Tuesday, January 22, at home in Arizona
I prepare the drawers in the new dresser with a non-stick liner of red roses on white background. An easy, fun task.
I go to place my socks and undies in the drawers and every rose on the pretty lining screams . . .
“Oh, no you don’t! You’re not thinking of putting those dingy, old things on us, are you?!!”
You know, my pretties, you’re right. You deserve better. I deserve better.
I’m going shopping . . . .
~ ~ ~
Two new throw pillows for the living room, $4 each, thrift store
Um, RVSue? About the epiphany?
I’m getting to it!
You know how two males, complete strangers, meet and within a minute they’re going on and on about sports? If left on their own for too long, they’re putting their feet up, cracking open beers, and ignoring jobs and families in order to discuss and debate who is going to the Super Bowl this year or was that ref in the third quarter blind or what?
It’s quite a confounding thing to witness.
I never understood the sports bond, not having ever been a player or spectator of any sport myself. Quite the contrary. Mention sports within my earshot and I go into spastic eye roll and my flight response kicks in.
Well, after all these years being baffled by that “How ’bout them Dawgs, eh?” (Georgia football fans are insane) phenomena between males and even some mutant females, I receive insight into what it’s all about.
Love your ears, Reg.
The setting for this mind-altering moment is Walmart.
I think of it as “My Epiphany Between Ladies’ Socks and Panties.”
I’m rolling my cart through ladies’ undergarments when a female voice announces, “Something for the birds, something for the dogs, but nothing for you?”
I turn to the voice.
It’s a fifty-something woman sitting at the desk in front of the changing rooms. You know, the guard who counts what you have in hand in order to make sure you don’t leave the store wearing four brassieres.
Kind of like the TSA of garments.
Snacking on a pecan
Realizing she’s referring to the birdseed and dog food in my cart, I hold up my 6-pack of socks and my 6-pack of panties and reply,
” . . . and something for me.”
She smiles and then she’s off to the races, so to speak.
“I spend about forty bucks a month on my birds. Those things can eat! Mostly I get finches and cardinals and — ”
“You get cardinals?” I exclaim.
“Oh yeah. We have a whole family of them. They’re so sweet. Also doves. Those damn doves eat a lot of seed.”
“Tell me about it. I have this pedestal feeder about this tall. It’s really a birdbath but I use it as a feeder. Well, I’m sitting on my porch and here come the doves in pairs. At one point there are ten doves in the feeder, shoulder-to-shoulder, chowing down . . . . Mostly I get sparrows though. They’re fun to watch but they nest in the porch roof. ”
“Yeah, and poop all over. I like the finches. I wish thistle seed wasn’t so expensive though.”
“I have a curve billed thrasher. I like that guy. Seems wherever I go, I look around and there he is, pecking the ground or looking at me with one red eye. Now I see he has a girlfriend!”
“We have roadrunners!”
“No! Really? I LOVE roadrunners. I never see a roadrunner that I don’t laugh.”
“Yeah, they’re so funny. They live on our property. They had a nest with eggs and all and I was hoping for babies but the eggs disappeared. (Sad face.) Maybe a lizard got ’em or they moved them.”
“Oh, too bad,” I commiserate.
She continues undaunted. I listen with 100 percent focus. I no longer know where I am.
“I like to watch them catch lizards. They chase ’em on the railroad ties — we live on a slope so we have railroad ties. A roadrunner will run on the railroad ties, catch a lizard, and flip it over . . . .”
Reggie and Roger stick together.
And so it goes.
Inane as any two guys lobbing batting averages or debating who is the greatest boxer of all time. My bird-feeding BFF and I could go on until the end of her shift, without pausing for air, food, or water, except a phone call breaks in, demanding her attention.
I cruise my cart over to the grocery side of Wal-Mart.
Ah, so that’s how men talk sports with strangers . . . .
“How ’bout them roadrunners, eh?”
rvsue
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THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!
~ ~ ~
First? Second?
GOOD FOR YOU, ROBIN! WELL DONE!
Second?
Ha, ha, right again Sue! Women can really get into talking about their dogs and cats too! Congrats on your new undies. Isn’t it funny how you wear them every day but then that one day you realize; these are ratty, I need new ones!
First! Whew! Now I can make more of a comment.
I feel that way about talking books with strangers. If I get started with someone about reading, it can go on for a long time with me hauling out my phone to look up titles to recommend and taking email information so I can send a link to my blog. Many great new friends are made this way.
And hey, how ’bout the Saints getting robbed of a Super Bowl appearance??
Such a funny post! I’ve never thought of it that way but I talk about dogs with people the same way guys talk sports and you and the Walmart worker talked about birds.
