Wyoming Breezes

I didn't intend for the break from blogging to last for nearly four months, but there is no denying that the blog was dormant. During that time, I read blogs and commented when I could.  I didn't do a lot of knitting, but I read several books and managed to finish a couple of Quilts of Valor that were started in April.  Photos coming soon. This summer was unusually rainy (I didn't water my flowers at all, and they flourished). At times I felt like I was living in the Pacific Northwest.  A woman who summers in Laramie (from Kansas) to spend time with her grandchildren wanted to find a mahjongg group. The Eppson Center (senior center) didn't offer that activity, so I partnered with her to start the group. Only a couple of those interested had ever played American Mahjongg, so the learning curve was steep for nearly all of us. Some ladies got frustrated with the game, so I suggested that group try the Chinese version: they loved it. Now, both versions are played on the sam...

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the pendulum clock on the wall stopped because it required winding, and since I wasn't home, it sat idle until I returned and picked up the key. Like the clock, this blog sat idle for a long time: the most recent post was on Halloween. I could give you the excuse that I've been busy, but in actuality, I was not interested in blogging: I needed a break. During the last month, I've enjoyed listening to numerous audiobooks. I played endless games on my iPad, tried new recipes, visited with friends, played games at the senior center, read blogs and left comments. I posted about none of these activities, but I enjoyed them and enjoyed being in the moment.   Starting today, blog posts will be sporadic until I find a new rhythm. 

On the end of the kitchen counter and next to the garage door is a pottery yarn bowl where my keys live. I don’t have to search for misplaced keys because they are placed here when I get home and grabbed from the bowl when I leave.  I also place any important papers or reminders on top of the bowl.  Do you have a designated place for your keys? 

ice scrapers found in my car July 2022 Look what I found when I cleaned out my car before it was detailed! It looks like I expected a major blizzard.  One ice scraper is good and two better, but five is just crazy!   I kept the long handled brush scraper and the two longer handled ones on the side. The smaller ones went in the donation box  I also found multiple Wyoming road maps. It looks like I need to clean out the car more often.  How often do you clean the interior of your vehicle? 

"God Bless The U.S.A." (originally by Lee Greenwood) If tomorrow all the things were gone I worked for all my life And I had to start again With just my children and my wife I thank my lucky stars To be living here today 'Cause the flag still stands for freedom And they can't take that away And I'm proud to be an American Where at least I know I'm free And I won't forget the men who died Who gave that right to me And I'd gladly stand up next to you And defend Her still today 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A. From the lakes of Minnesota To the hills of Tennessee Across the plains of Texas From sea to shining sea From Detroit down to Houston And New York to L.A. Where's pride in every American heart And it's time we stand and say That I'm proud to be an American Where at least I know I'm free And I won't forget the men who died Who gave that right to me And I'd gladly stand up next to you An...

current knitting projects  May 2022 Last week was busy: filled with appointments, errands, volunteering, and reading. My old dental work (circa 1970s) is beginning to show its age. Recently, an old crown come off and part of the tooth with it. Thankfully, the tooth had a root canal years ago, and I didn't have any pain. The pain is going to be in my wallet as I don't have dental insurance. I'll have the tooth prepped for a new crown this week. I volunteered at the Eppson Center (senior center) last week, too. The morning receptionist asked me to substitute so she could attend her granddaughter's music performance. Thinking I might have time to sneak in some knitting, I grabbed the basket containing my current projects. Sadly, I didn't have time to even pick up the needles.  Most of my evenings last week were spent listening to an audiobook: This Will Not Pass  by Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns. It is a fairly balanced account of the events leading up to the 202...

tap shoes - circa 1974 September 2021 Sometimes it's difficult to let go of the past. For me, it was a pair of scuffed tap shoes.  When I was teaching in Wheatland in the 1970s, I enrolled in a beginning tap class for fun. The class had about ten students - all adults. None of us had ever tapped, and we had a great time learning the various steps. It was difficult to find a place to hold the class because the custodians were not too keen on having their waxed floors scratched by tap shoes. We never performed for an audience, but each week we danced during the hour long class.  I never mastered the art of tap, but I now appreciate those who have. I still remember a few of the steps, but I'm not as light on my feet as I once was, and my knees would not be happy with me if I even tried to tap.  Recently I went through my closet to clear out items simply taking up space, and I unearthed the bag containing the scuffed, patent leather tap shoes from my "youth." It was time ...

