Aquatec..a company for whom she does PR...and then headed home.  When my eyes were open, I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the snow drifts along the fences.  They swirled.  They peaked.  And where they peaked, the sun glistened on the tops.  It was the most beautiful shade of pure white.  Made even more beautiful by the fact they had been formed BEFORE we were on the road.  It made the enjoyment much easier.  Once home, we did a little grocery shopping and I just returned from a brisk (okay, colder than...well...I'll leave those comparisons to your imagination.  I was, after all, a crude young man!) 2 mile walk and now, since I am old, we are preparing for an early supper.  Tomorrow is friends and games.  Another very good day!  Hope yours was as good, and you remember to love and that you are!

Powdered sugar

Or if you prefer, confectioners' sugar.  To my knowledge, a topic on which I have not opined.  Oh, not because I don't think of it often.  No!  There are days it is on the top of my mind and the tip of my tongue.  If it weren't for this little bit of white gold, there would be no cream cheese frosting for the carrot cake.  There will be no drizzle of pure decadence on the scones.  There would be no lemon glaze for the lemon bars.  Life in the universe would change drastically without this commodity.  And yet, to have never written about it?  Absurd.  And those are just its useful features.  What about the absolute way it has to spill over everything simply when you open the bag?  What about the fact that it can seep into the tiniest of crevices, eschewing any and all cleaning techniques.  What about the fact that no matter how many layers of plastic I use to keep it fresh, it somehow still manages to clump, requiring sifting every time it is used?  Freud would probably refer to my attraction to this substance as a love/hate relationship.  Hmmm.  I wonder if Freud ever wrote about powdered sugar?  I have too much time on my hands.  And you are loved!

It must be love

My connection to football.  Equipment manager.  Eighth grade.  Since then, my connection has been my wife.  That's probably true with baseball, soccer, racquet ball (ask her how she lost the bottoms of her two front teeth!) and Texas Broom Hockey!  She is the epitome of a fan.  If you bounce it, throw it, or hit it, she will follow it.  And oh, the things that I have learned over the years.  I know where each team is located.  I am familiar with the names.  I've visited the arenas.  And in truth, it has never hurt!  Oh, osmosis stops way before getting excited about these events.  But I will go.  And I will watch people.  And I will truly hope her teams win.  That makes her happy.  And that makes me happy!  In case you're wondering, her Vikings beat the Bears today.  I know because I checked out espn.com.  A painless way to discover whether the ribs in the oven are celebratory or conciliatory.  They are the former.  And you are loved!

I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. DeMille

Sometimes, things in the universe coalesce into one perfect experience.  In the almost 17 years Rocci has been a member of our family, it has been amazingly difficult to capture her in graphic form.  Something about a black puppy.  For some reason today, as I was looking at the picture I had just taken of our orchid, blooming happily in the sun

I noticed that Rocci was intent on my activities.  A quick switch from view to shoot, a lucky juxtaposition of fate and a little help from a workshop I took this summer, and the result was clear.  Ms. Rocci was ready for her closeup!  It's hard to believe the love an animal can generate.  And not only that, the orchid was pretty, too!  May the universe bless you with experiences to enjoy and remember, and know you are loved!

The year in review

As we approach the new year, it seems only fair to look back at 2014 through the eyes of memory.  We laughed.  A lot.  We cried.  A little.  We traveled.  A lot.  We rested.  A little.  We enjoyed a lot.  We were bothered.  A little.  We ate.  A lot.  We fasted.  Darn little.  We played.  A lot.  We worked.  A little.  We learned a lot. We regretted.  A little.  We made new friends.  We lost good friends.  In short, like the 64 years that preceded it, we were amazingly blessed.  And it's not a view through rose colored glasses.  It is, instead a choice.  In each instance, the parallels could have been reversed.  But attitude is everything, and attitude is a choice.  So as 2015 nears, I will strive to remember to make it good.  And I will remember with great love those that continue to make life the amazing miracle it is.  I will remember you!

And let it begin...

with me!  Peace and love!