I like ked the suggestion of the Life Hammer and ordered a set.
Your home is going to be so beautiful you won’t be able to leave it to take the BLT on the road! 😄
🙂 I laughed throughout this post. Love it!
Jim
Top Ten! (Maybe?)
You and your birding buddy made me laugh. I’m that way about animals, especially cats! My two “kittens” (they are getting big!) discovered the clock on my wall this week. Although I assured them it wasn’t day light savings time yet, they insisted on adjusting the time. It was to the extent that they were batting the hands around the whole dial, even biting the hands! Good thing the clock was already broken! I just like how it looks.
It would be so neat to have roadrunners nearby. Never thought of them like that. I’ve had suet with bugs and stuff in them. Maybe suet with lizards?
TSA of garments. Yep
Hi Sue! Thanks for the chuckles – I enjoyed reading your post. Food for thought – literally! I owned a birding store for 17 years and one of my missions was to educate folks on what to feed their birds – or maybe I should say what NOT to feed their birds – wild bird mix. Most wild bird mixes are 75-90% filler seed – cheap stuff that the birds really don’t care for and attracts less than desirable birds. Plus – while it seems more economical, you’ll notice the birds aren’t eating a lot of the seed, but are instead tossing it left and right looking for black oil sunflower seeds and other tasty morsels – making it not as cost effective as hoped. You may wish to consider going with just straight black oil sunflower seed – it’s one of the best for birds due to its high oil content – or a better quality seed mix. Also – I am a BIG fan of suet – it can really increase the variety of birds you see since it attracts insect eating birds too. But choose carefully – suet at WalMart, Tractor Supply, Lowe’s is not that great – you’ll notice most of it is full of seed – that trashy wild bird mix! Good luck with your ongoing birding adventures!
So where do you suggest we buy it?
Well, next time you’re in E Texas, come to Lost Creek (www.lostcreekonline.com) in Mineola and we can load you up! :} In the meantime, look for “better” seed mixes with less millet OR just go with black oil sunflower. Same for suet, look for the better stuff or if you want to make your own, it’s really easy. Here’s a recipe I’ve used for years…equal amounts lard and chunky peanut butter (I buy cheapest available) – melt them together in a large bowl in the microwave then stir to combine. Add enough cornmeal to get to a cookie dough consistency – pretty thick! I’ve also added oatmeal, some add flour to achieve the right consistency along with the cornmeal. Then add some treats – I add raisins, craisins, dried meal worms – if you’d like. You can get creative here – just try whatever you think they’d like.
Funny you mentioned men talking about sports! Jules’ brother can’t carry on a conversation UNLESS its about sports! My sis husband (Boston) is the same way..only he has to yell instead of talk! Whatever!
Ranger roll those socks! Old undies are comfy! As along as you don’t wear them out just in case one gets into an accident! Had a coworker get shot in the leg..EMTs cut his pants off….ready?? Red undies with more holes than needed! 😳 We were on the floor! He never lived that one down! Glad you got some new undies and socks! And sparing us from seeing granny panties photos! Hah!
Something for all critters! We’ve seen one roadrunner..made us laugh! We love watching the grouse..the bird with the thingy on its head!
The refs were horrible! We can’t stand the Pats ..Kraft (ewww gross) Belechick and Brady!
Can’t wait for warmer temps.
Gotta say how nice it is to see you commenting sometimes again, my world seems kinda like it has an empty room in it when too long goes by without hearing from you.
Ditto! 🙂
What a hilarious(and accurate)epiphany, Ha! I imagine some people hearing a friend and I go on and on about wildlife must roll their eyes and think we’re nuts. Not that I can blame them, it took me years to develop any patience for some sports fans behaviors.
It’s funny, too, how we sometimes take close to forever before replacing old socks and underwear. Here’s a weird thing I do, that makes me wonder if I’m the only person that does it. I keep a new pair of pajamas , socks and a robe put away in case I need to make an emergency trip to somewhere. Like wherever that may be, someone there is going to care what condition those things are in? Oh well, I don’t think I’m crazy, at least I’ve never heard my drawer lining scream at me 😉
Ladies socks and panties, huh? I had a laugh at that one. Great photos in between too. Thanks.
