At long last, the rain has stopped, and the sun is putting out some welcome rays this morning.
I told Bill that even the birds were singing their summer songs when I led the horses to pasture.
Such a welcome time, knowing the gardens will grow, new blooms on the flowers can thrive and much-needed endorphins can add a bounce to our steps.
When have we ever needed them more?
Today's main event here at the Lovestead will include several hours on the lawnmower, and it will be lovely!
Speaking of lovely, I learned about this new area magazine this morning. This link is hot off the press for me, and I'm anxious to learn more.
For now, give it a look. Emily and her crew are on to something good AND since many of us hunger for some big helpings of the good stuff, another cool magazine with its own twist is welcome.
Good luck, Emily.
Having been disturbed recently about the numbers of conspiracy theorists among us, I found this piece rather interesting and enlightening.
I also thought that maybe a bit more emphasis on "critical thinking skills" would be both helpful and urgent in our education circles, even starting at the kindergarten level.
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My in-store shopping has been pretty limited for the past three-plus months.
In fact, I'm betting that counting all such experiences would require just one hand, maybe a couple of fingers on the other.
I have occasionally popped in to Co-Op Country Store, usually for doggie biscuits because our 15-year-old Kiwi eats about a dozen a day. And, we wanta keep our old gal happy.
Maybe once or twice, I've gone inside a convenience store.
So, yesterday marked a big adventure for me with an actual shopping trip to JC Penney's at the Bonner Mall.
Bill had gone there the day before where he picked up a set of kitchen knives.
He said prices were good, so, of course, I was tempted. Plus, I wanted to pick up a couple of those pillows that keep sleepers from "glowing" during the night. Horses sweat so they don't need those pillows!
Annie bought one of the pillows a while back and seems happy with it. So, with summer coming, the pillows led off my shopping list, along with some new hoop earrings and a couple of polo shirts.
I was kinda nervous about going into the store, not cuz I was scared of anything inside, but fearful that I would once again feel embarrassed being the only one wearing a mask.
These situations, when you're the odd duck in the crowd, reminds me of the time that Tom Keough was our principal at Sandpoint High.
It was also at the time that my crazy but much beloved friends and I had discovered how much fun it is to tape up one's nose.
Guaranteed insane laughter when you look at all your friends with pig noses.
Anyway, one day we were sitting in the faculty room on prep hour when suddenly someone (HIPAA prevents me from divulging the name) suggested, "Let's tape up our noses and go in to see Tom."
So, that's what we did, grabbing an office tape dispenser, carefully applying the tape to our respective nostrils and then walking to the door of Tom's office backward.
We entered AND when we turned around to face Tom, guess what!
I was the only one of the three with tape on my nose.
Sometimes friends just don't have your back and sometimes it's hard to explain why you're standing there facing your boss looking like a pig.
This is kinda how I have felt a few times walking into establishments during this Pandemic----the only one with a mask.
And, so, I worried about going into Penneys feeling self-conscious, but, as in all cases, I still wear my mask.
Walking through the door, however, I immediately felt at home as nearly every person I saw was wearing a mask.
The clerks wear the transparent shields.
Anyway, I went about my business with no more qualms. The only problem I encountered while waiting to make the purchase at my social distance spot was connecting eye-to-eye with a gentleman and smiling.
Instantly, I realized: he can't see my smile!
Maybe I need to get one of those masks with a big smile because I'm betting there are a lot of folks who could use a happy face, considering that a recently released study shows our nation significantly sadder than even two years ago.
Anyway, I was happy to see that a few more folks are following the Pandemic guidelines.
This trend not only keeps us healthy but also provides a burst of self esteem and a bonding experience for those of us who wear a mask any time we go inside a public area.
With that in mind, my favorite social media quote of the day comes from older brother Mike whose thoughts are often spot on!
My
feeling about following recommended safe practices during the COVID-19
Pandemic is sorta the same as it was when I flew in combat or when I
patrolled in a hostile environment:
All it takes is one little mistake.
For some reason, my first view out the window on this summerlike morning inspired this song, these words.
We don't have to be graceful dancers to live "What a Feeling" moments.
Go out and be alive on this beautiful day and
Make it happen! Whatever your passion!
Happy Wednesday.
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