Jeopardy answer...Tigger and my wife

Question:  what are two things that bounce?  Of course, there is a story.  And in the spirit of the holidays, it has a happy ending.  Up early to do the buns I talked about yesterday, I decide to start the dressing.  As I am tearing up the hot dog buns purchased for that very purpose, I hear a bump and my name in a register that immediately seizes me with cold dread.  I sprint up the steps to find Cath on the floor of the kitchen and the dog, headed for the door.  Cath directs me to get the dog out the door.  I head that direction and step square in the reason the dog was headed for the door!  Hopping to the door on one foot, I get the dog out, paper toweling to clean me and the floor, and get the story.  It was Cath's night to sleep downstairs to care for the dog (another story, another time!) and having slept through the night, the dog woke in need of relief.  Cath is right behind her, shooing her toward the door as the dog intermittently does the relieving thing.  In the shooing process, Cath slips on the tile floor, takes a header into the corner of the hutch, and ends up on the floor.  No blood.  No broken bones, and no concussion, at least that we can discern.  But one huge goose egg that currently is changing color.  The woman continues to amaze me.  After half an hour, we're headed on a walk to Taco John's for breakfast!  As I said...bounce!  Our own little Christmas miracle!  Tis the season, and you are loved!

'Twas the night before the night before Christmas

For darn close to 65 years, the anticipation of Christmas has lifted my mood, excited my psyche, and, at a younger age, caused me to bounce off the walls.  There's just something about food and friends and paper and bows and good will that get me.  (English teachers out there, I dare you to count the inappropriate number of ands!)  Tomorrow I shall bake buns in the morning, go to church with Aunt Edith and Cath in the afternoon, and head out to Cath and Chris's for supper.  Christmas day will see us in the car, headed to Ipswich to spend the day with my sister and part of her family.  It will be the first Christmas in a long time that we have just enjoyed the labors of others!  For some reason, it doesn't seem right, but I really am planning on enjoying it!  Good food, good conversation, and good people.  That part seems amazingly right!  So, as you prepare to prepare for your holiday festivities, allow us to wish you a very happy holiday.  Celebrate the love you have and the love we send to you!

The beets are peeled...

as are the potatoes!  The mushrooms are stuffed and pre-baked.  The chicken tenders rest comfortably in a bath of buttermilk.  The bread is rising in the proofing room (that would be the bathroom with the electric heat turned up to "oh my god, it's hot in here!").  And the pie.  The pie awaits consumption.  I'm not sure, but I think I may be happiest when I'm preparing food to share with others.  Or maybe, preparing and eating food shared with others. And that's quite a statement, since I choose to be happy most of the time!  There's that whole "food is love" thing at work.  Anyhoo...tonight, we entertain a former student and his wife.  One of our favorites, he has come home to roost, and continues to make a difference in the community and in our lives.  She is a delight, teaching this old dog new tricks.  Hopefully, a good time will be had by all.  And that, my friends, is what the pie is for!  Everyone needs a guarantee!  Enjoy the ones you love, and know that you are!

On this, the shortest day of the year,

Funny, I thought they all had 24 hours!  But oh, how exciting to realize that we will have more time to not see the sun for the next six months.  Hidden somewhere in the fog, that re-energizing orb will grace us a little longer, and that, my friends, is an amazing thing.  But let's discuss what can be accomplished on the shortest day of the year.  Breakfast at Hardee's followed by a Christmas run to Wal-Mart to finish shopping for the kidlings.  A brisk walk to church to see the great niece and nephew in their Christmas "pageant" (and at one point, it did indeed look like "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever").  Walk home.  Do a toughie of a crossword puzzle, have a bowl of home built tomato soup, mix up the ingredients for a carrot cake, prepare the Cornish Game Hens and broccoli salad for supper, enter today's post on Facebook, and finish up today's blog.  And half the day is left!  I'm anxious to see what kind of trouble into which I can get.  (Oh Lordy, but that thing about prepositions at the ends of sentences can be a real pain in the...brain!)  The day "light" indeed may be shorter, but the length of love remains the same.  And you are!