There really aren’t strangers out there; just people we haven’t met yet to talk about books, gardening, birds, kittens, puppies, travel, camping, you name it! Except in winter, our Lowe’s all seem to have a bargain place at the back of outdoor garden area. I always meet the most interesting folks to share info. For those who have a major problem with squirrels in their bird feeders (Yes, we’ve tried everything! 🙄), Home Depot has a kind of suet that has hot peppers in it. Squirrels don’t touch it. We get so much variety with suet: inc. bluebirds, woodpeckers, mockingbirds, thrush, cardinals, wrens, finches, chickadees… Update on hubby: test results indicate autoimmune disease. Has bacterial infection in lungs. A different antibiotic for 10 days. Referred to rheumatologist. Rheumatoid arthritis can even occur in lungs. We’re just thankful to have a direction to follow. Enough for now. Guess you can tell I used to get in trouble at school for talking! Judy
Sorry to hear the news. However, I know it must be nice to have a diagnosis to focus on on.
Reggie and Roger look good. So do the throw pillows.
I’m not so great at talking sports because I get bored quickly. I like to talk about the weather, especially when I’m outdoors, which is often. Faraway places are a good topic, too. I’m surprised at how many people have been to some of the same places I have.
Oh Sue, this was one of your funniest posts. I’m lovin’ “the TSA of garments!” Your title threw me off though – I thought the post was going to be all about underwear. “Let’s see, I need a new bra … should I go for strapless, push-up, t-shirt, convertible, balconette, bandeau, padded, sports, or plunge?” Or, “My undies are a mess … I need a pair of thongs, and maybe a g-string, briefs, hipsters, hi-cuts, and oh yeah, a control-top brief for those days when I’m feeling a little bloated!” I figured all the men in your audience would think you started speaking a foreign language!! But yes, I liked what Judy J. said – there really aren’t strangers out there, just people we haven’t met to talk to about [shared interests]. I went for physical therapy yesterday and got to chatting with the two receptionists about their rescue dogs and we could have talked for hours if other patients hadn’t come in. The photos of R&R are wonderful – they are just the best of BFFs. Don’t you wonder what they’re talking about?
Those unexpected encounters can really make a person’s day…love when that happens too!! More great finds…lovely!! Happy shopping, Sue…seems you have landed in a pretty nice area for such!!
Cardinals…really?? We have not seen any since our last trip east (used to have lots of them on our deck, such hard working birds they are)…and oh we miss our mocking birds…they sing like everything…but we never see them here!!!
You are just too funny. I really really needed to laugh today. Thank you so much
You’re welcome, Marie. I hope today is better than yesterday. 🙂
Hey Sue!
I LOVE the dresser handles!! They look exquisite!
Thank heavens for that little voice that speaks up and says, “Nope-these are for the trash.” (t-shirts, underwear, tennis shoes, shower head, washcloths, purses, pj’s…)
Also like/love the 2 new throw pillows! They look perfect against the cushions.
Funny about meeting strangers-same thing happened yesterday with a lady in a waiting room. Doing laundry the ‘right way’ to get sox clean soaking them 2 days in F. naptha, scrubbing them with gloves on her WASHBOARD, and THEN washing them with a fairly new detergent. She covered canning, and cooking, too. Light and pleasant exchange!
We are getting ready for our month back in Destin, FL to hang out with our snowbird buddies. Looking forward to a different tempo from home improvements!
Nice pix of Reg’s ears and the rest of him! Roger sure looks good and sturdy!
And last but not least, I love your photo finish!!!
mb in Abita Springs LA
Wowie, I am in the top 30, or is it 20? Very smart of you to buy new so you could post a picture. The old stuff would def not do for those pretty liners
Reggie really has his nose to the ground today. Roger appears to be standing guard. Thanks goodness my shelf liner didn’t talk to me when I redid my kitchen, the cabinets would be bare. haha! While I have a lot less stuff, it is not new.
I have a question. How do we make recommendations? Do we just include it in our comments and you move it to recommendations? I miss being able to see the purchases. I think Amazon bit off their nose to spite their face.
That big bold print on the pillows really brightens the neutral sofa. Love those.
Hi, Barbara,
To make a product recommendation, write a comment here telling us why you like the product. You could share details that would help a person decide whether it’s something they could use or would enjoy.
Since it’s a recommendation I want to be absolutely certain to post a link to the right product. A product description with brand name (see the bold black title on the Amazon page) is helpful. If you find the ASIN number (listed in the product details section) that’s helpful also.
Amazon hasn’t changed their policy. I want to stay within approved operating procedures which are very strict and justified. After all, I need Amazon more than Amazon needs me. Talking about “behind the scenes” policies with customers could get me in trouble. To be on the safe side, let’s not discuss it. It was fun while it lasted! 🙂
Thank you, Barbara, for your purchases and for any product recommendations you share.
