GRANNY’S DOLLAR GAME
It was invented over 30 years ago when the nieces and nephews started populating family gatherings. I would keep a stash of one dollar bills in my pockets for the game I invented. When a new introduction was made to Aunt Mary, I would pull a Washington out of my pocket and tell them if they remembered my name next time, they’d get another dollar. It has worked successfully for decades. I admit it started as a ruse to punk my siblings who I’d hoped would wonder why my name was always remembered by children and theirs wasn’t. Evil. I know. I let Keith in on the game today and his name sits prominantly nestled in Henry’s heart next to the image of a dollar bill.
YAY! COMPANY’SS COMING
Andy, Leah, and Henry flew from Mississippi to Chicago where they were fetched by Greg for transport to Appleton. Luckily for us, we were on the route at supper time. The guests requested cheese pizza and some snacks, which we meticulously curated. It was a veritable Festival of Foods, if you catch my drift. There arer not many thhings that excite me more than tables readied for guests. That slice of time between “ready” and “arrival” is frought withh anticipation and jubilation. A tiny chance to imagine the gathering and love that will soon be manifest. Love it!
POKEMON TREASURE HUNT
We had an exciting time with Henry as he zoomed through the house collecting Pokemon treasures wrapped in yellow tissue paper. He had to find them all or else he couldn’t open any of them. And he did it! Pokemon cards galore, a precious clutch of Pokemon eggs, and a stylish Pokemon hat to boot! And the cards were superb aid in his battle against his dad, which he won handily!
QUINTESSENTIAL QUESADILLA
We love trying new restaurants, new food, and new recipes. We’ve been eating for over 73 years and the novelty has worn off. Lately, we’ve retracted from restaurant dining, instead eating at home and saving the money for a rainy day (or a really good (i.e., expensive) restaurant meal). So, the increase in my home-cooking has made eating even more tedious. A new treat is this pizza sized tortilla doubled up to sandwich a delicious filling of chicken and cheese. It was exceptionally delicious!
QUINTESSENTIAL QUESADILLA
We love trying new restaurants, new food, and new recipes. We’ve been eating for over 73 years and the novelty has worn off. Lately, we’ve retracted from restaurant dining, instead eating at home and saving the money for a rainy day (or a really good (i.e., expensive) restaurant meal). So, the increase in my home-cooking has made eating even more tedious. A new treat is this pizza sized tortilla doubled up to sandwich a delicious filling of chicken and cheese. It was exceptionally delicious!
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE ECLAIR DAY
We graced Mollie with five wonderful chocolate eclairs, her favorite bakery treat and honory of today’s holiday in their honor. Make no mistake, these are Mollie’s eclairs. Yes, there are enough to share with her family, but only if they are eclair worthy! Side Note: The guy at the bakery must have been new. He boxed up five chocolate-covered long johns. Sacrilege!
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE ECLAIR DAY
We graced Mollie with five wonderful chocolate eclairs, her favorite bakery treat and honory of today’s holiday in their honor. Make no mistake, these are Mollie’s eclairs. Yes, there are enough to share with her family, but only if they are eclair worthy! Side Note: The guy at the bakery must have been new. He boxed up five chocolate-covered long johns. Sacrilege!
MY HEAD IS SPINNING
Last night, I did an acrobatic dive into my bed which featured me simultaneously going from vertical to horizontal while executing a 60 degree twist. When my head hit the pillow, it kept spinning. I suspected immediately that I had jumbled those sensitive crystals upon which my sense of balance relies. After a $50 co-pay, I was cleared of other potential causes and sent on my way to dizzy it out - hopefully correcting itself. Although I’m not keen on the dizziness, I have always loved the idea of having cystals in my head. I feel so magical!
MY HEAD IS SPINNING
Last night, I did an acrobatic dive into my bed which featured me simultaneously going from vertical to horizontal while executing a 60 degree twist. When my head hit the pillow, it kept spinning. I suspected immediately that I had jumbled those sensitive crystals upon which my sense of balance relies. After a $50 co-pay, I was cleared of other potential causes and sent on my way to dizzy it out - hopefully correcting itself. Although I’m not keen on the dizziness, I have always loved the idea of having cystals in my head. I feel so magical!