Spell check

Okay, I have been reveling in the fact that the Christmas letter has been published.  I now am quite contrite realizing that knowledge is not spelled correctly.  Pride goeth before the fall!  Alas.  Only a teacher would find a way to incorrectly spell that which he tried to instill for 34 years!  Then of course, there's the philosophy of building a good readers following.  Publish one day and take the next day off.  I don't believe that instills confidence in the new reader that there is any consistency to this process.  In the spirit of the holidays, I can only hope for forgiveness!  And in light of my expectation of moving forward rather than dwelling on the past, I can only hope the knowledge that this post imparts will help educate.  Thanks for being here, and know you are loved!  (PS...it is now spelled correctly!)

The annual Christmas letter!

'Tis the week before Christmas

And not from this house

A Christmas card sent yet

My gosh, he's a louse!

The stockings are hung 

in the kitchen this year

To find them?  Much harder

The coal I do fear.

The year?  Like so many

Was filled with great things

From Florida warm

and Black Hills, joy did ring!

The cards at the table

Ran hot and ran cold

For us, bridge is tempting

It never grows old.

We're older and wiser

Some aches and some pains

But willing to try things

Consider the gains.

But one thing is stable

On that we do bank

The friends who support us

To you we do thank

And know in this season

of trees like above

We send you good greetings

We send you our love!

Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good ... year!

Cyberly yours,

bz and cz

It's almost official

We've been to city park to see the lights!  It's Christmas.  We've had lutefisk and lefse.  It's Christmas.  We toured the town to enjoy the lights.  It's Christmas.  We just enjoyed a group of young carolers.  It's Christmas.  Now, if there were only peace on earth...then it would truly be Christmas.  Know you are loved!

tonight's the night!

If you have ever heard me speak, you probably recognize today's title as the punch line to one of my favorite all time stories.  Tonight, however, it takes on a totally different meaning.  I have often been asked (frequently by me) why on earth anyone would choose to live in South Dakota in the winter.  Cold.  Snow.  Ice.  Cold.  And on any given day, I may have trouble explaining that choice.  Not tonight.  I just got back from a brisk 2 1/2 mile walk.  It is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS out there.  The stars shine so brightly.  The air is so clean.  The Christmas lights glisten and reflect on the diamonds in the snow.  My lungs are filled with sparkling air.  My eyes are filled with a landscape that literally defies description, my soul is filled with the peace that comes from such an experience, and my mind is filled with the answer.  Tonight's the night!  And you are loved!

Fortuosity

We were scheduled for a trip to Sioux Falls today for a band concert and an eye appointment tomorrow.  In a stroke of luck, we opted early this morning to exercise our "oh my god we're old and don't care to die on the highway" prerogative and are currently ensconced in our front room watching the horizontal snow and somewhat smug because the concert we were scheduled to attend has been cancelled!  The weather has resulted in a hectic day of bridge, puzzles, SAVING MR. BANKS, and listening to Christmas music whilst we play on our electronic devices!  A day unscheduled!  Amazing!  Rib eye for supper, a nap on the horizon, and the realization again that plot shifts can be extremely positive!  Bloom where you are, and know you are loved!

foggy memories

On my way out to the dollar store for essential materials (disposable pans in which to place fudge!), I was amazed at the thickness of the fog.  Except for the idiot ahead of me who obviously didn't care whether anyone could see her or not (no lights on), people were driving defensively...and well.  For this, I am appreciative.  Having purchased 40 disposable pans (it is Christmas, after all!), I headed home, and like often happens, the strangest things trigger positive memories.  It was a few years ago.  Cath's folks had a cabin at the lake, and we had dibs for the weekend.  Just the two of us.  We woke up Sunday morning to the thickest fog I recall.  Not a whisper of a breeze.  I suggested a trip around on water skis.  Cath obliged.  Now understand, this was before Dr. Thompson had given me the gift of sight (and I had left the coke bottle glasses on shore).  We took off, and as we rounded the cove, for me the boat disappeared.  I was suspended magically by the rope in front of me with nothing but ultimate faith in the driver.  For approximately 10 minutes, I was totally and essentially skimming the water...alone...and it was the most amazing feeling I have ever experienced.  Peace.  Pure peace.  And I was smart enough to let it envelope me.  For those 10 minutes, I was the only one on the planet.  Now understand, that is, in most instances, the most frightening of thoughts.  But somehow, for this period of time, I was totally relaxed and in the moment. 