Careful what you say about the “DAWGS”…us married-in to GA families might revolt! (Just kidding!) Whenever we make the trip ‘back home’ I make sure to hit a Wal-Mart for a new GA Bulldawgs T-Shirt from the men’s XL bin to use as a night shirt. After about 5 washing they are oh so comfy!
I love it when it’s time for new unmentionables! I get this feeling of euphoria after I get them home, washed, dried, & in the right drawer! I think I need some counseling or something.
Your pics of the “Boys” are adorable! Love what you did with your drawers…(the new lining!!) LOL! Take care, Sue…
c.
Roger’s fur looks almost silky in these pictures!
Hi Sue,
I have had those impromptu conversations too. So much fun. I spent 10 minutes in PetSmart talking to the woman working with the fish yesterday. It’s fun to feel that brief connectedness, huh?
My birds save my sanity daily. Last year this time I was wishing I had a pair of doves. This year, I stopped counting at 40! And your “friend” is right….they sure can eat! My favorites are the woodpeckers (3 different kinds since I am in the middle of the woods) and the finches. But I love them all. Maybe one day I’ll see a roadrunner at my feeder too…..of course that would mean I would have to be in the southwest somewhere. 😉
Please friends….send some good thoughts, prayers, energy…..and anything else you have “good” our way. Wyndy is not doing well at all. I won’t go into all of it but I have tried several things and she just continues to worsen. It’s getting close to the point where I may have to make a “quality of life” decision. She will be 13 soon. I’ve had her since she and the rest of her litter were tossed at the top of our farm road (Wyndholm Rd) at 6 wks. Thank you in advance for the prayers sent our way.
Love from VA,
MB, Wyndy and Bella
So sorry to hear that MB. You will be in my prayers.
Thank you Dawn. She got much worse this morning and “went to sleep” in her bed in my truck on the way to the vet. I called her my golden girl because of her color. Now she is my Golden Angel. She was such a sweet girl…….
I’m so sorry to hear this. Thankful that she just “went to sleep”. Praying you find comfort in sweet memories. How blessed you were to have each other. Judy
Thank you Judy. We did have a great time together and in her older years, we were rarely apart. Feels strange now without her but I do have such good memories.
So sorry…we never quit missing the wonderful ones!! Sending condolences.
Thank you Elizabeth. I will always miss her….my golden girl. But I am happy to know that she is no longer in any pain or distress. And oh the memories we made working on the farm, hiking, riding in the truck, playing in the creek……
May the sweetness of your Golden Angel linger with you always, MB.
Thank you Sue. She was a sweetheart and Bella and I miss her. Just seems so strange. I know you know that feeling……
I’m sooo sorry. 😪
Blessings being sent 😇🙌🏼
Thank you Suzi!
I imagine that we all have had to say sweet goodbyes to our furry friends. It NEVER gets easier. Just know that Wyndy is now pain free and meeting some new doggie angels to play with!
Hi MB,
I am all for “briefies”…as you said, ‘connectedness’ (without expectations!).
I hate to hear you lost your Wyndy. I know that pain. I also know the sweetness Wyndy had that you mentioned. That is why we love them. Sending warm, hopeful thoughts to you now.
mb in Abita Springs, LA
Thank you MB. It is wonderful to love and be loved by a special dog.
Oh, MB, I know how heartbreaking that can be. I will be keeping you and Wyndy in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you a *hug*
Wyndy is now running free, happy and whole, no longer suffering. She will always be with you and have a special place in your heart.
I’ve been away from the blog reading for awhile now, but this morning I just wanted to reconnect with you and glad I did. You are always insightful and amusing. You just have a real knack for taking the every day happenings and make them interesting. Life has thrown me many tough curveballs in the past year, so your blog is a momentary respite and delight. Thanks for still letting us into your life.
You’re welcome, Beverly. Happy to have you back with us!
Hi, Sue,
Isn’t it fun when you run into strangers who have a same passion, and a chat naturally starts…not forced or thought out. My Walmart usually has long lines at the checkout, fertile ground for impromptu chats. 🙂
I love the pretty liner paper. Is it new? If so, what is the brand, and where do you find it? So many times, drawer liner paper patterns are kind of utilitarian, not pretty. 🙂
Sending you and the boys lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! We love seeing all of your new finds! 🙂
Thanks for the love, Denise. Sending you and Gracie pup the same. 🙂
I bought the roses shelf liner at WalMart. The brand is The Pioneer Woman. Searching Amazon I found that brand but it’s a different pattern, also bright and pretty.
The Pioneer Woman Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner 12 in X 10 FT Traveling Vines
The roses pattern comes in shorter rolls.
Thank you, Sue! xo 🙂
Thank you Sue. She was a sweetheart!
