First Seasonal Warning – from the Dryer

Hang the weather – although it looks grim on the east coast. On the first trip to the washer/dryer early this morning, I discovered the small load I hoped to simply switch into the dryer was somewhat soggy – like the spin cycle decided to go home early. What was OK was the separate bag of unmentionables that is labeled wash by hand – but I not a hand washer. (I am a hand wringer!)

Figuring perhaps the little sack had unbalanced the spinner, I removed them and threw in a dry bath towel. Note the verb.

No . . . the spin cycle drained little water away.

The third time was the charm . . . however, this time I took time, and repositioned the few pieces. Perhaps we have dodged a repair bill – a ten years old dryer can be like me – some innards are flat out tired of doing the same old thing, and I may just not do what I need to do as hard as I need to do it.

The dryer may not need a tune up now, but I do.

As the flu buggies recede, I can see what needs doing, and a wave of panic is wearing out my motor as surely as the lopsided load unbalanced the dryer. I hate that sound -- like The Hulk is trying to break out of the dryer when I’ve crammed too much into the machine, or too carelessly. 

With all the down time, I managed to scour PINTEREST’s quotes and humor, and realize the past few days of enforced rest hasn’t been all bad. (I stayed away from projects, presents, and meals) I don’t want to go out of 2014 like the hulk.

I have no warranty on the dryer – but I found a pin I pass along hoping it keeps me in good working order for a while longer – and I hope it’s better than a shot of WD-40 for you, dear reader.  

 

Or, for the upcoming Holidays. . . 

Sailing Lessons

 MOVED to https://autumns-garden.com/our-sailing-adventures-a-metaphor-for-our-marriage/

TGIF

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 This has moved! http://autumns-garden.com/recycling-the-thrill-of-it-all/

A Flirt

The weather warmed today after the rain cleared out, and the sun sparkled. Just like a vibrant young flirt does his or her best to convince admirers, they may stand a chance of conquest, the weather tempted me –making me remember how great early March can be in Texas. The weather flirted, tempting me to inspect the rose bushes and the state of the beds, and cast off my sweater. The blue and white pansies prospered this winter; so did the snapdragons. No frost crippled the lavender or curry plants, and their spicy sweetness emanated in the warm sun.

But I resisted the flirtation, as the setting sun failed to warm the evening’s chill.

It’s not quite time to dig, and clip and rake. Nor is it time to anticipate early mornings on the back porch sipping coffee, pursuing a book or Bible study. It’s not time   to switch the closets -- giving an afternoon over to sorting, tossing and packing away clothes, shoes and blankets.

It’s still February – the longest winter month. Or, so, it seems to me.

By late evening, I shivered, wrapped up and took up “the knitting” again.  A half a blanket to finish remains unknitted.

Where does the white go when the snow melts?  ~Hugh Kieffer (A deep thought from one whose biography and reputation I know not.)

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.  ~Maori Proverb (A mighty people whose ancestral home was our a part of our honeymoon destination – New Zealand)

To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.  ~George Santayana (The author who knew the importance of studying history)

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.  ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book

(Thoughts from the Quotegarden.com)

Those Walks Paid Off!

 We had a great adventure at Swallow Falls Maryland this morning trekking down and up the trails on a cool, sunny Maryland summer’s day – reminding me that sometimes there is more to the summers here than humidity.  (http://www.mgs.md.gov/esic/features/swallow.html)   The park was the handiwork of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Men who needed work in desperate times were given an opportunity to use or learn engineering skills as well as craftsmanship.  What could we accomplish with such a commitment to renovation, discipline and creativity?  But I digress.

We had the endurance to keep up with our kids!

Woo-hoo! 

All the weeks of early morning or late evening walking around our neighborhood prepared me to keep moving. Still,  walking on level sidewalks didn’t prepare my hips and knees for scrambling up and down rocky paths.  But it was glorious – walking in an ancient forest of white pines and white rhododendrons, gazing up at massive sedimentary rocks from which smaller trees sprouted, listening to sounds of an unseen waterfall – catching glimpses of our grandkids scampering ahead with their dad – and reaching out to grab hold our daughter’s hand to steady ourselves – it was a jewel of a day! 

Oscar Wilde wrote that, “Memory... is the diary that we all carry about with us.”

(The Importance of Being Earnest)

 

Everybody needs his memories.  They keep the wolf of insignificance from the door.  ~Saul Bellow

My Address Book

My address book is one given to me so many years ago that it is held together by packing tape, and has as many white-outs as addresses. My daughter was young enough when I received it to think that copying the addresses from the old book to the new was fun – so I treasure it for the vestiges of her handwriting.  Even the lines that have been written over remind me of significant changes in the lives of those I love. As someone once observed, “It takes a long time to grow an old friend.” 

When I misplace it – I go into a dither: it’s the only “list” of friends I have – and it is a reminder of Christmas cards sent – birthdays – weddings – anniversaries – divorces  and sympathy notes.

    “. . . But if the while I think on thee, dear friend,
    All losses are restored and sorrows end.” ~William Shakespeare (Sonnet 30)

My address book reminds me, in ways a blackberry can’t, how fortunate I am because of so many others – and all they brought into my life.  In its own way it’s a diary, a journal of how much has changed in my life, and the people to whom God has connected me. 

    “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art . . .  It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” (C.S. Lewis)