My sister Mary called to tell me her cat Shaman had been been sprayed by a skunk. She said it wasn’t your regular gee-the-cat-stinks story. Oh no. This is OUR family. She knew she’d have to give Shaman a bath. She prepared the traditional skunk scent removing bath of tepid tomato juice, scooped up the
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It’s the Indy 500!
KEN: I think we should bet $5 this year. ME: You wanna lose big is that it? KEN: I intend to beat you. 5 bucks. You in or not? ME: Oh, I’m in alright. Let’s make it 10 bucks and we’ll just see who has the superior driver. (we shake on it) It’s the Indy
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Don’t tell me he’s harmless! He’s still big
I joined the chicken co-op here at the farm and the “girls” are laying eggs like crazy. I have Tuesdays which pretty much keeps us set with eggs until my next stint. I have a history with chickens. If you haven’t read my blog about being the alpha chicken, you can find it here: I’m the
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When aliens land, you don’t know me
I was the major caregiver for my parents before they died. I’m not cut out to be a caregiver. Not that Mom needed much care. She was 100% sharp and all there until she died. And Dad was in an Alzheimer’s unit and other than visiting him, there wasn’t much I could do. But Mom.
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Overheated cars! Domestic unrest! Seltzer volcanos!
Me: Come on now baby, just a few more miles. Car: (whining) I’m not playing. I’m hot. Me: (watching the gauge rise) No, no, no, no, no hang in there. Car: (at light) I’m hot! I’ve had enough. I’m overheating right now. Me: (at the final light before redemption) I can’t sit here light. Change.
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Hey buddy, move that car
The half-moon had that hazy summer heat aura, giving the sky a misty glow as we rode home at 10 PM last night. The air was scented with something flowery and we were in the Miata convertible. We rounded a corner only to brake hard, gasping at the green glowing eyes of a black dog
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Talk to me darling, I promise to listen
My friend and I challenged one another to make eye contact with everyone we meet. Here’s what I learned: #1: Do you make eye contact with friends when they’re talking? Not me. So I changed. Friends and I were having drinks and talking. I looked folks in the eye whenever they spoke. I was mesmerized
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Moe Saves the Family
The night after my first marriage there was a terrible tornado. So tempting to draw an analogy here but that would be a cheap shot. It was a small wedding in my parent’s backyard in June. It was a balmy, wildflower scent wafting, sunny day. But the next day was Midwestern hot and humid with
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Chainsaw Love Rules the Roost
Mom bought Dad a chainsaw for his birthday when he was 70. He was an outdoor guy who spent all of his spare time in the garden or tending the yard. Dad was the kind of man who, if he wanted something, he bought it even if it was the week before his birthday. Mom
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Danger: Bored Creative Kids
My older brother was always getting into trouble and dragging me along with him. Worst of all was the cat and the laundry chute incident. Our house had two floors and a basement. In the hallway on the second story was a laundry chute for dirty sheets, towels, and clothing, all of which came out
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