If life was easy, we wouldn't enjoy it as much.

I've worn glasses since fourth or fifth grade, and over the years, I've worn a wide variety of frame styles. I've never been completely happy with the frames I've worn, but it's difficult to select a frame when you can't see well.  In the early 70s, I wore a small oval frame, and later changed to large frames in the late 70s and throughout the 80s. In the 90s, I opted for an oval frame style, but since the mid-2000s, I’ve worn a rectangular frame.  Since I've had cataract surgery on both eyes, it's time to think about selecting a new frame. I'm leaning towards another rectangular frame in either blue, black, or charcoal gray.  What frame styles have you worn? 

I've been driving since I was about 13 or 14 (on the farm), and I got my driver's license when I was in high school. I took driver's training from the physical education teacher - Mr. Frost. He was a tall, intimidating man, but he was patient with the beginning drivers.  Mr. Frost taught his students to hold the steering wheel at 10 and 2, and to this day, I find that the most comfortable position to drive. However, that hand position is no longer considered safe. Drivers are now taught to hold the steering wheel at 9 and 3 or  8 and 4. I've tried changing my hand positions, but it is not comfortable, and it doesn't feel like I've got good control over the vehicle in either of the "new" positions.  I suppose the lower positions will prevent the air bag from breaking arms when it activates. How do you hold the steering wheel when you drive?

from Facebook

from Facebook 2019

I haven't seen any robins yet in the area around my apartment, but a pair of doves have been trying to build a nest on the top of the patio light. I don't think they will succeed, but at least they get an A for effort. A couple of weeks ago, one of my neighbors had five deer outside her building, nibbling on the shrubs. A resident rabbit and squirrel family have been scurrying around the various trees, and a pair of crows have appeared by the hedge, but no robins.

Dot to Dot fun during social distancing April 2020 Last summer, I spotted an unused, Dot to Dot booklet in the local Goodwill store for $.50, and on a whim put it in my shopping cart. While cleaning out the magazine basket beside my knitting chair last week, I found the booklet and began working on a few of the pages. The numbers are tiny, and my eyes are old, so a magnifying glass is an essential aide. It has been fun watching the images appear under my pen. My niece asked if it was therapeutic: in a way, I suppose it is. Since the booklet has 98 puzzles, I'm certainly getting $.50 worth of enjoyment out it. Have you discovered some unexpected distractions while social distancing?

funeral service Facebook Live Laramie, WY Monday, April 13, 2020 A member of my church family died recently after a long battle with cancer. In Wyoming, under social distancing requirements, only ten or fewer people can gather together in one room, and they should be up to six feet apart. Based on these requirements, the family gave the pastor permission to stream the funeral service for the rest of the congregation and family friends. It broke my heart to see the empty church and the gentleman's family separated in the first three pews on the right. One of the pallbearers sat in an adjoining room with his wife. While watching the service, I reflected on this sad reality caused by the coronavirus. COVID-19 has changed our world and continues to change our daily lives and behavior.

Winds of March, we welcome you, There is work for you to do. Work and play, and blow all day, Blow the Winter cold away. ~ author unknown ~

Don't you love the fuzzy slippers and cigar!  Life on the farm taught me to handle a saw, hammer, and other tools with confidence. I used those skills in my first teaching job and taught my students how to make scenery for the plays I directed. We constructed stage flats with simple wooden frames and unbleached muslin. They were built to last, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of them are still being used. I keep a small tool box in the garage with basic tools, and one in the trunk of the car, too. Are you comfortable using building tools?