Three things.  First, realize what a gift it is to have someone in whom you place all your trust.  I was absolutely certain I would be safe.  Second, realize that experiences like this are rare, and one should carry them with one.  Third, the fog was a little more enjoyable when I got home!  Memories can do that!

May you find that special place that makes a memory for you, and know you are loved!

I'm embarrassed that

--I'm smarter than my phone.  To use it, I flip up the top half.  I dial the number.  I speak into the phone.  When I'm done, I flip it back.  No key board.  No texting.  No internet access.  A phone.  To talk on.  When I want/need.  Hmmmmm
--I still use Microsoft Office 2003!  I know how it works.  It does EVERYTHING I need it to do.  I have other things that require my learning curve.  Like how to fold napkins into Christmas trees--something I saw on my desk-top computer--not my phone.  See note above.
--I gleefully embrace the holiday concept of good will toward men (women, too!).  It may be outdated.  I should probably be shopping to buy presents.  I should probably be fretting over how I can put extra pressure on myself during what should be the most calm and serene time of the year.  Instead, I will simply use every opportunity to let the people I admire and love know that I do.

I lied.  I'm not embarrassed!

Thank god for...

---interruptions.  I had it all planned.  I would finish my book, take a leisurely shower, cut fudge for tonight, and enjoy a nice supper with the neighbor and my beautiful bride.  All but 30 pages of the book done, and there was a knock on the door.  She who shall remain unnamed interrupted the conclusion of my book!  As we do every time we are together, we talked!  She is an amazing woman, a delightful friend, and much better than finishing the book.  It would be there after the speech.  She wouldn't.  Reminder to self.  You are unbelievably lucky to have such interruptions.  And swsru, thank you!  I know you will read this, and let's do it again.  We didn't get it all said.  But we never do!
---realtors.  And all associated personnel!  They were the audience tonight.  So many wonderful people!  If you are reading this, remember your assignments! And be safe out there....
---enough energy to read 30 pages.  At least, before I fall asleep.  If you want a good read, try THE KEEPER OF LOST CAUSES, by Jussi Adler-Olsen.  MOST entertaining!
---you!  Stop back tomorrow, and know you are loved!

Deep insight

I've made my share of mistakes in this lifetime.  I've been fired.  My first fiance.  The maroon polyester suit with the platform shoes and the velvet bow tie.  All have been growth stimulators.  I've learned.  It does not, however, mean I won't be making more mistakes.  Like today.  For example.  I'm putting together a list of educational professionals in our district.  I misplaced the list of senior high individuals.  I call.  Joan (who has saved my butt on numerous occasions) gets the list ready.  I go to school.  Dumb.  Dumb.  Dumb.  Dumb.  Dumb.  It was 3:31.  School dismisses at 3:30.  Parking?  Yeah, right.  Quietly sneaking in in my yoga shorts (neon green)?  Yeah, right.  Getting out of the parking lot to come home.  A true test of patience.  My insight?  I could have gone at 4:30 and avoided all the hassles.  Live and learn.  If I hadn't been fired, I'd never met my second fiance (first and only wife), and if it hadn't been for the suit, I never would have been called Billy Bow Tie.  Clever moniker, don't you think?  Live and learn.  And you are loved!