Aww, honey! So sorry about Wyndy. We sure do love em’ and miss them so when they leave us. Hugs to you!
What a great post Sue – and so, so true. Although I am a die-hard NFL fan and not so much a birder 🙂 I love that your posts went from pot to panties so smoothly!
💗 Great post Sue! I find I have impromptu conversations often while we are at the Farmers Market! Always fun and good for the soul!
Glad you got some new undies to make your flowery drawer liner happy!😂
Love you Sue
Geri and Chuck
Hi Sue, Reg and Rog!
Miss Lovey and I reside in our 29 foot travel trailer full time in a small town in Central Florida. Whenever I purchase marrow bones for Miss Lovey there HAS to be the
“furry child” conversation at the checkout. While I’m pulling out my phone to share my pictures of my girl, other customers in line are doing the same along with the cashier. I love those times. It makes me very happy to know that I am not alone with this type of conversation.
I have a few recommendations but will limit to one for now.
I was given an Insignia brand “instant pot” which is a 6 quart. For all the time they have been on the market, I couldn’t justify a “pressure cooker” that might explode while cooking. Let me tell you that pressure cookers have come a long way. I love this thing. Easy to use, easy to clean and fast to cook. Mine has the baked on teflon coating (not knowing how else to describe it) opposed to the stainless steel inner pot.
Prior to having the “instant pot”, I’m the “small kitchen appliance queen”! This pot can replace my much loved Wolfgang Puck slow cooker which also browns and sears, the bread machine, a rice cooker, the Wolfgang Puck toaster oven which has many functions and several other small appliances that take up so much room in my travel trailer. Searching YouTube, there are millions of people who share recipes, and cooking tips. On Amazon, there are books for the kindle app that cost 99 cents and higher. Yes, for those who like actual recipe books, there are those too! The accessories for the instant pot are numerous and I’ve started to purchase some. The best accessory will be the steam redirecter as you don’t want the steam (which is hot) to escape on the bottom of your kitchen cabinets. Over time, your cabinets will warp.
I recommend this item for homes, traveling, and as a terrific space saver when living in places where storage space is lacking. It’s perfect for one person or more. Can’t wait to make a cheesecake in it!
Miss Lovey… Thank you for submitting a recommendation. I’ve posted a lot about Instant Pot lately, so please understand my waiting a while before posting your recommendation for another “instant pot.” 🙂
No problem. I should have put Elaine and Miss Lovey. Miss Lovey sends woofs and licks.
I enjoy your blogs. Is there a way all my Amazon purchases will benefit you?
Please reply at your convenience.
Good morning, CJ,
Sue receives a small commission on Amazon purchases made using her link. No purchase is too small, even an e-book download. There is no additional cost to use her link. Near the end of most posts, Sue will list blogorino reviews & recommendations. Just click on one of the items listed in blue print to access Sue’s link. Sign in and shop as usual…easy as pie! 🙂
Thank you, Denise.
CJ and her retro Scamp…. Thank you for asking! I’m glad you enjoy my blog.
Yesterday was beyond hard…and the near future will be more of the same. My daughter is being threatened and cajoled beyond belief…with no good outcome in sight. The courts of this land are not for the children and moms, that be sure. No one cares much. I hope the blogorinos are all doing better than we are presently!!
Hi, Elizabeth,
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. **hugs**
Thank you so much, Denise…we need all the prayers anyone can offer!! Hugs to you too!!
Hi Sue,
I wanted you to know that on Jan 10th I picked up my Casita from the factory. I told Jonathan that you were the one who most influenced me to buy a Casita. I told him I only knew your name as “RV Sue & her canine crew”. He said he would be able to find you to give you the referral fee. I am absolutely loving my Casita! I took my time getting back to Florida with it. I didn’t get home until the 21st. I wish I could travel endlessly at my leisure but I still have a few more years of work left to do. I’ll just plan monthly little Casita getaways until retirement… 🙂 Anyway, I wanted you to know so you can look for your referral fee in the mail. I am still way behind on your blog. I’m trying to catch up to the present. I love the way you write. It’s so entertaining & encouraging. Thank you!
Congratulations, Valerie! I am very happy for you!
How nice that you were able to take your time bringing your “magic carpet” home to Florida. I wish you many safe and happy miles with your new home-away-from-home and many beautiful sunrises and sunsets at wonderful camps. 🙂
Thank you for your kind words on my writing and for thinking of the BLT, the crew, and me when picking up your trailer!
Prayers en route
Sue, I do not see where the link is for shopping via your site…I wanted to buy some books…so I will go this way if you can direct me how. Thanks.