JUNTO: AUTHORITARIAN RULE IN AMERICA
This may have been the best Junto yet. So interesting, informative, compelling. So many of my pre-conceptions were challenged, and eyes opened in ways I never would have expected. I feel like we were blessed by the spirit of Benjamin Franklin. LOL. Great day. Great lunch. Great people.
JUNTO: AUTHORITARIAN RULE IN AMERICA
This may have been the best Junto yet. So interesting, informative, compelling. So many of my pre-conceptions were challenged, and eyes opened in ways I never would have expected. I feel like we were blessed by the spirit of Benjamin Franklin. LOL. Great day. Great lunch. Great people.
DINNER WITH DAUGHTERS & DANS
Mags and Mol and their husbands (one Dan each), treated Keith to a belated Father’s Day Crab Extravaganza at Schwartz’s Supper Club in New Holstein. Keith gets a crab dinner about once a year so its a cherished treat when it occurs. He was in Crustacean Heaven! No major brawls.
DINNER WITH DAUGHTERS & DANS
Mags and Mol and their husbands (one Dan each), treated Keith to a belated Father’s Day Crab Extravaganza at Schwartz’s Supper Club in New Holstein. Keith gets a crab dinner about once a year so its a cherished treat when it occurs. He was in Crustacean Heaven! No major brawls.
CONTEST FOR THE FIRST LILY
For decades and decades, Keith and I each guess he day we think the first orange day lily will open. Closest guess wins. Today was the day! Not one but TWO lilies spread their petals. One on either side of the back walkway. They are so beautiful and lush this year. The rain and sun have made them grow as tall as me. Well, Keith gets the crown. He guessed today, right on the nose. Every year it seems a little earlier. When we started guessing, it was mid-June. Then the week after the 4th of July for a few years, then a little before. And so it goes. Adaptation is one of the wonders of the world!
CONTEST FOR THE FIRST LILY
For decades and decades, Keith and I each guess he day we think the first orange day lily will open. Closest guess wins. Today was the day! Not one but TWO lilies spread their petals. One on either side of the back walkway. They are so beautiful and lush this year. The rain and sun have made them grow as tall as me. Well, Keith gets the crown. He guessed today, right on the nose. Every year it seems a little earlier. When we started guessing, it was mid-June. Then the week after the 4th of July for a few years, then a little before. And so it goes. Adaptation is one of the wonders of the world!
McDANCING WITH KEITH
Keith and I arrive at McDonald’s almost every morning between 5:30-7:00am for “Caffeine and Computers.” It is typically empty or hosting 1-2 other patrons at this hour. About once a month, the customers are sparse enough and the song on their playlist is compelling enough that Keith stands - extends his hand - and we DANCE! Today it was 1950 with Chuck Barry, and we kicked out the jams, much to the delight of Jerry, the Maintenance man. The best parts of love are free.
CATCH-UP ENDURO #2: MOSAIC MEMOIRS
This issues focus of Mosaic Memoirs is the Chapter 7 we’ll create in July with the topic “Family Fun & Vacations.” I also included two new tips: (1) Interviewing Grandparents, and (2) Incorporating Family History. I love this project!
McDANCING WITH KEITH
Keith and I arrive at McDonald’s almost every morning between 5:30-7:00am for “Caffeine and Computers.” It is typically empty or hosting 1-2 other patrons at this hour. About once a month, the customers are sparse enough and the song on their playlist is compelling enough that Keith stands - extends his hand - and we DANCE! Today it was 1950 with Chuck Barry, and we kicked out the jams, much to the delight of Jerry, the Maintenance man. The best parts of love are free.
CATCH-UP ENDURO #2: MOSAIC MEMOIRS
This issues focus of Mosaic Memoirs is the Chapter 7 we’ll create in July with the topic “Family Fun & Vacations.” I also included two new tips: (1) Interviewing Grandparents, and (2) Incorporating Family History. I love this project!
CATCH-UP ENDURO #1: SLENDER STALK
I have fallen (and continue to fall) far behind my planned publication dates. Today began a rousing game of catch-up, painful as it may be. I shared my 48-poem “Loving Keith” today in an overdue May issue of Slender Stalk (monthly poems by mary). I leveraged the daisy theme that characterizes The Daily Daisy website. Visually daisies are one of my favorite flowers. Spiritually, I admire that they grow like weeds. Their humility is inspiring.