Friday arrives too quickly to invent mysterious melodrama. However, if you read these mundane Ranblin’ Randoms, you may discover, hidden among them, some secret messages about preserving youth.
We had dinner with old friends at an old place we all used to love.
Over the years, the four of us went regularly to a favorite restaurant elegantly decorated in Colonial style. New owners have stripped the drapes and painted the walls light green. They added an enormous bar, and we’re told they plan to rip out the carpeting and add all hardwood flooring. We were stunned and a bit saddened by the new décor, but the people were warm and caring and the food was warm and good. They say to stay young, you have to tolerate change. Thus, in the interest of maintaining youth, we decided to return another day for another fine meal in somewhat stark splendor.
Herman’s Produce again.
I returned for the best tasting tomatoes, homegrown garlic, the prettiest eggplant ever, and “donut peaches.” Wow! If you haven’t tried these sweet little babies, now is the time. Summertime and the living is easy, especially when you have farmer’s market resources like in Lexington, Virginia. Note: Trying new things will keep you young or at least keep you in a state of shocked adaptation.
Our weather forecasts have been consistently Hot/Muggy/Stormy.
But the local forecast for tomorrow is simply written as “Beautiful.” That’s nice because Noche (the German Shepherd) and Judy (my niece) are arriving tomorrow for a farewell visit before they move to California. We have become attached to Noche of course and have always been attached to Judy. I’m afraid there will be tears at the close of their visit. But in the interest of preserving youth, we must accept the ravages of change. And I do plan to go out kicking and screaming, “NO!!!!!”
This week featured a trip to the dentist.
Speaking of kicking and screaming, clean teeth are” in.”
And after a visit to the dentist my teeth are Vogue-cover worthy and no cavities either! Chancy is the best dental hygienist ever, but she just got married. That means I worry about her longevity (in the dentist’s office that is). Babies have a way of changing things. Of course personal longevity is at stake too, so in the interest of at least looking young via bright white teeth, I continue to take my chances with Chancy.
Replacing the Bathroom Floor
Finally, we are replacing a much abused 26 year old master bathroom floor! Two of our expert handy-person friends are working on it now. My own preparations included finding a place for everything where there is already no room. There are now items like the bathroom scale in the clothes closet, extra toilet paper in the kitchen cupboard, shampoo in underwear drawers, and lotions and medicines in the linen closet. I hope to relocate such items and restore them to their proper places in the bathroom before Judy arrives tomorrow or she may be in for a shock.
All my floors are pristine and germ free of course, because germs are the roots of all evil and the cause of premature death. Notice that Paranoia is not included (but maybe should be) in the following list.
In case you missed any of the hidden messages though, here’s a summary of how to live a long and happy life:
Get a good dental hygienist.
Avoid germs.
Get a dog.
Don’t let family move far away.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Get a dog.
Try new things.
Accept change.
“Go with the flow.”
Get a dog,
Nice set of ivories you got there, Dor! It looks like there may be a dog in your future? The house may stay cleaner without one, but fur can be vacuumed and pawprints can be mopped and happily, the ones they leave on your heart are permanent. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So that would be three dogs you’re getting? Before or after your trip to Europe?
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know me well my friend… the wish for doggies outweighs the wish for travel, but Bill is for the travel part. 🙂 Ah well.
LikeLike
Hmmm….I heard “get a dog.” Does that mean it’s time?
LikeLiked by 1 person
A dog in my future? I never give up hoping and if one came to the door, it would be assured of a place inside. Pending the knock (scratch) on the door though, there are other priorities, so we remain dogless. It is a mixed blessing since Bill and I have freedom to roam, less mess, and a whole lot less worry but miss the friendship and the laughter a pup brings to life. 🙂
LikeLike
Not yet. Not yet. It’s just whispering to myself and others who may be “on the verge.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Maybe after vacation….
LikeLike
I hear ya. It is a mixed blessing. Now that Noche won’t be visiting (as much), you’ll have to scout around for another dog-sitting opportunity! 😉
LikeLike
Sage advice ! One to add : Laugh with friends !
LikeLike
Saying goodbye is difficult, but now you’ll have an excuse to hop on a plane to California. Nice job at the dentist, Dor! I’m due for a checkup in August. I hope I get a similar report. Happy Weekend!
LikeLike
Hmmmmmm! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eager for opportunities…. yes! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And that is the best one of all. Thanks for the reminder woodlandgnome. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will probably have to wait to see them in CA Jill because, believe it or not Judy had to cancel her visit due to illness. We are hoping to reschedule for next weekend but I have my doubts. And then they will be gone…… such is life. And see why I have to change my calendars so often?
LikeLike
As you know Dora you and I are in the same boat-so to speak, friends say its time to get another dog. But John and I are enjoying the freedom now. However, he has his aviary so we are still tied and believe it or not birds are even more of a problem to leave for long, at least we could leave Ben with our friends who deal with dogs anyway.
LikeLike
Yes, definitely a dog and, if at all possible, a horse! (Or at least access to one …) 🐴 That’ll keep you young for sure. 😁
LikeLike
Hey, about your new bathroom floor. We just turned our barn in to a cute country cottage & put the exact flooring in the kitchen & bath. Always knew we were in tune with each other.
LikeLike
Great minds think alike! I would love to see your barn/cottage. I would love to see you two. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes! We used to have two Golden Retrievers and two beautiful old horses. And you are right, they keep you young – and happy too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, we are enjoying the freedom here too and love coming and going as we please without worrying about the welfare of a dependent family pet. On the other hand, nothing gives us greater happiness than having a dog -or two. Such dilemmas! 🙂
LikeLike
We’ve been thinking about getting a dog. And a cat. Perhaps next year…
LikeLike
Need a pet sitter? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a full week all around and that sprinkle of fur made it that much better.
LikeLike
Every friend with a dog has to deal with me slobbering all over their hound. Yesterday, at our grand-daughter’s bday party, there were 2 small dogs, one jumped up on my knee and promptly went to sleep. The other laid his head across my feet. I gave my husband “the look,” and he had a resigned look about him – ha!
What a pretty smile you have!
MJ
LikeLike
Now I knew we were kindred spirits MJ and this just reconfirms the suspicion. The love of dogs and the love from dogs is just something so special and only a few of us in this world understand it. The odd thing is, we always seem to recognize each other. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like your suggestions for staying young, Dor. I’ve thought about having a dog, but I’m afraid our two cats would not be receptive. So I have to be content with dogsitting our grandpuppy once a year for a week. In between, I fuss over the dogs in our neighborhood when I’m out on a nightly walk with my hubby. 😉
LikeLike
Sorry to hear they’ll be moving so far away. I guess you’ll have to start a long-distance pet-sitting business. 😉
LikeLike
I do believe cats can do the trick for keeping u young Judy. After all, it’s all about laughter. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A good friend is hoping to move back here and she is insane about dogs like I am. We have agreed to babysit the “kids” so we can both have dogs. Will let you know how that goes.
LikeLiked by 1 person