Just another Tuesday

Some days are just normal days.  Like today.  Started in the normal fashion.  Crosswords, coffee.  Then, the tires needed balancing, or the wheels needed to be aligned, or something had to be done to those round things that make the car go, so out to the dealership I go.  They do what they have to do.  Back in the car, I notice the light for low gas is on.  I look at the computer prognostication of miles left.  It says four.  Four!  I head for Casey's so I can use our mileage card from Hy-vee.  I look at the computer as I pull into the station.  I swear it said pray!  Put 20 gallons in our 20 gallon tank and headed home.  Afternoon was spent visiting with our aunt and preparing for the retired teachers' program on Thursday.  Visitation at the funeral chapel was followed by a stop for Chester fried chicken.  I do believe we (okay, I) may frequent that place a little too often.  Last week they asked if I had been sick since they hadn't seen me in two weeks, and tonight, before I even said hello to the cute young thing behind the counter, she asked me if I wanted my usual 8 pack.  Light bulb!  My usual 8 pack may well be destroying any chance I have of developing a six pack, but that's a different topic!  Now, it's an old movie (Private Benjamin) and a nap on the horizon!  I kinda like normal!  And you are loved!

No matter how you say it...

I abhor it.

It is an abomination.

I despise it.

I detest it.

I loathe it.

I feel antagonism toward it.

There is hostility in my reaction to it.

I hold a rancor toward it.

It is anathema.

I feel animus toward it.

I have an aversion to it. 

I feel antipathy toward it.

There is a malignity about it.

So tell me.  How would you say you feel about the treadmill?  But you are loved!

A "Sound of Music" morning

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens!"  My guess?  That's all that's needed to know where this is headed!  Having frosted and wrapped the six pork loins for supper tonight, waiting for the first load of clothes to come from the dryer (that would be the first OVERSIZED load [of two!] of sweats--guess what time of the year it is?), I have a wondrous event--time to contemplate my favorite things.  If I were to list them in order of favor, I could give you number 1, and from there on, they simply exist to give my life meaning and joy.  And if you have read this blog before, you will know #1 is the woman who continues to amaze the world (and me) by loving me!  And I shall list!
Health--enough to do the things I want and enjoy the process of doing.
Wealth*--see above.
The opportunity to perform.
My dual fuel professional range.
The puppy (that would be the almost 17 year old puppy!)
All puppies!
Chicken--fixed any way.
Truly funny movies.
Well written literature.
Smutty literature!
Travel.
Playing bridge.
Playing all sorts of other games.
Our families.
Home made caramels.
Pie.
Okay, most anything sweet and/or salty.
French Fries (once a year!)
Growing older.
Not getting old.
Christmas.
Trying something new.
Warm sandy beaches and crystal clear warm waters.
The snowblower!
Isn't it amazing?  The load of clothes is done.  In that short amount of time, I've listed 25 of my favorite things.  Think what it would have been like if I had just started the load?!  Sometime today, between the rush of events that is norm and the chance to refresh tonight, allow your "hills" to be alive with your sound of music!  And realize that I lied.  Just a little.  If I had to order my favorite things, I could give you one and two.  You know one.  And with any luck at all, you know two.  You!  And you know you are loved!

The power

It was cooking class day.  Christmas goodies.  Truly a two day process.  A good two days!  But I'm tired.  A good tired.  It started with breakfast with amazing friends.  Then off to work.  Great group of "students"!  New faces!  Old faces (oops, I mean faces I knew)!  And a young lad who was back for his second class!  Cool!  But among the blessings that overflowed, I was reminded of the power of friendship.  My boss is an amazing young lady who makes the process so enjoyable.  The returnees support the class and me give me reason to continue.  And the lifers who were there made the day special.  You know the type.  If you need a look of encouragement, it is there.  If you need a kind word, it is there.  They are a part of the joy of living.  And the hugs.  Oh, the hugs!  Christmas music plays in the background as I write.  Appropriate for the day and the mood.  I am blessed, and you are loved!

