Ezbz

I have been gifted with the ability to find joy in amazing places and events.  Take me to a concert and watch me lose myself in the music.  Tell me a dirty Johnny story and watch me memorize it so I can tell it hundreds of times (much to the chagrin of me espoused!). Yup.  It's a gift, and one I have discovered you can give yourself.  For example, I have decided to take the day off from running.  Now, try and wipe the broad grin off my face!  Happy day to me!!! And know you are loved!

Puppies

It's quiet in the house this morning.  No, I have not lost my voice. The dogs are at the beautician, so we can leave the basement door open, take down the "don't pee in here" and "don't go up those steps" fences, and watch people across the street without being raucously reminded they are there.  In short, it sucks!  What an integral part of our existence.  It's difficult to explain how eight legs can worm their way into your hearts so completely.  Since we held them in the palms of our hands 15 years ago, the have amused, befuddled, angered, and unconditionally loved us.  At 15, their bladders are not what they used to be.  Sometimes they forget outside.  I'm old.  I can relate.  They don't see well.  They can't hear.  They eat and sleep...and love us.  I can relate.  I hope someone feels that way about me when I'm their age!  Give thanks today for those who love you, and put me on your list!

Tired and happy

I'm pooped!  Spent the day prepping for and the night cooking for 26 amazing women, most of whom I have known for years!  They belong to a sorority, the name of which eludes me because I am old...and pooped!  I've often spoken of the joy I derive from preparing food for those I love.  Tonight was no exception.  They were witty, charming, and most appreciative.  Of course, I couldn't do it without the aid of my sidekick, Kim!  It's easy to work when someone cleans up after you, finishes tasks for you, and sees to it that all things that should be done, are done.
We did starters and enders tonight.  The start was four different hors d'oeuvres, some spicy, some piquant, some blended, and some simply fillers for crackers and chips.  Then there was the desert...sweet and almondy.  Like life, the combination of different flavors makes for the best experience.  And thanks to all "my" ladies, it was an amazing day!  They, like you are loved!

Building the future

There are things that continually amaze me.  Sunrise every day.  The love of an amazing woman.  The power of friendship.  And the fact that anyone can use power tools to create works of art.  Whilst we we engaged in crossword puzzling this morning, a pickup arrived and two young men dropped off four saw horses.  When we came home from bridge this afternoon (have I ever mentioned how much we love retirement?), we had an amazing new entry deck, almost totally completed.  Had I been the constructor, we would still be at the saw horses!  It amazes me how often I am retaught that it doesn't matter how smart we are but how we are smart!  And let me tell you, these guys are amazingly smart!  Drive by and see if you agree, and always remember we all have talents we need to share with the world, and you are loved!

Just asking

By nature I'm not a conspiracy theorist. I don't think it's a communist plot. And my paranoia is pretty much under control.  I just don't get it.  By nature we are creatures of habit. I get up when it's dark. I go to bed when it's dark.  Okay, sometimes I take naps while it's light, but that's outside the realm of the topic.  I eat when I'm hungry. My question is this: what's with all this "springing forward" and "falling back"?  I haven't noticed that there's a great deal of difference in the daylight whether we're saving it or not.  And all this springing and falling is not good for a man of my years!  Why in horrendously hot Hades don't we just stay on one time or the other?  I understand the original intent had to do with societal norms that no longer exist.  The only true purpose I see today is to give me a reason to ascend my

And believe me, even from my perch high atop, you are loved!

If the weather allows

You have to understand the rules. Some of them are inviolate:  Like, only putting up and taking down Christmas decorations when you can do it in shorts.  51 degrees.  This was a put up the trees outside kind of day. 16 really motley looking artificial trees soon to be adorned with festive lights now adorn the backyard.  They are different sizes, different shapes, different colors, but they all do one thing:  remind me that it's that time of year...You know, when it's okay to eat too much and drink a little and have fun.  For those of you who know me, you know that I am a Christmas junkie. I love the season I love the lights I love everything about the season.  I always have. I hope I always will.  The Pollyanna in me celebrates the fact that this is truly the time of peace on earth good will toward men.  Every once in a while cynicism tries to creep in and I wonder if it's even possible.  But then I listen to the music, look at the decorations, think of the possibility, and know deep in my heart that we are capable!  Sure hope tomorrow is nice.  There are a lot of lights to put up!  And each string is hung with hope and love for you!  Merry decorating!

What if?

For no apparent reason, I started playing the “If” game today.  If I had one wish, for what would I wish?  If I won a million dollars and had to spend it, how would I spend it?  If I could have any job in the world, what would that job be?  If I could have dinner with anyone, living or not (presumably while they were living, else the question becomes extremely bizarre!) whom would it be?  If I could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?  If I could play an instrument (I don’t play), what would it be?  If I had to write a personal mission statement, what would it be?  If I were to die today, what would I want people to say?  It wasn’t until the last if.  I started imagining the answers.  “Gosh, I’ll really miss the fudge!”  “Hope he kept his pants on for the funeral!”  “Does anyone know the words to ‘Running Bear?’”  “Guess he’s written his last blog.”  And wouldn't this make my day...“He was a good man with a good heart.”  Everyday, we write the book of answers to that question.  The way we treat our family is a chapter.  The way we treat our friends is a chapter.  The way we treat the people we don’t know is a chapter.  The way we treat ourselves is a chapter.  And the book becomes large, and in some instances, not necessarily happy ending.  I understand how others judge is not up to me.  I understand there are people I have helped and people I have hurt.  I understand that John Donne was right:  no man is an island.  We all have impact!  Didn’t realize such a simple question could cause such philosophizing, did you?  Well, let me challenge and accept the challenge.  Before you read any farther, formulate your answer.  Really!  Quit looking at me that way! Got it?  Well, here’s my answer.  It’s probably not very deep. It’s probably not very moving.  But when I’m gone, I would love to have people say, “I miss him!”  And finish with, “He loved me!”