I had not been there in many, many years; yet, I needed potting soil, seeds, an 8 X 8 pan, and tissues and the prices would likely be better. So, I parked and headed towards the entrance of the great big, in person version of Walmart.
Learning To Be Writers and Readers: In The 21st Century
Sharing thoughts, ideas, and research about teaching, writing, and LIVING in the 21st Century.
Monday, March 18, 2024
#sol24 March 18 I Needed Potting Soil
Sunday, March 17, 2024
#sol24 March 17 No Flix
"I cannot get to Net Flix," she said sadly, "after that wind storm. Do you think you could help me?"
Now, to be honest, I am a technology novice who embraces, but struggles with this foreign language. In years past, I would just defer to my techno-savvy spouse. Now-a-days, I bravely attempt to solve problems with computers and cables. Not too long ago, I reactivated a Gmail account for a friend and that action earned me a problem solver status among peers that to be honest, I do not deserve!
I stopped by the home of the No Flix friend and did what I have learned to be the Holy Grail of technology: turn off and then turn on. I did it three times. It did not work. Then, I talked to a Verizon Representative who had no idea of how to solve my problem. Then, I unplugged and re-plugged, again. Finally, I searched You Tube trying different wire combinations and configurations.
On the plus side, I got in a lot of steps going up and down those stairs as her internet source was in the basement!
On the negative side, she still has No Net Flix and I will no longer be known as the problem solver, a moniker I did not deserve anyway!
Friday, March 15, 2024
#sol24 March 16 Thanks, Google
The rainy weather gave way to warmer temperatures this week and for the first time in a very long time, some of my grands came to play outside (or pass the time waiting for their mom to return from a far away trip).
I have been outside to bring in the garbage cans and walk in the neighborhood, but not to carefully survey the damage the long rainy winter wrought, until today. I picked up a huge pile of sticks and pulled a huge pile of weeds while we embraced the warmth and sunshine. Then, as their vehicles rapidly traversed the chalk driveway drawn roads, I noticed the homebuilding activity in the rafters stopping me in my tracks.
There it was, at least a foot long, nestled in the highest eaves of my house. There it was, a hive of busy activity with guests leaving and arriving within seconds. There it was, busier than Newark and Kennedy Airports combined. There is was, a clear home to a growing and expanding clan of some sort of winged insects that was not going to mesh well with warmer weather and living on my patio. There it was, a hive of epic proportions that was going to need a professional removal.
I went to make a call appealing for professional help when I realized I did not know what kind of insects these were.
"I think they are bees, but ask Google," the grand suggested.
So, I asked Google describing the huge umbrella appearing nest with clear layers and the intense activity.
"These are wasps," Googled responded immediately without ever coming to my house or seeing first hand what was going on in my backyard.
I called. The pest removal company answered. They needed to know if it was wasps or bees. I explained my Google research. They were clear of an estimate and a plan and will be here likely before you read this.
Thanks, again and again and again, Google.
#sol24 March 15 Brighter
Thursday, March 14, 2024
SOL24 March 14 Clean Enough
It has been a dark and rainy winter and to be honest, my place was "clean enough." I had been on a serious schedule of aquacise, Zumba, and yoga at the Y; thus, there really had not been many days when the sunshine begged me to wash smudges from the walls and cabinets. I washed the sheets and ran the vacuum when needed. Plus, I live alone and there are very, very few people who ever enter my home; thus, my place was "clean enough."
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
SOL#24 March 13 If You Give a Child a Story
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
#sol24 March 12 I Wish I Had
Monday, March 11, 2024
#sol24 March11 Water, Water, Everywhere
Sunday, March 10, 2024
#sol24 March 10 Years Younger
I wore glasses most of my life; although, I did wear contact lenses for a few years. To be honest, my image of myself is with glasses and I reach for them even when I awake in the middle of the night and when I look at myself in the mirror.
Yet, all of a sudden, thanks to the miracle of cataract surgery in just one eye, I no longer need glasses to drive or walk through life!
To be honest, I have been concerned that I look much older without my glasses that I thought hid my wrinkles. I have been concerned I look much older without mascara (which I must give up for a few while). To be honest, I have been missing my glasses and my old life, until today.
"You look 10 years younger," she began, "with your bright eyes dancing free of your glasses."\
"Are your serious?" I asked, as I felt old, naked and exposed in this new format of me.
"Oh yes, she added," you look great without glasses!
In my desire to be honest, I will likely be wearing glasses again to work on computers, to see up close, and to circumvent parts of my world.
Yet, today, a friend made my day!
Too bad that she too needs her eyes fixed!
Saturday, March 9, 2024
SOL24 Marc 9 Aqua High School
I've been out of the pool for the last week as my eye has been healing from surgery. I miss my friends and the exercise, But, today, I saw an ardent aquacise enthusiast.
"I have to tell you this story," she said smiling with an urgency I had never seen before. "SO, I was at aquacise and this newer person to the class was in my usual space," she began, "and so I moved to a spot behind her. Then one of the regulars came in and told her she was in their spot. Moments later, they were splashing and attacking each other with pool noodles. It was a splash fest for sure. I decided to be the adult and moved between them stopping their fight and getting my hair wet. What a day!"I muss aquacise so much," I smiled.
As we went our separate ways, we simultaneously responded, "It's like high school all over again!"