you are loved

To me, the most amazingly healing statement you can hear...and say!  We celebrated the life of a good friend's mother yesterday.  I never really knew her, but she raised three amazing children.  The friend of whom I speak--we'll call him Gary--lives a distance away from South Dakota, and we don't get to see him often.  He was a classmate of Cath's, and we had his children in school.  Amazing kids!  The bonus to the celebration was his son (another good friend) stayed with us while he was here.  The story of his arrival is best saved for another time.  This particular episode is about his father.  Gary is the type of friend that whether you are actually in his physical presence or not, you know he has your back!  You know the type.  You don't see them for months/years and when you do get together, it's as if you lived next door?  Anyhow.  He makes me laugh.  His sense of humor and his obvious compassion and zest for life are legend.  And, he gives me crap!  Knowing how I sign off on my facebook page, he teases me about the titled phrase.  But here's the deal.  When it came time to say goodbye, he looked at me with the one serious bone in his body and said, "You are loved!"  It made the day better.  The world was brighter.  And I?  I'm still smiling.  Say the words.  Live the words, and know you are!

God bless the inventor of...

adjustable waist slacks.  You know of what I speak--the kind that have an elastic insert so as I meander between "you look great" and "you ate great", I can still be somewhat comfortable.  If I were to find one specific descriptor of my size guise, it would be Yoyo!  Like the ursine creature that I resemble, I apparently have decided that hibernation is in my future and have packed (the body) accordingly.  I blame it on my doc.  He said not to run any more.  That was 10 pounds ago!  And I ain't speaking positively.  Okay, in truth, it has been  positive gain, but only on the scale.  Mentally?  Not so much.  It has nothing to do with the caramels.  It has nothing to do with the bread (which, by the way, is utterly amazing!).  It has nothing to do with the almonds that jump into my hand.  It has everything to do with the no!  All I have to know...is no.  But, it's Christmas.  And there is that insert....  Have an outlandishly good holiday, and know you are loved!

They also serve who sit and wait

The car needs attention.  Oil must be changed.  Signal light must be replaced.  Tires must be balanced.  Bill must wait.  This is not Bill's forte!  So off to the mall goes I in search of a particular Christmas gift.  No luck.  Stop at Hy-vee for Chinese lunch.  Luck!  Now, I'm back at the dealer.  And I wait!  Family Feud is on. Doesn't help.  Hence, the blog.  Ms. Loosewheel used to say "Wait for it. It will be better."  One could only hope!  You don't have to wait to know you are loved!

A hairy situation

I always thought I would be able to definitively determine when I was old.  I would talk at length about my bowel habits.  I would share stories of my colonoscopies.  I would prefer talking to doing.  All, perhaps, are yet to come.  But today I was reminded I was old.  It started out like any normal day.  Coffee and crossword puzzles, followed by a few minutes (okay, a few more than a few) of on-line bridge with my favorite partner (in every sense of the word!).  It was she who suggested road trip.  I, of course, acceded.  Now understand, this road trip was with a specific goal in mind.  She needed a hair cut, and the best barber we know used to be married to my sister and lives in Milbank.  Into the car, and on the way up, we do a little Christmas shopping!  God, how I love that mobile hot spot!  Anyhow, we arrive.  Cath's hairs are cut.  Then, it was my turn.  Here's the rub.  The process took about 10 minutes.  8 minutes were spent cutting the hair in my ears, on my ears, in my nose, and trimming my eyebrows.  Yup.  Old.  And you are loved!

Twice as nice

Ever since I had my slice and dice (I believe the correct term is Radial Keratotomy), I have relied on mono-vision.  My right eye was for reading.  My left eye, for distance.  Enter the cataract era.  Right eye was amazingly blurry.  It became next to impossible to read things in smaller than 18 point print.  Colors were faded.  Life was not fun.  Magic.  Cataract removed.  Clear.  Beautiful.  Stunning.  One hitch.  Now, my right eye can see at any distance.  So when I look into the distance, both eyes focus...unfortunately, they seem to do so independently.  If one distance item is good, two must be better, right?  I'm working on retraining the devils to work in synchronicity.  I'm not being very successful.  And when I get tired, they get tired, and forget about working together.  Sounds like a return trip to my miracle worker to see what cure he has!  Until then, if you want to be twice as good, stand at a distance from me when I'm tired, and as much as I love you, it will be doubled!